Suwanee Magazine September-October 2018 by Suwanee Magazine

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17 PHOTO BY KARL LAMB

Return of the Champs

S&S Ace Hardware

S&S Ace Hardware has opened their brand new location in Buford. What sets the family-owned business apart from other local stores can be summed up in two words: customer service. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated hardware store, learn why S&S Ace could be the best fit for you.

PHOTO BY WALT WOODEN

Last year the North Gwinnett Bulldogs seemed to have all odds against them, but the team persevered to bring home the school’s first state championship. Suwanee Magazine had a chance to catch up with the Bulldogs to hear what it is like going into the 2018 season as State Champions. Plus we talked to head coaches of Collins Hill and Peachtree Ridge High Schools on what to expect from their teams this season.

3 PHOTO BY KARL LAMB

Suwanee Magazine

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PHOTO BY NATALIE STUBBS

Haunted Gwinnett Suwanee Magazine’s “Ghost Hunter” highlights many historic and fascinating tales that have been haunting Gwinnett County over the last 200+ years.

J.R. Revelry Bourbon Company

J.R. Revelry is an all American-made product, starting with the bottle and the label, and ending at the bourbon itself. We met with owner, Rick Tapia, to talk about the craft beverage industry and the future of J.R. Revelry in Georgia.

Fall Fun Guide Before your fall calendar fills up, we have compiled a guide of can’t-miss fall activities for you and your family.

RETURN OF THE CHAMPS: NORTH GWINNETT FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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

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2018 FALL FUN GUIDE • SUWANEE FEST GUIDE • RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: THE FAMOUS TOASTERY • HAUNTED GWINNETT

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

THE FAMOUS TOASTERY HAUNTED GWINNETT

2018

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SUWANEE FEST GUIDE

ON THE COVER: Ever Miller photographed at Suwanee Magazine HQ on August 10th by Karl Lamb.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018

T HE AREA’S BEST FESTIVALS! PUMPKIN PATCHES! CORN MAZES! APPLE PICKING! TRICK-OR-TREATING & MORE!

2018 Suwanee Fest Guide

Suwanee’s annual two-day celebration of community returns this year to Town Center Park on September 15 and 16. This year’s Suwanee Fest features nearly 200 vendors, 15 entertainment acts, and one amazing parade. Suwanee Magazine has everything you need to know to make this year’s festival the best one yet!

31 Family Matters

The Famous Toastery The Famous Toastery, recently named one of CNBC’s “6 hot restaurant franchises to watch,” has taken the City of Suwanee by storm. See why this brunch spot is continuing to break through the boring casual breakfast segment.

14 SBA News

Besides meeting monthly at different businesses around Suwanee to network and refresh and enjoy good fellowship, the Suwanee Business Alliance is also committed to raising money for various charities and organizations.

15 Investment Strategies Aileron Investment Advisors answer the following question, “How important are taxes when making investment decisions?”

Licensed Family Therapist, Laura Lebovitz, gives tips for helping your children turn sibling rivalry into sibling harmony.

32 Ask Henry

Sugar Hill Animal Hospital shares the importance of how regular oral care is necessary to maintain your pet’s healthy teeth and gums.

68 Back to School Pics From Pre-K through middle school, readers share their kids’ “first-day-of-school” pics.

2017 Suwanee Wine Fest Exclusive Pics

70 Student Halloween Stories Suwanee students share stories about their favorite Halloween memories.

in every issue: 8 Editor’s Letter 80 The Buzz 88 People & Places 94 Event Calendar

letter

a note from our editor-in-chief

Fall: Family Fun, Festivals & of course, Football! all in Georgia is such a fun time of year. With the temperatures starting to cool down a bit, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors! Our Fall Fun Guide Angela Veugeler is packed with activities that Editor-in-Chief will help your family make Angela@suwaneemagazine.com the most of the season. From pumpkin patches to apple picking to festivals and more, there is an abundance of things to do right here in Gwinnett County and within an hour drive of Suwanee. Be sure to check out the exclusive guide to Suwanee Fest, the 2-day celebration of our community on page 52. We will be there all weekend - be sure to stop by our Suwanee Magazine tent and say hello! Football is ramping up and with North Gwinnett High School winning the state championship last year, we are excited to see what’s in store for this season. We interviewed several coaches and players to get their take on their championship season and what's in store for this season. Find out what they had to say on page 17. They have some tough competition this year, and Collins Hill and Peachtree Ridge coaches weighed in on how this season is shaping up for them. Halloween is one of our family's favorite holidays - I have wonderful memories of trickor-treating and of several costumes my mom made for me when I was a little girl. Many years we have been grateful to have my parents visit from Michigan over Halloween. My mom typically brings a few extra costumes, just in case anyone

going trick-or-treating with us needs one (my sister usually winds up as the Whoopee Cushion). When our oldest son (now 12 years old), was little, my dad used to dress up in a very authentic looking Batman costume, and shine a bat light into the air before appearing. For a couple of years, my son was convinced Batman had come to visit him. By age four he had figured it out, but it sure was fun while it lasted. We asked Suwanee area students to share their favorite Halloween memories, see what they are on page 70. And if you like scary, check out our “Haunted Gwinnett” story on page 34, or take the Lawrenceville Ghost tour and experience it first hand… if you dare. Our goal here at Suwanee Magazine is to tell the story of the people and businesses in our community. We strive to be a magazine that Suwanee and nearby residents as well as visitors love to pick up, that has something of interest for everyone and that helps local businesses grow. We have a new program we are rolling out to help readers connect with our advertisers: visit suwaneemagazine.com/offers to get mobile access to exclusive advertiser coupons from this issue. Please use them and help support these businesses that help make Suwanee Magazine possible. I hope you enjoy this issue and have a wonderful fall!

- Angie

Offers GET E-COUPONS ON YOUR PHONE! Do you ever get to a restaurant or store and realize you left your coupon at home? Are you looking for a way to redeem that coupon without having to physically rip it out of the magazine? Good news! Suwanee Magazine is making it possible for you to redeem the coupons you see in our magazine on your mobile device! Go to page 97 for more info and look for this symbol throughout the magazine for offers included in the new program.

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ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher NATALIE STUBBS / TAMMY LUNEY Ad Managers ads@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Writers ALICIA CARTER • LIZZY KIDNEY NATALIE STUBBS • KELLY AHERN Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA HOLCOMBE Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN • TIM DRYDEN

Sales JULIE PERDUE julie@suwaneemagazine.com

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

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Suwanee Magazine

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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. ©2018 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Angela Veugeler at angela@suwaneemagazine.com.

Business B U S I N E S SSpotlight SPOTLIGHT:

S&S ACE HARDWARE IN BUFORD:

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS S&S ACE HARDWARE HAS OPENED THEIR BRAND NEW LOCATION IN BUFORD. THE NEW STORE IS NOW LOCATED OFF OF HIGHWAY 20 AT 4160 BUFORD DRIVE AND OFFERS ALMOST ANYTHING YOU MAY NEED FOR HOME AND GARDEN IMPROVEMENT. BY:

LIZZY KIDNEY /

PHOTOS BY:

WALT WOODEN

“My parents always had a bit of an entrepreneurial ith the consistent growth the business bug,” said Scott, “so I basically convinced them to has experienced, owner Scott Snedecor become partners in the company. It became their money decided moving to the new location would and my efforts to help grow the business.” Scott took no be the best fit for his employees and his time stepping into his general manager role, and S&S Ace customers. They decided to make the move Hardware has been serving the Buford community for 31 back in April and are enjoying the extra years now. space the “We learned early on new building offers. that someone had to run Scott’s family opened the company and take the doors to S&S Ace initiative as the primary Hardware in 1987. After manager,” said Scott. “My previously working his wife has helped out over way through the corporate the years, mom provided sales industry, Scott additional support began to feel stagnant. He before passing in 2002 wanted a break from the and my dad, who is now corporate world and had 87, still comes in to visit always enjoyed working and handle financials.” with his hands on tasks Ace Hardware continues like lawn maintenance to be a family-run and home repairs. He business, as Scott’s two heard about a struggling children, Christine and hardware store in Buford, LT - RT: Christine Snedecor, Kira Hawley, Ken Freeman, Jean Tennell, Scott Snedecor, Case, both currently saw a great opportunity, Tara Irvin, Jim Grant and Case Snedecor. work for the company and turned to his parents as well. His daughter for help.

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Ace prides itself on having a team that is dedicated and knowledgeable. They have specialized staff members to ensure customers receive the help they need throughout different departments in the store.

has taken on an office role and handles order processing and deliveries, while his son is one of the store’s floor managers. S&S Ace prides itself on having a team that is dedicated and knowledgeable, and currently has over 30 full and part-time employees who have helped to make customer service a main priority. The Snedecors opened a second store in Braselton in 2008. Both stores are open seven days a week and have specialized staff members to ensure that customers can ask questions and receive the help they need. “Among the staff, we have some key people who have been working with us for over 20 years,” says Scott, “in both our Buford and Braselton locations we have longevity within the company and take pride in being a family business.” On an average day at Ace, you will find Scott working alongside his employees and handling the day-to-day work. “I am The store currently has over 30 full and trying to taper it part-time employees that help to make sure down,” he says, customer service is a top priority. “but there are days where I get to the store at 6:30 in the morning and don’t leave until 7:30 at night.” In addition to being committed to the store, the Snedecor family takes great pride in being dedicated to the community. Scott has been a member of the Kiwanis Club for 30 years now and was on the North Gwinnett High School council at the same time his wife served on the Buford School Council. He also serves on the board for the North Gwinnett Co-op and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts for them. Out of 5,000 Ace Hardware stores, S&S

On top of paint, plumbing, and electrical equipment, S&S Ace also carries lawn and garden equipment, hunting and fishing clothing, Yeti products and more.

Ace has also been ranked in the Top 5 of multi-level stores for their fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network. With this achievement, the store received a grant of $10,000 from Procter & Gamble to donate to Children's Hospitals in Atlanta. What sets the team at S&S Ace apart from other local stores can be summed up in two words: customer service. In an age where more and more businesses are taking people out of the equation, the Snedecors remain determined to give the best service possible. The store is

now interacting with acehardware.com and has begun offering ship-to-store features that will allow customers to order products online that may not be found in store while still interacting with an S&S team member. “We seem to have found our niche between the big box store and the internet,” states Scott, “and the common denominator is customer service.” S&S Ace is much more than just a hardware store. On top of the paint, plumbing, and electrical equipment, they also carry sporting goods, hunting and fishing clothing, Yeti products, outdoor accessories, shoes, boots, and more. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated hardware Scott, Cathy, and Spencer Snedecor take great pride in store, be running a family-owned business that is dedicated to sure to stop supporting their community. into S&S Ace Hardware in Buford. ■

SUWANEE BUSINESS ALLIANCE:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY: JULIE PERDUE PRESIDENT, SUWANEE BUSINESS ALLIANCE Besides meeting monthly at different businesses around Suwanee to network, refresh and enjoy good fellowship, we also raise a significant amount of money every spring at our golf tournament. We then donate to various local charities and organizations such as The Quinn House, Cooper’s Crew, Annandale Village, Rainbow Village, Hi-Hope Service Center, Gwinnett Children’s Shelter and Nothing But the Truth Ministries, just to name a few. The caring and donation goes beyond our membership and into our community, giving our members a chance to make a difference in many people’s lives. We welcome you to visit us next month and join us (still only $60/year) to be part of a really great alliance!

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This year we have enjoyed getting to know some new businesses here in Suwanee by having them host a monthly meeting. That way we can bring people in who might not have had the chance to visit before. Crux Fitness, Rocket Fizz, Famous Toastery and North Gwinnett Arts Association’s Gallery were among recent meeting locations. We always have a great time! If you have a place where we can meet, become a member today and let us know! ■

 SBA Treasurer, Wanda Weeger presents Scarlett Rigsby of Nothing but the Truth with a donation to help provide weekend food bags to students in need.

JOIN THE SBA TODAY! www.suwanee.org

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

Q: How important are taxes when making investment decisions?

A: “It is not how much you make – but how much you keep that counts” is a famous quote by Robert Kiyosaki that refers to the three players in your investment world: you, your money, and the IRS. ithout strategic planning, you may lose part of your investment earnings to the IRS. Every dollar saved by legal tax avoidance results in 100% profit (tax-free). For example, let’s suppose you have two identical $100,000 investments. One is in a tax-free Roth IRA and the other in an ordinary taxable account. Both accounts earned 6% and accumulated for 30 years. Keep in mind there is no upfront tax deduction for Roth IRA contributions, however, qualified distributions are income tax-free. In the taxable account, you would have given a part of your earnings to the IRS in taxes every year (let’s assume an average of 20%). Those taxes may result in significant lost future earnings. With the Roth IRA account, the earnings are not taxable, so the IRS will get nothing, and all your money is still at work. Thirty years later, the Roth IRA would have grown to $574,350, but the taxable account would be nearly 30%

smaller, at only $408,170. The tax savings may make a significant difference in someone’s lifestyle at retirement. In this example, the extra $166,180 is meaningful. Today many 401(k) plans also offer a Roth option. There is only one advantage to a Roth IRA, but it is very big: all the earnings will be income tax-free, so the IRS does not share in your profits. Some accounts are taxable, some tax-deferred, and others are tax-free, so tax planning is most effective when it is done prior to investing. A conversation with your trusted financial advisor should include a discussion about not only how much you might make, but also about how much you might get to keep. ■ This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only, should not be deemed a representation of past or future results and is no guarantee of return or future performance. This example does not represent any specific product and/or service. A 6% annual rate of return is for illustrative purposes only.

