2009 News Releases

December 21, 2009

SUWANEE MUNICIPAL COURT GOES PAPERLESS

Judges in Suwanee’s Municipal Court may still need to wield a gavel every now and then, but one thing they won’t require anymore is paper. Earlier this week, Suwanee’s court implemented a new paperless system developed by Alabama-based Syscon, becoming the first court in Gwinnett County to go essentially paperless and only the second in the state.

The new system – which includes a software platform, three courtroom computer screens, electronic signature pad, biometric fingerprint signature scanner, and document scanner – is expected to save about 860 sheets of paper per court session – that’s 51,600 pieces of paper a year.

“In addition to being good for the environment,” says Court Services Administrator Mariza Abdeljawad, “this system will enhance the efficiency, productivity, and quality of the court. It takes us to a completely new level of service.”

After the initial court session using the Syscon system on December 16, Chief Judge Mark Lewis says that his first impression was “wow.” That being said, he adds, “This is a completely different way of doing things. We’re all learning new workflows and processes.”

Even after the first experience, Lewis says, the improved efficiency is obvious because “we aren’t shuffling paper from the clerk to the solicitor to the judge to the court clerk to the cashier anymore. We all are on the same system and have instantaneous access to the workflow.”

The system also cuts down on data entry and filing errors. The Suwanee Police Department issues, for the most part, electronic citations. Information from the citations is electronically transferred to the court, eliminating the need for the court to enter the data; scanned copies of the defendant-signed citations, as required by state law, are scanned into the system.

“This system completely changes the way that people in the court do their jobs,” says Abdeljawad. “Court personnel have more time to focus on their core responsibilities. And it’s better for defendants, too. There’s no need for them to fill out forms, and information about their case is available to them more quickly.”

Suwanee’s Municipal Court processes about 1,300 citations each month. The cost of Suwanee’s electronic citation and court systems is covered through a $13 administrative fee applied to each citation.

December 18, 2009

POLICE SEEK ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECT

The Suwanee Police Department has released a composite sketch of a male suspect and seeks the public’s assistance in identifying him. The man allegedly raped a female teenager in January 2009 at Suwanee Creek Park. Anyone who can identify the person in the sketch is asked to contact the Suwanee Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 770/945-8995.

Even though the alleged rape occurred about 11 months ago, the incident was brought to the attention of the Suwanee Police Department only last week.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid-30s to early 40s. He is about 6-foot-3 with a slender, runner’s build. He has brown eyes and short brown hair. On the day of the incident, he was wearing a navy blue long-sleeve, loose-fitting shirt (similar to Under Armour, but not that brand), green running shorts, and green and white sneakers.

Again, the Suwanee Police Department asks that anyone with information that may be of assistance to the investigation call 770/945-8995.

December 17, 2009

DON’T FORGET ‘CHIPPER’ THIS POST-HOLIDAY SEASON

When the needles on your live Christmas tree start shedding at an alarming rate, the lights are unplugged one final time, and the ornaments are placed in storage, there’s just one thing left to do with the tree: Bring One (or more) for the Chipper.

The City of Suwanee will accept unadorned former Christmas trees for recycling from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily December 26-January 16 at Sims Lake Park, 4600 Suwanee Dam Road. The designated tree drop-off area is in the right-hand parking lot.

Last year, the City recycled 923 trees, which provided nicely scented mulch for parks throughout Suwanee.

Suwanee will provide seedlings to area residents who drop off their trees from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, January 9.

Bring One for the Chipper is a Keep Georgia Beautiful program. For more information about Suwanee’s program, contact Tammy Hiler at thiler@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

December 4, 2009

TWO BUSINESSES, HISTORIC HOME RECEIVE SWAN-EE AWARDS

The City of Suwanee recognized three marvelous makeovers today when it presented its annual Swan-ee Awards to two businesses, one of which is located in the Suwanee Gateway revitalization area, and a historic residence in Old Town. The three winning renovation projects were recognized for their individual improvements as well as the aesthetic enhancement they provide to the overall community.

Winners were recognized by Mayor Dave Williams at City Hall this afternoon.

Barret Meyer was recognized for renovation and restoration of the historic home at 4015 Stonecypher Road. Restoration of the 1910 home included replacement of broken windows, several new coats of paint, removal of kudzu and dead trees, and installation of plants and flowers that are true to the property’s historical nature.
Richard Tucker received a Swan-ee Award for repainting The Beverage Superstore at 2820 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The new shades of taupe with accents of black and white offer an updated, sophisticated look. General Manager Mitch Teet, accepted the award for Beverage Superstore.
Vernon D. West was recognized for making exterior improvements to Specialty Engraving Co. at 3655 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, including new smooth-coat stucco and the addition of columns and stonework that resulted in a fresh, clean look.

The Swan-ee Awards were established to recognize new construction, renovation, and landscaping projects that exceed expectations and enhance the community aesthetically.

December 2, 2009

SUWANEE’S FAVORITE COLOR? GREEN

The City of Suwanee is the only community in Gwinnett County and one of only nine in metro Atlanta to be certified “green” by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The ARC’s Green Communities certification program recognizes communities that have taken measures to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

In addition to Suwanee, the ARC officially recognized DeKalb and Douglas counties and the cities of Atlanta, Roswell, and Fairburn today. Cobb County and the cities of Alpharetta and Decatur were designated green this summer. Roswell obtained a silver rating while each of the other communities was designated bronze. No community has yet achieved a gold rating.

The ARC considers 61 criteria in making its green community designation. A few of Suwanee’s efforts noted by the ARC include:

Requiring that all new City-owned buildings larger than 5,000 square feet be LEED certified.
Adoption of a lights out/power down policy requiring employees to turn off lights and all other non-essential electronic equipment when not in use.
City Hall’s Energy Star-rated cool roof.
The City’s Open Space initiative and protection of 9 percent of total land area as greenspace.
Implementation of a green fleet policy, no idling policy, and environmentally preferable purchasing policy.
The Suwanee Farmers Market.
Suwanee’s encouragement of mixed-use redevelopment and implementation of smart-growth practices in the Downtown Master Plan.

Suwanee adopted several new policies this summer in order to achieve its green designation. “In many ways,” says Senior Environmental Planner Wes Rogers, “Suwanee was already a green community. These new policies and practices are simply taking us to the next level and acknowledging that there are some things that we can do to use our environmental resources more efficiently. We’re working to make Suwanee, literally, a cooler place to live.”

December 2, 2009

PLOT YOUR GARDEN SPACE NOW:
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN

Guidelines and plot applications for the inaugural season at Suwanee’s community garden, Harvest Farm at White Street Park, are now available online at www.suwanee.com. (Look under Hot Links on the homepage or on the Community/Community Garden page.) Plots in this new organic community garden, expected to be one of the largest in the Southeast when it opens this spring, are available to City of Suwanee residents as well as non-residents.

The application deadline is January 15 for City residents, who also receive a discount on the plot fee. Non-residents must apply by February 1.

When the garden opens in the spring, approximately 60 plots of varying sizes, including a handful of raised plots, will be available. When completed, the garden will have a total capacity of about 100 plots.

Construction of the Harvest Farm community garden and core infrastructure at the 7-acre White Street Park is expected to begin around the first of the year.

November 20, 2009

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER CELEBRATED
AS ARC’S 2009 DEVELOPMENT OF EXCELLENCE

Over a period of seven years, Suwanee’s built-from-scratch Town Center has emerged as a regional event venue, vibrant live-work-play role model, shopping and eating destination, the heart of the Suwanee community, and, as of today, an Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Development of Excellence.

Suwanee Town Center was recognized during the 11th annual Developments of Excellence Awards presentation, part of the State of the Region Breakfast, at the Georgia World Congress Center this morning. Suwanee is the first municipal government to twice be named a co-winner of the prestigious Development of Excellence Award. Richport Properties and the City of Suwanee received the Development of Excellence Award in 2001 for the Old Suwanee neighborhood.

Recognized along with the City of Suwanee this year were the developers who helped create Town Center, including the Shadowbrook neighborhood: Bowen Family Homes, Madison Retail, and Main Street Corners. The Development of Excellence Award recognizes innovative and successful developments that demonstrate how great design can create a positive framework for the future.

“Town Center is not complete, over, and done with,” says Suwanee City Manager Marty Allen. “It’s only beginning. Town Center will be here a hundred years from now, and hopefully even more vibrant and dynamic than it is now.”

Several Suwanee residents have provided comments related to Town Center’s impact on the community:

“We love Town Center Park….We shop the Farmers Market and visit many of the festivals that come through the park on the weekends…. Our family visits often to ride scooters and bikes, play in the fountain, and kick the soccer ball…. I believe that Town Center is a place where people in our community can take a break from the hectic pace of life and find entertainment, relaxation, and enjoyment.” – Linnea Miller

“Town Center has given Suwanee a much needed common space of interest and character…. [It’s] a great brand that other communities recognize and respect. With this, Suwanee has become less about where my family has a house and more about where we make our home.” – Jeff Spence

“My wife and I moved to Suwanee Town Center in March 2007…. Greatest impact of living here for us is the immediate sense of connection with neighbors, visitors to the park, and local business owners. The park puts everyone at ease and makes it very easy to get acquainted with people. We are definitely more connected with the Suwanee community than we ever have been anywhere else.” – DeWayne Davis

November 17, 2009

TWO HOURS TO SAFER TEEN DRIVING ATTITUDES & BEHAVIORS

Parents can give their teens the gift of safe driving a bit early this holiday season.

The City of Suwanee will offer Georgia Teens Ride with PRIDE (Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error), in cooperation with the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, December 5, at the Suwanee Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway. The two-hour program is designed to help parents model safe driving behaviors and attitudes in order for their new teen drivers to be more secure and confident behind the wheel.

Class space is limited and advanced registration is required. A parent is required to accompany participating teens. To download an application, visit the Hot Links section at www.suwanee.com or contact Ofc. Elias Casanas at ecasanas@suwanee.com or 770/945-8995. The registration deadline is November 25.

The PRIDE program 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.

November 13, 2009

SUWANEE SOARS WITH PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL, BUDGET DOCUMENT

The first of its kind to be used in Georgia, Suwanee’s HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) pedestrian signal was recognized earlier this week with a Golden Shoe Award from the PEDS pedestrian advocacy organization. At the 10th annual Golden Shoe Awards celebration in Atlanta November 10, the City of Suwanee received one of eight awards presented for outstanding pedestrian-friendly initiatives.

The HAWK signal was activated at Buford Highway and Town Center Avenue in August, as part of a larger railroad underpass project, to help provide safer and easier pedestrian access between Town Center and historic Old Town; the two sections of downtown Suwanee are separated by a major state highway and railroad track.

Installation of the unique pedestrian signal, which cost about $84,000, was funded through the 2005 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax).

In addition, the City of Suwanee has received recognition once again from the Government Finance Officers Association, this time for its 2009-10 budget presentation.

Suwanee’s budget was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fourth consecutive year. The award acknowledges the budget’s proficiency as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device.

According to GFOA, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award represents a “significant achievement” and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Those agencies receiving the award have satisfied nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

November 3, 2009

BROOKS, FOSTER, MCOMBER, AND GOODMAN
ELECTED TO SUWANEE CITY COUNCIL

In today’s municipal elections, City of Suwanee residents re-elected three City Councilmembers and, in a special election to fill an unexpired term, voted to add Dick Goodman to City Council.

Incumbents Jace Brooks and Kevin McOmber each received approximately 150 votes more than their opponents, Brad Alexander and Don Trawick. Dick Goodman defeated Winship E. Rees for the Post 2 position.

Incumbent Dan Foster, who ran unopposed, also was re-elected and will serve another four-year term.

Unofficial election results for each Council post follow:

Post 2:	Dick Goodman Winship E. Rees	775 597

Post 3:	Kevin McOmber Don Trawick	783 595

Post 4:	Brad Alexander Jace Brooks	618 753

Post 5:	Dan Foster	1,103

November 3, 2009

PHOTO CONTEST IS A SNAP

Have you snapped a photograph of the Suwanee community that’s worth about a thousand words? If so, your picture could be a winner in the 2010 Snap Suwanee photo competition.

Snap Suwanee is an ongoing contest with photos accepted year-round, but to be considered for the 2010 exhibit to be on display at City Hall around March 1, entries must be received by December 31.

