November/December 2020

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Children s Heathcare of Atlanta s Canines For Kids

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Bright Lights, Christmas City WHERE TO SEE THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THIS YEAR

TIPS FOR HOSTING A HOLIDAY PARTY

TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

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LUCIANO S RISTORANTE ITALIANO HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE 2020

THE

issue

Personal Care Home for the Elderly

Savannah Plantation enjoys a 25-year tradition of providing quality care at a reasonable rate. We offer all the services you’ll find at larger facilities, for half the cost. On average, we save families over $20,000 yearly in elderly care services.

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• Exclusive All Women’s Facility • 24 Hour Awake Staff • Visiting Physician/ Nurse Practitioner • Visiting Podiatrist • Visiting Lab Services • Daily Laundry Services • Daily Housekeeping Services • 3 Home-Cooked Meals Daily (Special Diets Available) • Visiting Beautician/ Beauty Shop on Premises • Licensed Practical Nurse Compliance Manager • Pharmacy Delivery Services • Cable TV Access in Every Room • Staff To Patient Ratio Exceeds State Regulations • Secure Facility with Alarms • Daily Activities (Guest Singer on Weekends) • Security Cameras in Common Areas • Loving Family Environment

LEADING CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we believe every patient deserves personalized, comprehensive care that fits their needs. That’s why our network of expert providers is dedicated to delivering patient-first care backed by leading treatment options. Discover the power of Northside in your neighborhood.

Contact a practice below to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment today.

Our Locations Adult Primary Care Associates

General Surgeons of Gwinnett Georgia Hill, DO

Gwinnett Consultants in Cardiology

575 Professional Drive, Suite 510 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-513-2072 northside.com/apc

3890 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 240 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-978-0561 generalsurgeonsofgwinnett.com

755 Walther Road Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-962-4895 gwinnettcardiology.com

Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists

Georgia Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates

Northside Suwanee Primary Care

771 Old Norcross Road, Suite 135 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-292-6500 arthritisandtotaljoint.com

721 Wellness Way, Suite 200 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-277-4277 gcrsa.com

1120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suite 208 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-312-8400 northside.com/suwaneepc

Duluth Family & Sports Medicine

Georgia Gynecologic Oncology

Women’s Specialists of Northside Gwinnett

3855 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 100 Duluth, GA 30096 678-312-7800 northside.com/dfsm

759 Old Norcross Road Lawrenceville, GA 30046 678-442-3121 ggo-atl.com

601A Professional Drive, Suite 310 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-643-4115 womensspecialistsng.com

NOV/DEC 2020

10 Quantum Bank Quantum Bank is an exemplary example of how showing up and supporting local small businesses and nonprofits can have a huge impact on the community.

24 Tips for Hosting A Successful Holiday Party

Suwanee Magazine’s resident party girl offers tips to help kick off the party planning process this holiday season.

15 Investment Strategies

Suwanee’s Aileron Investment Advisors, a comprehensive financial planning firm run by father-daughter team Bill and Cindi Porter, address how the Federal Reserve affects investments.

26 Simply Lit

Alpharetta’s Simply Lit is a decorative lighting company that offers residential and commercial holiday decorating as well as event lighting and marquee rentals.

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28 Bright Lights, Christmas City

A handy dandy map for where to find the best holiday lights around town.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's Production of

The Nutcracker

32 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre brings its nostalgic — and safe! — production of The Nutcracker to Infinite Energy Center just in time for the holidays.

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We caught up with the Canine’s for Kids team to learn more about the incredible therapy dogs who provide support to children and their families during challenging times.

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36 Faces of Suwanee: David Pierce, Sr.

Originally from Chamblee, David Pierce, Sr., at 87 years young, is full of interesting stories about the rural town of Suwanee long before the parks and trails, Town Center, and the traffic.

39 The ABCs of the Holiday Season

As we approach the holidays, keep these simple ABCs in mind to help your family to get the most out of the season.

40 Heal Yourself 360

Suwanee Spine’s Dr. Lauren Millman discusses how to improve your emotional wellness in 2020.

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Holiday Gift Guide Shop local! Our annual Holiday Gift Guide features gift ideas and exclusive deals from in and around Suwanee to help make your holiday shopping easier.

46 4 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

PHOTO BY RICHARD CALMES

Each year during the holidays we highlight local ways we can give back to our community.

From donation and volunteer opportunities to helping provide gifts to children in need, there’s no shortage of ways to help.

52 Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano

A favorite of the Duluth business crowd, Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano serves up Northern Italian flavors in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.

57 Social Fox Brewing

Social Fox brings a small, social and hyperlocal craft beer experience to Norcross.

60 StillFire Brewing Turns One

Suwanee brewery celebrates one year of crafting world-class beer while giving back to the community.

IN EVERY ISSUE: 6 Editor’s Letter 9 Currently Loving 62 The Buzz

68 Sugar Hill CityBuzz 70 People & Places 72 Event Calendar

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letter

PHOTO BY RKARL LAMB

a note from our managing editor

Home for the Holidays UR HOLIDAY ISSUE is a favorite

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

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Children s Heathcare of Atlanta s Canines For Kids

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• CH I LDREN'S H EALTHCARE OF ATLANTA'S CAN I N ES FOR KI DS • RESTAU RANT SPOTLIGHT: LUCIANO'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

DECEMBER

NOV / DEC 20 HOLI DAY GI FT GU I DE

s

F R I D A Y,

Bright Lights, Christmas City WHERE TO SEE THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THIS YEAR

TIPS FOR HOSTING A HOLIDAY PARTY

WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

,

LUCIANO S RISTORANTE ITALIANO HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE

Visit Suwanee.com for tour stops

2020

issue

ON THE COVER:

Golden Retriever Boone, photographed on October 2nd

by Karl Lamb

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lineup, including its annual Gingerbread House Contest, Nutcracker Tea and more! Turn to p. 10 to learn about how Quantum Bank is going above and beyond to help local businesses navigate challenging times associated with COVID-19 and beyond. Their work dedicated to supporting local small businesses and nonprofits has made a huge impact on our community as well as our very own business.

If you need a local place to take the family for a delicious holiday meal, look no further than Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano, p. 52. The Duluth restaurant serves up Italian classics in a sophisticated and warm atmosphere, highlighting the flavors of Northern Italy and Naples. The restaurant also offers a number of family meals to-go in case you prefer to bring the Luciano’s experience to your home.

No matter how you plan to celebrate this year, we can all find comfort in the joys the last couple months of the year bring. And as we gather together with family and friends to celebrate the reasons for the joyous season, from Thanksgiving and Hanakkah to Kawanzaa and Christmas, we can all agree there truly is no place like our home, Suwanee, for the holidays.

THE

NOV / DEC 2020

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Our Ways to Give Back section highlights organizations doing amazing things in our community, like Hope Thru Soap, a mobile shower experience serving metro Atlanta’s homeless community.

nt

of many of the staff here at Suwanee Magazine. Each year we get the opportunity to highlight the joys of the season and shine a light on many of the people and organizations doing incredible things in our community. And that’s how we envisioned this issue from the beginning: a shining light. Which is probably why a big chunk of the holiday section is devoted to the twinkling lights synonymous with the season. On p. 28, we reminisce on the old-school family Christmas Lights Drive before highlighting a few of the stand-out places to see some of the best Christmas lights and decorations around town.

We also caught up with the owner of Simply Lit, a decorative lighting company located in Alpharetta, who is helping to decorate homes and businesses throughout the metro area. Read more on p. 26.

In the spirit of the season we also wanted to draw attention to ways to give back to charitable organizations throughout our community, p. 46.

From Our Friend Christopher, a nonprofit set up in memory of Christopher Miles, a North Gwinnett High School graduate who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year, to Hope Thru Soap, an organization on a mission to provide homeless individuals with a shower and clean clothes through its mobile shower experience, there are a number of organizations in need of community support in order to continue to do their good works. We also had the opportunity to learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Canines for Kids program, p. 32, a special animal-assisted therapy program that uses specially trained canines to help the hospital’s patients and families in a number of ways.

Speaking of canines helping kids, turn to p. 63 to learn more about Lambert High School’s team of S u wa n e e y of pre Cit se therapy dogs who help support the e school’s students and faculty.

While we may still be facing the realities of COVID, many organizations are working hard to continue the traditions of the holidays in a Coming to a safe environment. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, neighborhood near you! th p. 42, plans to bring its production of The 2 0 2 0 stage Nutcracker to the Infinite Energy Center for families to enjoy. Suwanee Performing Arts, p. 65, is also moving forward with its holiday

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR Alicia@suwanee magazine.com

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

Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE GARY DOWD

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

Published by VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200 Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270.

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

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

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

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

Random Act of Kindness Suwanee Towne Florist is always doing something to support our community. Recently, they have been putting out free bouquets of flowers around different cities. If you find them, they are free! They have put out bouquets in Suwanee, Duluth and Buford in the last couple of months. SuwaneeTowneFlorist.com.

- Tammy Luney, Ad Manager

BEST COMMUNITY OUTREACH

TACO TUESDAYS , AT BETO S TACOS

BETO’S TACOS is our go-to spot for #TacoTuesday. Their weekly $9.99 deal scores you three tacos of your choice plus a 16-ounce house draft beer. What could be better than tacos and beer?! Beto’s is located on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee. BetosTacos.com.

- Natalie Garrett, Contributing Writer

Breakfast at Rushing Trading Company ON A DIRE NEED for a coffee run, I recently stumbled

on Rushing Trading Company in downtown Sugar Hill. While there I found out they serve delicious brunch items like their Truly’s French BEST Toast! Featuring their signature French toast FRENCH TOAST dipped with brown sugar and delectably sweetened cream cheese, patrons can choose to stuff it with pumpkin cream, strawberries, bananas or blueberries for a really incredible variety! This delicious brunch item not only tastes great but also goes toward a great cause! $2 of every Truly’s French Toast ordered goes back to the #TrulyStrong organization in an effort to raise money for local 13-year-old Truly's kidney transplant. Pair your Truly's French Toast with their bottomless mimosas and you have the perfect feel-good brunch! rushingtradingco.com.

BEST TACO DEAL

Best Santa Experience IN LIEU of Suwanee’s traditional Jolly Holly Day event, the city will host Santapalooza: The Naughty or Nice Tour, a rock ’n’ roll-themed Santa parade. On Dec. 4, Jolly ol’ Saint Nick will be pulled in his sleigh from neighborhood to neighborhood to bring some socially distant joy to kids around town, while also collecting canned food for the North Gwinnett Co-Op. Check out Suwanee.com for participating neighborhoods.

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

- Lizzy James, Contributing Writer

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B U S I N E S S

S P O T L I G H T :

Q U A N T U M

N A T I O N A L

B A N K

Quantum National Bank is an exemplary example of how showing up and supporting local small businesses and nonprofits can have a huge impact on the community.

By Angela Veugeler / Photos by Karl Lamb

S THE WEEK of

March 8, 2020, unfolded, the shutdowns caused

by COVID-19 quickly created a domino effect.

Major sporting events were canceled and retailers were shutting their doors. I remember hearing that Chick-fil-A and Starbucks had closed and thinking, “Is this really happening?” Next were the churches and schools, which is when it really started sinking in and I began to realize

how this was going to heavily impact our business, too. I know I am speaking for many companies when I say our incredible team of people is what makes our business. Our team is our company.

Businesses across the country were wondering how and IF they could keep their doors open and sadly, we were in the same boat.

Fortunately, we were able to work remotely and remain open during the shutdowns; but our business, like most others, saw a drastic drop in revenue. We were desperately

trying to figure out what could be done to protect our business and our team.

Like most people, I was following the news very closely looking for information wherever I could find it. When they announced the CARES Act, and specifically the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), I was calling bankers, other business owners and anyone else in my contact list who might know more than me, trying to figure out when applications were going to be available and how we could

The Quantum Bank team worked around the clock to help small businesses during quarantine.