Securities and advisory services offered through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated entities. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@SuwaneeMagazine.com

OF THE

SUWANEE MAGAZINE HAD A CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH THE NORTH GWINNETT BULLDOGS TO HEAR WHAT IT IS LIKE GOING INTO THE 2018 SEASON AS STATE CHAMPIONS.

INTERVIEWS BY LIZZY KIDNEY AND ANGELA VEUGELER PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB 17

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... The North Gwinnett Bulldogs had a 14-1 season last year and landed themselves in the Class 7A Football State Championship against Colquitt on December 17th, 2017. The championship game was set to be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but a snow storm intervened, bringing the game back home to the Bulldog’s stadium. With only 49 seconds left on the clock, Colquitt scored on a 13-yard TD pass to bring the score to 17-16. After missing an extra point earlier in the game and with zero seconds left on the clock, it was now Bulldog kicker, Cameron Clark’s time to shine. Clark hit a 38-yard field goal to clinch the first state title in the program’s history with a 19-17 win.

I Suwanee Magazine I

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RESILIENT is the best word to describe the North Gwinnett Bulldogs in their 2017 State Champion Football Season. After losing their first game against Walton High School by only a field goal and suffering multiple injuries throughout the year, the Bulldogs seemed to have all odds against them. However, in the face of adversity and under the new leadership of Coach Bill Stewart, the Bulldogs persevered to bring home the school’s first state championship.

Q&A WITH 2018 NORTH GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS Coach Bill Stewart  Coach Bill Stewart left his position as defensive coordinator at Mill Creek High School to become head coach for the North Gwinnett Bulldogs in 2017. He wasted no time in creating a culture at North that helped to lead the Bulldogs to their first state title in the program’s history.

How does it feel going into this season as state champs?

It’s a great feeling, however, we want to make sure we aren’t complacent. The biggest thing is that we still work on us and continue to work to be better. Last year, the goal wasn’t to win a state championship, even though we did. Our goal has always been to focus on getting better each day and knowing that success can happen if we stick to the process of constantly improving and holding each other accountable.

“WE WILL HAVE A NEW QB, OUR DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN GUYS WILL BE CHANGING, AND WE HAVE TO IMPLEMENT A LINEMAN OR TWO ON OFFENSE.”

What has the community support been like since winning the title? When you

win a state championship, you also get to see the community side of things. Sugar Hill and Suwanee really came together, even the mayor came to the game in his old letterman jacket. It wasn’t just about the team that won, it was also about all of the teams that had come before it and helped to lead up to this win. You get that sense of pride where it's like, we just won it, not 'they' won.

How has the team prepared for this season? The team

practiced four days a week over the summer. They have been lifting, running, playing in 7-on-7 practice games, and of course they participated in team camp. They know what it takes to be successful and have been doing extremely well. They are genuinely in it for each other as a team right now and I’m very excited.

Do you have younger classmen that are stepping up to fill the shoes of the seniors who graduated last year? Obviously, when you

lose people, you have to work with that. With that being said, we will have a new QB, our defensive front seven guys will be changing, and we have to implement a lineman or two on offense. That’s where kids that didn’t play last year will fill some key spots.

How do you define success for the freshman, JV, and varsity programs? I think

success is simply meeting the maximum of your Godgiven ability. Success isn’t measured by wins or losses. Sometimes the ball can roll the wrong way, but that doesn’t define your team. The culture of our team is to have athletes who represent themselves, their families, and their community in a first-class way.

What do you think will be your toughest game this season? We are

loaded with tough games this season. If you look at our first four games, we play at Mercedes-Benz against Brookwood, the next game is the Freedom

Bowl against Wekiva High School, who is a top 4 team in 8A in Florida, then we play Norcross for our first home game, and then we play Walton who was the only team to beat us last year. So, our first four games are top 10 caliber teams. We then get into region play and start with the Collins Hill, Peachtree Ridge, and Mill Creek games.

What do you think the team has to accomplish in order to make it back to the championship?

I think that a lot of times there’s attrition that takes place. We want to stay healthy and continue to grow as a team and fight through adversity. We know there’s going to be failure in the process, but it will come down to how our team handles and bonds from that over time. I think the sky's the limit if every individual on this team believes and trusts in the culture of this program.

Do you think there’s added pressure following last year's win? I think we get

everybody’s best shot from the beginning. I don’t think we snuck up on anyone last year. I think when it was all said and done, and people got our film, it was like, 'oh, these guys are pretty good.' If we drop a game, we are going to learn from that and continue to move forward. It’s going to come down to what kind of character our team has to overcome that. I think that’s where our team was special last year, and I think that’s how we can be special this year as well.

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What is it like going from being a previous NGHS player to now being a coach?

Coach Russell King

Coach Wright: I often give the analogy of “we built the ship that these guys are riding in and they can cruise and be North Gwinnett, because we actually had to become North Gwinnett.” I think it really is a dream come true for me. I knew I always wanted to be a coach and I didn’t really plan on coming home to do it, but you can’t pass up an opportunity to coach in a community like this.

Coach Eric Wright

Coaches Russell King and Eric Wright:  Both Russell King and Eric Wright have had the unique opportunity of coaching on the same field they played on in high school. The two coaches have taken their past experiences and used them to help mold the new team of Bulldogs.

Suwanee Magazine

How do you think your experience of playing at North before helps when coaching them now?

Coach King: I think it goes to the fact that we know what North is about. We know you touch that NG logo as you walk out of the weight room, and we know every friday night we run out through the banner with a bulldog. Those are important traditions that we have always done, and it is special to get to keep those traditions alive and have the opportunity to pass it down to these athletes. These players are so much better than we ever were, and if we can give them a millimeter of success, it will make them that much better.

What was it like winning the championship and having the community rally around you? Coach King: I remember after we won, grabbing one of the other coaches and saying, “I never thought this would happen.” It was such a surreal feeling. The best story I have is Caleb Scott, who played receiver for

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North, went on to play for Vanderbilt, and is now at the Seahawks, was the first person on the field when we won. He jumped the guard rail and was the first person to hug Cameron Clark after he made his field goal. It’s just that sense of community, that all these people came back to support and watch the game. There was no sense of jealousy, it was WE won it, North Gwinnett had finally made it and everyone took pride in it. Coach Wright: Suwanee runs deep with the Bulldogs, and I couldn’t even tell you how many messages I received. It was to the point where I had to turn my phone off. I never thought it would happen in my third year as a coach. We had all odds against us and we pushed through. Some people coach 40 years and never win a state championship, so this has been a huge blessing.

Do you think there is added pressure to win this season? Coach King: With this group there is no pressure. We have so many kids who are ranked, and to them it’s just another day. We don’t have an underdog mentality. It’s not “we are the underdogs,” it’s “we are North Gwinnett.” Coach Wright: We are North Gwinnett now. We haven’t lost a JV game in the last two

years. I’d be lying if I told you we thought we’d be competing for a state title last year. Then the middle of the season it just clicked, and the players started realizing that they had a shot. I remember calling Warren Burrell three games ahead and him saying, "look, Coach, we are going to win this thing."

As previous student athletes, how do you keep players focused in the classroom? Coach Wright: We have a group of brilliant kids who really know school is important, and I think that kind of trickles down throughout the team. Our school itself doesn’t let them fail. They get an hour lunch where they can take that time to get tutoring. We have a system put in place from a school aspect that helps our athletes succeed as well.

“SOME PEOPLE COACH 40 YEARS AND NEVER WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, SO THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE BLESSING.” - COACH WRIGHT

What was it like winning a championship and seeing the community rally around you? It was awesome, especially because it was the first time winning a state championship in school history. Seeing the community come together as a family and celebrate our first title with us was amazing.

How do you plan to carry that momentum through this season? I just plan

RUNNING BACK

Tyler Goodson Senior Running Back Tyler Goodson has not only been a key player for the Bulldog’s offense but has been a key leader as well. Goodson has committed to play for the University of Iowa after graduation.

to keep a positive attitude, pick up my teammates, and let them know that everyone is a leader and team player. It is important that we love and think about each other as a team, and not just ourselves.

Do you feel any added pressure to win this season? I don’t at all. I feel like if we actually put the work in and trust the process, we have another chance to go all the way. If we listen

to our coaches and respect what they teach us, I don’t think anyone should feel any added pressure.

What have you learned from last season that you hope to carry over into this one?

I learned that this team is really good with adversity. We had some guys who really had to step up when we had injuries, and they definitely stepped up big time. I think that shows how strong we are as an overall team.

How does your position impact the overall team?

I think as a running back group, performing well shows that hard work pays off and that if you trust the process great things will happen. I think that reflects on our whole team in general because once our team sees that, everyone will come together and execute.

“TYLER WAS ONE OF THE BEST RBs IN THE STATE LAST YEAR. THIS YEAR HE IS COMING IN AS AN EVEN BIGGER, FASTER, AND STRONGER PLAYER THAN HE WAS LAST SEASON.” - COACH STEWART

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cover story

What was it like to win a state championship, and to have the community rally around you? The

CENTER AND RIGHT GUARD

WILL HAMILTON Senior Center and Right Guard Will Hamilton began his senior season on a high note. After a very successful Junior season, the 6’2” 275 lb. lineman committed to play football at Columbia University next year.

What was it like to win a state championship, and to have the community rally around you? It was a great feeling. It was one of those surreal moments, especially with the community behind us. It felt good to finally give back, finally to win a boy’s championship, a championship of our own. Growing up in school, that’s all we ever talked about - winning a state championship. It was awesome.

How do you plan to carry that momentum through this upcoming season? By having the

same attitude we did last year going into every game. Just wanting to do the best we can and not so much just breaking people down, but lifting people up and

turnout was amazing. To bring in additional seating, to see the stadium as full as it was, the parking madness - it was incredible. To win the first state championship on our own field, right there in that end zone, it was incredible. It was really like a dream season and we are hoping to do the same thing again.

How do you plan to carry that momentum through this upcoming season?

We are just really focused on working through the new pieces we got. Trying to get the same bond, just with the new guys. Just adjusting to different people in different positions and trying to push through and create that

encouraging the young guys. Once we leave, it’s going to be their turn to carry on our legacy. So, it’s the mindset: let’s win a state championship, let’s get closer again as a brotherhood, let’s do what we did last year and just go back out there and win another one.

Do you feel any added pressure going into the season as state champions? Yes, a

little bit because we are the defending state champions; it’s not like we are going to get 2s from another team, we are going to get the best of the best and everyone’s gunning for us. I’m excited for what this season holds and I’m ready to go play with my friends for one last time.

brotherhood that really carried us through the last part of the season.

Do you feel any added pressure going into the season as state champions? With a

program as prestigious as North Gwinnett is, we always want to go and put the pressure on ourselves to do well and win state titles. Definitely coming off winning one, there is a little bit of added pressure, but I am just focused on what we can do and this season coming up.

What have you learned from last season that you hope to carry over into this one? The ability to

adapt and overcome. Last year we had the starting quarterback go down, the starting running back out for

a couple games, suspensions in the playoffs, and the state game getting bumped back a week. All sorts of adversity that you have to adapt to and overcome and I definitely think that’s something I’m going to carry with me this next season.

Do you have any pregame rituals? Yeah, well

on Fridays during third period weight training, Coach Smith, the offensive line coach, always cooks us pancakes for however many pancakes we got the week before. We have a griddle; he cooks up pancakes and bacon for us. So that’s definitely a good pregame ritual. Right before a game I always listen to the National Anthem to myself and Amazing Grace. Those get me in the zone.

What have you learned from last season that you hope to carry over into this one? To be a brotherhood, more than anything, just care about the guy next to you. That’s mainly what we try to do, we hang out outside of practice. We’ll all constantly do things together, like camping, going to the lake - trying to keep the brotherhood. We want to create one giant family that’s going to carry on where even 50 years from now we will remember, 'that was my family for that year.'

Do you have any plans for after high school yet?

Hopefully to go play college football, but if not, to go to college, enjoy life and live my life the best I can.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

T.J. Skinner T.J. Skinner helps to provide a solid wall for the offense.

Q&A WITH 2018 COLLINS HILL EAGLES HEAD COACH Based on the team’s performance last year, are there any areas you are hoping to improve on this year? We want to get better as a whole team. We went 6-4 in the regular season and finished in a three-way tie for second in our region at 4-2. It was a good first year and we need to improve on that. Our goal is to compete for the region and state championships.

Do you have younger classmen that are stepping up to fill the shoes of the seniors that graduated last year? Absolutely, we have a lot

LEFT TACKLE

Justin Bullock Justin Bullock joins Hamilton and Skinner on the offensive line. The 6’2” 275 lb. senior plays left tackle and helps to contribute to the overall success of the o-line.