Pictures submitted to the Snap Suwanee Photo Contest should be taken within the City of Suwanee limits, preferably within the last two years. Ideally, photos will be taken at identifiable Suwanee locations and convey a sense of the community.

Applications must accompany entries and are available online in the What’s New/Events section at www.suwanee.com. High-resolution digital photos are preferred and may be submitted to SnapSuwanee@suwanee.com. The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers. Individual photographers may submit up to five photos.

Approximately a dozen winning photos will be selected and exhibited at City Hall throughout most of 2010.

More than 130 photos from 49 photographers were submitted through the 2009 competition. The 14 winning photos will remain on display at City Hall until the 2010 exhibit is ready.

October 26, 2009

TOAST @ TOWN CENTER: GOOD MEALS, GOOD DEALS, GOOD TIMES

A new event is coming to Suwanee’s Town Center Park, just in time for holiday shopping and cheer. Toast @ Town Center is designed to encourage patrons to enjoy good meals, good deals, and good times in the heart of downtown Suwanee. From 5-10 p.m. Thursday, November 5, merchants at Town Center will offer special deals, entertainment, and in-store events.

During Toast @ Town Center, patrons will be able to bring drinks purchased at Town Center restaurants – coffee, sodas, beer, and wine – from shop to shop and within the park.

“The idea is to create a fun, street festival-type atmosphere,” says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “We hope that the event will appeal to citizens for a variety of reasons. Families might be able to find a great dinner special or a one-night only bargain at one of the Town Center shops. Others might find this a fun way to get a head start on the weekend and enjoy mixing and mingling with friends along the sidewalk in front of the restaurants and shops.”

Suwanee Town Center is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. Another Toast @ Town Center event is scheduled for December 3.

October 6, 2009

COMMUNITY GARDEN NEEDS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Gardeners know that early and proper soil preparation is key to a successful harvest. In the same way, the City of Suwanee is preparing for construction of Harvest Farm, Suwanee’s organic community garden expected to open in the spring, and it needs many pairs of helping hands to do so appropriately.

The City of Suwanee will host a community volunteer day Saturday, October 24, at the Harvest Farm at White Street Park site. Volunteers are needed to help get the site ready for construction, scheduled to begin next month. Volunteers will help dismantle part of the existing barn, remove old fencing, and clear out the creek and wooded areas.

The workday is scheduled from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided. Preferably, volunteers can commit to working the whole day or half a day (either 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m.). Volunteers must register in advance by completing the application available at www.suwanee.com. For additional information, contact Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at jroth@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

October 2, 2009

SUWANEE ADOPTING NEW POLICING TOOLS

The Suwanee Police Department is adopting new tools to enhance safety on Suwanee roadways, along the Suwanee Creek Greenway, and in its parks.

Beginning Monday, October 5, the department will begin a permanent DUI task force. A specially trained officer, whose main focus will be to get impaired drivers off the road, has been assigned to the task force; another officer may be assigned at a later date.

Such specialized task forces are common in communities the size to which Suwanee has grown, says Chief Mike Jones. “The laws related to and prosecution of DUI have become so complex,” he says, “that there’s a need for officers who are specially trained in the field.”

In Georgia, drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher are considered legally under the influence, whether or not they feel intoxicated. Last year, Suwanee officers made 112 DUI arrests.

Policing on two wheels – no pedals necessary

In a separate, pilot effort, designed to enhance police presence at Suwanee’s trail and parks, the police department is testing a Segway personal transporter. Five officers have been trained to use the Segway, which is on loan for 30 days from Suwanee Segway, a local company that offers Segway tours.

The Segway, which maxes out at 12 mph, allows more officers to patrol Suwanee’s parks and requires less training than bike patrols, says Sgt. Nick Jacobs. The Segway is being used at the Suwanee Creek Greenway, Suwanee Creek Park, and Town Center Park.

Ofc. Keith Kerr, who’s patrolled the Suwanee Creek Greenway on the Segway, says that he’s gotten a couple of double-takes from people on the trail, but that his newest policing tool offers good maneuverability and allows him to cover more ground. Despite its slightly awkward look, the Segway, Kerr says, is fun to “drive.”

September 25, 2009

SUWANEE’S BOND RATING AFFIRMED

In a regular re-evaluation, Fitch Ratings has affirmed the City of Suwanee’s general obligation bond rating at AA- and defined the City’s rating outlook as “stable.” Fitch Ratings’ most recent review, which is conducted every two-three years, looked at Suwanee’s outstanding general obligation bonds, obtained in 2002 to finance the community’s award-winning open space initiative and 2006 to partially fund construction of the new City Hall.

“The AA- rating reflects the City’s very conservative management practices resulting in high general fund balances and ample financial flexibility,” Fitch states in a September 23 press release. “The City continues to generate positive net income within the general fund, improving upon an already strong balance sheet….”

“Considering the state of the current economy, we’re very satisfied with Fitch’s findings,” notes Suwnaee’s Financial Services Director Amie Sakmar. “Many local governments are concerned that their rating may be downgraded. We’re pleased that one of the top rating agencies in the world has found Suwanee’s debt management and conservative fiscal practices to be sound and appropriate. For a community of Suwanee’s size, the AA- rating is outstanding.”

Fitch Ratings noted that the City of Suwanee “historically budgets very conservatively” and that its current fund balance equals 73 percent of spending and is “very strong.”

Fitch goes on to say: “The rating also reflects the city’s diverse economic base and proximity to the larger and rapidly expanding Atlanta metro area, above-average income indicators, and manageable debt burden with no additional borrowing plans.”

September 18, 2009

COUNCILMEMBER JEANNE RISPIN RESIGNS

Suwanee City Councilmember Jeanne Rispin announced her resignation today from a post that she has held for a total of 16 years. Rispin plans to marry in October and will move to a new home just outside the City limits.

First elected in 1990, Rispin has played a leadership role in many City initiatives, including Suwanee's award-winning parks and trails, Town Center Park, two new City Halls, establishment of the Suwanee Gateway, and creation of the community garden to be planted this spring.

“We have been able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time,” says Rispin. “Our citizens, staff, and elected officials share a vision for the future. We may disagree passionately about the specifics, but at the end of the day we come together and move forward.

“It has been an honor to work with the incredible slate of individuals who have made Suwanee such a great City. That said, I am very excited to open this new chapter in my life. I am confident that I leave the City in very capable hands.”

Senior Public Relations Representative with Georgia Transmission Corporation, Rispin also is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett, the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute, and Leadership Georgia. She currently represents Gwinnett's cities on the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. “Community service is in my blood,” Rispin says. “I will continue to have a voice.”

Suwanee City Council will consider at its regular meeting this Tuesday establishing election and qualifying dates to fill Rispin’s Post 2 position.

September 17, 2009

SUWANEE ATTAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
FOR COMMUNITY POLICING, RECREATION PROGRAMS, AND PARKS

The City of Suwanee recently received recognition from two international organizations for its community policing efforts as well as its parks and recreation programs.

The Suwanee Police Department was the only finalist among communities with populations less than 20,000 in the 2009 International Association of Chiefs of Police/CISCO Community Policing Award. A law enforcement agency in Canso, Nova Scotia, was the 2009 winner in that population category.

The City of Suwanee also has garnered two Voice of the People Awards for Excellence from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and National Research Center for being one of the jurisdictions with the highest citizen-rated services in 2008 in two areas: recreation programs/classes and parks.

To win the Award of Excellence, a community’s rating for service quality must be one of the top three among all eligible jurisdictions for the year and must be among the top 10 percent of the more than 500 jurisdictions in the National Research Center database.

Community ratings are derived from the National Research Center’s Citizen Survey, which the City of Suwanee administered for the first time last November. Among the findings of the Suwanee survey: 95% of respondents reported visiting a neighborhood or City park and 97% rated City parks as good (21%) or excellent (76%).

Approximately 100 law enforcement agencies from throughout the United States and four other countries submitted applications for the 2009 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)/CISCO Community Policing Award. The award, says Chief Todd Miller, chair of the IACP Community Policing Committee, recognizes best practices among law enforcement agencies that have truly implemented community policing as a philosophy.

The Suwanee Police Department, says Miller, obviously “believes in community policing and has involved all staff in the effort. It’s not just a function of one or two officers. And Suwanee’s PACT initiative is using the strong tenets of community policing, which are partnerships and problem-solving.

“Suwanee has proven that the partnership of community and police results in more effective crime-fighting techniques,” Miller adds.

The Suwanee Police Department will receive its Community Policing Award at the IACP Conference in Denver next month. The ICMA Voice of the People Awards of Excellence were presented during that organization’s conference in Montreal earlier this week.

September 14, 2009

SUWANEE DAY PARKING MADE EASY;
SOME ROADS CLOSED DURING 10 A.M. PARADE

Approximately 40,000 people are expected to attend the annual Suwanee Day festival at Town Center Park on Saturday, September 19. To help make the festival hassle-free, attendees are encouraged to avoid traffic around the park and take advantage of off-site parking available at three convenient locations.

Free shuttle buses will provide transportation between designated off-site parking areas and Town Center Park from 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Off-site parking is available at:

Shadowbrook Baptist Church
4187 Suwanee Dam Road
Shawnee North Business Center
305 Shawnee North Drive (at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road)
Southeastern Freight
3655 Windsor Park Drive
(Near the intersection of Buford Highway & McGinnis Ferry Road)
IMPORTANT: Enter from Buford Highway only.

Limited parking for guests using motor scooters or wheelchairs will be available at the Suwanee Police Department (the former City Hall) at 373 Buford Highway, across the street from Town Center Park, except during the parade. Additional parking for those with disabilities will be available at Shadowbrook Baptist Church (4187 Suwanee Dam Road); a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus will provide transportation to Town Center Park.

During the 10 a.m. parade, which kicks off the festival, several roads around Town Center will be closed from approximately 9:45-11 a.m. Roads affected are:

Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road to Suwanee Dam Road
Suwanee Dam Road eastbound between Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Main Street.

More information about the 26th annual Suwanee Day festival is available at www.suwaneeday.com.

September 10, 2009

DOWNTOWN SUWANEE WEBSITE TO LAUNCH ON SUWANEE DAY

Downtown Suwanee is getting its own website address. On Suwanee Day, September 19, Suwanee’s Downtown Development Authority will launch www.downtownsuwanee.com.

The site will supplement the City’s www.suwanee.com website and focus exclusively on Suwanee’s downtown district, both Town Center and historic Old Town. The new website will be the go-to site for information about downtown Suwanee shopping, eating, and activities.

“If you want to know what to do, where to eat, or where to shop in downtown Suwanee, then this is the site for you,” says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “You can also save money using downtownsuwanee.com as businesses will be able to offer coupons via the website.”

In addition to its focus on fun, the website has an “all business” component as well. Information about how to open a business in downtown Suwanee, a directory of downtown businesses, and Downtown Development Authority agendas and minutes are all included on the site.

Dixon notes that the site is designed to be highly interactive. Users can upload photos or information about their events. And, in the future, users will be able to load listings for available properties in the downtown district.

Visit www.downtownsuwanee.com beginning September 19 and find out more about what there is to discover and delight in in downtown Suwanee.

September 8, 2009

SUWANEE GROUPS WORKING TO ELEVATE ART, STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY

Michelangelo had Lorenzo the Magnificent, and Leonardo da Vinci, the Medicis. If patrons were a good idea for Italian Renaissance artists, then why not for modern groups, like Suwanee’s Public Arts Commission, working to elevate art and strengthen community?

The City of Suwanee has launched the volunteer-based Suwanee Arts Partnership to raise funds for and build community awareness of public arts initiatives undertaken by the City Council-appointed Public Arts Commission. The partnership will kick off its efforts at the annual Suwanee Day festival September 19 with an art auction of sorts.

The Suwanee Arts Partnership is hosting a drawing for artwork (paintings, photographs, etc.) donated by local artists. Tickets may be purchased at the group’s Suwanee Day booth and then entered into drawings for each of the dozen pieces donated. The group will also be styling up crazy hair at its booth. All proceeds will benefit Suwanee’s public arts efforts, including an art-on-loan program/sculpture exhibit expected to begin next year.

