gwinnett park life nov 2007

December / January 2008 Gwinnett Park Life 1

2 Gwinnett Park Life December / January 2008


Park LifeCONTENTS

Gwinnett

Cover Feature Peachtree Ridge Park & Youth LeagueTouchdowns, Homeruns & CheersPAGE > 8

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

Wedding on a BudgetPAGE >34

Compass Guide

Christmas Theatre and EventsPAGE > 26

December / January 2008

Also in this IssueWhere to Live & Play Near Great Parks Lakeview at Hamilton Mill Enjoy Bogan Park PAGE > 24Cycling “Winding Down The Season” PAGE > 20Where to Eat After the Games A list of some favorite spots PAGE > 29Park Updates The latest on park news PAGE > 22Sport Life Athletic Leagues, Registration and Updates PAGE > 18The Park Traveler Ecuador PAGE > 28School Sports Private and Public School Sports PAGE > 32In Focus Photos from a variety of places all over the county PAGE > 37

Survey Results

Best of Park LifePAGE > 30League Registration

Baseball: Lets Play Ball!PAGE > 31


Rico FiglioliniPUBLISHER AND

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

FEATURE WRITER Heather Loveridge

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSMark McGovern

Penny Pix Photography

ADVERTISINGDan Knutson

MAILING ADDRESS Gwinnett Park LifeP. O. Box 923296

Norcross, GA 30010-3296

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR STORIES, NEWS,

EVENTS AND [email protected]@gwinnettparklife.com

PARK PHOTOS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED

[email protected]

Please include a caption, when the photo was taken, park

location, one line description and photo credit.

RETAILTo display and make available Gwinnett Park Life magazine in

your store or offices please email [email protected]

Please visit us online at www.gwinnettparklife.com

Copyright 2007 Figliolini Holdlings LLC. All rights reserved. Gwinnett Park Life (GPL) is

published 10 times per year. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem inappropriate for our publication. We make no warranties on any

suggestions, recommendations or other advise in our editorial content. All rights reserved.

Park LifeGwinnett

Cover PhotoOn the cover are some of the Peachtree

Rigde Athletic Association Leaders. Photo credit: Penny Pix Photogrpahy

L-R Dave Wengryn, Dave Lee, Chris Griffin, Shari Donatell, and Rondi Raines

Contributor Highlight

From the Publisher

Penny Duncan, a photographer, homemaker, wife and friend is thrilled to be a part of Gwin-nett Park Life. This U.S. Navy veteran is a native of Peoria, Il-linois, but has called Gwinnett County her home since 1993. She suffers from over-volunteerism and obsessive penny pinching. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she loves her role as wife and mother best. Penny studied photography at Illinois Central College and started Penny Pix Photography in 2003. Please drop in and view her online gallery at www.PennyPix.net, You may see someone you know!

Heather LoveridgeAn avid eques-trian for more than 20 years, writer Heather Loveridge has been fortunate enough not to have been injured from the sport. She and her husband have three horses and recently added a pony for their 3-year-old son. They love trail riding and camping in Georgia’s parks whenever they have the opportunity.When not riding, Heather spends her time writing and editing for various local and national publications. She has been writing about Gwinnett for the past six years.Have comments about this article? Email Heather at [email protected].

We had a terrific response to both our on-line edition at www.gwinnettparklife.com and our first issue. It takes alot of effort and time to put together a publication and I’d like to thank all those that have taken an interest in promoting our magazine. We strive to put out a quality, family oriented publication that speaks to the community and shares the successes from within -- parents, children and businesses that create a fantastic place to live. This issue is showing more of the type of coverage we want to give - not the box scores, but the people stories, events, and programs that you want to read about.

Rico Figliolini, [email protected]


Compass Guide GWINNETT COUNTY AND CITY PARKS, PLUS SURROUNDING AREAS

BE HERE TOO Send Your Event, Program and News Happening at County or City Parks to [email protected]

December 7 Elf Workshop 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Calling all of Santa’s Helpers! Come and make a masterpiece that can be used as a gift. Refreshments, games and holiday fun are all part of this event! $7 per person, ages 4-10. Pre-register by Dec. 3. Call 770-822-5414. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center is located at 100 E. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.

December 8 Shop Till You Drop 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop for your fam-ily…while you drop your kids off with us for a fun day of crafts, pizza and games! All ages, $12 per person. Call 770-417-2200. Pinckneyville Park Community Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross. December 8 Kid’s Christmas Craft Fair 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring the kids out to the park for a fun-filled day cen-tered around the holidays. There will be themed crafts, snacks, and cookie decorating. Parents are asked to stay and assist their children. Pre-registra-tion is required. $8 per person, ages 3-10. Call 770-614-2060. Bogan Park Community Center is located at 2723 N. Bogan Rd. in Buford.

December 12Anne Gordon Art Exhibit Reception 7 p.m. The reception for the opening of the Anne Gordon Art Exhibit will be held at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. The exhibit will be on display from Dec. 7 to Feb. 27. Call 770-822-5450. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 W. Crogan St. in Lawrencville.

December 14Kids Night Out 5:30 – 9 p.m. Pack a bathing suit/towel and gear up for fun and games. Must be on time to be able to swim.

Dinner will be served after swimming, please give your child a light snack before arriving. Event fills quickly. Pre-registration required. $10 per person, ages 6-10. Call 770-614-2060. Bogan Park Community Center is located at 2723 N. Bogan Rd. in Buford.

December 15Shorty Howell Line Dance-a-thon 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. Come join us for an evening of nothing but Line Dancing! Bring a snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Early registration $5 per person; price increases to $8 on Dec. 8. All ages. Call 770-814-4914. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building is located at 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Duluth.