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Senior Vice President of Quantum Bank, Tyler Phillips

apply. We have always banked with larger institutions, although I’m not sure exactly why... other than the convenience of having many branches, which seemed helpful back in the day when you had more of a demand to visit the physical branch more often. However, we never established a relationship with anyone from our bank, which became evident through my search for intel. I remember making an appointment at our local branch, calling the corporate office, calling another branch in our area and no one had any information regarding the PPP loan. So here I am, knowing that these forgivable loans were going to become available to businesses all over the country — the loan that would enable us to keep our doors open and compensate our team members —

and I’m unable to get any answers.

Reaching out to multiple business owners, I learned they, too, were having similar experiences with their larger institutions!

Then, I remembered that I met the Senior Vice President of Quantum National Bank, Tyler Phillips, through the Suwanee Business Alliance, and was hopeful that he could offer some sort of insight. And, sure enough, Tyler (thankfully!) called me back and explained all of the details of the funding and when they expected applications to be available. advised me of all of the

information I needed to collect in order to apply for the loan, as I suddenly became hyper-aware of the value of a community bank.

As soon as the application was made available, I completed all of the paperwork and submitted it to Quantum. They processed our application and the loan was funded within a week. What an enormous relief! We were guaranteed to have payroll covered for the next few months, despite the lack of revenue coming in to otherwise do so!

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

 Quantum National Bank helped more than 1,000 small businesses obtain over $83 million in PPP loans. That translates to more than 12,000 jobs saved in our community! Many of those small businesses were not even customers of Quantum Bank at the time. According to Quantum President Brad Day, “During that whole process it was like drinking water out of a firehose. The PPP loans were just coming. We were staying late, working on weekends, trying to serve as many customers

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QUANTUM BANK HELPED MORE THAN 1,000 SMALL BUSINESSES OBTAIN OVER $83 MILLION IN PPP LOANS. THAT TRANSLATES TO MORE THAN 12,000 JOBS SAVED IN OUR COMMUNITY! as possible. We have a great team. More than half the bank was working on PPP loans. We focused our staff to make sure we could get as many of these loans approved as we could. That’s what people needed, people needed our help.”

LOCALITY, COMMUNITY AND AUTHENTICITY

 Reading a statement Quantum Founder and Chairman of the Board Dr. Narasimhulu Neelagaru (Dr. Neel) posted on their website rang true based on my experience with Quantum.

He said, “Since day one, Locality, Community and Authenticity have been our priorities. We intend to keep it that way.” A perfect example of this is the fact that their team was working around the clock to help local businesses during the quarantine. And, in addition to helping with funding to keep them afloat, I noticed Quantum would not only order lunch for their team

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from local restaurants who were all struggling, but they would send out an email showcasing each restaurant to help market their food and service. They were spending money with these businesses, taking care of their team members by providing lunch and taking it a step further by spreading the word to their customers about these restaurants. If that doesn’t show community support, I don’t know what does.

LOCAL ROOTS

 Quantum National Bank was founded in 1995, opening with their headquarter location in Suwanee before expanding to additional locations in Milton and Buckhead.

The vast majority of their customers are small businesses in the greater Atlanta area. Quantum offers all products related to smallbusiness banking and even offers no ATM fees across the country.

If you use an ATM that charges

Brad Day, President of Quantum Bank

a fee, they will refund that fee for you.

When asked about what differentiates Quantum, President Brad Day shared, “Being a local bank we make quick decisions.

We are flexible, a high touch bank, we really like to get to know our customer.

In many cases, we try to get out and meet our customers at their office. We like to learn more about their businesses. Most of the time when we go out and meet a customer, they are very proud of what they have built and developed. We love to see that.”

BUSINESS

They also have a large presence for Small Business Administration (SBA) lending and service all of Georgia on the SBA side, mostly working with people who are trying to start a new business and get funding. Additionally, Quantum does significant residential and construction lending, including helping builders with acquisition & development (A&D) loans.

GIVING BACK

 Quantum prides itself on giving back to our community. Each year, they teach financial literacy classes at North Gwinnett and Lanier high schools as well as at JA Discovery Center. They host food drives for the North Gwinnett Co-Op and team members have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and many other local organizations.

According to Day, “We try to reach out, to help as many people as we can. Being a community bank, it really is our civic corporate obligation to give back to the community. We provided a $100,000 donation to the City of Suwanee’s arts initiative. Suwanee is a great place to live, work and play and this is our opportunity to give back to our community.”

On the Quantum website they share, which I have also found to be the case, “When we look at financials, we see faces. We rely upon personal insights as well as professional expertise to assess the situation and make decisions. Our goal is always to deliver the products and services that will benefit our customers. If you’re already a Quantum customer, we thank you for your

SPOTLIGHT

business and look forward to serving you in the future. If you haven’t discovered the Quantum difference yet, we invite you to call or come in to one of our offices.

Let us show you what we can do when you allow us to be ‘Your Banking Partner for Success.’”

We live in a fantastic community, and during seasons and circumstances we’ve encountered in the year 2020, it is more important than ever to support those around you. Our community has succeeded at that in several ways, and Quantum has been an exemplary example of showing up and supporting local businesses and nonprofits.

For more information on Quantum National Bank, visit QuantumBank.com.

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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Q: DOES THE FEDERAL RESERVE

AFFECT MY INVESTMENTS?

ABSOLUTELY! With little fanfare in the media, in August the Federal Reserve made two huge pronouncements that should cause every investor to stop and ponder.1 First, the Fed (Federal Reserve) announced it would no longer act as it has in the past to control inflation. Instead it will use a new averaging formula to allow inflation to run at a higher rate that will help them achieve the 2% goal.

Since inflation reduces the value of our money, you will need to earn more money just to stay even.

The Fed has two core mandates – one to control employment and the other to stabilize inflation. Half of its reason to exist essentially moved over to a new framework.

Doubling down on this news, the Fed also announced that it would keep interest rates at their nearly nonexistent rate indefinitely. Banks, money market accounts, and any other interest-related assets will be paying historically low rates for quite some time and do not offer investors a viable investment option since inflation is being encouraged to run at a higher rate. Whenever your rate of return is less than inflation, you lose the buying power of your money. Bank’s rates and inflation rates are deliberately being separated which could be a detriment to American investors.

The banking community is a worldwide network. In many important countries such as Germany, interest rates are not low – they are negative. Instead of receiving interest, you must pay the bank a fee to hold your funds. If the Fed moves in this same direction, it is important for you to be prepared. As the Wall Street Journal reported,2 “The truth is that it is a leap into the monetary unknown and potentially a very expensive one.”

The good news is that there are tools to help deal with this problem. A serious discussion with your trusted advisor would be a good first step in preparation for the new rules of the marketplace. ■ 1 Jeff Cox, August 27, 2020, CNBC. 2 Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2020. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/100715/breaking-down-federal-reserves-dual-mandate.asp

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. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Any references to protection, guarantees or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

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THE GIFT OF TRANSFORMATIVE SKINCARE

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Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is chock-full of gift ideas that will make your holiday shopping a little easier this year. Local businesses have provided their top picks as well as exclusive deals for Suwanee Magazine readers! From ways to pamper the people you love and gift cards perfect for the food lover in your life to local boutiques offering one-of-a-kind treasures, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Happy shopping!

PHOTO BY: DEELITE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Gift cards are available at DKS Esthetics, an appointment-only, solo spa that offers a range of services to women, men and teens that address aging skin, acne, hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin issues. Now offering PRP Microneedling. Gift cards are available.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS INCLUDE:

20% off all services

Valid thru 12/31/20.Not valid on products.

By appointment only.

DKS ESTHETICS

4411 SUWANEE DAM RD. STE 1020 SUWANEE, GA 30024 678-249-9493 DKSEsthetics.com

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GIFT CARDS FOR FINE DINING Bottles & Bones is the answer to the traditional steakhouse: A modern American chophouse that’s sophisticated yet approachable, chef-driven and customer-focused, high quality and high energy, delivering an experience that transcends 90 minutes of fine dining.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS INCLUDE:

Add on 10% to any gift card purchase for the month of December.

Mention Suwanee Magazine.

400 BUFORD HWY, SUITE 1 104 SUWANEE, GA 30024 678-804-9447 BottlesandBonesGA.com

CREATIVE HOME DÉCOR C.C. Liquidations Home Furnishings & More is Suwanee’s best place for furnishings and home décor including holiday décor, candles, table top, linens, jewelry and more. Shop their 17,000 sq. ft. showroom for 20-70% off retail. Gift cards are available!

C.C Liquidations Home Furnishings & More

105 SATELLITE BLVD. N.W., SUWANEE 678-541-5515 CCLiquidations.com

Straw opening optional.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRADITION FOR THE HOLIDAYS Located 2 miles south of Suwanee Town Center on Buford Highway, the Atlanta Kilts shop offers nearly 149 tartans for authentic kilts, Christmas stockings, masks, plush Lambswool scarves, neckties, ladies' dresses, serapes, sashes, stoles, infant onesies, doll dresses, and more. Tartans include family tartans, organizational tartans (like Army, Navy, Masonic, Scouts, UGA, Tech, United, etc.) and regional tartans like Scotland, Ireland, and even Georgia.

ONE-STOP GIFT SHOPPING AT PARSONS Located near Fresh Market, Parsons Gifts is your go-to store in Suwanee for fun, trendy and exciting one-stop gift shopping! They stock all your favorites and exclusive brands including Brighton, Vera Bradley, e Newton, Spartina, Lizzy James, Mud Pie, Spanx, Ronaldo Jewelry, and Tyler Candle.

1500 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD. • SUWANEE, GA 30024 770-271-7735 Parsons-Suwanee-GA.com

Atlanta Kilts 1275 BUFORD HIGHWAY; STE 105 SUWANEE, GA 877-411-KILT (5458) AtlantaKilts.com

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AWARD-WINNING STEAKHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATES Bare Bones is a classic steakhouse located in downtown Buford, Georgia.

They serve the highest quality of steaks cooked on a wood fire grill using only the finest, freshest ingredients and make everything from sauces to desserts in house. In November they will be moving to their new location, the Shadburn Bank Building in Historic Downtown Buford.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS INCLUDE:

Free appetizer or dessert with purchase of any meal.

Mention Suwanee Magazine. Expires 1/31/21.

101 EAST MAIN STREET BUFORD, GA 30518 470-266-1890 BareBonesSteakhouse.com

FOR EASY SHOPPING, COOL STUFF AND HELPFUL FOLKS, ACE IS THE PLACE Shop S&S Ace Hardware in Buford for holiday lighting and hook-up, gift gadgets, tools and hearth items, outdoor cooking and games and much more! They also feature quality premium branded products.

4160 BUFORD DRIVE BUFORD, GA 30518 770-932-1458 SSAceHardware.com

HAND-CRAFTED GIFTS ARE SURE TO PLEASE

GIFTS THAT PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING The items at Living Well Farmers Market provide a fantastic gift to promote healthy living and most importantly support our local vendors and hardworking farmers. LWFM provides products that are grown and produced to give our customers healthconscious, natural, and organic options directly from the source! Conveniently located in Siena Suwanee Town Center.

A different kind of year calls for a different kind of gift and these hand-crafted treats from Seven Sisters are sure to please. Great to pick-up or ship nationwide. Specializing in scones, they offer an assortment of flavors and other fantastic treats as well.

This year, they are featuring their Naughty and Nice boxes. Landed on the naughty list? Their Naughty Box features their Black Label boozy line of scones. Nice list? They’ve got you covered with their Nice box filled with classic holiday flavors certain to please. You can choose between large scones or sconies (mini-scones). Each box is mailed in their signature red box and all treats are individually packaged for maximum freshness. You can ship to multiple addresses and schedule delivery dates right on their website. Enjoy free shipping on all holiday gift boxes.

