Edwin McCain to perform
at Town Center Park Aug. 16

On tour to promote his just-released album, a collection of vintage R&B cover songs entitled Nobody’s Fault But Mine (Saguaro Road Records), platinum-selling singer/songwriter Edwin McCain will perform a free concert at Suwanee’s Town Center Park on Saturday, August 16. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with two opening acts.

McCain is well-known for his blend of southern soul and acoustic storytelling as well as for his hits: I’ll Be, I Could Not Ask for More, Solitude, Write Me a Song, and Hearts Fall. More information.

Public safety, tech initiatives
part of 2009 balanced budget

The City of Suwanee’s $12.86 million fiscal year 2008-09 budget provides for new public safety initiatives and enhanced technology efforts. The budget, effective July 1, is balanced and requires no increases in City taxes. The millage rate is proposed to remain the same at 5.77.

Public safety initiatives account for many of the new items funded. In addition to adding two police officer positions and purchasing three police cars and one motorcycle, all of which will increase the department’s ability to undertake selected patrols and shift personnel as needed, the City of Suwanee is implementing a take-home car program. The program, which allows officers to drive police vehicles between home and work, is estimated to cost $90,820 next year.

“Several neighboring jurisdictions offer a take-home car program, a benefit that is very attractive to many officers,” says City Manager Marty Allen. “In order to remain competitive and to keep quality officers in our community, Suwanee will now test such a program, too.”

Other new initiatives in Suwanee’s 2009 budget focus on technology enhancements. The budget includes funds for digital records storage ($95,000) and a revamp of the City’s website ($75,000). Additional information.

Façade grant program will fund
downtown building improvements

The Suwanee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is implementing a Façade Improvement Grant Program that will provide grants for exterior improvements to buildings in downtown Suwanee, which encompasses Town Center as well as historic Old Town.

The program is funded through a generous contribution from the Suwanee branch of BB&T bank, located in Suwanee’s Town Center.

Suwanee’s façade improvement program offers matching grants up to $750 for residential projects and up to $2,500 for commercial 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. More information.

It’s science gone mad!

Sci-fi movies – from spine-chilling to wacky – will be featured this summer during the City of Suwanee’s Movies on Main Street, a series of exclusive revivals and must-see classic films.

Slated for the Saturday night series are:

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
  June 28

• Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
  July 26

• Double feature: Young Frankenstein (1974) and Oedipus Wrecks (1989)
  August 23

The film series offers horror and hysteria, paranoia and provocative satire, lunacy and laughs – from emotionless pod people, the Doomsday Machine, a Chinese magic trick, and an oversized monster.

Movies will be shown at 8 p.m. outdoors at the Burnette-Rogers Pavilion on Main Street. These events are free and open to the public; the movie series is for adult viewers. Patrons should bring lawn chairs or blankets, but no alcohol, please.

Court credentials

Suwanee Municipal Court Supervisor Mariza Abdeljawad is the first court clerk in Gwinnett County to complete the Georgia Council of Court Administrators’ (GCCA) educational certificate program. In completing the 40-hour training program, Abdeljawad was among 21 court clerks from throughout the state to receive a certificate of court administration April 22.

Over a two-and-a-half-year period, Abdeljawad attended training sessions on topics that included management, technology, finance, legislation, and human resources as they relate to the judicial system.

The program is designed to improve participants’ effectiveness as court professionals. Abdeljawad, who has worked in Suwanee’s Municipal Court for 8 years, is now working to obtain a master’s certificate through GCCA, which requires 100 hours of training.

Exhibit presents artist’s ‘Perceptions’

‘Belizean Boat’ by Vickie Johnson

Vickie Johnson’s exhibit, titled “Perceptions,” features 15 acrylic and oil paintings, including landscapes, cityscapes, and portraitures.

Believing that art is a gift to be shared with others, Johnson has been an art teacher in Gwinnett County Schools since 1994. She was named the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year in 1998. More information about the exhibit.

Originals or prints of most of Johnson’s works on exhibit are available for purchase. More information about Johnson and her art may be found on her website, www.vjohnsonperceptions.com.

Flock to Greenway for Art on a Limb

This year’s Art on a Limb is sure to have folks flocking to the Suwanee Creek Greenway for their chance to find and keep a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. The 2008 “finders keepers” celebration of nature and art features gourds painted to represent some of the birds that inhabit the popular four-mile trail. The birds have been created exclusively for Suwanee’s Art on a Limb by local artist Ingrid Bolton.

Each day throughout the month of May, the City of Suwanee will hide two pieces from Bolton’s flock of gourds somewhere along the greenway. The birds may be placed anywhere along the trail, from the bridge that connects the greenway to George Pierce Park to the trailhead at Suwanee Creek Park and may include the new pedestrian connection to Town Center as well as Suwanee’s new soft surface trail. Whoever finds a piece of artwork may keep it.

