Suwanee Magazine Sept-Oct 2016

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 16

SUWANEE FEST! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

ABOUT SUWANEE’S BIGGEST EVENT

Lanier Longhorns Linebacker, Tyler Taylor is one of the high school players to watch this season

VALENTINO’S BAKERY

2016

LEADERSHIP GWINNETT:

Educate. Equip. Engage.

BACK TO SCHOOL EXCLUSIVE PICS

SUWANEE WINE FEST PREVIEW

contents

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

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26

Game Changer

Suwanee Magazine gets an update on the progress of the new Mercedez-Benz Stadium

Impact Players

Suwanee High School coaches picks for the players to keep an eye on this season

S U W A N E E M AG A Z I N E SUWANEE HIGH SCHOOL IMPACT PLAYERS • RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: VALENTINO'S BAKERY • SUWANEE FEST GUIDE

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 16

SUWANEE FEST!

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

VALENTINO’S BAKERY

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUWANEE’S BIGGEST EVENT

Lanier Longhorns Linebacker, Tyler Taylor is one of the high school players to watch this season

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016

45

2016

LEADERSHIP GWINNETT:

SUWANEE WINE FEST PREVIEW

Educate. Equip. Engage.

BACK TO SCHOOL EXCLUSIVE PICS

Peachtree Ridge Wide Receiver, Connor Heyward

ON THE COVER

Lanier Longhorns Linebacker, Tyler Taylor photographed on Thursday, August 4th at Suwanee Magazine HQ by PAUL PERDUE

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Suwanee Fest Guide

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Top Tailgate Craft Beers Our friends at Sweetwater Brewing Co. shared what they are stocking their coolers with this fall

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Leadership Gwinnett Helping build a community of effective leaders in Gwinnett County

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Vitality Med Spa State-of-the-Art Suwanee facility offers medical weight loss, injectables, skin care and more

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Fall Festivals ‘16

A preview of upcoming area festivals including Suwanee Wine Fest, one of the premier wine events in the state of Georgia

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Valentino’s Bakery Duluth Bakery Specializes in Authentic Latin American and European Sweets

grow 13 14

Investment Strategies with Aileron Marketing Tips: Email Marketing

learn 63

Greater Atlanta Christian

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JA Discovery Center

in every issue:

8 37 38 49 61 70

Letter Ask Henry Famlly Matters Restaurant Guide City Buzz People & Places

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letter

a note from our managing editor

A lot of people have been asking me if I’m coming back to work after having a baby and the answer is a big, resounding YES. I love my job – I mean who else gets the opportunity to climb to the very top of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 95 degree Georgia heat at 8 months pregnant?! (Ha ha, yes, seriously – you can see photo proof on Page 17.) Or when else do you get to have an amazing spa-style pedicure for the sake of the job (thank you Vitality Med Spa for indulging me when I came in to interview you for the story – Page 33.)

Rachel Pillow

Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

t the time I’m writing this I am expecting to have our first baby any day now. And by the time you are reading this I will, hopefully, be holding our sweet, healthy baby girl. Of course I’m filled with a million emotions as we embark on this new adventure – mainly excitement, but a little fear too. I just know my world is about to change in so many big ways that I can’t even predict right now – but I’m thankful to have the support of my loving husband, family, friends and coworkers who are just as excited as I am!

But in all honesty, I feel very fortunate to be raising our daughter in a place that truly does embrace the “live, work, play” mentality: a place where we are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance and support one another as a community – both in our business/professional lives as well as our family/ social lives. Our parent company/publisher, Veugeler Design Group, was recently awarded Finalist in the Gwinnett Daily Post Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best Employer in Gwinnett” - not much to our surprise! We are pretty proud of the fact that our 17-person team was only beat out by a (welldeserved) giant like Gwinnett Medical Center. So, yes, I am very happy to be able to come back to such a great place like this one after maternity leave.

And speaking of awards, Veugeler Design Group is also the marketing team behind some of your favorite local festivals: Suwanee Wine Fest, Suwanee Beer Fest and Gwinnett Beer Fest and is proud to announce that for the third year in a row Suwanee Beer Fest won “Best Festival in Gwinnett” in the Reader’s Choice Awards. We know that Suwanee Wine Fest comes a close second, or even tops the list, for all of you wine-lovers out there and they have some pretty exciting things in the books for this year’s event – set to take place on Saturday, November 5th. Mark your calendars – especially if you’re trying to snag VIP - tickets go on sale Friday, September 16th at noon at suwaneewinefest.com. You can read more about this amazing festival and some of our other top picks like Suwanee Fest, Duluth Fall Fest and Alive Expo in our exclusive festival section on Page 40.

Fall is always an exciting time here in the South – the weather begins to shift from unbearable to manageable and we have so much to look forward to: festivals, football, a new school year, tailgating parties and more football! Our Suwanee schools are some of the top in the county and we asked each coach for the players to watch this season. Make sure you follow these four rising football stars – featured on Page 26 because we know they have big careers ahead of them!

Now, go grab one of our top tailgate beers (Page 56) and enjoy flipping through the following pages, dreaming of cooler weather ahead!

WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED WITH SUWANEE MAGAZINE. FOLLOW, TWEET, SHARE >

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ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher RACHEL PILLOW Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

Account Executives MICHELLE FASIG • NATALIE STUBBS ads@suwaneemagazine.com Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • ROBERT WRIGHT CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA GRANT Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE BUNCH WALT WOODEN • PAUL PERDUE

Sales JULIE PERDUE BUNCH 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. ©2016 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Rachel Pillow at rachel@suwaneemagazine.com.

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suwanee business community news and info.

Leadership Gwinnett: Leadership Gwinnett is a nonprofit, member-oriented organization designed to build and sustain a community of effective leaders that address current and future challenges and opportunities in Gwinnett County.

As stated on their website, their mission is: “To educate, equip and engage existing and emerging leaders through a diversity of people, thoughts and experiences that lead Gwinnett to a better future.”

BY: RACHEL PILLOW

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n 1984, as Gwinnett County was transforming from a sleepy, agricultural town into a diverse, densely populated, urban metro Atlanta neighborhood, a group of existing leaders recognized the need to equip this new community with future civic, political and business leaders. Funded by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and led

by Gwinnett Chamber CEO, John F. “Jack” Sawyer, this group of existing leaders banded together to form Leadership Gwinnett with the goal of raising new leaders dedicated to making Gwinnett county a world-class community.

Since the inaugural Leadership Gwinnett Class of 1986, the program has grown to become one of the most respected leadership programs in the United States.

With over 1,000 diverse alumni, it has connected leaders across all industries, career stages and backgrounds, all with the same goal and commitment to positively impact their community.

Leadership Gwinnett offers two opportunities that educate, equip and engage future leaders in Gwinnett. Along with an immersive 9-month program, Leadership Gwinnett also offers a 2.5 day “snapshot” program called Glance Gwinnett, designed to give citizens the opportunity to participate in a behindthe-scenes tour of Gwinnett County and a hands-on, interactive learning experience with other local leaders.

Deciding Which Program Is Right For You: Leadership Gwinnett: Leadership Gwinnett is an in-depth, immersive 9-month educational experience in which participants learn more about the key issues relating to Gwinnett and the region, including: infrastructure, economics, education, health & human services, justice, regional relations and more.

Who is it for? Experienced leaders who want to significantly increase their impact on their organization and their community, including senior executives, presidents, business owners, executive directors, etc.

Mike Mason, Mayor of Peachtree Corners and Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2014 experiences life in a school cafeteria for LG Education Day

Michael Sweigart, Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, and LG Alum of 2014, goes on "Behind the Scenes Tour" to Buford Dam

Time commitment: The program kicks off with a 2.5 day off-site retreat followed by one program day and study group sessions each month and ends with a 1.5 day off-site closing retreat. There are also assignments between the monthly program days that include visiting off-site locations, reading assignments or group activities.

Benefits of the program: ■ The opportunity to build relationships with a group of 40 other like-minded leaders, as well as over 1,000 alumni from past Leadership Gwinnett classes.

■ Gain a broader and deeper perspective on Gwinnett county and your role in the community.

■ Discover local issues you are passionate about and gain firsthand Michael Tennant, Chairman, Leadership Foundation Board, welcomes the LG Class of 2017 at the Gwinnett Chamber 1818 Club

insight on how to directly tackle them.

Program Cost: Tuition is $3000. Limited scholarships are available upon written request via an application from info@ leadershipgwinnett.com.

Glance Gwinnett: Glance Gwinnett offers a sneak peek preview of what the 9-month Leadership Gwinnett Program looks like. It is a 2.5 day program with a class of 30-35 other participants, where you are given the opportunity to tour a segment of the county and examine its history, current standing and possibilities.

Who is it for? Anybody in Gwinnett who is looking to learn more about this vibrant community and how to take a more active role as a citizen, while expanding their personal and professional networks.

Participants range from young professionals to business owners, nonprofit directors, managers and retirees.

Time commitment: Upcoming program dates are September

21-23rd and November 2-4th. The first two days are from 8am – 5pm, the third day is from 8am – noon.

Benefits of the program: ■ The opportunity to build relationships with a group of other A true leader is always striving to become better while helping everything and everyone around them to become better too. Both programs are designed to raise more leaders in our community. In the following section, we outline some of the basic highlights of each program so you can decide which journey suits your needs. ✱

like-minded citizens and local leaders.

■ Gain insight on local issues and opportunities where you can serve within the community.

■ A personal, informational way to learn about all that Gwinnett has to offer.

Program Cost:

$600

For more information or to apply for either program, visit leadershipgwinnett.com.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

TINY TOWNE

Education + Entertainment = Edu-tainment!

Drive, Play, Eat and Learn!

Located in a 36,000 square foot facility in Norcross, GA, Tiny Towne is an indoor edutainment park designed to teach kids aged three to 16 about the rules of the road, while providing them with a real life driving experience.

This location is the first “edutainment” center of its kind in the world, providing young drivers with the opportunity to learn to drive in an indoor kid-sized town, complete with two driving courses, a train for towne tours, and multiple birthday party rooms such as the “Brake Room” and “Caution Corner,” “Safety Suite” and “VID Hall.”

Tiny Towne combines fun and education about the safety and rules of the road, by teaching through interactive entertainment. Aspiring drivers must follow all road signs and traffic signals while cruising through Tiny Towne in high-tech mini cars. To advance to higher-level tracks, Tiny Towners must complete educational activities and drive successfully for multiple rounds in the simulators. Tiny Towne offers three different car sizes and a wide range of courses that young drivers can take that are appropriate for their age and experience level. Drivers can even receive a Tiny Towne permit that provides free access to educational resources such as educational computer games, driving tests and simulators that cover 11 different topics of safety and road awareness.

Senior drivers who pass the basic traffic test and have a safe driving record on the advanced track ultimately earn a Tiny Towne Driver’s License! Drivers be warned though, not using a seat belt and not following the rules of the road result in a “ticket” handed out by the Tiny Towne police officers. Violations come with differing points on drivers’ records, ranging from consequences such as slowing down the speed of your minicar, getting your license suspended, or even sending violators in front of a Tiny Towne judge.

If young drivers get weary of the road, they can head over to the “Carcarde” room for arcade classics, jump on board the Tiny Towne Express train, or head over to the Grill for a delicious bite to eat. As one of the reviews on the Tiny Towne website states, “This place is a real boredom buster!! I love the fact that the kids can learn the rules of the road in a safe and friendly environment!” Tiny Towne is open for field trips, birthday parties and truly has something for all young drivers to enjoy!

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BRING THIS COUPON WITH YOU TO GET A

FREE TT PERMIT ($30 Value)

The permit entitles holder for:

■ FREE Train Ride for One Year ■ FREE Access to Tiny Towne Computers ■ FREE Access to our Educational Program.

One permit per coupon. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 12/30/2016.

Tiny Towne Norcross 2055 Beaver Ruin Rd Norcross, GA 470-545-7227

www.tinytowne.com

INVESTMENT

Strategies

grow

BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Should I consider investing in foreign stocks?

Yes! There are multiple ways you may include that type of diversification in your portfolio.

First you could invest in the stock of foreign companies directly or in mutual funds that have foreign holdings.