400 BUFORD HIGHWAY, STE. 1102 SUWANEE, GA 30024 470-238-3419 LivingWellGA.com

6955 MCGINNIS FERRY RD JOHNS CREEK, GA 30097 470-448-1905 SevenSistersScones.com LOCAL CAFÉ: 7sKitchen.com

GIFTS FOR THE GOLF LOVER Specialists in the game of golf, Bill Baraban's Academy Fore Golf uses over 30 years of teaching and club fitting experience to achieve unparalleled results for their clients. Baraban’s Golf Fitting works with the very best in the industry to ensure the widest selection of club components. From beginning players to seasoned pros they have the right club to help improve your game. They look at all factors such as launch angle, height, smash factor, club speed, spin rates and consistency to find the right club.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS: A 2 GOLF LESSON PACKAGE FOR $175 2 (50) Minute Golf Lessons.

Normally $125 per lesson when taken individually.

GOLF DRIVER FITTING FOR $99 This is for an hour long Driver Fitting. Normally runs $125.

Expires 12/31/20.

3690 BURNETTE PARK DR, STE A SUWANEE, GA 30024 470-589-1230 BarabansAcademyForeGolf.com

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A CUSTOM PIECE OF WALL ART IS THE PERFECT GIFT Home Sweet Home Portraits creates nostalgic & meaningful art, including vintage child silhouettes, art maps, home portraits, and more!

Any photograph can be transformed into either a watercolor or oil painting. Pictured here (top left) is an art map of Suwanee for the modern minimalist (any location can be created - your hometown, your favorite vacation spot, anywhere in the world.) Child Silhouettes preserve those little details that make your child instantly recognizable and are a popular trend right now among interior design fans. A Home Portrait is a beautiful way to memorialize the homes you've lived in - your childhood home or your current dream home.

Custom commissions are welcome - they love to create art pieces that are special to you and your family. Follow them on Instagram for more gift inspiration: @home.sweet.home.portraits.

home.sweet.home.portraits@gmail.com facebook.com/home.portraits.gifts

MAKE NEW HOLIDAY MEMORIES WITH THE SEASON’S BEST HOME DÉCOR AND GIFT IDEAS. Let rusted fence in downtown Buford be your source for Christmas decorating this season with that perfect centerpiece or mantel accessory.

They can help check everyone off of Santa’s list with their amazing line of hand-poured soy candles or custom bowl bundles- all ready for those last-minute gift emergencies.

1 W MAIN STREET BUFORD, GA. 30518 -678-765-0610 rustedfence.com

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GIFTS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS Suwanee Arts Center Holiday Market opens November 10th. Select from a variety of gifts from local artists. Shop online at SuwaneeArtsCenter.org.

The Suwanee Arts Center is located in Suwanee Town Center.

3930 CHARLESTON MARKET ST. SUWANEE, GA 30024 678-878-2818 SuwaneeArtsCenter.org

GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLNESS Need the perfect gift for the person who has everything? Or want to stay healthy/less stressed during the holidays?

Kerry Dore, a Certified Health/Life Coach and Professional Organizer can help create new healthy habits and/ or organize your home.

“What stopped you in the past, doesn’t have to stop you today.” .

HOLIDAY SPECIAL:

GIFTS FROM A MOBILE BOUTIQUE Shop Riding In Style, a store that comes to you! Boutique clothes, jewelry, bags, and lots of home goods without the boutique prices!

Plan a holiday party or shop at your convenience. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram (Riding In Style).

DEBBIE BAKER 404-550-4737 RidingInStyle.net

20% off any Health/Life Coach or Organization Service.

Mention Suwanee Magazine.

KERRY DORE, CERTIFIED HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH/ ORGANIZATION SPECIALIST 703-424-0031 TheDoretoWellness.com

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THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR THE BEER LOVER Get the beer lover in your life what they really want: A beer on the house every time they visit the StillFire taproom! With a very limited amount of spots left, StillFire Brewing's FireStarters Founders Membership comes with all sorts of added benefits including discounts on special events and merchandise, exclusive beer tastings and more. Good for up to 10 years, this is truly the git that keeps on giving!

Learn more about the FireStarters Founder’s Club membership at stillfirebrewing.com/ firestarters-founders-club.

343 US-23, SUWANEE, GA 30024 StillFireBrewing.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF AUTHENTIC MEXICAN STREET TACOS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Everyone loves tacos! Give the foodie in your life what they really want this holiday season - a gift card to Suwanee’s Beto’s Tacos. It makes the perfect stocking stuffer! And, remember, great food changes our lives!!

3463 LAWRENCEVILLESUWANEE RD SUWANEE, GA 30024 678-288-9622 BetosTacos.com

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line / 30 Unlimited for all

$

for 4 lines w/ AutoPay; +taxes & fees

UNLIMITED at our best price.

ON OUR NETWORK

During congestion, customers on this plan may notice speeds lower than other customers & further reduction if using >50GB/mo. Video @480p.

Essentials Plan

Credit approval, deposit, $10 SIM card, and, in stores & on customer service calls, $20 assisted or upgrade support charge may be required. Monthly Regulatory Programs (RPF) & Telco Recovery Fee (TRF) totaling $3.18 per voice line ($0.60 for RPF & $2.58 for TRF) and $1.16 per data only line ($0.15 for RPF & $1.01 for TRF) applies; taxes/fees approx. 4-38% of bill. Not combinable with certain offers. Max 6 lines. Plan not available for hotspots and some other data-first devices. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others may cost extra. Roaming: U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ:includes 200MB roaming.

High-speed data in US only; in Canada/Mexico, unlimited at up to 128kbps; additional purchase required for data elsewhere. Calls from Simple Global countries, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. Usage may be taxed in some countries. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our U.S. network. Device must register on our U.S. network before international use. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. Tethering at max 3G speeds. Smartphone/tablet usage is prioritized over Mobile Hotspot (tethering) usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. AutoPay Pricing for lines 1-6. Without AutoPay, $5 more/line. May not be reflected on 1st bill. Coverage not available in some areas. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for details.

See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. Š 2020 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

SD video streams up to 480p, music up to 500kbps, gaming up to 2 Mbps. During congestion, the small fraction of customers using >50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds. See Wireless Associate for details.

TIPS FOR HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY PARTY

BY NATALIE GARRETT, SUWANEE MAGAZINE’S RESIDENT PARTY GIRL

holidays are joyfully filled with your favorite foods, family and friends, and all things fun and festive, the hustle and bustle of the season can become quite daunting for some. Add the idea of hosting one of your own holiday parties or gatherings, and that just might be enough to make you dig into the eggnog before the party planning even begins.

Thankfully, with a little forethought and preparation, hosting your event doesn’t have to be nearly as intimidating as you may think. Follow these four tips to help kick off the party planning process and you’ll quickly be on your way to winning the Hostess with the Mostest title among your social circle!

HILE THE

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TIP #1: PRIORITIZE

Before you dive into all of the details, make a list of your priorities. Attempting to go above and beyond can become stressful, so don’t feel pressured to strive for more than you can comfortably manage. If decorating the entire house is too overwhelming or unrealistic, focus on the high-traffic areas such as the front door, food and drink stations, and guest bathroom. If incorporating games or gift exchanges isn’t appealing, opt for something that requires less coordination, yet is still interactive for your guests, like a photo booth!

TIP #2: CHOOSE A THEME

This might be the traditional Southern belle in me, but choose a theme for your party! Something simple and catchy — like “Pumpkins and Plaid” or “Mistletoes and

Mimosas” — adds a fun energy and sets the tone for the event. Your instinct might tell you that a theme could make party planning more complicated, but it can actually be helpful! When you have a theme to guide you, you have a better idea of exactly what decorations to shop for, how to style the invitations/e-vite, and what food items to feature.

TIP #3: PLAN AHEAD AND PREP

...enjoy the quality time together. This alone will make your party as magical as the season, despite any and all imperfections.

The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be. The food is typically the last step completed right before (or while) guests arrive, so make sure to think through the menu in its entirety beforehand. Who’s responsible for providing and setting up the food, when and where should each dish be placed, and what serving supplies will you need? What food or beverage items can be prepped the day before? Table and chair arrangements, decorations, and party favors can also be done whenever you have spare time beforehand, so don’t leave the full to-do list until the final hour. If you’re hesitant on how something might turn out, this will also allow for extra time to work on a plan B. Start early and take advantage of any extra time to reduce any potential rush-induced stress.

TIP #4: HAVE FUN!

You’ve laid all of the groundwork, now let the rest take care of itself!

Don’t obsess over making sure the baseboards are scrubbed spotless before guests arrive or that the kids might mess up their church clothes while playing.

This is your opportunity to slow down and consume yourself with the spirit of the season. You’ll be surrounded by friends and family you care about, so take a breath and enjoy the quality time together.

This alone will make your party as magical as the season, despite any and all imperfections.

Cheers!

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GET LIT!

SIMPLY LIT OFFERS LIGHT INSTALLATION SERVICES THAT TRULY MAKE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON MERRY AND BRIGHT.

a number of Christmas traditions to look forward to each year: family dinners, parties, carols, decorating and so much more. For many, Christmastime is the best time of year — even though in many ways it’s also the busiest.

Sure, we love the wreaths and tinsel and garland and lights and all of the decorations the season brings, but the work it takes to put it all up? Not so much. There are a few elite among us who are able to do it all, but for those of us who need a little help, there are businesses that offer a number of decoration and light installation services that can help alleviate some of the holiday stress.

One such business is Simply Lit, a decorative lighting company located in Alpharetta. Owner Shawn Solinko worked in Utah and Colorado for THERE ARE

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The Christmas Light Professionals for a number of years before starting Simply Lit in 2011. Shawn’s brothers Scott and Steve, who owned a Christmas lighting business in Utah at the time, joined the Simply Lit team in 2014. Since then, the brothers have worked together to install Christmas lighting for both residential and commercial clients and have even expanded to offer off-season services such as wedding and event lighting, landscape lighting, marquee letter rentals and more.

Combining their 15 years of light installation experience, the Simply Lit team has completed projects across the U.S., including Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. The team not only brings their years of experience to each job, but their dedication and expertise give them an edge over other similar businesses.

In addition to residential Christmas light displays, Simply Lit also decorates for a number of commercial properties, including churches, community entrances, office complexes, dealerships, apartment complexes and more. Using only the highest quality LED Christmas lights, the Simply Lit team decorates the exterior of the buildings, utilizing outdoor trees, artificial frame trees, mega-trees, walls, monuments, lamp posts, bushes and much more to give a whole new meaning to curb appeal.

Not only can Simply Lit make your home or business the talk of the town during the holidays, they can also add some pizzazz to your upcoming event.

From weddings and corporate events to birthdays and graduation parties, Simply Lit offers an all-inclusive rental service that includes set up and break down. Let your event stand out with market lights or patio lights that can be installed over large open areas, seating areas or patios. You can also add personality with LED trees in a variety of colors, sizes and leaves, or opt for traditional Christmas lights to decorate existing trees. Simply Lit can also provide popular marquee letters and numbers for the perfect photo op! In fact, one of their most popular items are their marquee numbers for birthday parties. Whether your loved one is turning 6 or 60, make an impact with these free standing, stackable numbers. All of Simply Lit’s marquee numbers and letters are made in-house and can be custom built to your specific dimensions, shapes, fonts and colors.

No matter your needs — commercial or residential holiday lighting, event lighting, or even patio stringers to liven up your outdoor living space — Simply Lit is available to do the heavy lifting so you are able to enjoy the season, whatever it may be, with family and friends.

For more information about Simply Lit, call 770-626-0234, visit SimplyLit.com or check them out on Instagram at @SimplyLit.

Celebrating the most memorable moments with you.

30th Birthday

Holiday 2020

20 Christmas 20 Wedding 2020 M A R Q U E E R E N TA L S • PAT I O/C A F E L I G H T S COMMERCIAL CHRISTMAS • RESIDENTIAL CHRISTMAS

www.simplylit.com 770.626.0234

|

simplylit

BY ALICIA CARTER OTHING ANNOUNCES the Christmas season is finally here quite like when those twinkling lights begin to pop up on homes, businesses and other areas around town. Some would argue that Christmas lights have become as much a part of the holiday season as jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself. After all, are you team colorful blinking lights or team solid white lights? It’s a feverous (but friendly!) debate that signifies just how important those little balls of light are to celebrating the holidays.

