Suwanee Magazine May/June 2019

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SUWANEE RESIDENT AND AMERICA’S GOT TALENT RUNNER-UP, ANGELICA HALE

suwaneemagazine.com

MAY / JUNE 19

GET FIT CHALLENGE RESULTS

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

SUMMER ESCAPES FROM AMICALOLA FALLS TO STONE MOUNTAIN PARK, WE HIGHLIGHT GEORGIA ADVENTURES THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE THIS SUMMER

MAY / JUNE ‘19

31

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE:

Summer Escapes

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

From Amicalola Falls to Stone Mountain Park, we’ve highlighted a number of summer escapes fun for the whole family.

42 LIVIN’ IT UP WITH LIZZY:

Livin’ It Up with the Lions

For the premiere of our newest feature, contributing writer Lizzy Kidney gets up close and personal with the Georgia Aquarium’s sea lions.

PHOTO BY CHIP HOGSED

4

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NOAH'S ARK

12 26

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

Locus Grove nonprofit animal oasis gives abused and neglected wildlife a second chance at life.

Suwanee’s Got Talent: Angelica Hale

We sat down with “America’s Got Talent” contestant and Suwanee resident Angelica Hale to talk about her plans for the future.

2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

5

38 Thru-Hiking the AT The annual kick-off event at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge brought together vendors and hikers to share stories from their time on the trail.

46 Get Fit Challenge Results

All good things must come to an end. After three months of dedicating time to working out and eating better, it’s time to announce the winner of the 2019 Challenge!

58 Food Truck Fridays

We’ve highlighted a few of the food trucks who will be rolling up to Suwanee Town Center for the annual Food Truck Friday event.

63 ¡ Mas Margaritas!

Licensed Family Therapist Laura Lebovitz gives tips on how to teach your kids about responsibility.

18

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with one of these five creative margarita recipes from Beverage SuperStore.

Business Spotlight:

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Gainesville’s child-size museum rebuilds with the help of the community after last year’s devastating flood.

10 Best Mother in Suwanee Contest Winner

Reading through all of the submissions for our annual Mother’s Day contest was emotional! Meet Julie Huizer, the 2019 winner, submitted by her three daughters.

21 Investment Strategies

Aileron Investment Advisors answers the question “Why are there so few IPOs these days?”

22 Brand Aid with VDG Veugeler Design Group addresses 10 questions to expect when building a website.

PHOTO BY CHASE MEDLIN

PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH N. CROFT

57 Family Matters

61

What's Brewing:

Contrast Artisan Ales

Chamblee’s Contrast Artisan Ales brings contrast to the Georgia craft beer scene.

in every issue: 8 Editor’s Letter 64 City Buzz 72 Sugar Hill City Buzz 74 People & Places 80 Event Calendar

7

letter

a note from our managing editor

SUMMER ADVENTURES AWAIT! I have to say it: This issue is my favorite of the year so far! I’m so proud of the stories we’ve put together, and I’m excited to share them with all of you. I’m sure I’ll say this about all of the issues, but I really believe this one is special. In our annual Travel and Adventure Guide, we’ve highlighted a number of experiences the family can participate in together, as well as some Summer Escapes sure to add a little excitement to your summer vacation.

We traveled to Locust Grove to visit Noah’s Ark, an animal sanctuary that offers housing, safety, and love to a number of exotic and domestic animals who have been injured, abused, and left with no place else to go. The team at Noah’s Ark gave us an exclusive tour of the grounds and shared some of the heartbreaking — but inspiring!

— stories of a few of its animal residents. Read more about these amazing animals on p. 12.

This issue also marks the premiere of our new feature, Livin’ it up with Lizzy, in which our contributing writer Lizzy Kidney reports on local immersive experiences.

For this GET FIT CHALLENGE issue, Lizzy RESULTS visited the

S U W A N E E M AG A Z I N E

SUWANEE RESIDENT AND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH , ANGELICA HALE AMERICA’S GOT TALENT RUNNER-UP suwaneemagazine.com

MAY / JUNE 19

ESCAPES ADVENTU RE GU I DE: SUMMER 2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL AN D • CHALLENGE RESU LTS SUWAN EE MAGAZI N E GET FIT • ANGELICA HALE I NTERVI EW MAY / JUNE 2019

8

I

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville

ON THE COVER:

I

I

, WE HIGHLIGHT TO STONE MOUNTAIN PARK FROM AMICALOLA FALLS GEORGIA ADVENTURES THE WHOLE

We hope you’ve enjoyed following their journeys as much as we have.

With each issue we aim to shine a light on local businesses doing big things in our community. This issue, we highlight Gainesville’s Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, which recently reopened after a devastating flood. Read about how the community rallied around the local institution to help it rebuild on p. 18. We also caught up with Contrast Artisan Ales, p. 61, who has been serving up delicious craft beers in Chamblee since 2018. Feeling hungry?

Suwanee’s Food Truck Fridays rolls back into Town Center beginning in May, and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite trucks on p. 58.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. I’d love to hear your feedback about the stories we’ve highlighted, or if there’s anything you’d like to see in the pages of Suwanee Magazine! Feel free to reach out to me at alicia@ suwaneemagazine.com.

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR

SUMMER ESCAPES

Suwanee Magazine

Georgia Aquarium for a behindthe-scenes look at its newest encounter featuring the extremely smart and super sweet sea lions.

T h ey t o s s e d a f r i s b e e , d i d a shimmy, and Lizzy even got a kiss on the cheek! Turn to p. 42 to read more about how the aquarium is educating its visitors about conservation through encounters like these.

We also had the chance to meet Suwanee sweetheart A n g e l i c a Hale. As one of the standouts on “America’s Got Talent,” and the youngest runner-up in the show’s history, Angelica’s career has been on fire. She’s traveling the country and working hard on her upcoming debut album. Check out p. 26 for our interview with Angelica about her experience on the show, how she overcame major medical issues at a young age, and how she’s inspiring other young artists to follow their dreams.

Speaking of inspiration, we’re finally announcing the results of our 2019 Get Fit Challenge on p. 46! This year’s contestants have spent the last three months working out and adjusting their eating habits in order to lose weight and get healthy. We’re so proud of the hard work they have put forth during the competition.

Falls photo courtesy Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

FAMILY WILL LOVE THIS SUMMER

suwaneemagazine.com

MAY / JUNE 19

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 KIDNEY NATALIE STUBBS Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • CLARKE GLIDEWELL DAMOND FARRAR Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA HOLCOMBE RYAN THOMAS • VANESSA STUDEBAKER

Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN

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

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

For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270.

For ADVERTISING INQUIRES, call 678-482-2270, or email info@suwaneemagazine.com.

Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group.

Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2019 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Alicia Carter at Alicia@suwaneemagazine.com.

10

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

➽ Reading through this year’s submissions for our Best Mother in Suwanee Contest was emotional. There were so many sweet stories about the wonderful women in our community who go above and beyond for their families. The stories were submitted by sons and daughters, husbands and friends, all praising the dedication, selflessness, and love these mothers have shown. To say it was difficult to choose a winner is an understatement. In the end, we chose Julie Huizer, whose daughters, Lindsay, Ally and Gwen, wrote an incredibly touching essay about their mother. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms in our community — you all deserve to be recognized for all that you do! To read all of the submissions, visit SuwaneeMagazine.com.

2019 CONTEST SPONSORED BY:

2019 WINNER:

Julie Huizer

SUBMITTED BY HER DAUGHTERS: LINDSAY, ALLY AND GWEN

Dear Suwanee Magazine, We were so excited when we saw your article “Think you have the best Mother in Suwanee?” We absolutely do think our Mother is the best Mother in Suwanee.

It is with great honor that we introduce our Mother, Julie Huizer of Suwanee, and we are Lindsay, Ally and Gwen, her daughters.

(Lindsay, Junior at UGA, Ally and Gwen, Seniors at NGHS) Our Mom and Dad have been married for 27 years. Mom can be best described as a selfless daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and Christian woman. She is always positive and can always be seen doing small acts of kindness for others. Let’s not forget she is a big animal lover. Mom always drops everything she is doing to make sure her kids are safe, healthy, and happy. Family means everything to Mom. She knows exactly what to do and say in all situations. She knows how to calm us down and help us through the pains and hardships of growing up. She is incredibly supportive and extremely proud of each one of us and all of our accomplishments. She never misses an opportunity to let us know how proud she is. She loves us no matter what. She loves us through all of our phases, our attitudes, and even our sassiness. There is nothing that we could ever do that will make her love us less.

On top of doing ALL of this for her own kids, Mom is a special needs teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools. Mom is such a dedicated, focused and passionate teacher. She cares deeply for every one of her students. Mom works tirelessly to teach, develop, grow and progress each student.

Remember in the beginning of our essay we used the word “selfless” to best describe our Mom. Ten years ago, our Dad was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and

given two years to live in 2013. Dad was on dialysis and very sick. Mom took on the role of both Mother and Father. She helped us with homework, cooked, cleaned, did the laundry, food shopped, mowed the lawn, was a full-time teacher, taught all of us how to drive, helped us with college applications, continued as a caregiver to Dad and still went above and beyond to make sure we were all happy and loved during a very difficult, emotional, and stressful time in our lives. We’re sure we left something out but you get the picture — and we thought she was sleep deprived when we were babies!

Mom is such a strong woman!!

Remember that word “selfless?”

In 2014, Mom stepped up to donate her kidney because time was running out on Dad. Unfortunately, Mom’s kidney was not a match but that didn’t stop her. She met with Dad’s Living Donor Coordinator at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital to review other options. The coordinator put Mom into a four-state chain (GA, TX, NJ & PA). Mom was able to donate her kidney on Dad’s behalf so he could receive from another donor within the chain.

On December 18, 2015, Dad received a kidney from a woman right here in Atlanta,

A special thanks to our sponsors for pampering our winner with an assortment of prizes.

Julie, our winner, will receive a prize pack filled with ways to shop, dine and relax, including:

and four months later on April 18, 2016, Mom donated her kidney to a gentleman in Pennsylvania. Her kidney recipient is a Shriner and part of a team of clowns who go to Shriner's Hospitals to make kids laugh and have fun all while taking their minds off their own pain and suffering. How beautiful is that!

He continuously tells Mom how grateful he is for her. He said that Mom has allowed him to continue the great works of the Shriner's and all of the kids that they bring smiles to in the Shriner's Hospitals.

How many mothers do you know that save one life in their lifetime? Our Mom has saved two lives! Our Dad’s and this gentleman in Pennsylvania. We are so proud and blessed to call her Mom. We share this story to show you how Mom embraces the true meaning of Motherhood by putting family and others first before herself. We live our lives with our Mom by sharing one beautiful moment at a time.

In a world where everyone is searching to find a role model, we found one, we live with her and we call her Mom. So, when Suwanee Magazine asks: “Think You Have The Best Mother in Suwanee?” We have to say, “YES,” and her name is Julie Huizer!

Thank you for letting us share our Mom...

A MAKEOVER Courtesy Salon Greco RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS from Tequila Mama Taqueria and SipHappens.

GIFT CARDS From fa’brik, Vitality Med Spa, Pulse Nail Bar, and The Lavender Bar. 11

business community news and info.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Into the Wild Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is a metro-area oasis for animals in need of a second chance.

BY ALICIA CARTER MUCH LIKE the Island of

Misfit Toys, Noah’s Ark is home to a ragtag group of animals who were dealt a hard hand in life. Located 30 miles south of Atlanta in Locust Grove, the animal sanctuary has become a safe haven to a number of exotic wildlife and domestic animals who have been injured, abused, and orphaned, providing housing, safety, and love in ways many of them have never known. Over the years it has grown into a popular destination for school field trips, family outings, and educational opportunities, fulfilling its mission to bring “children and animals together with the purpose of providing unconditional love, unconditional service, and a future full of hope.” While Noah’s Ark provides a forever home to these remarkable animals, it also advocates for awareness in hopes of educating the public about the importance of conservation and preservation, and it does so at little to no cost to its visitors.

Stop by the Welcome Center and peruse the gift shop.

12

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

Founded in 1979

by Jama Hedgecoth, the original Noah’s Ark planted roots in Ellenwood, Georgia, with the intention to “shield children and animals from today's floods of abuse and neglect.” In 1990, Noah’s Ark outgrew its small Ellenwood farm, so Jama packed up and moved her family and the animals to

grow

number of volunteers, keep the Ark free and open to the public.

THE ANIMALS

More than 1,500 animals and over 100 species call Noah’s Ark home.

 ON PERHAPS the nicest day in March, we were invited to Noah’s Ark for a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about its resident misfits. Upon arriving, we were immediately taken aback by the beauty of the grounds.