What was it like to win a state championship, and to have the community rally around you? It

was actually crazy, the impact the community had on us as a team. How they flowed into the game with us, it was just a cool experience to be there, how they rushed the field at the end of the game was really cool. It was a good experience the entire time.

How do you plan to carry that momentum through this upcoming season? It’s been with

us this entire time but as a team we kind of decided, that was last year’s team, we have to build this year’s team. We have to work in the future and whatever comes our way, comes our way. And, we have to play every game one at a time.

Do you feel any added pressure going into the season as state

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champions? Not at all. We’re just going to go in there and beat everyone. It’s our mentality. What have you learned from last season that you hope to carry over into this one? After our first

loss as a team we couldn’t give up. If there is ever a down point in our season, like, our quarterback was out second game of the year and we had to rally back from that. Our backup quarterback carried us all the way to state, so, amazing things happen.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? Before every game I go out and push the sled.

Do you have any plans for after high school yet? I have a couple offers to go play football at different colleges, but I have not committed anywhere yet.

SEPT / OCT 18

of young, talented sophomores and juniors who will be stepping up, and we even have two 9th graders who we think can help us this season.

What do you think will be your toughest game this season? We have a very tough

schedule, and in my opinion it’s one of the toughest in the county. Our first four non-region games are Walton, Marietta, Brookwood, and McEachern. These are all top teams in our state. Then we go into region play, which our region is easily the toughest in the state. Also, in our region you have the defending state champs North Gwinnett. That’s probably going to be our toughest game.

Who are some key players that are expected to stand out this season? Our defense

is the strength of our football team with players like Kamari Fox, Anthony Vinson, Tommy Turnage, and Jared Bartlett. On offense we have guys like DeAngelo Oliver, Isaiah Love, Jalen Johnson, and Tank Pritchett. We also have Cameron Kinnie and Cody Hutchison who are returning starters.

cover story

Q&A WITH 2018 PEACHTREE RIDGE LIONS HEAD COACH

Coach Lenny Gregory  The former Centennial High School coach made his way back to Gwinnett County as the Collins Hill head coach in 2017. He wrapped up his first season as a Collins Hill Eagle with a 6-4 record.

“WE HAVE A LOT OF YOUNG, TALENTED SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS WHO WILL BE STEPPING UP, AND WE EVEN HAVE TWO 9TH GRADERS WHO WE THINK CAN HELP US THIS SEASON.”

“WE WERE IMPLEMENTING A NEW SYSTEM LAST YEAR. WE HAD A LOT OF SENIORS, BUT ONLY FIVE OR SIX OF THEM HAD VARSITY EXPERIENCE. WE PLAYED A LOT OF YOUNG KIDS WHO WE FEEL WILL BENEFIT FROM THAT PLAYING TIME AND HELP US IMPROVE THIS UPCOMING SEASON.” Coach Reginald Stancil

How did the team prepare for this season? We have worked

really hard this offseason in the weight room and on the track.

Based on the team’s performance last year, are there any areas you are hoping to improve on this year? We were

implementing a new system last year. We had a lot of seniors, but only five or six of them had Varsity experience. We played a lot of young kids who we feel will benefit from that playing time and help us improve this upcoming season.

will be a three-year starter and has Division 1 offers, and then also we have Jalen Lee who is our offensive linebacker. On defense, we have Dorian Williams, Dominic Jones, and Mason Huntley. Some other players to look out for are Devin Williams, Alex Carman, and CJ Richardson.

 Coach Stancil was a recordbreaking quarterback and baseball player at Colquitt County, earning all-state honors twice in both sports. He opted to play college football at Jacksonville State, where he threw for 5,182 career yards and had 6,276 yards of total offense. He now brings over 15 years of coaching experience to Peachtree Ridge.

How many starters do you have returning this year? We return seven

on defense and three on offense. We return our long snapper, punter and kicker as well.

Do you have younger classmen that are stepping up to fill the shoes of the seniors who graduated last year? We have a lot of

underclassmen that have done a great job this offseason getting ready to compete.

Who are some key players that are expected to stand out this season? On offense,

we have Trent Brown who

your health,

wellness and happiness

TURN SIBLING RIVALRY INTO SIBLING HARMONY

A PLACE FOR HER BY:

JULIE PERDUE

â&#x20AC;ş She was living in a nice retirement home in Gainesville for the past two years when we noticed a cry for help. She told us she had decided not to renew her lease and would need to move out by the end of the month. Hearing the trouble in her voice, my brother and I made plans to visit and find out what was going on. We were devastated by how we found her. She was sad and depressed, lonely and full of fear, telling us that she could no longer take care of herself. Her apartment was filthy and disorganized. We sat with her amongst the mess, listening and wondering how things could have gotten so out of control. We went into full rescue mode.

SPONSORED ARTICLE

A PLACE FOR HER (CONT.)

e spent the next three weeks clearing out unneeded items, packing and getting ready for moving day. After stuffing a dozen huge trash bags full of decades of papers and things she couldn’t seem to throw away, we moved her in with friends 60 miles away. We filled two storage units full of items she didn’t think she would be able to live without. She was my stepmom for the last 35 years. My father passed away in 2006, leaving her in good financial shape for the years to come, but over time, she lost everything to poor real estate decisions, opening her home to people who stole from her and ruined her property, and trying to help the less fortunate, as was her way. Many times, we came to her aid, moving her from place to place, trying to help, but were often met with stubbornness, so we simply watched her lose everything she once had. It was a frustrating process — but now, things were serious. She was 78 and broke, alone and drowning her sorrows, of which we were not aware. So, we began the complicated journey of what to do and where to find help. We found that there is an abundance of options for the elderly who can afford luxury retirement homes and assisted living complexes that feel more like resorts. Our research showed the cost of those to be from $3,000/month to over $6,000/ month depending on the location and amenities. Like many in her situation, my stepmom could afford none of those. She was living on social security only, so we began looking to see if she would qualify for VA Aid and Attendance Benefit because of my father’s time in the service to help aid in the cost for a new place to live. The first call I made was to Senior Resource Partners in Suwanee, an

organization that acts as a senior resource office and points families to the best professionals for each area of need, such as care homes, elder law, financial services, care managers and senior moving services. Senior Resource Partners put us in touch with a professional placement service for the elderly. Both assisted us, free of charge, and were a godsend because of their experience and knowledge in the tasks involved when learning each process and searching for the best place for our stepmom. They were personally familiar with options for what we could afford. Senior Resource Partners also introduced us to a geriatric case manager (for hire) to help us in dealing with our stepmom and getting processes accomplished with her doctors and Georgia VA. After three months, we found a personal care home in a town close to us that was a perfect fit and something she could afford. The most important part to us was that she would be safe and looked after, and no longer alone. This home is small with only four residents and an aide onsite 24 hours a day. It is clean, happy and an answer to our prayers. If you or your friends have dealt with an aging parent or relative, you know how daunting it is to be thrust headlong into a crisis or major life change. You may need to pack and move their belongings or disburse them to charity and relatives. You may need to hire home

assistance or take them to a medical rehab center for a while. Maybe they have issues driving to the doctor or just need a new, safer place to live. Or maybe they have a degenerative disease and will need more services each month or year going forward. Senior Resource Partners is located in the Suwanee area and is comprised of the top professionals in Northeast Atlanta for the entirety of senior aging issues. The partners cover: home modification and mobility issues; home health care, home care assistance, moving and packing senior housing, senior tax issues and planning, Medicare planning and management, senior living choices and placement, Elder Law issues and planning, Veteran’s Assistance benefits, Hospice care, Senior Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Center; and much more. The lesson? Don’t tackle senior aging issues on your own! Getting old isn’t for sissies. Losing independence and accepting help is very hard for most people and caring for loved ones is a complicated process. It takes a lot of patience, love and kindness, and it sure helped to have professional and knowledgeable advocates to help navigate the way. Without them, we might still be searching or may have made the wrong choices. With them, we found the perfect place for her. ◆

Senior Resource Partners 770.945.5261 EXT. 626 / SeniorResourcePartners.org

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SEPT / OCT 18

FAMILY MAT TERS

thrive

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, Grow Counseling

Turn Sibling Rivalry Into Sibling Harmony hen it comes to your kids getting along, sometimes you can end up feeling less like a parent and more like a referee. Sibling rivalry is something that most families experience to some degree whether it’s a simple argument over a toy or an argument full of lots of yelling that leaves you feeling exhausted. Even though conflict between siblings is common, it can feel hard to figure out the best way to stop the arguing and help your kids get along peacefully. With some help from parents, kids can learn to get along and develop healthy and fulfilling relationships with their siblings.

Here are some ways to turn sibling rivalry into sibling harmony: Avoid giving older children too much responsibility.

As a parent, you have your hands full all of the time. It can be helpful to ask your older kids to step in and help with simple tasks such as getting diapers, driving them to school, etc., but try to avoid asking your older kids to be in charge of your younger ones. This will allow the sibling relationship to be focused on building fun memories without any arguments between your kids about who is in charge.

Try not to compare. All children are unique and are their own person. No one likes being compared to others around them, especially to their sibling who they have to see and try to live up to on a daily basis. Give each child in the family their own goals and levels of expectations that they can live up to. Too much comparison could have your kids feeling like it is a competition between them and their siblings. Instead, focus on the skills and growth areas for each of your kids individually.

Listen to their feelings.

It is okay for your kids to express anger, frustration, or hurt towards each other. However, kids may not always choose helpful or productive ways to express their feelings. As adults, we have learned over time ways to express ourselves in a way that doesn’t hurt people around us. Kids need to learn these conflict resolution skills, too. Acknowledge their feelings and then talk them through how best to handle them. Saying things like “I know you may be angry at your brother, but it is not okay to hit him,” will help open the door to conversations about healthy ways to manage their feelings while still allowing your kids to feel heard by you. Empathize with their feelings and then work together to problem solve with them.

Foster a team spirit.

Create opportunities for your kids to be allies and work together so they learn how to work harmoniously in a team. Assign kids tasks that require them to cooperate and work together. Ask them to work together to complete a chore so they can have a fun experience as a family. Learning how to work together with others at home will help them be successful at working together in the future! ◆

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

Q: My pet has

HENRY ANSWERS ALL YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS...

ASK HENRY @ SugarHillAnimalHospital.com

Q: Do I really need to brush my dog’s teeth? Are the dental chewables sufficient? A: Yes! When a dog

consumes a meal, the food material and contents of his/ her saliva mix, forming a film (plaque) on his/her teeth. If not removed within 24 hours, plaque continues to accumulate and forms a hard substance, known as tartar. This tartar can trap bacteria. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, this can create problems for organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The good news is that pet owners can help our furry family members maintain oral health! There are two methods to keep your dog’s teeth healthy at home – teeth brushing and dental chews. Like people,

brushing your dog’s teeth DAILY is the best way to limit or reduce plaque and stimulate your pet’s gums. In addition, the toothbrush bristles will help remove plaque a short distance beneath the gum surface. You should never use human toothpaste, as it can contain ingredients toxic to pets. However, there are toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs – ask your veterinarian which is their favorite! Dental chews are also helpful, as they are designed to encourage chewing so that the teeth can be mechanically scrubbed. However, dental chews will only help reduce plaque and

bad breath. Are bad teeth and gums the cause? A: Most likely,

yes! Bad breath can be due to plaque and gingivitis, or something more serious like periodontal disease, where bacteria have destroyed the attachment fibers and supporting bones that hold the teeth in the mouth. A professional dental cleaning is recommended to best evaluate your pet’s mouth. At this time, your pet will be Regular oral care is necessary to maintain placed under general your pet’s healthy teeth and gums. anesthesia and his or her teeth will be tartar on the teeth at the scaled and polished (similar back of the mouth, which is to when people visit the why it is important to brush dentist). Then, full mouth as well. It is also important to dental x-rays are taken to pick a chew product verified evaluate the health of each by the Veterinary Oral Health and every tooth. If it is found Council (VOHC). Stay away that any tooth is fractured, from hard chew toys, such as broken, abscessed, or loose, antlers, cow hooves, nylon removal is recommended bones, ice cubes, etc., as to alleviate pain and future they can result in fractured complications. Please be teeth. advised that periodontal Pet owners should know disease can happen in any that home care is prevention dog, but is most often seen and not treatment. If your in small and toy breed dogs, pet already has gingivitis, due to decreased space visible tartar accumulation, in their mouth, decreased or fractured/broken teeth, at chewing behavior, and an home care is not a substitute increased life span. Schedule for a professional dental a visit with your veterinarian cleaning. Have your pet’s to see if it is time for your teeth cleaned before starting dog to have a professional routine teeth brushing and dental cleaning! dental chews to achieve the maximum benefit.

