News Releases

June 16, 2010

YOU’RE INVITED TO CUT LOOSE & SUPPORT THE ARTS

Suwanee Performing Arts will cut loose July 30 and 31 with performances of Dean Pitchford's toe-tapping musical Footloose as well as an original musical titled Fancy Free. More than 50 local students will star in these Broadway in the Park performances, which begin at 7 p.m. each night at Town Center Park.

Preferred seating is available: Low-to-the-ground tables for eight people may be reserved within the amphitheater area for $90; half tables are $45. To reserve a table, call 678/910-7184. The performances may be watched for free outside the reserved amphitheater area. However you choose to watch these upbeat musical performances, plan to bring a picnic dinner or snacks; no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park.

Footloose is an up-tempo story of teen rebellion and repression in which a newcomer fights to bring dancing back to the small town to which he has moved. Area high school students will perform in this featured production.

Middle and elementary school students will star in the opening production, Fancy Free, an original play by Suwanee Academy of the Arts owners Patty Etherton and Bernie Davis. This musical takes a whimsical look at growing up in rural America in the 1980s.

Suwanee Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by bringing opportunities for participation in and appreciation of the performing arts. These summer productions serve as the primary fund-raiser for the organization.

“We are thrilled to be presenting Footloose for our fourth Broadway in the Park event,” says Patty Etherton, co-founder of Suwanee Performing Arts. “As in previous years, we have assembled some of the best performers, directors, choreographers, and musicians in the Gwinnett County - North Georgia area, and we anticipate another fantastic weekend of shows to benefit our arts programs. We hope that folks will get their tables and help support the arts.”

June 15, 2010

STATE ORGANIZATION HONORS DEPUTY CHIEF

Suwanee Deputy Chief Janet Moon received a Meritorious Service Award from the Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition (GPAC) last month in recognition of her nearly two decades of service to GPAC and law enforcement agencies across the state that have sought to achieve the highest levels of professionalism.

“Janet has been one of our steadfast members,” says GPAC President Cheri Pickard, accreditation manager with the Johns Creek Police Department. “No matter what her rank over the years [from officer to deputy chief], she has continually attended meetings, contributed, and assisted agencies with achieving accreditation. She’s never too busy to answer a phone call. She’s been a wonderful personal mentor to me and has helped bring our organization to another level of professionalism and leadership. She’s so deserving of this honor.”

Pickard estimates that Moon has assisted more than 40 law enforcement agencies in achieving accreditation or certification. A member of the Suwanee Police Department since 2001, Moon was promoted to deputy chief in 2006. A Cedartown native, she began her career with the Rome Police Department in 1989. Before that, she served four years as a military police officer with the United States Army. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

With more than 130 member agencies, GPAC works to increase the level of law enforcement professionalism throughout the state of Georgia by assisting members with meeting organizational objectives related to national accreditation and/or state certification.

July 15, 2010

SUWANEE POLICE ADD THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE TO TOOLBOX

The Suwanee Police Department has added a three-wheeled personal-transportation vehicle to its cache of crime-fighting tools. Using forfeiture funds, the department has purchased for approximately $9,000 an Xtreme Green Sentinel, a state-of-the-art, electric-powered, multi-terrain police mobility vehicle. The Sentinel will be utilized as an additional means for patrolling trails, parks, and special events.

“The Sentinel,” says Capt. Cass Mooney, “offers the Suwanee Police Department yet one more way to serve and protect our citizens. Its reliability, flexibility, and ability to reach speeds of up to 29 miles per hour make it an ideal alternative for use at our parks and along the Suwanee Creek Greenway.”

Last fall, the department experimented with patrols utilizing Segways. Comparatively, Mooney says, the futuristic-looking Sentinel can travel farther on a charge (up to 80 miles/charge) and faster than the Segway, which maxes out at about 12 miles per hour.

June 22, 2010

THE NAME OF THE BAND IS…COWBOY MOUTH

The high-energy, New Orleans-based band Cowboy Mouth will return to Town Center Park Saturday, August 21, for another free, crowd-pleasing performance. Cowboy Mouth has entertained more than 8 million people through its legendary live performances, including a 2005 concert in Suwanee that attracted thousands.

Cowboy Mouth will be the headline performer for the August 21 concert co-sponsored by the City of Suwanee and 790 The Zone. Other performers will include finalists in Wild Wing Café’s Battle of the Bands competition. Cowboy Mouth will take the stage at approximately 8 p.m.

“Cowboy Mouth is the band by which we tend to rate all other groups who perform at Town Center,” says Denise Brinson, economic and community development director. “They set an incredibly high standard for energy and fun with their 2005 performance here. I love telling the story about how [drummer] Fred [LeBlanc] started the show by coming out into the crowd and sitting in my father-in-law’s lap.”

More information about Cowboy Mouth’s performance will soon be posted at www.suwanee.com.

June 22, 2010

SUWANEE ADOPTS SLIGHTLY SMALLER BUDGET,
PROPOSES TO MAINTAIN MILLAGE RATE

Suwanee City Council adopted this evening an $11,223,380 balanced budget for fiscal year 2011, which begins July 1. The new budget represents about a 1 percent decrease from last year’s adopted budget and is more than 6 percent less than the amended FY2010 budget. Suwanee’s millage rate is anticipated to remain the same as last year at 5.77 mills. The City’s millage rate has remained the same or been reduced each of the past eight years.

“With the economy still shaky and property values declining,” says City Manager Marty Allen, “the City of Suwanee, like many other communities, was forced to make some difficult decisions and budgetary concessions. Fortunately, though, thanks to the City’s past conservative financial policies and previous, strong development patterns, Suwanee remains economically strong and fiscally sound. We may have had to put off new services and programs, but we’re able to maintain current staffing levels and, most importantly, the high level of service that our vibrant, diverse community has come to expect. We’re very pleased to do this without any additional cost to our citizens.”

The City worked diligently to reduce costs and cost increases, Allen notes. Suwanee will convert from using contracted janitorial services to hiring three part-time employees. This change will provide modest cost savings while providing for additional janitorial staff time and facilities coverage. In addition, Suwanee made several adjustments to its existing healthcare benefits in order to keep proposed increases inline; the cost increase was limited to $31,749 through these plan changes.

Due to declining revenue growth, Suwanee’s budget focuses largely on maintaining current service levels. New expenditures include:

A 2.5 percent performance-based cost-of-living increase for employees. Salaries were frozen at 2009 levels last year.
The first phase of a two-year communitywide strategic plan.
Legal fees associated with the ongoing Service Delivery Strategy litigation involving Gwinnett County.
Replacement of police department laptops.
Increased landscaping commitments on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, McGinnis Ferry Road, and around I-85.