I would go so far as to say that Christmas lights embody the spirit of the season. They can be fun and flashy or subdued and classy, with either style being equally appreciated in the eyes of the beholder. When I was young, there was nothing like piling into the family car, popping in our favorite Christmas CD (Dr. Dimento’s The Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time) and driving through local neighborhoods to find the best Christmas decorations. I’ve always been drawn to the ultra-colorful, overdone, Clark Griswold level of decorating — the bigger the better, am I right? I like my decorations with a little spunk, the kind that wink to the inner child in all of us who anxiously count down to Christmas morning each year.

Now that I’m older with children of my own, I may have traded The Singing Dogs’ rendition of “Jingle Bells” for my own curated Spotify playlist that’s equal parts novelty (The Chipmunks Christmas Song) and classic (a little “Mistletoe and Holly” from ol’ Blue Eyes himself), but I still look forward to that Christmas lights drive. Each year, I count down to when it’s finally the appropriate time of the season to load the kids into the family car for a few laps around town to find the best lights. I admit, I’m probably more excited than they are, but I’ll never forget how much fun I had with my family, laughing in the backseat with my brother to all those silly songs, soaking up the best time of the year with the people I love.

In that spirit, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places to see Christmas lights in and around Suwanee. Sure, the holidays may be a little different this year, but there’s no better activity for the times we’re currently living in than admiring holiday lights from the safety of your car. However you celebrate the season this year, be sure to surround yourself with the people you love — there’s truly no greater gift than family.

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1) CHRISTMAS IN CASTILLE: 4220 Tivoli Way in Alpharetta 2) CHAMPIONS RUN HOUSE: Located off of James Burgess Rd. in Suwanee

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3) DULUTH’S CHRISTMAS HOUSE: 2929 Mockingbird Circle in Duluth 4) ASHEBROOK SUBDIVISION: Located off Kelly Mill Rd. in Cumming 5) MARGARITAVILLE AT LANIER ISLANDS’ LAKESIDE LIGHT SPECTACULAR: A walking light show located inside License to Chill Snow Island.

6) THE MANSION ON LEVEL CREEK: 521 Level Creek Rd. in Suwanee 7) TOWN CENTER PARK: 330 Town Center Ave in Suwanee 8) HIDDEN FALLS: Hidden Falls Dr. off of Hamilton Mill Rd. in Buford

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FAMILY MATTERS:

healthy living and lifestyle tips

THE ABCs OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

health &

wellness

THE FACES OF SUWANEE: DAVID PIERCE,

SR. page 36 HEAL YOURSELF 360: IMPROVING EMOTIONAL WELLNESS IN 2020 page 40

PHOTO BY KATE AWTRY

HEALING PAWS CHILDREN’S HEATHCARE OF ATLANTA’S CANINE’S FOR KIDS BRING JOY TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS

BY LIZZY JAMES / PHOTOS COURTESY CHILDREN’S HEATHCARE OF ATLANTA

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HERE

are

many reasons dogs are known as man's best friend.

They can lead the blind, warm a home, and even help bring joy to children who are hospitalized. For the 14 on-staff therapy dogs at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, they prefer the latter. While most dogs spend their time finding a spot of shade to nap the day away or jumping in their favorite swimming hole, children’s therapy dogs are on duty, visiting more than 300 patients each day. We had the chance to catch up with the Children’s Canine’s for Kids team to learn more about the incredible canines who provide support to children and their families during challenging times.

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hospitalization, motivate patients and support their social, physical and emotional needs.

Our very first facility dog, Casper, served as the cornerstone of our program up until his retirement in December 2018.

WHAT IS THE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA CANINES FOR KIDS PROGRAM? The Canines for Kids initiative at Children’s is a special animalassisted therapy program of Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and GoldenDoodles who visit patients, along with their human companions, throughout all the hospitals to participate in a variety of activities.

WHY WAS THE CANINES FOR KIDS PROGRAM STARTED AT CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA? Canines for Kids began in 2009. Each facility dog works with a designated team to help minimize the stress of the hospital environment, reduce anxiety, provide distraction from illness and

HOW MANY THERAPY DOGS ARE CURRENTLY ON STAFF? The Canines for Kids initiative at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is comprised of 14 full-time facility dogs on staff aiding clinical teams in their daily mission to serve patients.

The Children’s Canines for Kids team is comprised of 14 on-staff pups who visit more than 300 patients each day.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DOG TO BECOME A THERAPY DOG? Each dog must go through the Canine

HEALTH & WELLNESS

These specially trained canines help minimize the stress of the hospital environment, reduce anxiety, provide distraction from illness and hospitalization, and motivate and encourage patients to reach treatment goals...”

hospitalization, Assistant program and motivate before “graduating” and encourage to become a facility patients dog. Puppies begin to reach training at one week treatment old at the facility in goals, while Milton, Georgia. It supporting takes approximately their social, a year and a half physical, and to complete the emotional needs. education, although Activities each dog is include laying different. The facility in bed with a dogs assist patients patient who is in a variety of ways, experiencing but perhaps the As one of the only programs at Children’s that is pain, taking most impressive gift 100% donor funded, the Canine’s team relies on the dog for a donors to keep their facility pups in tip top shape. the dogs provide walk around is helping to the unit, or eliminate feelings of fear, isolation, even playing fetch with the dog to help increase mobility. and loneliness from being in the hospital.

HOW OFTEN DO THE DOGS COME AND VISIT THE PATIENTS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE Our facility dogs are considered an BENEFITS OF HAVING PATIENTS essential staff member, they can go INTERACT WITH THE DOGS? almost everywhere in the hospital These specially trained canines help minimize the stress of the hospital with their handler. If their handler is environment, reduce anxiety, working, so is the dog! Most dogs provide distraction from illness and work up to 40 hours a week, with a

few hours built in for playtime and nap time. You can find our dogs in a variety of areas throughout the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospital system, including the hospital library, inpatient rehab units, pediatric intensive care units and Heart Center. In the past, our facility dogs visited more than 300 patients each day. With COVID-19, a number of our facility dogs are continuing to provide support to patients, families, and staff during this time, but our first priority is safety. Our facility dogs and their handlers are following proper protocols and practicing extra care to keep both the dogs and our patients and staff safe.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT KIND OF RECEPTION DO THE DOGS GET FROM THE PATIENTS? I have to say, we are lucky to get to be the ones to walk around with a pup by our side. Everyone is smiling and excited to see us coming. For so many of our patients, this can be a scary time for them, but then they see us walking down the hall and for a minute they get to forget about why they are here and just meet

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a new friend! (Story provided by Button’s handler, Claire Doughtie, Patient Experience Learning Specialist at Children’s.)

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE CANINES FOR KIDS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM. To protect our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have increased safety measures in place in our hospitals, so the holidays will look very different this year at Children’s. In past years, our facility dogs have participated in a variety of holiday activities within our hospital system including visits with Santa, special visits to patient rooms, and one year, a few of our facility dogs helped to drop off presents at patients’ rooms. We also participate in the Children’s Christmas Parade each year.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR THERAPY DOG STORY THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU? Well, we all have favorite stories so we could take up days telling

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you about them all. One of my first memories with Button is taking her to Camp Courage (a camp for children with craniofacial conditions) and everyone getting to meet her for the first time. Button has a small black patch on her side which is her “button.” One of the first-time campers came to check in and looked a little anxious. Then I saw he got a huge smile on his face and knelt down to pet Button. Then he looked up at his mom and said, “Mom, Button has a button, just like me,” he lifted up his shirt to show his g-button, the button he uses to eat with. This was the moment that I knew this pup could truly change lives. She helped a scared first-time camper feel a connection within minutes of arriving to camp. Then after her first summer of camps she had campers requesting her to visit when they had upcoming surgeries.

Now our campers/patients had a reason to be excited to come to the hospital. Although it may not take away all their nerves, they knew they had a friend waiting on them

and they had some excitement, too.

(Story provided by Button’s handler, Claire Doughtie, Patient Experience Learning Specialist at Children’s.)

SINCE THE PROGRAM IS 100% DONOR FUNDED, CAN YOU TELL US A FEW WAYS PEOPLE CAN HELP GIVE? As one of the only programs at Children’s that is 100% donorfunded, we rely on generous donors to help keep our facility dogs in tip-top shape. Donor contributions to our Canines for Kids initiative contribute toward healthy food and treats, regular visits to the vet, special germ-fighting baths and more to ensure our pups are ready to report for duty. ■ The community can learn more about how to give to the Canines for Kids initiative at CHOA. org/donors-and-volunteers/caninesfor-kids.

WHERE YOU TAKE THEIR EAR INFECTION MATTERS

Our kid-friendly Urgent Care locations are open if your pediatrician isn’t.

When minor injuries and illnesses happen, it’s important to know where to take your child or teen. Unlike most urgent care centers, our team is exclusively staffed with doctors and nurses who are pediatric specialists. Our offices are open seven days a week, including evenings and holidays to provide the care your kid needs.

Visit choa.org/urgentcare to save your spot online and to learn more.

CHILDREN’S AT SATELLITE BOULEVARD 2660 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH

©2020 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

DAVID PIERCE, SR.

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY JULIE PERDUE

CREATING CLOSER community is a big part of what we do here at Suwanee Magazine. That’s why we’re proud to bring you The Faces of Suwanee. Suwanee is a great community with great people. We’ll be featuring conversations we have with members of our community as a way of telling the story of Suwanee, one smiling face at a time. The Faces of Suwanee shines a light on the people who live and work here. You can read all of the interviews at TheFacesofSuwanee.com, and even nominate someone you think should be featured on the website. Be sure to follow Suwanee Magazine’s Facebook page where we’ll be sharing new Faces of Suwanee interviews weekly.

TheFacesOfSuwanee.com

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Originally from Chamblee, Georgia, David Pierce, Sr., at 87 years young, is full of interesting stories about the rural town of Suwanee long before the parks and trails, Town Center, and the traffic.

The Pierce name is a familiar one around Suwanee. David and his family have had a big impact on our city. His father, George Pierce, was a landowner in Suwanee and served as mayor. He owned the land where George Pierce Park is located. He also purchased what is now known as Pierce’s Corner where their family operated a General Store.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU OR LED YOU TO YOUR CAREER? I was the first fire chief of the volunteer fire department in Suwanee from 1953-1970, until the county took over. My father was mayor in 1953 when the water system went in. I worked for General Motors from 1954-1960 and then took odd jobs doing carpentry work, and remodeled the C&S Bank in 1968, installing the first instant banker machines. I was married to my wife, Ruby, for 54 years. In 1981, I began to work for myself and built several houses including my own, where I am currently living. I have always worked hard and enjoyed my work.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SUWANEE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE THERE? Hammerheads. I like their Monday night special and going there with friends.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED OR LIVED IN SUWANEE? Since 1952, so 68 years!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

<- DAVID WAS THE FIRST FIRE CHIEF OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT IN SUWANEE

WHAT IS SOMETHING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? To build something new or remodel.

IF YOU COULD TAKE ANYONE TO LUNCH (DEAD OR ALIVE) WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHERE WOULD YOU GO? My father, George Pierce, and I would take him to Red Lobster or Hammerheads.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC? NAME THREE BANDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE. My favorite is country music. I would like to see Elvis and Johnny Cash.

WHAT HAS KEPT YOU HERE? These are my roots.

HOW BIG IS YOUR FAMILY? I have two siblings, three grown children and six grandkids.

WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET IN SUWANEE? John Herndon, former mayor and city councilman.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Hawaii.

WHAT IS THE FIRST MOVIE YOU REMEMBER SEEING IN A THEATRE? Song of the South at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A CROWD OF PEOPLE? Work hard.