HENRY’S HELPER FOR THIS ISSUE WAS DR. LAYNE DOGGETT. Dr. Layne Doggett is the newest veterinarian to join the SHAH team! Dr. Doggett’s lifelong passion for animal welfare inspired her to become a veterinarian, so that she may help our furry family members live their healthiest, longest lives. Dr. Doggett is a Gwinnett County native, grew up in Suwanee, and attended the University of Georgia for both her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degrees. She is a member of the AVMA and GVMA. Her professional interests include dermatology, neurology, pain management, and wellness. While not working, Dr. Doggett enjoys spending time with her husband, Colby, 3 dogs and 2 cats, attending UGA football games, traveling, and reading. Dr. Doggett looks forward to building long lasting relationships with clients and their pets at Sugar Hill!

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SEPT / OCT 18

ATTENTION: Due to the nature of this content and some mature details within the stories, this article may only be appropriate for adults.

Every fall, an eerie presence fills the air for a short period of time and then fades away. Some poke fun at ‘all things spooky’ that the Halloween season brings, and some do not dare to test the limits… but, either side you’re on, Gwinnett County has been home to many historic sites – and fascinating tales – over the last 200+ years. STORY AND PHOTOS BY NATALIE STUBBS

Booger Hill On Tribble Gap Road on the north side of Cumming stand two large oak trees facing directly across the road from each other. Back in the 1850s, two men were accused of attacking and killing a white woman. They were punished by being hung from these two trees and were then buried a little further down the road. To this day, legend has it that these two men do not want you to reach their grave site – so badly that they will “push” your vehicle back up the hill. As Suwanee Magazine writers turned ghost hunters, we felt compelled to try it. Following all of the instructions we read during our research, we traveled to Tribble Gap Road. Once we passed Dunn Road, we located the two oak trees standing among the heavily-wooded roadsides. Once

we reached these trees, we put the car in neutral and began rolling down the hill. When we reached the bottom of the hill and a white mailbox on our right, we anticipated continuing to roll as the road leveled out and we were still in neutral; however, the car came to a complete stop and, indeed, began rolling backwards. We stopped the car and placed the gear back in drive, as the legend also states that if you let the men push you back far enough to return to the oak trees, you will die on your way home. We successfully attempted this phenomenon two more times for absolute confirmation, and then safely returned to the Suwanee Magazine headquarters. A few other rumors accompany the legend: Some say if you pour flour on the hood of your car, then you’ll find handprints in the flour after the slaves push you back. Suwanee Magazine does not recommend you test this legend on your own. Tribble Gap Road is a heavily-traveled road, particularly during the day, and participants must be extremely careful to watch for other vehicles. For those in question, there is a scientific explanation behind the legend of Booger Hill known as Gravity Hill.

LEGEND HAS IT THAT THESE TWO MEN DO NOT WANT YOU TO REACH THEIR GRAVE SITE – SO BADLY THAT THEY WILL “PUSH” YOUR VEHICLE BACK UP THE HILL.

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SEPT / OCT 18

Old Man Simmons' HOUSE

Old Man Simmons, desperate to be brought back to his Lawrenceville home following his fight in the Civil War, promised that if God allowed him to make it home he would never leave the state of Georgia. God kept his part of the promise when Old Man Simmons came home with 14 bullet holes in his clothing and hat, but his body remained untouched. Years later, he fell asleep one night and never woke up. Since then, anyone who has come along to refurbish his home has fallen prey to the pranks Old Man Simmons apparently enjoys playing – he moves hammers across the room, flushes toilets, and sometimes shuffles paperwork to make sure his presence remains in his home.

The Haunted Cafe Several spirits have been known to reside inside the walls of the Corner Stop Café in Lawrenceville, but one in particular was welcomed by the business owners over time. The spirit named Bo always had a playful sense as he enjoyed playing tricks on the staff. He would make the dishes sound like they were breaking and watch the employees come running into the kitchen. His disposition suddenly changed, however, as he was accused of having a concerned look on his face one day, which happened to be September 10, 2001.

EXPERIENCE HAUNTED GWINNETT WITH THE AURORA THEATER Suwanee Magazine's "Haunted Gwinnett" story was inspired by the Aurora Theater's Lawrenceville Ghost Tour. The tour offers visitors an intriguing and entertaining tour around the historic square sharing an abundance of haunted history and spooky storytelling. Talented members of the Aurora Theater serve as tour guides. The tours have successfully evolved into three different Tim Whitson, events - the AKA Eli “Eagle Lawrenceville Eye” Loveless, opens the tour Ghost Tour, by sharing a few the Haunted of his adventures Cemetery of being an Tour, and 1820’s mountain Lawrenceville’s man searching for love. haunted pub crawl, Brews & Boos. For tickets and schedule information, as well as an introduction to each tour guide, visit ScaryStroll.com.

THE HAUNTED Theater

The Aurora Theater in Lawrenceville used to be a Methodist church that neighbored a cemetery once known as one of the most paranormally-active places in Georgia. Patrick Burns and an assisting team spent the night in this cemetery and experienced phenomenon such as balls of light in the air, flashing lights, areas of 30-degree temperature drops on their legs, and patches of dead zones where their cameras suddenly lost all battery. Playing back footage, they would also hear the voice of a woman who was NOT in the cemetery with them that night. People dedicated many more nights digging into the unexplainable activities of this site. The Aurora Theater now hosts an exclusive Cemetery Tour that further explores stories of those nights spent graveside!

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SEPT / OCT 18

THE MORGUE GHOSTS

A currently unoccupied space in Lawrenceville used to be home to one of the only morgues in the area. Rumor always spoke of three suicides occurring on this front porch, until a lady named Doreen said otherwise. She abruptly paused upon reaching this building and proclaimed that “one of these suicides was not a suicide, but a murder!” and then fainted… Various renters of this space have also admitted to experiencing paranormal activity over the years.

haunted gwinnett

THE COURTHOUSE GREEN MIST

A woman named Marsha worked at the Lawrenceville courthouse, which grew to become the third courthouse standing after the previous two were built with wood and burned down. On her lunch break, she came across a photo dated April 11, 1911. In this photo, a man had been hung, wearing a sign on his foot that read: “Do not wake him.” Working late that night, a loud noise startled her. From her office at the front left corner of the courthouse, she could see all sides of the courthouse, but didn’t see anything suspicious… until a gust of green mist came rushing through the doorway and she felt an angry, spiteful presence beside her. She tried to continue working, but frightened and frustrated, she shrieked, “Could you please just leave me alone!” and the presence disappeared…

THE SPOOKY SCHOOLHOUSE

The bottom floor of a two-story brick building near the jail once functioned as a schoolhouse. The teacher, Ms. Maggie Stewart, told students every day that they should not bother “the men upstairs.” Three mischief-filled girls, Antoinette, Neddy and Little Mary, dared each other to go upstairs and write on the chalkboard to prove they made it all the way to the second floor. Neddy went first, then Antoinette, then Little Mary – who paused when she heard loud footsteps on her way up, but scurried to the top. She successfully wrote on the chalkboard as well, but they were caught by Ms. Maggie Stewart who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Shortly following the girls’ scheme, Antoinette, Neddy and Little Mary were playing near an oak tree during a storm when Neddy was struck by lightning and immediately died. The next day, Ms. Maggie Stewart heard three crying, wailing voices that sounded like young girls, but saw no one. This happened again about six months later and again periodically after that…

Honest AllEy

Running late for curfew one dark, stormy night, 17-year-old Edgar Dunlap was faced with a risky dilemma. Take the long way home, or take a shortcut through Lawrenceville's Honest Alley – which was home to everything dishonest, like a bad horse trade business ran by Jim Bob Oaks. Edgar decided to make a run for it, but as he reached the end of the alley, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to meet the empty eye sockets of a skeleton and then collapsed to the ground to be found and taken home by the Sheriff. The next morning, the cover of the local paper read, “The Dead Walk the Streets of Lawrenceville.” A large oak tree in the middle of the cemetery was knocked down by an overnight storm waking the buried, which is apparently who Edgar met that night (or so the legend goes). The backsides of restaurants and stores that line Honest Alley today have never been remodeled or updated as store owners have been careful not to disturb the sleeping ghosts. Since then, many members of the community have claimed to have experienced paranormal activity over the years. ■

For more Haunted Gwinnett, go to SuwaneeMagazine.com.

2018

elieve it or not, fall is just around the corner. With the return of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters and cooler weather also comes pumpkin patches, apple picking, haunted houses and the much-anticipated festival season. Before your fall calendar fills up, we have compiled a guide of can’t-miss fall activities for you and your family. BY ALICIA CARTER & LIZZY KIDNEY

PUMPKIN PATCHES / HAYRIDES / CORN MAZES Buford Corn Maze September 1st November 11th For nearly 10 years, the Buford Corn Maze has provided a labyrinth of fun for families looking to ring in the season with good old-fashioned fall-time festivities. In addition to the eponymous 5-acre maze, Buford Corn Maze also boasts hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn box (sandboxes are a thing of the past, y’all), haunted forest, pony rides, concessions, and an animal viewing area with goats, pigs and chickens! Hours vary depending on day. 4470 Bennett Road, Buford bufordcornmaze.com

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SEPT / OCT 18

Burt’s Farm

September 1st November 10th The North Georgia mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for Burt’s Farm, a family-run farm that dates back to the 1800s. In 1972, the Burt family started growing pumpkins, which they sold from a stand in their own front yard for 20 years before expanding in 1991 into the beloved destination it’s known as today. Although pumpkins (which range from tiny 1-pounders to massive gourds weighing in at more than 150 pounds!) are the star of the show, Burt’s also provides hayrides for the kiddos and stocks an on-site country store with fresh-baked goodies and everything you need to decorate your home for the fall season. 9am - 6pm. Burt’s Pumpkin Farm Road, Dawsonville shopburtsfarm.com

Warbington Farms

September 1st Nestled in Forsyth County since 1968, Warbington Farms is a third-generation family farm that has opened

its doors to the community. Throughout the year, the farm serves as a wedding venue, you-pick strawberry patch, and fun fall destination for families of all ages. Visit the farm to explore the corn maze during the day or, for the more adventurous, challenge yourself to conquer the maze at night! Once you find your way out, visit Warbington’s pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin or spend time at the Fun Park featuring a “hey” ride, petting zoo, giant inflatables, tire yard, corn crib, roller slides, swings and more! Friday and Saturday, 10am -10pm; Sunday, 10am 5pm 5555 Crow Road, Cumming warbington farms.com

Washington Farms

September 23rd November 4th John and Donna Washington left their careers to begin farming in 1993. Then, in the fall of 1996, the family began growing pumpkins and offering hayrides to the community on Mars Hill Road. Today, Washington Farms still offers a variety of fun family activities for people

of all ages. After you pick out your perfect pumpkin, participate in cow train rides, pig races, hayrides, corn cannons, a petting farm, pumpkin launchers, and more! Check out their website for event times before visiting. Friday 4pm - dark; Saturday 10am - dark; Sunday, 1pm - 6pm. Special flashlight nights are also available. 5671 Hog Mountain Road (Hwy 53), Watkinsville washington farms.net

Uncle Shucks

September 8th Located in Dawsonville, Uncle Shucks is best known for its elaborate corn mazes. This year’s maze is sponsored by Northside Hospital and is sure to be bigger and better than ever. If you conquer the corn maze and want more excitement, take a stroll through The Dark Rows for a scary good time. Uncle Shucks also features pumpkin picking, a towering goat walk (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like!), hayrides and bonfire fun. Hours vary by month. 4520 Highway 53 SE, Dawsonville uncleshucks.com

FESTIVALS / FAIRS

Duluth Fall Festival DOWNTOWN DULUTH

I duluthfallfestival.com

The Best Festival in the Southeast (SFEA 2016) is the Duluth Fall Festival! Hosted the last weekend in September each year in Downtown Duluth, the festival begins with the carnival on Thursday and Friday evenings. It officially kicks off Saturday morning, September 29, with the community parade, which has more than 1,500 participants. There are more than 250 arts and crafts booths, plus about 50 food vendors, 60 sponsor booths, entertainment on two stages, Man’s Corner, and an ongoing silent auction. Sunday starts with a 5K Road Race, then Worship on the Green, followed by booths and entertainment until closing at 5pm. The Atlanta area expects big things each year, and the Duluth Fall Festival continues to deliver. It takes more than 400 dedicated volunteers to bring it all together. Proceeds benefit Downtown Duluth. 12 large busses shuttle A wide variety of tasty food vendors visitors from three area participate in Duluth Fall Festival each year. schools. For details visit duluthfallfestival.org.

2018 Fall Fun Guide

SUWANEE MAGAZINE S TOP 3 SUGAR RUSH PICKS:

’

Panning for Gold

You don’t have to travel north into Dahlonega to pan for gold this year! With a panning station, Sugar Rush will offer the opportunity for everyone to channel their inner gold miner and dig their own fortune. Don’t let your children miss out on learning the process of mining through this hands-on experience!

Painting... & More Painting

Not only does Sugar Rush host a juried art show where attendees are invited to vote for their favorite masterpieces and witness professional and inspiring artists in their own element, you can paint a CAR. What’s a better canvas to release your artsy side? But, painting doesn’t stop there… don’t forget to have your face painted, roll your sleeves up and paint a fun piece of pottery, or get a caricature created to have a special keepsake of your family fun.