While no fund balance (i.e., savings) are proposed to be used for operating expenses, $116,070 of general fund balance and $196,100 of water fund balance have been designated to help pay for capital improvements to the City’s water system. However, if a Service Delivery Strategy agreement can be resolved, the City is eligible for a $480,044 stimulus-funded Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority loan to be used for this project, 40 percent of which would be forgiven.

Suwanee currently has a general fund balance of approximately $6.9 million, about a seven-month reserve. A newly adopted City policy provides for a four-month reserve with any additional balance to be classified as “unassigned.” These unassigned funds may be used for new programs or uses outside of the established budget or for one-time capital improvements.

Bond payment for City Hall construction and Suwanee’s award-winning Open Space Initiative, through which the City has added more than 320 acres of parks and open space over the past eight years, remains one of the largest items in the budget at $1.61 million.

Suwanee’s five-year $26 million capital budget encompasses 36 projects and includes rehabilitation and extension of the Suwanee Creek Greenway, enhancements at PlayTown Suwanee and Town Center Park, streetscape project for the Buford Highway corridor, street resurfacing, and storm drainage system improvements.

A guide to the Citizens Operating Budget is available online on the Economic Development/Documents and Downloads page at www.suwanee.com. The complete 2011 budget will be available online by the end of July.

June 15, 2010

SUWANEE PURCHASES TWO PARCELS

The City of Suwanee recently acquired two properties, totaling nearly 15 acres.

Earlier this month, the City purchased 12 acres on Smithtown Road from Evergreen Presbyterian Church for approximately $725,000. Purchased as a future park site, the City has no immediate plans for the property; it will be master planned and developed at a later date.

In addition, Suwanee closed this week on a 2.9-acre parcel behind Chicago Street and adjacent to Town Center. Purchased for about $450,000, the property will be used immediately for additional parking and may, in the future, become an extension of Town Center.

“While land costs are at a reasonable rate,” says City Manager Marty Allen, “the City is taking advantage of opportunities that have presented themselves.”

June 11, 2010

HARVEST OF ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR PARK GRAND OPENING

Suwanee’s Harvest Farm at White Street Park will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, June 19, with a bountiful harvest of activities. The vegetables, fruits, and flowers currently blossoming and ripening in Georgia's largest organic community garden will offer a lush, green backdrop for the festivities scheduled from 1-4 p.m.

The City of Suwanee's newest park features the Harvest Farm community garden and is located at 752 White Street in historic Old Town. However, grand opening guests should plan to park at Town Center and ride the free shuttle to White Street Park. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to the official ribbon-cutting, grand opening activities include cooking and organic lifestyle presentations and demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts, gardening guidance, and bird, ladybug, and antique farm equipment displays. A complete list of activities is provided below.

In addition to the Harvest Farm community garden, White Street Park includes a brightly painted and renovated red barn that houses picnic tables, a tool storage area, and small classroom/gathering space. Future phases of White Street Park include additional plots, trails, and, tentatively, a treehouse for children as well as a chicken coop.

Located next to the barn is a 2,600-gallon cistern, fabricated and donated by the Metal Products Company. The cistern will collect rainwater from gutters on the barn and provide water for the garden.

Harvest Farm at White Street Park Grand Opening Activities

Cooking demonstrations using fresh, local ingredients (provided by Whole Foods). Time for a Chef will present on garden menu planning for everyday.
Farmer D, aka Daron Joffe, will speak on thriving with an organic lifestyle.
Monarchs Over Georgia and the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust will offer a presentation on growing your garden beautiful with native plants.
Ask the farmers from Okie Dokie Farms your gardening questions.
Children’s activities will include face-painting, crazy hair, and a puppet show on healthy eating, hosted by the Miss Dacula Pageant Program
White Street Walk: Explore the new park and win a prize.
Create a leaf-print ceramic piece with Creative Clayhouse.
Antique farm equipment demonstration, courtesy of Old Time Plow Club.
Ladybug display by Rosalie Tubre.
The Junior League of Gwinnett/North Fulton Counties will present a hands-on demonstration on children’s healthy snacks.
Bird Watcher Supply Co. will offer tips for creating a backyard bird habitat.
Hawk Talk, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds, will have birds on hand and answer questions.
Got questions about raising chickens? Andrew Wordes, organizer of the North Georgia Pet Chicken Meet-Up Group, will offer advice.
Display of a pink Red Oak recycling truck. Red Oak will provide recycling services for the event.

June 7, 2010

PITCH A TENT

An evening spent connecting with family and friends as well as nature…catching fireflies…playing family games around a lake…star-gazing…roasting marshmallows around a campfire. If this sounds like your idea of a “wild” night, then the City of Suwanee’s Great American Campout may be perfect for you.

On Saturday, June 26, the City of Suwanee invites area families to set up camp and spend the night in Sims Lake Park. Campers must reserve a site in advance and spaces are limited. Reservation forms are available at www.suwanee.com. The $25 campsite fee will be used to support the public art initiative, Suwanee SculpTour.

Camping begins at 7 p.m., with a light snack to be provided. Campsites are approximately 10 x 20. Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents, sleeping bags, drinks (non-alcoholic only), food, lanterns, flashlights, etc. Suwanee’s Great American Campout is designed for families; all campers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Camp will break at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 27. No generators, motorized or pop-up campers, or individual campfires are allowed.

June 3, 2010

AN ASSIST FOR DOWNTOWN FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

The Suwanee Downtown Development Authority is offering a matching façade grant program to help business owners and residents preserve, restore, and improve downtown structures.

“Investing in and maintaining the integrity of Suwanee’s downtown,” says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon, “is not simply a matter of aesthetics. Reinvesting in buildings through restoration and façade improvements is an important factor in the success of retail and commercial businesses, residents’ quality of life, and the sustainability of the community.”

The Downtown Development Authority will match 50 percent of the cost for eligible improvements up to $1,500 for commercial properties and $500 for residential properties. Grant funds are provided as a reimbursement upon completion of the improvements.

Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, repairs to exterior facades, restoration of storefronts and architectural elements, masonry repair, cleaning and painting, architectural lighting, and landscaping. The deadline for applications, available at www.downtownsuwanee.com, is June 30.

May 25, 2010

SUWANEE WATER SYSTEM RATES INCREASE

With a goal of generating sufficient revenue to better cover water system operating expenses and recent improvements, City of Suwanee water rates will go up beginning July 1. Suwanee’s water system serves about 335 customers, mostly in the historic Old Town area; the majority of City of Suwanee residents receive water service from the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources.