January 12Latin Dance Party 7 – 11 p.m. We are hosting a party with Latin flair! Dance lessons during the first hour, mini-dance lessons taught throughout the night. Singles and couples are welcome. Refresh-ments provided. $12 per person. All ages. Call 770-564-3060. Lucky Shoals Park Community Center is located at 4651 Britt Rd. in Norcross.

January 20Winter Bridal and Fashion Show 2 – 6 p.m. Visit with local wedding professionals, win valuable prizes, and view the latest bridal fashions at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. runway shows. $3 per person. All ages. Call 770-822-5450. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 W. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville

January 27Dinner and a Movie 5:30 p.m. Join other seniors in your community for a spaghetti dinner, conversation and a movie. $3 per person. For ages 50-up. Call 770-822-4914. Shorty Howell Park Activity

Building is located at 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Duluth.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center www.autreymill.org

Guided Nature HikesGuided Nature Hikes last for approxi-mately one hour and explore different regions of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Sounds of Sundown Guided twilight hike... This program provides a chance for the whole family to enjoy Autrey Mill. A twilight hike through our 46+ acre. Participants should bring a flashlight and a sense of adventure. This is NOT a \’drop off\’ program, and at least one parent/guardian must ac-company children.12/6/07 at 7p.m.& 12/27/07 at 7p.m.FREE for members. $10 for non-member family (up to 5 hikers)

Chattahoochee Nature Centerhttp://www.chattnaturecenter.com/9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-2055

Bead ClassSaturday, December 8 at 1:00-4:00 PM. Ages 13 and up. $15 non-members/$12 members. Join a CNC naturalist in making a beaded bracelet to complete your holiday finery. A variety of stitches and beads will be used to create a seemingly intricate, attention-grab-bing bracelet. Supplies and instruc-


tion are provided. Pre-registration required. Jewelry Making ClassSunday, December 9 at 2:00-3:30 PM. Ages 13 and up. $35 non-members/$30 members. Create the perfect gift! Make two pair of wire earrings for your friends and family. We will talk about design, using elements of color and composi-tion, and the use of Swarovski crystal.Pre-registration required. Christmas Bird CountSaturday, December 15 at 1:00 – 4:00 PM. All ages. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12, free for members and children 2 and under. The Audubon Christmas Bird count takes place December 14 – January 4, and CNC wants to help you kick off the fun with an afternoon devoted to birds! Find out more about the program, discover the best ways to attract birds to your backyard, check out the Bird Bio Buggy, and borrow some binoculars to get started.

Weekend Special Slithering SnakesSaturdays and Sundays in January 2 PM.All Ages. Explore the fascinating world of these reptilian hunters while visit-ing CNC. A CNC naturalist will show off one of our non-releasable snakes in the Discovery Center. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Storytime by the River Wednesday, January 2. 10:00 – 11AM. Ages 3 – 5. Using books, finger-plays, or crafts, our volunteer storytellers share stories about nature. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Havana Son – A Musical Tour Through Latin AmericaSaturday, January 5. 11:00 – 11:45 AM. All ages. Havana Son takes you through a mu-sical tour of Latin American countries. Join in by clapping, singing, dancing and even playing along as Havana Son moves through the musical traditions of each country. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.


Touchdowns, Homeruns & Cheers Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association Scores with the Community

Written by Heather Loveridge | Photos by Penny Pix Photography

It’s like ketchup and fries. You just can’t have one without the other. And in Gwinnett, parks and sports go together per-fectly. Such was the case when Peachtree Ridge Park in Su-wanee began construction. Actu-ally, the story started several years before that.

Five years ago the Peachtree Ridge school cluster in Suwanee was formed. Students that had been part of North Gwinnett, Collins Hill and Duluth (and their respective athletic associations) became part of the Peachtree Ridge cluster. Their parents recognized the need for a new athletic organization; hence Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association was born in 2003.

Operating out of Duluth’s Bunten Road Park, the association started with about 250 participants in football and cheerleading.

“We felt a very strong sense of community need to be able to provide facilities so they could get started,” said Kathy Marelle, director of the City of Duluth parks and recreation. “They had an association but not a place. We’re very grateful to all the youth associa-tions and the parent volunteers that help maintain facilities and provide programs for the kids.”

Now, four years later, more than 3,000 families are involved in football, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading. And in 2008, the as-sociation will move into its new home, Peachtree Ridge Park in Suwanee.

There, athletes will enjoy a new foot-ball field, baseball/softball fields and a soccer field as well as a special needs field and playground. Peachtree Ridge is one of the few parks in Gwinnett that offers sports programs for special needs kids. Through its INSPIRE program, the association has a flag football and cheerleading program for special needs participants. In its second season, the


Touchdowns, Homeruns & Cheers Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association Scores with the Community

Written by Heather Loveridge | Photos by Penny Pix Photography

association currently has about 50 kids involved. Other football players and cheerleaders volunteer their time each Sunday to serve as buddies on the field or help teach the girls cheers.

On the other side of the park will be a special needs rubberized field with larger dugouts for easy wheelchair access and other fea-tures. This spring, the association will start its first INSPIRE softball/baseball program.

‘We want this to be programs that our rec kids partipate in and our rec parents come and see, and we’re hoping that this develops a softer, gentler park overall,” said Shari Donatell, the asso-ciation’s treasurer. “The park will also have a special needs playground near the baseball/softball/soccer complex. The purpose and vision for that is to have a playground where special needs kids can mingle with everyone.”

It takes a village to run a park

There’s more that goes into run-ning an association than most people probably know. Every athletic-related event at a park like Peachtree Ridge is managed by the association. The county provides them with the park (and the concession stand/storage/bathrooms building), maintenance during the


week, utilities, a contract to use the fields, some guidelines, a manual to go by and that’s it. If more storage is needed, a new dugout, a press box, bat-ting cages, paint on the field, etc. it’s up to the association to raise the money.