Already, nearly 40 area residents have joined the Suwanee Arts Partnership. If you’d like to be involved, contact Denise Brinson, Suwanee’s economic and community development director, at dbrinson@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

“The most vibrant communities around the country embrace public art,” says Brinson. “While the quality of life in Suwanee is outstanding, in order to take it to the next level, we need to make public art a significant component of our community.”

Since it was established nearly 18 months ago, the Public Arts Commission has worked to encourage developers to include public art as part of new projects. Currently, there is an opening on the Public Arts Commission. Suwanee residents or businesspeople may submit a letter of interest for the City Council-appointed position by emailing Brinson at dbrinson@suwanee.com.

September 4, 2009

SUWANEE PROGRAM OFFERS A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE BADGE

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wear a badge, the Suwanee Police Department is offering an opportunity that’s much more interactive, realistic, and fun than watching episodes of even your favorite criminal drama. The police department’s eight-week Citizens Police Academy begins September 29.

The program offers Suwanee residents and businesspeople a fun, exciting way to get a glimpse behind the badge and to develop a better understanding of the issues, tactics, and risks associated with law enforcement.

“I came away with a much better understanding of what our officers deal with on a regular basis,” says past participant Kevin Ward. “I would recommend the class to others for two reasons: it is very informative…and it was fun, too!”

Karan Harp, who also is a Citizens Police Academy graduate, says: “I sleep better knowing these people and knowing that they are between me and the bad guys. ‘To serve and protect’ is not something [simply] painted on a car, it’s a genuine, heartfelt mindset.”

Classes, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, cover a variety of topics, including crime scene processing, traffic stops, responding to burglary calls, crime prevention, narcotics identification, and motor vehicle stops.

The deadline for notarized applications is Friday, September 18; applications are available online at www.suwanee.com. Applicants 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 ecasanas@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

September 2, 2009

GET YOUR GROOVE ON FOR SUWANEE DAY

The 2009 Suwanee Day celebration on September 19 will serve up all those things that people love most about the festival – the food, arts and crafts, fun stuff for the kids, and all-day entertainment – along with a couple new twists and about 50 very special guests.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion 69th Armor Division (2-69 AR) at Fort Benning will serve as honorary parade grand marshals and as Suwanee Day’s special guests before returning soon, for a fourth deployment since 2003, to the Middle East. Thanks to the Hugs for Soldiers program, the 2-69 “panthers” will enjoy a full slate of festival activities, including a special flag ceremony.

The Suwanee Day official grand marshals haven’t seen action in Iraq, but they have been in battle – on the ball field and on the ice. Chopper from the Gwinnett Braves and Maximus of the Gwinnett Gladiators exemplify the parade theme: “Root, root, root for the home team.” The parade kicks off the annual festival at 10 a.m.

This year’s “celebration of community,” the 26th Suwanee Day festival, takes place from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at Town Center Park. The festival features more booths than ever, about 200, and includes two dozen food vendors and nearly 100 arts and crafts exhibitors.

On-stage entertainment, which begins at 11 a.m., kicks off with a rat-a-tat-tat of the drums, features the promise and freshness of several budding performers, and ends with the bang and sizzle of fireworks at 10 p.m. The headline performer, Blessid Union of Souls, an alternative rock band that made its biggest hits in the mid to late 1990s, will take the stage at 8 p.m. The band’s best-known songs are 1995’s “I Believe” and 1999’s “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me).”

Two groups at Suwanee Day will offer unique ways in which to enjoy the festival. The Old Town Merchants Association is providing free trolley rides between Town Center and historic Old Town. And, as a fundraiser, the Suwanee Arts Partnership has gathered several pieces created and donated by local artists that will be offered through a drawing at its Suwanee Day booth.

Admission to Suwanee Day is free, but please bring a canned good or two to donate to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op. Drop-off receptacles will be located at the Festival Information booth and near the stage. An all-day armband for the children’s inflatables area is $10; a small additional fee will be charged for other children’s rides.

Off-site parking with free shuttle transportation between designated parking areas and Town Center Park will be available from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.suwaneeday.com.

August 31, 2009

SHOP TIL YOU DROP TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY GARDEN

When shoppers at the Johns Creek Whole Foods Market fill their carts with a bountiful harvest of fresh, natural grocery items next week, they’ll also be helping Suwanee’s community garden establish strong roots. Five percent of net sales made at the Whole Foods Market at 5945 State Bridge Road on Tuesday, September 8, will benefit Suwanee’s Harvest Farm Community Garden at White Street Park.

The master plan has been approved for Suwanee’s newest park, and construction is expected to begin on phase one late this fall. The community garden is scheduled to open in the spring.

Whole Foods Market and the City of Suwanee will host several events at the store on September 8, including cooking demonstrations using fresh garden vegetables and gardening activities for children. The store is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m., with activities taking place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and children’s activities planned for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Each quarter, Whole Foods selects a community organization to support through its corporate 5% Day program.

August 27, 2009

TWO UNFORGETTABLE FEMALE VOICES TO PROVIDE FINAL NOTES
FOR 2009 MAJIC CONCERT SERIES

Two riveting voices will be featured at Suwanee’s final 2009 Majic 107.5/97.5 R&B concert of the season. N’dambi will be the headline performer for the free September 4 concert at Town Center Park with Rhonda Thomas opening at 7 p.m.

N’dambi is a singer/songwriter/musician from Dallas, Texas, who has performed throughout the United States and Europe as well as in Japan and East Africa. She has produced three independent albums; Stax Records is scheduled to release her fourth album, Pink Elephant, later this year.

Rhonda Thomas has cast a powerful spell with her bold vocal styling as she’s performed across the country from Atlanta’s Tabernacle to Harlem’s Apollo Theater. She has performed with the likes of Isaac Hayes, Luther Vandross, and Roy Ayers.

Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, friends, and neighbors to the concert but no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.

Off-site parking, with free shuttle service from 6:30-10:30 p.m., will be provided at Shawnee North Business Center, 305 Shawnee North Drive. Limited parking is available at Town Center, located at the intersection of 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. If parking on Main Street, use the new pedestrian tunnel to walk to Town Center.

August 25, 2009

SUWANEE MAINTAINS MILLAGE RATE AT 5.77

Suwanee City Council voted this evening to set Suwanee’s 2009 millage rate at 5.77; this rate is the same as or lower than the rate set in the previous seven years. The millage rate is used to calculate City property taxes.

“These are obviously difficult economic times,” says Mayor Dave Williams. “The City worked diligently, sometimes making tough decisions to put off worthy programs or purchases, to establish a fiscal year 2010 budget that would not require a tax increase. The City is pleased to have avoided passing along any additional financial burden to our citizens.”

City of Suwanee tax bills will be mailed October 1 with payment due by December 20. Gwinnett County bills separately for county (including school) taxes.

August 19, 2009

PARENTS VOTE SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET,
PLAYTOWN SUWANEE AS BEST IN METRO

The “radishest” veggies in metro Atlanta can be found at the Suwanee Farmers Market, according to Nickelodeon’s 2009 Parents’ Picks Awards. And, when their little ones want to swing and slide parents’ favorite spot is PlayTown Suwanee.

From May 5 – July 15, parents all over the country were invited to vote online for their favorite local family-friendly places. Suwanee locales were ranked tops in the two categories, best farmers market and best playground or park, in which they were included.

Atlanta runners up in the farmers market category include Decatur, Peachtree Road, and Glenwood Park. The playground category included Brook Run, Best Friend, Swift-Cantrell, Centennial, East Cobb, and Piedmont parks.

August 7, 2009

CERTIFIED: SUWANEE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The City of Suwanee recently received recognition from two national organizations for its efforts in performance management and financial reporting. According to the awarding agencies, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the City’s efforts in these areas demonstrate a high level of accountability and transparency.

Suwanee is among only 18 jurisdictions from throughout the country to be recognized by ICMA with a Certificate of Distinction for its efforts and results in performance measurement and management, which includes reporting performance data to the public, verifying efforts to ensure data reliability, staff training, and using performance data in strategic planning and decision-making.

“In the current economic climate,” says an ICMA press release, “performance management is more important than ever. Not only does performance management aid in cost management, program prioritization, and quality improvement, but it encourages accountability and transparency.”

For the sixth consecutive year, the City of Suwanee has received a Certificate of Achievement from GFOA for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), this time for the 2008 CAFR. This certificate represents the highest from of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

August 6, 2009

MANY REASONS TO ENJOY SUWANEE DAY

A random survey of some of the 40,000 people who came out for Suwanee Day 2008 found that folks come to the annual community festival for a variety of reasons, the most compelling of which are, in the order that they were ranked, the food, arts and crafts, fun for the kids, and the day-long entertainment schedule. The good news is that the 2009 Suwanee Day celebration will offer all those things that people love most about the festival along with a couple new twists and about 50 very special guests.

Suwanee’s annual celebration of community will take place from 10 am-10 pm Saturday, September 19, at Town Center Park. This year’s Suwanee Day festival includes 27 food vendors, nearly 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, a giant slide and other inflatable fun for kids, and an entertainment line-up headlined by a free Blessid Union of Souls concert at 8 p.m. A fireworks display will add the exclamation point to the festival. Admission to Suwanee Day is free.

For more information or to sign up for the parade, Suwanee Day Classic race, or a volunteer shift, visit www.suwaneeday.com.

Special guests

With assistance from Hugs for Soldiers, approximately 50 soldiers from the 2-69 Armored Battalion with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning will be special guests at Suwanee Day. The soldiers will march in the 10 a.m. kick-off parade, with company commander Lt. Col. Robert Ashe and his family serving as honorary grand marshals. The soldiers will spend the day at the festival, enjoy dinner courtesy of Ippolito’s, and attend the evening concert before returning to Fort Benning – and then later this fall to Iraq.

Ding, ding, ding goes the trolley

For the first time this year, merchants in the historic Old Town area will offer free trolley rides during Suwanee Day. The trolley will run between Town Center Park and historic Old Town; free tickets will be available at the Old Town merchants’ booth in the festival shade tent.

Run, Suwanee, run

The Suwanee Day Classic, hosted by BodyPlex Fitness Adventure, will again offer two race courses, a 5K and 10K, on Saturday, September 12. The 5K routes winds through historic Old Town while the 10K route is along the Suwanee Creek Greenway; both races begin and end at Town Center Park.

For the first time this year, the 5K race route will not require runners to cross the railroad track on Suwanee Dam Road. The new pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks will be incorporated into the route.

You can help

Remember, admission to Suwanee Day is free, but you can help others by bringing canned food to the festival. Canned goods collected at Suwanee Day will be donated to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op. The canned good drive is organized by the Gwinnett Municipal Association.

August 5, 2009

SUWANEE SETS CITY COUNCIL QUALIFYING DATES

Candidates wishing to run for one of three Suwanee City Council posts to be on the November 3 ballot may qualify from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, August 31, through Wednesday, September 2, at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. The qualifying fee is $270.

The Council posts up for election and the Councilmembers currently serving in those positions are:

Post 3 – Kevin McOmber
Post 4 – Jace Brooks
Post 5 – Dan Foster

Each post is elected Citywide to a four-year term. In order to run for City Council, candidates must be a resident of the municipal limits of the City of Suwanee, registered to vote, and at least 18 years old.

For more information, contact Election Superintendent Elvira Rogers at erogers@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

July 28, 2009

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM HELPS REDUCE ACCIDENTS, GET CRIME OFF THE STREETS

The Suwanee Police Department reports that its Suwanee CARES traffic enforcement program implemented throughout May and June along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road sparked a 20.5 percent reduction in accidents and led to 56 related arrests.

“Studies have shown,” says Capt. Cass Mooney, “that enhanced traffic enforcement correlates to a reduction in crime and accidents. That’s certainly been borne out in Suwanee.”

Through the Suwanee CARES (Corridor 317 Accident Reduction and Enforcement Strategy) program, Suwanee police officers over a two-month period concentrated patrols along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, one of the community’s most heavily traveled roadways, focusing in particular on seat belt violations and red light infractions.

The total number of accidents in Suwanee in May and June 2008 was 195; during the same time period this year, the number of accidents totaled 155.

In addition to helping to reduce the number of accidents, Suwanee CARES led to 56 arrests – for outstanding warrants, marijuana use, suspended or no driver’s license, and DUI – that may not otherwise have been made. In addition, a stolen car was recovered and two escapees from an Augusta youth detention center were detained.