Suwanee’s new rates are based on an escalating block or tiered system in order to encourage conservation. The base rate for usage of 2,000 gallons of water per month will be $15.40, up from $10.79. Consumption charges increase at the 2,001, 5,001, and 10,001gallon levels. Suwanee’s new rates remain below those of Gwinnett County Water Resources.

The City anticipates that the typical water customer will see a monthly bill of about $19.53, an increase of about $7.87.

Customers will note the rate changes on their bills due August 10, for water usage from approximately June 20-July 20.

In addition, a 10 percent rate increase will be implemented on July 1 of each of the following three years. Suwanee also adopted new fees that are common to water system management, including those for account activation, late payment penalty, meter re-reading and tampering, and reconnection.

Says Suwanee Public Works Director James Miller: “After working with water consultants at Rindt-McDuff and in consultation with our citizen focus group, it became clear that we must increase rates in order to ensure the financial viability of our water system. Previously, revenue covered less than one-third of the water system’s cost.

“City of Suwanee groundwater remains a terrific bargain,” he adds. “Despite the increases, our rates will still be dramatically below Gwinnett County’s rates. And, you can get 188 16-ounce glasses of Suwanee water for 18 cents, about the cost a single bottle of store brand water on sale.”

May 24, 2010

SUWANEE DAY DEADLINES REMINDER

Suwanee’s annual “celebration of community,” is more than three months away, but a couple of important Suwanee Day deadlines are quickly approaching. June 1 is the deadline both for entries in the annual Suwanee Day logo design competition and for exhibitor applications.

Suwanee Day exhibitors offer an eclectic array of hand-crafted items and delicious delights. Festival exhibitors include fine artists, talented craftspeople, and food vendors who have a flair for flavor.

Because the Suwanee Day festival strives to offer a high-quality and varied assortment of items, exhibitor applicants are selected through a jury process, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference is given to applicants who offer individually made artistic and craft items.

The winner of the 2010 Suwanee Day design competition will see their logo used on festival t-shirts and other promotional materials – and win $500! Visit www.suwaneeday.com for more information.

May 19, 2010

SUWANEE HOSTS MUSICAL TRIBUTE
IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY

The U.S. Army Ground Forces Band will perform at Suwanee’s Town Center Park Friday, May 28, in a musical tribute to U.S. troops and as a kick-off to the Memorial Day weekend. Sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post, Suwanee’s Memorial Weekend concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and features the Fort McPherson-based band as well as a sky-jumping demonstration by the Silver Wings and display of an Army Black Hawk aircraft.

Concert-attendees are asked to bring canned goods to be donated to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op. Canned goods will be accepted at the City of Suwanee tent. The food drive is organized by the Gwinnett Municipal Association.

The Army Ground Forces Band serves as the musical ambassador of the U.S. combat soldier to the American people. Its 64 soldiers are among the finest musicians in the U.S. Army band program and most of them have studied music at leading universities and conservatories.

Organized in 1845 in New Orleans, the Army Ground Forces Band is the only Army band to receive a combat distinction from a U.S. president. Fighting in the Mexican War, band members, during the Battle of Monterey on September 21, 1846, captured an enemy artillery battery and turned it against the Mexican army.

Silver Wings is the Command Exhibition Parachute Team of the U.S. Army Infantry and is based at Fort Benning. Members of the team will drop in – literally – at Town Center Park around 7:45 p.m., weather permitting.

This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at Town Center Park, located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, and across the railroad tracks on Main Street (take the pedestrian underpass to Town Center). Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, chairs, and canned goods, but no alcohol please.

May 18, 2010

COACH VINCE DOOLEY TO BE SPECIAL GUEST
AT TOAST @ TOWN CENTER

Legendary University of Georgia coach and athletic director Vince Dooley will be the special guest at the May 27 Toast @ Town Center event. Hosted by the Harvest Farm community garden managing board, Dooley will be on hand to promote and sign his newest book Vince Dooley’s Garden – The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach. The 200-page book describes Dooley’s passion for the outdoors and gardening and features 35 paintings depicting some of Georgia’s most elegant gardens by iconic artist Steve Penley.

Coach Dooley will be available from 5-7:30 p.m. in front of City Hall to sign his books and other Bulldog memorabilia. After a 40-year career at the University of Georgia, Dooley has authored several books, which range in price from $20-$35. Cash or check may be used to purchase books and merchandise. Due to time constraints, outside memorabilia will not be signed. Photos are welcomed.

Toast @ Town Center is a regular monthly event through which merchants offer special deals, entertainment, and in-store events on the last Thursday of each month through October. Town Center Avenue is closed and a street-festival atmosphere is created. Patrons may purchase drinks at Town Center restaurants – coffee, sodas, beer, and wine – and take them from shop to shop and within the park.

In addition to Dooley’s appearance, merchants will host area bands.

May 13, 2010

ARTS IN THE PARK: FROM BASKETS TO POTTERY TO WATERCOLORS

Arts in the Park Entertainment Schedule
Irish Dance Troupe	noon
Gwinnett Horn Quartet	12:45 pm
Gwinnett Choral Guild	1:30 pm
Hudi	2:30 pm
Suwanee Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble & Ballet	3:30 pm
Dennis Sandling	4:45 pm
Nate Currin Band	6 pm
The Modern Society	7:15 pm

Suwanee’s Arts in the Park festival on May 22 will serve up a creative sampling of art in a variety of forms and formats. With its theme of “The Art of Making Art,” the festival not only features the work of nearly 40 artists and a full day of entertainment, but also demonstrations of how artwork is created.

“We’ve asked as many of our artists as possible to demonstrate their art,” says Events Coordinator Amy Doherty. “We think that people will have a deeper level of appreciation for the time and creativity invested into these pieces when they actually see them coming together over the course of the day.”

The festival begins at noon at Town Center Park. Admission to arts in the park is free. In addition to artists selling and demonstrating woodwork, jewelry, wearable art, handwoven baskets, dolls, pottery, and much more, Arts in the Park will feature a sidewalk chalk competition and performance art that includes music, dance, and theater. The artists market will be open until 6 p.m. while on-stage performances will continue until about 9 p.m. A full entertainment schedule is provided below.

The headline performer is The Modern Society, an Atlanta-based quartet. Says Andrew Leahy of The Washington Times: “The Modern Society’s music reflects a mix of old-fashioned influence and contemporary appeal. Rock ‘n’ roll guitars and pop melodies are emphasized in timeless fashion, while a dose of indie swagger and studio sparkle updates the band’s sound to the 21st century.”

The chalk art competition will be from 12:30-4 p.m. Chalk artists in four age divisions, from pre-K to adults, are invited to put their creative genius to work in designated sidewalk areas for a chance to win cash prizes. Registration forms are available at www.suwanee.com or participants may register at the festival by 12:30 p.m.