“I have four youth people to run this entire county (and all its parks) so therefore we don’t run the programs,” said John Register, athletics coordinator for Gwinnett County Parks and Rec-reation. “They’re all run by volunteer parents, and there’s an association at each park. They’re all non profit groups; they all have their own separate insur-ance policies; they pick the coaches; they pick the teams; they set their fees. We don’t run the day-to-day operations of their business.”

Contrary to what some might think, the association does not pay the county to use the park.

“The only things they ever give us money for is out-of-county fees, which is if a child comes from Forsyth County and the registration for football is $125, you charge them $175. That $50 comes back to us and they send that to us after

each season. And then anytime they use an override for the lights. They get charged $10 an hour for using the lights after a certain time,” said Register. “It’s [running the athletic programs] a ser-vice that we couldn’t do if it weren’t for them. We realize that and our board of commissioners have been that way ever since I’ve been here.”

So what are those association fees used for? Uniforms, insurance, official pay – all things the association must purchase or pay for itself.

Running an athletic association like this is no small feat but dedicated vol-unteers keep it going week in and week out. Every volunteer, board of directors included, is an unpaid volunteer.

“I would say we have around 400 parent volunteers. And many of them, especially our dads, coach multiple sports,” said Donatell. “We have a great group of people.”

As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) the as-sociation is a business and is run as such. They have an executive board, a board of directors, yearly elections and other checks and balances. Most of their

Chris Griffin, Vice President

Dave Wengryn, President

Rondi Raines,Secretary

Dave Lee,Football Director

Shari Donatell,Treasurer

Other Board Directors include: Baseball, Derrick Hutchens; Softball, Mark Thomas; Soccer, Steve Morche; Basketball, Mike Chaney; Special Needs, Derrick Hutchens

For more information about Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association, call 770-476-2425 or visit www.pryaa.com.


income is obtained through fundraisers. Since its beginning four years ago, the association has raised and saved more than $100,000. Of course, that money will quickly disappear now that it’s being put toward new batting cages, a press box and other needs at the new park.

So Donatell, who has experience with high-level fundraising due to her husband’s job as an NFL coach, spear-heads various fundraisers. The associa-tion currently is selling bronze statues that will be placed throughout the park and also is selling bricks.

Donors have played a huge part as well in the association and park’s suc-cess. Resurgeon’s Orthopaedics donat-ed $65,000 for the special needs play-ground, while parent and volunteer Casey Coffey has given time, materials and money. As the owner of Gwinnett Place Ford and Gwinnett Place Honda, Coffey has donated a Mustang con-vertible each year for the association’s raffle. Part of the money raised from the raffle also goes to Young Life, a Chris-

tian ministry that reaches out to middle school, high school and college-age kids. It’s an organization that, like the Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Associa-tion, is near and dear to his heart.

“It’s mission is to make sure that there’s an opportunity for kids to have extracurricular activities that are whole-some and healthy as opposed to maybe going down the wrong road. It’s in each one of the schools,” Coffey said. “This community has blessed my wife and I with supporting our businesses here in Gwinnett. We feel [that it’s important that] we’re able to give back and be able to contribute to try to make the extra-curricular activities and the sporting events in the parks a better place for all the kids here in the Peachtree Ridge cluster.”

Coffey and his wife Ene, have five children, four of which are involved in the association. In addition, he coaches baseball and basketball and she coaches cheerleading. He was on the baseball board when the association first began and served there for two years.

Peachtree Ridge Park3170 Suwanee Creek RoadSuwanee, Ga. 30024Open to the public spring 2008

Description:Acres: 155 acres

This park features:l Football complex with concession restroom buildingl Maintenance buildingl Passive area to include: Pavilion Playground Restroom building Paved walking trail Shelter Outdoor basketball courts

l Baseball/softball/soccer complex to include: Three baseball/softball fields One soccer/pony baseball field One special-needs field One soccer field Concession restroom building Playground

Future planned facilities include: an aquatic center, a dog park, tennis courts, a skate complex and sand volleyball courts. Additional trails inside the park and one connecting to Peachtree Ridge High School (behind the park) also are in the master plan. No monies or timeframe for these future phases are currently identified.


“My kids are obviously actively involved in several of the sports, we live here in the Peachtree Ridge cluster and I wanted to make sure that I could help out and try to con-tribute to growing a new youth organization, ” he said.

From little league to the “big” league

From the beginning, Peachtree Ridge High School has been involved in the associa-tion. When the school opened five years ago, there was no community so the school felt it was important to help cre-ate a youth athletic association.

“It helped us develop a Peachtree Ridge community and a sense of belonging between the youth and the community and the high school,” said Bill Holleman, the high school’s ath-letic director. “But what’s happened since then, most of those kids are home grown. They’ve come up through the Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Asso-ciation, have grown up playing youth football right here and have been little Lions since they were 6, 7, 8 and 9 years of age and now their full-blown Lions, so to speak.”

As the athletic director, Holleman gave input into the association’s pro-grams and helped develop a relation-ship between the school and organiza-tion. From the beginning, his coaches offered free clinics to the league’s foot-ball players and many times they also stayed after school practice and helped the association’s coaches and players with their techniques.

“All they have to do is let us know

they have a need, and our coaches have been very good about running to the rescue,” Holleman said. “We continue to do youth nights and things of that nature where we recognize the coaches and the cheerleaders and the players out of that league at one of our football games and we’ll continue to do those things.”

Many players go directly from the association’s leagues into the high school’s athletic teams. One of those is Kevin Pierannunzi, who is featured in this issue’s high school athlete Q&A (read it on page 13).