WHAT LOCAL BUSINESS MAKES YOU THE MOST NOSTALGIC ABOUT SUWANEE? Pierce’s Corner which was originally purchased for $5,000.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUWANEE? The people.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? Dead! (lots of laughter).

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

FAMILY MATTERS

By Molly Halbrooks, LMFT, Grow Counseling

THE ABCs OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON s we approach the holidays, keep these simple ABCs in mind to help your family get the most out of the season. Try using one or all of these words as reminders when you notice yourself feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated throughout this busy time of the year.

Acceptance. No matter how hard

we try, there will always be a level of stress that is present around the holidays. For some, it may come from trying to manage extended family visits, everyone being out of their normal schedule, or trying to manage your finances responsibly. It may even be brief, arising from something like having to navigate a tricky conversation with an uncle or pushy salesperson. Others may be grieving the absence of a loved one.

Whatever your source of stress is, it’s important to accept that it is there, allow yourself to experience it, but not allow it to expand and take over. If you’re able to accept these moments as just a part of the season, when they arise it is easier to remind yourself that they are temporary and only a small portion of this time of year.

Balance. A good balance during the holidays looks different from family to family. Some families thrive on an active social calendar and have the most fun together when they are engaged in a lot of activities. Others need more down time and smaller groups to enjoy themselves the most.

The goal is not to do it the way your neighbors or best friends do — it’s to find the right balance of activity for your family. Give yourself permission to decline invitations if need be, or to schedule fun things to look forward to. For families with small children, keep in mind that they may have a lower tolerance for changes to their schedules and can get overstimulated more easily. Families who have older children and teenagers may want to focus more on the right balance between family time and friend time.

Connection. Try to focus on

things that give you the opportunity to genuinely connect with your family and friends, as well as foster an internal connection to what the holidays really mean for you. Choose to spend your time on the activities and events that bring you joy, rather than the ones that create unnecessary stress. For families with children, it’s

easy for parents to get so caught up in preparation, shopping, cooking, and scheduling that they miss the magic of this season.

Take a moment to savor the look on your kids’ face when they are reading their favorite holiday book or seeing holiday lights going up around the neighborhood. Use that opportunity to share a story about your own childhood holiday memories.

Sometimes the simple things are the ones that foster the most connection and begin to become family tradition. For example, in my family, it was a special honor to put the topper on the tree each year, and my siblings and I looked forward to it being our turn! Spend a quiet moment reading about or reflecting on what the holidays mean for you.

Remind yourself of why we celebrate during this time of the year, and how you might be able to carry those meaningful traditions and values forward into the new year.

Keep these ABCs in mind, and you’ll be on your way to a more peaceful, enjoyable holiday season this year! ■

MOLLY HALBROOKS, LMFT Molly Halbrooks 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 individuals and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, life transitions like divorce or job change, grief and loss, trauma, and ADHD.

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IMPROVING YOUR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS IN 2020

BY DR. LAUREN MILLMAN

T IS SAFE to say this year has been an extremely stressful year, perhaps the most stressful year collectively for many of us. More people are showing signs of depression, anxiety, and high levels of stress than ever before. Tensions and worries are at an all-time high, and our physical bodies are feeling the effects. For many people, and without any warning, emotional wellness has become an overwhelming priority in their health.

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION

 It is impossible to have a conversation about physical health without taking into account emotional well-being. The mind-body connection is a very real thing, and when coming from a holistic standpoint, they should not be treated independently.

Natural healthcare is about addressing the mind and body since each impacts the other.

As a chiropractor, I witness this firsthand. Many people consider chiropractic care only when they are in physical pain. Although I don’t deny that chiropractic is exceptionally beneficial for pain reduction and feeling better, I personally believe one of the greatest benefits of chiropractic is improving emotional well-being. From my experience, physical healing occurs when both physical and emotional stress are reduced.

CALMING IMPACT ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

 A common response from patients after beginning

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chiropractic care is “I am calmer, less stressed, and I’m sleeping better.” Following a chiropractic adjustment, the entire nervous system and brain calms and “de-stresses.”

This calming impact on the nervous system is what sets the tone for healing to occur.

I contend that when the nervous system is rebooted through spinal correction and alignment, the tension of the muscle fibers is released and joints experience a restoration of motion. Together this creates a calming response by the brain and a decrease in chronic stress load. Poor spinal alignment affects the body’s ability to move properly, which impacts the brain’s ability to function optimally, including the ability to process emotions and handle stress. The very action of the chiropractic adjustment stimulates the parasympathetic mode of your nervous system, which by its very definition, is the calming state of the nervous system.

Chiropractic aims to establish the balance between the mind and body, and ultimately is responsible for the calming, grounded effect. This explains why

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research shows a direct correlation between the chiropractic adjustment and lowering blood pressure, increasing the production of positive hormones, promoting restful sleep, and encouraging relaxation.

Proper spinal alignment is not going to eliminate the stressors in your life; however, a properly functioning nervous system and brain will help you better manage them. Often times, this is the very thing needed to jumpstart your emotional wellness, as well as overall healing on many levels. ■

PHYSICAL HEALING OCCURS WHEN BOTH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS ARE REDUCED.

Dr. Millman is the founder and upper cervical chiropractor of Suwanee Spine and Healing Center, author of The Ultimate Healing Handbook, and recently voted Best of Gwinnett 2019. For more information, visit DrLaurenMillman.com.

WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE. Mattie & Amber Rushing

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RTC EUROPEAN MEETS SOUTHERN POP-UP DINNER with Chef Annabel Rushing - Call for Reservations

GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE BRINGS ITS NOSTALGIC — AND SAFE! — PRODUCTION OF THE NUTCRACKER TO THE INFINITE ENERGY CENTER JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

BY STAN AWTREY / PHOTOS BY RICHARD CALMES

is on a mission to ensure there is still something normal that families can enjoy during the holidays. The professional company is forging ahead with its plans for its annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Infinite Energy Theater. Proper precautions will be taken to protect the safety of the audience and members of the company, but the show will go on.

“So many people consider The Nutcracker an important part of their holiday traditions and we are working hard to keep our performances live,” says Lori Zamzow-Wire, the new artistic director of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. “I remember the first time I went when I was a little girl and it still brings back wonderful memories.

We hope our commitment to perform will give a boost to our community and lift their spirits.”

HE GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE

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A SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH The performances will take place with reduced seating, social distancing and will include an optional walking intermission through the exhibits at the Hudgens Arts Center. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday over the first three weekends of December. Performances the final week will be accompanied by a live orchestra. Not only will the performance be nostalgic, it will also be historic.

The Nutcracker will be the first major performance since the partnership was forged between the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre and the Sugarloaf Youth Ballet. The two prestigious organizations joined forces in February 2020 to create a premier dance studio that brings opportunities for professional dancers and students who aspire to perform at the highest levels. A cast of more than 100 dancers — professionals and students — will participate.

The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre and the Sugarloaf Youth Ballet are based at the Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center in Suwanee. It is the largest location for dance instruction in Gwinnett County and features a dance instruction school, youth ballet company, daytime ballet conservatory and a professional company.

Zamzow-Wire is the founding director of the Sugarloaf Youth Ballet and president of Sugarloaf Performing Arts. She studied dance at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and has performed

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in several professional companies. Her vision is to create a full ballet company that can give dancers an opportunity to perform at home.

“Before our two groups merged, our students who wanted to dance professionally had to leave the area to find opportunities,” Zamzow-Wire says. “Now they have the opportunity to dance professionally in Gwinnett County. This is exciting for everyone involved. We will have several homegrown professional dancers in the cast for The Nutcracker.”

The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has had to overcome several obstacles related to Covid19. The number of performances require that multiple casts and dancers are shielded inside a “bubble” to protect them from the virus and passing it along to others. But there’s a safety-first approach.

“We take every sniffle seriously,” - Lori Zamzow-Wire, Artistic Director Zamzow-Wire Gwinnett Ballet Theatre says. “We want everyone to be safe, everyone in our audience and in our production.”

The ballet master is Bruce Thornton, who spent 15 years with the Miami City Ballet. Thornton was formerly on staff at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

The number of tickets will be limited because of the reduced seating, which means sales alone will not fully cover the cost of the performances and orchestra.

Organizers are asking sponsors and donors to come forward to support the Gwinnett ballet company.

Advertising options, donor reception and VIP seating options are available for sponsors and donors.

Virtual tickets will also be available for those who are unable to attend and want to enjoy the performance at home. This option is ideal for those who are at-risk, out of state, or are not comfortable around public gatherings. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is also offering live performances and virtual tickets at a discounted rate to daycare facilities and local public and private schools.

For more information please call Gwinnett Ballet at 770-682-5333 or contact nutcracker@ gwinnettballet.org. ■

VIRTUAL TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND AND WANT TO ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE AT HOME.

The Nutcracker is the first major performance since the partnership between the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre and the Sugarloaf Youth Ballet.

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G W I N N E T T B A L L E T T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S

Nutcracker THE

INFINITE ENERGY CENTER | DULUTH, GA

DECEMBER 4th -20th, 2020 Accompanied by the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra Predrag Gosta, Conductor December 18-20, 2020

Tickets: www.gwinnettballet.org 770-237-0046 Both live event and virtual ticket options available.

Live tickets include a walking intermission through the Hudgens Arts Center.

the holiday season it’s important to take time to reflect on the true reason for the season. Sure, parties and decorations and carols are fun, but as we check off items from our list and gather together to celebrate the joys of the holidays, it’s important not to lose sight of what’s truly important this time of year: a charitable heart. Each year, we dedicate space in our Holiday Issue to highlighting local ways we can give back to our community. From donation and volunteer opportunities to helping provide gifts to children in need, there’s no shortage of ways to contribute during the most wonderful time of the year. Here are four local organizations in need of support during the holidays and beyond.

S WE ENTER

Our Friend Christopher LOCAL ORGANIZATION Our Friend Christopher was set up in honor of Christopher Miles, a standout multi-sport student athlete who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor, after suffering a seizure just days after graduating from North Gwinnett High School. Despite the difficult news, Christopher was determined to continue living as normal a life as possible. He enrolled in Georgia Southern and did his best to balance his school work and social life while also traveling back and forth to Atlanta for chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He was determined to get the college experience and be with his friends. His determination is a testament to his fighting spirit.

Despite his courage and strength, Christopher sadly passed away on May

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25, 2020. He was 19 years old. In order to keep Christopher’s spirit alive and to give back to their community in his honor, Christopher’s brother, Joshua Miles, and cousin Georgia Miles, along with his closest friends, Conner Small, Blake Dotson, Zach Mollette, Bryson Scruggs and Nicholas Pucciarello, rallied together to form Our Friend Christopher in June 2020.

Our Friend Christopher works to award annual monetary scholarships to senior football and/or basketball players from North Gwinnett High School in addition to other charitable activities in Christopher’s name. The first scholarship was presented on Oct. 2 to Dwayne “DJ” Cameron, a North Gwinnett High School football player and former friend to Christopher. When choosing the scholarship recipient, the board members wanted someone who could not only benefit from the scholarship but who also embodied Christopher’s spirit.

Rainbow Village  SINCE 1991, Rainbow Village has worked to transform the lives of homeless families with children by providing a stable community and services that instill initiative, selfdevelopment and accountability for future generations.

Their safe housing community features an all-inclusive campus of 30 apartment homes, a community center and playground.

Onsite resources include workforce development, financial literacy and economic education, success

coaching, and life skills workshops.

There are also resources for children such as an early childhood development center, after school program, mentoring and summer/ holiday camps.

This season, consider giving to Rainbow Village’s “Give the Gift of Hope, Help, Healing, Housing” campaign providing support for homeless families so they can enjoy the holidays. Your donation will help to provide household items, new beds, success coaching, family gift opportunities, and more to Rainbow Village’s current and future families.

There are a number of ways to help, including donating gift cards.