In addition, make-and-take crafts for children will be offered. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. No alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park.

Arts in the Park is sponsored by the Suwanee Arts Partnership, a volunteer-based public arts education and fund-raising organization. Any funds raised at the festival will support Suwanee’s public art initiative.

Suwanee can do! Arts in the Park attendees are asked to bring canned goods to be donated to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op. Canned goods will be collected at the City of Suwanee tent.

May 5, 2010

RAISING THE ‘WOOF’ AT TOWN CENTER PARK

Woofstock – Star 94’s annual pet party in the park – will offer up some tail-wagging fun at Suwanee’s Town Center Park Saturday, May 15. Admission is free for dogs, cats, ferrets, and other pets on a leash as well as for their two-legged companions.

The fun begins at noon with doggie contests, free pet clinics, more than 50 pet vendors and animal rescue groups, musical performances, and inflatables for children. Come adopt a new pet; participate in agility, flyball, and Frisbee demonstrations and clinics; get your photo taken with your pet; or pick up a new toy or treat for your four-legged BFF. Dog demonstrations are on the hour from 1-3 p.m.

Food and beverage vendors will be on hand as well. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, but no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park.

Parking is available at Town Center, located at Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, and across the railroad track in historic Old Town along Main Street.

Visit www.star94.com for additional, updated information.

April 29, 2010

‘MAJI-CAL’ MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AT TOWN CENTER PARK

Majic in the Park Concert Schedule
Noon	DJ Ralow Smith
12:30 pm	Juanita Craft
1:15 pm	DJ Frost
1:30 pm	Beava Sphere
2:15 pm	DJ Feel X
2:30 pm	Rhonda Thomas
3:15 pm	DJ Feel X
3:30 pm	Gritz & Jelly Butter
4:15 pm	DJ King Arthur
4:30 pm	Keke Wyatt
5:15 pm	DJ King Arthur
5:30 pm	While Peach featuring Eva Kennedy
6:15 pm	DJ Ralow Smith
6:30 pm	N’Dambi
Please note that performers and times may be subject to change.

Majic in the Park will come in the musical variety Saturday, May 8, when Majic 107.5 presents several up-and-coming performers as well as seasoned artists who have enthralled audiences around the globe. Performances begin at Suwanee’s Town Center Park at noon and continue until 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Headline performer N’Dambi will be joined by Juanita Craft, Beava Sphere, Rhonda Thomas, Gritz and Jelly Butter, Keke Wyatt, and Whild Peach featuring Eva Kennedy. See next page for full schedule.

Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, friends, and neighbors for the concert, but no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, may be purchased at the event.

Limited parking is available at Town Center Park, located at Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, as well as on Main Street, which is located west of Town Center just across the railroad tracks on Lawrenceville-Suwanee. Off-site parking, with free shuttle service, will be provided at Shawnee North Business Center, 305 Shawnee North Drive.

April 27, 2010

THE BEST OF THE FINEST

Several Suwanee police officers were recognized in front of City Council on April 27 as the police department announced its annual awards.

Ofc. Simon Byun was voted Officer of the Year by his peers. Chief Mike Jones says: “Ofc. Byun is a positive individual making a difference for the citizens of Suwanee and our department. He has been involved in multiple incidents where his keen observation and professionalism have resulted in arrests and prosecution of criminals.” Byun joined the Suwanee Police Department in 2008.

A 19-year veteran of the department, Lt. Dan Clark received the Chief’s Award for his key role in the department’s successful state re-certification. “Lt. Clark stepped up to the plate to meet the challenge when the certification manager position was vacated,” Jones says. “He worked long hours and weekends to meet the necessary goals. Because of his focus on the task, he was able to meet all certification standards with a very positive report from the assessment team leader.”

Communications Officer Michelle Shepard was voted Civilian Employee of the Year by her peers for the second consecutive year. “She is very calm during emergency situations,” the Chief says, “which facilitates professional actions. Michelle is a very knowledgeable dispatcher and uses her knowledge to help others.”

Eleven other officers received Merit Awards for service “above and beyond” that distinguishes them as a credit to the law enforcement profession. Ofcs. Joe Carter, Tina Harmon, Keith Kerr, and Rob McCoy as well as Sgt. Robert Thompson were recognized for their efforts to save the life of a 3-month-old baby this past January and for the compassion and kindness they demonstrated to the family. Ofc. Elton Hassell was recognized as well for his November life-saving efforts with a 13-year-old.

For their key roles in the state re-certification process Sgt. Shane Edmisten, Sgt. Brian Hickey, Deputy Chief Janet Moon, and Capt. Cass Mooney received Merit Awards as did Ofc. Elias Casanas for his coordination of several community policing programs.

Sgt. Shane Edmisten scored the highest rating on the firing range and was named the department’s Top Gun.

In addition to the annual awards, three officers were recognized for outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement; this program is operated in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Recognized for the first quarter of 2010 were:

Ofc. Michael Chavez – Impaired Driving Award
Ofc. Michael Troutman – Occupant Safety Award
Ofc. Joe Carter – Speed Enforcement Award

April 22, 2010

SUWANEE CITY HALL FIRST IN STATE
TO OBTAIN LEED CERTIFICATION

Suwanee’s new City Hall, which opened last year, has received official LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Suwanee’s two-story, art deco-styled facility is the first City Hall in the state (and one of 21 in the country), according USGBC records, to receive LEED certification.
Suwanee City Hall earned 30 credits toward certification in a variety of design and construction areas, including sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The City achieved “exemplary performance” status in three areas: maximization of open space, water use reduction, and material use.
The achievements for which City Hall earned LEED credits include:

The vegetated open space on the site equals 65.8%, exceeding the 50% threshold.
100% of City Hall’s roof surface meets the minimum Solar Reflective Index value standards, reducing the heat island effect.
Through installation of low-flow water closets, waterless urinals, and low-flow lavatories, City Hall reduced potable water use by 43.1%, exceeding the 40% threshold.
The project achieved an energy cost savings of 16.5%.
93.88% of all regularly occupied areas receive direct sunlight and/or have views to the outside.
More than 519 tons (84.1%) of on-site generated construction waste was diverted from landfills.
Nearly 23% of total building materials, by value, were manufactured using recycled materials.
More than 48% of building materials, by value, was extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 500 miles of the project site, surpassing the 30% threshold.

April 16, 2010

ARTWORK TO BLOOM ON SUWANEE TRAILS

Come May, mini canvases of Suwanee landmarks will bloom along Suwanee’s trails twice each day through the City’s Art on a Limb program. Begun in 2005, this annual finders-keepers treasure hunt combines Suwanee’s enthusiasm for art and nature.