Consider this, Franklin Templeton Investments reports 68% of all traded stocks are companies located outside the United States.

If you limit your investing to US stocks you have limited yourself to about a third of the investment possibilities. In of all traded stocks the past five are companies years, the best performing stock located outside the markets have United States. been outside of the US (2015 - Denmark, 2014 Israel, 2013 - Finland, In the 2012 –Belgium, 2011 past five – Ireland). However, years, the best like the US stock market, performing stock foreign markets also have negative years. markets have Another way to play been outside of the foreign angle is to invest the US. in US companies that do the majority of their business outside the US. A few examples may surprise you: Avon – 86%, CocaCola – 58%, Apple – 60%, 3M – 63%, Qualcomm 99%.

136 companies in the S&P 500 generate more than half of their revenues outside of America.

To help understand the interrelationship of international business, consider the components of a new iPhone: processor – Samsung (Korea), gyroscope – STM (Switzerland), accelerometer – Bosch (Germany), flash memory – Toshiba (Japan), transceiver – Qualcomm (USA).

Not only are companies expanding rapidly in foreign countries, but so is the number of foreign consumers. In 2005 there were 903 million middle class consumers in western countries and only 278 million in eastern countries. The Brookings Institute projects that in just 10 short years, the east will boast 2 billion middleclass consumers compared to only 1 billion in the west. This tsunami of change in future commerce is a potential opportunity for investors who invest wisely.

This is a timely conversation for you and your trusted advisor. You should discuss the risks as well as the potential upside. ✱

68%

This is for education only. Before using this information in any way discuss it with a financial professional. There are many risks associated with stock trading. You may lose some or all of your financial investment. Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Integrated Financial Planning Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@SuwaneeMagazine.com All the information in this letter is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information is strictly at your own risk.

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MARKETING TIPS

EMAIL MARKETING DOs & DON’Ts As we mentioned in the July/August article, email marketing is not dead – it’s alive and well – there’s just a new take on how it’s used. A lot has changed since the days when the phrase “You’ve Got Mail” was made popular.

If email marketing is thriving, what’s changed? Here are some tips to have your email make it through to the inbox of your audience – the right way.

By: PRISCILLA SALMASI AND SHAY HARBAUGH, Veugeler Design Group

Subject Lines: The Bearer Of Good News

AUGUST EDITION

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

FALCONS PREVIEW Interviews with Dan Quinn, Matt

Ryan & Matt Schaub

Community. Culture. Lifestyle.

OUR JUDGES CHOOSE THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN! PAGE 43

SUWANEE MAGAZINE’S SAVOR

/

EVENT CALENDAR

E - N E W S L E T T E R /

THRIVE

/

Do Design Your Email For Mobile Viewing

JULLYY / AUGUST JULY JUL AUGUS UGUSTT 16

JULY / AUGUST 2016

The subject line is the first thing people read when deciding to open an email or not. Use your imagination and think of a clever way to capture the message of the email. Avoid the use of exclamation points and all caps in the body of your email as well as in the subject line. Avoid the use of overused phrases like “Act Now!" or "Don’t Miss!” People see these subject lines so often, they’ve become accustomed to them and will most likely ignore or delete the email.

Inspiring Stories and Local Vendors to Help Create Your Dream Wedding

A frankenpizza’ made with slices from Marco’s, Suwanee Pizza Tavern, Mellow Mushroom, Brooklyn Pizza & Burgers, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, and Sid’s Pizza & Grill

Q&A with Kryz Reid from

THIRD EYE BLIND

VIEW CURRENT ISSUE

SUBSCRIBE

Don’t Be Boring!

There has been a major shift from people reading email on their desktop to checking their email on their phone. Next time you’re on an elevator, take a look around – you will notice everyone is checking their phone, catching up on their email. Fifty percent of millennials open email on their phone. What does your email campaign look like on mobile?

If you don’t know, send yourself a test message and check it out on something other than a desktop.

If it takes pinching and zooming in to read the message, you may want to reconsider how it’s designed.

Stand out amongst your competitors with Exclusive Interview with Kry z Reid an eye-catching and from Third Eye Blind attention grabbing On tour with their fifth studio album “Dopamine,” San Fransis co band, Third Eye Blind, will roll into town Labor Day weekend, playing design. Use Sugar Hill’s Sweet Life concert series on Saturda y, September 3rd. We were able to catch up with their lead guitarist, Kryz Reid dynamic graphics for an exclusive interview on their tour so far and their most critically acclaimed album to date. in an effective READ MORE way that not only works with the text, but can Summer Wines help enhance your Nothing says summer like a family gathering, backyard barbecues, easy days on the lake, or sitting by the pool with friends. Sweet smells of burgers, message and tell hotdogs, ribs, chicken, and maybe even wings lingering on the weekends beckon even the ster nest of homebod your story. Keeping ies outside. The bright sunlight and longer days give us every excuse to roam. As warm summer weather lingers on, we’ve got you the amount of covered on what to drink with whatever you’re enjoying... text and images Read More >> balanced and Don’t Spam proportioned Fun Things to Do in August: makes for a FULL ROOF $300 There are a few things to be Featured Event: REPLA CEME NT OFF successful design.

13th ROCK 100.5 August Concert and Wing aware of in your design that can Festival Featuring Toad the Also, have a design Wet Sprocket August 13th / 5pm @ Suwanee Town help you stay out of the dreaded food beginning at 5pm. The concert Center Park. Live music and and a layout that and festival are FREE and there’ll be tons of wings to sample and it all down. The Wing Eating Contest ice cold Budweiser to wash spam folder. Do not use ALL CAPS starts at 7pm featuring Shaky is consistent and can Brent from the Bailey & Southside ROCK 100.5 morning show. in the body text. Not only is your easily guide the user from email at risk of being spammed, top to bottom with ease and Featured Event: 13th Blimpie Skylar’s Run For Breast Cancer 5K but it can also be too aggressive. doesn’t cause confusion - it’s August 13th / 8am @ Suwanee Town Center Park. Race day FREE INSPECTIO registration will begin at 6:30am.

Be careful of Nover using certain The 5K race starts at 8am, the Fun Run starts at 8:45am. just like reading a book. You words such “FREE,” “BUY NOW,” Call Now 770.36as 6.9657 have a beginning, middle and or “CLEARANCE.” These common 4th Annual Thin Mint Sprint ending that flows together. One 20th August 20th / 7am @ Suwanee Town Center Park. Check-in advertising starts at 7am; 5K starts at 8am; Is your websiteterms can trigger 1 mile Fun Run starts at 9am. of the most important things up to date? the spam filter. to remember for your design is Is your business coming Unite @ Night Walk Benefitting up in search engine results?

CSF (Chiari & to stay true to your brand and utilize 20th Syringomyelia Foundation) We can help! Contact August 20th / 6pm @ Tribble Mill us today to schedule a Park, Lawrenceville. Unite@ your brand’s fonts and colors. Designing night is a collection of one-mile, free consultation. casual evening walks that bring together people who are living with the devastating effects of a header and footer that has your logo and Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, EDS, and related disorders. company’s information is a key element Hoofin for Habitat 5K to keeping your brand consistent in 27th August 27th / 7:30am @ Suwanee Town Center Park. Run/ Walk to benefit Gwinnett Habitat email marketing. for Humanity. On-site day of registration starts at 6:30am; If you can't get Paid for by insurance with storm and hail damage

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Call Today for a Free Email Marketing Consultation

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Scheduled to open for the 2017 season, the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons NFL and Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer teams, is touted to be the most high tech stadium in professional sports history history.

Suwanee Magazine was afforded a tour of the progress of the "The City's Stadium" by Stadium General Manager, Scott Jenkins...

STORY BY: RACHEL PILLOW / PHOTOS BY: WALT WOODEN RENDERINGS PROVIDED BY: MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

17

he 2 million square foot stadium is 400,000 square feet larger than the current home of the Atlanta Falcons, the Georgia Dome, with the capacity to seat up to 75,000 people compared to 71,000+ at the Georgia Dome, but builders are committed to lessening their environmental footprint and creating a sustainable, future-friendly building. Jenkins is a pioneer in the green building movement in sports and Chair of the Green Sports Alliance Board of Directors: a group dedicated to developing solutions to environmental challenges and promoting healthy, sustainable communities where we live and play. Right now the stadium is on target to become the first professional stadium to reach LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Status.

Features such as a 680,000-gallon cistern and 1.1 million gallon storm vault help the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to use 42% less water than the Georgia Dome; while 4,000+ solar panels help them to utilize 34% less energy than a typical building.

THE GAME DAY EXPERIENCE Game days will be completely different from what Atlanta Falcons fans have grown accustomed to in the past. Fan-friendly food and beverage pricing, The new stadium's floor-to-ceiling "window huge concourse space and to the city" allows fans doors opening much earlier the opportunity to view than normal are meant to the Atlanta skyline in all its glory. create a destination before and during the game. The Georgia Dome, directly adjacent to the new stadium, will be reconstructed into a green, tailgate parking lot. Once inside the stadium, fans will experience over 670 concessions points of sale (65% more than is currently available at the Georgia Dome) along with more restrooms and much larger concourse space. “Fan First Menu Pricing� is meant to

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give families affordable options to enjoy their entire day at the game with low prices such as $2 for unlimited, self-serve, re-fillable non-alcoholic beverages; $2 hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn; $3 peanuts, pizza, nachos and waffle fries; and $5 12oz domestic beers.

The menu and pricing model will be in effect for all Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United games, as well as other major events at the stadium including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, SEC Championship Game, 2018 College Football National Championship and 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

This has been a dream project for a guy like me...

SCOTT JENKINS

Mercedes-Benz Stadium General Manager

Scheduled to open for the 2017 NFL season, the stadium's construction continues at a rapid pace. When complete, the 1.5 billion dollar stadium will be home to the Atlanta Falcons NFL and Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer teams.

Scott Jenkins has a rich history in professional sports stadium management, including: VP of Ballpark Operations for the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Eagles and Milwaukee Brewers. The fact that the General Manager of the stadium was hired in the very early stages of the construction process, long before opening day, is proof that the focus has been on the ongoing, overall experience for the fans, not just on the aesthetics and functionality of the stadium.

Fan-friendly food and beverage pricing, huge concourse space and doors opening much earlier than normal are meant to create a destination before and during the game.

19

MOST HIGH TECH STADIUM IN HISTORY "The stadium is completely scalable and customizable depending on what event it is hosting. Everything is digital. You can customize the entire look and feel of the stadium with the push of a button,” said Jenkins. For Atlanta United Soccer – there is a curtain system that drops so the whole third level goes away, making it a more intimate setting and the field level seats also retract at the corner so that they can fit a full size soccer-width field. Fans never have to worry about missing an important play just because they get up from their seats. The 58-foot high, 360-degree, HD halo board wrapping the stadium is the largest video board in professional sports history at 1,100 feet long. A 100foot high “mega column” video board, 3,200 linear feet of ribbon board and 52 million individual LED lights all contribute to creating a spectacular show for any sporting event, concert or show held at the stadium. One of the most prominent features is the retractable roof that can open or close in just seven minutes. “We are viewing this as an outdoor stadium that has the ability to close,” said Jenkins.

4,000+ solar panels help them to utilize 34% less energy than a typical building.

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The 58-foot high, 360-degree, HD halo board wrapping the stadium will be the largest video board in professional sports history at 1,100 feet long.

The retractable, hard-top roof will consist of eight translucent “camera-lens� style petals that can be opened or closed in just seven minutes.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

PSL PRICING STARTS AT JUST

Concerts

500 PER SEAT

$

THE PSL MODEL MLS Bowl

New to Atlanta Falcons fans is the PSL or Personal Seat License model of the stadium. Already implemented by 23 of the 32 NFL stadiums, PSLs are a way for fans to personally own the rights to their seats through the term of the stadium lease. The PSL is considered a one-time fee that goes towards funding the construction of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and provides the licensee with the following benefits: ■ Right to own your seats ■ Access to exclusive opportunities to purchase tickets to other events prior to the general public

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

■ Right to transfer your PSL to a member of your immediate family or third party ■ Right to sell your PSL to a third party

2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four

SEC Championship Game

...AND OF COURSE, SUPERBOWL LIII IN 2019!