“Sometimes you can pull someone over for not wearing a seat belt,” says Sgt. Robert Thompson, “and you end up taking them to jail for something else. Traffic enforcement helps get a lot of crime off the streets.”

July 28, 2009

‘MAJIC’ CONCERTS RETURN TO SUWANEE AUGUST 7

The Majic 107.5/97.5 R&B concert series returns to Suwanee Town Center Park Friday, August 7, with performances by three up-and-coming artists. Sol Factor headlines the musical evening, which begins at 6:30 p.m. with Naturally 7 and PJ Morton.

Bridging the gap between modern jazz, hip hop, and soul, Sol Factor performs cover songs by some of today’s and yesterday’s favorite artists, including Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson. In addition, the band performs music from its 2005 CD Blue Couch; a new CD is anticipated in October. Sol Factor performed nationwide as the tour band for Tyler Perry’s acclaimed stage play, The Marriage Counselor.

When Naturally 7 performs, you’d think that you’re listening to a multi-piece band but the only “instrument” employed is the human voice. This “vocal play” group has performed throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Naturally 7 has opened for Michael Bublé and Jay Leno.

PJ Morton, a Grammy Award-winning writer and producer, describes his style as “soulful pop.” He has worked with a range of artists from India.Arie to gospel superstar Fred Hammond.

Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, friends, and neighbors to Town Center Park, but no alcohol may be brought into the park. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.

Parking is available at Town Center as well as on Main Street, which is located west of Town Center just across the railroad tracks on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. If parking on Main Street, use the new pedestrian tunnel to walk to Town Center.

July 28, 2009

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM HELPS REDUCE ACCIDENTS, GET CRIME OFF THE STREETS

“Studies have shown,” says Capt. Cass Mooney, “that enhanced traffic enforcement correlates to a reduction in crime and accidents. That’s certainly been borne out in Suwanee.”

The total number of accidents in Suwanee in May and June 2008 was 195; during the same time period this year, the number of accidents totaled 155

July 21, 2009

‘HAWK’ TO WATCH OVER PEDESTRIANS
CROSSING BUFORD HIGHWAY IN SUWANEE

The City of Suwanee expects to activate its new HAWK pedestrian beacon within the next few weeks. Located at Buford Highway and Town Center Avenue, the HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal, developed initially in Tucson, Arizona, will be utilized in Suwanee to provide safer pedestrian accessibility between Town Center and historic Old Town.

Suwanee’s HAWK pedestrian signal is the first in Georgia and one of only a handful nationwide.

The HAWK uses a unique configuration of flashing lights and symbols to signal drivers and pedestrians. To signal oncoming vehicular traffic, two red indicators are placed next to each other horizontally with one yellow indicator beneath them.

When not activated, the indicators are dark or unlit, and the pedestrian signal displays a solid DO NOT WALK message or symbol.
When a pedestrian activates the beacon by pressing the button to cross, the signal for vehicles flashes yellow for several seconds before changing to solid yellow.
Next, two solid red indicators illuminate, signaling vehicular traffic to stop, and the pedestrian indicator displays the WALK message or symbol.
As the pedestrian clears the crosswalk, the red signals begin to flash back-and-forth, and the corresponding DO NOT WALK signal also begins to flash. During this phase, drivers may proceed, after first stopping, if the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk area and it is safe to do so.
Then the HAWK beacon goes dark once again and the DO NOT WALK pedestrian signal returns to solid until activated by another pedestrian. Vehicular traffic travels through normally.

HAWK Illustration

Studies have found that use of the HAWK signals in Tucson have reduced accidents involving pedestrians and that the beacon is one of the most effective means used nationally to assist pedestrians in crossing busy streets safely. A YouTube video produced by the Tucson Department of Transportation demonstrates how the HAWK pedestrian signal works.

July 20, 2009

TEAM AGRO-ENGINEERS TO PRESENT PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN FOR SUWANEE’S COMMUNITY GARDEN

The preliminary master plan for Suwanee’s community garden will be presented during a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, July 22, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. The master plan has been designed and will be presented by Team Agro-Engineers, the group of consultants working with the City and citizens on the Founders Committee to create the garden. Area residents interested in the community garden project are invited to attend the presentation and to offer feedback on the master plan.

The community garden is expected to be ready for planting in spring 2010 on a 7-acre former farm property in Suwanee’s historic Old Town area.

The preliminary master plan includes suggestions for plotted garden areas, orchards, trails, and rehabilitation of the existing barn.

July 20, 2009

BE OUR GUEST FOR ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’

Suwanee Performing Arts will bring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to the Suwanee Town Center stage at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1, rain or shine. While the performances are free and open to the public from the lawn outside the amphitheater area, reserved low-to-the-ground patron tables are available in the area closest to the stage. A full table for eight is $90; a half table for four is $45. To reserve a table, call 770/821-7654.

More than 40 young people from the Suwanee area will perform in and produce this Suwanee Performing Arts’ production about love that looks beyond the surface.

Bring a blanket, lounging pillow, or low beach chairs for tables in the amphitheater area. Standard tables with chairs are available along the perimeter for individuals not able to sit on the ground. Bring lawn chairs to view the production from outside the amphitheater area. All guests are invited to bring picnics. More information is available at www.SuwaneePerformingArts.org.

A tea party with Belle will be held at 10 a.m. on the day of each performance. Space is limited for this unique opportunity to enjoy tea with Belle and her friends. The cost is $20 per guest. Call 770/821-7654 to reserve your spot.

Performances of Beauty and the Beast are co-sponsored by the Suwanee Public Arts Commission.

July 17, 2009

‘B AT THE MOVIES’ BRINGS ‘PAUL BLART’ TO SUWANEE TOWN CENTER

Paul Blart: Mall Cop will be the feature presentation when “B at the Movies” comes to Suwanee’s Town Center Park Saturday, July 25. Presented by B 98.5, the movie presentation is free and begins at dusk. The fun with B 98.5 begins at 7 p.m.

Released in January, Paul Blart, starring Kevin James, follows a pudgy, hypoglycemic, mall security guard who’s serious about protecting the New Jersey shopping center where he works his beat on a Segway. The movie is rated PG for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor, and language. For more information, visit websites such as www.parentpreviews.com or www.commonsensemedia.org.

Movie critic Roger Ebert describes Paul Blart as “a slapstick comedy with a hero who is a nice guy.”

Suwanee Town Center is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. Bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks, but no alcohol please.

July 13, 2009

‘MONEY’ RANKS SUWANEE HIGHLY - AGAIN

Once again, Money magazine has found life in Suwanee to be sweet. Suwanee is included in the magazine’s 2009 list of America’s top 100 best places to live. A regional model for open space preservation and creation of parks as well as smart-growth development, Suwanee was ranked number 35 in Money’s 2009 list of best small towns.

“We’re so proud to have our community recognized nationally,” says Suwanee Mayor Dave Williams. “As a community, we’ve undertaken some bold measures, that through collaboration and diligence, have helped to create an outstanding quality of life. We’ll continue to build on this momentum to ensure that Suwanee remains a great place to live.”

In compiling this year’s best places list, Money paid particular attention to economic-related factors. Other data that Money used in its consideration of more than 2,400 small towns with populations between 8,500 and 50,000 related to schools, crime rates, home affordability, and other quality of life factors. In a write-up about Suwanee on its website, Money/CNN says that the community “works hard to be family friendly.”

“The City of Suwanee has the whole package,” wrote Francena Maloney on Suwanee’s Facebook page. “We have parks, greenspace, award-winning schools, an involved and caring police force and a city government that is on the cutting edge.”

“Suwanee is the only place I've ever lived that is so family and fitness oriented,” Laura Koller wrote on Facebook. “We are very lucky to live here and have access to all that we do...the parks, the shops, the trails, playgrounds, and more....we have it all!”

Suwanee’s two Money magazine rankings [in 2007, Suwanee was ranked number 10] confirm results released earlier this year of the National Citizen Survey. The independent survey of residents was conducted collaboratively through the National Research Center, Inc. and the International City/County Management Association. Ninety-seven percent of respondents said Suwanee was an excellent or good place to live.

Other Georgia cities on the Money’s 2009 list of best places to live are Peachtree City at number 8 and Martinez at 63.

July 10, 2009

RUN, SUWANEE, RUN

Runners in the 9th annual Suwanee Day Classic, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, have their choice of two routes. Participants may choose from a 5K route through historic Old Town or a 10K course along the Suwanee Creek Greenway.

Both races begin and end at Town Center Park, located at the intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway. The 10K begins at 8 a.m., with 5K runners taking off at 8:30 a.m.

The 2009 Suwanee Day Classic, which will be held the week before the annual Suwanee Day festival on September 19, is organized by BodyPlex Fitness Adventure with sponsorship support from Optimum Health and Suwanee Family Dentistry.

All runners who register by September 5 are guaranteed a race t-shirt; runners who register later will receive t-shirts while supplies last. The entry fee is $18 if received by September 5, and $20 thereafter. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Town Center Park.

A downloadable registration form as well as a link to online registration is available at www.suwaneeday.com/race.html.

Awards will be given to approximately 70 individuals in various age groups as well as to runners ages 12 and under who complete the course.

On your mark…get set…run, Suwanee!

July 8, 2009

‘BUTTERFLY GIRL’ SCULPTURE ON LOAN AT SIMS LAKE PARK

Butterfly Girl, a 4-foot, bronze sculpture by Cumming artist Gregory Johnson, has been installed at Sims Lake Park, Suwanee’s newest park. The sculpture, on loan to Suwanee for four months through The Arts Council, Inc. of Gainesville, a regional Grassroots Agency, and in cooperation with the artist, exemplifies Suwanee’s efforts to promote public arts throughout the community.

Suwanee established last year a City Council-appointed, seven-member Public Arts Commission to encourage the display of art in public spaces. “We’re thrilled to have this statue on loan and on display at one of our community’s most popular parks,” says Denise Brinson, economic and community development director. “This is a realization of the kind of public visibility of art that we hope to foster throughout the City.”

The sculptor Gregory Johnson has created public art works that are located in communities across Georgia. In addition, his artwork is included among numerous museums and corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Europe, Costa Rica, and the Middle East. On his website, Johnson notes that his work “reflects the strong European tradition of a softly detailed surface quality, while expressing the energy and vitality of contemporary life.”

Butterfly Girl, which has been installed under a shade tree near the top of the stone streamscape at Sims Lake Park, is available for purchase for $7,500. Sims Lake Park is located at 4600 Suwanee Dam Road.

Installation of the sculpture was made possible through a grant to The Arts Council, Inc. of Gainesville through the Grassroots Arts program, which is supported, in part, by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations provided by the Georgia General Assembly. The Georgia Council for the Arts is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

June 30, 2009

COUNCILMEMBERS REACH MUNICIPAL TRAINING MILESTONE

Suwanee City Councilmembers Dan Foster and Kevin McOmber received Certificates of Recognition from the Georgia Municipal Training Institute during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) 76th annual convention in Savannah earlier this month.

A cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute for Government, the Georgia Municipal Training Institute offers a nationally recognized series of training opportunities designed to help elected city officials become more effective leaders.

Foster has served on Suwanee City Council since 2006, and McOmber was elected in 2007.

Also during the GMA conference, Mayor Dave Williams moderated a presentation for elected municipal officials from across the state entitled “Tweet, Friends, Blogs, Oh My! Becoming @ Ease with Social Media.” Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Burnette chaired the GMA Awards Committee.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit, and technical consulting services to its 500 member cities.

June 30, 2009

SUMMER DOLDRUMS? SUWANEE’S GOT THE ‘TONIC’

Tonic will rock Suwanee Town Center Park with a free concert on Saturday, August 15. The Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling band is back on tour following a several-year hiatus.

“If You Could Only See,” from the band’s debut album Lemon Parade was the most-played song of 1998. In 2003, Tonic received two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for “Take Me as I Am” and for Best Rock Album for Head on Straight.

Tonic founders singer/songwriter Emerson Hart and guitarist Jeff Russo, childhood friends, are joined by Dan Lavery on bass. The band recently released A Casual Affair: The Best of Tonic and is scheduled to release a new studio album this fall.

Atlanta-based Sunset Love Affair will open the free concert at 7 p.m.