It’s hard to believe we were just 30 minutes outside of Atlanta — the big open fields emptied into a sea of trees, and the call of an ambling peacock led us toward the Welcome Center and past an enclosure with nearly 20 tortoises.

Soon after we NOAH'S ARK BY arrived we were THE NUMBERS greeted by Allison Hedgecoth, a self-described jack-of-all-trades who oversees the dietary, housing, # OF ANIMALS and medical AT THE care for the Ark’s SANCTUARY animals. Over the next few hours, Allison took the time to introduce us to a number ACRES THE of animals and ANIMALS CALL recounted their HOME stories with a love that was evident in the way she greeted each of them. Every time we approached MINUTE DRIVE FROM ATLANTA an enclosure, she gushed that this animal was her favorite, before moving on to the next, also her AVERAGE favorite — an MONTHLY endearing quality COST TO TAKE CARE OF THE that showed just ARK'S ANIMALS how much love she has for all of them.

Our first stop was perhaps the most popular of Noah’s Ark’s enclosures: a large fenced area home to a group of special needs animals.

There’s a horse with a wry nose (a deformity that causes the nose to

1500+

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NOAH'S ARK

250+ 30

33K

$

to Locust Grove, where more than 1,500 animals now call home.

From its humble beginnings, Noah’s Ark has grown into a 250-acre refuge, with features such as an animal rehabilitation center, training administration building, nature trails, and countless natural habitats. There is also a playground and picnic area that provides a park-like setting for families and other groups to make a day of the outing. Visitors can partake in

free, self-guided tours of the grounds or opt for the WOW Tour.

At $75 per person, the behindthe-scenes experience allows visitors to get up close to many of the animal residents while a tour guide shares more information about each of their stories.

As a nonprofit organization, Noah’s Ark relies solely on the generosity of others to help care for its animals. Proceeds from the WOW Tours, along with donations and the help of a

13

turn at an angle), a pig whose ears were bitten off by a dog, a blind goat, and a cow born with splayed legs, but who can now walk thanks to lots of physical therapy. Visitors love this area not only because the animals have overcome so much, but because it’s the one place they can get up close and actually pet them. It’s a big hit among the kids, and a friendly introduction to all of the exotic animals to come. As we approached the enclosure, the animals made their way to where we were standing, allowing us to reach through the fence to scratch their heads. They were an interesting group — goats, miniature horses, llamas, cows and pigs, among others — all of them happy to graze in the grass between groups of visitors.

After saying our goodbyes to the mismatched bunch, we made our way back to the trail and over to an even larger fence. Allison unlocked the gate and we headed toward the enclosures where the animals became more exotic, and the stories became a bit sadder.

THE STORIES

 ANNA LOU the Grizzly bear walked up to the fence as soon as she spotted Allison turning the corner. Anna Lou rose to her hind legs and propped herself against the fence, standing straight up. Though she’s a wild animal, you can tell she’s grown up around people her entire life.

She shows off and plays with Allison through the chain-links in the fence, just as playful as can be.

Her story, however, is one all too common among wild animals who are bred for entertainment.

Anna Lou was taken from her mother shortly after birth in an attempt to make her less aggressive and people-friendly so that she could be used for “cub petting,” in which she served as a prop for photo shoots. Her pen mate, Angus, is an American black bear who came to Noah’s Ark from a small zoo that no longer had the resources to care for him — another common story.

Now, Angus and Anna Lou call the Ark home, and on this sunny day in March they’re playing together, wrestling and lounging in the rays. They live a very happy life in their spacious enclosure with large trees to claw on, hay-filled dens, a creek, and plenty of space for their rough-andtumble acts of play.

Next door, Doc, a massive 550-pound Bengal tiger, slinks by the fence, scoping out the new visitors making their way to his pen. While

14

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

grow

Goats are among the livestock, which includes horses, cows, pigs and even a zonkey!

Doc, a 550-pounf Bengal tiger, catches some rays.

Bengal tigers are considered endangered in the wild, they are overbred in captivity to be used for cub petting photo shoots, similar to Anna Lou. Doc was one of the “surplus” cubs born at one such place, and when he became too big, his owner no longer wanted him. The fate for these overgrown animals is usually grim; many times they’re sold to circuses, roadside zoos, private owners, or even worse, canned hunting facilities. But Doc was one of the lucky ones because he found a home at Noah’s Ark, where he has plenty of space to himself and gets to indulge in his favorite treat: meat popsicles.

We visited many other animals throughout the campus — a gang of silver foxes digging through ditches, a group of parrots with colorful language, capuchin monkeys formerly kept as pets, and a gray wolf named Thunder, among others. We even stopped for a visit with the legendary Baloo, an American black bear who was part of Noah’s Ark celebrity threesome, known as “BLT,” who came to Noah’s Ark in

2001 after they were discovered by police in the basement of a home during a drug raid. Baloo the bear (B), Leo the African lion (L), and Shere Khan the Bengal tiger (T) were only five months old at the time.

They were frightened, malnourished, and infected with parasites when they arrived at Noah’s Ark. The unlikely threesome shared such a bond that they were able to reside together in the same enclosure.

Sadly, Leo passed away in 2016, with Shere Khan following in 2018.

Both were buried next to each other in the enclosure they shared with Baloo. On the day we visited, Baloo was too busy lounging and nibbling on some snacks to give us much notice, but it was clear why he is such a popular animal at the sanctuary, and as the re m a i n i n g m e m b e r o f B LT, a n i m p o r t a n t s p o ke s - b e a r f o r t h e A rk .

My favorite of the animals we visited had to be Gideon, a 29-yearold Syrian brown bear who wore the hardships of his hard-knock life across his sweet face. Gideon was rescued from a closed-down zoo in 2014.

He was the last to be taken from the property and had severe arthritis from living on concrete for most of his life. He also had serious dental issues from pulling on his cage wires out of boredom.

Noah’s Ark was able to design an enclosure to suit his multiple medical needs and advanced age, and Gideon is now living a quiet life at the sanctuary where he spends most of his day snoozing.

Gideon didn’t get upset when we interrupted his afternoon nap.

Instead, he held himself up as much as he could and nuzzled the fence, giving us a close-up look at his weathered features and graying fur. He’s the old man of

NOAH'S ARK'S MISSION IS TO BRING “CHILDREN AND ANIMALS TOGETHER WITH THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, UNCONDITIONAL SERVICE, AND A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE.” the bunch, but he’s living out his retirement surrounded by love.

GIVING BACK

 NOAH’S ARK is an incredible place doing important work by taking in animals the world has tossed aside and giving them a second chance at life. Many come to the Ark with medical issues that need to be cared for, or who need rehabilitation services in order to live out their lives comfortably. Allison and her team have done an amazing job providing an opportunity

15

Zipper the zonkey resides with a number of livestock at the Ark.

for the public to come and see these majestic animals for free, but it’s not without immense cost to the sanctuary. Taking care of all of the Ark’s animals costs an average of $33,000 a month.

There are many ways to help Noah’s Ark continue its mission to care for these injured, abused, and orphaned animals: monetary donations, purchasing items on its wishlist, and shopping at the gift store are all ways to help raise the funds necessary to continue to care for the more than 100 species who call the Ark home.

You can also sign up to volunteer at Noah’s Ark. Jama Hedgecoth’s dream of rescuing animals has grown into what Noah’s Ark is today: an animal oasis that offers care to those who were failed by the people they trusted the most. While the beginning of many of their stories may be sad, the hope and happiness that Noah’s Ark brings to each of them ensures a happy ending for them all. ■

Noah’s Ark is located at 712 L G Griffin Road in Locust Grove. For more information about park hours, WOW Tours, donation and volunteer opportunities, visit Noahs-Ark.org.

16

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK)

BY ALICIA CARTER / PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH N. CROFT AND ALICIA CARTER

n a nondescript building off of Athens Highway in Gainesville, a little girl takes the stage dressed in a pink skirt, sparkly fairy wings, and a cowgirl hat reminiscent of the one Jessie wears in Toy Story. She’s belting out a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” for an adoring audience. Her stage partner, dressed in a crown and holding a bright red toy guitar, cheers her on while dancing an impromptu jig.

In another room, a grandmother watches as a young boy collects an assortment of grocery store goodies in his mini shopping cart and then loads them onto the checkout line. A young girl enthusiastically rings up his purchases as an older gentlemen jokes, “How are you going to pay for all of that, bud?”

There are other children scattered around the building acting out similar scenes — a train conductor tips his hat to passers-by, a veterinarian cleans up her tools, a young girl reviews a food menu at a red-checkered table. During all these jubilant acts of play, however, the most glaring omission is just that: the glare of the omnipresent phone or tablet screen. All of the children are too busy playing, and jumping, and exploring to notice the absence of their technological sidekicks — and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air.

These imaginative scenes are all playing out at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK), a child-size museum in Gainesville that encourages children to explore and interact with mini-exhibits, which range from a beauty shop and retro diner to a bank vault and body shop.

“We create a hands-on learning opportunity for kids to explore with their parents or caregivers in a scaled-down neighborhood environment,” says Mandy Volpe, INK’s Executive Director.

Before opening INK, founder Sheri Hooper hosted Bible studies in her home and set up stations where the kids would be entertained while the moms joined together in fellowship.

The stations included a little kitchen and grocery store area.

Later, during a visit to a children’s museum in San Antonio with her family, Hooper had a vision. “She walked in and she

18

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

knew that was her purpose — to create a similar experience in her community,” Volpe says. Hooper hoped the childfriendly interactive museum would become a safe and educational place that encourages children's imaginations to run wild.

THE FLOOD

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids features a number of child-size exhibits to explore.

 Since 2002, the nonprofit organization’s mission has been to foster an environment that encourages kids of all ages to develop their full potential through hands-on learning. INK has been a popular destination for school field trips, mom groups, church groups, and birthday parties for nearly two decades thanks to its interactive exhibits that allow children and families to have fun while learning together.

Unfortunately, these acts of play nearly came to an end when

grow

a devastating flood took out the majority of the museum back in September, forcing it to immediately close down and rebuild. “The flood took out about 20,000 square feet of our museum. Keep in mind our entire museum is 25,000 square feet,” Volpe says. “It took out carpet, flooring, exhibit pieces — we had 11 dumpsters worth of exhibits that had to be trashed.”

The cleanup took five months to complete, but not without the support of the community, which rallied around INK in its time of need. “When the flood hit, so many people reached out to us to help rebuild what we are today,” Volpe continues.

“Everybody — not just from Gainesville, but from Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Lilburn — they were coming in and raising money to fund new exhibits for us.”

Numerous community volunteers and professional contractors joined the INK staff to complete the repairs and renovations, including restoring favorite exhibits along with creating freshly designed new exhibits. Since reopening in February, patrons have once again filled the museum with acts of play. Children are taking the INK stage, spending time in the beauty shop, climbing aboard the train, and playing in the jungle gym. A freshly painted sign on the wall encourages everyone to “Build. Create. Play.” And the kids are doing just that.

Kids are invited to play in INK’s retro diner, salon and body shop.

19

A FRESH START

 In addition to the restored exhibits, brand-new attractions have been generously donated by the community and many local businesses have stepped up to help fund renovations. Volpe tells the story of a 3-year-old girl who heard about the flood and wanted to help. With the support of her crafty parents, she painted the gas tank in the body shop exhibit near the entrance of the museum, complete with a life-size motorcycle and toolbox.

The new Atlanta section in the back of the museum is a full-on sensory experience.

Kids can run through hanging foam noodles, watch themselves in full-size mirrors, build structures with large building block pieces in “Spaghetti Junction,” partake in a puppet show, see themselves on TV in a room dedicated to Georgia’s booming movie industry, and get ready for take-off in the travel area. Volpe says the Spaghetti Junction area is a crowd favorite, since it’s a space where parents can get down on the floor and help build things with their children.

“It encourages parent interaction, which is important,” she says.

While the flood in September destroyed many of the museum’s physical possessions, it couldn’t break INK’s spirit. Perhaps the happiest part of the story isn’t that the museum was able to rebuild, but that it was able to do so because of the kindness, generosity, and help of its community. When she talks about the ways in which the community rallied around INK, from

20

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

“We create a hands-on learning opportunity for kids to explore with their parents or caregivers in a scaled-down neighborhood environment.”

- MANDY VOLPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

those who spent their paid time off to volunteer to the 3-year-old girl who helped create an exhibit with her parents, she touches on the spirit of what it truly means to be a community, especially during a time of need. Perhaps Volpe says it best: “It’s been incredible and beautiful all at the same time.” ■

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) is located at 999 Chestnut St. S.E. in Gainesville. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Learn more at inkfun.org.