Sugar Rush DOWNTOWN SUGAR HILL

cityofsugarhill.com

The City of Sugar Hill will celebrate the community with their largest and SWEETEST event of the year on Saturday, October 20th from 10am-5pm. The annual Sugar Rush festival will feature live music, dance performances from All-Star Performing Arts, food trucks to please every palate, an art show full of talent, a delicious dessert party, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of activities for the kids including carnival rides, inflatables, a climbing wall, and lots of painting. With something to interest every member of the family, Sugar Rush is a can't miss on your list of fall fun this season! Downtown Sugar Hill has expanded and continues to grow with more exciting plans in development! Come together to join the celebration at the 2018 Sugar Rush and be a part of this thriving community. For more information, visit cityofsugarhill.com.

OCT. 20th

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Food for Everyone

Sugar Rush is filled with activities the whole family will enjoy!

From King of Pops and Kona Ice to Cousins Maine Lobster, Sugar Rush has something for every appetite! Whether you’re craving a salty treat or a sweet delight, this festival has you covered with freshly popped kettled corn, sugar-covered funnel cakes, Italian cuisine and perfectly smoked barbecue. Be sure to come hungry!

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

Alive! Festival is a Suwanee annual event that will take place this year on Saturday, October 20th from 10am to 6pm. The Alive! Festival benefits Project Green, a nonprofit in Atlanta whose mission is to invest in “A Green Tomorrow.” The festival will be held in Suwanee Town Center and will include an artist market, local vendors, live music, food, a family zone and, of course, Taste of BBQ! Tickets for the Taste of BBQ will be sold on site and samples will cost one to five tickets. The Alive! Festival is free for all to attend and will have activities for all ages! For more information about Project Green and their eco-friendly mission, visit Echos of Imagination projectgreenusa.org.

OCT. 20th

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SUWANEE MAGAZINE S TOP 2 ALIVE! FESTIVAL PICKS:

Taste of BBQ (Saturday All Day)

Starting last year, Taste of BBQ has become a focal point of the Alive! Festival. Taste of BBQ sample tickets will be sold on site, or full plates will be available for purchase directly from all BBQ vendors.

2018 Fall Fun Guide

Alive ! Festival

Live Music

(Saturday, 11am - 5pm) This year, the Alive! Festival has a very special line up of a variety of talented, entertaining bands. The line up will include favorites from Danny Mac & Co, Jedd Robinson Band and Vintage Vixens earlier in the day, followed by The Andrew Black Band, Whisky Run, Nic Sanders, and Echos of Imagination in the evening.

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2018 Fall Fun Guide

Georgia State Fair

Oktoberfest

September 28th October 7th This year, the Georgia State Fair will celebrate its 170th year at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The fair offers fun for all ages like breathtaking carnival rides, mouth-watering foods, attractions and plenty of entertainment. The Banana Derby is a favorite attraction that features Capuchin monkeys riding dogs like jockeys in a oneof-a-kind race! From camel rides to Knockerball, the State Fair is a must-visit for fall family fun. Hours vary. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton georgiastatefair.org

September 6th - 9th, September 13th -16th, September 20th - 23rd, and then reopens daily beginning September 27th - October 28th 2018 marks the 48th annual Oktoberfest in Helen, the longest running Oktoberfest festival in the United States! Take the family on a fun getaway to Helen’s biggest celebration and enjoy German music, food, drinks and dancing, including waltzes, polkas and the chicken dance. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen helenchamber.com

Stone Mountain Park Pumpkin Festival

Gwinnett County Fair

September 13th - 23rd The Gwinnett County Fair is back! This year the fair is packed with events, including pageants for all ages, concerts, and a “circus thrill show.” All the fair food, carnival rides, and livestock shows you can imagine! Hours vary for the Exhibit Hall and Carnival. 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville gwinnettcountyfair.com

September 22nd October 28th Stone Mountain’s Pumpkin Festival has quickly become a familyfavorite event. Take in the beautiful autumn scenery as you hike up the mountain, and then spend the rest of the day enjoying the kid’s carnival, adventure tales storytelling, pie eating contests, and the dance-along party parade. This year the park also features a glowing family experience with thousands of jack-olanterns lighting up the park each night. 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain stonemountainpark.com

Cumming County Fair and Festival

October 4th - 14th The Cumming Fairgrounds was established in 1995 and has increasingly grown over the years. Throughout the month of October, it becomes a sought-after destination for families looking for country fair and festival fun in North Georgia. The fair now spans a total of 11 days, and features free daily attractions, concerts, discount days and living history exhibits. Check the website for a complete list of events, free admission days, and discount nights. Hours vary. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming cummingfair.net

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Yellow Daisy Festival

September 6th - 9th This year marks the 50th annual Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park. What started out as a small arts and crafts show has grown over the years and now lasts

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a total of four days. More than 400 artists and crafters come from 33 states and two countries to showcase their work. Spend the day shopping, enjoying live music, and witnessing craft demonstrations while your kiddos participate in the Children’s Corner activities. 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain stonemountainpark.com

Suwanee Jazz Fest

October 13th The North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA), alongside jazz radio station, WCLK, and partner, the City of Suwanee, is excited to bring back Suwanee Jazz Fest this fall. The festival will bring together five of the area’s smoothest and most eclectic solo and group jazz artists for a night of sounds, tastes and experiences under the stars. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and a cooler (no glass, please!) and arrive ready to relax and enjoy some divine entertainment! 6pm - 10pm. Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee ngaa4arts.com/suwaneejazz-fest

Happy Feat Carnival

September 29th Happy Feat is transforming Suwanee Town Center into a fun-filled carnival for families of all ages. Featuring a Ferris wheel, rides and inflatables, clowns and balloon artists, food trucks and live music. Proceeds benefit Happy Feat, an organization that creates inclusive opportunities for the world to see that those with disabilities are beautiful, valuable, and capable. Hours are 5pm -10pm. Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee happyfeat.org

Taste of Atlanta HISTORIC FOURTH WARD PARK

tasteofatlanta.com For three days, thousands of hungry food aficionados will descend upon Historic Fourth Ward Park to eat their way through the Taste of Atlanta Festival. Celebrating their 17th year, the festival will feature more than 90 local restaurants from all corners of the city, dishing up the best of the best with their sips and small plates. Food lovers of all ages are invited to join in celebrating the dynamic energy and variety of the local restaurant scene, while savoring what makes Atlanta the food capital of the South! From live music, to amazing food, fun workshops and much more, Taste of Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed. So, be sure to come hungry and leave happy!

OCT. 19th, 20th AND 21st

PHOTOS BY ED CARTER

Honeysuckle Gelato

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SUWANEE MAGAZINE S TOP 3 TASTE OF ATLANTA PICKS:

Kick -Off Party

(Friday, 6:30pm - 11pm) The must-do “Eat and Greet” event of the year officially kicks off the weekend for Taste of Atlanta. Dance, drink and dine the night away with heavenly helpings from more than 20 of Atlanta’s favorite chefs and restaurants, devastatingly delicious drinks and lively tunes. This all-inclusive block party is for 21 years or older, so be sure not to miss out on any of the fun!

Future Chef Food Fight (Saturday, 4pm)

What kid doesn’t love a good food fight? Watch future chefs ranging in ages from 7 to 16 battle it out at the Home Plate Stage for their chance to win the champion title.

Barcraft Competition

(Sunday, 4:15pm) Friendly competition or bar brawl? This year’s Barcraft Competition is sponsored by George Dickel and will feature mixologists and bartenders fighting for the title of “Atlanta’s Best Bartender” at the Chef’s Table.

2018 Fall Fun Guide

2018 Suwanee Wine Fest SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

suwaneewinefest.com

PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

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SUWANEE MAGAZINE S TOP 3 SUWANEE WINE FEST PICKS:

College Football

The fall isn’t only the best time for festivals, it’s also the best time for football! The Suwanee Wine Fest team has made sure that there is an opportunity for the beer lovers in the crowd to make their way over to the beer tent for some craft brews and to catch the live college football games on TV!

November 3rd, 2018 marks the 6th Annual Suwanee Wine Festival, brought to you by organizers of the awardwinning Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest. Recognized as one of the premier wine events in the state of Georgia, the Suwanee Wine Fest gets bigger and better year after year. With unlimited samples of over 150 wines from around the globe hand-selected by the wine experts at Beverage SuperStore, this wine festival truly boasts unique and exciting selections. With live music by Joe Hall, delicious wine and food samples from The Fresh Market Suwanee and a beer garden featuring local brews and J.R. Revelry Bourbon, this will be an event to remenber! The Early Bird price starts at $49 per person for unlimited samples of beer and wine in the park from 1 - 4:30pm with the price increasing to $55 on October 14th. Visit suwaneewinefest. com to purchase your tickets to one of the South's premier wine events!

NOV. 3rd

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SEPT / OCT 18

Shop Local Vendors, Food Trucks, & More !

As attendees drink their way through the park, they have the opportunity to shop from local vendors and artists, taste delicious food from some of the area's most popular food trucks, participate in backyard games like giant Jenga and listen to live music from local bands.

Georgia Wine Trail

New to the festival this year, participants can now visit local wineries throughout the festival to get their “passports” punched after trying exclusive wine samples brought just for passholders! After visiting all the wineries, take your passport to the Suwanee Magazine tent for a special surprise!

FEATURED 2018 SUWANEE WINE FEST GEORGIA WINERIES:

KAYA VINEYARD & WINERY  Dahlonega, Georgia Kaya’s Winery & Tasting Room are located in Dahlonega, built atop a ridge that is 1600 feet above elevation and offers the most exquisite panoramic mountain view in North Georgia. All Kaya wines are made exclusively from estate grown grapes produced from their property. The vineyards are planted with classic European, Italian and American varietals. Their techniques are meticulous; the secret lies in the management of the vineyard. The Kaya team loves to produce hand-crafted complex wines that cater to the serious enthusiast. Their tasting room goal is to provide an educational experience for those with a passion to learn about wine.

 SHARP MOUNTAIN

Jasper, Georgia

Sharp Mountain Vineyards was established in 1994 making it the oldest vineyard in the region featuring 12 Georgia-grown European vinifera. The winery, tasting room and gift shop opened December 1, 2005. All of SMV’s award winning fine wines are grown, produced, and bottled on site. From start to finish, Sharp Mountain Vineyards wines are truly handcrafted in the oldworld fashion.

THREE SISTERS WINERY Dahlonega, Georgia 

 12 SPIES VINEYARDS

Three Sisters is a favorite destination for wine lovers visiting the North Georgia Mountains. With 184 acres, the vineyard is proud to be Dahlonega’s first family farm winery and Lumpkin County’s founding wine grape growers. Three Sisters offers a variety of indoor tastings from a large cherry wood tasting bar that also features a distinctive collection of southern folk art and pottery. Outside, visitors can relax on the rock wall patio while listening to local acoustic folk, bluegrass, and jazz music.

Rabun Gap, Georgia

12 Spies Vineyards offers up to 14 varieties of wine - there is something for every palate! For those who like dry, varieties range from Chardonnay to Cabernet. For those who prefer sweet wines, choices vary from semi-sweet whites to a sweet red. 12 Spies Vineyards’ goal has been to create a comfortable, warm atmosphere for guests to enjoy great wines and the views of God’s creation!

 SWEET ACRE

FARMS

Alto, Georgia

 FROGTOWN CELLARS Dahlonega, Georgia Frogtown Cellars, located in the heart of Georgia’s first American Viticultural Area, The Dahlonega Plateau, is home to 23 different varieties growing on 44 acres. Frogtown is dedicated to the ideal of terroir, the beauty of Georgia earth by producing 100% Georgia grown, produced and bottled wines. Frogtown has won three double gold medals in major San Francisco competitions in the last three years. Come taste the beauty and elegance of Georgia wine.

Sweet Acre Farms Winery is a small husband and wife run farm located in the beautiful foothills of the Northeast Georgia mountains. After growing blackberries and keeping bees for some time, the couple turned their U-pick farm into Hall County's first winery. They specialize in fruit, or "country wines," that are reminiscent of those southern families used to make. All of Sweet Acre Farms' fruit wines are 100% all-natural fruit; they never use any flavorings, coloring or concentrates.

2018 Fall Fun Guide

The Fresh Market Suwanee offers a wide variety of 90-Pt. wines with a new selection seasonally.

THE FRESH MARKET EXPERIENCE AT SUWANEE WINE FEST BY: ANGELA VEUGELER The Fresh Market Suwanee prides itself on sourcing and partnering with local businesses to deliver better, fresher products while also making a positive impact on the local economy. They have been actively involved in supporting the Suwanee community, including being a proud sponsor of Suwanee Wine Fest. On November 3rd in Suwanee Town Center Park, The Fresh Market will bring a unique, delicious experience to Wine Fest attendees. They will feature a selection of wines for tasting from their 90-point wine crates, with wine connoisseurs on hand to answer questions about each wine. According to Wine Spectator, any wine rated 90 to 94 points is defined as “Outstanding: A wine of superior character and style.” Found on a separate display in The Fresh Market Suwanee, the crates offer hand-selected wines ranging from just $10-$20. This program aims to bring customers higher end wines at a more reasonable price point with the selection of wines being changed seasonally. The Fresh Market’s very own in-store demo specialist, Chef Milt, will be cooking delicious cuts of prime beef and colossal shrimp on site for sampling along with a variety of cheeses that pair well with their wines. “We really want guests to get a feel for the full Fresh Market experience while they are at Suwanee Wine Fest. We love being a part of the Suwanee community and our team is excited to showcase what the community loves about The Fresh Market,” shared General Manager Jim Healy.