The majority of families at Rainbow Village are headed by single moms who don't always have the option of shopping for gifts for their

children. Donations of gift cards in $25 increments gives them an opportunity to shop for and purchase gifts that will go under the Christmas tree, filling them with a feeling of both optimism and empowerment, making Christmas morning all the more special because they personally selected those gifts for their children.

Other options include donating toward the purchase of twin beds for children and adults who are moving into Rainbow Village; donating toward Success Coaching for a family; or donating apartment household supplies including bedding, pots and pans, dishes, towels, flatware and more.

For more information about

Rainbow Village and how to donate, visit RainbowVillage.org.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON They also consulted with Christopher’s former coaches to help identify a list of athletes who best fit that criteria.

Going forward, Our Friend Christopher’s board members will continue to award an annual scholarship funded through generous donations from the community.

In addition, they hope to continue to spread awareness about Glioblastoma to the public at large. This group of young friends has no doubt made a lasting impact on the community.

As the board members say on the Our Friend Christopher website, “A star on the football field and basketball court, an exceptional student, and an amazing friend.

He will always be remembered by those who

loved him by many nicknames…Deputy, Tank, Legend, CMiles, Toph…but most people simply refer to him as ‘our friend Christopher.’”

To learn more about Our Friend Christopher or to

make a donation toward the annual scholarship, visit OurFriendChristopher.com.

On Oct. 2, Our Friend Christopher board members presented their first scholarship to North Gwinnett High School football player DJ Cameron.

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North Gwinnett Co-Op ď ľ NORTH GWINNETT CO-OP continues its holiday mission to support our community with its annual Meal Box Program. Due to the needs of families following Covid-19, North Gwinnett Co-Opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food distribution is stronger than ever and they are attempting to distribute between 700-800 meal boxes for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Options for how to donate to the Meal Box Program include: Donate

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the items needed for the meal box and co-op volunteers will assemble the box; make a donation of $50 to sponsor a holiday meal box; or pick up an empty meal box from the coop, pack the box with the required items, and then return the packed box to the co-op. A list of required meal box items can be found on the North Gwinnett Co-Op website.

This year, the meal boxes will be distributed in a Covid-friendly drive-by manner.

The North Gwinnett Co-Op is also hosting its annual toy giveaway, this year named in memory of Susan Roebuck, a champion in our community who advocated and served those in need. The Susan Roebuck Santa Shop will be held at Sugar Hill Church the week before Christmas and is an invitation-only event geared toward helping families in dire need, including families who have been vetted through the North Gwinnett Co-Op or recommended by school counselors.

The co-op is currently collecting toys and gifts to make the Santa Shop a success. Gifts for all ages are needed, but especially teen gifts such as hair accessories, jewelry, make-up, baseball hats, gift cards and more.

For more information about North

Gwinnett Co-Op as well as more detailed information about the meal box program and Santa Shop, visit NorthGwinnettCoop.org.

Hope Thru Soap  DURING A TIME when buzzwords like “self care” seem to dominate the general conversation about taking time to indulge in a little “me time” in between the stresses of parenthood, school or work, it’s easy to forget that there are many among us who miss out on the very basics of care, such as personal hygiene.

Enter: Hope Thru Soap, a mobile shower experience that provides a warm shower to the less fortunate and homeless throughout Atlanta. The need for a clean shower is often overlooked when thinking about how to give back to those in need, but the importance of basic hygiene is as necessary as food, clothing or a safe place to sleep.

Hope Thru Soap’s shower trailer is equipped with two separate private showers with temperaturecontrolled water, heat and air conditioning.

Guests are given Hope Thru Soap provides hot meals and a hygiene bag hygiene bags to area homeless. and towel. The organization also provides a mobile closet bus that provides men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, along with socks, underwear and shoes. For those in need, Hope Thru Soap has teamed with local barbers to offer haircuts and a shave as a part of their offerings.

Pre-Covid, Hope Thru Soap would throw community block parties complete with music, cookout-style food, and the opportunity to shower and enjoy a hot meal in an inviting environment where guests were treated with respect. Following the pandemic, Hope Thru Soap shifted its efforts to address the critical needs of food and hygiene insecurity in our community and rallied to provide hygiene boxes, meals, face masks, hand sanitizer and more to our most vulnerable populations. They service areas in need throughout Atlanta each weekend.

To learn more about Hope Thru Soap

Hope Thru Soap provides a mobile shower experience to metro Atlanta’s homeless community, as well as clothing, food and other needs.

and to make a donation toward its mission, visit HopeThruSoap.org or Facebook.com/ HopeThruSoap.

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local food, craft beer & wine trends

WHAT'S BREWING: BREWERY SPOTLIGHT: NORCROSS' SOCIAL FOX BREWING page 57 SUWANEE'S STILLFIRE BREWING CELEBRATES ONE YEAR page 60

Squisita Cena Italiana A FAVORITE OF THE DULUTH BUSINESS CROWD, LUCIANO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO FEATURES NORTHERN ITALIAN FLAVORS IN A SOPHISTICATED YET COMFORTABLE SETTING.

BY ALICIA CARTER / Photos By Karl Lamb

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Duluth near Infinite Energy Center, Luciano’s opened in 2004 after Norbeto Sanchez, CEO of the restaurant group Norsan, set out to open an Italian restaurant after admiring the country’s culture and cuisine for a number of years.

Inspired by Sanchez’s vacations abroad, Luciano’s welcomes guests with an intimate and warm atmosphere. The restaurant’s bold, white columns are a nod to Roman architecture, while the high-top table long enough to seat a large, hungry family and adjacent bar overlooking an impressive wood-fired oven speak to the Northern Italian meals meant to be shared among family and friends.

“We were trying to break the mold of the ‘family-owned Italian restaurant,’ pulling inspiration from Roman architecture and getting rid of any cheesy or stale connotations LOCATED IN

There is a popular saying in Italy: A tavola non si invecchia. Simply translated as “you don’t get old at the table,” it’s an expression that speaks to the importance of good family and good food, especially in Italian culture.

In a sense, time seems to stand still as experiences are shared over the dinner table — and it’s a sentiment that Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano clearly embodies.

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FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Luciano’s large white columns are a nod to Roman architecture. BELOW: Standout menu items include its classic Carpaccio and old-fashioned chocolate cream pie.

that are typically associated with Italian restaurants,” says Polo Castro, Luciano’s Director of Operations.

Castro says that they set out to create an ambiance that feels “sophisticated and intimate,” the perfect backdrop for an important business meeting or nightcap after work.

Luciano’s menu includes a number of classic Italian favorites but primarily pulls its inspiration from the flavors of Northern Italy and Naples. “We take pride in giving a local, sophisticated touch to traditional dishes,” Castro says. Luciano’s chef, Jesus Clemente, worked under Chef Piero Premoli at Pricci in Atlanta

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for several years before joining the team at Luciano's. Pulling from his impressive culinary pedigree, Clemente “brings authentic cuisine to the tables of our customers through his extensive knowledge of true Italian cooking and flavor,” Castro says.

Standout menu items include the Zuppa di Mare, a rustic seafood soup piled high with fresh fish, mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp and jumbo scallops all We are still nestled together in a distancing warm tomato broth.

Lamb Scottadito tables and The features grilled operating at lamb chops with limited capacity, ratatouille, grilled undergoing peppers and aged balsamic, while the frequent classic Carpaccio sanitizations, is served with and require slices of raw beef alongside mask usage tenderloin parmigianoand daily reggiano, arugula, temperature crispy capers, truffle checks for all of oil and aioli.

A true Italian our employees.” meal isn’t complete Polo Castro, Luciano’s Director of Operations without a glass of vino. Luciano’s not only features an extensive wine list, but the staff is also well-versed on the drink menu and is able to suggest perfect pairings for your meal. Speaking of the staff, Castro says that the personalized, top-notch service is what truly sets Luciano’s apart.

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Veal Piccata with lemon butter, capers, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley over garlic sautéed spinach

And it’s true — the sounds of cheerful conversation are punctuated with an attentive but never overbearing staff ready to top off a drink or check in on your meal.

It’s no secret that COVID-19 deeply impacted the restaurant industry, but Luciano’s is working hard to maintain the highest standards of safety and consideration for both their customers and staff. “We are still distancing tables and operating at limited capacity, undergoing frequent sanitizations, and require mask usage and daily temperature checks for all of our employees,” Castro says.

The Luciano’s team also recognizes that many in the community may still prefer to order to-go during this time.

In order to give patrons the full Luciano’s experience, the restaurant is offering a number of family meals to-go for people to safely enjoy at home

— and for a great price.

Meals include lasagna, chicken parmigiana, chicken penne alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, rigatoni salchicha, and handcrafted “take and bake” pizzas.

During a time when travel is limited, there’s Chef Jesus Clemente no reason you can’t indulge your cravings for classic Italian cuisine locally.

Whether you grab a few close friends for dinner and enjoy conversation in a sophisticated setting or pick up a delicious meal for home, you can’t go wrong with Luciano’s.

After all, at Luciano’s, time stands still — at least during dinnertime. ■

 Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano is located at 6555 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Suite 309, in Duluth. The restaurant is open seven days a week: SundayThursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, call 770-255-1727 or visit LucianosItaly.com.

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BREWERY SPOTLIGHT:

SOCIAL FOX BREWING

BRINGING A SMALL, SOCIAL AND HYPERLOCAL CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE TO NORCROSS INTERVIEW BY LIZZY JAMES / PHOTOS COURTESY SOCIAL FOX BREWING

OMETIMES SITTING in

bumper-to-bumper traffic has its perks. For one Gwinnett County brewery, the notorious metro Atlanta traffic was the inspiration its owners needed to bring their craft beer dreams to fruition. “My partner Mike Greene and I were homebrew buddies and we would always talk on the phone on the way home from work,” says co-founder Kevin Keyes. “One day we were stuck in traffic on 400 and decided we needed to take our homebrewing to the next level. We teamed up with our partners, Scott Norwood and Mark Klafter, and worked to develop a strategy for a craft brewery.”

It didn’t take long before the City of Norcross took notice, and Social Fox Brewing officially opened its doors in May of this year. We had the chance to catch up with Mike and Kevin to learn more about the small, social and hyperlocal experience they are bringing to the craft beer community.

The idea for a small, social and hyperlocal brewery came as team members Kevin Keyes and Mike Greene were sitting in traffic on 400.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE CRAFT BEER INDUSTRY? We started homebrewing together about five years ago. We were good friends and would always talk on the phone on the car rides home from work. While we were stuck in traffic on 400, the idea of being able to stop and get a beer was brought up.

That conversation led to us deciding that we should take our homebrewing to the next level. We began entering competitions and researching how to open a craft brewery.

Eventually we met our partner Scott Norwood at one of the tastings we did, and found out he also wanted to open a brewery. We began drafting a business model and we kind of moved up from there.

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WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A BREWERY IN NORCROSS? Scott had a connection with the City of Norcross, and when they heard we were interested in opening a brewery they reached out to us.

The city invited us to come and tour the downtown area and we loved the sense of community there.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME SOCIAL FOX? When we first drafted the idea for a brewery, we wanted the name to be 400 North Brewing because we had thought of opening a location off of 400.

However, while touring different locations in Norcross, we kept coming back to this building that had a fox mural painted on it. The building was in a great location and was the perfect size for what we wanted to do. So basically, that fox mural inspired our new name!

HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN SINCE OPENING? Our team was set to open back in April, but with the pandemic we decided to give it a few more months and work to perfect our beer recipes. We officially opened May 1 and we weren’t sure what was going to happen. The City of Norcross has an open container policy, so for the first three weeks we had what we called our “lemonade stand.” We blocked off our garage and sold to-go beer to people who were out and about downtown until we were able to

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WE STRIVE TO BREW A BEER FOR EVERYONE INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON JUST ONE. - Kevin Keyes, Co-Founder Social Fox Brewing

begin actually letting people into the taproom sporadically.

The City of Norcross, people in the community, and even other members of the craft beer community have been so supportive over the past few months.

HOW IS THE BREWERY INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? When we first prepared to open we went around and introduced ourselves to a lot of the local restaurants and shops in the area.