The miniature city gives children hands-on learning opportunities throughout the museum.

INVESTMENT S T R AT E G I E S

grow

BY: Bill and Cindi Porter,

AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

WHY ARE THERE SO FEW IPOs THESE DAYS? PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.  U.S. corporate stocks as investment options have

been on a steady decline. The Wall Street Journal reported that “There are 3,671 domestic listings today, down from 7,322 in 1996. Investors can feel the difference.”1 We now have only half as many public stocks to choose from in the U.S. Many large companies make large campaign contributions.

It is not surprising that we see legislation which insulates them from competition. Laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley and DoddFrank were labeled as protection for the consumer.2 Yet these behemoths of new regulation effectively act as legislated barriers on new competition. Startups typically cannot afford the incredible administrative expense of complying with these intentionally onerous roadblocks – none of which have anything to do with creating the product or service that otherwise would be available to American consumers and investors.

In 1996, there were 845 IPOs, but in 2016 there were only 128.3 The downward trend is obvious and ominous. Additionally, many formerly public companies have decided that given the current circumstances, delisting as a publicly traded stock makes good business sense. Here are just a few of those familiar delisted companies: Dell Computers, Burger King, Heinz, Panera Bread, Hilton, and Reader’s Digest, etc. Who is winning here? If there are fewer investment choices, the remaining companies get a larger piece of the stock market pie. That is good for them but not so good for investors, or our country.

Increasingly, many publicly traded stocks are located outside of the U.S.3 - and so are a large portion of the world’s stock market profits. Portfolios need to be monitored to keep up with the changing investment environment. As always, a conversation with your trusted advisor about the risks and upside of any investment option is prudent.

1 2 3

Wall Street Journal “Where Have All The Public Companies Gone?” Jason M Thomas November 17, 2017 Barron’s “Market View” Jack Albin August 13, 2018 Barron’s “In Defense of Public Markets” Alex Eule August 13, 2018

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

21

BRAND-AID

MARKETING TIPS FROM

VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

10 QUESTIONS TO EXPECT WHEN BUILDING A WEBSITE BY: ALICIA CARTER

F YOU’VE made the

decision to hire a web developer for your upcoming website project, you know there are a lot of factors that go into the success of the project. Whether you’re building a brand-new site from scratch or updating the one you DO YOU HAVE AN currently have, trusting an outside company EXISTING WEBSITE? to understand and execute your vision This one seems pretty straightforward — you either do or requires meeting to discuss the project in you don’t. But there’s more that goes into it than that. If you great detail. The developer will have a lot do, what’s the URL? Does the current page speak to your company’s branding? What do you like or of questions, and you dislike about it? You should also be prepared should come prepared to answer questions about the domain. Do  Alicia applies to answer each of them you own it or did you purchase a package? her decade of experience working in as much detail as in content creation and social media to possible. We spoke with help clients create WHAT IS THE OVERALL a digital marketing our web development strategy to reach more customers GOAL FOR YOUR NEW team to create a list of generate leads.

ALICIA and She blogs regularly 10 questions you should WEBSITE? CARTER, for Veugeler Design Group about topics CONTENT be prepared to answer If you’re updating your site, what are your ranging from digital MARKETING marketing strategies ultimate goals? Do you want to incorporate a MANAGER, when you meet with and website VEUGELER responsive design? Or are you redesigning to optimization to your web developer.

DESIGN GROUP social media tips

1.

2.

and strategies.

22

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

match new branding or marketing materials?

grow

Identify the purpose behind why you reached out to the web developer in the first place, and be able to clearly articulate those goals.

3. WHO IS YOUR

TARGET AUDIENCE?

Every business, no matter how small or large, needs to identify its target audience. If you haven’t already, you should create a buyer persona before contacting the developer. Knowing the persona beforehand will allow them to tweak the design elements and features to fit the needs of that specific audience.

Need A New Website?

A mobile-responsive website is a must in today’s economy. Veugeler Design Group builds award-winning, lead-generating websites, landing pages, micro-sites, web banners and more, all optimized to turn online visitors into customers and maximize brand equity.

4. WHAT BEHAVIOR DO

hendersonkelley.com

YOU WISH TO SEE IN YOUR VISITORS? What are your conversion goals? What action do you want visitors on your website to take? Perhaps those actions include finding more information, completing a purchase, booking an appointment, filling out a form or registering for an event. While there could be many actions you’d like visitors to make, go into your development meeting with one main goal in mind.

Once the developer knows the overall action you’d like visitors to take, they can create pages dedicated to other subsequent actions.

5. WHO ARE YOUR

COMPETITORS?

Developers will often ask about your competitors so they can get an idea of other similar companies in the market. It’s also important to scope out the competition to ensure your site stands out.

Veugeler Design Group Brand Development Website Development

I

Content Development

I

Graphic Design

Digital/Inbound Marketing I

Video Production

678-482-2270 • info@vdgatl.com VDGatl.com

Call or email us for a FREE, no-strings-attached website assessment.

23

6. WHAT OTHER SITES DO YOU

LIKE? WHAT OTHER SITES DO YOU NOT LIKE? Going into the meeting already able to answer this question will show you’ve done your homework, and it will also help the development team get a better understanding of the site features you like, as well as help guide them on creating your website. Knowing your likes and dislikes from the beginning will save a lot of back and forth in the future.

7. WHAT COLORS DO YOU LIKE

OR DISLIKE?

Keep in mind that your website should align with the overall branding of your business. The design and color scheme should match all of your marketing materials. If you’re starting fresh, this is a good opportunity to create that branding. Or if you’re refreshing your current website, it’s an opportunity to consider rebranding. Having an idea of a color scheme and fonts that you like will help the designer create a website that’s consistent with that vision and branding.

8. DO YOU HAVE EXISTING

PHOTOGRAPHY?

If you have current photography that you’d like to include with the design of the website, it’s important to make sure they have high enough resolution and value to be included.

If not, you’ll need to be prepared to discuss other options, such as contracting new imagery or video for the website or working with stock imagery.

9. DO YOU HAVE EXISTING CONTENT OR WILL CONTENT NEED TO BE WRITTEN? If you already have content on your existing site — and it’s good content — that will make the overall project move much faster. However, if the content is outdated, you will need to address rewriting the content or creating new content for pages that don’t yet exist, and this could delay the project. The key is adding content that speaks to the problem you solve for your target audience. Content should be addressed before or at the beginning of the new website development.

10. WHAT’S YOUR TIMELINE?

It’s important to make sure your expectations are realistic when related to the time allowed for the project. Working with your web company to set milestones can help the project stay on schedule. Each website is unique and presents individual challenges, and the timeline will vary depending on your needs.

Contact Veugeler Design Group for a no-strings -attached website assessment at vdgatl.com.

24

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT SUWANEE RESIDENT ANGELICA HALE STOLE THE HEARTS OF MILLIONS AFTER APPEARING ON “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.” NOW, THE 12-YEAR-OLD SINGING SENSATION IS WORKING ON HER DEBUT ALBUM WHILE PERFORMING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. INTERVIEW BY LIZZY KIDNEY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELICA HALE

2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

uwanee’s own Angelica Hale, at 11 years old, has left a lasting impression on the hearts of millions.

In 2017, she appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” where she became the youngest runner-up in the show’s history, and then again as a finalist on the most recent season, “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” Despite facing medical struggles that resulted in Hale receiving a life-saving kidney transplant at only 6 years old, the singing sensation persevered and followed her dreams with fierce determination and an ear-to-ear smile that inspires everyone she meets.

Hale’s charm and undeniable talent caught the world’s attention at just 9 years old with her audition of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” on Season 12 of “America’s Got Talent.” The judges, along with the audience, could barely contain their surprise at the booming voice coming from such a tiny, sweet girl. Later that season Hale was awarded the coveted Golden Buzzer after her performance of “Girl on Fire,” sending her straight to the live shows.

26

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

Hale went on to become the youngest runner-up in “AGT” history, and was asked back to participate on “The Champions” the following year. On this season, she once again made “AGT” history by becoming the first contestant to receive two Golden Buzzers.

When she first walked across the “AGT” stage back in 2017, she told the judges she wanted to be a superstar, and since then it seems as though all of her dreams have been coming true.

We had the chance to catch up with Hale at her home in Suwanee, where we learned more about her time on “AGT,” had an impromptu dance party, and got the scoop on her upcoming debut album.

SUWANEE MAGAZINE: How long have you been singing?

Left: Angelica poses behind-the-scenes with her family. Below: Angelica with Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel.

ANGELICA HALE: I’ve been singing since I was about 3 years old. I would sing in the backseat of the car and in public restrooms, and people would tell me I had a great voice. My parents then started putting me into voice lessons which were awesome and have really helped me to get where I am today. I am so thankful that my parents realized my passion at a young age and encouraged me to follow my dreams.

SM: What made you want to audition for “America’s Got Talent”?

AH: When I was 4 I got sick with double pneumonia and went into septic shock. I was put on ECMO for a total of 12 days and eventually found out I needed a kidney transplant. After being put on dialysis, we learned that my mom was a match and she ended up giving me one of her kidneys! My mom is truly my hero and I'm so grateful that I have such amazing 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

parents because they have continued to encourage me.

I wouldn't be here without them. After I got better, I started singing for charities and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a way of giving back to the people who made me healthy again, and then that kind of led me to “AGT.” I originally auditioned in 2016 and didn't make it, but they reached back out and invited me to audition again in 2017. I decided that this could be my big break, so when I auditioned and made it, I couldn't believe it.

SM: What was it like not only being the youngest “AGT” runner-up, but also being the first-ever contestant to receive two Golden Buzzers?

AH: After I got the Golden Buzzer on my first season of “AGT,” I was so shocked and excited, and as time went on it just kept feeling more and more surreal. Even though I didn't win I was still so incredibly proud of myself for making it that far and being the youngest runnerup in “AGT” history. When I came back for “Champions,” I wasn't thinking about the Golden Buzzer, and when Howie Mandel hit it my mind went completely blank and I was so shocked. When I moved on to the finale of “Champions,” I was so nervous because amazingly talented people had been eliminated and I was so grateful Howie chose me to be there.

SM: How was “The Champions” season different than your first season?

AH: “Champions” was a lot different from my first season because instead of competing with people from

27

SM: How has “America’s Got Talent” changed your life?

2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

all over America, we were competing with the “best of the best” from all over the world.

When I was on “AGT” the first time, I treated that stage like I was never going to go on it again, but when I had this chance to go back I was thrilled. Singing “Fight Song”

by Rachel Platten on “Champions” really meant a lot to me because it applied to not only what I was doing at that moment on stage, but also to the struggles I had in my past. This was my song when I was fighting for my life, and now I'm here fighting for my place on “AGT Champions.”

AH: After the shows, everything changed completely. I started singing everywhere around the world and it was really crazy, but it is also a dream come true. I’m so grateful and I thank God every day for this wonderful gift. Neither of my parents can sing, so I truly consider my voice a God-given gift and I am careful to take care of it every day.

2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

SM: You’ve already accomplished so much at such a young age, what other goals do you hope to reach?

AH: One day I want to look back on myself and say, “Wow, look how far I’ve come since being on ‘America’s Got Talent.’” I want to continue to improve my voice, stage presence, and who I am as a person, but I also hope that I can continue to inspire more and more people with my story and encourage them to pursue their dreams. I want to show people that I started as this

28

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

6 year old with a big dream, and I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today and am so happy to say it paid off.

such a breakthrough for me and I hope to tell my story through it and inspire more people with my music than ever before.

SM: What has been your biggest challenge since shooting to fame on “AGT”?

SM: What does it mean to you to be a kid ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation and a Celebrity Advocate for the Sepsis Alliance and Children’s Miracle Network?

AH: I think my biggest challenge has been battling with who I am as an artist and really finding myself.

I know when I was on “AGT” it seemed like I found myself, but in reality I still am working on that. I know I want to be a singer, but I also know that I want to be the best version of myself.

SM: Do you have any exciting things happening in the near future?

AH: Hopefully, I will be doing a tour this year and I'm releasing my very first debut album within the next few months.

It has been a dream come true working on my own album, and half of the songs I was able to write myself. I am so excited because it's going to be

AH: I know how hard it is to be on dialysis, and I am very fortunate that my mom was a match to give me a new kidney. There are a lot of people out there who aren’t that fortunate and I want to be an advocate for them and to bring awareness of it to other people.

I love to give back and support organizations that help children who may be going through something similar, because it’s a part of my story, too, and I want other people to know that they are not alone.

SM: What advice do you have for anyone looking to pursue a career in music?

AH: I want to encourage everyone that if you have a dream, you should pursue it. Don’t be afraid to follow your passions, because you should enjoy doing what you love!