Two pieces of artwork – this year, retouched giclées of old and new Suwanee icons – will be hidden along the Suwanee Creek Greenway and at Sims Lake Park each day throughout May. Those who find the artwork may keep it.

Last year Kathleen Webb found both a great piece of art and a little relaxation on the Suwanee Creek Greenway. As she walked along, she says, “It had just occurred to me how relaxed I felt and how good that was [when] I happened to look toward the creek…and there it was…a little treasure just waiting for a pair of eyes to spy it…. What a great ‘aha’ reminder [that] sometimes we just need to relax and let go and see what happens. Amazing what a little Art on a Limb can do.”

This year’s Art on a Limb pieces, created by local artist and Suwanee resident Vickie Johnson, are mini canvases of scenes reflecting historic Old Town and the new Town Center.

“As I was putting together my thoughts on what would be considered a beautiful addition to the homes of residents who would find the hidden artwork, I kept returning to the sights of Old Town Suwanee,” Johnson says. “I wanted to provide a piece – or pieces, in this case – of artwork that each finder would treasure as a way of maintaining a little piece of what Suwanee was and has become. That is why I have created retouched giclées of my art in miniature form to encompass the old and the new.”

The giclées (defined as the making fine art prints from a digital source, in this case, photographs) feature five different Suwanee landmarks: City Hall, Suwanee First United Methodist Church, the caboose, former barn at White Street Park, and Town Center.

Johnson is an art teacher at Central Gwinnett High School. She has been named Teacher of the Year by several regional and national organizations and recently founded the North Gwinnett Arts Association.

April 15, 2010

SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET EXPANDS FOR 2010 SEASON

The Suwanee Farmers Market, which opens May 1, will offer fresh produce, edible delights, flowers, and handmade natural products twice as often in 2010. In addition to its traditional Saturday morning hours, the market will for the first time also be open Tuesday evenings.

The Suwanee Farmers Market will feature about two dozen vendors at Town Center Park every Saturday and Tuesday from May 1- October 12 (except for September 18). The market will be open from 8 am-noon Saturdays and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

“Our farmers harvest crops all week long,” says Events Coordinator Amy Doherty. “They requested an extra market day, and we felt that our customers would appreciate an additional opportunity to find fresh produce close to home.”

The farmers market, Doherty adds, is a great way for people to become educated about the food they eat and the local food supply.

“We hope that our customers really get to know the farmers and their products,” she says. “We’d love for them to be a little adventurous and try new things.”

Here’s an idea of the type of produce area residents can expect to find at the Suwanee Farmers Market and when:

May: Arugula, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, English peas, greens, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, radishes, spinach, turnips.
June: Much of the above, plus carrots, cucumbers, leeks, potatoes, summer squash, various peas.
July and August: Beans, corn, eggplant, fennel, garlic, melon, okra, peppers, squash, tomatoes, zucchini.
September: Add pumpkins and peas to much of what’s available in the previous two months.

April 9, 2010

SUWANEE TO PLANT A DOZEN TREES

The City of Suwanee is seeking volunteers to assist with planting a dozen trees at its newest park site in celebration of Arbor Day on Saturday, April 24.

The City will plant a variety of fruit trees at White Street Park, site of Harvest Farm Community Garden, at 8:30 a.m. The apple, cherry, peach, pear, and pecan trees to be planted in the orchard area of the new park will be approximately 5’ tall.

If you’d like to help with the planting, please contact Wes Rogers at wrogers@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

Harvest Farm and White Street Park will open this spring; a grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 19.

Earlier this year, the City of Suwanee was recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for the 20th consecutive year. Suwanee is one of only 33 communities throughout Georgia to achieve Tree City USA certification for two decades or more.

March 30, 2010

THE RETURN CHANNELS BEATLES IN SUWANEE’S EVENT SEASON-OPENER

The magic and music of John, Paul, Ringo, and George will be recreated on the Town Center amphitheater stage when The Return, one of the most authentic and popular Beatles tribute bands, headlines the True Oldies 106.7 Randy and Spiff Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 10. The event begins at 3 p.m. Music starts at 5:15 p.m. with The Mustangs taking the Town Center amphitheater stage first.

With vintage instruments and haircuts, custom-made clothes and boots, unmistakable Liverpool accents, and Beatlesque antics, The Return performs primarily songs that the Beatles played in live concert settings.

Atlanta’s Creative Loafing says: “There are moments when it’s hard to believe you’re not watching the Beatles.”

Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase, but no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park, located at 370 Buford Highway.

March 29, 2010

SPRING (CLEANING) IS IN THE AIR

’Tis the season for all things springy: spring training…spring break…spring cleaning. As part of the annual Great American Cleanup campaign, which runs through May 31, the City of Suwanee is encouraging communitywide spring cleaning by stepping up code enforcement efforts.

“Some of the most common violations,” says Code Enforcement Officer Susan Carpenter, “include outside storage of items, problems with trash and debris, parking in the grass, and tall grass. For a majority of these items, just a little effort would result in really big improvements in how our homes and neighborhoods appear. We want to encourage folks to roll up their sleeves, offer a hand to a neighbor, haul away those unwanted items, and mend those broken fences.”

The City will be conducting a code enforcement sweep of all neighborhoods and business districts this spring, citing issues with outside storage, trash and debris, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles, tall grass and weeds, and exterior property in need of repairs. In addition, the City requests cooperation in addressing one of the most common complaints, that of vehicles being parked in the front yard on the grass.

If property owners fail to address cited issues, Carpenter says, the City can mow the grass or clean up the trash, for example, and bill the property owner. Cited property owners also may have a lien placed on their property or be issued a summons to appear in Municipal Court.

“We’re not trying to be unreasonable,” Carpenter says, “We’re simply attempting to keep our community as neat and appealing as possible. We really appreciate citizens’ assistance and cooperation in this effort.”

Code violations may be reported via SEE Online – click on the blue Citizen Service Request logo in the bottom right box at www.suwanee.com – or by calling the City of Suwanee at 770/945-8996.

March 23, 2010

GARDENING BY THE SQUARE FOOT

The City of Suwanee will host a 90-minute class on Square Foot Gardening at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27, and Monday, March 29, in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. The classes are part of Suwanee’s Harvest Farm Community Garden educational series.

Class participants will learn how to grow bigger, healthier vegetables, conserve space, and minimize use of fertilizers and pest controls. The class is free and open to the public; participants need not be Harvest Farm gardeners. The same information will be offered at both sessions. Participants are asked to bring something with which to take notes and are reminded that the class is not designed for young children.