For Art on a Limb, Bolton originally tried painting magnolias and other flowers on gourds, but determined that they were too tame. “I like nature and I like birds,” she says. “I thought that doing birds would allow me to use the interesting shapes of various gourds and to create something fitting to be hung from trees along the greenway. Some of them have real character.”

Those not lucky enough to sight one of Bolton’s birds along the greenway may purchase one beginning June 2 for $25 at Suwanee City Hall or the Life is good festival at Town Center Park on June 14.

Officers of distinction

Several Suwanee police officers and department employees have received recognition recently from community organizations and colleagues for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Lt. Matt Scott

Ofc. Elton Hassell

The Gwinnett Bar Association has named Lt. Matt Scott Officer of the Year for his pursuit and arrest of a bank robbery suspect last year. A Dacula resident, Scott has served as a Suwanee police officer for more than 22 years.

Suwanee Police Department awards for 2008 were presented at the April 22 City Council meeting.

For the second consecutive year, Ofc. Elton Hassell was voted Officer of the Year by his colleagues. “Day in and day out, Ofc. Hassell provides consistent, professional service,” notes Deputy Chief Janet Moon.

Sgt. Elias Casanas, Suwanee’s community relations officer, received the Chief’s Award. “I’m not sure what Sgt. Casanas’ secret is, but every time we have a Citizens Police Academy, the participants end up our best friends at the end of the seven weeks,” says Moon. “We appreciate his work in building bridges between the police department and the community.”

Nancy Miller, the police department’s administrative assistant, was voted Civilian of the Year.

Accolades for Suwanee police, parks

Suwanee heroes: From left, Det. Shane Edmisten, Det. Rob McCoy, Lt. Matt Scott, Sgt. Dwayne Black, Lt. Dan Clark.

Suwanee police officers and parks recently received rave reviews – and awards – from regional organizations.

Suwanee’s Criminal Investigation Division was named Public Safety Unit of the Year when the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce presented its 2008 Valor Awards on March 28. The Criminal Investigation Division includes Lt. Dan Clark, Det. Shane Edmisten, and Det. Rob McCoy.

In addition, Sgt. Dwayne Black received a bronze Medal of Valor for bravery and heroism. Lt. Matt Scott also was nominated for a Valor Award.

Each of the Valor Awards presented to Suwanee officers relate to the police department’s 100 percent success rate in tracking down and arresting those who attempted to rob banks in the City of Suwanee in 2007. More information.

Councilmembers Jimmy Burnette and Dan Foster accepted the Park Pride Inspiration Award on behalf of the City.

Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that leads and inspires action for parks and greenspace, awarded the City of Suwanee its 2008 Inspiration Award during its Parks and Greenspace Conference March 31. Suwanee won in the government category for extraordinary commitment to preservation and improvement of parks and greenspaces as demonstrated through its $17.7 million Open Space Initiative.

“More than any other jurisdiction in metro Atlanta, the City of Suwanee exemplifies the ‘Parks and Sustainability’ theme of Park Pride’s conference,” says Park Pride Executive Director George Dusenbury. “They have literally built a walkable, smart-growth city by creating new parks and encouraging appropriate development around them. Park Pride views the City of Suwanee as a model for the rest of the region.” More information.

Art: It’s not just for walls anymore

The City of Suwanee has taken a significant step toward bringing more public art to parks, neighborhoods, and other areas throughout the community. At its March 25 meeting, City Council approved establishment of a Suwanee Public Arts Commission.

“This is an important step for the City of Suwanee as we become a more mature community,” says Mayor Dave Williams. “We value art, and we believe that it plays a significant role in helping to create a wholesome, well-rounded community.”

The seven-member commission will be tasked with:

• assisting the City and other organizations and businesses in commissioning and selecting artists to create public works of art
• developing master plans, policies, and other program elements
• serving in an advisory capacity to other organizations and businesses interested in pursuing public art projects
• encouraging and assisting applicants seeking development permits in the creation of public arts projects
• soliciting temporary and permanent art displays in City facilities.

Commission members must be citizens of Suwanee or affiliated with a business located in the Suwanee corporate limits with expertise and/or interest in the arts, architecture, development, or related area. If you’d like to be considered for appointment to the Public Arts Commission, please send an email of interest to Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at jroth@suwanee.com by April 18.

Welcome to the 'heart & soul' of Suwanee

Downtown Suwanee will be the center of attention when more than 40 visitors from across the state roll into town on their chartered bus Wednesday afternoon, April 16. The visitors, who represent government agencies, foundations, and developers from across the state, are visiting thriving downtowns in nine north metro communities.

Organized by the Georgia Cities Foundation, the three-day Heart & Soul tour highlights innovative ways by which some Georgia cities have created vibrant, attractive downtown communities that enhance the quality of life and attract economic development.

“This is a great opportunity for us to show off our downtown – both sides of its captivating personality,” says Downtown Manager Jane Keegan.