In the past, Atlanta Falcons fans have been accustomed to purchasing season tickets, good only for the duration of one season. And while PSL owners will still purchase ticket packages each season, they will also now own the rights to and benefits of their specific seats for a minimum of thirty years and an annual ticket price that is locked for three years. PSL pricing starts at $500 per seat and can by paid in full by February 28th, 2017 or in installments over 10 years at $53 per year, plus the annual ticket payment of $700 (equating to only $55 per game). In fact, 20% of the stadium has seat licenses available for $750 or less per seat.

Atlanta Falcons fans may be familiar with the model because college football has been utilizing it in some form for quite a while. The PSL idea was born out of the college donation program where you must make a donation to the university in order to earn your right to buy season tickets for the year: the higher the donation the better your seat options. PSLs at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium run the gamut of $500 to $5,500 per seat, with multiple options in between. For instance, a $2,500 PSL may be paid in full by February 28th, 2017, or will cost the seat owner an annual installment of $267, plus an annual ticket payment of $1,150 to be paid over 10 years.

“With this price structure we wanted to make sure we’re inclusive of everyone,” said Michael Drake, Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment. And, rest assured, there are no “bad seats” in this state-of-the-art mega stadium. “Each concourse has a unique personality: every seat, every single section of the stadium is designed to be a unique destination, from the on-field club level bar to the beer garden on the first level concourse to the 100-yard bar on the 300 level,” said Drake.

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THE WESTSIDE WORKS PROGRAM "This is the city’s stadium,” said Jenkins. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a game-changer for the city in many ways, including in the formation of new community partnerships, such as the Westside Works Program: a long-term neighborhood program focused on creating employment opportunities and job training for residents of the Westside community and neighborhoods surrounding the new stadium. The program provides critical job training, development and placement for residents within the community. “As important as building the stadium is to Arthur Blank (Owner of The Atlanta Falcons), so is supporting the surrounding neighborhoods. We’ve put to work roughly 200 Atlanta Falcon's Owner, people from the surrounding community and close to 100 Arthur Blank's Westside people through the culinary program,” explained Jenkins.

Works Program is creating Other community partnership efforts can be seen in their employment opportunities for the residents surrounding the recruitment of local artists. “We partnered with SCAD to create new stadium. artwork, sculptures and photography that will be displayed throughout the stadium; and The Boys & Girls Clubs in Atlanta have painted the pieces for a mosaic that is going up in the concourse,” For more information on the Westside Works Program, go to said Jenkins.

westsideworks.org

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SUWANEEHIGHSCHOOL

2016 We asked the coaches of Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett, Collins Hill and Lanier High Schools to choose the players to watch this season. These are their picks...

STORY BY:

RACHEL PILLOW PHOTOS BY:

PAUL PERDUE 26

Q:

What are you most excited about for senior year?

North Gwinnett Bulldogs

DREW JORDAN SENIOR

6’3”

235 LBS

DEFENSIVE END

A: I’m excited to finish

this year with my friends and my team. As much as I’m looking forward to playing at Duke next year I have to get it done at home before I leave.

My parents will play a big role in keeping me focused where I have to be to finish this year.

> > 2015 STATS :

45 TACKLES 6 TACKLES FOR LOSS 4 SACKS 1 FORCED FUMBLES

Q:

Where will you be playing next year?

A: I recently committed

to Duke University. I had several offers but ultimately chose Duke because of the way the coaching staff really made my family also feel at home. Knowing that I’m going to get a great education but also be able to play football was very important to me as well.

They’re going to teach me more about life and who I am as a person.

Q:

Do you want to play professionally?

A: I’d love to! But if I

don’t get that opportunity then I’ll have things to fall back on. I’m leaning towards studying Business Entrepreneurship at Duke.

COACH BOB SPHIRE ON THE BULLDOGS IN 2016

North Gwinnett is coming off a season where we missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years with a 5-5 record.

We are looking to get back to form with a strong nucleus of starters returning, but there are questions on both sides of the ball.

Strengths: Defensive Line/ LB Play, QB Play and Kicking Game.

Areas of improvement include: Offensive Line play, Wide Receiver & Defensive Back play, and overall consistency.

I always eat Skittles before every game. My teammates say I do it because of Marshawn Lynch, but it’s something I’ve always done - I’ve been doing that since I was a little kid – they give me a boost of energy.

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Collins Hill Eagles

Jonathan Postell SENIOR

5’11”

> > 2015 STATS:

Q: What

are you most excited about for senior year?

A: Playing my

last year with my team and coaches.

Having a good time and finishing high school!

Q:

A: I have gotten

some offers already, but I’m not stressing about the college decision yet. Right now I’m worrying about what’s happening with my team today – in high school.

Q:

Do you play any other sports?

A: Yes, Track &

Field – I run the 100, 200 and do Shot Put & Discus.

Last year I went to state in Shot Put and Discus. I tried wrestling too for one year but decided to stick with Football and Track. In college I’ll only play Football though.

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RUNNING BACK

176

900

5.0

10

RUSHES

YARDS

AVERAGE

TDS

Before a game I usually stay to myself, concentrate and think about what I’m going to do on the field.

Where will you be playing next year?

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197 LBS

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COACH KEVIN REACH ON THE EAGLES IN 2016

Team Goals: Win the region championship.

Lead county or be at the top in both offensive and defensive categories.

We want to get better every week and play our best game of the season every game.

Strengths: We have two experienced QBs this season, an experienced offensive line with returning running back and receivers.

What are you working on after last season?

We can always get better in the special teams. Also, working on building that one heartbeat!

Being the captain of the team, I try to lead by example. It’s about doing the right things on and off the field.

Peachtree Ridge Lions

Connor Heyward SENIOR >>2 01 5 STATS :

6’2”

39

144

RUSHES YARDS

215 LBS

WIDE RECEIVER

27

266

6

REC

YARDS

TDS

Q:

What are you most excited about for senior year?

A: Cherishing these moments with my teammates and good friends that I’ve grown up with.

Q: Where are you playing next year?

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YD AVG. KICK RETURN

A: There are about 15-20 offers on the table from all over the country. I’m looking for a very at-home feel. I’ll decide in January…maybe sooner if I see a school or program that really jumps out at me.

Q:

Do you ever feel added pressure because of the success of your brother (Cameron Heyward, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End)?

A: No, a lot of people worry that there is added pressure on

me because of my brother, but there’s not. I’m making my own name for myself.

COACH MARK FLEETWOOD ON THE LIONS IN 2016

Team Goals: As with every season, our goal is to make the play-offs, win our region and win a State Championship.

Strengths: Defense will be the strength of our team, but I also believe we can accomplish some things on Offense. Fred Payton will be our QB and he is a returning starter.

What are you working on after last season? We have worked extremely hard in the weight room. Our overall strength as a team has improved tremendously. We changed our weight program around and I believe it will pay dividends.

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LANIER LONGHORNS

Tyler Taylor SENIOR

6’3”

230 LBS

Q: What are you most excited

about for senior year?

A:

I’m ready to get out there and play! I want to have a senior year that everyone is gonna remember. I don’t want to leave any ifs, ands or buts out there about how hard I play!

LINEBACKER

> > 2015 STATS :

120 TACKLES

15 TACKLES FOR LOSS 5 SACKS

Q:

Where will you be playing next year?

A: I haven’t committed to any schools

1 INTERCEPTION

yet, but I’m looking at LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, UGA and Auburn.

Q:

How long have you been playing football?

A: For about 8 years now. I stopped for 3 years and decided to try soccer and was good at it…mainly because I’m big and fast – but football was more fun for me. I love basketball too though - I’ve pretty much tried every sport.

I always listen to music before the game.

Afterwards we go out and celebrate with friends, usually go to Waffle House.

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COACH KOREY MOBBS ON THE LONGHORNS IN 2016 Team Goals: Continue taking steps as a program of consistent success!

Strengths: Defensive Front, Offensive Line, Secondary.

What are you working on after last season?

Consistency of Wide Receiver play and physical approach to the game.

38 CREATING BALANCE IN YOUR FAMILY

thrive your health,

wellness and happiness.

V I TA L I TY M E D S PA

BEAUTY + WELLNESS +

Kara Williamson, General Manager Sandra Gregory, Public Relations/Events Coordinator and Monique Hicks, Owner and Clinic Director Vitality Med Spa

BY: RACHEL PILLOW / PHOTOS BY: JULIE BUNCH

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Vitality Med Spa and LUXE Nail & Beauty Bar opened their doors to Suwanee in July of 2016. The practice started in 2011 in Grayson and quickly grew to a second location in Buford.

Monique Hicks, Owner & Founder, opened the original practice as a medical weight loss clinic, but with growing demands from clientele, quickly expanded her services to include: injectables, laser treatment, skin care and more. They began to outgrow both locations in Buford and Grayson, but instead of building a third location, Hicks decided to create one, large, premier, state-of-the-art facility that would include all services along with the addition of a Nail, Hair & Beauty bar.

When Hicks was looking around Gwinnett for the perfect location to expand her business and create this state-of-the-art facility, she came across the opportunity to open a location in Suwanee Town Center. After meeting with City officials, networking with other local business

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Vitality Med Spa and LUXE Nail & Beauty Bar offers a luxurious space designed for relaxation and comfort.

owners and talking to Suwanee residents, she realized that it was a place she wanted to plant roots in. “There is something special going on here in the community of Suwanee that is very different and unique from other areas around here,” said Hicks.

The beautiful, brand new facility is located on the LawrencevilleSuwanee Road side of Town Center Park, directly across from Mellow Mushroom.

Hicks, a nurse by trade, jumpstarted her career in an unlikely way – with the U.S. Department of

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Defense and U.S. Navy. After meeting a Navy doctor and his wife, she was encouraged to go on a four-month mission called “Operation Continuing Promise.” Continuing Promise is an annual, civil-military humanitarian mission providing immediate healthcare, disaster relief training and assistance in c o m m u n i t y projects throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. “I spent

thrive

It’s just incredible to see how much we can impact lives through the services we offer.”

four months living on a U.S. Navy ship, going to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda; providing medical services, assisting in surgeries, talking to people about water safety and AIDS awareness… it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” she said.

After returning home, Hicks - Monique Hicks began working for a plastic surgeon, a seemingly stark contrast to the humanitarian work she was doing before. But, surprisingly, just as rewarding. “I never intended to be a cosmetic nurse, but I loved being able to change people’s lives and make them feel beautiful again. A lot of women put their children, their home and family’s needs above their own and forget about themselves. We specialize in helping them put themselves first. They build their confidence again, whether that is through weight loss, laser hair removal or something else, it’s just incredible to see how much we can impact lives through the services we offer,” Hicks explained.

When Hicks decided to open her own practice that was the premise with which she built it on: transforming lives. Many of her employees have been with her since day one, including longtime friend and Vitality Med Spa General Manager, Kara Williamson. “I wouldn’t be here today without Kara and the rest of my amazing staff,” said Hicks.

With close to 7,000 clients and 15 employees,

“I wouldn’t be here today without Kara and the rest of my amazing staff.”

- Monique Hicks

Williamson helps to keep the operation running smoothly. One of Vitality Med Spa’s most sought-after services is Botox, largely due to the reputation of their two full-time, master level injectors, Barbara Vanlenten, aka Botox Barbie, and Ty Peterson, who is also an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and medical weight loss expert.

Vanlenten and Peterson are known in the industry for training and techniques that they have pioneered, and men and women from across the Southeast specifically seek their services.

The list of services offered by Vitality Med Spa and LUXE Nail & Beauty Bar is extensive: it truly is a one-stop shop for all beauty and wellness needs. From the moment you walk in the door, customers receive VIP treatment. Small details such as fruit-infused water, a complimentary wine bar and comfortable, private suites for services, create the utmost luxury experience. “A lot of thought went into the details of this place, in order to make it the best experience for our customers,” said Williamson. “In the beauty bar we customdesigned the pedicure chairs so that you can get your hair, toes and fingernails done all at the same time and be done within an hour. Most locations do not offer all of those services at the same time,” she continued.