Saturday’s class will be offered in conjunction with an organizational meeting for 2010 Harvest Farm gardeners. This organizational meeting will begin at 11 a.m.

March 12, 2010

THE ART OF MAKING ART

Art in all its wonderful, various forms – 2D, 3D, and performance art – will be celebrated during Suwanee’s Arts in the Park event Saturday, May 22.

With a theme of “The Art of Making Art,” the event offers artists a unique opportunity to educate the public about various art forms. Artists are encouraged to demonstrate and/or educate festival attendees about their art. Best of Show cash prizes will be offered based on originality, presentation, and display of goods as well as interaction with attendees, craftsmanship, and skill. Applications are available online at www.suwanee.com and are due by April 15.

The festival also will include live entertainment and a chalk-walk art competition. Chalk artists in four different age divisions, from Pre-K to adults, are invited to put their creative genius to work in designated sidewalk areas for their chance to win cash prizes. Applications for the inaugural chalk-walk art competition are due before May 15.

March 11, 2010

GET IT IN THE GATEWAY

There are many great reasons (more than 300 of them in the form of restaurants, shops, and other businesses) to visit the Suwanee Gateway, an approximately four-square-mile commercial area surrounding I-85’s Exit 111. The City of Suwanee and Gateway merchants are now offering the best reason yet: You could win FREE stuff!

The City of Suwanee is coordinating a Get It in the Gateway campaign March 22-27 through which participants may win daily prizes and register for a grand prize package valued at more than $1,000.

Clues to participating businesses will be posted daily on the City of Suwanee’s Facebook page and via its website (www.suwanee.com) March 22-27. The clues will direct those taking part to the day’s featured businesses where they can register for daily prizes, which range from a Vera Bradley bag to restaurant gift cards to salon services. Everyone who registers for daily prizes will be included in the grand prize drawing, which will take place Monday, March 29.

Using a multi-pronged strategy, the City of Suwanee has committed to branding and remaking the Gateway, its largest and oldest commercial area, into an identifiable, vibrant, mixed-use commercial center and distinctive entryway into the City.

“We were surprised to learn that many of our own residents aren’t aware of all that the Suwanee Gateway has to offer,” says Toni Shrewsbury, Suwanee’s special projects coordinator in the economic and community development department. “’Get It in the Gateway’ is a modern scavenger hunt of sorts designed to introduce participants to many of the great shops, restaurants, businesses, and services that call the Gateway home. Our hope is that, once they discover the Gateway as more than a way through Suwanee, they’ll come back again and again to shop, dine, and stay.”

The Get in the Gateway grand prize package includes:

Chipper Jones hand-signed baseball and signed photograph from 10th Inning Baseball Academy
Grill Dome grill provided by EMC Security
wireless printer from Office Depot
one night stay at any Fairfield Inn property in the United States
Wild Wing Café gift certificate.

Two or three Gateway businesses will accept registrations for prizes each day. For clues to those businesses and their locations, become a fan of the City of Suwanee Facebook page – search “City of Suwanee” at www.facebook.com. Clues also will be available at www.suwanee.com.

March 11, 2010

BUFORD HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN: OPEN HOUSE

The City of Suwanee will host a community open house Thursday, March 18, in order to share the final draft of the Buford Highway Transportation Plan. The open house will be from 6:30-8 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue.

Over the past eight months, the City of Suwanee has worked with URS Corporation to study and develop alternatives for Buford Highway, from McGinnis Ferry Road to the entrance of George Pierce Park.

The plan examined two alternatives. One alternative is to add lane capacity to Buford Highway and redesign it to serve primarily regional vehicular traffic.

However, the recommended multi-modal alternative envisions the roadway as a two-lane local route that is context-sensitive and pedestrian-friendly. This multi-modal alternative, designed to meet both mobility and community needs, includes bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaped medians, and additional turn lanes and signal controls. It also enhances the connection between historic Old Town and Town Center and recommends preservation of the roadway’s tree canopy and a potential roundabout at Russell Street.

The plan is scheduled for consideration by City Council at its April 27 meeting.

March 1, 2010

‘WATERCOLOR IN THE SKY’ INSTALLED AT SUWANEE CITY HALL

Suwanee City Hall will never look the same. Over the weekend, installation of a suspended sculpture that represents Suwanee’s commitment to public art was completed in the building’s spacious foyer.

The suspended sculpture, entitled Shimmering Echoes, was created by Seattle-based artist Koryn Rolstad, who has designed environmental public art installed in a multitude of locations around the world. Mounted in two areas, the cascading sculpture includes 12 groupings suspended from railroad-inspired aluminum track frames; 1,900 elliptical-shaped eco-resin elements in shades from translucent white and rose tones to yellow, green, and aqua as well as a reflective holographic radiant; and about a mile of 1/32-inch stainless steel cable – all held together with some 4,000 clips and another 4,000 washers. Altogether, the sculpture weighs in at 240 pounds (120 pounds per grouping).

Rolstad describes Shimmering Echoes as “a watercolor in the sky.”

“My hope,” says Rolstad, who was in Suwanee to oversee the three-day installation, “is that people will see that the building can’t live without the art. I hope that it becomes iconic, that people will bring out-of-town relatives to City Hall to see the artwork.”

That’s exactly what Mike and Carol Lepley of Sugar Hill did Monday when they brought friends, John and Alice Walkowski, visiting from Oil City, Pennsylvania, to see the new artwork.

The sculpture, said Carol Lepley, “adds a lot to your building. It gives it color. It gives it character.”

“It gives it a wow factor,” John Walkowski added.

“It really gives you a reason to pause each time you come into City Hall because you’re going to see something different every time,” noted Alice Walkowski.

The City of Suwanee established a Public Arts Commission in 2008 and has since adopted a policy that strongly encourages developers to use 1 percent of construction costs for public art purposes.

“Once City Hall was under construction,” says Suwanee’s Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson, “we realized that we had to lead by example. The City committed 1 percent of construction costs of City Hall to public art. Shimmering Echoes is the colorful result.

“We truly believe that public art is an essential element of Suwanee becoming not just a great place to live, but a world-class community,” she adds. “When you think of great cities, they all have public art as an integral component.”

Suwanee’s new City Hall was opened in February 2009. Shimmering Echoes was selected early last year through a request for proposals process that generated about 100 submissions. The cost of the sculpture and installation was $78,000.

The City of Suwanee will host a dedication of Shimmering Echoes at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 25. Artist Koryn Rolstad and Tad Leithead, chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, will be guest speakers at the event, which is free and open to the public.