It’s important to remember to have fun and just be yourself. ■

30

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

With the coming of summer comes the urge for adventure, to share experiences with family and friends. Our Travel and Adventure Guide offers a wide variety of ideas for all ages. Start making plans that will keep the whole family smiling and create memories that last a lifetime.ď‚–

31

TREETOP QUEST LEAVE YOUR SCREENS FOR A FEW HOURS AND ENJOY SOME TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY IMMERSED IN NATURE. Treetop Quest’s two metro-Atlanta adventure parks offer a welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked into the forests of Buford (at the Environmental and Heritage Center) and Dunwoody (inside Brook Run Park), both locations are conveniently located for an adventure close to home.

The parks feature a multitude of treetop elements including zip lines, sky bridges, Tarzan swings, cargo nets and other obstacles.

Treetop Quest boasts a “challenge by choice” motto so participants can climb at their comfort level. Courses start low and Spider Quest easier for kids as young as 4 and advance gradually, reaching heights of 60 feet with challenging obstacles for adults. During the entire course participants wear a harness and use a belay system that stays connected to the lifeline.

32

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

At Treetop Quest Gwinnett there is an additional harness-free activity, Spider Quest, with 25 obstacles, tree houses and a giant slide suspended above a giant safety net. The Gwinnett park in Buford also features a freefall from the end of a course and Level 5 for the boldest climbers. The most loved zip lines are 200 feet long and are sure to summon the excited adventurer out of the whole family, sullen teenagers included!

Treetop Quest is open weekends from March through November and daily during the summer.

Treetop Quest Gwinnett

2020 CLEAN WATER DRIVE BUFORD, GA 30519 (404) 277- 6113 Email: gwinnett@treetopquest.com

Treetop Quest Dunwoody

2341 PEELER ROAD DUNWOODY, GA 30338 (770) 365-0356 Email: dunwoody@treetopquest.com

TreetopQuest.com

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT FEASTING AND FUN FOR ALL AGES! Experience a living link to the past where glory, chivalry, and valor of old burst to life. Imagine the pageantry and excitement as a noble guest of the queen’s tournament New Kings Meal ten centuries ago, and that’s exactly what guests experience at North America’s most popular dinner attraction.

The electrifying show features six brave knights competing in games of skill astride magnificent pure Spanish horses. Lances splinter against shields of steel, swords spark in combat, and a champion emerges to the sound of his cheering crowd. Guests enjoy a “hands-on” four-course feast as the spectacle unfolds inside a fully enclosed, climate controlled European-style castle.

Medieval Times is the perfect destination for all celebrations and occasions! Groups save more. Visit medievaltimes.com for more information.

1-888-WE-JOUST Email: atlanta@medievaltimes.com

MedievalTimes.com

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK & LODGE VISIT GEORGIA'S LARGEST WATERFALL Nestled in the North Georgia mountains of Dawsonville is one of Georgia’s best places to play and stay – Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Home to 829 acres of Georgia wilderness in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Amicalola Falls boasts some of the state’s most popular and scenic landmarks including the state’s highest waterfall and the Appalachian Approach Trail.

As part of the Adventure Lodges of Georgia program, incredible outdoor experiences await around every corner. Soar above the forest floor at Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures, which features multiple levels of zip lines; take aim at the 3-D archery range; learn about Georgia’s native birds of prey and much more. There also are plenty of places to rest after a day of adventures including the 57-room main lodge, 14 cabins and 25 campsites, suitable for RVs and tents.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge recently completed extensive outdoor renovations, such as expanding the lookout veranda at the main lodge. The new and improved terrace, nestled beautifully on the mountainside, offers even more space to take in the unspoiled views of the North Georgia mountains, providing the perfect spot for relaxation, weddings, and private events.

This spacious addition to the property boasts 4,600 square feet and blends perfectly into the rustic yet modern design of the lodge. New features include a cozy fire pit, 418 AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK RD, DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 ample seating areas, and a covered reception area, all (706) 344-1500 complemented by a beautiful, natural stone exterior.

Visit amicalolafallslodge.com for more information.

AmicalolaFallsLodge.com

33

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK GEORGIA’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTION AND ONE OF THE TOP HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS IN THE U.S. Home to the world’s largest freestanding piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain Park also features a historical Memorial Carving, the world’s largest relief sculpture. The 3,200-acre park includes more than a dozen attractions, historical and natural sights, two Marriott hotels, Georgia’s largest campground, two championship golf courses, and expansive natural woodlands with hiking trails. Minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is directly off U.S. Highway 78 and is easily accessible from Atlanta interstates.

NEW AND ONLY IN 2019 is “MEGABUGS! Adventure Encounters,” featuring more than 70 new exhibits of larger-than-life insects! Guests can experience a bug’s life as they crawl like a spider, fly like a bee, and dig like an ant while interacting with colossal crawlers.

Guests will come face-to-face with a giant 15-foot Emperor Dragonfly, a 20-foot Hissing Cockroach, a 50-foot Madagascan Fire Millipede, and much more!

New for 2019: Join Scrat, Ice Age’s resident nut-crazed sabre-toothed squirrel, as he time travels in his zaniest adventure to date, Ice Age No Time For Nuts 4-D. MEGABUGS! Adventure Encounters is open now.

Admission is free with any paid daily All-Attractions Pass or Mountain Membership. An All-Attractions Pass also gives you access to the park’s family fun attractions such as Summit Skyride, Geyser Towers®, SkyHike®, The Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, Scenic Railroad, Historic Square & Farmyard and Discovering Stone Mountain Museum. To view the operating calendar or for more information, visit stonemountainpark.com.

34

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

Ride the Summit Skyride for a bird’s-eye view of Stone Mountain.

Megabugs! Adventure Encounters

1000 ROBERT E. LEE BLVD, STONE MOUNTAIN, GA 30083 (770) 498-5690

StoneMountainPark.com

2019 GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL FEAST, SHOP, AND PLAY LIKE ROYALTY! Each weekend from April 13 through June 2, 2019, you can step inside the gates of Newcastle and find yourself transported back to 16th-century England! The 2019 Georgia Renaissance Festival's 32-acre village is filled with over 150 artisan craft shoppes, 10 stages of endless entertainment, wonderful pubs and taverns, plus food galore! You’ll laugh out loud at the antics of the costumed characters, try your skill at carnival games, and enjoy humanpowered rides for kids of all ages. Did we mention food? Giant roasted turkey legs, fish and chips, hearty ales, mead and more - a feast fit for Royalty!

It's a full day of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family.

The 2019 Georgia RenFest – Get Into It!

Get transported back in time to 16th century England with the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

6905 VIRLYN B. SMITH RD. FAIRBURN, GA 30213 (770) 964-8575

GARenFest.com

35

AFU SUMMER CAMP SERIES JUNE 2019

BOYS & GIRLS AGES 5 –14 | GEORGE PIERCE PARK

SOCCER SKILLS AND SUMMER FUN! FOUR ONE-WEEK SESSIONS IN JUNE FULL DAY AND HALF DAY CAMPS AVAILABLE PROFESSIONALLY LICENSED COACHES CAMP DIRECTORS

STARTIN G AT

DAILY THEMES  Dribbling/1v1 Moves and Feints

$1

09

 Passing and Receiving  Short and Long Range Passing  Shooting and Finishing

 Ball Mastery and Mini-Tournament Games  Special Camp Events

Scan code to the right or go to our website for more information and/or to sign up today!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR  Beginning of May: Registration opens for Fall Season 2018 Traditional and One-Day Recreational Soccer Programs (AFU Duluth and AFU Suwanee) VINCE HAYES

ALEX PINEDA

Director

Assistant Director

CONTACT vince.hayes@atlantaunitedsoccer.com In partnership with Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation AND the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation.

AFU_SummerCampAd_AdventureGuide.indd 1

 End of May/ Beginning of June: Academy, Select, NL and ECNL Tryouts

Go to atlantaunitedsoccer.com for more information or follow us on social media. atlantaunitedsoccer

atlantaunitedsa

@atlantaunitedsa

4/18/19 11:05 AM

2019 GEORGIA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

38

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

THRU-HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL REQUIRES DEDICATION, ENDURANCE AND MONTHS OF PREPARATION. THE ANNUAL KICK-OFF EVENT TOOK PLACE AT THE AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK AND LODGE, WHERE VENDORS AND HIKERS SHARED STORIES FROM THEIR TIME ON THE TRAIL. STORY BY LIZZY KIDNEY

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, which spans more than 14 states, is no small feat. Each year thousands of adventure seekers attempt to make the hike from Georgia to Maine, which can take up to seven months, but only one in four hikers complete all 2,190 miles. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, those who are able to complete the entire trail can say they have hiked a total elevation gain equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 16 times. Due to the dangerous conditions, thru-hiking takes months of preparation in which hikers must decide when and where on the trail they want to begin, register their preferred hike, plan resupply points throughout their journey, and memorize the camping regulations along the entire trail.

The seemingly most popular hike, referred to as the Northbound Hike, begins between March 1st and April 15th at Springer Mountain in North

39

Georgia and heads northbound up to Mount Katahdin in Maine. A typical northbound thruhiker can expect to face winter conditions for the first several weeks, including up to 100 inches of heavy snowfall in high elevations throughout the North Carolina, Tennessee, and southwest Virginia mountains. This means that most hikers have to be prepared to carry heavy winter gear for a little more than 500 miles in order to protect themselves from the weather. During this time frame hikers also have a higher likelihood of being exposed to noroviruses as a result of camping in crowded conditions.

Thru-hikers on the northbound journey must plan to end their hike by reaching Baxter State Park in Maine before October 15th to avoid harsh weather conditions that typically occur in early October.

Although the thru-hike sounds like a daunting experience, hikers are drawn to the Appalachian Trail for a variety of reasons, such as escaping stressful work environments, leaving city life behind, building friendships, and connecting with nature.

On the weekend of March 1st, more than 4,000 people gathered at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge to kick off the 2019 thru-hike. The event featured hundreds of vendors, hikers of all experience levels, and park naturalists coming together to trade tales, advice, education, and fellowship with one another. We had the chance to hear trail stories, learn about proper hiking etiquette, and much more.

GaRy Sizer: FindiNg a Trail FamilY  If you google “Appalachian Trail hikers before and after,” there is a good chance that Gary Sizer’s picture will be one of the first images you see. After carrying 20-30 pounds on his back for over 153 days, Sizer lost more than 30 pounds in what he describes as a “cycle between starvation and binge eating.” Sizer, a former Marine and skilled backpacker, took time off of his corporate job to conquer the thru-hike from Georgia to Maine, but little did he know that the trail would significantly change his life forever. Beginning the hike from Springer Mountain, he set off to hike the trail on his own in March Gary Sizer before and after of 2014. He wasn’t alone for very hiking the AT. long, however, as he quickly developed what he refers to as

40

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

his “trail family” and bonded strongly with the other thru-hikers.

“I was in the military for 10 years and I can honestly say that I made closer friends on the AT than I did in the military service,” Sizer says. “Even though I started by myself, I finished with a pretty core group of people I considered to be my trail family.”

That trail family, along with the toll that Gary Sizer climbing Mt. Narwhal. the six-month hike took on his body, inspired Sizer to write the bestselling novel, Where’s the Next Shelter? The book tells the humbling story of Sizer and two members of his trail family as they make the long journey to Maine together. It depicts the real-life ups and downs the trio had to face on the trail and provides a humorous yet realistic look at the life of a thru-hiker.

Sizer put the corporate world behind him and has continued to tell the story of the Appalachian Trail over the last few years. He has gone on to create a Podcast titled “Stories From the Trail” as well as publish a sequel to his best-selling book titled Home is Forward, featuring short stories of other people’s adventures on the AT.

BE FEATURED IN OUR INAUGURAL

PHOTOS BY JERRIANNE LOWTHER

WEDDING ISSUE!

We know your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, so why not show it off?

Submit your wedding story and photos to be included in our July/August wedding issue!

Left: Kyra Lowther at the Appalachian trail end.

Below: Mic and Kyra Lowther at Springer Mountain on March 21st, 1973.

The Lowthers: a Family AdVentuRe  Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is no small feat for an experienced hiker, but even more impressive for a young girl. Mic and Jerrianne Lowther, along with their 10-year-old daughter, Kyra, optimistically started the hike from Georgia to Maine on the first day of spring in the early 1970s. It took the family 214 days of rain, snow, river crossings, and hiking upward of 400,000 feet of elevation gain to complete the thru-hike.

“The first 200 miles or so Kyra wasn’t thrilled because she thought it was going to be a lot more fun than it was turning out to be,” Mic says. “However, a lot of the other thru-hikers on the trail made a big fuss over her, and after coming that far she decided that she was a thruhiker just like them and ultimately became determined to finish the rest of her journey to Maine.”