Bring chairs, picnics, friends, and neighbors. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase, but no alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park. The park is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

June 25, 2009

SUWANEE ADOPTS $11.3 MILLION OPERATING BUDGET; NO TAX INCREASES PROPOSED

The $11.3 million balanced operating budget for fiscal year 2010 adopted by Suwanee City Council this evening is approximately $1 million, or 8 percent, less than last year’s adopted budget. No increase in any City tax rates are proposed, and the millage rate is proposed to remain at 5.77 mills. Suwanee’s millage rate has remained the same or been reduced over each of the past 7 years.

“Suwanee remains economically strong and fiscally sound,” says City Manager Marty Allen. “We did have to make a few concessions to economic conditions in our 2010 budget due to an anticipated decrease in revenues. We were able to balance the budget by decreasing expenditures and delaying some worthwhile purchases and programs. At this time, there is no need for any tax increases. We’re pleased to avoid passing along to our citizens any additional hardship during these difficult times.”

Expenditures will focus largely on maintaining current service and staffing levels, implementing the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and funding needed capital projects. Annual bond payments of approximately $1.62 million – for Suwanee’s award-winning open space initiative and new City Hall – account for the City’s largest expenditures.

New general fund expenditures in FY2010 include:

$189,000 in additional expenses for operation of new facilities, including City Hall and a new public works facility
about $12,000 to continue operation of a digital records conversion and storage initiative
$61,800 for state-mandated stormwater requirements.

One of the measures taken to offset an anticipated $482,000 decrease in revenues, due largely to declining property tax values and slower business growth, is a Citywide salary freeze; City employees will not receive salary increases in FY2010. In addition, cost-saving changes to the City’s healthcare benefits package were made. Staffing levels are expected to remain the same; no new positions, other than those that may be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (i.e., police officers), were added.

Suwanee’s budget relies on anticipated revenues; no fund balance will be used for operating expenses. However, a total of $591,200 ($287,450 from the general fund balance) is allocated for capital improvements to the City’s water system. The City has applied for federal grant dollars that may reduce the City’s contributions.

Suwanee’s general fund balance of about $7.3 million provides for approximately seven months of operating expenditures. “Due to sound financial planning and controlled quality growth,” says Allen, “the City of Suwanee has been able to establish an appropriate ‘savings account’ and maintain financial stability.”

In addition to its $11.3 million operating budget, the City of Suwanee has a proposed five-year capital projects budget of more than $26 million, to be utilized to complete or undertake some 36 projects. Among the capital projects funds are a remaining $1.1 million in voter-approved open space bond funds, part of which will be used to create a community garden in 2010, as well as voter-approved SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds.

The City of Suwanee anticipates $2.3 million in new SPLOST revenues over the next 12 months, which will be used for police facility enhancements, Suwanee Creek Greenway renovations and extension, road resurfacing and repairs, and a Sims Lake Trail connector.

“Voter-approved SPLOST funds continue to provide relief for the general fund and allow the City of Suwanee to undertake projects that might otherwise not be accomplished,” notes Allen.

Suwanee’s new fiscal year will begin July 1. The millage rate is expected to be approved at its current rate at the July or August City Council meeting.

June 23, 2009

‘BLESSID UNION OF SOULS’ TO HEADLINE SUWANEE DAY

Blessid Union of Souls will bring its rural soul sound to Suwanee Town Center Park on Saturday, September 19, for a free concert performance. The band’s 8 p.m. performance will punctuate a full day of free entertainment that is part of the annual Suwanee Day festival.

Blessid Union of Souls (BUOS to fans) produced three albums in the mid to late 1990s and a string of hits, including its two biggest: 1995’s “I Believe” and 1999’s “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me).” At Suite101.com, reviewer Craig Sanders describes the band’s music as “country-spiced alternative rock.”

Originally formed in Cincinnati, BUOS recently has changed up management companies, record labels, and band members. Performing in Suwanee will be BUOS faithfuls Eliot Sloan, songwriter and lead singer, and bassist Tony Clark along with musical veterans guitarist Bryan Billhimer and drummer Shaun Schaefer. The band’s most recent album is Close to the Edge, which was released late last year.

In a concertlivewire.com review of a BUOS performance in Chicago earlier this year, Andy Argyrakis praised BUOS’s intensity and “ability to blur genre lines.” He also deemed Sloan’s “underrated but exceptional songwriting” as “the most socially conscious songwriting to come out of the last decade.”

The BUOS concert is free as are all Suwanee Day performances. The full Suwanee Day entertainment line-up will be posted at www.suwaneeday.com soon. Suwanee Day is an annual community celebration that features arts & crafts, food, entertainment, a parade, and fireworks.

Bring chairs, picnics, friends, and neighbors to the concert, but no alcohol may be brought to Town Center Park. The park is located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

June 19, 2009

‘GROOVY’ DESIGN SELECTED TO REPRESENT
2009 SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL

Suwanee resident Shannon Scheels has been attending the annual Suwanee Day festival every year since her son was born 8 years ago. This year she’ll have additional motivation to attend the community celebration: Her design has been selected as the official 2009 festival logo.

Scheels’ retro, 1960s-style design was among 81 entries from 62 individuals submitted through this year’s design competition.

“The selection panel loved the bright colors and tie-dyed lettering in Shannon’s design,” says Suwanee Events Coordinator Amy Doherty. “Her design reflects the energy and celebratory nature of Suwanee Day.”

A stay-at-home mom of three (ages 8, 5, and 2), Scheels had planned already to begin online design courses this summer through the Art Institute of Atlanta.

“When I entered the contest,” she says, “I really did it as a challenge to myself. I never thought in a million years that I would win. Winning this contest affirmed my decision to move forward with school and gave me a lot more confidence in my skills. It’s such a thrill to be an integral part of this year’s celebration of community.”

Scheels’ Suwanee Day design will be printed on t-shirts provided to Suwanee Day volunteers and available for purchase at the festival. The design also will be used on other festival promotional materials.

May 26, 2009

SUWANEE INVITES AREA RESIDENTS TO HELP PLAN HOW COMMUNITY GARDEN SHOULD GROW

Got a green thumb? Like to play in the dirt? Or do you just want to enjoy fresh tomatoes and other produce that you grew yourself? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you’ll definitely want to be part of the conversation about Suwanee’s community garden, expected to be ready for planting next spring.

The first public meeting to discuss how Suwanee’s community garden should grow will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at City Hall.

Area residents interested in participating in the organic garden, which will be created on a former nearly 7-acre farm property located between Buford Highway and White Street, are encouraged to attend the public meeting or contact Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at jroth@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996. Community interest and input will help determine how many and what type of plots are created as well as additional park elements. At least two additional public meetings are scheduled for later this summer.

Also attending the June 10 public meeting will be representatives from Team Agro-Engineers, the firm that the City of Suwanee has contracted with for professional design and construction management services for the garden. Team Agro-Engineers includes:

Farmer D Organics – Described as the “Ty Pennington of organic gardening” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Daron “Farmer D” Joffe has developed and managed organic farms all over the country. Joffe, who also has deep roots in organic production and urban farming, will serve as the project “expert” and assist in establishing and managing the garden.
SEI (Southeastern Engineering, Inc.) – Marietta-based SEI offers civil engineering, landscape architecture, land planning, land surveying, and seismic/subsurface investigation services, with specialty services in “green” design.
I.C.S. (Irrigation Consultant Services) – I.C.S. will provide assistance in irrigation design.
Michael P. Landry – This is a small architecture firm experienced in private and public projects, including public park facilities.

The City received 15 proposals in response to its request for design and construction management services. City Council approved a contract with Team Agro-Engineers not to exceed $42,700 at its May 26 meeting.

“Team Agro-Engineers and Farmer D are passionate about organic and community gardening, sustainability, and our park site,” notes Jessica Roth, assistant to the city manager. “We feel confident that they’re the right team to help us get the community excited about this project and to help us figure out a way to take community gardening to the next level.”

Says Farmer D Daron Joffe: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the City of Suwanee on such a pioneering project. Creating a community garden will provide children and their families with meaningful memories that inspire healthy eating, an appreciation for nature, and knowledge in agriculture.”

Says Sean Murphy, landscape architect with SEI: “Our team believes that we are temporary stewards of the land and therefore this project should be implemented using environmentally sound practices and ‘green’ technologies. Our ‘green’ ideas for the park include the possibility of utilization of organic farming methods, installation of a well for irrigation, water recycling, and construction of a ‘bio-swale’ to catch silt from tilled fields. We’re very excited to help Suwanee create another signature park near its downtown area.”

May 4, 2009

COMMUNITY GARDEN PART OF SUWANEE’S PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE ENHANCEMENTS

The City of Suwanee is planning additional improvements and programming through its award-winning open space initiative. The City will undertake enhancements at PlayTown Suwanee later this year, including the addition of a trail on an adjoining, recently purchased property. The City also has begun planning for a community garden at the Williams Farm property on Buford Highway.

“Our goal is to have the garden ready for the community to plant in the spring of 2010,” says Jessica Roth, assistant to the city manager. “Establishing a community garden in our historic Old Town area is a nice way to pay homage to the property and to our history. Suwanee was for many years a small, agricultural community.”

The nearly 7-acre Williams Farm property, purchased in 2003, is among more than 300 acres of open space the City of Suwanee has acquired through its open space program since 2002.

The City issued a request for qualifications last week for landscape architect services to design and prepare the infrastructure for the garden, which also will serve as a passive park. Work will include constructing garden plots of various sizes, rehabilitating the existing barn, and adding pathways and other park elements.

The City has allocated $225,000 in remaining open space funds for design and construction of the garden.

In March, Suwanee used $102,000 in open space funds to purchase a 5.5-acre property located on Stonecypher Road near the intersection with Eva Kennedy.

A trail will be built on this property as part of upcoming enhancements at PlayTown Suwanee, the community-built playground on Main Street. In addition, a picnic pavilion will be constructed at the playground. The additions are expected to be completed next spring. The anticipated cost of about $315,000 will be covered through open space and 2005 SPLOST funds.

Suwanee has received several awards for its open space program through which the community has built four new parks and added three miles to its Suwanee Creek Greenway. Citizens approved $17.7 million in open space bond funds in November 2001.

April 27, 2009

BB&T, DOWNTOWN GRANT PROGRAM HELP CHURCH PUT BEST FACE FORWARD

Suwanee First United Methodist Church at 603 Scales Road is looking a little less hole-y and bit more hallowed these days thanks in part to a $2,500 Façade Grant provided by Suwanee’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Façade Grant Program is funded through a generous contribution from the Suwanee branch of BB&T bank, located in Suwanee’s Town Center.

The church used the $2,500 grant it was awarded late last year to make minor wood repairs and repaint the exterior of its main building, constructed in 1910, as well as its fellowship hall. The church overlooks Main Street from its hilltop location in historic Old Town. Its bell tower, gambrel roof, and red doors are distinctive features of this familiar architectural icon.

“The grant was tremendously helpful,” says music minister Don Massey. “especially considering the tough economy. Without the grant, we wouldn’t have been able to do everything that needed to be done this year. We’re trying to grow our church and need it to look its best.”

The Rev. Pat Southerland adds: “The beautiful new look of the exterior reflects the spirit and growth that is taking place in this wonderful congregation.”

Suwanee’s façade improvement program offers matching grants up to $750 for residential projects and up to $2,500 for commercial or other projects. Eligible projects include repairs to exterior facades, exterior painting, repair or restoration of trim, replacement of non-conforming signs, architectural lighting, and landscaping, among other types of improvements. Special consideration is given to applications for improvements to historic properties.

For more information about the program, contact Suwanee’s Downtown Manager Jane Keegan at jkeegan@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

April 26, 2009

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

The Suwanee Police Department will conduct an enhanced traffic enforcement program along the Highway 317 corridor through May. Through the Suwanee CARES program, police officers will have a decreased tolerance for accident- and injury-causing violations, such as speeding, improper use of lanes, following too closely, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Suwanee CARES, which stands for Suwanee Corridor 317 Accident Reduction and Enforcement Strategy, began April 18.

“Based on the number of accidents and injuries occurring along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, we have serious problems along the 317 corridor that need attention,” says Police Chief Mike Jones, noting that more than half of the City’s automobile crashes and injuries occur along this heavily traveled roadway. In 2008, a total of 1,136 traffic accidents, with 270 associated injuries, occurred in the City of Suwanee.