A worthwhile causeFor volunteers like Donatell who

donate myriads of hours to the associa-tion, their reward comes from seeing the kids having a ball. (Continued on Page 16)

Left to right: Shari Donatell, County Commissioner Lorraine Greene and Dave Wengryn

>>Opposite page: Profiles of two Peachtree Ridge High School Athletes

If you have one that should be highlighted please forward their name and contact info

to [email protected]


Athletic ProfileKevin PierannunziThe athlete: Kevin Pierannunzi, an 18-year-old senior and football player at Peachtree Ridge High School

Q: Why did you choose your par-ticular sport? A: I chose football when I was in the third grade. All of my friends were playing and loved it, and I have been hooked ever since.

Q: Proudest achievement so far? A: My proudest achievement so far would is being voted team captain by my coaches and teammates.

Q: What are some of your goals for the rest of the season? A: For this season, I hope that my team can go into the playoffs in the first seed, and then from there, win another state title.

Q: Do you have a pre-game/compe-tition routine? A: Pre-game the only routine I have is to try to stay calm and not go crazy too soon, because sometimes that gets very tiring.

Q: How has your coach helped you improve? A: My coaches have helped me improve my leadership skills, my technique, my strength and speed, but more importantly have taught me how to carry myself on and off the field.

Q: Who’s your biggest fan? A: My biggest fan is either my little sister or my mother. They both paint their faces, and are always at all of my games.

Q: Hobbies and interests? A: Watching football, relaxing and be-ing with my friends and family.

Q: Favorite movie? A: Wedding Crashers

Q: Favorite quote? A: “The real leader has no intent to lead -- he is content in pointing the way.” Henry Miller

Q: Favorite book? A: The Client by John Grisham

Q: Favorite music/artist? A: Rap and Rock/Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin

Q: Favorite sports team? A: UGA

Q: Dream job? A: ESPN anchor

Q: Favorite restaurant? A: Ippolitos

Q: Best school memory? A: Being with my friends

Q: Favorite sports drink? A: Vitamin Water

Q: Favorite pre-game or post-game meal? A: Barbeque from Lenny Mac’s

Athletic ProfileTyler Droll The athlete: Tyler Droll, a17-year-old junior and tennis player at Peachtree Ridge High School

Q: Why did you choose your particular sport? A: I have always had extremely good hand-eye coordination. As a kid I loved tennis and excelled at it, and my passion for the game has continued.

Q: Proudest achievement so far? A: This year I went to Hard Court Su-pernationals in Kalamazoo, Mi. where I had a come-from-behind victory against a highly ranked player while many college coaches were watching.

Q: Do you have a hero/mentor in the sports world? A: I look up to Roger Feeder like many other tennis players in the world do. He is such an amazing player along with his very calm yet imposing presence. I also play a game style much like his so he is a great person

to watch and learn from.

Q: What are some of your goals for the rest of the season? A: Individually, I would like to go undefeated for the whole season. As for the team, I believe we will win another region championship

and hopefully go deeper into the state playoffs than last year, which was to the quarterfinals.

Q: Do you have a pre-game/compe-tition routine? A: I warm up which includes jogging, stretching and hitting for about 30 minutes and then listen to my Ipod until I go on the court.

Q: How has your coach helped you improve? A: My private coach, Gery Groslimond, has worked tons to help my game

improve mentally and physically. My high school coach, Matt Oberstein, has given me the opportunity to play line 1 and be a captain as a sopho-more, and both of these have given me more confidence which is critical in any sport.

Q: Who’s your biggest fan? A: Mom, dad and brother

Q: Hobbies and interests? A: Outside of tennis I participate in many activities. I am highly active in school with a top 10 class ranking while taking the highest level courses offered. I am part of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Junior Classical League (Latin Club) and Math team. I participate in math and Latin competitions through these clubs as well as doing many hours of community service.

Q: Favorite movies A: Gladiator, 300, Fight Club, Dumb and Dumber

Q: Favorite books A: Harry Potter of course, James Pat-terson books, Michael Crichton books

Q: Favorite music/artist A: Avenged Sevenfold, The Chemical Brothers, basically hard rock and techno

In a sports-minded county like ours, it’s no surprise that our high schools are full of stellar athletes. We thought it would be a great idea to get up close and personal with some of them and discover the answers to some burning ques-tions. What are their proudest achievements? Who’s their biggest fan? What’s their favorite TV show? Here’s a glimpse into the lives of three star athletes from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee. Q&A Edited by Heather Loveridge


Casey Coffey knows the parks near his Suwanee home like the back of his hand. After all, he spends most of his free time there. With four kids that play virtually every sport, Coffey’s either chauffeuring them to a game, coaching a game, helping set up before a game, or doing any other myriads of tasks. But he loves it and wouldn’t trade his life for anything.

He and his wife Ene have five children: 13-year-old Drew, 10-year-old Jordan, 10-year-old Alexandra, 8-year-old Zane and 2-year-old Nicole.

“Everybody’s involved in virtually every sport: football, baseball, softball, cheerleading, soccer, basketball,” Cof-fey said. “They do it all – that’s all we do is go from one park to the next. Our Saturdays are filled up.”

A dedicated sports dad, Coffey coaches baseball and basketball while Ene is a cheerleading coach. The family had been playing in the Duluth baseball league but when the Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association began, they switched since it was close to their home.

Coffey became a staunch supporter of the association from the start. He was one of the first board members, serving on the baseball board for two years.

“We live here in the Peachtree Ridge cluster, and I wanted to make sure that

I could help out and try to contribute to growing a new youth organization,” he said. “This community has blessed my wife and me with supporting our businesses here in Gwinnett, and it’s just something that we feel we’re able to give back and be able to contribute to try to make the extracurricular activities and the sporting events in the parks a better place for all the kids here in the Peachtree Ridge cluster.”