The Lowther family was the first family to ever successfully complete the entire thru-hike, inspiring Mic to write Walking North: A Family Hikes The Appalachian Trail, which was released in 2001.

The story highlights the family’s struggles, personal differences, and profound discovery throughout their six-month journey. ■

LIZZY KIDNEY WILL JAMES May 12th, 2019

Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Bride’s Gown Groom’s Suit Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Entertainment Planner

Denise and Harrison Kidney Lee and John James Adore Bridal Joseph A. Banks The Magnolia Room, Lake Lanier Acworth Flowers Walt’s Kitchen DJ Rock Jay Allen

29 44 26

Magazine Suwanee Magazine I Suwanee I

suwaneemagazine.com suwaneemagazine.com

I

18 DEC19 NOV // FEB JAN

JULY / AUG 2019 ISSUE Visit suwaneemagazine.com to learn more!

41

Livin’ it Up with the Lions THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM’S NEW CALIFORNIA SEA LION ENCOUNTER HELPS TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE PUBLIC.

BY LIZZY KIDNEY / PHOTOS BY ALICIA CARTER AND CHIP HOGSED

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

42

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

beluga whales, whale sharks, and hundreds ince 2005, the Georgia of other marine species. The charismatic and Aquarium has been dedicated to spreading engaging California sea lions, however, are awareness and education among the most popular animals who call the about the extraordinary Georgia Aquarium home. animals who inhabit our On any given day, Suntrust Pier 225 oceans. As transports a leading hundreds facility for aquatic animal of people conservation and research, the to the West Georgia Aquarium explores ways Coast to learn to improve animal care methods, more about develop innovative and exciting the life of a new exhibits, contribute to the California understanding of our world’s sea lion. The oceans, and apply new discoveries Under the to the conservation of aquatic life.

Boardwalk Over the last 14 years, millions show, free of aquarium visitors have been with an Lizzy and Peaches greet each other with a friendly fin-shake. introduced to the wonders of aquarium

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

We love doing encounters like these to not only show the public how incredible they are but to also raise awareness and educate people about dangers they face in their natural environments.”

- Abby Kutcher, Georgia Aquarium Sea Lion Trainer

ticket, highlights the sea lions’ charming personalities, teaches visitors about conservation efforts, and shares the rescue and rehabilitation stories of these incredible animals.

As a complement to the popular show, the California sea lion encounter, the aquarium’s newest immersive experience, takes visitors behind the scenes for hands-on interactions with some of the aquarium’s most beloved animals.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the sea lion encounter, where I was introduced to three of the aquarium's female sea lions along with their trainer, Abby Kutcher. After making our way down an elevator and through behindthe-scenes corridors, we arrived at the charming pier-inspired home of the sea lions. We were warmly greeted by Abby as she ran through the guidelines of the encounter, her role at the aquarium, and what we had to look forward to.

“The trainers here spend about eight hours a day with the sea lions,” Kutcher said. “They are very social animals and have learned many different behaviors, which you will get to see in the encounter, that allow us to better understand their species and build really special relationships with them.”

After we became acquainted with one another, it was time to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.

From the very beginning, it was obvious that Abby has a deep passion for her job and that became even more evident as I watched her interact with each of them.

Up first was 4-year-old Peaches, whose fun and friendly

Lizzy gets a kiss on the cheek from Peaches.

Sea Lions Trainer Abby Kutcher discusses the aquarium’s conservation efforts through experiences like the Sea Lion Encounter.

43

attitude was evident from the start. She proudly showed off her singing skills, had a mini dance party, and even gave me a kiss on the cheek! Next up was 8-yearold Katie, who made it known that she was the “mama” of the group.

We threw a frisbee, played a little basketball, and even brushed her teeth (because hygiene is important for a sea lion, too!). Finally, I was introduced to Peaches’ best friend, Savvy. Savvy is also 4 years old and, as the daughter of a rescued sea lion, has always called the Georgia Aquarium home. Her spunky attitude shined as she showed off her speaking abilities, gave me a lesson on sea lion health, and even rocked a moonwalk.

Aside from entertaining and showing off their personalities, Peaches, Katie, Savvy and all of the sea lions at the aquarium now serve as ambassadors who help educate the public about their

species and the environmental challenges they face.

“Each of the sea lions have their own unique personalities,” Kutcher says. “We love doing encounters like these to not only show the public how incredible they are but to also raise awareness and educate people about dangers they face in their natural environments.”

One of those dangers became a reality in March of 2015, when a large number of sea lion pups were stranded and malnourished on California beaches during an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). Findings suggested that this unprecedented number of young stranded sea lions was likely a result of a dramatic shift in the availability of an important food source for

The aquarium's sea lions serve as ambassadors who help educate the public about their species and the environmental challenges they face.

nursing sea lion mothers.

“One reason these UMEs and other strandings happen is because the public feeds these animals, which causes them to spend more and more time closer to shore as they become dependent on that instead of finding food on their own,” Kutcher says. “It’s important to remember that although they are friendly and interactive in the encounters, in the wild the sea lions are in their natural habitat and are meant to be left alone.”

Behind the scenes, researchers throughout the aquarium and in the field are learning more about marine life and making efforts to protect our oceans every day.

Proceeds from these programs, like the sea lion encounter, ensure the Georgia Aquarium can continue its research and conservation endeavors in the future.

In addition to the sea lion encounter, aquarium visitors can also don a wetsuit and get waistdeep with the beluga whales, help feed the dolphins, swim with the whale sharks, pet a penguin, and get up close to other aquarium residents, like the seals and sea otters. These types of encounters not only allow visitors to meet these amazing animals face-to-face, but it also humanizes the experiences many of them face in their natural habitat, which helps the aquarium to spread its message of conservation to more and more people. Getting a kiss from a sea lion is just the cherry on top. ■

 If you are interested in learning more about their conservation efforts, visiting the aquarium, or participating in an encounter, visit georgiaaquarium.org.

45

your health, wellness and happiness

2019 GET FIT

46

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

RESULTS

BY ALICIA CARTER

PHOTOS BY JULIE PERDUE

THE 2019 CONTESTANTS LOST A COMBINED TOTAL OF MORE THAN 100 POUNDS AND NEARLY 20% BODY FAT! things must come to an end, and so must the 2019 Get Fit Challenge. Over the last three months, the contestants have worked hard to change their lifestyles, even when the realities of life — moving, job changes, health issues, and family commitments — sometimes battled against them. There were many triumphs, and a few struggles, but we’re so proud of each of the contestants for sticking with the challenge and not giving up. All of them have shown an admirable level of dedication and determination, and they’ve become inspirations not only to the Suwanee Magazine staff, but to the community as well.

LL GOOD

47

THE RESULTS  While the challenge wouldn’t be a success without the contestants, we’d be unable to put on the Get Fit Challenge without the help from so many in our community. First and foremost we have to thank the trainers, including Dan Leblanc from Crux Fitness, Terry Gatewood from Physique Refinements, Brandon Brigman from No Excuses CrossFit, and the Whole Food Health Coach Stephanie Wolfe, who all donated their time and resources to help the contestants reach their weight loss and fitness goals. This competition would not be possible without their generous support, as we rely on them to be instructors, mentors, and ultimately the contestants’ biggest cheerleaders.

“It was an absolute pleasure and honor to be a part of such an incredible program for the second year in a row,” Leblanc says. “Complete strangers, being completely vulnerable, making everything public, is something not a lot of people are willing to do.”

We also owe a huge thank you to John Perry & Associates, who provided the health assessments at the beginning and end of the competition, and Alkaline Wellness Center, who led our team through an intense hot yoga class we’ll never forget! The Fresh Market Suwanee also generously donated gift cards to each of the contestants to help them stock their kitchen with healthy foods for the competition.

The 2019 contestants lost a combined total of more than 100 pounds and nearly 20% body fat.

Congrats to all of the contestants. We are so very proud of you and look forward to continuing to follow your journeys. And now, without further ado, the winner of the 2019 Get Fit Challenge is...

48

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

WINNER:

BRIAN MUTZBERG Total Pounds Lost.....................................52 Total Body Fat Percentage Lost......... 8.6% When Brian first set out on the Get Fit Challenge, his goal was a familiar one: To improve his health so he could keep up with his two young children in hopes of not limiting what he was able to do with his family. For the last few months, Brian has been working out at Crux Fitness and over that time he was able to lose more than 50 pounds and 8.6% body fat — some of the biggest numbers we’ve seen in the history of the challenge!

But even with consistent progress, Brian admitted that the competition was no small feat, and he struggled to maintain his meal plan. “It is getting harder to stick with it and not cheat, but seeing the results are keeping me going,” he says. “The workouts continue to get easier and you have to push yourself harder to keep your heart rate up where it originally was just walking in the door. Seeing a couple of burpees written on the board is not a reason to turn around and walk out anymore, but seeing 272 of them in one session is still a reason to turn and run.”

Brian's trainer, Dan Leblanc, had nothing but positive things to say about Brian and the progress he’s made: “Brian came into this competition at full steam. He knew what was in store, and he embraced it,” he says. “Brian embodied every aspect of Crux’s fundamentals and foundation and took his commitment to change to a level I’ve rarely seen. It almost seems like Brian knows no pain, he seemed to be able to fight through even the most brutal of workouts. Brian really is the newest superhero in the Crux family.”

BEFORE

AFTER

Seeing the results is keeping me going. I am now able to fit into clothes I have not worn in a long time and am getting close to not having any clothes that still fit.�

BRIAN TRAINED WITH DAN LEBLANC AT CRUX FITNESS

49

TERRY GROSS Total Pounds Gained..................................9 Total Inches Gained in Waist......................3 Total Body Fat Percentage lost.......... 0.8% Terry was one of the contestants who faced the most change throughout the challenge. From moving to a new home to juggling changes in his work life, Terry considered leaving the competition because the commitment was almost too much to handle with everything going on in his personal life. But Terry stuck with it and finished the competition. When it comes to the Get Fit Challenge, it’s not so much the numbers lost on the scale, even though that’s one of the goals, but it’s truly seeing through a commitment you make with yourself, and we’re so proud of Terry’s determination and grit.

“I think most of my lack of confidence has been from my lack of self-esteem in life. The majority of my lack of selfBEFORE esteem has stemmed from my personal body image,” he says.

“So, is that why I chose to do the challenge? No, not at all.

My true image does not come from a name I carry, or a look that I have, or even the confidence I lack. My true image is found in the Book of Genesis. God, the Creator, created me in His own image.

AFTER

“The challenge for me doesn't stop

at the end of March with going to the gym, my challenge is daily, forever, while I am on earth, that I have been created in the image of God, that I am a masterpiece of His, and that I can live with confidence because of that.”

50

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

TERRY TRAINED WITH BRANDON BRIGMAN AT NO EXCUSES CROSSFIT

“I didn’t get into the challenge to win, I just

THE RESULTS

want to be healthy and get the proper guidance on the most effective way to lose weight. I accomplished that in this challenge.”

RUNNER-UP:

ERIKKA CHAMBERS Total Pounds Lost................................7 Total Inches from Waist.......................1 Total Body Fat Percentage lost...... 5% Entering the competition, Erikka was diagnosed pre-diabetic and was having trouble making the changes necessary to improve her health. Once she committed to the Get Fit Challenge, however, Erikka started to dominate her workouts at Crux Fitness. “Watching Erikka grow in this competition was like watching a toddler learn how to crawl, then go straight to Olympic sprinting, skipping every other stage along the way,” Leblanc says. “The dramatic changes she made in her health were mind-blowing. I met two Erikkas in this competition — the timid, unsure, unconfident Erikka, and the incredible beast who now walks into the gym with her chin high, shoulders back, and eagerness to really find out what she’s capable of next.”

And while she lost an impressive 5% body fat, Erikka sees the ending of the challenge as bittersweet. “I must say I am a little sad the challenge is coming to an end,” she says. “I really want to BEFORE keep going strong at Crux because I really enjoy the trainers. They are passionate about what they do and it shows.”

AFTER

ERIKKA TRAINED WITH DAN LEBLANC AT CRUX FITNESS

51

THE RESULTS MICHELLE W. Total Pounds Lost.....................................28 Total Inches from Waist..............................4 Total Body Fat Percentage lost.......... 2.2% When the competition began, Michelle was new to the Suwanee community. She’s lost weight on her own in the past, but couldn’t seem to maintain that weight loss over time. After being paired with Terry Gatewood at Physique Refinements, the pounds started to melt away. As she approached the end of the competition, she lost nearly 30 pounds — and she deserved it, as she was totally committed to the challenge.