Located right in the middle of the action in Town Center Park, the Fresh Market experience at Suwanee Wine Fest is one you don’t want to miss! Can’t wait until Wine Fest? With exceptional customer service and wholesome, quality foods and products, visit The Fresh Market Suwanee located at 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Suwanee, or check them out online at thefreshmarket.com. ■

THE 90-POINT WINES POURED BY THE FRESH MARKET AT THE 2018 SUWANEE WINE FEST: 2016 SUBSTANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016 TALBOTT KALI HART CHARDONNAY

From Columbia Valley, Washington, this cabernet has gorgeous aromas and flavors of black raspberry, violets and herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated profile on the balanced palate. Enjoy with grilled beef kabobs. $16.99/bottle

This California Chardonnay displays loads of pear, pineapple and honey. It is medium-bodied and balanced. Pairs well with steamed fish with scallions and ginger. $19.99/bottle 92 PTS.

92 PTS.

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2016 CLINE ANCIENT VINES ZINFANDEL

This Contra Costa County California Zinfandel has flavors of dark berries, coffee and chocolate with great vanilla oak character. Pairs well with light tomato pasta dishes or grilled meats. $15.99/bottle 91 PTS.

2017 DECOY ROSE

This California Rosé has lively citrus aromas and tangy grapefruit and cranberry flavors. It is mediumbodied with great energy and concentration. Pairs well with eggplant pizza. $18.99/bottle 91 PTS.

2018 Fall Fun Guide

FESTIVALS / FAIRS (CONT.) Rock N’ Ribville

September 22nd What began as a small barbecue festival in 2007 as a way to create awareness for Georgia Gwinnett College now hosts more than 14,000 attendees. Rock N’ Ribville lets participants chow down on the best barbecue, brisket, and ribs in Georgia. Enjoy live music featuring classic hits and country favorites while enjoying delicious Southern food and cold beer. The festival will also have activities for children in the Kid’s Riblet Zone. Be sure to stick around to see who gets crowned Rock N’ Ribville’s Grand Champion. Noon - 8pm. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville rocknribville.com

Jonny & Xena Fall Fest & Concert

October 27th The 4th Annual Jonny & Xena Spread the Words 5K/Fun Run/Walk Fall Fest & Concert takes place in Suwanee Town Center. The concert and larger festival atmosphere are new this year. The event, sponsored by Geico & Kroger, supports Autism programs as well as animal rescue. Free pet adoptions (to approved applicants) will be offered along with numerous pet-related vendors, two live bands, food trucks and more. Hours are 8am - 4pm. For more information, visit XenaTheWarrior Puppy.com.

The Atlanta Cheese Fest

September 28th The Atlanta Cheese Fest is back for its 6th year! Spend the day sampling artisan cheeses and other specialty foods from all over the world. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to meet small producers, taste unlimited samples of fine cheeses and other delicacies, and enjoy live music and cash bars offering beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. All event proceeds go toward The Giving Kitchen, a local nonprofit providing emergency assistance to restaurant workers through financial support and a network of community resources. 5pm - 10pm. Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St., Atlanta thecheesefest.com

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Decatur Craft Beer Festival

October 20th Enjoy an afternoon of beer tasting and live music on the square in Downtown Decatur. General admission tickets include unlimited samples from more than 80 breweries, a special tasting glass, and live music throughout the festival. Noon - 5pm. Downtown Decatur decaturbeerfestival.com

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APPLE PICKING B.J. Reece Orchards

August 25th - October 31st B.J. Reece is a familyowned and operated orchard in Ellijay. The orchards have been rated as one of the top “Fun Getaway” destinations in Georgia. B.J. Reece offers “U-pick” apples, a country bakery, petting farm, pony rides and more! Take the family to explore more than 120 acres of apple orchards and finish the day off with cow milking demonstrations, wagon rides, and play time on the jumping pillow. Monday Sunday, 9am - 6pm. 9131 Highway 52, Ellijay reeceorchards.com

Hillcrest Orchards

September 8th November 1st Hillcrest Orchards has been offering pick-your-own apples for families since 1946. During the week, stop by the Hillcrest bakery to pick up goodies such as fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, and their famous apple fritters. On the weekends, bring the family to the annual “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee,” where you can pick your own

apples, milk a cow, witness “swimming pig races,” and watch live bands and cloggers on the Hillcrest stage. New this year, the festival will feature the first (and only) Apple Tree Maze in the Southeast, as well as the introduction of duck races. 9696 GA-52, Ellijay hillcrestorchards.net

Mercier Orchards

Open Year-round Bill and Adele Mercier have created a family-owned and operated business that is dedicated to providing customers with a wide variety of apples, baked goods, and ciders. Mercier Orchards opened in 1943 and is celebrating its 73rd anniversary of fruitful harvest this year. The orchard is the largest in Georgia and was even voted as Southern Living’s favorite “roadside apple market.” From pick-yourown apples and tractor tours to yummy tastings in the bakery, Mercier has lots of fun family events taking place year round. 7am - 6pm. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge mercier-orchards.com

Mountain View Orchards

July - December Located in the North Georgia mountains, Mountain View Orchards will transport you back in time at its old-fashioned orchard. Bring the family to pick your own apples or choose from some already picked in nine varieties. Visitors can also enjoy wagon rides or make s’mores around one of the campfires. After a day filled with applepicking, enjoy a homecooked lunch or dinner at The Cider House Cafe. Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4pm. 2984 Mobile Road, McCaysville blueridgemountains.com/ directory/mountain-vieworchards

FAMILYFRIENDLY TRICKOR-TREATING Boo at the Zoo

October 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th The Atlanta Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is fun for all ages. Visitors can sample treats throughout the zoo (don’t forget to wear your costume!), spend time in the magical Zoo Boo Town, and find their way through inflatable corn mazes, all while surrounded by more than 1,000 animals from around the world. 9am - 3pm. 800 Cherokee Avenue S.E, Atlanta zooatlanta.org/event/booat-the-zoo/

Haunted Halloween at the Atlanta History Center

October 19th Are you a family full of history buffs? Be prepared to be thrilled as you take a stroll through the Atlanta History Center’s

foggy gardens and historic haunted houses. After dark, families of all ages can explore the 33-acre campus with fun kid-friendly activities and ghostly encounters. 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta atlantahistorycenter.com

Suwanee Trek or Treat

October 28th Suwanee’s annual Trek or Treat offers a fun afternoon filled with Halloweenthemed events and festivities for children. The event takes place in Sims Lake Park and is geared towards children ages 10 and younger. Families are encouraged to dress up in costumes and can participate in fall-themed games, contests, music, inflatables and more. Hours are 2pm - 4pm. 4600 Suwanee Dam Road, Suwanee suwanee.com/home/ components/calendar/ event/434/

Duluth Howl on the Green

October 26th Bring the family out to the Duluth Town Green to enjoy food trucks, trick-ortreating, costume contests, crafts, live entertainment and music. Kids events take place from 6-9 pm, and the night takes a “scary” turn after 9 p.m. with spooky entertainment such as fire dancers, aerialists, and more. 6pm - 10pm. 3167 Main St., Duluth duluthga.net/community

Lawrenceville Spooktacular on the Square

October 26th Spend the evening trickor-treating at businesses located around Downtown Lawrenceville or grab a Spooktacular drink from one of the local restaurants. The city will also host ghost tours, family-friendly zombie walks, and other kid-friendly activities. All day. lawrencevillega.org

Trek or Treat

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learn news from the suwanee schools universe

ON NE DIe CKS BRIEAN12t h gr ad ol tt high scho north gwinne

BAILEY CADEN POAND 5th and 2nd NDER

gr ade roberts elem entary scho ol

OWARD AV ERYh Hgr ade

5t ol entary scho suwanee elem

HYLA V EN ABLE

kinder mul berry ele gart en mentary scho ol

ALEXA AND GABI GARCIA 6th grade homeschooled

AMIREZ SARA 1sR t gr ade

hool elementary sc johns creek

MEDINA AND ENES BECIC 4th and 1st grade walnut grove elementary school

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Suwanee Magazine

CARDI RYAN NN AND 4th and GUYEN 2nd s

ND YELENA A OS T N LEAH SAd gr ade

5th and 2n ry school enta roberts elem

gr uwanee el ementary ade school

LANDON A N 1st and 3rd D RYAN gr ade level creek ele mentary scho ol

KADEN V E LEZ 5th gr ade buford academ y

KAIT SYDNE LIN, TAYLORY, AND WHITE 7th

EMILY AND AVERY JOMAA 3rd grade and pre-k

north gwgr ade innet t m 4th s roberts and 2nd gr ade elementar y school

LINDSEY AND CHELSEA PYLE

3rd and 4th grade suwanee elementary school

MONT CHEYEN ANA AND kindergar NE TUCKE ten and 4 R level th creek elem entar

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AND CAYDENHOLMAN S BROOKnd 2nd gr ade and 1st a ementary buford el d academy r bufo

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CORINNE AND EVAN ANDERSON kindergarten and 1st gr ade sharon elementary sch ool

TAV RO STEELEh S gr ade

6t hool tt middle sc north gwinne

KATE, JACK, MADISON, AND MATTIE MCGEE

STUDENT HALLOWEEN STORIES

Here at Suwanee Magazine, we love encouraging students of all ages to write about things they are passionate about. Our team asked local students to tell a story about their favorite Halloween costume or memory. We loved all of the submissions we received, but these four students stole the show! Read the submissions from our student authors for this issue:

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SEPT / OCT 18

learn

irshing, age 11 By Elena W

it because brate. I like le ce to s ay st holid ily. 2014 one of the be nds and fam is ie n fr ee y w m lo h al it H ing w d with new ick-or-treat neighborhoo ew n a e trickto I get to go tr ed ov iends to com t since we m ted some fr vi in er y h was differen il ot m w fa , and a fe houses. My friend, Ava y ating at m people, and re d -t te or vi kin ic nished tr with us. I fi g e in W at d. re oo -t or borh my old neigh friends from en 11:30pm. gs to do wh king of thin in d th e un er fo w dy, we Mom had a ton of can ouse?” My h d te t n go au e h After eating out a When w id, “What ab ay from us. house. my Mom sa w blocks aw fe a ghborhood ei ly n on al se m ou or h n d a te ke n a hau level. se looked li to the next aunted hou nted house au h there, the h monsters. of ke ea li id took the dressed up le op pe e heard e er Although, it ew a sudden w ere told, ther when all of rn tu oozing r d Inside, we w ou oo r bl va, with g in line fo A n ti d, n ai w ie fr d y oo We st . It was m om behind us a scream fr r. ve ri e like a from her nos So, we left h

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se of horror, into the hou u d. When yo Ava didn’t go nds and I di ie fr er h d ot re but my coffin cove there was a first walk in out comes a ”, P Then, “PO s. eb is bw co by ing out of h h blood pour l… al em th vampire wit of the scariest ng ci n mouth. Then da e th Pennywise, d Pennywise! right behin ng an axe is yi , es bi m clown, carr the zo ases us past e you! He ch the way to th l al , h uc co e th had e on os g sittin ed Ava’s n we discover e er h W . it ex bleeding. finally quit y. een memor rite Hallow vo fa y m is This

Claire Kim, Age 8 Parsons Elementary

Captain America was my favorite Super Hero Halloween Costume. I like Captain America because he is a soldier and helps his country to be safe. I have watched a lot of Marvel movies, and when I put on the Captain America Costume, it made me feel like fighting for my country. But I just ended up fighting for Halloween candy.

Visit SuwaneeMagazine.com to read all of our student author submissions!

By Scarlett Leach It was Wednesday, October 31 at school. Everyone was wiggling in their seats anxious for the bell to ring. Finally, the bell rung and woke the students from their stillness. Kids tripped over each other’s chairs to get to the hallway. Me and some other small kids were caught in the stampede for the exits. After I was safely on the bus I plopped down next to my sister Macy and her friend Charlotte. We discussed our costumes and the candies we would like to get. We could barely hear ourselves though because other kids were all like chattering squirrels. After the bus got to our stop we said bye to Charlotte and galloped home to change into costumes. Macy was goth girl, my youngest sister was Mel from Descendants, and I was a Teddy bear killer. After eating our dinner of a meatloaf Frankenstein foot, we got into our costumes and drove to the neighborhood park where the costume contest is held. I ended up winning the scariest costume medal. That’s when the collecting began! We met up with Charlotte and her younger sister, Amelia. We decided to trick-ortreat together. We got loads of candy and I was extremely tired. When we got to the house that gave away full-size candy bars, my sisters ran up to the house and got the last big Hershey bars, I was a little upset about that. But my legs were more tired than my heart, so we trekked back home. We did the annual eating of the candy when we got back home. After I had filled my tired body with candy I was actually ready for bed. The last thing I remember is turning off the light and whispering, “Happy Halloween everyone!”