As the owner of Gwinnett Place Ford and Gwinnett Place Nissan, Coffey has donated a convertible Mustang each year to the Young Life raffle, which also is one of the association’s fundraisers. Chik-fil-A is also a sponsor of the event.

“Casey has given a lot of money to the association, and not even just money but he’s the first guy out there dragging the fields, lining the fields, working the concession stand,” said Shari Donatell, the association’s trea-surer, “He’ll announce, he’ll coach, he’ll do whatever. He’s on both sides always, he’s not just writing checks. He takes it a step further.

“If I had to describe the perfect youth family, it would be the Coffey family. That’s for sure. I can’t even tell you how many times when I’m work-ing on something, and I’m not knowing how to do it or where to go or just want to kind of run it by somebody to see if I’m on the right track – Casey’s my first call.”

A native of Kansas and a political science graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, Coffey never (continued page 16)

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE


LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Pictured: Casey Coffey and his wife Ene with 2-year-old Nicole. Front 10-year-old Jordan and 13-year-old Drew, ,in the Mustang 10-year-old Alexandra and 8-year-old Zane.

Written by Heather LoveridgePhotos by Penny Pix Photography


dreamed he’d be in the car business.

He intended to go to law school and become a sports agent. When a fra-ternity brother’s brother-in-law asked Coffey to help him sell Cadillacs one summer, Coffey refused – that was the last thing he ever wanted to do. However, after the dealership owner twisted his arm, Coffey relented. The first month he sold 25 cars. He never made it to law school.

“I stayed there. The gentleman who owned the company was Cecil Van Tuyl, and he was ac-quiring more dealerships across the country. Long story short, he is my part-ner now –actually his son Larry and I are partners,” Coffey said. “We are part of the largest privately held automotive group in the world. We have 62 stores across the coun-try. Mainly in the South: Phoenix, Dallas, Hous-ton, Atlanta, Orlando, etc.”

In 1999, Coffey heard about two struggling dealerships in Atlanta. The opportunity to sell cars in a growing, emerg-ing, favorable-weather market proved too hard to resist, and that year he bought the Ford and

Nissan locations. Both locations were selling 80-100 new cars a month and 30-50 used cars – not ideal. Today, between the two stores, more than 1,000 cars are sold a month.

“Our key to success is people, people, people. It’s all about people,” he said. “Doesn’t make a difference what brand you’re selling, how big a building you have, what your location is, it’s all about people. We have some really, really great people that make this business what it is. We’re very blessed.”

Much of Coffey’s dedication to helping others is due to his Chris-tian principles. He and his family are members of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, and he has instilled in his family the importance of fairness, kindness, charitableness, giving back and being involved.

“There’s nothing better than walking into a grocery store or walking into a restau-rant, and some kid who was 7 years old and is now 10 or 11 walks up and says ‘Hey, Coach Casey.’ Those are just great moments,” Casey said. “We’ll always stay

involved. We’re going to do what’s necessary to see this thing through so we have really a world-class park.”

“We had a kid this year in our 8th grade program who had a very hard family situation and is now living with his grandparents. They sought our program out because they thought it was important to get him involved in extracurricu-lar activities,” Donatell said. “We worked really hard to get him on the team and get him equip-ment that he needed. The child on the first day was shy, unsure – he got taken out of a really bad family situation, thrown into a new school, he didn’t know anybody, 3,000 kids, the whole thing. And when you look at this boy now he is laughing and he has friends – the great thing about children is they just accept people regard-less of their situation. This is what this is sup-posed to be about. I wish you could have seen him day one and now. That’s what keeps me going.”

Peachtree Ridge Park Cover Story(continued from page 16)


Marketplace To advertise call 678-358-7858


Sport Life ATHLETIC LEAUGES, ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS

BE HERE TOO Send Your Athletic League & Sports Stories and Pictures to [email protected]

Gwinnett Football League

8-Yr Old ChampionsThe NG Bulldogs (pictured below) 8 year old team(10 - 2) ad-

vanced to the Gwinnett County Championship Game by beating the Mill Creek Hawks(9 - 2) by a score of 7 - 0. Mill Creek’s only losses of the year both came at the hands of the Bulldogs. The defense again lead the way for the Dogs with a shutout performance over the Hawks who came in averaging more than 24 points a game. The Bulldog’s offense came out strong on the opening drive of the second half with several strong runs including one on fourth and four and went in to score both the TD and extra point - the only scores of the game.

North Gwinnett played the undefeated Peachtree Ridge Lions(11 - 0) in the battle of the only two 10 plus win teams in the 33 team age group. The Lions squeaked by the Dogs in their previous meeting earlier in the season 12 - 7. The Championship eventually went to the Lions 24-0.

NGFA--vs--Buford-NL-East-2007

Name School

Jennifer Hollis BrookwoodConner Layson BrookwoodMolly Moore BrookwoodWilliam Bowers BufordBo Freer BufordAndy Kellogg BufordIan Quinn BufordPearson Clark Central GwinnettKeenan Colbert Central GwinnettAmy Cunningham Central GwinnettJalonna Kearney Central GwinnettKristin Maddox Central GwinnettDevan Stickland Central GwinnettMadison Southerlin Central GwinnettMegan Williamson Central GwinnettKirsten Clark Collins HillJaime Gamel Collins HillDerrick Johnson Collins HillAshlee Murray Collins HillKara Ramos Collins HillTrey Walker Collins HillChristine Jones DaculaCourtney Knight DaculaRyan Meyer DaculaAaron Arnold LoganvilleKristin Arp LoganvilleNikki Hope LoganvilleJonathon Myers LoganvilleMary Rohletter LoganvilleTaylor Thompson LoganvilleNoah Hanley Mill CreekStephanie Smith NorcrossGarrison Johnson North ForsythLarry Bobo ParkviewKaitlyn Farrell ParkviewKristin Gittings ParkviewHayleigh Green ParkviewCallen Womack ParkviewEvan Black Shiloh