“I am training five days a week for an hour at a time and logging another six to seven hours of extra cardio a week,” Michelle says. “I feel like I am turning the last corner in a 100-meter dash and I am running on fumes, but this is just the beginning of a marathon for me. I have a long way to go before I achieve my long term goal.

This opportunity has made it possible for me to accomplish that goal.”

AFTER

BEFORE

“This is just the beginning of a marathon for me.

I have a long way to go before I achieve my long term goal. This opportunity has made it possible for me to accomplish that goal.”

52

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

MICHELLE TRAINED WITH TERRY GATEWOOD AT PHYSIQUE REFINEMENTS

JENNIFER CLACK Total Pounds Lost ...............................14 Total Body Fat Percentage lost.... 2.2%

AFTER

When we met Jennifer, she was newly single and ready to take back control of her life. She was also a Type 1, borderline Type 2 diabetic who was having trouble maintaining her weight, all while struggling to keep up with her 12-year-old daughter. Jennifer overcame a lot during her time at No Excuses CrossFit. She started off in one-on-one training sessions with the trainers, not yet ready to work out in the group, then over time was able to join into the group environment.

She also battled illness throughout the end of the challenge, but she stuck it out!

BEFORE “It is so rewarding to be able to work out with everyone JENNIFER TRAINED else and keep up,” WITH BRANDON she says.

BRIGMAN AT NO EXCUSES CROSSFIT

“This challenge has brought a lot of firsts to my life. First time losing weight in a long time, and first time doing hot yoga! That is one experience I’ll never ever forget.”

54

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS he Suwanee Magazine Get Fit Challenge would not be possible without the support of our community sponsors, including Salon Greco, who generously provided a makeover for our runner-up. Among the title of “Suwanee Get Fit Challenge Champion," our overall winner, Brian Mutzberg, was awarded with a massage from Karen Krotz, a gift certificate to Bare Bones Steakhouse, and tickets to Stone Mountain Park to enjoy with his family. In addition, Crux Fitness has generously awarded both Brian and Erikka with three additional free months.

THE RESULTS

The Get Fit Challenge is truly a community challenge.

So many people and businesses donated their time and services to the challenge, all in the spirit of helping better the lives of our contestants -- from the health assessments, inbody measurements and nutrition coaching to the workout classes, drop-in yoga experience, and the shopping trip to the Fresh Market Suwanee. The challenge also wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of the community. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS This competition would not have been the same without the support of our amazing sponsors:

■ Crux Fitness ■ No Excuses CrossFit ■ Physique Refinements ■ John Perry & Associates ■ The Fresh Market ■ The Whole Foods Health Coach ■ Specialty Engravings

Brian graciously donated his winning makeover to his teammate and our 2019 runner-up, Erikka, who spent a recent afternoon at Salon Greco for a fresh cut and color.

Thank you also to Salon Greco, Karen Krotz Massage, Stone Mountain Park and Bare Bones Steakhouse for providing prizes for our winner.

Editor’s Note: Stephanie Evans dropped out of the challenge for personal reasons. We wish her the best on her health and fitness journey!

55

thrive

Teaching responsibility is also about kids taking ownership over the tasks they need to complete, doing them well, and being proud of having done so.

Are You Teaching Your Kids About Responsibility?

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, selfharm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

Being responsible is an important life skill for kids to start learning while they are young so that they can interact with the world in a helpful way. Here are some ways to teach your kids about responsibility:

BUILD THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS.

them build a desire and confidence to care for themselves and the environment around them.

 Work to create an environment where kids are responsible for not only their own self-care but also BUILD A ROUTINE. the family’s well-being in age-appropriate ways.

Find ways your kids already help and praise  Instead of telling them to do each individual them even if it’s just helping their sibling task as they are getting ready for school or up when they fall or throwing away bed, try asking them what they need to their trash. Start asking kids to help do next to get ready. Over time, this with tasks around the house. Show gives them the opportunity to manage them that when they help out themselves and become independent more and take responsibility in their routines through repetition. It of their own self-care that they may even be helpful for them to make get to make more of their own a written schedule to help themselves

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, independent choices. keep track of their regular tasks.

FAMILY MATTERS Grow Counseling

LET KIDS “HELP” EVEN IF IT CREATES MORE WORK FOR YOU.  Building their desire to help is more important than having the job done quickly or perfectly.

Letting them help, especially when it’s a mess they made, teaches them that we are all responsible for our own messes. When they spill their drink, pick up the paper towels together and patiently show them how to clean it up. Over time letting them help with routine tasks helps

MODEL RESPONSIBILITY.  As you are responsible for tasks, talk about them out loud so your kids can learn through you.

You can say, “Now that dinner is done, we all take our plates to the sink” or “Sometimes it feels easier to leave our shoes on the floor, but we have to put them away.” This helps kids notice the tasks you are completing throughout the day and gives them ways they can take responsibility for themselves and help the family. ■

57

local food. craft beer. wine trends.

FOOD

TRUCK FRIDAYS

SPRINGTIME IS THE OFFICIAL KICKOFF TO FOOD TRUCK SEASON AND THOSE TRUCKS WILL SOON CONVERGE ON SUWANEE TOWN CENTER FOR THE ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY EVENTS. BY ALICIA CARTER

t’s springtime in Suwanee, which means it’s nights, and will be choosing everything from the theme time to turn off Netflix, break out of the house to the music as well as helping to select the food trucks. and spend the days soaking up the sun for When it comes to choosing the trucks that participate some much needed Vitamin D. Food in Food Truck Friday, the City of Suwanee’s Truck Friday happens to be one of Abby Wilkerson says there’s a method to the 2019 FOOD Suwanee’s most popular events, madness: They look for food that isn’t readily TRUCK FRIDAY because let’s face it, meals are more available in the park and that doesn’t DATES: enjoyable when taken to-go and paired compete with existing restaurants; trucks MAY 3RD, JUNE 7TH, with people watching in the park. This that are familiar with handling large AUGUST 2ND, AND SEPTEMBER 6TH year, each Food Truck Friday event crowds; as well as a diversity of food options FROM 5:30-9:30P.M. will have a different theme: May is the to please every palate.

MUSIC STARTS @ 7P.M. annual Night of Jazz and will feature In celebration of their impending return, three local high school bands. June will be we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite food a throwback, featuring the band Denim Arcade trucks to preview before the event officially kicks off playing ’80s covers. The Suwanee Youth Leaders have in May. For more information about Food Truck Friday, taken the helm of planning the August and September visit suwanee.com.

58

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

CATTYWAMPUS GRILL Cattywampus Grill serves downhome classics like burgers, chicken and waffles, and a grilled cheese sandwich alongside fries, grit fritters and mac and cheese. Owners Shane Betterton and Shayla Brown strapped into the food truck fast lane in 2016 and haven’t looked back since.

Theirs is one of the more popular trucks in Atlanta, and a favorite of Suwanee’s Food Truck Friday.

When asked why they got into the mobile food biz versus a brick-andmortar location, Shane credits the adaptable schedule and freedom to take their food to new places.

“We were attracted to the idea of bringing our food to the people and not having to rely on them coming to us,” he says. “We enjoy having our regulars along with being able to meet new people and see new places each day.” As far as their most popular menu item, Betterton notes their Barn Burger, made with a hand-crafted beef and chorizo patty topped with sharp cheddar, dill pickles, a beer-battered onion ring and topped with their house chipotle cilantro mayo served on a brioche bun. “It’s extremely unique and bold in flavor,” Shane says. Learn more about Cattywampus Grill at cattywampusgrill.com.

THE BLAXICAN

The Blaxican boasts a creative menu of Mexican Soul-Food fusion items like blackened fish tacos, “Mexy” macaroni and cheese, and their most popular dish, collard green quesadillas. In 2018, the Blaxican opened a brick-and-mortar location off of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Medlock Bridge Road in Norcross.

Since then, people have been able to come to the restaurant for their signature blend of Mexican/ Latin cuisine and Southern home cooking.

But the heart of the Blaxican still lies in its restaurant on wheels. When asked about the appeal of an event like Food Truck Friday, owner Will Turner says, “We love to share our creation with a diverse group of people, and Suwanee has become one of Georgia’s most progressively diverse cities.” Learn more about the Blaxican at blaxicanfood.com.

YUMBII

Since 2010, Yumbii has offered up a unique blend of Mexican and Asian flavors, with taco, burrito and quesadilla flavors ranging from spicy pulled pork to stir-fried tofu. But their most popular draw is hands down the sesame fries. “They're fried up fresh, tossed in Yumbii's own special blend of spices, and served with our homemade chipotle ketchup,” says owner Thom Pate. Yumbii has been on the scene for nearly a decade, and as a seasoned food truck owner, Pate knows how to stand out in the crowd.

“Yumbii was the first food truck in Atlanta,” he says. “We've been at it for eight years, and some of our guests have been with us the whole time. Our consistency, unique flavors, attention to detail, and rapid service has really helped with our success.”

Events like Food Truck Friday allow trucks like Yumbii to branch out and reach new customers. It’s also a “great time to catch up with some of the other operators in the city to talk shop,” Pate says. Learn more about Yumbii at yumbii.com.

SUPER TOT TRUCK

Is there a better food than tater tots? The compact little bites of fried potato can manifest as both highbrow and lowbrow dishes, sharing equal footing on late-night party plates as they do next to expensive steaks — it’s all in the presentation. And perhaps no one presents tots better than Super Tot Truck. According to their website, “All our tots are made from real potatoes and spices — they are gluten-free and vegetarian. Our toppings and sauces are made from scratch with real cheese, real meat, real vegetables — we do not use artificial stuff.” A quick glance at the menu finds the potato poppers smothered in varying ingredients ranging from smoked brisket to Buffalo fried chicken.

Try the Super Tots, seasoned tots topped with cheddar cheese sauce, sour cream, buttermilk ranch, hardwood smoked bacon, and green onions. “Food Truck Fridays are a fantastic way to interact with great people,” says Super Tot Truck owner Giovanna Rosenfeld. “As a chef, we constantly strive for approval and on a truck you get ‘instant’ gratification — it's a quick-serve environment and we see happy faces right away.” Learn more about the Super Tot Truck at supertottruck.com.

59

savor

W H AT ’ S BREWING

 BEFORE OPENING Contrast Artisan Ales in Chamblee, founder and Suwanee native Chase Medlin had already made waves in the Georgia craft beer scene. He got his start brewing at the popular Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards in Decatur, working under head brewer Jordan Fleetwood and then later in his career, Medlin worked alongside Creature Comforts’ David Stein. Eventually becoming head brewmaster himself, Medlin went on to brew more than 250 beer varieties at Twain’s during the seven years he worked there. Over time he developed a strong passion for brewing and soon began looking into opening his own brewery.

After a few false starts, Medlin’s dream became a reality when Contrast Artisan Ales opened its doors in December of 2018. From the delicious high-gravity beers and wine-shaped beer glasses to the modern white and gray scale taproom and vibrant standout fox mural, Medlin’s passion is evident in every aspect of Contrast. We recently had the chance to sit down with Medlin to learn more about the unique craft beer experience he is bringing to the Atlanta area.

How did you get into the craft beer industry?

C O N T R A S T

A R T I S A N

A L E S

Chamblee’s new brewery brings contrast to the Georgia craft beer scene. BY LIZZY KIDNEY / PHOTOS BY CHASE MEDLIN

I went to college and became a home brewer in the Pacific Northwest. At that time the state of Oregon was about 10 years ahead of Georgia craft beer-wise. To give you an idea, there were six breweries in my small college town of Eugene, Oregon, but when I came back and began brewing in Georgia there were only 11 breweries in the entire state. I came back and met brewmasters Jordan Fleetwood and David Stein at Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards in Decatur. They both took me under their wings and when they left I took on the role of head brewmaster at Twain’s. After I moved on from that project, I was put in contact with some brewers starting a brewery in Lawrenceville, and sure enough, I went

61

out and visited the guys at Slow Pour and ended up working for them as a consulting brew master for about a year and eight months. Towards the tail end of that, with their full support, I got the stuff together to go out on my own and open Contrast Artisan Ales.

a town center and residential area that will be located near the brewery in the future. The Chamblee area is really booming, and I wanted to be part of helping to grow the next up-and-coming area.

What makes you unique to other local breweries?

What made you want to start your own brewery?

I had been in the industry for a long time, and I felt like I had a lot of ideas and concepts that I wanted to bring to the Georgia brewery scene. It was something I was really passionate about doing on my own.

Well, there’s a contrast there [laughs]. We offer a more artful and elegant tasting room experience and go by the motto “quality over quantity.” I take a lot of pride in Contrast’s attention to detail with the things that people don’t normally look at. It goes back to my overall passion for art and the craft of brewing beer.