The nail bar offers full-service manicure and pedicures, while the hair bar offers styling, up-dos, special hair treatments, hair and eyelash extensions, and Blowouts. It is the perfect spot to accommodate bridal parties, prom night or a girls’ night out.

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Already, Vitality Med Spa has immersed themselves as community members by giving back to local causes such as Sweet Repeat Dresses, Suwanee Dental’s Deserving Divas and through appreciation events for teachers, nurses and military. They also heard about Dede Daniel from The Bert Show and read her story in Suwanee Magazine last issue, and decided they wanted to do something special for this breast cancer patient and soon-to-be-bride by offering her facials and injectables, as well as manicures for her and the bridal party the day before the wedding.

Since opening in Suwanee, the outpour of support from local residents, new clients and other business owners in the area looking to partner with them and help them succeed, has been overwhelming. “One of the reasons we’re so thankful to be in Suwanee is because of the wonderful community here – we are really excited to be part of that,” said Williamson. For a list of services go to, vitalitymedspamd.com. . ✱

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thrive

Ask Henry Ask Henry at SugarHillAnimalHospital.com

Q: I have noticed for some time that my dog is having issues going up and down the stairs and doesn’t seem to last as long on his walks. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable?

A:

What a great question! It is wonderful to know that you care so much about the comfort of your best friend.

It turns out that my Veterinary friends have several products to help us out as we get older and stiffer. One thing I have tried that seems to help me feel a lot better is laser therapy. A technician places a probe near the skin around my joints and a wonderful warm feeling penetrates to the areas that ache. Afterward, I can move with less pain. My Vet tells me that it helps increase blood flow to the areas and removes antioxidants but I just know that it works really well and it doesn’t hurt to have it done!

Dasuquin and There are also Glycoflex are several medications chewable that can be given products to help with that contain Glucosamine arthritis and pain, and especially on these colder Chondroitin that mornings. Dasuquin and help increase my Glycoflex are chewable joint fluid to cushion the joints. products that contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin that help increase my joint fluid to cushion the joints. There is an injection called Adequan that can do the same thing. There are also pain medications that we can take called NSAIDS that decrease inflammation, and stronger pain medications that help when the pain gets really severe. So, overall there are a lot of options to keep your best friend feeling young for as long as possible.

Q: I have been trying to brush the teeth of my dog Sasha but she still has bad breath. Is there anything easier I can do to help keep her teeth healthy?

A: There are so many things that can be done to help a dog’s

breath! First of all, you may want to bring Sasha in to see if you need a dental cleaning. If they think she is fine, or if you want to keep her smile bright after her dental, I would recommend Ora Vet Dental Chews. They have a coating on them that protects the teeth from tartar buildup.

I also like C.E.T. Chews. They make my breath smell great.

Some of my friends don’t like to chew on things (I don’t know why!) so their owners sprinkle Perio Support on their food which can help prevent tartarOra Vet Dental Chews have a they say it tastes good. The only coating on them that protects thing you want to avoid is hard the teeth from tartar buildup products like deer antlers and and makes your dog's breath real bones - I have had several smell great. friends break teeth on them and then they are in a lot of pain. I hope you can find some things to help Sasha’s breath because I know I feel better when I have healthy teeth and I am sure she does, too. ✱

Helping Henry this month is Dr. Seibert from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital Dr Seibert is a 1989 Graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Seibert continued her studies with an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University.

Her professional interests include ophthalmic and orthopedic surgery.

Away from the hospital, Dr. Seibert stays busy with her husband and four children. When she does find spare time, she loves to watch college basketball and cheering for her Alma Mater, Duke University.

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FAMILY MATTERS

thrive

BY: LAURA

LEBOVITZ LAMFT AT GROW COUNSELING

Creating Family Balance he concept of balance is thrown around a lot, but we know that if you have a family, it can be difficult to get the basic things done... meeting each individual’s needs, coordinating hectic schedules, and completing major to-do lists. Navigating balance in the midst of chaos takes practice and constant realignment.

Here are some ideas for working towards balance in your family: Be intentional about your schedule.

It can be easy to keep saying yes to every activity or event that comes across your path. However too much “yes” can leave your family and you feeling overburdened and exhausted. It can even make it hard for you to enjoy the activities that you actually look forward to doing! Examine your schedule and weed out the activities that are the least fulfilling. A good way to start paring a schedule down is to take off activities that leave you and your family feeling more exhausted than recharged.

Delegate. Share the weekly responsibilities and chores with the whole family. It can make one person feel resentful if he or she gets stuck doing all of the housework. Plus there is more free time for fun if everyone helps out a little.

Get younger children involved by assigning them ageappropriate chores like sweeping or picking up toys. For less enthusiastic helpers, try a reward system to help them feel more motivated to participate.

Watch for unnecessary distractions. What seems

like a small break here and there can really add up to a big waste of time. Turn off the TV and video games. Have a break from social media until homework or housework is done. When you are done with everything you need to do, you will be able to enjoy all of the fun that much more!

Create a shared family calendar. We have all

felt the panic that comes with forgetting an important activity.

Eliminate last-minute stress by creating a shared calendar that includes everyone’s activities. Calendars help to create a clearer vision of the week and upcoming activities. You can choose a large paper calendar or even an electronic one, like Google Calendar, that can be seen on everyone’s devices.

Find down time... even if you have to schedule it! It is important for everyone to

have a break focused just on relaxing and having some fun. Find time for your favorite fall activities like football, enjoying your favorite fall treat, or even just getting outside in the cooler weather. Don’t forget that the break will prevent burn out and set you up for success! ✱ LAURA LEBOVITZ

Laura Lebovitz is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist that works in the Suwanee area at GROW Counseling.

She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, autism, self-harm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

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These are the festivals you don't want to miss this fall...

FALL FESTIVALS 2016

PRESENTED BY ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS all is almost here, and with it comes the return of festival season! From our nearly famous Suwanee Fest to Taste of Atlanta to the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, there is a unique and fun event to choose from each and every weekend. However, there is one festival in particular that is a must for your 2016 fall festival lineup‌ Saturday, November 5th, 2016 marks the return of the 4th annual Suwanee Wine Festival!

In three years, this wine festival has quickly become one of the premier wine events in the state of Georgia and is truly a wine lovers dream. With unlimited sampling of 150 wines from around the globe, carefully hand-selected by the wine specialists at Suwanee Beverage Superstore, it is not challenging to see why.

Presented by Atlanta Classic Cars and organized by the team behind the award-winning Suwanee Beer Fest (Gwinnett Daily Post Reader’s

SATURDAY, NOV. 5TH

TOWN CENTER PARK

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BY: MICHELLE FASIG

Choice Best Festival in Gwinnett three years running) and Gwinnett Beer Fest, this festival continues to be a “must-not miss” event for wine experts and novices alike. Several Georgia wineries will be in attendance and each wine region of the world will be represented, giving festival attendees the opportunity to taste wines from around the globe in a single afternoon!

As festival attendees sip and stroll their way through Suwanee Town Center Park with their unlimited samples, they can also listen to live music from local bands, browse the products for sale from vendors and artists, taste delicious food from some of the area’s most popular restaurants in the Food Court, participate in backyard games such as corn-hole, and more! There is even an opportunity for the beer lovers in the crowd to make their way over to the Beer Garden to try some delicious local brews from Sweetwater Brewery, and catch a game of football on TV! The General Admission experience starts at $55 per person for unlimited samples of beer and wine in the park from 1:00 – 4:30pm.

PRESENTED BY

UNLIMITED SAMPLES OF

150+

WINES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

SATURDAY, NOV. 5th

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

TICKETS ON SALE Fri, Sept. 16th at noon

TOWNCENTER PARK

SuwaneeWineFest .com 41

Must-Try Wines At This Year’s Suwanee Wine Fest BY: KARL FUREM / BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE The VIP experience begins with early admission to the park at noon where they can enjoy everything in General Admission, plus access to a private dining and tasting tent. VIP tickets are extremely limited and include: higherend exclusive wines, a delicious gourmet food spread matched to compliment the wine, and a VIP goody bag that includes the official 2016 Suwanee Wine Fest shirt.

The event organizers are committed to continuing to create the best wine tasting experience while giving back to the local community. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Annnandale Village: a Suwanee organization that provides care and life assistance to adults with developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries and enables them to maintain their independence in the least-restrictive environment possible. Atlanta Classic Cars is also proud to announce that they will be hosting a silent auction showcasing student art from 21 schools for the duration of the festival. Proceeds will be donated back into the arts programs at local schools. ✱

Save the Date:

Tickets for the 2016 Suwanee Wine Festival on sale Friday, Sept. 16th at noon

@ suwaneewinefest.com

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Okay everybody, we are getting close... it’s almost time. Don’t wait, you will want to get your tickets early for the 4th annual Suwanee Wine Fest because there is a chance they will sell out. That’s right, November 5th is just around the corner! I had a great time last year (it was the first one I had attended) and am very excited about this year’s festival! So to whet your appetites, we will preview five wines that will be available for tasting at this year’s Suwanee Wine Fest...

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24TH & SUNDAY SEPT. 25TH

1

Southern Belle Spain’s “Southern

Belle” Red Blend is 50% Monastrell and 50% Syrah aged in bourbon barrels.

This big, full-bodied wine pours deep inky purple, with blackberry and blueberry flavors abundantly dominant and raspberry trying to get noticed. The finish starts off a little earthy, but then the smoky sweetness from the bourbon comes through! $19.99 a bottle.

Duluth Fall Festival is a yearly event not to be missed! With more than 400 volunteers dedicating their time, Duluth Fall Festival exists as the largest festival in the Southeast without any paid staff. Block off your calendar for the last weekend in September, as Downtown Duluth will be taken over by this extravaganza!

A vast variety of booths appealing to every member of the family will be open from 9am to 7pm on Saturday and 9am to 5 pm on Sunday. The weekend’s events and entertainment will be kicked off with a parade at 10am on Saturday morning, followed

DOWNTOWN DULUTH

The Prisoner Red Blend This Napa Valley

wine that was launched in 2003 has a cult-like following that is well deserved.

This is a big red blending Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Charbono. Prisoner starts off with a nose full of cherry, coffee, and fig.

Following this enticing bouquet of aromas the big fruit takes hold with pomegranate, strawberry, and raspberry. A spicy lingering finish completes this delicious red. $39.99 a bottle.

2

3

Both available in VIP

Blindfold White Blend Blindfold was

created to be the perfect white wine companion to Prisoner’s Red Blend and is equally bold and intriguing.

Blindfold starts with Chardonnay as its base. Then they blend in a variety of aromatic and full-bodied white grapes: Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Marsanne. It starts with aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and pineapple that transition into melon, mandarin orange, and tangerine – all brought to life with bright acidity. The finish is creamy with a bit of lemon zest. The overall effect is a wellbalanced sublimely complex experience. $32.99 a bottle.

by an Opening Ceremony at 11:30am. Day 2 of the festival will begin with a 5K Road Race at 8:00am, followed by Worship on the Green at 10am. Back to back entertainment and carnival fun will continue both days, plus FREE shuttle buses throughout the entire festival!

Sponsoring several other events throughout the year, the Festival Committee is also hosting a free festival concert on Saturday, September 10th, featuring ‘On The Border’ – an Eagles Tribute Band. The concert will be held at the Duluth Festival Center, beginning at 6:30pm.

All funds raised by the festivals are contributed to the improvement of Downtown Duluth, totaling over two and a half million dollars thus far. The community thrives on working together to form lasting friendships and analways growing atmosphere. This year serving as the festival’s 34th year in action shows just that!

Hopefully after reading this, you are counting down the days until tickets go on sale. There will be nearly 150 other choices, so there will be something for everyone!

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

- KARL

4

The Levendi A big

Chardonnay that delivers on all fronts. As soon as you pour the straw colored liquid into the glass you are greeted with aromas of tropical fruit. The acidity makes the pineapple, peach, and apple flavors pop on your taste buds; while the finish is rich and creamy. $28.99 a bottle.

Available in VIP

AdessoCagnina di Romagna From Italy comes

5

Adesso-Cagnina di Romagna.

If you come into Beverage SuperStore looking for this one just ask for the Adesso.