Gwinnett Football League

Scholarship Winners

Memory of John Sears Andy Miller Collins Hill Memory of Steve Purvine Laine Chapman Dacula Memory of Grace Chambers Heather Emery Norcross Memory of “Q” Crane Drew Dasher Buford Memory of Doug Pickett Olivia Boyce Dacula

Champions 8 Yr Lions


Gwinnett Football LeagueRecipients of the Kyle Maynard Courage Award Winners (pictured bottom right) were from Collins Hill –

Jamie Dickson and from Dacula – Cheylin Jones. GFL Rep of the Year - Jackie Wilson (pictured center - left photo) from the South Gwinnett AssociationSource: GFL website


Biking Events& AdviceThis Month’s Great Park Bike TrailYellow River Park has a great mountain biking trail. The Yellow River Mountain Biking Festival was recently held there.

Georgia Cross Series www.georgia-cross.com

December 2, 2007Blue Ridge

December 9, 2007Dahlonega, Series Finale

June 7-14, 2008 BRAG Bike Ride Across Georgia www.brag.org 2008 route Atlanta to St. Simon’s Island

March 11, 2008 Georgia Bikes Ride to the Capitol To support bicycle friendly com-munities as well as bike trails and facilities”

April 25 - 27, 2008 The 2008 Spring Tune-Up Ride will be held again in Madison, GA,. Come ride the beautiful roads in Morgan County and enjoy historic downtown Madi-son. Make plans to come and join other cyclists as they get the cobwebs out of their legs from the winter months. There are loop rides with various mileage options each day.

Calendar Source: CycleWorksinc.com Everything you would need and more for Cycling.

This Month’sCalendar Sponsor Winding Down the

SEASONSpecial for Park Life by Ralph Frazier

End-of-Season TrainingThe racing season is over and training for the End-

of-Season Transition Period begins. Athletes know the importance of training during the Preparation and Competitive phases of the racing season. Many, though, are not as familiar with training during the End-of-Season Transition Period. Some athletes im-mediately start their Preparation phase training for the next season fearing any break would result in a setback. Others may completely stop training and “hibernate” until near the beginning of the next sea-son. Neither case is ideal.

The End-of-Season Transition Period is a time of rest and recovery following the training season. It

provides a break from structured training, allow-ing the mind and body to rejuvenate. If you don’t reduce training, you are likely to wind up over-trained or burned out. However, training should not be disregarded; just adjusted.

The Transition Period should have little regimen-tation – mostly an unstructured training period. Do what you feel like doing as long as it is low intensity and low volume. It is important, though, at least once every two weeks, to perform one super lactate thresh-old workout. If these workouts are entirely avoided throughout the End-of-Season Transition Period, you will unduly suffer when reintroduced to the new sea-son’s training program. Cyclists

Group riding during the off-season at an easy pace allows for social interaction, stress relief, and a chance to sharpen and improve group riding skills. Cut your mileage; ride the bike for training only three to four times per week – not fast rides and not hard rides. Go out on the bike with the main goal of having fun! “Af-ter the race season, we work on bike handling skills instead of chasing and attacking drills. We substitute

For Runners ING Georgia Marathon, Half Marathon and Wheelchair Half Marathon on March 30, 2008.www.IngGeorgiaMarathon.com

Run The ReaganFebruary 16, 2007 RTR is the largest road race in Gwinnett County. Half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and 1 mile fun run.Visit http://www.runthereagan.com/ for more information.


our high intensity hill repeat workout with a short recovery ride followed by plyometrics,” explains Coach Ralph Frazier who runs a junior cycling pro-gram in Suwanee.Triathletes

Triathletes, in particular those with running backgrounds, are often reluc-tant to take breaks. They fear setbacks. Breaks and setbacks are actually ben-eficial to triathletes in terms of overall development. A break gives both the body and mind some time to regroup from strenuous training and competi-tion. Breaks allow little injuries to heal. Imposed breaks actually position the athlete to have a longer career.Cross-training, alternative sports

You can supplement cycling and maintain a minimum level of endur-ance fitness with cross-training. Many coaches say, “Stay active especially in sports that you enjoy other than road cycling.” Triathlete coaches include swimming and running within this ban. Cyclists can substitute road cycling with other sports that minimize the risk of injury. Sports that require some en-durance and promote quick movement are preferable; cyclo-cross, mountain biking, jogging, plyometrics, swimming (not triathletes).

“This is a good time for athletes to start working on their core strength training”, explains Ironman triathlete Kat Tindol. As a personal trainer for Bodyrich Fitness, Duluth, Kat knows that a strong core (abdominal muscles and lower, middle, upper back muscles) is essential for all athletes’ performance and injury prevention. Getting to the gym also offers cross training options like the ellipticals, stair climbers, spin bikes and various classes.”

Cycling coach, Esther Davis, Su-

wanee, former pro cyclist and Olympic medallist, advises gradually adding some cross-training that helps work out those race-season imbalances that develop from single-sport activity. This includes strengthening the core (back and stomach) and adding meditation, yoga, stretching and balance skills (such as exercise ball activities, dance and hiking) to your training program.Look Forward to Next Season

Time away from your normal train-ing will pay off with higher motivation, healing minor muscle damage, and reduction of psychological stress. Use this time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and set your goals and objectives for the next season.

Source: Ralph and Cathy FrazierFrazier Cycling Inc. 770.513.8640 www.fraziercycling.com


Park UpdatesThrasher Park

Green FrogsThrasher Park is now

home to a couple of new friends. If you haven’t been by to see them, the “green frogs” are delightful for young and old. Beau Smith, an artist from Smryna, is a second general “frog sculptor”. Irene Crapo, the President of the Norcross Woman’s Club who recently lost her battle with cancer was instrumental

in seeing that these fun sculptures came to Norcross. Irene grew up in Norcross and always thought of the parks as a place to play and enjoy hereself. She wanted to bring smiles to children and their families and knew that the “green guys” would make great photographs. The mon-ies from the 2005 and 2006 Norcross Art Fest were pooled together to pay for the refur-bishing of the gazebo and the creation of the sculptures.