In addition to Suwanee, 2008 Heart & Soul participants will visit Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Buford as well as Decatur, Roswell, Woodstock, Acworth, and Kennesaw.

Road map to 2030

The City of Suwanee is nearing completion of its 2030 Comprehensive Plan/Community Agenda process. A draft of the plan is available for public review. A public hearing on the comprehensive plan is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.

Building upon the new directions established through the 2020 town master plan, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan creates a community vision that aims to balance Suwanee’s residential, small-town feel with continued commercial, employment, and economic development opportunities. The plan will guide how Suwanee develops over the next 10 years at least.

For the first time in Suwanee’s history, according to the plan, future growth, to a large degree, is likely to be via redevelopment rather than on previously undeveloped sites. Much of the City’s future growth is envisioned in three distinct areas: Suwanee Gateway, Town Center, and in nodes along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

The plan divides the entire City into 10 distinct character areas and describes expected, desired growth in each of the areas. Many of the areas, including most existing neighborhoods, are expected to experience little, if any, significant changes.

The City of Suwanee is accepting written comments regarding the 2030 Comprehensive Plan through April 1. Comments may be mailed to City Hall or e-mailed to 2030plan@suwanee.com.

Tour de Suwanee

When the 120 athletes participating in the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T begin Stage 5 in Suwanee Friday morning, April 25, they will have pedaled through about half of their nearly 600-mile course across the state of Georgia. The “challenging” news for the riders is that the Stage 5 course, the first of two back-to-back mountain stretches, is this year’s longest, covering approximately 133 miles as the peloton pedals its way to Dahlonega. The following day, riders will climb Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet.

The Suwanee-Dahlonega stage start will begin at 10 a.m. at Town Center Park, 370 Buford Highway. Local fans and those who follow the race across the state will find several good viewing locations along the first portion of the day’s route within the Suwanee City limits.

From Town Center, riders representing 15 teams will zigzag their way up Brogdon Road, turning onto Tench Road and pedaling by Level Creek Elementary School, where they’ll be greeted enthusiastically by the school’s 1,200 students, before turning onto Suwanee Dam Road. The riders will then come back by Town Center Park as they head south on Buford Highway and then west on McGinnis Ferry Road. As they cross the Chattahoochee River, the peloton will have ridden nearly six miles through Suwanee.

“We’re really excited to have these professional riders go by Level Creek Elementary,” says Dr. Nancy Kiel, principal of the school. “For the kids to see these international athletes and get a sense of the hard work and commitment that it takes to be a world-class cyclist –  that’s a great example for the children.”

More information about Tour de Georgia.

Suwanee water users doing their part

Those shorter showers and fuller loads of dishes and laundry are paying off, Suwanee. Congratulations to City of Suwanee water system customers who clearly have been doing their part to help conserve water as Gwinnett County and much of north Georgia address historic drought conditions.

As part of the state’s response to the drought, Gov. Sonny Perdue ordered that beginning  November 1 all water systems in affected areas reduce monthly water production by 10 percent. Because the more than 800 people served by the City’s water system have taken steps to reduce water usage, the Suwanee system has been able to meet that goal each month.

The City of Suwanee is taking additional measures to reduce water usage. A streetscape project planned and approved for the Gateway area has been placed on hold. And, Big Splash fountain at Town Center Park will remain off at least for the near-term.

The City of Suwanee and other government agencies continue to monitor the drought situation and appropriate responses. As of March 17, Lake Lanier remained more than 15 feet below its full pool level.  For ideas about how you can conserve more of this precious commodity, visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net.

Suwanee events win kaleidoscope of awards

The City of Suwanee took home an array of awards from the 2008 Southeast Festivals and Events Association annual conference held in Greenville February 19: four gold or first-place awards as well as a second-place recognition.

Suwanee Day volunteer extraordinaire Kim Towne

• Primrose Schools of Suwanee won in the Best Sponsor category for the schools’ interactive sponsorship of Suwanee Day.

• Kim Towne, Suwanee Day volunteer chairperson, was recognized as Best Volunteer for her work in upgrading the festival’s online volunteer registration process.

• “Sail-A-Bration” activities at Suwanee Day, which celebrated Suwanee’s designation by Money magazine as one of America’s best places to live, were recognized in the Best Event within an Event category.

• A photograph (shown right) that depicts Jere Flynt conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during a June 30 concert at Town Center Park won for Best Event Photo. The photograph was taken by Lynne Bohlman DeWilde, Suwanee’s public information officer.

•  Last year’s Suwanee Day t-shirt, the design for which was created by Amanda Savage, a 2007 Oconee County High School graduate, won a silver award in the Best T-Shirt category.

“It was awesome to bring home so many awards,” says Amy Doherty, Suwanee’s events coordinator. “I’m really pleased for Primrose Schools and volunteer coordinator Kim Towne. It’s because of the support and collaborative efforts of community businesses and individuals like them that Suwanee is able to host such great events.”