Adesso is made from 100% Refosco grapes. This red wine is delightfully sweet, with cherry and black raspberry flavors.

This is a great wine to accompany fruit dishes.

Only $12.99 a bottle.

For more information about Suwanee Wine Fest, go to suwanee winefest.com.

Visit DuluthFallFestival.org for shuttle locations, special carnival offers and more 43

Natural Health & Wellness Festival Comes to Town Center Park

On Saturday, October 22nd from 10am-6pm The Alive! Festival will be returning to Suwanee Town Center Park! The festival is an annual Green Living and Eco Lifestyle festival promoting “all things and products that are natural, organic and green.”

This free event features multiple eco-friendly vendors, live entertainment and a Family Fun Zone with activities for children of all ages! Festival attendees are invited to learn how to integrate health and wellness, plus natural, organic and green products into environmental responsible eco-living.

The Alive! Festival benefits Project Green, a local non-profit whose mission is to invest in “A Green Tomorrow.” Project Green invests in and protects green space within the Southeastern United States. Additionally, Project Green will develop, launch and run an annual “Back to Basics” Summer Camp for underprivileged children and teenagers. This program will teach kids and young people how to interact with one another by focusing on building self-esteem and awareness of the environment by incorporating challenging and fun activities.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22ND

TOWN CENTER PARK

For more information, go to aliveexpo.com.

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Bust ‘n Butts BBQ is a catering food truck established in 2013 by David and Tammie Bailey. From their large sandwiches, BNB Nachos, and all the rest, they want customers to remember their BBQ and service so they can understand their motto: “We’re bustin’ butts so you don’t have to!” Visit their Facebook page for more information.

BOOTH #9 770-289-4667 Home of the Original Chicken Sandwich

1035 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suwanee, GA 30024

Suwanee’s 33rd Annual Celebration Two days of family, food and fun returns for the 33rd year!

Suwanee Fest will take over Suwanee Town Center Park on September 17th-18th. This two day festival features live entertainment, dozens of food vendors, a parade, rides and activities for children and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors!

The theme of this year’s festival is “Super Suwanee, Super People” and the festival begins as it has each year, with the kick-off annual parade. Festival attendees will be able to spend two days exploring art, browsing local artisan products and jewelry, playing carnival games and enjoying the live performances on the main stage.

This event, designed to celebrate community, heritage, family, business and culture has grown from a one day festival into two days of family- friendly fun that sees over 50,000 people attend. For more than three decades, the City of Suwanee has made it a priority to bring the community together, and with the year-after-year growth of the festival, it appears the community has made Suwanee Fest a priority too.

770-831-1177 Cfarestaurant.com/mooreroad/home

BOOTH #28

Country Pepper is an independently-owned family restaurant. Their flavors reflect their Jamaican heritage and they take great pleasure in sharing the richness of their culture through their food and hospitality.

686 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 200 Suwanee, GA 30024

678-765-6070

BOOTH #18

Daddy O’Brien’s Irish Ice Cream Pub has become a local favorite.

Offering award winning, gourmet Artisan ice cream for the whole family, as well as their adult alcoholic ice creams made with real alcohol. This insanely delicious ice cream is a one-of-a-kind experience.

5910 Suwanee Dam Road, Suite 400 Sugar Hill, GA 30518

BOOTH #20

404-513-1118 I daddyosicecream.com Designs by R and K is your local provider of custom products for you, your home, and your family and friends. Specializing in personalized embroidery; handmade baby gifts (booties, bibs, quilts, etc.) and children’s apparel, accessories and toys.

PO Box 208 • Braselton, GA 30517 *mailing only

BOOTH #G24

770.403.8288 I designsbyrandk.com

Georgia SPCA lives out their vision of “No More Homeless Cats or Dogs” since 2007. They have rescued and found homes for almost 10,000 cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. They also offer low cost spay/ neuter services and affordable vaccines.

Mon. & Wed.-Fri. 11am-7pm, Tues. 2-7pm, Sat. & Sun. 11am-5pm

1175 Buford Highway • Suwanee, GA 30024

678-765-2723 I georgiaspca.com

BOOTH #Y15 & 16

Gwinnett County Public Library supports your informational, educational and recreational interests with convenient, creative, customer-friendly access to materials and services. Providing resources and service that enrich and inspire our entire community, GCPL is a place to connect, learn and grow.

361 Main Street • Suwanee, GA 30024

770-978-5154 I gwinnettpl.org 46

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BOOTH #Y2

Imagix Dental of Suwanee specializes in creating beautiful smiles, maintaining your oral health and fulfilling your optimum dental needs.

Their practice takes into consideration today’s busy lifestyles and has multi-specialty providers to make dental visits convenient for parents and kids. Their promise is to provide the best dental care to you and your family for many years to come.

BOOTH 350 Town Center Ave, Ste 301 • Suwanee #B18

678-448-4123 I imagixdental.com

The Original PeachSkinSheets are GREAT for hot sleepers and provide a 1500 Thread Count level of softness. Our breathable bed sheets feature thermal and moisture management...warm sleepers stay cool, and cool sleepers stay cozy. The athletic grade performance SMART fabric wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable!

6820 Meadowbridge Court, Ste A-1 Alpharetta, GA 30005

678-771-5326 I peachskinsheets.com

BOOTH #B9 & 10

Savage Jerky Company is a small-batch jerky company producing hand crafted recipes with ingredients that belong in a kitchen, not a lab.

2133 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suite 12-405 Suwanee, GA 30024 *mailing only BOOTH

866-958-2444 I savagejerky.com

Sunday, September 18th

A vibrant, multi-generational congregation passionate about Christ and firmly committed to serving the community through various ministries.

You’ll find a loving and friendly community of faith. Come and worship – let’s rejoice together in the Lord!

770-945-0205 I suwaneechurch.com

8:30 am - 8 pm Free shuttle parking from/ to off-site parking 9 am Parade 10 am - 7 pm Arts & crafts exhibitors, inflatable rides, Family Fun Zone, food vendors 10:30 am - 7 pm Free on-stage entertainment 5:30 pm Who’s Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band

#Y11

Southern Essentials is a local manufacturer that provides pure therapeutic grade essential oils; natural skin care products, deodorants, insect repellant and room sprays; handcrafted soap; and other aromatherapy and essential oil based items. Visit their website for locations that offer these amazing products!

BOOTH 770-574-4646 I southernessentials.com #R32

603 Scales Road • Suwanee, GA 30024

Saturday, September 17th

BOOTH #G28

11:30 am - 6 pm Free shuttle parking from/ to off-site parking noon - 5 pm Arts & crafts exhibitors, inflatable rides, Family Fun Zone, food vendors

For a full list of entertainment visit: suwaneefest.com

Universe Soul Couture is a teen boutique that offers stylish, trendy fashion, yet promotes a healthy teen lifestyle. From the latest in clothes, shoes, and accessories, we strive to provide the ultimate shopping experience while maintaining a unique, personal feel for our special shopper. Bringing the Universe Together ... One Soul at a Time.

425 Buford Hwy, Ste 106-B • Suwanee

770-676-8700 I universesoulcouture.com

BOOTH #R35 & 36

At Void Space Productions, we seek to inspire, educate, and enrich the lives of everyone we meet with beautiful works of art, custom apparel, hand-crafted accessories. We specialize in organic and eco-friendly products. Our featured artist, Curtis Smith, crafts his collection as a powerful and beautiful expression of life. He specializes in original photographs beautifully stretched onto canvas - perfect for a space on the wall of your home or office.

425 Buford Hwy, Ste 106-B • Suwanee

770-676-8700 I inthevoidspace.com

BOOTH #R35 & 36

Get groovy with Whitney Orthodontics!

1400 Buford Highway NE Sugar Hill, GA 30518

770-945-2015 whitneyorthodontics.com

BOOTH #P19

Priority Roofing and Restoration specializes in residential and commercial roofing throughout Georgia. We provide the best quality and service tailored to your needs. Whether its hail damage, storm damage, discontinued shingles, repairs or just time for an upgraded roof, we offer the best service to our customers. Call us today for your free inspection.

770-366-9657 PriorityRoofingAndRestoration.com

BOOTH #P24

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SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

BUFORD HIGHWAY - LAWRENCEVILLE-SUWANEE ROAD

Food / Concessions

BOOTH #

Chick-Fil-A Moore Road ..................... 28 ‘AW sHUCKS’ .......................................... 15 Cool Hawaiian Ice ................................Y9 Country Pepper .....................................18 Daddy O’Brien’s Irish Pub ....................................... 20 Ice Cream Pub.......................................

Dandy Cotton Candy ............................19 Dunwoody Cafe ..................................... 17 Greek Tavern................................ 2, 3, 4, 5 Henry’s Concessions ................... 21 & 22 HOBIE POP KETTLE CORN .................. 24 Ippolito’s ................................................. 13 Johnny’s Pizza ......................................... 6 Marco’s Pizza..........................................25 Rey’s Cuban ............................................14 Rita’s Italian Ice......................... 27 & G51 Runaway Pigs ........................................23 Sherri’s Crab Cakes of Delmarva .......16 Twisted Taco Suwanee ....................... 26 BUST’N BUTTS BBQ ............................... 9 Island Chef Cafe ....................................10 Sugar D’s ................................................... 1 Tasting Maine ........................................ 8 The Muenster Truck...............................7 The Pickle Food Truck ...........................11 UrbanTaali ............................................. 12 Dippin’ Dots ........................................D, B Grannys’s Lemonade.................... A, C, G King of Pops ........................................E, H T&R CONCESSIONS .................................F

Non-Profits

Best Day Ever ......................................B44 Georgia Thrombosis Forum, an affiliate of North American Thrombosis Forum ........................... G40 GeorgiaSPCA ...............................Y15 & 16 Library ...... Y2 Gwinnett County Public Library......

Humane Society of the United States ...................................... Y14 Just One Africa ....................................Y17 North Gwinnett Arts Association ...P16 North Gwinnett H.S. NAHS ...............R8 Peach State Chili Cookoff .................B46 Project Green & Alive Festival ........ B45 RISING CHURCH ........ Family Fun Zone Suwanee Business Alliance ............P20 Suwanee First UMC ...........................G28 The Gideons International .............. Y27

Arts & Crafts

Jack’s Yard Art..................................... B47 A Good Life ...........................................R17 A. HER Artistry .....................................R6

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Achieve Make Believe...................... G30 Angel Nest Designs ............................P21 Antique Glass Wind Chimes ............. R2 ArtWrkz Studio................................... B27 Barks & Bites Co./ Cattywampus Crafts ................ Y20 & 21 Baskets by Andi ................................. B22 Boardman Co. Woodworks LLC ........ G6 Brenda’s Designs.................................R13 Bridget Guentner ................................ P15 Built For Kids ........................................G7 Craft Cellar ..........................................B24 Cultured Creations of Jean .............. R14 Cutesy Lucy Boutique .......................B39 K............................G24 Designs By R and K............................G24 DIANE ATKINSON..............................R30 ER2 Workshop .....................................B36 FarmHouse PoundCakes ...................Y12 Fine Woodworking LLC................B3 & 4 FORGET ME NOTS ..............................G19 Four corners of the world ................ R16 Four Little Bubbles .................... G11 & 12 Glitter Sisters ........................................R9 Glitz And Gigglez ................................P14 Gwen’s Sew Good Hanalei Bath ...................................... G48 HATS & HUGS .....................................G23 Hildebrandt’s Specialties ................ G44 Johns Creek Soap ...............................B42 Jolly Jacqueline’s................................. R11 KELLEYS KORNER and Genie’s Creations ...................... Y18 & 19 Kerry Granger .......................................G8 Kob Sawdust........................................G36 LKY Glass, LLC .......................................B6 Lose a Finger ....................................... Y22 Love My Hair Bows ..............................Y8 LuvMyLeash ........................................ G35 Lynn’s Gourmet Hot Sauce .............. Y25 Maddox Wood Design .........................R1 Maeday Gourmet Sauces & Rubs ... R25 Magickal Creations by Marsha & Art by Donna ..................................G45 Masterpiece Mixers...........................G25 Nature’s Glow ..................................... R22 Nicks Nack........................................... G13 Oden Creations ................................... B32 Organic Shea Butter ...........................P23 Painted Expressions Face Paint and Henna........................................... G18 Parastrap.com.................................... G46 Personalized Wood mats.................. P22 photomats4u ............................ R40 & 41 PJ’s Crochets ........................................ G37 Polka Dots & Piggy Tales .................B20 Pop’s Shop ........................................... G29 Pottery by Mac ....................................P13 Purple Unicorn Pottery .................... B16