Suwanee

Sim Lake ParkSuwanee’s next new park, Sims Lake Park, located at 4600

Suwanee Dam Road, is 62-acres. The proposed park is considered the jewel of Suwanee’s award-winning open space program. The City Council authorized $2.6 million in remaining open space bond funds for phase one of the park, now set to get underway. Elements to be included in the park’s initial development include a one-mile multi-purpose trail, public restrooms, paved parking, irrigation, picnic areas, and open play fields. The City of Suwanee anticipates opening Sims Lake Park during the summer of 2008.

New Addition, Connection to Suwanee Creek Greenway

The City of Suwanee recently completed two projects associ-ated with its four-mile Suwanee Creek Greenway. A new pedestrian “connector,” linking the Town Center area, via Portland Trail Drive, to the Greenway is now open as is a nearly one-mile soft surface trail at Suwanee Creek Park.

The centerpiece of the concrete and boardwalk connector is a 160-foot bridge that spans Suwanee Creek, running parallel to Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

At the Suwanee Creek Greenway trailhead at Suwanee Creek Park, the new soft surface trail provides previously inaccessible views of the woods, wetlands, and creek within the interior of the park. The trail can be accessed near the concrete “shortcut” at the back parking lot at Suwanee Creek Park, 1170 Buford Highway, as well as via the paved loop behind the Alder Pavilion.

The trail, which includes a bridge over the creek that runs parallel to the vehicular bridge, also connects to the restroom facilities and the new outdoor classroom, recently completed by Eagle Scout candidate Will Lippman.

Lilburn, Snellville

Get New Park LandGwinnett County bought 56 acres for a new park in the Lilburn

area and expanding South Gwinnett Park near Snellville by nine acres. The new Bryson Park is named for the family selling the land

on U.S. 29 near Lilburn. The County is combining this land tract with another 11 acres to create a 67-acre active community park. The comprehensive master plan for parks and recreation identifies a need especially for soccer facilities in the area.

The public will be invited to participate in creating a master plan for the park next year, according to District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti. “The parks and recreation comprehensive master plan confirmed that this area of the county has a high need for park land,” said Nasuti. “With land becoming scarcer in this part of the county, I am thankful for the opportunity to purchase this property with SPLOST funds to meet the recreation needs of the community.”


BE HERE TOOSend park information and Pictures to [email protected]

DUNCAN CREEK PARK

Park Gets Football Press Box

The new Duncan Creek Park football complex will get a press box thanks to a partnership between Gwinnett County and the Mill Creek Athletic Associa-tion (MCAA).

District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly, himself a youth athletics football coach, said, “I’m very pleased that this new park will bring an outstanding football facility to the Hamilton Mill area next fall. And this new ‘parknership’ will complete it with a first-class press box.”

Under the agreement ac-cepted Tuesday by the Board of Commissioners, the MCAA will pay $109,000 while the County contributes $50,000 to add the press box.

Gwinnett County plans to open the first phase of the 110-acre park at 3700 Braselton Highway next summer according to Community Services Director Phil Hoskins. In addition to the football facilities, it will include a 60-foot octagonal pavilion, play-ground, sand volleyball courts and restrooms. Phase Two will add a roller hockey rink, tennis courts and picnic facilities.

The County bought the land in 1998 with SPLOST revenues. A citizens committee assisted Lose and Associates of Lawrenceville with the design of the park. ASTRA Group, Inc., is handling construction of the roughly $8 million park.

PINCKNEYVILLE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Hosts “Frost on the Kudzu”Pinckneyville Park

Community Center and the Gwinnett Historic Court-house will sponsor a group exhibition titled “Frost on the Kudzu” from Dec. 4 - Feb. 27. The exhibition will be presented at the Gwinnet Historic Courthouse, located at 185 W. Crogan St. in down-town Lawrenceville. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri., and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sat. The exhibition will feature two-dimensional works by members of the Kudzu Art Zone organization.

Kudzu Art Zone is an innovative nonprofit artist organization in Gwinnett County whose goal is to offer a forum and strong voice for the local artist community. Exhibiting artist are Rigsby Barnes, Lois Coburn, Cynthia Corbin, Charlotte Erickson, Susan Faircloth, Jeanine Fortin, Ellie Harold, Kathy Kitz, Anne LaBaire, Jim Mengasen, Beth Moody, Ron Percio, Harilee Santoro, Kati Sellers, Melanie Chesnutt Sheldon, Shirley Shepard, Debra Barnhart Smith, Neva Spell and Rosemary Benavides Williams.

For more information call Pinckneyville Park Community Center at 770-417-2200 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

PINCKNEYVILLE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Hosts Several ExhibitionsPinckneyville Park Community Center will sponsor a dual exhibi-

tion, “Introspective of Two Spirits,” through Jan. 24 Gallery hours are Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sun. noon – 5 p.m. The exhibition will feature two-dimensional works by artists Billie Mathis and Erin McIntosh. Billie Mathis has been painting watercolor for 37 years and has completed a four-year study in commercial art with Art Instruction, Inc. in Minneapolis. Her paintings have been juried into many regional and national exhibits. She is a signature member, a life member, and the coordinator of the Regional Directors of the Georgia Watercolor Society.