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J.R. REVELRY BOURBON CO.

local food. craft beer. wine trends.

The Famous Toastery offers a wide variety of menu iteams ranging from quinoa bowls to stuffed french toast.

The Famous Toastery, Toastery, recently named one of CNBC’s “6 hot restaurant franchises to watch,” has taken the city of Suwanee by storm. From its healthy (and not-so healthy) menu items to its upbeat atmosphere, this brunch spot is sure to provide a dining experience the whole family will love. STORY BY LIZZY KIDNEY

R ES TAURANT S P O T L I G H T :

PHOTOS COURTESY THE FAMOUS TOASTERY

THE FAMOUS TOASTERY

hat started as a single breakfast location in North Carolina, has quickly grown into a popular franchise that has made headlines across the country. Known as the small-house-turned brunch spot that is famous (no pun intended) for their “every server is your server” motto, the Famous Toastery is continuing to break through the boring casual breakfast segment.

“WE HAD MADE MULTIPLE SCOUTING TRIPS TO GEORGIA, AND WE REALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH SUWANEE BECAUSE IT REMINDED US OF OUR HOMETOWN.”

Carisse and Ebony Moody were drawn to this concept of an American brunch location that was changing the way restaurants served breakfast seven days a week and fell in love with the food camaraderie and “family environment” the Famous Toastery location in their hometown offered. As young women growing up in North Carolina, the

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Moody sisters didn’t always want to be restaurant owners. Carisse has an extensive background in medicine and finance, while Ebony is an attorney. Although they were both successful in their fields, the two were motivated to get involved in the restaurant business and assist their parents in retirement. “My parents sacrificed a lot for us with school and basketball growing up,” states Carisse, “and we wanted to get ourselves into an environment that could help them retire early.” Looking to make their dreams a reality, the Moody sisters decided to open the first Georgia franchise of the Famous Toastery. “We had made multiple scouting trips to Georgia, and we really fell in love with Suwanee because it reminded us of our hometown,” says Carisse. “We spent time in Town Center Park

Above

For O.J. lovers, the Famous Toastery’s freshly-squeezed juice goes perfect with any meal, or use it to create a delicious mimosa!

SEPT / OCT 18

and saw the diverse group of people that were at the Farmers Market that day and knew this is where we wanted our restaurant to be.” The restaurant officially opened its doors at 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. last November and has quickly become a popular brunch spot for the Suwanee community.

LET'S DO BRUNCH  Open daily from 7am -3pm, the restaurant features pretty much any brunch dish you can imagine, including stuffed French toast, avocado benedict, a variety of omelets and breakfast sandwiches, as well as lunch items such as wraps, sandwiches, salads and burgers. They also offer seasonal special dishes specific to Georgia including peaches and cream crepes, S'mores waffles, and the popular Georgia Dawg Bowl. “Our Georgia Dawg Bowl was only supposed to be on the menu for a week,” says Carisse, “but it became so popular that it is now a regular menu item.” The Georgia Dawg Bowl, named after the University of

savor

of Georgia Bulldogs of course, is the perfect brunch dish if you’re looking to satisfy a big appetite. The dish features delicious house-roasted red potatoes, onions, peppers, melted pepper jack cheese, house-made sausage gravy, two eggs, California Salad and chorizo added to top it all off. There are also more health-conscious menu options such as their quinoa bowl and gluten-free flapjacks, waffles and French toast. The restaurant also doesn’t own a fryer, so they like to get creative with menu items. For O.J. lovers, the freshly-squeezed orange juice is also a must-try!

EVERY SERVER IS YOUR SERVER Setting themselves apart from other brunch places in the area, the Famous Toastery is based off of a “every server is your server” motto in which customers can stop anyone working in the restaurant and receive immediate help. The popular brunch spot is also changing the breakfast game by offering alcoholic beverages ranging from Bloody Marys and freshlysqueezed mimosas to cocktails, wine and beer. Restaurant patrons can enjoy these beverages from 9am-3pm Monday-Saturday and any time after 12:30pm on Sundays. Having settled in nicely, the Moody sisters have embraced the Suwanee community and proudly participate in fundraisers for the Suwanee Business Alliance, New Directions Autism Group, and local schools in the area. “Community involvement is a huge deal for us,” says Carisse, “the city of Suwanee has embraced us, and we want to give back as much as possible, while also getting the opportunity to show what sets us apart and makes our concept unique.” Everyone who walks in the doors of Famous Toastery is immediately welcomed and greeted with the smell of something to satisfy every craving… brunch enthusiasts are sure to have an experience that is fit for the whole family. ■

The Left Coast B.L.T. With bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, brie & pesto mayo on whole wheat toast, served with pesto pasta salad.

What ’s Brewing J.R. REVELRY BOURBON COMPANY

GEORGIA’S CRAFT BOURBON INTERVIEW BY KELLY AHERN / PHOTOS BY WALT WOODEN

.R. Revelry is an all American-made productstarting with the bottle and the label, and ending at the bourbon itself. That was the dream for owner Jesus Ricardo Tapia, or “Rick” to his friends, as he set out to make an affordable craft bourbon that everyone could enjoy. The history of bourbon plays a large role in how Rick fell into the industry and ultimately decided to start his own company. Prohibition completely eradicated the industry within the states and, because of some tough laws that have only just recently been re-evaluated, it took a long time to begin building it back up again. We met with Rick to talk more about the craft-beverage industry and the future of J.R. Revelry in Georgia...

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Where did your passion for bourbon stem from?

I was introduced to and started drinking bourbon when I moved to Georgia in 2006 and worked in the Jim Beam offices. The super-premium small batch bourbon category was small back then and did not include all the brands we now see on the store shelf. I had worked in and enjoyed Scotch whisky for many years. Bourbon was great because it was more approachable, with a sweeter taste profile, and versatile in cocktails. It was a type of whiskey you could enjoy throughout the year, both day and night.

savor

What is it like living and running your business in Atlanta?

The craft-distilling industry is still very young and small in Georgia. We are rebuilding something that was wiped out during prohibition and has taken us this long to re-embrace and rebuild. This is very exciting but also very challenging. Fortunately, Georgia has a great consumer base (the 11th largest liquor market in U.S.), but we have a lot of educating to do in order to get people to visit and support craft-distilleries. My family and I have enjoyed being in Georgia and decided this was the place to plant more permanent roots by opening a business.

Is there anything you can share about the future of J.R. Revelry?

SO WHAT MAKES BOURBON BOURBON? Bourbon, by law can only be made in the United States. It is an American Whiskey, but is a very narrow, specific category of whiskey that must follow a tight set of guidelines. For example, the barrel must never be re-used and the bourbon must be made of at least 51% corn, the main grain of any official bourbon. It is also considered a sweeter whiskey because of the prominence of the corn.

I am currently working on trying to open a distillery in downtown Roswell. We still have challenges to overcome but the city has been a great partner. We look forward to being part of a growing community and bringing craft-distilling to the area.

What are some of the best ways to serve J.R. Revelry? What makes J.R. Revelry Bourbon unique?

My goal was to craft a traditional style of bourbon that was smooth and approachable. I wanted to help recruit both female and male consumers into the category and introduce them to America's native spirit. Originally I launched a 90 proof bourbon which is common for the super-premium side of the category. I am now launching a cask strength bourbon (115.2 proof) in order to give consumers a product that they can tailor to their taste preference. In order to bottle at 90 proof we have to add water, and by bottling at cask strength we let the consumer decide how much water, if any, they want to add to their bourbon.

I always ask people to taste J.R. Revelry neat first and then decide how much ice or mixer they may want. You should start with three small sips: the first will be a palate cleanser, the second will begin introducing the flavors, and the third will build upon the flavors. I always find that people who would have immediately added ice either pass on the ice or reduce the amount of ice. ■

J.R. Revelry Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 90 proof and retails for about $29.99. The company is launching a new bourbon, with a higher proof of 115 that retails at about $49.99. The new J.R. Revelry Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the same grain mix as original J.R., but is aged and bottled with the same alcohol content that it has coming out of the barrel.

J.R. Revelry is available in liquor stores all around Georgia, so be sure to pick up a bottle and try it out for yourself! In addition, you can catch Rick pouring up his amazing bourbon at Suwanee Wine Fest this November! 77

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Northside Hospital Receives Pair of Awards

Local Junior Tennis Tournament Benefits Charity ■ This August, the Edinburgh subdivision in Suwanee hosted the first-ever annual tennis Match Marathon. The event was to benefit Create the Big Pic, a charity guild that aims to support local and international philanthropic organizations by raising funds and awareness through their unique and exciting tennis events. This year’s Match Marathon was held August 24th-25th and included a wide variety of activities for the whole community! The event featured an exhibition match with world-ranked tennis pros, an adult pro-led tennis clinic, a silent auction, and more. The main event was a day-long junior tennis tournament comprised of local players competing to raise money for the charity. With the support of pledges, these young players raised money by the number of matches they completed, emphasizing the Match Marathon motto of challenging your skills while giving back.

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It’s been a busy summer for Northside Hospital, as they were honored for Outstanding Patient Experience and received awards for both quality cardiovascular and stroke care. Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information regarding physicians and hospitals, has Northside Hospital awarded Northside Hospital has completed their first major expansion their 2018 Outstanding with a new eightPatient Experience Award. story patient tower. Northside is one of 10 Georgia hospitals, and amongst only three metro Atlanta hospitals, to receive the award. In addition to this award, Northside Hospital also received multiple awards from the American Heart Association’s Get with The Guidelines® (GWTG) and Mission: Lifeline® quality improvement programs. The awards recognized Northside’s dedication and commitment to giving the most appropriate treatment for patients who suffer cardiac arrests, heart failure, and strokes in the hospital. Northside has officially completed the first major expansion of its Atlanta campus, opening a new eight-story patient tower. The tower increases the hospital’s inpatient capacity by over 80 additional spaces and includes more beds for pulmonary/thoracic, oncology, blood and marrow transplant and medical/surgical patients. With so much positivity surrounding Northside Hospital, the team is more excited than ever to ensure that Northside continues to be one of the most trusted hospitals in the world.

Berlin Wall Art Piece Returns to Suwanee Town Center Park

■ A piece of history has made its way back to Suwanee for good! A 12-foot-tall, 7,000-pound, authenticated piece of the Berlin Wall will now be prominently displayed in Town Center Park. The wall, which once separated East Germany and West Berlin, was generously donated to the city by Friends Suwanee Grill proprietors Ray Stanjevich and Suzanne Cartwright. "I was born in a communist country, and Suzanne’s mother immigrated from Germany after World War II,” said Stanjevich, a Serbian immigrant. “We think it’s important to remember the past and not forget that many still live without the basic freedoms that we enjoy in the United States.” The East Berlin side of the wall features graffiti depicting an American flag, a silhouetted figure, and three buildings, while the side that once faced East Berlin is predominantly untouched. The pair first purchased the piece in 2013 at an auction on the Town Center Stage. It was originally displayed outside of their Suwanee restaurant, but they decided it would have an even larger impact if donated to the city as a public art piece. The historic piece can now be enjoyed by the entire community and will serve as a reminder of our history for generations to come. For more information regarding the Berlin Wall public art piece, or the City of Suwanee’s public art program, visit suwanee.com/explore-suwanee/ public-art.