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Quilts By Katie.....................................R31 Sally’s Famous ...........................G20 & 21 SANDY CANDY....................................G47 G47 Savage Jerky Co. .................................. Y11 Sew Spirited ........................................ B25 Sidney Ellen Photography ............... B38 Silver Crafts ......................................... R24 Simonelli Woodworking ..................R39 SIMPLE AND PURE NATURAL PRODUCTS ............................................. R7 Sophie and Sam Designs................... G9 Southern Essentials .......................... R32 Stitch Art..............................................Y24 Stitchin Twin ...................................... R38 Strother Magic & Airbrush Tattoos . B7 Stuffy Shirt Dog ..................................B15 The Altered Artist ................................ R3 The Backyard Peach .......................... R37 The Bruce’s Eye View ...................G2 & 3 The Guided Path of the Wolf ............R12 The SandArt Cart ...............................G22 The Spectrum Inspirations Boutique .............................................. R33 The Travelling Tea ............................. R34 Timber Furnishings & Design ........ B41 Twister Woodworks ............................ R5 Uncorked Candles................................G5 Vickie’s Cuppa Cakes, LLC ................ B23 Void Space Productions ...........R35 & 36 W A Hill Designs ................................Y26 Wood Craft Toys ................................. G15 Zeebows ......................................R26 & 27 Zippel’s Toys ....................................... G49

Fine Arts

A Measure of Clay, Richard Shivers, pottery ......................R1 Barb Brown Artist .............................. R19 Barbara Pirkle ......................................R15 Faith Clay ............................................. B33 Jim Zhang ............................................ R23 Lisa R Chile Jewelry ............................. Y7 Nancy’s Pottery ..................................G16 Scott’s Treasure Boxes ......................R29 Wonder Colors Art Studio ................ G33 Wonderworks photography ............ B19 Wynhill Pottery LLC ............................Y6

Jewelry

Aspire to be..Custom Jewelry..........Y28 Beth Blanc Designs.............................P12 Bjeweled13, LLC .................................. B40 Carol’s Jewelry Creations ................. R18 Crystal Collage ART Wears ................ R4 Designs by Anne ................................G38 Georgian Gypsy .................................R28 LSI Jewelry ........................................... B34

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B and B Enterprises ...........................G42 NOT JUST NUT, LLC ............................B26 Presidential Taste .............................. G31 The Gemstone Chronicles................Y30

Sponsors

12Stone Church ......................................B1 All Phase Home Services, Inc. ..........R21 Aquaguard Foundation Solutions . Y10 Atlanta Gladiators Hockey ................B8 Atlanta Renovation Store ................G27 AT&T .................................................... G26 Avonlea Apartments ........................B29 Bath Fitter............................................B30 Beazer Homes Atlanta ..................... G26 BrandBank .......................................... B35 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta ..... P6 Choices To You ..................................... B11 Clark Patterson Lee Cool Air Mechanical .............................P5 Costco Wholesale: Mall of Georgia ....................................... P7 & 8 Delta Community Credit Union ...... P17

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Vendor Parking

Macks Beads ....................................... G14 Mom & Me Hand Stamped.............. B37 My Pretty Broken Things ................. R10 SassyFrass Designs ...............................Y1 Spirit Jewels ..........................................G4 SPOONZ created by Estle & Janice . B14 Stone Temple Jewelry .......................Y29 Stones To Wear ..................................... B5 Tu Jewelry ...........................................G43 Yuki Takahashi ..................................G10

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Everdry Waterproofing .................... Y23 Farmers Insurance, The Albright Agency ..................................................B13 Free Chapel..........................................G32 Freedom Family Chiropractic ........... P4 Georgia Fitness................................... G33 Gutterglove South & Home Renovations .............................B21 Gwinnett Daily Post ............................ Y3 Gwinnett Medical Center ..................Y4 Gwinnett Urgent Care .............First Aid Ideaology Studio .................................B17 B17 Imagix Dental of Suwanee .............. B18 Jim Ellis .................................................P25 KIND ..................................................... G41 Larabar ..................................................P18 Mitshubishi Electric ....... Loading Zone North Atlanta Primary Care.............. P2 North Georgia Pediatric Dentistry ...P3 P3 PeachSkinSheets .........................B9 & 10 PeachSkinSheets.........................B9 PNC Bank ............................................... P9 Power Home Remodeling Group .... P11 Prepress to Printing .................................

Priority Roofing & LLC................................... P24 Restoration LLC...................................

Quantum National Bank ..................B12 Renewal by Andersen......................... Y5 Stepping Stone Montesorri ............. P10 Suwanee Dental Care...........................P1 Suwanee Sports Academy ............... G17 Taylor Construction ..........................G34 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .B28 Tiger Tails Animal Hospital .............Y13 Chiropractic.....B31 True Source Family Chiropractic Suwanee Magazine ............................. G1 Whitney Orthodontics ......................P19 Road Atlanta ...................................... B43

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savor local food. craft beer. wine trends.

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT / BY: MICHELLE FASIG

Valentino’s Bakery

Duluth Bakery Specializes in Authentic Latin American and European Sweets amount of time, and that Every morning reason is Chef and Owner at 6 am, Chef Valentino Hernandez.

Valentino Hernandez Chef Valentino has been a begins his day by master baker for the majority preparing fresh of his life. Having entered the dough, handcrafting craft at the young age of 17 in his pastry cream and home country of Venezuela, he molding pastry shells for all has been concocting delectable the delicious and authentic Alfajores, Argentinian cookies sweets and treats for over confections customers have filled with Dulce de Leche and 50 years. Using only fresh come to love from Valentino’s topped with coconut. ingredients and preparing Bakery. Valentino’s Bakery is everything from scratch a fairly new establishment off in-house daily, Valentino’s Bakery Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Duluth, offers customers the opportunity to having just opened their doors almost a year taste authentic Latin American and ago. However, there is a reason their bakery European flavors. has been met with such success in a short

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When you enter Valentino’s Bakery you are met with an eye-catching pastry case that reveals cakes and sweets in a rainbow of flavors and colors, as well as tempting breakfast and lunch choices. From Alfajores, a delicate cookie filled with dulce de leche, to Golfeados, a traditional Venezuelan cinnamon roll topped with cheese, to favorites like the classic fruit tart, piled high with an assortment of fresh fruits, there are a multitude of options for each customer to enjoy.

Modeled after typical European cafés, Valentino’s Bakery is exactly the kind of place that encourages customers to sit down, take a break and enjoy a treat with a cup of good coffee. If you aren’t sure where to start when you are faced with so many scrumptious options, General Manager, Paola Teran encourages people to simply ask. “We will walk you through all of our different cakes, and we try to ask what you like and don’t like. We wanted to offer desserts that people can’t get anywhere else.

Where else can you find a guava cake?” she points out. “Have more than one though…and then take some cookies home while you’re at it,” she advises with a smile.

Each item served at Valentino’s Bakery receives the same amount of attention and care from Chef Valentino and his culinary expertise allows him to serve savory items as well as sweet. With items like Pastelitos, flaky pastry filled with, ham, beef or spinach and ricotta cheese, and Argentinian Empanadas, delicate dough filled with ground beef and boiled eggs, it is easy to see why this bakery has garnered such a following.

With his years of experience in the culinary world, Chef Valentino has spent hundreds of hours researching, testing and trying out his recipes. When he moved to Georgia a few years ago, he was inspired by his own passion of Venezuelan flavor and the persistence of his family to bring these recipes to life in the form of Valentino’s Bakery. He originally moved to Georgia to be

close to his family who now live here, and so it only made sense that Valentino’s Bakery be a family run business. Whether it is Chef Valentino’s wife who periodically works up front, his granddaughter Paola who runs their day-to-day operations, or her father who acts as co-owner, this little Venezuelan bakery sets the example for what it means to be a family business.

And, when you set foot in Valentino’s Bakery you truly feel as though they are inviting you to be a part of that family too. ✱

Master Baker, Chef Valentino has been concocting delectable sweets and treats for over 50 years.

Valentino's famous tea cookies with rainbow sprinkles

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Wild Wing Café

GUIDE BEST AREA DINING OPTIONS FROM FINE DINING TO FUN FAMILY FARE Dollar signs indicate the typical cost per person for meal, includes one non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip. $ UNDER $10 $$ $11 - $30 $$$ $31 - $50 $$$$ MORE THAN $50

3265 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. • Suwanee 770-945-9090 I WildWingCafe.com I $$

Wild Wing Café is a laid-back chain offering the best wings in the South in 33 different made-from-scratch flavors amid a sports bar atmosphere! While you might come for the wings, you will be tempted to try all the other delicious items they have to offer. From their hand battered, fried to order onion rings to creative combinations like the Bleu Cheese Basil burger, there is something on the menu for everyone. Throw in the Wild Child Menu for the little ones and you’ve got all your bases covered.

Valentino's Bakery

3294 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Ste. 1004 Duluth 678-878-4772 ValentinosBakeryInc.com I $ Chef Valentino is treating the US with his pastry talents brought all the way from Venezuela. With over 50 years of experience in the baking industry, Chef Valentino carefully crafts goodies not only full of flavor, but attractive in appearance. Stop by his bakery in Duluth to try his famous milhojas, flan, and fruit tart or any other decadently created pastry or dessert!

Bare Bones Steakhouse

115 E. Main St., Suite C-12 Buford I 470-266-1890 I BareBonesSteakhouse.com $$$

Located in the Bona Allen building of downtown, historic Buford, Bare Bones Steakhouse provides an atmosphere of character and originality. This classically, traditional steakhouse restaurant and bar also offers a comfortable lounge and additional space to host your next party or event. Stop by Tuesday through Thursday to add a free cheesecake dessert to your dinner and half priced appetizers from 4-6pm!

WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED WITH SUWANEE MAGAZINE. FOLLOW, TWEET, SHARE >

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NEW savor

AMERICAN

Go-Grill

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suwanee I 678.541.5858 GoGrillAtlanta.com I $

SPECIALTY SANDWICHES For a limited time only!

THE SICILIAN

Schlotzsky’s

#hoorayitaly

2941 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Try one of our NEW Oven-BakedRd.Pastas.

Suwanee 678-765-6336

I Schlotzskys.com I $ FREE Small Sandwich

Go Grill Atlanta brings fresh and Schlotzsky’s offers a wide variety of freshly healthier options to the fast food with purchase ofbread, 32oz. delicious fountain drink & bag of chips baked hot sandwiches, franschise! Now open at their Suwanee Valid only at Schlotzsky’s Restaurant located at 2941 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Artisan flatbreads, specialty pizzas, Suwanee, GA. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per purchase. Offers valid on item of equal or lesser value only. Exclusive of tax and gratuity. freshly Sale, resale tossed and/or internet distribution strictly prohibited. location. Choose from a large selection toasted wraps, salads, Void where prohibited. Cash value 1/100¢. No cash back. Additional exclusions may apply. Valid through 03/31/15. ©2015 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC. CODE: 4290more! Our taste of meats and seafood, vegetables, rice, gourmet soups, and remains true to our roots, we still use the noodles, and tasty sauce to be grilled highest quality ingredients to make the to perfection. Add a taste of sweet world’s best sandwich. desserts or delicious beer and wine beverages. Dine-in for 15% off your entire bill! (Alcohol not included. Must present ad coupon. Expires 10/31/16).

ITALIAN

MEXICAN

Cinco

1500 Peachtree • Industrial Blvd • Suite 100 Suwanee I 678-541-0645 CincoRestaurants.com I $$

Cinco is authentic, Latin-infused Mexican Cuisine served in a family-friendly setting. With a unique menu, Cinco offers an upscale variety of Mexican dishes that are carefully prepared from scratch. Weekly specials include: Kids eat free Monday & Tuesday, daily drink specials, Sunday brunch and an adjoining After Five lounge that offers live music, fresh tapas and over 60 specialty martinis!