Jones adds: “We want to make our citizens and others aware of this initiative so that they can correct their driving behavior. With the summer driving season approaching, we’re working to police smart and make our community more safe.”

The Suwanee Police Department implemented the Suwanee CARES program for a six-week period in December 2006 and January 2007, which resulted in an 8.5 percent decrease in accidents along the corridor and a 30 percent decrease in injuries.

April 21, 2009

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE TO OPEN
MAJIC 107.5/97.5 CONCERT SERIES IN SUWANEE

The Majic 107.5/97.5 concert series in Suwanee gets off to a powerful start with a performance by electric violinist Ken Ford. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Town Center Park, located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

The Majic concert series replaces the Suwanee Smooth Jazz series and features some of the area’s top adult contemporary rhythm and blues artists. The series includes four concerts; in addition to the May 1 performance, concert dates are June 5, August 7, and September 4.

An area favorite, Ford offers an passionate, electrifying show. He has performed alongside some of the great names in contemporary jazz, soul, and R&B. His third CD, Right Now, was released last year.

Heston and Dawn McClain are the opening act.

The concert is free and open to the public. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, friends, and neighbors, but no alcohol please.

April 21, 2009

GET FRESH IN SUWANEE

The Suwanee Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 2. The market will offer in-season produce, herbs and plants, free-range meat and eggs, baked goods, and jams and jellies from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday through October 17 (except for September 19) at Town Center Park.

Approximately 20 vendors will participate in the Suwanee market each week. Among the produce typically available in May are lettuce, broccoli, spring onions, strawberries, turnips, herbs, perennials, radishes, and beets.

April 21, 2009

PERENNIAL TREASURES TO BLOOM ALONG SUWANEE TRAILS IN MAY

Art on a Limb, an annual program designed to celebrate the arts and nature, is about to bloom in Suwanee once again.

Daily throughout the month of May, two pieces of artwork will be placed along the Suwanee Creek Greenway – and this year art will appear along the trail at the new Sims Lake Park as well. Those who find the artwork may keep it.

This year’s art pieces are mixed media, historic collages created by local artist Melody Orr. Fashioned as magnets, the pieces feature historic Suwanee photos with mixed elements attached to the frame to add whimsy, sparkle, or a statement about the photo or time period.

“I came up with the idea when I was collecting family photos from my grandmother,” says Orr, who lives in Sugar Hill. “My primary goal was to preserve our history, but I fell in love with several photos and decided to make little keepsakes from them.”

The vintage-flavored magnets will be placed on the Greenway and at Sims Lake Park beginning May 1. For those who aren’t fortunate enough to find a magnet along Suwanee’s popular trails, the artwork will be available for purchase beginning June 1 at City Hall and selected upcoming events for $25.

In 2006, Orr created paintings on small pieces of Suwanee’s old water tower for Art on a Limb. The artwork received a Savvy Award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association in the “Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent” category.

A multi-media artist, Orr creates paintings and sculptures from a variety of materials, including torn paper, fabric, paper clay, polymer clay, and paint.

April 15, 2009

SUWANEE DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN CAPITALIZES ON TOWN CENTER SUCCESS, ENVISIONS BETTER CONNECTIONS

The City of Suwanee presented the final draft of its Downtown Master Plan to citizens during an open house at City Hall last night. The master plan has been developed over a six-month period with leadership from Ecos Environmental Design of Atlanta and input from citizens.

“The vision put forward in the Downtown Master Plan,” says Suwanee’s Planning Division Director Matthew Dickison, “capitalizes on the success of Town Center and works to create stronger connections between Town Center and historic Old Town.”

The plan calls for creating a community garden, realigning a couple of existing roadways, adding new roadways as additional connectors, expanding the greenway system, and undertaking a more detailed study of Buford Highway as well as a parking study.

The downtown plan also envisions a mixed-use development at Buford Highway and Russell Street as a transition to the historic Old Town area along Main Street as well as potential redevelopment of areas across Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway from Town Center. “A transitional development at Russell Street will create more awareness of historic Old Town,” notes Dickison.

Next, the final draft of the master plan will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council, which is expected to consider adopting the Downtown Master Plan at its June 25 meeting. Then the plan will be reviewed by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Much of the plan’s future implementation will be market-driven and generated by private-sector development. Among the measures the City will undertake in the immediate future as part of its five-year plan of action are:

A corridor study of Buford Highway.
A community garden on City-owned open space property along Buford Highway.
A downtown parking study.

More information about Suwanee’s Downtown Master Plan is available online at www.downtownsuwaneeplan.com.

April 14, 2009

"THRILLIN’ & CHILLIN’ AT SUWANEE’S BIG BACKYARD BASH

Suwanee’s Big Backyard Bash on April 25 will offer thrills and chills for participants of all ages: Backyard athletes will vie for the thrill of victory. Parents can chill as their children participate in an array of wacky interactive games and discover a variety of summer options to be offered through area camps. And, American Idol-wannabes can enjoy the thrill of performing onstage with the rock band Metalsome, Inc.

The fun begins at Suwanee’s Town Center Park at noon Saturday, April 25.

“The whole idea behind the Big Backyard Bash,” says Suwanee Events Coordinator Amy Doherty, “is to create an event so interactive and fun that those in attendance feel a little bit tired when they leave the park. We don’t want our backyard athletes to be the only ones who break a sweat.”

Area camps will be on hand to offer information about their summer programs and to provide a variety of wacky games in which attendees can participate. Think playing horseshoes with toilet lids, oversized Twister, or shooting hoops with a rubber chicken. In addition, a Wii interactive gaming center will be open for those who enjoy virtual competition.

Among the camp programs to be represented are Adrenaline Climbing, Discovery Point, Goddard School, Gwinnett County Public Library, Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Karate World, and Legacy Academy.

The World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete contest, which begins at 1 p.m., will feature about a dozen backyard warriors competing in Frisbee and water balloon tosses and an obstacle course that includes racing on hippity hops, building burgers, and a Wii homerun derby. Money raised by the athletes will support Gwinnett United Way summer camp scholarships.

Metalsome and area residents ready for their chance to sing their hearts out with a live rock band will take the Town Center stage at 6 p.m. Pre-registration to perform will be available during the event.

Admission to the Big Backyard Bash and participation in interactive activities are free. Food will be available for purchase. No beer or wine will be sold nor may alcoholic beverages be brought into Town Center Park.

April 2, 2009

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Suwanee CARES, which stands for Suwanee Corridor 317 Accident Reduction and Enforcement Strategy, began April 18.

April 2, 2009

DISTINGUISHED DUTY

The City of Suwanee Police Department recognized outstanding performances by several of its officers when it presented its annual awards last week.

Ofc. Fred Schumacher was voted by his peers as Suwanee’s 2009 Officer of the Year. Schumacher was instrumental in setting up the department’s new CAD (computer-aided design) system and, according to Chief Mike Jones, works “very hard” at addressing traffic and community policing issues.

Communications Officer Michelle Shepard also was selected by her peers as Civilian of the Year. Shepard, says Jones, is professional, clear, and articulate as she operates the radio system. “She also is willing to assist anyone,” says the Chief.

The Chief’s Award is presented to officers who are distinguished by their professionalism and strong work ethic. This year Sgt. Jeff Dickens and Ofc. Shannon Hitchcock were recognized.

Officer Jody Spivey scored the highest rating on the firing range and was named the department’s Top Gun.

March 26, 2009

CITY HALL GRAND OPENING CEREMONY IS ‘ON’ FOR SATURDAY; COMMUNITY PHOTO IS RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY

Rain on weddings is said to bring good fortune; perhaps the same will hold true for Suwanee’s City Hall Grand Opening Celebration. Despite Mother Nature’s lousy mood, the ceremony celebrating the opening of Suwanee’s art deco-styled City Hall will go on as scheduled at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28. However, the human aerial art community photo, that was to be part of Saturday’s festivities, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 29.

The community photo will be taken via helicopter Sunday afternoon at Town Center Park. Check-in will begin at 1 p.m. The 1,500 people who have pre-registered for the photo should plan to arrive at Town Center Park for check-in before 2 p.m. The rescheduled photo will be open to others who have not pre-registered; however, availability of t-shirts to be worn in the photo cannot be guaranteed. If you’d like to be in the photo, please plan to wear a white shirt.

The official grand opening ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday and will have a decidedly “green” hue in recognition that Suwanee’s new City Hall was designed and constructed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

In addition to the brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, the public is invited to the Suwanee City Hall open house, which will include a time capsule display, Snap Suwanee photo exhibit, history kiosks, and self-guided tours of the 23,600 square foot City Hall. Musical groups from North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge high schools will perform.

Fittingly, the City of Suwanee will participate in Earth Hour March 28. An annual worldwide event organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour is a movement to turn off all non-essential lighting for one hour, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday. Last year, more than 400 cities participated in Earth Hour, and this year communities in more than 60 countries will turn out the lights.

March 24, 2009

CITY OF SUWANEE WARNS RESIDENTS
ABOUT MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE OFFER

The City of Suwanee advises that it is not in any way affiliated with RLF Housing Counseling Community Service or Raymond, Louis & Fitch Mortgage Mediation Services.

City of Suwanee officials have been alerted to letters received by residents from an organization identified as RLF Housing Counseling Community Service stating, falsely, that it is a national representative for the City of Suwanee to aid residents with various mortgage assistance programs. The letters provide a Mortgage Assistance Help Line phone number of 1-800-476-6808.

Residents should be aware that the City of Suwanee has not endorsed nor is it represented by any mortgage assistance program.

March 19, 2009

CONQUERING THE ‘YELLOW BRICK ROAD,’ EATING CATERPILLARS, AND ENHANCING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SUWANEE

After 10 weeks at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Capt. Cass Mooney returns to the Suwanee Police Department at the end of this month with a healthy sense of accomplishment, new law enforcement contacts throughout the country, and a wealth of information and experiences to help him as he leads of Suwanee’s field operations bureau.

Mooney is the fourth law enforcement administrator in Suwanee to attend the elite national academy. Less than 1 percent of law enforcement leaders around the world have completed the program. Mooney started at the academy January 11, taking five academic courses as well as a grueling physical fitness program. He graduated March 20.

On a blog on which he chronicled his FBI National Academy experience, Mooney noted that his weekly schedule consisted of “eat, go to class, eat, go to class, eat, do homework, go to bed.” In reality, he did have opportunities to visit several of the museums in the Washington, D.C. area and to spend some time getting to know his colleagues outside of class and off Quantico’s infamous Yellow Brick Road obstacle course.

One of the main advantages of participating in the program, Mooney says, was the friends he made among his 242 classmates.

“I became friends with law enforcement administrators from Maine to California to Florida,” he says. “Now if we’re facing a situation in Suwanee, I can pick up the phone, call Steve or whomever, and say: ‘When you had this situation in California, what did you do?’ I can call these leaders directly without having to go through the rigmarole of red tape.”

Mooney also met several law enforcement leaders from around the world. His national academy roommate is a lieutenant colonel with the national police in Bangkok, Thailand.

Not only did Mooney meet people from all over the world, he also sampled foods from many of the 24 countries from which his classmates came. “Yuck!” was his assessment of fertilized duck eggs, considered a delicacy in the Philippines, but the caterpillars from Botswana, Africa, weren’t too bad, tasting similar to “a bland beef jerky.”

“It was a great experience,” says Mooney of the 10-week program. “I’m glad to be home and ready to put some of the contacts and ideas that I gained into practice.”

March 17, 2009

SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL SEEKS ECLECTIC EXHIBITORS

Share your artwork and handmade crafts with the approximately 40,000 individuals who attend the annual Suwanee Day festival. This award-winning community festival, scheduled for September 19, is now accepting exhibitor applications at www.suwaneeday.com. The deadline for applications is June 1.

Fine artists and talented craftspeople as well as food vendors with a flair for flavor are invited to apply online. To ensure a varied assortment of high-quality items, Suwanee Day exhibitors are accepted through a jury process, rather than on a first-come first-served basis. Preference is given to applicants who offer individually made artistic and craft items.

Suwanee Day takes place the third Saturday of September each year at Town Center Park and includes a parade, entertainment, activities for children, and fireworks as well as arts and craft exhibitors and food vendors. More information is available at www.suwaneeday.com.