February 25, 2010

‘SNAP SUWANEE’ WINNERS FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

The winning photographs in the 2010 Snap Suwanee photo competition are now on exhibit at City Hall. A dozen winning photos were selected from among 67 entries to be on display for the next year. The exhibit is along the central foyer on the first floor of City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue.

The images reflect several locations throughout the community, including Town Center Park, Sims Lake Park, the Suwanee Creek Greenway, and historic Old Town.

Snap Suwanee is an ongoing competition, and photographs may be submitted throughout the year. Guidelines and applications for the 2011 exhibit are available online at www.suwanee.com.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular City Hall business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. The 2010 Snap Suwanee winning photos also will be posted to the City’s website, www.suwanee.com.

February 23, 2010

20 ‘RINGS’ AND COUNTING

The City of Suwanee has earned designation as a national Tree City USA for the 20th year. Suwanee was recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forestry.

Suwanee has met four standards in order to become a Tree City USA community: The City has a tree board, tree-care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. This year, Suwanee will celebrate Arbor Day in April by planting orchard trees at the new Harvest Farm at White Street Park, which currently is under construction.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

February 23, 2010

SUWANEE POLICE SERVE & PROTECT
IN MANNER THAT MEETS STATE STANDARDS

The Suwanee Police Department serves and protects its more than 16,500 citizens in a professional and ethical manner that once again has met state standards set by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. The police department celebrated its re-certification at tonight’s City Council meeting.

Suwanee’s police department was assessed against 118 state standards in December by a team led by Riverdale Police Capt. Jim Eason. The team unanimously offered its “highest recommendation” that Suwanee’s state certification be renewed.

The assessment team found Suwanee police officers to be “deeply committed” to the principles of community policing,” according to its final report.

“One item that greatly impressed the assessment team was the atmosphere of professionalism, ethics, and integrity,” the report states. “On the back of every sworn officer’s badge is the inscription ‘Professional, Ethical, and Knowledgeable….’ We determined that these are more than just words; they are the officers’ and agency’s way of life.”

Certification through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) represents a significant professional achievement and acknowledges implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

"As an agency,” says Suwanee Chief Mike Jones, “we have been able to reach our goal of re-certification because of the support of each officer, dispatcher, detective, and support staff. This accomplishment is a team effort, and I am very proud to be a part of this team."

The Suwanee Police Department was first certified by GACP in 2000 and re-certified in 2005.

February 19, 2010

ORGANIC GARDENING CLASS OFFERED

If you’d like the answer to the question, “How does your garden grow?” to be “organically,” then you’ll be interested in a course being offered by the Suwanee’s Harvest Farm Founders Committee. A class on Organic Gardening will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 24, and Saturday, February 27, at Suwanee City Hall. The same information will be presented in both sessions.

The class is free and open to everyone, not only Harvest Farm gardeners. There is no need to pre-register; simply show up.

Suwanee’s new organic community garden, Harvest Farm, is expected to open for its inaugural season this spring. The garden is part of White Street Park, currently under construction.

February 17, 2010

COMMUNITY INVITED TO OFFER FEEDBACK
ON BUFORD HIGHWAY STUDY ALTERNATIVES

The City of Suwanee will host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25, to share plan alternatives being developed as part of the Buford Highway Transportation Study. The meeting will be at the Crossroads Center at 323 Buford Highway.

The Buford Highway transportation study, covering the area from McGinnis Ferry Road to the entrance of George Pierce Park, has been undertaken to determine what changes are needed to accommodate future development and multiple modes of transportation. Some potential solutions include bike lanes, a roundabout, on-street parking, and additional travel lanes. Led by URS Corporation, the context-sensitive study stems from the 2009 Downtown Master Plan and is supported by a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

“Alternatives have been developed to preserve the existing character of Buford Highway while making the roadway more accommodating to various modes of transportation and anticipated development,” notes Planning Division Director Matthew Dickison. “Now we are asking for our residents to provide feedback. At the community meeting, we’ll provide a brief presentation about how the plan was developed and then use interactive exercises to elicit feedback.”

On March 18, the City will host an open house to share a final draft of the plan and receive additional community comments before the plan is considered by City Council. That meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue.

February 17, 2010

SOMETHING TO TWEET ABOUT

The City of Suwanee has something else to tweet about: The City today received a CREATE Community Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission for its social media initiatives. Presented annually, the CREATE Community awards recognize local government innovations in five categories.

Suwanee was the winner in the Application and Innovation in Technology category for its commitment to utilizing social media as a tool to engage citizens and for development of a progressive Social Media Policy.

In early 2009, Suwanee established active Facebook and Twitter accounts as yet another means to share information, but most importantly as a way to engage residents and others in conversation. The City currently has 2,823 Facebook fans and 377 Twitter followers.

“Our Facebook and Twitter pages allow us to reach an audience that probably wasn’t ‘tuned in’ to our other primary communication ‘channels,’” says Public Information Officer Lynne DeWilde. “Forty-four percent of our Facebook fans are 24 years old or younger. In addition to allowing us to reach out to this important audience, our social media outlets offer another way for Suwanee to ‘listen’ to its citizens.”

February 16, 2010

TWO HOURS TO SAFER TEEN DRIVING ATTITUDES & BEHAVIORS

A two-hour investment of time can help provide teen drivers – and their parents – with fresh attitudes and more confidence behind the wheel.

The Suwanee Police Department’s Georgia Teens Ride with PRIDE (Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error) program will be offered, in cooperation with the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at the Suwanee Police Department, 373 Buford Highway.

This free course makes parents/guardians more aware of their own driving behaviors, assists parents in helping their teens to become safe drivers, and offers strategies for required supervised practice driving time. PRIDE is not a hands-on, “how-to” program.

Class space is limited and advanced registration is required. A parent is required to accompany participating teens. To download an application, visit the Quick Clicks section at www.suwanee.com or contact Ofc.. Elias Casanas at elias@suwanee.com or 770-904-7612. The registration deadline is February 26.

February 15, 2010

CREATIVITY WANTED

WANTED: Creative t-shirt designs to make a real fashion statement and serve as the official logo of the 2010 Suwanee Day festival. Printed and JPEG formats required. Bold, colorful, fun, creative concepts preferred. Apply online at www.suwaneeday.com by June 1 deadline. Compensation: Satisfaction and $500 for winning design.

In addition to being printed on t-shirts, the winning design will be used on Suwanee Day festival posters as well as other promotional materials.

Digitally created designs as well as original artwork – including paintings, drawings, and photographs – will be accepted.

Last year, the Suwanee Day committee received 80 design entries from 64 individuals. Shannon Scheels of Suwanee won the competition.

This year’s Suwanee Day festival is September 18 at Town Center Park. Approximately 40,000 people attend the festival each year.