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Suwanee Pizza Tavern

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd • Suwanee 678-546-0823 I SPTavern.com I $$

Suwanee Pizza Tavern is known for their made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizza, garlic knots, wings, sandwiches, pastas, and friendly atmosphere. The open pizza pit showcases their woodfired oven where you can watch their pizza chef create your pizza. The dining area is perfect for a family outing, or you can head over to their signature bar with your friends to watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs. Visit Suwanee Pizza Tavern, your local upscale pizza tavern!

WHAT'S

BREWING

TOP TAILGATE CRAFT BEERS With tailgating season upon us, we asked our friends at SweetWater Brewing Co. in Atlanta what they’ll be stocking their coolers with this Fall.

They are all about the hash this season (see sidebar). When they’re not sipping on SweetWater, they’re always excited to sample the goods from other breweries, especially from friends in the South...

--- PHOTO BY: WALT WOODEN ---

SIERRA NEVADA OTRA VEZ

WILD HEAVEN EMERGENCY DRINKING BEER

“Tart refreshing grapefruity goodness” - JR Risick, Market Development Manager

“The love child of the classic tailgating pilsner and gose” - Cameron Alme, Bar Operations Manager

ORPHEUS ATALANTA

“A little tart, a little fruity and light enough on the alcohol” - Brian Diggelmann, Social Media Director

CIGAR CITY INVASION PALE ALE

“Light bodied, tropical nose with barely any bitterness.

Shotgunnable pale ale” - JR Risick, Market Development Manager

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savor

SWEETWATER HASH SESSION IPA

Debuted as a spring seasonal in 2016. Due to its popularity, SweetWater brought back Hash Session IPA back as their newest year round brew! At 4.2% ABV, this session IPA is both highly drinkable and flavorful. Dosed with a boatload of Amarillo Hop Hash for pungent floral, tropical citrusy fruit flavors and a one-of-a-kind chewy, gooey, resiny mouthfeel. A hefty dry hop enhances the potent aromas – Ahtanum gives it orange and grapefruit tones, Crystal for a little kick of spiciness, and El Dorado brings some pear and watermelon characteristics.

ABV: 4.2% IBUs: 55

SWEETWATER HASH BROWN

This hop hash infused India Brown Ale debuted as SweetWater’s fall seasonal in 2015. Resiny, citrusy hops including Mandarina Bavaria, Bravo, Hop Hash, Simcoe and Centennial spice up the rich chocolate and caramel notes from the malt mix. Available August through October.

ABV: 6.2% IBUs: 60

What is Hop Hash?

SweetWater pioneered the usage of this little known ingredient.

They reached out to their hop suppliers and asked them to dig deep into the pelletizers, scrape them clean, and gather bricks of the leftover pure hop lupulin goodness. Basically, they are harvesting a very concentrated form of hop resin, also known as hash, to cook up these brews that deliver a pungent punch to the palate.

SweetWater’s head brewer Nick Nock explains: “Hop hash is the leftover resin that escaped from the hop cones going through the pelletizer, which is all too often ignored and left unused. We’ve created some killer brew recipes using this sticky and potent ingredient; it’s been a blast to experiment with, and delivers the biggest hit of hop flavor possible.”

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learn news from the suwanee schools universe

Evan Nguy

Jay Pittard

, Le 3rd grade

8th grade, North Gwinnett Middle School

en

vel Creek

ooper ie and C anee and n d y S r, Taylo e at Suw nd grad ols

ho and 2 ntary Sc 5th, 4th e Eleme Burnett

Kaden Velez

Connor Krenner

3rd grade, Buford Academy

2nd grade, Sugar Hill Elementary

Yohann L ee

Abigail and Ryan Smith

6th and 3rd, North Gwinnett Middle and Roberts Elementary

Riley and

Quinn a nd C Sullivan hloe

2nd an d 5th g rade, Level C reek Ele menta ry

Morgan S

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ah Santo 3rd and K s indergart en, Roberts Elementa ry

Aaron and Audrey

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3rd and Preschool, Burnette Elementary School and Kids R Kids

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Kaitlyn, Sydney an

d Taylor 5th, 2nd and Kinde rgarten, Roberts Elementa ry School

Nathan, Mia and Jasmine O’Sullivan 2nd , Preschool and 7th grade, Rock Springs Elementary, Mill Creek Academy and Creekland Middle School

Jaidyn Ray and Johana Ray

Camden Schutt

6th and 1st, Lanier Middle and White Oak Elementary

6th grade, North Gwinnett Middle School

Ellie Wilk ers on

Kindergarten, White Oak Elementary

Owen an

d Reese

Gaines

rten, Kinderga 2nd and School ry ta n e Elem Suwanee

Rhett Pelo

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A n d re w and Em ma D o h e rt y

5th and 3rd, Level Cre ek Elementa ry

Tyler an

Traeh Singleto

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3rd grade, Suwanee Elem entary

d Logan

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ugeler 3rd and 5 th, Riverside Elementa ry

Jayden Dunlap

Preschool, Sugar Hill Christia n Academy

dy Aspen Gra winnett G h rt o N e,

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Greater Atlanta Christian :

Full STEAM Ahead!

(GAC's) STEAM education program aims to better prepare students to fill jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math BY: ANGELA VEUGELER ccording to Greater Atlanta Christian’s (GAC’s) Junior High Principal and STEM Advancement Officer Brian Dolinger, “Leonardo Davinci was the essence of STEAM. It is the convergence of science, math and art to create something beautiful.”

Dolinger shared that this is what GAC is trying to accomplish with their students. “To help them connect the dots instead of segmenting each subject, trying to create experiences for our students to help shape the way they approach different challenges in life.”

This August, students welcomed the new school year with a greater focus on STEAM. The STEAM focused learning space has almost doubled on GAC’s campus, with the Junior and Senior High classrooms completely redesigned for the new initiative. Dolinger is excited about the new changes. “I think it’s going to create an environment of inspiration,” shared Dolinger. “Kids will walk in with a sense of pride. It brings up the level of expectation.”

All Junior High students take MakerSpace in 6th grade, a STEAM class that gives them the opportunity

STEAM Education STEM is a nationwide movement focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides handson and relevant learning experiences for students.

The movement has been gaining momentum across the country, aiming to better prepare students to fill jobs in these growing sectors.

STEAM is a newer approach that incorporates art. This type of learning encourages students to learn from their experiences, reflect on choices and improve the next time around.

to learn how to take things apart and build things. “It’s like Shop class meets Star Wars,” shared Dolinger. “We want kids to build their creative confidence. (We want them) to say, ‘I wonder if I could figure out how to build that and make it work.’” One of their class projects last year centered around bubbles.

Students researched bubbles and the science behind their formation, digitally designed their own bubble wand, sent it to the 3D printer, tested their creation by blowing bubbles and then analyzed and reflected on their designs. The culminating activity for the class is a selfchosen project. Students choose something they are interested in that cannot be bought in a store. The MakerSpace class began at GAC in 2015 and is now offered as an elective for 7th and 8th grade students with courses such as coding and robotics. According to Dolinger, “one of the goals is building

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determination and resilience in students, encouraging them to learn and improve through the process of trial and error.“ At the High School level, students have required classes such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics for graduation, but have the opportunity to take a wide variety of elective classes based on their interests. Some of the courses offered include AP Computer Science, App Development, iStudio, Robotics, Astronomy, Marine Biology and much more.

New this fall, elementary school students will get to experience a floating classroom. Sitting aboard a pontoon boat on Lake Lanier, the students will have the opportunity to study ecology and marine ecosystems in the field.

- Brian Dolinger, GAC The Environmental Center was Junior High Principal and STEM Advancement added in 2015 and encompasses a Officer green house, koi pond, chicken coop and trout hatchery, giving elementary school students experiential opportunities, where they learn by doing.

Teachers take advantage of the center, weaving these experiences into the natural curriculum.

One of the goals is building determination and resilience in students, encouraging them to learn and improve through the process of trial and error.

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GAC Elementary School students during a lesson in the greenhouse.

The mission of Greater Atlanta Christian School is to help each student grow as Jesus did in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man. Dolinger shared, “our success in realizing our mission of helping each student to grow as Jesus did, centers us on people over programs, futures over facilities, and purposes that are greater than our own. Our STEAM focus will accomplish much in our facilities, resources and programs, but the greater gains will come through the meaningful learning and life shaping, accomplished through the relationships between our caring, dedicated educators and our amazing students. We are privileged and blessed to be able to develop and equip our students to launch into their next stages of life fully prepared and inspired to carry us into the future.” For more information on GAC, visit greateratlantachristian.org. ✱

learn

Students Gain Hands-On Life & Work Experience at JA Discovery Center Gwinnett Located on the campus of Discovery High School in Lawrenceville, the Junior Achievement’s (JA) Discovery Center was developed to arm the upcoming generation with the ability to budget, save, invest and control their financial futures and achieve their dreams. Every year more than 25,000 middle school students from Gwinnett County Public Schools have the opportunity to take part in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park to experience learning like never before. Following a series of inclass lessons, the JA Discovery Center brings education to life and provides students with an immersive learning experience that gives them a glimpse of what their futures can entail.

Starting the second year of operation, JA Discovery Center at Gwinnett provides hands-on experiences in financial literacy for Gwinnett County Public School students in 6th and 8th grade. Students take part in a simulated economy as an employee, taxpayer, and consumer.

Working in teams at assigned businesses, students will learn by developing budgets, making purchasing decisions, and increasing their business “know-how.”

With this stimulation, students experience their personal financial futures first-hand, and learn how to make wise financial decisions while managing a household budget. During its first year, the JA Discovery Center yielded strong results for participating students who reported that they saw the strong connection between stimulated situations and real-life choices they will face.

Parents, community members and business partners of all Middle school students learn educational and professional customer service skills at JA backgrounds are invited to Discovery Center's Chick-fil-A. support JA Discovery Center at Gwinnett as volunteers. For more information, visit Georgia.ja.org/ ja-discovery-center-gwinnett. ✱

Parents, community members and business partners work with students to help teach valuable life skills.

Suwanee Mayor, Jimmy Burnette listens in on a class at JA BizTown.

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news and

events from in and around suwanee.

AUGUST CONCERT & WINGFEST EXCLUSIVE PICS

› THE BUZZ 68

Kevin and Donna O'Brien pictured with Russie and Glenn Weyant at the 2015 Cooper O'Brien Memorial Golf Tournament

PEOPLE & PLACES 72 › CALENDAR: UPCOMING AREA EVENTS 78

COOPER O’BRIEN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 2nd annual golf tournament in memory and honor of Cooper O’Brien who lost his battle to a rare form of cancer called Clear Cell Sarcoma two years ago returns to The River Club in Suwanee on September 27th.

PHOTO BY: Rachel Pillow

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Latest from in and THE The Around Suwanee

Miss Suwanee Around Town!

Chef Wins Suwanee Pizza Tavern’s “Throwdown” Chef Jonathan and Chef Jeremy from Suwanee Pizza Tavern participated in a “Throwdown” on Saturday, July 9th. Free food samples prepared by each chef and labeled “Chef A” and “Chef B” were given to guests so they could taste and vote for their favorite.

Chef Jonathan’s NY Strip with blueberry habanero sauce, seasoned baby carrots and fried mashed potato bites won the Throwdown. Each Saturday, Suwanee Pizza Tavern offers different Chef’s specials such as Back Alley Ribs, Pulled Pork Tacos, Surf and Turf Skewers and more in addition to their regular menu options.

Miss Suwanee is a Relay for Life Benefit Pageant where proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Miss Suwanee titleholders also support Special Olympics, Gwinnett County Food Bank, Annandale Village, Operation Christmas Child and other various community events throughout the City of Suwanee. Many titleholders have been honored by the White House with the prestigious Presidential Service Award for service in the community and are invited to meet the Governor every year. In the last seven years, Miss Suwanee has raised over $71,000 for Relay for Life and titleholders have worked over 10,956 service hours in the Suwanee community.