Suwanee Resident Named National Team Member for Gymnastics ■ Suwanee local Elena Shinohara, 18, has been involved in gymnastics since she was just a young girl. With her mother, Nancy, as her coach and her father, Shino, as her trainer, Elena has had a consistent support system that has encouraged her to pursue her passion in rhythmic gymnastics. All of her hard work and training, a lot of which happened at local gyms like Gymworks Gymnastics in Suwanee and Ultimate Gymnastics in Duluth, has now paid off. After competing in the National Gymnastics Championships, Elena has been announced as one of the national team members in rhythmic gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that is characterized by grace, beauty, and elegance combined with dance and acrobatic elements, while working with the apparatus in a choreographed routine to music. Every other member of the team

originates from California or Chicago, so Elena is ecstatic to represent her hometown of Suwanee, Georgia. Elena graduated from Collins Hill High School and will go to Georgia Tech to further her education and gymnastics skills. She hopes to represent the USA in various international competitions and ultimately compete in the World University Games, or Universiade, next year. In addition, Elena looks forward to the possibility of competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Elana Shinohara

PHOTO BY TEAM PHOTO

Sip Happens Brings Unique Wine Experience to Suwanee ■ Located on LawrencevilleSuwanee Rd., nearly adjacent to Suwanee Town Center, Sip Happens opened its doors to the community this summer. The wine boutique was created purely from the joy that comes with finding and sharing a bottle of something delicious with friends. The retail wine bottle shop offers weekly tastings and a monthly wine club. Additionally, they have featured selections of wines by the glass and charcuterie boxes for customers to enjoy in the Sip Happens tasting nook, or take to Suwanee Town Center Park. According to owners Greg & Laurie Collins, the idea for Sip Happens came from the couple being “too young and good looking to retire, yet not old enough to stop chasing their dreams… (they) are cashing in their blessings to leave the corporate world and pursue their passions: time with each other and family, time with wine and time in the community.” So far, the community’s response to Sip Happens has been overwhelmingly positive. The atmosphere is tasteful yet very welcoming and down to earth. According to Greg & Laurie,

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Laurie and Greg Collins, Owners of Sip Happens

“Our goal is to create a space for our growing community in Suwanee where everyone, from the wine novice to the aficionado, can come together for new adventures in amazing wine. We aim to build a shop where wine is fun and accessible so every person who walks through our door can share their day over a glass of small-batch wine or take home the perfect bottle.” Sip Happens is the joy of wine without the fuss; boutique wine simplified. For more information visit siphappens.wine.

the buzz

Suwanee Chief Mike Jones Named Outstanding Chief of the Year because of his huge impact and dedicated service that Police Chief Mike Jones was named Outstanding Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) at the GACP Summer Training Conference in Savannah. The GACP is the largest professional association for law enforcement administrators in Georgia, and also happens to be one City staff gather around to congratulate Chief Mike Jones. Pictured (L to R): of the largest in the country. Captain Edmisten, Captain Mooney, Chief Jones, City Manager Marty Allen, The association’s goals are Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette and Police Office Administrator Donna Copeletti. to promote cooperative, professional relationships throughout the state, to evaluate the ■ Mike Jones has been in law standards of police institutions and the enforcement since 1974, where he profession, to offer quality training and worked as a dispatcher with the City continuing education for administrators, of Rome Police Department. After 24 and to provide opportunities for police years of dedicated service to Rome, he executives to exchange information and was able to rise in ranks to Major and experiences. That is why when Mike in 1999 accepted the position of Chief Jones received Outstanding Chief of of Police for the City of Suwanee. It is

the Year this past July, it wasn’t just a notable award for him, but a huge honor for the entire City of Suwanee. The Suwanee Police Department has doubled in size during his time as Chief as well as received recognitions such as being CALEA accredited multiple years, receiving multiple state certifications, and being awarded the Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates in 2016. Chief Jones has made it a personal goal of his to further educate his fellow officers and the community and in 2001 established a P.A.C.T. (Police and Citizens Together) program as a tool to build trust within the community and enhance local watch programs. The program produced huge successes and has since been implemented by other agencies in Atlanta and around the world, gaining national and international attention and recognition.

Mitsubishi Electric Classic Raises Over $2M for Community ■ The Mitsubishi Electric the tournament has been Classic is an official event successful in growing its of the PGA Tour that commitment to charity, allows golfers from around especially to its primary the area to raise money beneficiaries, Children’s for local charities like Healthcare of Atlanta Children’s Healthcare of and Special Needs Atlanta and Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett.” Schools of Gwinnett. It is a The tournament consists yearly fundraising event in of 54 holes and features Duluth, Georgia that took 78 PGA Tour Champions place this year on April professionals. The 9th through the 15th. This tournament’s considerable year, a total of $231,000 growth in charitable giving was raised, breaking the since 2016 is a product $2 million mark in total of several charity-focused funds raised since the events conducted by tournament’s start in 2013. the Mitsubishi Electric “The Mitsubishi Electric Classic, including: Birdies Classic is proud of its for Charity, Matt Ryan well-established history Celebrity-Am Classic, of charitable giving in Georgia United Credit Gwinnett County and Union Executive Women’s beyond,” said Stan Hall, Day and the Colorguard executive director of Celebrity Challenge. the Mitsubishi Electric Overall, the tournament is Classic. “Philanthropy has another testament to the been a driving force of impact that the Gwinnett this community-focused County community can North Metro Baptist Church event from its beginning, have when we come toweHost Georgia Bulldog and are thrilled that together forGreat, a good cause.

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David Pollack

Infinite Energy Center Announces Expansion Plans

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SEPT / OCT 18

■ From the Atlanta Gladiators and the Lion King, to popular music artists like Justin Timberlake, U2, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and more, it is no surprise that the Infinite Energy Center is at its peak of popularity. That’s why the new $2.59 million contract to expand and improve the arena should come as no surprise. On Tuesday July 17th, The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved the contract that will transform the center from an entertainment space with special events to a destination that can be used and visited at all times of the day. The architectural firm, Smallwood,

the buzz

Teen Volunteers Honored

■ 4,200 hours of service, the equivalent of $104,759 that is what teen volunteers donated to Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s hospitals in Gainesville, Braselton, and Barrow in the 2018 fiscal year. In honor of these teens’ selfless donations, The Medical Center Auxiliary hosted an appreciation dinner in July at The Venue at Friendship Springs to thank them for their commitment and care to the hospitals. Northeast Georgia Health System is a non-profit on a The accomplishments mission of improving of the teen volunteers the health of our are remarkable; community in all that they do. Their however, the true team cares for more value of their spirits than 800,000 people lies within their across the region willingness to serve through their three patients, visitors and hospitals, and with staff and is something the help of the teen that cannot be fully volunteers, Northeast measured. Northeast Georgia is able to Georgia Health System care for their patients and The Medical Center even better. Among Auxiliary wish each of those individually the teen volunteers the recognized for their very best with all their hard work and giving future plans, as we nature were Ingrid know their futures Islas, a 2018 graduate are bright.” of Gainesville High School and Sloane - Lynee Allen, Director of Volunteer Sengson, a graduate Services The Medical Center Auxiliary of Johnson High School and current University of Georgia undergrad, as well as Khandaker Aquib and Yoana Cardenas for their wins in the creative writing and t-shirt design contests. Ingrid began volunteering in 2016 and has since contributed over 330 hours of service; she was awarded the Andrew J. Dockery Teen Volunteer of the Year Award and received a scholarship from the Medical Center Auxiliary, which she plans to use when pursuing a degree in nursing this fall. Sloan Sengson has volunteered since 2015 and has contributed over 305 total hours of service and was also recognized with a scholarship.

Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart & Associates will design the renovations and expansions for the Infinite Energy Center and will include changes to the Convention Hall, the Grand Ballroom, and the meeting spaces within the Forum. These development plans aren’t just going to drastically change the Infinite Energy Center however, but are meant to attract more people and, in turn, improve the entertainment, retail, and business activity for the surrounding area. With additional, improved meeting spaces and larger areas for entertainment and cultural events as well as more parking and a downtown entertainment district, the community is sure to feel the impacts of this big change and will increase the quality of life and overall feeling of community for the Gwinnett County area.

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North Gwinnett Alum Finishes in Top 8 in Boston Marathon ■ This year’s Boston Marathon featured the first American woman winner since 1985, with six other American women finishing in the top eight. One of these women was Gwinnett County PHOTO native and North Gwinnett alum, BY MICHAEL SCOTT Nicole Dimercurio. Pushing through wind gusts estimated at up to 45 miles per hour and temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to the mid-40s, Dimercurio finished Nicole Dimercurio fifth in the Women's Elite Division and sixth overall in the 26.2-mile race, with a time of 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 52 seconds. Nicole Dimercurio ran for both North Gwinnett High School and was an All-SEC runner for the University of Georgia, she is now running professionally for ZAP Fitness-Reebok. The Boston Marathon was only the third marathon for Dimercurio, whose first was at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she placed 82nd. She finished 11th overall at the U.S. Marathon Championships last December and has qualified for the 2020 Olympic marathon trials taking place in Atlanta in February of 2020.

Suwanee Elementary School Welcomes New Principals

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■ Suwanee Elementary School is excited to welcome Mary Taylor as principal, along with new Assistant Principal Halima Gray. Taylor and Gray join Assistant Principal Jeremy Nix in Administration (Nix joined Suwanee Elementary last year). Taylor began her Principal, Mary Taylor career in Gwinnett County in 2003, when she became a teacher at Creekland Middle School. She later became a teacher at Five Forks Middle School in 2006 and moved on to become an assistant principal at Cooper Elementary School in 2012. The school year is off to a great start. “I just love this school and this community. It’s just amazing. We are right at 647 children and just feel like we're family already,” shared Taylor. "I just want to continue this strong connection we have in our building of creating a school where people feel like it’s their second home." Assistant Principal Gray was at Riverside Elementary before coming to Suwanee. Previous to that she was a teacher at Simonton Elementary in Gwinnett County for over 15 years. “Ms. Gray is a very warm person. I feel like our team is complete now that she is on board,” said Taylor. Suwanee Elementary School celebrates their 30th anniversary this year. SEPT / OCT 18

citybuzz

ON THE SCENE

Broadway in the Park

Friday, July 27th Saturday, July 28th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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SBA June Meeting Wednesday, June 13th CRUX FITNESS

PHOTOS BY: ELLA CARTER

SBA July Meeting

Wednesday, July 11th FRIENDS AMERICAN GRILL

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

August Concert & Wing Festival Saturday, August 11th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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SEPT / OCT 18

PAGE 97

people & places

Summer Porch Jam Thursday, June 21st OLD TOWN SUWANEE

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

SBA August Meeting Wednesday, August 8th FAMOUS TOASTERY

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

city

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A R E A

E V E N T

THINGS TO DO THIS

FARMER'S MARKET Saturdays, 8:00amnoon through Oct. 6th

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville ______________

For more information visit gwinnettcountyfair.com.

5:30pm __________________

Town Center Park __________________ Trucks open at 5:30pm, music begins at 7:00pm.

THE EXTRA MILE RUN/WALK 5K __________________ ___

8:00am ____________________

16 15 SUWANEE FEST

Suwanee Magazine

cooperscrew.org.

22 29 ROCK N' RIBVILLE _________ ___

12:00pm _____________

Lawrenceville Lawn __________________

For info, contact Julie Ferguson, ExtraMileClub.com.

COOPER O’BRIEN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Proceeds benefit Happy Feat, an organization that creates inclusive opportunities for the world to see that those with disabilities are beautiful, valuable, and capable. More Info @ Happyfeat.org.

Town Center Park ____________________

______________________ 8:00am registration & open driving range, 9:00am putting contest, 10:30am start, 5:30pm awards ceremony __________________________ _______ & golfer Sat. parade begins @ 9:00am, booths dinner ____________ and entertainment until 7:00pm / The River Club Sun. 12:00pm – 5:00pm _____________ ____________________________ To register for or sponsor Town Center Park _______________________ the tournament, visit

More Info @ SuwaneeFest.com.

ANNANDALE VILLAGE PRESENTS:

HAPPY FEAT CARNIVAL __________________ ___ Town Center Park ____________________

Hours vary ______________

September

5:00pm ____________________

GWINNETT COUNTY _FAIR _________ _____

Town Center Park

SEPT. & OCT.

thru

(NOTE: No Farmers Market on Sept. 15th due to Suwanee Fest) ________________________

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY ___ ________________

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More info @ rocknribville.com

SEPT / OCT 18

COOPER’S CREW FAMILY DINNER ______________ 5:30pm _______________

Cheeky Suwanee

____________________

Tickets available for purchase @ the door.

2930 &

DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL

_________________ ______________ Sat. 9:00 am booths & carnival open, 10:00 am parade Sun. 5K @ 8:00am, booths open @ 9:00am _____________________

Downtown Duluth ____________________ More Info @ DuluthFallFestival.org.

NOV. 3RD 1:00PM - 4:30PM

UNLIMITED SAMPLES

150+ WINES SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

TICKETS AVAILABLE @:

October

ALIVE! FESTIVAL __________________

10:00am ___________________

Town Center Park

SUWANEE JAZZ FEST

__________ ___ 6:00pm ___________

Town Center Park __________

More info @ngaa4arts.com/events.

GWINNETT CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT &__________ PINNACLE AWARDS __________________

20 & 21 TASTE OF ATLANTA

__________________________ _______ Fri. kick-off party 6:30 pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:00pm - 6:00pm ____________________________

Historic Fourth Ward Park

_______________________

For more info visit tasteofatlanta.com.

9:00am – 4:00pm ___________________________

Infinite Energy Forum ___________________________ For more info visit gwinnettsmall businesssummit.com.

SUGAR RUSH _______________ 10:00am – 5:00pm _______________

GWINNETT GREAT DAYS OF SERVICE 2018 BEGINS ___________________________

City of Sugar Hill _______________

8:00am ___________________________

November

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SUWANEE WINE FEST ______________________ ____________ 1:00pm-4:30pm _________________________________

Town Center Park _________________________________ Get tickets at SuwaneeWineFest.com.

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LAWRENCEVILLE SPOOKTACULAR ON THE SQUARE __________ ______ All Day _______________

Downtown Lawrenceville

JONNY & XENA 5K RUN/ WALK/FUN RUN & FESTIVAL __________ ______ 8:00am _______________

Town Center Park _______________ More information @ xenathewarrior puppy.com.

DON FELDER AT THE BOWL _______ ___ _________ 8:00pm _________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill ____________ More information @ cityofsugar hill.com.

For more info visit cityofsugarhill.com.

For more info visit gwinnettgreatdaysof service.org.

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