What is your biggest seller in the taproom?

Our IPAs for sure. Our Luminiferous IPA was the first IPA we released and it sold out in the taproom very quickly.

It is a slightly hazy 6.8% IPA that features Citra and El Dorado hops and a fruit-forward hop aroma, but I also went a little old-school and kept some of the bitterness in there. Our single-hop Artifice pale ale has also been quite popular and our first batch featured lemon drop hops.

Can you tell us a little bit about Contrast Coffee and other snacks you offer in the taproom?

At the previous breweries I worked at, I brewed coffee beers using coffee beans from a local place out of Decatur. When opening Contrast I decided to reach out to them and have them show me how to roast coffee beans myself. We sell Contrast Coffee beans in light, medium, or dark roast in the taproom, and I have plans to have a nitro cold brew on tap in the near future. We also sell “fancy Lunchables” that feature your choice of meat, cheese, and crackers; as well as chips and Prosciutto for those wanting to enjoy a small snack.

What is the story behind the Fox mural?

Can you explain the story behind the name?

Opening the brewery, I wanted to show my creative side that I haven’t been able to express in a way that I’ve seen fit until now. The idea of “Contrast” takes inspiration from all forms of art, including visual, music, culinary, and conceptual. It also has a secondary meaning in terms of us being different from most of the other Georgia breweries. We are direct sales focused in contrast to most breweries in Georgia being distribution focused.

I am a huge art fan, and I knew I wanted to commission a unique piece to feature in the brewery. The Fox mural, an 11x15 vivid focal point in our taproom, is a collaboration between Atlanta artists Jagua Martian and Austin Blue. We try to promote and showcase local artists, and I have a free space in our tasting room that we have given these artists to use as a gallery where they can sell their pieces.

How has the response been after opening?

The response from the community has been fantastic. We have gained a great local following, and MARTA is utilized quite often as people have been coming from all over the city. ■

What made you choose this location?

When I picked Chamblee, I wanted to be inside the Perimeter and also near MARTA so people would be able to come to our location and have it accessible. The city also has plans for a bigger development featuring

Contrast Artisan Ales is located at 5504 Peachtree Road in Chamblee.

Hours: Thursday, 5-10 p.m.

Friday, 5-11 p.m. / Saturday, 2-11 p.m.

Sunday 2-8 p.m.

contrastartisanales.com.

62

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

savor

CUCUMBER JALAPEÑO MARGARITA CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO WITH ONE OF THESE FIVE CREATIVE MARGARITA RECIPES FROM BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE

BY CLAIRE ADDISON, BEVERAGE MANAGER AT BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE GRAYSON

s there anything that calls to mind summer more than a fresh, cold margarita? As with many of the classic cocktails, the origin story of this drink is almost as fuzzy as your head the next morning, but one thing is for sure: Summer isn’t summer without your fair share of these amazing drinks. One of the beauties of this beast is that everyone has their own recipe, and just like fried chicken, everyone’s is a little different.

The basics are always the same, but the creativity shines in the unexpected flavor combinations that will complement the quality ingredients used.  Let’s start with the basics. Always use a quality tequila. Period. There’s no getting around it. The best tequilas are usually hand-harvested and roasted from 100% agave. The agave plant is from the lily family and looks like a giant prickly aloe vera that grows to large sizes. The heart of the plant is harvested and roasted to produce the liquor that we know as tequila. At Beverage SuperStore, we are always looking for the best products, and we’ve selected our very own Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila barrel. This

barrel is unique to our store and is one of the best you will ever taste. Try it in these amazing cocktails!

So, let’s get crafting! The basic recipe for a margarita is 2 ounces of Blanco or Silver tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce orange liquor, and a 1/2 ounce agave syrup. Combine all the ingredients, shake, and pour over ice. You can rim your glass with salt or sugar and throw in a lime wheel. That’s it! No muss, no fuss. Now, onward to some creative flavor combinations!

■ ■ ■ ■

3 slices peeled and seeded cucumber 3 slices seeded fresh jalapeño 2 ounces tequila 1 ounce fresh lime juice

This amazing combination has all the heat of your favorite salsa combined with cucumber to cool the heat and keep you sipping all day long. Make sure to seed your cucumber after you peel it to prevent the drink from getting too overloaded with pulp. Muddle the cucumber slices with the jalapeño and pour the tequila on top. Add the fresh lime juice, shake, and pour over ice. Serve with a slice of lime.

FRENCH MARGARITA ■ ■ ■ ■

2 ounces tequila 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce orange liquor 1/2 ounce raspberry liquor

Try this upscale remix with a sugar rim! Add all ingredients and shake, then pour over ice in a sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lime wedge.

PEACH MARGARITA ■ ■ ■ ■

1/2 cup fresh, ripe peaches 2 ounces tequila 1 ounces fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce agave nectar

What’s more fitting for Georgia summers than drinks made with our favorite stone fruit? Make sure your peaches are nice and ripe! Muddle the peaches with the tequila, then add the remaining ingredients and shake. Pour over ice and serve with a sugared rim. For an added flair, top it with prosecco or sparkling water.

BEER MARGARITA ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2 ounces tequila 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce orange liquor 1/2 ounce agave nectar Mexican lager

Your neighborhood taco spot probably has something like this on its menu. Why not just recreate it at home? Add all ingredients except the lager in a glass and shake. Pour over ice, and top with the lager. Salt is optional, lime is not.

63

THE

Freeland Painting Celebrates 10 Years THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

The Irelands

➽ Suwanee’s hometown commercial and residential painting company, Freeland Painting, celebrated 10 years in business this past March.

And a celebration it was. The event took place at the new Tequila Mama Taqueria in the heart of Suwanee’s always hopping Town Center with more than 100 of their friends, customers and vendors.

It was not only a celebration of their success but, more importantly it was also confirmation of the validity and strength of Freeland Painting’s core operational value, “Relationships matter more than the brush or the ladder.” It’s been this value that has enabled Freeland Painting to grow over the decade from five employees to the 25 they have today. Just as their core value allowed them to be successful and grow over this past decade, they’re confident they will have cause to celebrate again 10 years from now. Freeland Painting would like to thank all who made the last 10 years possible!

2019 SUWANEE BEER FEST BENEFITS COOPER’S CREW

TEAM SUWANEE BEER FEST: Damond Farrar, April Miller, Tiffany Belflower, Priscilla Salmasi, Julie Perdue, Charlie, Brian Hassinger, Ryan Thomas, Cooper's Crew's Kevin O'Brien, Randall Veugeler, Angela Veugeler, Erica Abrams, Donna O'Brien, Natalie Stubbs, Shay Harbaugh, Sue Pelot, Laura Holcombe and Vanessa Studebaker.

64

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

There is more to Suwanee Beer Fest than unlimited beer and St. Paddy’s Day revelry. Each year, the festival proudly benefits a local charity organization. The 2019 event donated more than $8,000 of festival proceeds to Cooper’s Crew, a Suwanee-based nonprofit formed in memory and honor of Cooper O’Brien, a North Gwinnett Middle School student who lost his battle to Clear Cell Sarcoma in 2014 at the young age of 14. To date, the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund has donated more than $25,000 in the form of scholarships for other young students who have shown great strength in the face of hardships. They are also dedicated to providing funding for research and development to help find a cure for childhood cancer.

To date, Suwanee Beer Fest organizers have donated over $100,000 of festival proceeds to local charities, such as Cooper’s Crew.

THE CHAMP CLINIC OFFERS BRAIN MAPPING AND BRAIN ENHANCEMENT The CHAMP Clinic is a brain mapping and brain enhancement company specializing in helping clients reach their performance goals by balancing and strengthening their brains and minds. Each client is treated by their current mental states, their life needs, and goals. The CHAMP Clinic offers three cuttingedge Neurotechnologies that give a universal brain balance, boost, and targeted improvements.

So far, The CHAMP Clinic has a 100% Former homeless success rate USA Military Vet with clients Travis Eikner with The who complete CHAMP Clinic’s Dr. Nick Sutton. their training programs. So whether it’s to improve a mental deficiency or to achieve your highest goals, The CHAMP Clinic is the place to go. Dr. CHAMP has worked with 15 NASCAR Drivers, 25 NFL players, 1 MLB player, and everything from Alzheimer’s to sport performance. Call 1-844-DrCHAMP for more information.

BEST BEER IN GA

SCOFFLAW BREWING'S F*** CANCER WINS 2019 GEORGIA BREW BATTLE AT SUWANEE BEER FEST Every year, Suwanee Beer Fest gives the power to the people during the Georgia Brew Battle, in which festival attendees cast their votes for their favorite Georgia brew. On St. Patrick’s Day weekend, more than 30 attending breweries pit their most popular beers against each other to compete for the title of Georgia’s Best Beer. At the end of the day, over 5,000 festival attendees placed their wooden token in their favorite beer jars and festival organizers tallied up the votes. In a close race, Scofflaw Brewing took home the coveted golden trophy for their F*** Cancer IPA. The extremely popular special edition of the Basement IPA comes in an effort to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Scofflaw Brewing will hold the Brew Battle title and display the trophy in the brewery until the 2020 Suwanee Beer Fest.

Your CBD Store opens at Hamilton Mill  Your CBD Store Hamilton Mill is the first designated CBD boutique in North Gwinnett bringing the highest quality CBD to the area. Your CBD offers a one-of-akind experience with a knowledgeable staff. They offer products such as Water Soluble, Tincture, Topical Relief Cream, Edibles, Vapes, Pet Products and more. Some customers have already started coming back to report how the products have helped them with their arthritis, chronic pain, insomnia, stress, anxiety, inflammation — the list goes on. All of Your CBD’s products are organically grown and third-party tested to ensure the highest quality product.

Visit Your CBD Store Hamilton Mill, 3235 Sardis Church Road, Suite 107, in Buford for free samples and more information about their products. You can also order by phone at 470-238-3749.

CLUB GRAVITY Club Gravity is Suwanee’s newest teen hot spot where you can experience the best in party entertainment.

Club Gravity offers a full DMX lit dance floor, 30-foot LED bar, unique drinks, VIP area, check-in desks, lounge area, video games, pool table, and screened TVs to meet all your party needs.

Gravity can do almost any party, from proms, weddings, bar mitzvahs, Sweet 16, Quinceanera to anniversaries, graduations and kid's parties. Club Gravity specializes in teen entertainment, offering teen dance parties every weekend with a live DJ and non-alcoholic bar. Don’t worry, Club Gravity has tight security keeping everyone safe.

Gravity Gives Back offers the community easy fundraising opportunities. DJ classes are a great birthday gift or a party idea — great for any age! Check out their website GravityDanceClub.com, and follow them on Instagram/Facebook @ GravityDanceClub to get up to date public events.

65

HEARTIS SUWANEE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING WITH A RIBBON CUTTING NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SENIOR COMMUNITY HELPS RESIDENTS TO LIVE AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE Inclusive retirement community Heartis Suwanee celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 4. Located across from Town Center Park at the northwest corner of Suwanee Dam and Brogdon roads, Heartis is a state-of-theart senior community that is dedicated to helping its residents continue to live as independently as possible, while also supplying the tools needed to lead full, active and enjoyable lives. With three lodging options PHOTO BY JULIE PERDUE — independent living, assisted living, and memory care — residents have the ability to choose the accommodations that best fit their needs and lifestyle. “Heartis Suwanee is proud to be part of the vision of the City of Suwanee,” says Executive Director Sharise Thurman. ”We are excited to be inclusive, engaged, and welcoming of everyone of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds at the highquality community the residents will call their home.”

Heartis Suwanee boasts 175 units in single-story, two-story, and three-story buildings totaling more than 180,000 square feet along with first-class amenities and spacious accommodations. To learn more about Heartis Suwanee, visit their sales office located at 425 Buford Highway Suite 106-B, Suwanee, 30024, or call 770-614-6601. You can also visit their website at Heartis.com.

66

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

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

STILLFIRE BREWING DEBUTS AT SUWANEE BEER FEST  On the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, thousands of craft beer lovers spread out across Suwanee Town Center to take part in the ninth annual Suwanee Beer Fest. Hundreds of beer vendors and more than 30 Georgia breweries put their best beers forward as they filled attendees’ glasses with a variety of Ales, IPAs, and Lagers. However, one tent seemed to stand out from the crowd.