March 9, 2009

CREATIVITY = A LITTLE EXTRA $$$?

The 2009 Suwanee Day planning committee is offering a creative opportunity to earn a little extra cash. And, in these tough economic times, who couldn’t use some extra cash?

So…get inspired and submit your creations to the Suwanee Day annual design competition. The winning artist will receive $500, and the winning design will be used on 2009 Suwanee Day t-shirts, posters, and other promotional materials. All submissions may be exhibited and offered for purchase at the September 19 festival. Last year, approximately 40,000 people attended the festival.

The deadline for submitting entries in the 2009 Suwanee Day design competition is June 1.

Digitally created designs as well as original artwork – including paintings, drawings, and photographs – will be accepted. Designs should be versatile and reproduce well on t-shirts and as posters. Guidelines and an application are available at www.suwaneeday.com.

Last year, the Suwanee Day committee received 73 design entries from 58 individuals. Ashleigh James of Lawrenceville won the competition.

February 25, 2009

SUWANEE EVENTS RECOGNIZED AMONG BEST IN SOUTHEAST

The City of Suwanee has received four Kaleidoscope Awards from the Southeast Festivals and Events Association for its 2008 events. The awards, presented February 17, also recognize the programming and marketing related to those events.

Suwanee received two gold and two bronze awards in the annual competition that recognizes the “best of the best from the Southeast region,” according to Carolyn Morris, executive director of the Georgia Festivals and Events Association. This year, 140 entries were received from 22 organizations.

One of the City’s gold awards was in the Best Event within an Event category for BodyPlex’s World’s Largest Outdoor Spin Class, which was part of the Party in de Park celebration of last year’s Tour de Georgia stage five start at Town Center Park. Suwanee Day Chairperson Melissa Fernandez won the other gold award in the Best Volunteer category (for events under $75,000).

The Suwanee Day festival website, www.suwaneeday.com, received a bronze as did the 2008 Suwanee Day commemorative poster, created by local artist Melody Orr in celebration of the 25th festival.

February 22, 2009

SURVEY SAYS: RESIDENTS RATE SUWANEE COMMUNITY, SERVICES

Results from the City of Suwanee’s first National Citizen Survey, conducted in November, are in. While overall community quality data indicate a remarkable degree of resident satisfaction, other data will help City officials determine priorities and improve weaknesses.

A collaborative effort between the National Research Center, Inc. and the International City/County Management Association, the National Citizen Survey has been used by approximately 500 communities across the country to explore residents’ opinions about their community and services provided by local government. The Suwanee survey had a 32 percent response rate with 351 residents of the 1,200 who randomly received them returning the survey.

Respondents rated community characteristics in eight areas: community quality, community design, public safety, environmental sustainability, recreation and wellness, community inclusiveness, civic engagement, and public trust. Of 31 community characteristics for which there are national comparisons, Suwanee was rated above the benchmark in 21 categories, similar in seven, and below in three.

“This survey will provide us with a good deal of applicable information, help us set priorities, and improve in areas of weakness,” notes City Manager Marty Allen. “If you never ask the questions about strengths and weaknesses, then you don’t ever really know the answers.”

Suwanee ranked below the national survey comparison composite in three transportation-related areas: bus/transit services, ease of bus travel, and traffic flow on major streets. The three characteristics in which Suwanee rated most favorably were image/reputation of Suwanee, cleanliness, and availability of paths and walking trails.

In the area of overall community quality, residents rated Suwanee extremely high. Overall quality of life in Suwanee was rated as good or excellent by 95 percent of respondents while 97 percent said Suwanee was an excellent or good place to live and 91 percent said they plan on remaining in Suwanee for the next 5 years.

Among other key findings of the survey:

95% of respondents reported visiting a neighborhood or City park and 97% rated City parks as good (21%) or excellent (76%).
90% said Suwanee had a strong sense of community and 97% found it a good/excellent place to raise children.
Fewer Suwanee residents than those in the national comparison regularly recycle; 28% of residents reported that they never recycle.
A majority of respondents (78%) felt the value of services for taxes paid was excellent or good.
The overall quality of services provided by the City of Suwanee were rated as excellent or good by 93% of respondents.

Results from Suwanee’s National Citizen Survey are available online at www.suwanee.com.

February 19, 2009

‘ATHLETES,’ SUMMER CAMPS WANTED
FOR SUWANEE’S BIG BACKYARD BASH

Suwanee’s Big Backyard Bash, an April 25 interactive, “fun-raising” event to benefit the Gwinnett County United Way, will pit the area’s biggest-hearted backyard athletes against one another, offer wacky interactive play opportunities, and provide information about area summer camps.

The City invites local summer camps to participate in this fun event, to begin at noon at Town Center Park. Participating camps will have the opportunity to share information about their programs and coordinate one of the wacky games available (think giant Tic-Tac-Toe or Twister or playing horseshoes with toilet lids). For more information, contact Suwanee Events Coordinator Amy Doherty at adoherty@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

Also invited to participate are athletes with a well-honed sense of fun and boundless stamina to compete in the annual World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition. This fierce, not-so-serious competition includes an obstacle course, Frisbee competition, and other backyard favorites. Contestants will raise at least $250 each, which will be donated to the Gwinnett County United Way to support children who may not be able to afford summer camps. Applications are available at www.suwanee.com.

February 18, 2009

WE’RE MOVING…

The new Suwanee City Hall, located at 330 Town Center Avenue, will be open for business Monday, February 23. Thirty-three City staff members will move into the new building over the weekend.

“It may not quite be ‘business as usual’ Monday morning,” says City Manager Marty Allen, “but City staff will be ready to serve citizens from our new City Hall next week. Also, Tuesday evening, the first City Council meeting at the new City Hall will begin at 6:30.”

Citizens are welcome to stop by to see the new City Hall, whether or not they have business to conduct. However, if possible, residents may wish to wait for the grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 28, when a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community photo, and tours are planned.

Suwanee residents may still contact the City at 770/945-8996 or visit via www.suwanee.com.

The police department will renovate and move into the former City Hall at 373 Buford Highway. Municipal Court will continue to be at the Crossroads Center at 323 Buford Highway.

February 13, 2009

2030 MASTER PLAN SIGNALS SHIFT IN GROWTH STRATEGIES

City Council adopted Suwanee’s 2030 Community Agenda/comprehensive town master plan last month. Now available online at www.suwanee.com, the comprehensive plan identifies areas where growth is anticipated and desired as well as areas where little growth or changes are expected and, for the first time in Suwanee’s history, encourages redevelopment in targeted areas.

“Following nearly a decade of significant growth, most of the raw, undeveloped land available in Suwanee is encumbered by development challenges,” notes Planning and Inspections Director Josh Campbell. “If large, master-planned mixed-use development was the defining characteristic of our 2020 comprehensive plan, redevelopment will be the hallmark of the 2030 Community Agenda.”

The most significant changes are anticipated in the Suwanee Gateway/I-85 area. Other areas that may experience significant future growth include Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Town Center, and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Established neighborhoods are among those areas where little change is anticipated.

The 2030 Community Agenda was created over the course of last year with assistance from the planning firm Urban Collage and with input and feedback from more than 100 individuals. In addition to being available on the City’s website, the 158-page comprehensive plan is available for review at City Hall.

February 11, 2009

GOOD NEWS ABOUT A BANK:
RBC BANK IS FIRST SUWANEE GATEWAY BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

The City of Suwanee has named the RBC Bank branch at 3151 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road as its first-ever Suwanee Gateway Business of the Month.

The Gateway Business of the Month for February 2009, RBC Bank was recognized for being a leader in the City of Suwanee’s Gateway initiative. This transformative revitalization effort will remake the Suwanee Gateway into a vibrant mixed-use commercial center and distinctive entryway into the City of Suwanee.

“RBC has really embraced the Gateway brand,” says Toni Shrewsbury, special projects coordinator with the City of Suwanee. “The branch has adopted cooperative marketing efforts and is promoting its Gateway location on stationary, business cards, and other materials.”

The bank also is among the first businesses to become certified members of the Gateway PACT program (Police and Citizens Together) and has volunteered to take a lead role in creation of a Gateway business networking group.

The Suwanee Gateway Business of the Month is an ongoing recognition program for businesses in the Suwanee Gateway area, roughly a 4 square mile area around Exit 111 off I-85 that extends from Satellite Boulevard to Crestridge Drive. Businesses may be recognized for a variety of reasons, from implementing a unique promotional idea to undertaking charitable efforts, from providing exemplary customer service to going green. To nominate a business, contact Toni Shrewsbury at tshrewsbury@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

February 9, 2009

SUWANEE HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK ‘GREEN’ EVENTS WITH TREE PLANTING AND PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS OPENING

Downtown Suwanee is going green with two events scheduled February 20 and 21.

The City of Suwanee will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting at noon Friday, February 20, at the red caboose on Main Street. Suwanee will plant an approximately 10-foot hemlock tree in celebration of its 19th year as a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA. The tree will serve as the community’s Christmas tree and will be magically lit by Santa each year during the Old Town Holiday Festival and Caboose Lighting.

The City will provide cherrybark oak and green ash seedlings to interested residents during the event.

On Saturday, February 21, the City will celebrate the opening of its pedestrian underpass linking the Town Center area and historic Old Town. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. across from the Gwinnett County Public Library on Main Street.

The 62-foot underpass, with entrances behind the current City Hall and across from the library, travels beneath the railroad track. It will allow people to walk more easily and safely between the two areas of downtown Suwanee.

“With Town Center and our parks, we’ve created some great destinations,” notes City Manager Marty Allen. “Now we’re working to increase connectivity and improve pedestrian and other non-vehicular access among those areas.”

Work is expected to begin next month on two related projects, pedestrian-activated crosswalks at the Buford Highway/Lawrenceville-Suwanee intersection and from the current City Hall to Town Center.

January 30, 2009

INITIAL VISION FOR DOWNTOWN SUWANEE TO BE UNVEILED FEB. 10; CITIZEN FEEDBACK WANTED

What might the Buford Highway/Russell Road intersection of the future look like? How might Old Town residents enjoy easier access to the Suwanee Creek Greenway and other parks and open spaces? How can commercial and residential uses in the Old Town area be expanded?

The initial answers to these and other questions will be offered at the February 10 Downtown Master Plan meeting. The public is invited to provide feedback on the initial downtown concept plan to be presented during the 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Suwanee Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway.

This will be the first public glimpse of the new streets, greenways, open space, and future mixed uses proposed through the ongoing Suwanee Downtown Master Plan. Interactive stations will be set up to allow participants to provide feedback on various segments of the plan. This feedback will be used to shape the final Downtown Master Plan, which will be presented in April.

A 14-member citizen-based steering committee and other interested residents who’ve attended previous meetings have worked with a planning consultant team led by Ecos Environmental Design of Atlanta to shape Suwanee’s new Downtown Master Plan thus far.

This plan will be an update of the 2001 Old Town Master Plan, which resulted in creation of Town Center and implementation of infill residential districts and the Old Town overlay district.

January 28, 2009

GROW YOUR BUSINESS AT SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET

The City of Suwanee seeks local farmers, gardeners, and others interested in participating in its 2009 Farmers Market.

Participating farmers must register in advance, grow their own produce, and be licensed and certified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Guidelines and an application are available at www.suwanee.com. For additional information, contact Amy Doherty at adoherty@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

The 2009 Suwanee Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday May 2-October 17 (except for September 19) at Town Center Park.

January 26, 2009

MARCH 28 CITY HALL GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION TO FEATURE HUMAN AERIAL ART COMMUNITY PHOTO

In addition to tours, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and other festivities, the grand opening celebration for Suwanee’s new City Hall, scheduled for March 28, will include a human aerial art project/community photo.

Using Town Center Park as a backdrop, participants wearing the same color or color-coordinated t-shirts will create an icon or image that will be photographed from above, likely by a photographer in a helicopter.

Those wishing to participate in the community photo are requested to register at the City of Suwanee website, www.suwanee.com, by March 13.

“We’re really excited about creating this community photo as a unique way to commemorate the opening of our new City Hall,” says Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. “The more people who participate in the photo the better it will be and the more fun the experience. We need folks to help us out by registering in advance.”