February 9, 2010

A DECADE OF DEDICATION TO DOWNTOWN

The City of Suwanee recently was recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for its participation for more than 10 years in the Georgia Main Street Program. The presentation was made during the Main Street/Better Hometown 30th anniversary luncheon in Atlanta January 25.

The Georgia Main Street Program assists communities with development and revitalization of core commercial areas.

“We’re proud to be a part of this national effort to revitalize and manage downtown districts,” says Suwanee Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “Healthy downtowns are an important part of Georgia’s economy. The success of the Main Street Program can be attributed to its commitment to four proven strategies: organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.”

February 8, 2010

SUWANEE ANNOUNCES 2010 COMMUNITY EVENTS

The City of Suwanee, along with several media partners and private organizations, has put together a 2010 community event schedule that features concerts, festivals, movies, races, and more at a variety of venues that include most of the City’s parks as well as the Suwanee Gateway and historic Old Town.

The City kicks off the fun at Town Center Park with the 106.7 True Oldies Birthday Bash featuring Beatles tribute band, The Return, on April 10. In addition to traditional favorites, such as Suwanee Day, the Memorial Day Weekend concert, Taste of Suwanee, and Star 94’s Woofstock (formerly Petapalooza), several new events are scheduled this year: a fine arts festival in May, Great American Campout at Sims Lake Park, and a privately organized book festival and international food and beer festival.

Visit www.suwanee.com/whatsnew.events.php to see the full 2010 City of Suwanee event calendar.

February 5, 2010

MORE FRESH, MORE OFTEN AT 2010 SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET

Lovers of fresh produce, colorful flowers, and delicious baked goods can double their pleasure this year at the Suwanee Farmers Market. In addition to its traditional Saturday morning hours, the Suwanee market also will be open Tuesday evenings.

“Our farmers are excited to be able to offer fresh produce twice a week through the Suwanee market,” says Events Coordinator Amy Doherty. “Now, those residents who enjoy sleeping in on the weekend have a chance to enjoy fresh, in-season produce, too, on Tuesday evenings.”

The Suwanee Farmers Market will be open at Town Center Park from 8 am-noon Saturdays and 4-7 pm Tuesdays May 1 – October 12.

Nearly two dozen vendors participate in the Suwanee Farmers Market each week, offering in-season produce, herbs and plants, free-range meat and eggs, baked goods, and jams and jellies.

Guidelines and applications for those interested in being part of the 2010 Farmers Market are now available online at www.suwanee.com. Applications will not be accepted until the annual farmers market meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 29, at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue.

January 27, 2010

HELLO, 2010: CITY WEBSITE GETS AN UPDATED LOOK

Visitors to the City of Suwanee website (www.suwanee.com) might initially think that they need to adjust their glasses or their computer screen, but they’re really seeing just fine. The familiar circa-1998 yellow and red design and icon-tagged navigation bar of the City’s website have given way to a fresh 2010 look.

All of the same great, current information – maps and press releases, financial and zoning documents, parks and services information – can still be found at www.suwanee.com. However, the look of the site has been updated, and the navigation moved from the left side of the page to the top. In addition, quick clicks and the calendar have been moved to the bottom of the page. A video window has been added, and the City has posted a new promotional video.

The City of Suwanee website was established in 1998, and the design and format of the site had remained essentially unchanged until now.

“In Internet years, our website’s look had aged well beyond its prime,” says Public Information Officer Lynne Bohlman DeWilde. “Our website has served us well, though, and we didn’t feel it needed a complete overhaul, but rather just a fresh, updated look. Suwanee is known for being progressive and now our website, which is visited annually almost 400,000 times, more accurately reflects our progressive community.”

January 26, 2010

SUWANEE LOOKING FOR CORPORATE SPONSORS, DONORS
WILLING TO MAKE AN ‘IMPRESSION’ ON COMMUNITY

The City of Suwanee, through its Suwanee Arts Partnership volunteer organization, is launching a fund-raising effort to make possible an exhibit of original outdoor sculptures to be displayed year-round throughout downtown Suwanee.

The Suwanee SculpTour, modeled after a successful program in Columbus, Georgia, will enhance the community’s quality of life in a creative way, says Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson.

The exhibit will feature 15-25 sculptures of varying types, styles, and materials, which will be on loan to the City and, ideally, will change each year. No City funds will be used to implement the SculpTour so t he exact number of pieces will depend upon how much financial support is provided by businesses and individuals.

The SculpTour will be designed to be interactive in that residents and visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite sculpture; the winning piece will be purchased and displayed permanently.

“By exhibiting loaned pieces, the SculpTour will make a significant and widespread impact through public art in a single stroke,” notes Brinson.

“Vibrant, thriving communities across the country all have one thing in common: a commitment to public art,” she adds. “We believe that by making a similar commitment, we can help make Suwanee – already a great place to live – a truly world-class community. But we’re going to need some help from corporate sponsors and individuals to get there.”

Arts programs like the SculpTour can have a real economic impact on the community, Brinson says, bringing additional visitors to downtown Suwanee. In addition, public arts initiatives can make art accessible to everyone, attract a creative workforce, encourage dialogue, celebrate civic achievements, increase livability and walkability, and stimulate creativity in the workplace and schools.

For more information about the Suwanee SculpTour or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits, contact Denise Brinson at denise@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996. Also, a brochure with more information and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.suwanee.com.

January 25, 2010

REAL LIFE ‘LAW & ORDER’

When the next Suwanee Citizens Police Academy class graduates in April, the number of alumni of this eight-week “glimpse behind the badge” will total more than 300. The Suwanee Police Department has offered its Citizens Police Academy roughly twice a year since 2000 as a means to help citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of officers and to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between citizens and the police department.

The next academy begins February 16. Classes will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings through April 6.

The deadline for notarized applications, which are available online at www.suwanee.com, is Friday, February 5. Participants must be at least 19 years old; preference is given to Suwanee residents or to those who work in the City of Suwanee. For more information, contact Ofc. Elias Casanas at elias@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

Class topics include crime scene processing, traffic stops, building searches, crime prevention,, and narcotics identification.

January 4, 2010

MAYOR TO PRESENT STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS JANUARY 13

Mayor Dave Williams will present the annual State of the City address at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. The presentation is part of the monthly Suwanee Business Alliance meeting and is open to the public.

The mayor’s presentation will highlight the economic challenges as well as the achievements of the past year. Williams also will look at how the Suwanee community has evolved over the past decade from a friendly, booming small town to one of America’s best places to live.

The Suwanee Business Alliance (SBA) is a community-minded business networking organization with about 100 members. The SBA meets monthly in varying locations and hosts the State of the City address each year.