Check out what our little Queens and Kings have been doing around town lately: Titleholders of the Miss Suwanee Program volunteered at the 2016 Summer Special Olympic Games on May 20th at Emory University. Miss Suwanee Titleholders escorted athletes in the parade, encouraged them in their events, and danced the night away at the Grand Opening Ceremonies.

Titleholders in the Miss Suwanee Program participated in the Relay for Life on May 13th at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds and raised over $12,000 this year!

Chef Jonathan

Ansley Fields is Miss Suwanee's Sweetheart, a title reserved for the highest Relay for Life fundraiser of the pageant. Ansley raised the most Relay donations of any individual pageant contestant in the history of Miss Suwanee. She has a big heart for service and is so excited to announce a very special community wide project - Suwanee's Big Thank You. The City of Suwanee and Miss Suwanee invite you to join in supporting our troops overseas with a handwritten letter of thanks.

Miss Suwanee Sweetheart, The letters will be a part of radio station Ansley Fields Q100's Big Thank You which collects over 250,000 letters each year to ensure every service man and woman serving overseas receives a word of thanks from home on Thanksgiving Day. The goal is to make a big contribution from the community of Suwanee. People are welcome to bring a pre-written letter or have fun creating one at the Miss Suwanee booth in the kid’s area of Suwanee Fest on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th. The City of Suwanee will provide everything needed to create a heartfelt letter to those who will not be with their families for Thanksgiving. Stop by and join the fun on Suwanee Fest Saturday in Town Center Park to be a part of Suwanee's Big Thank You! For letter guidelines, please visit suwaneemagazine.com.

Suwanee Pizza Tavern's Chef Jeremy

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Photo by Shelly Burk

Miss Suwanee Sweetheart Introduces Suwanee’s Big Thank You

Suwanee Magazine’s Jr. Art Director Wins Peachtree Road Race T-Shirt Design Contest Thousands of designs were submitted early this year for the t-shirt representing the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10K in the world. In early February 2016, a panel of judges representing the Atlanta Track Club narrowed the entries down to five finalists. Our very own, Junior Art Director, Shay Harbaugh, submitted her design and made the cut into the final five finalists! Voting was open to the public through March 22, 2016, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where readers chose their favorite design.

The winning t-shirt design (printed on 60,000 shirts) remained top secret until the race on July 4th.

After the race had started, event organizers revealed to Shay that her design had won! Shay was overflowing with honor, excitement, and astonishment and lots of “happy tears.”

“Three words inspired me for this design; PRIDE, HEART and SOUL,” said Shay, elaborating on her vision for the design. “The color palette used symbolizes pride, not only for our great country, but for the pride we share

for our state. To illustrate heart and soul, I did a play on words. The peach representing ‘heart’ and naturally the sole of the shoe representing ‘soul.’

With every step the runners take in the Shay Harbaugh and her husband, Adam race they are putting proudly display the winning t-shirt design. their heart and soul into getting closer to the finish line.”

Shay's co-workers were not surprised she won the contest, as they had experienced Shay’s high level of talent and passion in the office every single day. They had no doubt that she put her own heart and soul into her design, as she does with everything she creates. Suwanee Magazine is privileged to have her on our team and we are very proud of her accomplishment.

Welcome New Businesses!

Architectural, Engineering and Planning Firm Clark Patterson Lee opened their new 7,548-square-foot regional headquarters in the Suwanee Gateway. The City of Suwanee and Gwinnett County officials participated in the ribbon cutting on June 16th. Senior Vice President Kevin McOmber shared, “Clark Patterson Lee has enjoyed being a part of the Gwinnett County/City of Suwanee community and has been an active member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for 27 years. We are excited to establish our new home in the Suwanee Gateway One building and we are very thankful for our amazing clients and talented staff that deliver our services every day.”

Go-Grill, located near The Fresh Market in Suwanee celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony with Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette on August 18th.

Guests enjoyed food, fun and prizes during the event. At Go-Grill, guests choose their choice of nutritious and delicious fresh veggies, meat & starch with mouth watering sauces & spices and they will grill it to perfection.

Matador Distributing opened their doors to a new location in Lawrenceville. As one of the largest distributors of Red Bull in the United States, they now service retailers throughout Atlanta Metro, rural Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina areas. Matador operates 74 routes that service over 6,000 customers with a team of around 95 employees and counting. The growth is a result of more than just luck but rather shrewd intuition and the belief that savvy business practices combined with a great brand would equal success. Matador Distributing does more than distribute the world’s number one energy drink; they build relationships with retail customers.

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the buzz

Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament Organized by Cooper’s Crew, the Cooper O'Brien Memorial Golf Tournament is a fun-filled, community-oriented day in memory and honor of Cooper O’Brien who lost his battle to a rare form of cancer called Clear Cell Sarcoma in July of 2014, at the young age of 14. Proceeds from this golf tournament will go directly to Cooper’s Crew Fund and the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund.

Cooper’s Crew Fund provides funding for research and development to help find a cure for childhood cancers. They have recently partnered with CURE Childhood Cancer and were awarded a $150,000 grant to help fund research projects specific to Sarcoma cancers.

In previous years, the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund has granted two scholarships, but thanks to the success of last year’s golf tournament and other various Cooper’s Crew's fundraising efforts throughout the community, mission is to help they were honored and humbled to grant three cure childhood $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors cancer and raise from North Gwinnett High School. They are scholarship funds hoping to do the same or possibly even more for other Suwanee next year.

Cooper’s Crew is dedicated to ensuring students that that Cooper O’Brien’s light and legacy lives are overcoming on through events such as the Memorial Golf unique hardships Tournament. “We are so grateful and humbled with the same by the continued support of the Suwanee fighting spirit that community and look forward to a day of golf Cooper once had. followed by an evening of fellowship, reflection and celebration,” said Cooper’s father, Kevin O’Brien. This event is meant to be a celebration of his life and something that everyone in the community can enjoy. After the golf tournament there will be a family-friendly dinner with live music, a cash bar and silent auction in The River Club clubhouse. Complimentary dinner tickets are included for all golfers; but non-golfers are invited to join as well by purchasing dinner tickets online at cooperscrew.org.

All golfers will also receive complimentary food and adult beverages on the course, a golfer gift bag and the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique and fun fundraising opportunities throughout the course. The popular Super Ticket package will be available to all golfers for a chance to participate in all contests, mulligans, hole-in-one, putting contest, longest drive, etc. But, new to this year’s event is the addition of a thrilling competition. If you’ve always wanted to shoot a golf ball through an AR-15 rifle, now’s the chance! Every golfer will have their chance to launch their own 400+ yard shot on one of the par 4 or 5 holes, to see who can get closest to the pin.

Getting the chance to play golf at the nationally renowned River Club is a dream come true for many golfers, but getting the chance to play in this specific tournament is also something even the most experienced golfers will never forget. The energy on the course at the Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament is unlike that of other charity golf tournaments. It truly is a reflection of the generous and tight-knit community of Suwanee and the camaraderie we share, as we continue to lift up a family who experienced great loss and help them celebrate the joy and life of their son, Cooper O’Brien. Registration and information is available at cooperscrew.org.

VDG wins 2016 APEX Award of Excellence for Magazine Layout and Design As many readers know, Veugeler Design Group is the proud creator of Suwanee Magazine. We have been publishing the magazine since 2011 and handle every step of production, from design and layout to content, photography, sales, ad design and more. What originally started as a local marketing tool to showcase VDG’s design capabilities, quickly evolved into a full-scale print and digital publication with over 20,000 copies distributed in 400+ locations each issue.

The March-April 2015 issue won the 2016 APEX Award of Excellence in Magazine Layout & Design. This issue had a special section dedicated to local, award-winning festival, Suwanee Beer Fest. On the cover we featured a photo of Gaye Kanitsch taken at the 2014 Suwanee Beer Fest wearing her custom-made bottle cap vest, earrings and glasses. The issue also featured Suwanee Magazine’s annual “Camp Guide” with 50 summer camps throughout the state of Georgia.

As with every issue of Suwanee Magazine, each page of this 100-page edition was meticulously designed, planned and laid out with our readers in mind. It is our goal to make the magazine not only intriguing and easy to read, but to make it aesthetically-pleasing, beautiful, professional and high-end.

VDG has been told by community members that Suwanee Magazine is the best-looking local publication in Metro Atlanta, and it is an honor to be officially recognized by APEX Awards as well.

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citybuzz

ON THE SCENE

August Concert and Wingfest

Saturday, August 13th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

suwaneemagazine.com

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Skylar's Run 2016 Saturday, August 13th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

Movies Under the Stars

Saturday, July 23rd TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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Dinner and Brew with Cooper's Crew

Saturday, August 20th SUWANEE PIZZA TAVERN

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

Thin Mint Sprint

Saturday, August 20th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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people & places

Broadway in the Park Friday, July 29th and Saturday, July 30th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB, JULIE PERDUE

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calendar buzz the

A R E A

E V E N T

THINGS TO DO THIS SEPT. & OCT.

SUWANEE FARMER’S MARKET _____________________ Saturdays 8 a.m.- noon through Oct. 1st _____________________

TOWN CENTER PARK

The Suwanee Farmer's Market offers in-season produce, herbs and plants, free-range eggs and meat, baked goods, fresh flowers, and jams and jellies.

Town Center Park ________________________

REMEMBRANCE DAY ___________________

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY ________________________

Sept. 2nd @ 5:30 pm Music starts @ 7:00 pm ________________________

Town Center Park

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Sept. 11th @ 3:00 pm ____________________

Town Center Park

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SUWANEE WINE FEST TICKETS ON SALE ________________________

THIRD EYE BLIND ________________________ Sept. 3rd @ 7:00 pm ________________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill ________________________ Visit thebowlatsugarhill.com for tickets and more information.

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Sept. 10th @ 8:00 am ________________________

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SUWANEE FEST RUN ________________________ For more information, email jasongvance@gmail.com.

SEPT. ‘16

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LABOR DAY ____________ Sept. 5th

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Sept. 16th @ 12:00 pm ___________________

Available @ suwaneewinefest.com for more info.

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Sounds of Summer: Red Head Diamond and Moby Dick ________________________ Sept. 17th @ 8:00 pm ________________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill ________________________ Visit thebowlatsugarhill.com for tickets and more information.

1718 &

SUWANEE FEST

________________________ Sept. 17th, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sept. 18th, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

________________________

Town Center Park

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DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL ________________________________ Sept. 24th @ 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Sept. 25th @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ________________________________

Downtown Duluth ___________________ Visit duluthfallfestival.org for more information.

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PEACH STATE CHILI COOKOFF ________________________ Oct. 1st @ 12:00 pm ________________________

Town Center Park ________________________

Visit peachstatechili.com for more information.

________________________

Visit suwaneefest.com for more information

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Annandale Village’s The Extra Mile 5K Walk/ Run ___________________

Sept. 24th @ 8:00 am ______________ ______

Town Center Park

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Visit extramileclub.com for more information.

OCT ‘16

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TASTE OF SUWANEE ____________

Oct. 8th @ 12:00 pm ______________

Town Center Park _________________

Visit tasteofsuwanee.com for more information.

OCT. ‘16

(cont.)

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STUDENT HOLIDAY/ TEACHER PLANNING GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS ___________________

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Oct. 10th

ALIVE! FESTIVAL: A GREEN LIVING FAMILY FESTIVAL _____________________

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Oct. 22nd @ 10:00 am _____________________

CRANK IT UP IN THE PARK! A MELANOMA AWARENESS EVENT ____________________

Town Center Park _____________________ For more information, email kimc@aliveexpo.com

Oct. 15th @ 2:00 pm ____________________

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Town Center Park ____________________

Visit endmelanoma.org for more information.

JONNY & XENA “SPREAD THE WORDS” 5K ____________________ Oct. 29th @ 9:00 am ____________________

Town Center Park ____________________

Visit xenathewarriorpuppy.com for more information

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SUGAR RUSH

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_____________________ Oct. 15th, 5K starts @ 8:30 am, Festival starts @ 11:00 am _____________________

Downtown Sugar Hill

Trek or Treat ____________________

Oct. 29th @ 11:00 am __________________

Suwanee Creek Park

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Halloween

____________________ Oct. 31st

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