Fortunately for us, they were all very supportive and ready to partner with us in some way. However, with COVID it has been harder to do a lot of joint events or collaborations with other local businesses. Currently we have partnerships with Mojitos, a Cuban restaurant next door to us, as well as Paizanos, a pizza and wing restaurant also nearby. Both restaurants currently deliver to our taproom, and we have their menus available for patrons to order food while here. Around the holidays, the City of Norcross also hosts carriage rides and we are excited to offer togo beers to those who participate.

We want to not only draw people to the taproom, but also invite them to come explore Norcross and all of the other shops and restaurants that are here.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY HOSTING ANY EVENTS IN THE TAPROOM? We currently host retro bingo every Wednesday, and every other Friday we host “Rock the Fox,” which is a different themed music night each time. In October, we began our comedy nights that we host once

FOOD & DRINK

a month. Another popular event is our “Social Distance Sundays” where someone comes in and serves biscuits and other brunch items while we serve beermosas and our Sangria Berliner Weisse. And since we had to forgo a traditional grand opening party, we have plans to host a One Year Grand Opening once things return to normal.

WHAT SETS SOCIAL FOX APART FROM OTHER GEORGIA BREWERIES? The motto we go by is that we are small, social and hyperlocal. We strive to brew a beer for everyone instead of focusing on just one particular beer style.

TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR HEAD BREWER. When we first opened we worked with David Sheetz on a consultant basis. He was so knowledgeable and had previously opened up 53 other breweries, so we asked to bring him on as a brewer as well. He was amazing at brewing all styles and

really helped us carve out our vision on creating a beer for everyone.

After our contract with David was up, we went through a transition phase when we brought on our current brewer, Craig Smith. When we were looking for a new brewer we really wanted to find someone who had the same vision and desire to brew a beer for everyone that we had. It took us a little while, but we found Craig and knew it was a perfect fit. He came to us from Funky Buddha and is well-versed in all different beer styles. Since we are so small, it’s a one-man show and Craig is really able to do it all.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST SELLER IN THE TAPROOM? Our two IPAs, Trop Tail and Tumblefield, are definitely really popular among the IPA lovers. Trop Tail is our Hazy Juicy IPA with hints of pineapple, melon and citrus, while Tumblefield is a SE IPA that was brewed with Galaxy hops and features fresh, juicy, fruity hop flavors. We also

have our Gold Belt which we refer to as our “beer-beer.” Gold Belt is a very drinkable golden ale that has a nice malt sweetness to it.

And finally, we have our In Between Times Berliner Weisse that comes in several different fruited varieties like Raspberry, Hibiscus Black Currant, and Lime in Da Coconut.

IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND A SEASONAL BEER FOR PEOPLE TO TRY WHAT WOULD IT BE? We are coming out with our Barrel Aged Scottish Ale that is perfect for the holidays. We also have our popular Veno Ale which is a wine and beer hybrid. If you’re in the area for New Years, you’ll also have to grab one of our Champagneinspired beers! ■

 Social Fox is located at 20 Skin Alley in Norcross. For a complete beer list and to stay up to date on events, visit SocialFoxBrewing.com or follow them on social media.

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W H A T

,

S

B R E W I N G

this the team was able to send over 500 meals to hospital workers in the metro Atlanta area.

Leading up to their anniversary, the team also released The Legend, a golden ale that was created in honor of Christopher Miles, a Suwanee native and SUWANEE BREWERY CELEBRATES ONE YEAR North Gwinnett High School graduate OF CRAFTING WORLD-CLASS BEER WHILE GIVING who lost his battle with Glioblastoma earlier this year. A portion of proceeds BACK TO THE COMMUNITY from each The Legend beer sold was donated to the Our

BY LIZZY JAMES / PHOTOS BY GARY DOWD Friend Christopher Memorial.

In addition to LAST FALL, with much announcement that the these charitable anticipation and excitement, fledgling brewery won a initiatives, StillFire StillFire Brewing officially bronze medal at the most has also been opened its doors to the prestigious beer festival hosting a weekly public. On October 17th, the brewery in the world, The Great Queen of Hearts celebrated its first year with the same American Beer Festival.

50/50 Charity raffle amount of enthusiasm and community Judges for the 34th in the taproom. support as they had last October. In edition of the celebrated Patrons can typical StillFire competition evaluated purchase a raffle StillFire Brewing cans their beers fashion, the 8,806 entries from 1,720 onsite. 4-packs are available from ticket during the brewing team breweries from all 50 their to-go window and select retailers week leading up throughout Georgia. kicked off the states plus Washington, to the drawing at festivities with D.C., and StillFire 8pm every Tuesday. the release of an Brewing’s Orange The first person to find imperial version Diva Blood Orange the Queen of Hearts takes of their popular Wit Beer received home half the pot money, Glory Haze IPA, a bronze medal while the rest is donated to dubbed Glorious in the Belgianlocal charity organizations Maximus. In Style Specialty Ale Phoenix Community of honor of the category.

Suwanee and Cooper’s special double Crew. The current pot is CHARITABLE IPA release, the StillFire Brewing superfan, over $6,000.

EFFORTS four brewers "Mayor" Matt Savitt has visited the brewery every single day the Aside from donned Roman brewery has been open (including being committed Gladiator “In a year that has been during the shutdown). to creating awardcostumes, held defined by struggles, it’s winning beers, up their swords very satisfying to see the StillFire team and presented the fresh batch of the our team celebrating the has also been new brew for patrons to enjoy.

The StillFire team dedicated one of their exciting achievements serving tanks in honor of Christopher Miles, committed to Throughout the celebration, we’ve accomplished in a Suwanee native and North Gwinnett High giving back to the the team also reflected on the last year,” said Aaron School graduate who lost his battle with community they their first year and some of the Glioblastoma earlier this year.

Bisges, general manager call home. Back in exciting achievements they have of StillFire Brewing. “We March when the world closed down, accomplished in the last 12 months. also wish to thank the community the brewery released their Quarantine for their continued support over the AWARD-WINNING BEERS Survival Beer in 4-packs sold through past year. No matter what 2020 has In just one year, the StillFire brewing their to-go window which remained thrown our way, their loyalty and team created over 60 new and open throughout the shutdown. support has remained constant. innovative craft beers and seltzers.

A portion of proceeds from each With so much happening in just A few standouts received national 4-pack sold was donated to The Meal one year, we can’t wait to see what attention as the brewery took home Bridge program, an organization that year two has in store for Suwanee’s gold, silver, and bronze medals at provides meals to hospital workers Hometown Brewery!” ■ the 2019 Can Can Awards for their while simultaneously supporting local Thoroughly Good Scotch Ale, Extra restaurants. The community support Suwanee Bitter, and Olde Chief was overwhelming during this time as To learn more about StillFire Brewing, Inspector Barleywine. the brewery became listed in the top visit stillfirebrewing.com or follow them Perhaps, however, the greatest 10 in the country for online beer sales on Facebook and Instagram. achievement was the exciting through the Oznr app. Because of

STILLFIRE BREWING TURNS ONE

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AT S T I L L F I R E B R E W I N G , Q U A L I T Y I S AT T H E C O R E O F E V E R Y T H I N G W E D O .

2020 GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL WINNER:

2020 BRONZE Belgian-Style Specialty Ale

StillFire Brewing was recognized in the Belgian-Style Specialty Ale category for its Orange Diva Blood Orange Wit Beer, a delicious twist on a classic Belgian treat. Orange Diva is a nod to the classic witbier, starting with the original revival base of white wheat, Pilsner malt and oats. Curacao orange peel and coriander are lightly added for complexity, and a Belgian yeast completes the proďŹ le for a fragrant, delicate, and refreshing beer. StillFireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twist is the addition of blood orange in just the right amount to amplify and add to the delicious orange character in a very pleasant way.

THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

FLAVOR RICH FOOD TRUCK OPENS BRICK-AND-MORTAR RESTAURANT  SINCE 2018, Flavor Rich Food Truck has served “soul-satisfying gourmet street food” throughout metro Atlanta. After much success, chefs Chris and Angela decided to plant roots right here in Suwanee with a brick-and-mortar version of their popular food truck. Flavor Rich Restaurant opened August 11 on Buford Highway and serves up a tasty menu featuring a crispy fried chicken sandwich, lobster roll, chicken and waffles, strawberry shortcake French toast and more.

Chocolate Chip Waffle Chefs Chris and Angelica always knew they wanted to be restaurant owners. The opportunity presented itself during a less-than-ideal time to open a new business — during a global pandemic.

But with more than 15 years of culinary experience, the chefs’ passion for serving people through amazing food continues to bring them success.

Flavor Rich Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and breakfast all day Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They also offer a space for private events and catering options.

Flavor Rich Restaurant is located at 1175 Buford Hwy. in Suwanee. Visit FlavorRichFoodTruck.com for more information.

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Rainbow Village CEO Receives Moxie Award  DURING ITS third annual Moxie Melanie Conner Awards on August 28, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce honored Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner, along with six other women who were deemed as being bold in business and making things happen in Gwinnett County. Hosted at Infinite Energy Forum and presented by Northside Hospital, the 2020 Moxie Awards included the recognition of Conner with a Pay It Forward Award.

The Pay It Forward Award is designed to pay tribute to an individual who is generous with her time, talent, or resources. At the helm of Rainbow Village since 2018, Melanie Conner fits that description beautifully. A Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit established in 1991 to address the needs of families with children contending with homelessness, poverty and domestic violence, Rainbow Village serves as a community of transformation through transitional housing, life skills classes, counseling, mentoring, youth and adult programs, fellowship and awareness.

“While I certainly don’t do what I do for the recognition, I feel truly honored to receive a Moxie Award — particularly among so many amazing women,” Conner said. “For - Melanie Conner, CEO me, it means Gwinnett Rainbow Village County sees what we are doing at Rainbow Village. They see the families we are helping, the lives we are changing. More importantly, it means they see that there’s a real need out there for the work we are doing. Homelessness is not only an urban issue.

It’s an everywhere issue. Every time a family graduates from our program and moves into a home of their own, I am reminded of the true value of the work we are doing and I am so grateful to be a part of that.”

To learn more about Rainbow Village and its programs, visit RainbowVillage.org

While I certainly don’t do what I do for the recognition, I feel truly honored to receive a Moxie Award — particularly among so many amazing women.”

SUWANEE’S NEW PLAYING WITH FIRE BBQ EMPORIUM IS MORE THAN “JUST A GRILL STORE”

 WHEN IT COMES to cooking over live fire, there is no one as well-versed in the art than Craig Tabor, owner of Suwanee’s Playing with Fire BBQ Emporium. Craig opened Playing with Fire on the heels of the release of his first cookbook, Mastering the Big Green Egg®. But Big Green Eggs aren’t all you’ll find at his store — Craig has put every single product he sells in-store to the test. He has spent years perfecting his craft on a variety of grills and smokers using hundreds of accessories, seasonings and rubs.

While you may think Playing with Fire seems like ‘“just a grill store,” it is in fact a curated showcase of the “best of the best” smokers, grills, accessories, premium meats, seasonings, rubs and so much more.

Craig’s love of playing with fire has been burning ever since he bought his first grill. Whether you’re looking for your first BBQ or third, his knowledge, passion and product selection is unmatched. Playing with Fire BBQ Emporium welcomes you to satisfy your inner firestarter so you can throw smoke with as much fun and joy as Craig.

Playing with Fire BBQ Emporium is located at 4092 Suwanee Dam Road and is open WednesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and by appointment on Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit PlayingWithFireBBQEmporium.com.

THERAPY DOGS AID SUWANEE HIGH SCHOOL  DID YOU KNOW that Suwanee’s Lambert High School currently has four therapy dogs? Duck, Charlie, Clover and Maggie walk the halls of the school bringing joy and comfort to Lambert’s students. Each of the pups, three of whom were donated from Scot Rucker of Rucker Dog Training, has a specific “job.” Charlie, a female Charcoal lab, stays in the general education classroom on campus and greets students in the classroom as well as attends extracurricular events.