Suwanee Beer Fest marked the debut of Suwanee’s new hometown brewery, StillFire Brewing. The City of Suwanee announced that the brewery was coming just weeks before the festival, and it was obvious that anticipation was already building for the new brewery as people lined up to snag a taste of StillFire’s brews. The brewery offered an exclusive first taste of their Why Georgia Rye Pale Ale, Thoroughly Good Scotch Ale, Glory Haze Hazy IPA, Orange Diva Blood Orange Wit, Suwan Song Saison, and Midnight Voyage Cuban Coffee Stout. Acclaimed brewmaster Phil Farrell, and owners Randall Veugeler and John Bisges, were on hand to answer questions about all of the beers, which lit a fire among the crowd.

“I am so excited that this brewery is coming to Suwanee,” said festival attendee Will James, “I kept going back for more of their Hazy IPA! It will be my go-to drink as soon as the taproom opens!”

StillFire Brewing is set to open September 2019 in the former Fire Station 13 across from Town Center Park.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SUWANEE’S NEW HOMETOWN BREWERY ➽ April 22nd was an exciting day for Suwanee as StillFire Brewing began construction to convert the Gwinnett County Fire Station 13 into its new home. With the slinging of the first sledgehammer, brewery founders, city council members, Mayor Jimmy Burnette, and beer aficionados rejoiced as the day marked the beginning of Suwanee’s Hometown Brewery.

“We have been working on this project for over three years now and we are extremely excited and appreciate everyone’s support from the community,” said cofounder John Bisges, “The brewery is really all about community and we can’t wait to get started.”

The new high-end industrial-style taproom and 20-barrel brewery is set to open September of this year, and the StillFire team is excited to share their passion for killer beer with the community.

Keep up with construction and other brewery news by following StillFire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; or signup to receive their newsletter at stillfirebrewing.com.

67

GARY BILLION: PHOTO BY TIM URSPRUNG

ONE IN A BILLION

NORTH GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET CELEBRATES LIFE OF LOCAL ATHLETIC SUPPORTER On February 28th, North Gwinnett High School held the annual Gary Billion Track Meet in honor of a man who had a significant impact on the local community. Gary Billion moved to Suwanee in 1997 after he was involved in an accident that left him a quadriplegic. Despite his physical challenges, Gary still went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in Education. After moving to Suwanee, he became an active fan of North Gwinnett Athletics. Mr. Billion made it a point to attend as many NGHS sporting events as he possibly could before passing away in 2015.

He became a fixture at the school, showing up for all home events and sharing in the excitement alongside the high school athletes.

Gary Billion had a genuine love for the athletes, and would even make it a point to wish them good luck before every event. “When one of the track athletes would make the paper, Mr. Billion would be sure to bring newspaper clippings to us at our next meets,” says former NGHS runner Jessica Ursprung. “We could always expect to see him cheering us on from his spot by the home bleachers.”

Gary Billion's legacy, love, and support for the community continues on even after his passing. This year marked the 13th anniversary of the Gary Billion Track Meet in his honor, and although Mr. Billion is no longer with us, he has made an impact on the community that will outlive us all.

NO EXCUSES CROSSFIT DONATES 3,000 ITEMS TO NORTH GWINNETT CO-OP ➽ Over a five-week span, No Excuses CrossFit in Suwanee donated nearly 3,000 items to the North Gwinnett Co-Op. The items came as a result of the gym’s Friday Night Throwdown, in which members earned points for their teams by donating items for the Co-Op every week for five weeks. The North Gwinnett Co-Op No Excuses CrossFit owner is a resource of assistance to the Brandon Brigman Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Buford communities, and strives to make sure no one in the community goes to bed hungry. “I was really impressed with our members' generosity towards the North Gwinnett Co-Op,” said No Excuses CrossFit owner Brandon Brigman. “They went above and beyond to help a lot of people in our community that are less fortunate. I’m so thankful to be around a group of kind people." Out of the nearly 3,000 items, No Excuses collected 375 jars of spaghetti sauce, 524 bottles of laundry detergent, 752 bottles of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, 885 cans of fruit and 431 bags of coffee. Learn more about No Excuses CrossFit at NoExcusesCrossFit.com.

68

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT Chick-fil-A Moore Road recently challenged local high school student Joey Smith to eat at their restaurant every day for 100 days in a row.

Joey, of course, accepted the challenge and fully embraced his new Chick-fil-A diet. His only requirement was to eat at the Moore Road Chickfil-A location every day and have his progress tracked by scanning his Chick-fil-A One app. This meant that some days he would simply get a side item, but most visits he ordered a full meal. There were even several days where Joey would visit the restaurant three times in one day!

70

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

the buzz

EATS CHICK-FIL-A 100 DAYS IN A ROW March 29th marked Joey’s 100th day and Chick-fil-A Moore Road threw a huge celebration in honor of his fried chicken accomplishment.

The restaurant crew went all out to celebrate as they picked Joey up at his house in a Mercedes along with a full camera crew from the Chickfil-A support center. When he arrived at the restaurant, Joey was greeted by more than 100 of his friends, family, and fans from the Suwanee community who watched him make his 100th transaction.

"I want to say thank you to everyone involved and it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Joey says. “It's crazy how something so small and fun can turn into something so Joey Smith big and meaningful.”

LIFETIME INVESTMENT REALTY CELEBRATES RIBBON-CUTTING ➽ Lifetime Investment Realty (LIR), a family-oriented, motivated and experienced team of realtors, celebrated the company’s grand opening with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The event was held on March 28, 2019 at the LIR headquarters located at 3883 Rogers Bridge Road, Suite 401B in Duluth, Georgia. Led by broker and owner Victoria Ayeni, Lifetime Investment Realty offers residential, commercial and property management services for clients in the United States and international markets. Built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and dedication, LIR is a full-service real estate company that represents buyers, sellers and investors. The company’s mission is to consistently provide the highest quality, most innovative and exceptional real estate service available.

“We are pleased with the positive response from our grand opening,” said Lifetime Investment Realty Broker and Owner Victoria Ayeni. “Our team looks forward to helping dreams become reality for many years to come.”

For more information and the latest on Lifetime Investment Realty, visit LifetimeInvestmentRealty.com or call 404-496-4994.

71

S U G A R

H I L L

CityBuzz THERE’S A buzz in Sugar Hill and it isn’t just the honey bees. The city’s growing downtown, newly opened businesses, and a full schedule of fun events offer plenty of opportunity to explore the sweet city this summer.

The Bowl amphitheater will host a starstudded concert series beginning May 4 with country legends Trace Adkins and Clint Black. Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will take the stage on June 1, and classic rock group Blood, Sweat, & Tears will perform August 3. For info on additional performers or to purchase tickets, visit thebowlatsugarhill.com.

Sugar Hill’s gorgeous Art Deco-style Eagle Theatre continues to host $2 movies every Tuesday at noon and 7 p.m. and will debut a different theme each month with family-friendly options as well as date-night films and comedies.

Families can also cool off at Sugar Hill’s well-loved Splash Park in the heart of downtown (just off of Broad Street and Temple Drive). Monthly Splash Nights on the last Friday of each month (May 31, June 28, and July 26) will offer the chance to enjoy music and food trucks with family, friends, and neighbors.

Newly opened Central City Tavern, Rushing Trading Company, Crazy Dough’s Pizza, and Indio Brewing offer great opportunities to grab a bite to eat while attending an event or enjoy a drink on the E Center promenade with outdoor seating overlooking downtown.

Sugar Hill has plenty of opportunities for outdoor play at E.E. Robinson and Gary Pirkle Park with ball fields, walking paths, playgrounds, and plenty of green space for picnics and play. The Sugar Hill Golf Club is also open seven days a week for play and

The E Center offers a range of activities and events.

New businesses at the E Center include Rushing Trading Company and Crazy Dough’s Pizza.

was voted as one of the Best of Gwinnett.

The new E Center community gym — free to residents and only $35 a year for non-residents — boasts a full-size basketball court, walking track, and gym equipment. The gym also offers additional fitness space and a variety of classes.

With a range of activities, events, and options for all, it’s clear that no matter what kind of adventure you’re searching for this summer you’ll be sure to find it in Sugar Hill. ■ PHOTO BY KEVIN MAZUR

72

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

/CityofSugarHill

@CityofSugarHill

@CityofSugarHill_

citybuzz

Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest 2019 Saturday, March 16th

TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

74

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

ON THE SCENE

75

Suwanee Soiree Saturday, April 13th

HEARTIS SENIOR LIVING

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

John and Kathy Ferroni

The Goodmans, The Burnettes and the Millers

Mike and Melissa Fulton, Carolyn and Wayne Hill Tony Espinosa and Andrea Miller

Jessica and Rick Rantamaki

Khady and Wayne Ellison

Keith Nabb, Lakeesha, Dr. and Mrs. Nariani, Sharise Thurman, Latasha Bates, and Heidi Wasdin

Patty Etherton and Bernie Bock Davis

Keith and Susan Costly

Catherine Yhon, Darren Malloy

Dave and Rita Patel

Paul Ellis and Amie Hamby

Lisa Thomason and Dominick Cuocci

76

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

Jimmy Burnette with Andrea and Sean Longfellow

people & places

Race to Cure Sarcoma Saturday, April 13th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB Ilona Berman, Leyla Heano and Stephanie Olney

Keith Nabb and Leyla Heano

Dan and India London

Dr. Sanjay Nariani and wife, Hardevi

Shawn and David Cross

Sandy Boslet and Mike Trotter

Keith Nabb, Cherie Heringer and Daniel Butman

77

City of Suwanee 10th Anniversary Photo

Sunday, March 10th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

Linnea Miller, Mayor Jimmy Burnette and Beth Hilscher

Amy Doherty and Abby Wilkerson

Ava, Tiffany and Andy Belflower

Savannah, Tammy , David and Abigail Luney

O'Briens

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

facebook.com/ suwaneemagazine.com

78

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

I

MAY / JUNE 19

people & places

Shamrock Run

Saturday, March 16th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

SBA Meeting

Wednesday, March 13th HUSKER'S CAFE

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

Donna and Kevin O'Brien

Rennasant Bank's Caleb Sheeler and Ladda Di Cristina

Susan Radford and Don Guthrie

79

24

city

buzz

A R E A

May

3

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY NIGHT OF JAZZ ___ __________________ 5:30-9 p.m. ____________________

Town Center Park

4

E V E N T

LIVE AT THE BOWL:

TRACE ADKINS & CLINT BLACK

_____________________ ___ 8 p.m. _____________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill _____________________ More info @ TheBowlat SugarHill.com.

4

JEFF & JENN'S QUESO 5K! ___ _____________________

4

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

___________________ ___ 9 a.m. _____________________

Lawrenceville Square ____________________

8:30 a.m. _____________________

Details available at FreeComicBookDay.com.

Town Center Park _____________________

GWINNETT STRIPERS: MARGARITAVILLE NIGHT AT THE PARK _____________________ ___

7:05 p.m. _______________________

Coolray Field _______________________

4 May 5 11

A night of laid-back, tropical island-themed fun.

th

Town Center Park ______________________

Town Center Park _______________________

More information at NGAA4Arts.com/JazzFest.

Details @ WoofStockAtl.com.

I

Suwanee Magazine

I

suwaneemagazine.com

SUWANEE JAZZ FEST

____________________ ___ 6 p.m.-10 p.m. ______________________

STAR 94.1’S WOOFSTOCK _____________________ ___ 11 a.m. _______________________

80

GREAT STRIDES ATLANTA

_____________________ ___ 6 p.m.-10 p.m. _______________________

Town Center Park _______________________

The largest cystic fibrosis walk in the country. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds.

18

COMMON GROUND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN THE PARK____ _____________________

5 p.m. ________________________

Town Center Park ________________________ More info @ Suwanee.com.

10 18

It’s back and CHEESIER than ever!

Jeff and Jenn’s 5 Queso 5K is ON! Be sure to stop by the "Big Dipper" Truck and try some!

Thru

18

I

MAY / JUNE 19

SWEET ONION RUN 5K

___________________ ___ 8 a.m. _____________________

Sugar Hill City Hall

24

Thru May 26th ART-TIQUES VINTAGE MARKET ___________________ ___

NOON _____________________

Buford Town Center

RED, WHITE, BLUEGRASS, & BACH ____ _____________________

7 p.m. ________________________

Town Center Park

24

LIVE AT THE BOWL: JOAN

JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS _____________________ ____

8 p.m. _________________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill _________________________ More info at TheBowlatSugarHill.com.

June

1

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

_________ __________ 7 p.m. Ralph Breaks the Internet; 8:45 p.m.

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse

______________________________

Town Center Park

15

SUWANEE’S BIG ARTSY _____________________ ____

6 p.m. ________________________

Town Center Park

21

SUWANEE SUMMER PORCH_JAM _____________________ ___

6 p.m. ________________________

Old Town Suwanee _____________________

An old-fashioned summer block party featuring food, drinks, music and fun!