Participants who register by March 13 will receive a t-shirt to wear in the community photo. Participants will be asked to arrive at Town Center Park, probably between 1:30-2 p.m. with the photo to be taken around 2:30-3 p.m. The early arrival is necessary in order to coordinate placement assignments.

“If we can pull it off,” Brinson adds, “we’re hoping that folks will be able to locate themselves in the photo after it’s taken, and we’ll put the names of all the participants in the time capsule that’s being installed at the grand opening, too. We really think this is something our community will be able to look back on and say, ‘How cool was that?’”

January 23, 2009

TWO HOURS TO SAFER DRIVING FOR TEENS

The City of Suwanee Police Department, in cooperation with the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute, will offer a two-hour driver education class for new teen drivers and their parents at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 19, at the Suwanee CrossRoads Center, 323 Buford Highway. Class space is limited and advance registration is required. The deadline for applications, available at www.suwanee.com, is Friday, February 6.

Georgia Teens Ride with PRIDE (Parents Reducing the Incidents of Driver Error) is designed to help parents model appropriate driving behaviors and attitudes in order for their new teen drivers ages 14-16 to be safer and more confident behind the wheel. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Georgia teens.

The PRIDE course makes parents 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.

For more information, contact Sgt. Elias Casanas at ecasanas@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

January 6, 2009

SNAP SUWANEE

Do you have a great photograph that conveys a thousand words or so about the Suwanee community? If so, consider submitting the photo to the City’s Snap Suwanee photo contest. The City’s Public Arts Commission is hosting the contest, and the initial winning photographs will be displayed at the grand opening of the new City Hall, anticipated early this spring.

Pictures submitted to the Snap Suwanee Photo Contest must be taken within the City of Suwanee limits, preferably within the last two years. Ideally, photos will be taken at identifiable Suwanee locations and convey a sense of the community.

Snap Suwanee is an ongoing contest with photos accepted year-round, but to be considered for the 2009 display to be unveiled at the City Hall grand opening, entries must be received by Monday, February 16.

The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers, with a limit of five submissions per year per person. An individual may win only once each year.

Submit or mail digital photos to the Suwanee Crossroads Building at 323 Buford Highway or email individual photos to SnapSuwanee@suwanee.com. A separate entry form is required for each submission. More guidelines and an entry form are available at www.suwanee.com.

January 5, 2009

MAYOR TO PRESENT 2009 ‘STATE OF THE CITY’

Suwanee Mayor Dave Williams will present the 2009 State of the City address during the January 14 Suwanee Business Alliance meeting. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Gwinnett County Public Library, 361 Main Street.

Among the topics to be discussed are the economy; 2008 accomplishments, including the opening of Sims Lake Park, construction of pedestrian connectors that link various destinations, and completion of the 2030 comprehensive plan; as well as the upcoming opening of Suwanee’s new City Hall.

January 5, 2009

THE ROAD TO QUANTICO

Capt. Cass Mooney heads to Quantico, Virginia, later this week to participate in the elite FBI National Academy, an invitation-only 10-week course of study for law enforcement leaders. Mooney will be one of six Georgia officers among 250 from around the world to attend the 236th session of the academy from January 12-March 20.

Less than 1 percent of law enforcement leaders around the world have completed the program, which includes classes in law, behavioral science, forensic science, leadership development, and communication as well as the challenge of Quantico’s infamous Yellow Brick Road obstacle course. The Suwanee Police Department is proud to employ four other officers who have completed the FBI National Academy.

Mooney, who commands Suwanee’s field operations bureau and has worked for the police department for 11 years, says: “The FBI National Academy is like the Harvard of police training.”

Other Suwanee officers who are National Academy graduates include Chief Mike Jones and Deputy Chief Janet Moon, who participated while working for the Rome Police Department; Technician Bill Morgan, who attended as a detective sergeant with the Bedminster, New Jersey police department; and Capt. Clyde Byers.

January 5, 2009

TAKE ON A NEW ROLE IN NEW YEAR

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wear a badge, the Suwanee Police Department has an interactive opportunity for you. The police department’s eight-week Citizens Police Academy begins February 10.

The program offers Suwanee residents and business owners a fun, exciting way to get a glimpse behind the badge and to develop a better understanding of the issues, tactics, and risks associated with law enforcement.

The deadline for notarized applications is Friday, January 23; applications are available online at www.suwanee.com. 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 Sgt. Elias Casanas at ecasanas@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

Weekly classes are from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesdays, February 10 - March 31, at the George Pierce Park Community Center, 55 Buford Highway. Classes cover a variety of topics, including crime scene processing, traffic stops, responding to burglary calls, crime prevention, and narcotics identification.

2009 News Releases

SUWANEE MUNICIPAL COURT GOES PAPERLESS

POLICE SEEK ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECT

DON’T FORGET ‘CHIPPER’ THIS POST-HOLIDAY SEASON

TWO BUSINESSES, HISTORIC HOME RECEIVE SWAN-EE AWARDS

SUWANEE’S FAVORITE COLOR? GREEN

PLOT YOUR GARDEN SPACE NOW: APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER CELEBRATED AS ARC’S 2009 DEVELOPMENT OF EXCELLENCE

TWO HOURS TO SAFER TEEN DRIVING ATTITUDES & BEHAVIORS

SUWANEE SOARS WITH PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL, BUDGET DOCUMENT

BROOKS, FOSTER, MCOMBER, AND GOODMAN ELECTED TO SUWANEE CITY COUNCIL

PHOTO CONTEST IS A SNAP

TOAST @ TOWN CENTER: GOOD MEALS, GOOD DEALS, GOOD TIMES

COMMUNITY GARDEN NEEDS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

SUWANEE ADOPTING NEW POLICING TOOLS

SUWANEE’S BOND RATING AFFIRMED

COUNCILMEMBER JEANNE RISPIN RESIGNS

SUWANEE ATTAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY POLICING, RECREATION PROGRAMS, AND PARKS

SUWANEE DAY PARKING MADE EASY; SOME ROADS CLOSED DURING 10 A.M. PARADE

DOWNTOWN SUWANEE WEBSITE TO LAUNCH ON SUWANEE DAY

SUWANEE GROUPS WORKING TO ELEVATE ART, STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY

SUWANEE PROGRAM OFFERS A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE BADGE

GET YOUR GROOVE ON FOR SUWANEE DAY

SHOP TIL YOU DROP TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY GARDEN

TWO UNFORGETTABLE FEMALE VOICES TO PROVIDE FINAL NOTES FOR 2009 MAJIC CONCERT SERIES

SUWANEE MAINTAINS MILLAGE RATE AT 5.77

PARENTS VOTE SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET, PLAYTOWN SUWANEE AS BEST IN METRO

CERTIFIED: SUWANEE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

MANY REASONS TO ENJOY SUWANEE DAY

Special guests

Ding, ding, ding goes the trolley

Run, Suwanee, run

You can help

SUWANEE SETS CITY COUNCIL QUALIFYING DATES

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM HELPS REDUCE ACCIDENTS, GET CRIME OFF THE STREETS

‘MAJIC’ CONCERTS RETURN TO SUWANEE AUGUST 7

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM HELPS REDUCE ACCIDENTS, GET CRIME OFF THE STREETS

‘HAWK’ TO WATCH OVER PEDESTRIANS CROSSING BUFORD HIGHWAY IN SUWANEE

TEAM AGRO-ENGINEERS TO PRESENT PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN FOR SUWANEE’S COMMUNITY GARDEN

BE OUR GUEST FOR ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’

‘B AT THE MOVIES’ BRINGS ‘PAUL BLART’ TO SUWANEE TOWN CENTER

‘MONEY’ RANKS SUWANEE HIGHLY - AGAIN

RUN, SUWANEE, RUN

‘BUTTERFLY GIRL’ SCULPTURE ON LOAN AT SIMS LAKE PARK

COUNCILMEMBERS REACH MUNICIPAL TRAINING MILESTONE

SUMMER DOLDRUMS? SUWANEE’S GOT THE ‘TONIC’

SUWANEE ADOPTS $11.3 MILLION OPERATING BUDGET; NO TAX INCREASES PROPOSED

‘BLESSID UNION OF SOULS’ TO HEADLINE SUWANEE DAY

‘GROOVY’ DESIGN SELECTED TO REPRESENT 2009 SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL

SUWANEE INVITES AREA RESIDENTS TO HELP PLAN HOW COMMUNITY GARDEN SHOULD GROW

COMMUNITY GARDEN PART OF SUWANEE’S PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE ENHANCEMENTS

BB&T, DOWNTOWN GRANT PROGRAM HELP CHURCH PUT BEST FACE FORWARD

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE TO OPEN MAJIC 107.5/97.5 CONCERT SERIES IN SUWANEE

GET FRESH IN SUWANEE

PERENNIAL TREASURES TO BLOOM ALONG SUWANEE TRAILS IN MAY

SUWANEE DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN CAPITALIZES ON TOWN CENTER SUCCESS, ENVISIONS BETTER CONNECTIONS

"THRILLIN’ & CHILLIN’ AT SUWANEE’S BIG BACKYARD BASH

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

DISTINGUISHED DUTY

CITY HALL GRAND OPENING CEREMONY IS ‘ON’ FOR SATURDAY; COMMUNITY PHOTO IS RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY

CITY OF SUWANEE WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE OFFER

CONQUERING THE ‘YELLOW BRICK ROAD,’ EATING CATERPILLARS, AND ENHANCING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SUWANEE

SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL SEEKS ECLECTIC EXHIBITORS

CREATIVITY = A LITTLE EXTRA $$$?

SUWANEE EVENTS RECOGNIZED AMONG BEST IN SOUTHEAST

SURVEY SAYS: RESIDENTS RATE SUWANEE COMMUNITY, SERVICES

‘ATHLETES,’ SUMMER CAMPS WANTED FOR SUWANEE’S BIG BACKYARD BASH

WE’RE MOVING…

2030 MASTER PLAN SIGNALS SHIFT IN GROWTH STRATEGIES

GOOD NEWS ABOUT A BANK: RBC BANK IS FIRST SUWANEE GATEWAY BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

SUWANEE HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK ‘GREEN’ EVENTS WITH TREE PLANTING AND PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS OPENING

INITIAL VISION FOR DOWNTOWN SUWANEE TO BE UNVEILED FEB. 10; CITIZEN FEEDBACK WANTED

GROW YOUR BUSINESS AT SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET

MARCH 28 CITY HALL GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION TO FEATURE HUMAN AERIAL ART COMMUNITY PHOTO

TWO HOURS TO SAFER DRIVING FOR TEENS

SNAP SUWANEE

MAYOR TO PRESENT 2009 ‘STATE OF THE CITY’

THE ROAD TO QUANTICO

TAKE ON A NEW ROLE IN NEW YEAR

PLOT YOUR GARDEN SPACE NOW:
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER CELEBRATED
AS ARC’S 2009 DEVELOPMENT OF EXCELLENCE

BROOKS, FOSTER, MCOMBER, AND GOODMAN
ELECTED TO SUWANEE CITY COUNCIL

SUWANEE ATTAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
FOR COMMUNITY POLICING, RECREATION PROGRAMS, AND PARKS

SUWANEE DAY PARKING MADE EASY;
SOME ROADS CLOSED DURING 10 A.M. PARADE

TWO UNFORGETTABLE FEMALE VOICES TO PROVIDE FINAL NOTES
FOR 2009 MAJIC CONCERT SERIES

PARENTS VOTE SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET,
PLAYTOWN SUWANEE AS BEST IN METRO

‘HAWK’ TO WATCH OVER PEDESTRIANS
CROSSING BUFORD HIGHWAY IN SUWANEE

‘GROOVY’ DESIGN SELECTED TO REPRESENT
2009 SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE TO OPEN
MAJIC 107.5/97.5 CONCERT SERIES IN SUWANEE

SUWANEE CARES: POLICE IMPLEMENT
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

CITY OF SUWANEE WARNS RESIDENTS
ABOUT MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE OFFER

‘ATHLETES,’ SUMMER CAMPS WANTED
FOR SUWANEE’S BIG BACKYARD BASH

GOOD NEWS ABOUT A BANK:
RBC BANK IS FIRST SUWANEE GATEWAY BUSINESS OF THE MONTH