Maggie, a female Parti-Poodle/Labrador Retriever Mix (or a Partidoodle), stays in the counseling office and assists with students having panic attacks or emotional crises. She also visits the nurse’s office to help comfort students who are injured or experiencing emotional distress. Duck, a male black Lab and Lambert’s OG dog, along with Clover, a female English Cream Retriever, are “homed” in classrooms serving some of the school’s exceptional

Clover the therapy dog

students. Their daily tasks align to creating opportunities for job skills, communication and independence. For example, when students use commands to guide Duck through the hallways and take him out to play, they are working on responsibility and independence; and when students introduce Duck to students and staff, they work on eye contact, appropriate vocal volume and engaging in conversation skills, along with many other acts that help to develop their skills.

You can follow Lambert’s therapy dogs on Instagram (@duckdayslhs, @goodluckcharlie_lhs, @meet. magnolia) and on Facebook, “Duck the Dog — LHS.”

Bare Bones Steakhouse Set to Change Locations by the End of the Year THE BELOVED Buford Steakhouse is getting an exciting upgrade this

winter! Moving just a few storefronts from their current location in downtown Buford, Bare Bones’ new location is set to feature two stories with an elevator, several private dining options, a full bar, and an outdoor patio with year-round seating available.

“We wanted to elevate the experience that our customers are currently used to,” says owner GiGi Maughon, “We have worked hard to restore the building back to its original appearance and keep as much history alive as possible. We want the community to feel like you have come to our home to have dinner with us.”

The new location is set to open in November. To keep up to date with construction and opening plans, visit barebonessteakhouse.com or follow them on Facebook.

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Burn Boot Camp Gym for Women Opens a Suwanee Location ď ľ BURN BOOT CAMP transforms lives and communities through challenging 45-minute cardio and strength workouts that will leave you feeling stronger and more confident in all aspects of your life. They are not just about the workout, they are about the whole person. When you see the transformation wall of 100 stories, the transformations are not just physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual. Burn Boot Camp cares about its members as a whole person.

Burnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest location, Burn Boot Camp Suwanee, invites people of all fitness levels to experience a free trial with its team of trainers who help you to keep moving at your own fitness level. They offer nutritional guidance, one-on-one accountability meetings, personal training in a group setting and an unmatched community of friends that will push you toward your goals. If you

are ready to get involved in a community gym or if you are looking for that extra push of consistent accountability, check them out at BurnBootCamp. com/Suwanee-Ga.

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WELCOME TO AN EVEN BIGGER, BETTER NETWORK Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have merged - T-Mobile has added more towers, more engineers and more coverage. So you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to choose between an amazing network and great prices.

At T-Mobile you get both!

T-Mobile.com/coverage-map Coverage not available in some areas. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information.

T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. Š 2020 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

THE BUZZ

Celebrating Christmas With Suwanee Performing Arts GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Spend this

Thanksgiving break creating special memories with your family! Suwanee Performing Arts is hosting their annual Gingerbread Contest, and they want you to enter your best “Sounds of Christmas” Gingerbread houses! Bring your entry to Suwanee Academy of the Arts (SAA) on Saturday, December 4, from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Gingerbread creations will be on display at SAA at various times through Dec. 19th. To vote for your favorite or view them virtually, visit suwaneeperforms.org. Winners will be announced after the last TAC-ky Christmas Sweater Improv show.

Contest rules and information can be found at SuwaneePerforms.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUWANEE PERFORMING ARTS

BEST OF THE NUTCRACKER

Selections from The Nutcracker will be performed by the Suwanee Ballet on December 12 at the Eagle Theatre in Sugar Hill. Each show will feature limited seating and guests can choose to attend the 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. show. The Suwanee Ballet production features beautiful costumes and some special extra holiday “Rockette” fun. For ticket information visit SuwaneePerforms.org. ■

TAC-KY CHRISTMAS SWEATER EXTRAVAGANZA

Get ready for a fun-filled evening in which The Actor’s Company presents a side-splitting improv show highlighting the fun side of Christmas. Taking place Saturday, December 19, at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts Mainstreet Playhouse, there will be two shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. with limited seating. The admission cost is $10 and everyone is encouraged to wear your favorite Tacky Christmas Sweater! More information can be found at SuwaneePerforms.org.

NUTCRACKER TEA Imagine an enchanting tale brought to life through magical storytelling and delightful dancing by the Suwanee Ballet. Perfect for youngsters to experience and interact with the story of The Nutcracker. The event will take place Saturday, December 5, at 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, at 4 p.m. at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts Mainstreet Playhouse. Admission is $28, and $10 for an extra observer. More information can be found at SuwaneePerforms.org.

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ICE RINK OPENS

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Enjoy The Holidays In The Sweet City:

Christmas Canteen

Grab your coats, hats and bring the hot cocoa because this year Christmas Canteen presented

by The Aurora Theatre is moving outside for a socially distant affair! For one weekend only, performances will take place in the open air at The Bowl at Sugar Hill. This stunning cabaret will be an explosion of holiday spirit with songs, comic sketches and trips down memory lane making The Most Wonderful Time of the Year even more wonderful. For thousands across the region, it’s just not Christmas without Christmas Canteen!

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Limited seating capacity will be in place to ensure social distancing and additional safety and cleaning precautions will be in place to allow for safe celebration of the season.

Purchase tickets now for this seasonal classic since seats are limited and are expected to sell out fast!

Guests of the show are invited to explore downtown Sugar Hill to experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the holidays in our Sweet City. ■

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THE ICE RINK at Sugar Hill is open for a season of frosty fun!

Visit the South's largest real ice outdoor rink now through February. Located on Temple Drive just behind the E Center, the rink is the perfect spot for a date night or family fun and is located within walking distance to restaurants and shops. You can even get pizza and snacks delivered!

For hours for parties and a full schedule visit haidrink.com.

GARY PIRKLE PARK

HAVE AN ICE RINK DAY!

Gary Pirkle Park, located just off Suwanee Dam Road, offers plenty of space for play and programming. Pirkle

ummer is nearly here. The days are longer, school is out, the sun is shining, and the warm weather is inviting you to get outside and make the most out of your summer months in the sweet city! Sugar Hill may be a growing city, but we know that places to play are just as important as places to live and work.

Summer in the Sweet City

S U G A R

H I L L

CityBuzz

NOV. 12TH!

Snow Much Fun

All Winter long

Join us this winter for a wonderful time to embrace the spirit of the season and create special memories with friends and family while snow tubing, ice skating, riding amusement rides or visiting our NEW Lakeside Lights Spectacular filled with hundreds of twinkling lights!

MargaritavilleAtLanierIslands.com Located approximately 1 hour north of Atlanta, GA on beautiful Lake Lanier.

7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy â&#x20AC;˘ Buford, GA 30518 â&#x20AC;˘ (470) 323-3440

ON THE SCENE

The Ribbon Classic Tuesday, Sept. 29th THE RIVER CLUB

PHOTOS BY JULIE PERDUE

SBA Richard Trice Golf Tournament Tuesday, Sept. 22nd BEARS BEST

PHOTOS BY JULIE PERDUE

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Oktoberfest at StillFire Brewing

Saturday, Sept. 26th / Sunday, Sept. 27th STILLFIRE BREWING

PHOTOS BY GARY DOWD

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1st: Daylight Savings Time Ends

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SUGAR HILL ICE RINK OPENS 5-9pm

City of Sugar Hill

For more: haidrink.com.

Tickets: margaritaville atlanierislands.com

WINTER WINE TASTING AND NETWORKING 5:30-7:30pm

Rushing Trading Co.

Tickets: facebook.com/ rushingtradingco

23rd-27th: Gwinnett Public Schools Thanksgiving Break 26th: Thanksgiving Day 27th: Black Friday

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MOUNTAIN COUNTRY thru CHRISTMAS IN Dec 26 LIGHTS Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds georgiamountain fairgrounds.com

PORTRAITS WITH SANTA

thru Rushing Trading Co. To book, call 770-831-0078

DECEMBER

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THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED BY GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE

4 &5

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

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April)

9-11am (through

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11am-1pm

thru Infinite Energy Center

LICENSE TO CHILL SNOW ISLAND AND thru LAKESIDE LIGHTS Feb 21 SPECTACULAR

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

FARMERS MARKET

Town Center Park

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SANTAPALOOZA: THE NAUGHTY OR NICE TOUR 6:30pm Visit Suwanee.com for participating neighborhoods.

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WINTER MARKET

FEATURING HOLISTIC ARTISTS AND VENDORS Dec 4th 6-8pm, Dec 5th 10am-1pm

Suwanee Spine and Healing Center 678-765-8494

HAPPY FEAT 5K 8am-1pm

Town Center Park happyfeat.org

NUTCRACKER TEA 4pm

Suwanee Academy of the Arts

SuwaneePerforms.org

10th-18th: Hanukkah

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DINNER WITH CHEF ANNABEL 5-11pm

Rushing Trading Co. 678-288-9808 for reservations

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BEST OF THE NUTCRACKER 2:30pm and 6:30pm

The Eagle Theatre

SuwaneePerforms.org

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TAC-KY CHRISTMAS SWEATER EXTRAVAGANZA 6pm and 8pm

Suwanee Academy of the Arts

SuwaneePerforms.org

21st-Jan. 4: Gwinnett Public Schools Winter Break 25th: Christmas Day 31st: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

RUNNING? Suwanee Half Marathon & Old Town 5K Sunday, February 21, 2021 Benefitting the Suwanee Public Art Program PRICE INCREASE ON JANUARY 1ST. REGISTER IN 2020 AND SAVE!

SuwaneeHalf.com

H APP Y HOUR

I N T H E LOU NGE T U E SDAY– F R I DAY 5 –7 PM JOI N US FOR ROTAT I NG W I N E S BY T H E GL A SS A N D SPECI A LT Y C R A F T COCK TA I L S!

T U E SDAY

CH E F ’S CHOICE I TA L I A N A PPE T I ZE R

W E DN E SDAY

L A DI E S’ N IGH T $6 M A RT I N I A N D COSMOS $6 B& B C R A B C A K E S

T H U R SDAY

$6 B& B M E AT BA L L

F R I DAY

OYST E R HOU R $1.50 A SH UCK

DINNER T U E SDAY

CH E F ’S CHOICE I TA L I A N SPECI A LT I E S

T H U R SDAY

½ PR ICE SE L ECT E D BOT T L E S W I N E S

SU N DAY

A L L DAY H E R B ROA ST E D PR I M E R I B

LUNCH SAT U R DAY LU NCH 11A M –3PM

SU N DAY BRU NCH 11A M –3PM

LIV E ENTERTA INMENT T H E ST E PH E N L E E BA N D F R I DAY N IGH T 7–11PM

ST E PH E N L E E - SOLO

W E DN E SDAY & T H U R SDAY 6 –9PM SAT U R DAY 7–10:30PM

STEPHEN LEE 4 0 0 B U F O R D H W Y, S U I T E 1 1 0 4 , S U WA N E E , G A 3 0 0 2 4 67 8-80 4 -9 4 47 • B O T T L E S A N D B O N E S G A . C O M

C O M M U N I T Y F E AT U R E S • 24-hour access to the on-site multipurpose

fitness center • Cardio studio, strength center, yoga/spin room • High intensity training room • Rooftop terrace & clubhouse featuring

Siena Suwanee Town Center

catering kitchen

4 0 0 B uford H i ghway N W

• Electric car charging stations

Suwanee, GA 30024

• Cyber Café with gourmet coffee bar

678-821 -9797

• Salt-water resort-style pool with cabanas

s ie n a s u wanee@ram-mgt .com

& hammock garden

N OW L E A S I N G S T U D I O , O N E , T W O & T H R E E B E D R O O M A PA R T M E N T H O M E S

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Coming to a neighborhood near you!

Visit Suwanee.com for tour stops