Erin McIntosh graduated with a BFA in painting and a BFA in Art Education from the University of Georgia in 2003, and was awarded a painting residency at the Vermont Studio Center in 2004. She served as Exhibitions Coordinator at Tannery Row Artist Colony, and now serves as Director of Education on the board of The Painted Lion Soci-ety. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Drawing and Painting and is teaching as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Georgia State University.

In addition, Pinckneyville Park Community Center will be simultaneously sponsoring a solo exhibition, “Blooming Autumns.” The exhibition will feature three-dimensional ceramic works by artist Tameka Hill. Hill has been working in ceramics for approximately seven years and holds a BFA with a focus in ceramics from Georgia State University. She is currently seeking to refine her skills in the discipline of ceramics. Pinckneyville Park Community Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross. For more information call 770-417-2200 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.


Live and Play Near Great ParksResidents at Winmark Homes’ Lakeview at Hamilton Mill Enjoy Bogan Park

Residents at Winmark Homes’ Lakeview at Hamilton Mill can enjoy easy proximity to one of Gwin-nett County’s best public recreation areas, Bogan Park. This com-munity of 160 homes, which is priced from the $300,000s, is about a five-minute drive away from Bogan Park.

If families want to live in a community that’s near a wide array of family-fun activities, Lakeview at Hamilton Mill offers a perfect loca-tion. Bogan Park, which is located at 2723 North Bogan Road in Buford, is an 83-acre park featuring an indoor family aquatic center with competition swimming pool and a

zero-depth leisure pool with play structures and water slide. The park also sports a new gymnasium with dance studio and additional group class-room space, as well as seven outdoor baseball/softball fields with a foot-ball field overlay, sand volleyball courts, outdoor basketball courts, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and two miles of paved multi-purpose trails.

Homes within Lakev-

iew at Hamilton Mill feature coffered ceil-ings in the family room; granite countertops in the kitchen; 6-foot jetted tubs (in the Owner’s bathroom), tiled floors & showers and framed mirrors in all bathrooms; hardwoods in the living and dining room, kitchen and breakfast area. Buy-ers have the opportunity to choose among seven distinct floor plans, rang-ing from 2,500 to 3,600


square feet, including master-on-the-main, two-story, courtyard, three-car garage and basement options.

Amenities adding to the neighborhood appeal include nature trails, streetlights and sidewalks, tennis courts, a junior-Olympic pool, a spectacular clubhouse and a playground. The community also includes underground utilities and an elegant entrance with guard house.

Students in the com-munity will attend Ivy Creek Elementary, Glen C. Jones Middle and Mill Creek High schools.

To arrive at Lakeview at Hamilton Mill, take I-85 N to exit 120, Ham-ilton Mill Road. Turn Left onto Hamilton Mill Road, and turn right onto Sardis Church road at the second light (at CVS). Travel approximately 1.5 miles, and turn right on Doc Hughes Road. Lakeview at Hamilton Mill is one-half mile on the right. For more infor-mation, call the on-site community sales agent, Stephen Lillard, at 678-730-1187 or visit www.winmarkhomes.com

Fitness Coach ProfileLouk Damianov

What makes you different from other fitness trainers?

Having a heart com-municating - with a true passion to make a difference in peoples’ lives through fitness, healthy lifestyle and personal excel-lence.

What approach do you take with your clients?

The ap-proach is very simple. God did create us to serve him well with spirit, mind, and body. God’s desires for us are that we do that. By focusing on these desires of his we will have life to the full. John 10:10

Where do you train your clients?

I have developed an effective Personal & Cor-porate lifestyle coaching system that can be tailored to your personal needs -- specifically designed workouts and methods that will achieve the results you desire in the shortest amount of time, and in the privacy of your own home or work place.

How do your clients mea-sure their success?

Health is a state of spiritual, mental, and physi-cal well-being. Once my clients realize that it is all about balancing life then

success is unavoidable. Challenges & Solutions = Results & Motivation My client’s accomplish-

ments say it all.

How did you get into being a personal trainer?

Throughout my 15-year career in the sports and fit-ness industry as profession-al judo competitor for my native country Bulgaria I have been praying that God opens a door for me to be able to influence his people in a way that will please his desires and give me a pur-pose driven life that I can hold to it and make positive differences in my life and in the lives of others.

DL Elements www.DLElements.com678-608-2708


Compass Guide

Christmas Theatre & EventsBunten Road Park

Holiday Cheer!Rock Around the Tree with Santa & Mrs. ClausFriday, December 7th6:30pm - 9:30pmJoin visitors at Bunten Road Park for an evening of dinner, crafts and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. You will receive a holiday photo enclosed in a holiday frame, as well as a kid friendly buffet and lots of holi-day music. You can purchase tickets at Bunten Road Park for $10 per child and $5 per accompanying adult. Call 770-814-6981 for more information.

Holiday Hop (Ages 5-11)Saturdays, December 1st, 8th, 15th10:00am - 12:00pmHoliday Hop fun includes, latest dance moves, cool music, fitness games, obstacle course, relay races, nutrition and fit-ness. All classes will be held at Bunten Road Park. Please bring a snack and drink. Space is lim-ited so register early. The cost is only $60 for all three dates. Call 770-814-6981 for more information.

Magical Nights of LightsUntil December 30, 2007Times: Duskwww.lakelanierislands.comLocation: Lake LanierPhone: 770-932-7200Admission: $25 per vehicle / $35 per van

Aurora Theatre Presents “Christmas Canteen”Until December 23, 2007Times: Thu & Fri 8pm / Sat 2:30pm & 8pm / Sun 2:30pmwww.auroratheatre.comLocation: Aurora TheatrePhone: 678-226-6222Admission: $18 - $25

Breakfast with SantaUntil December 15, 2007Times: Sat 9:30am & 10:30amwww.srmduluth.orgLocation: Southeastern Railway MuseumPhone: 770-476-2013Admission: $8 adults / $6 Seniors / $4 children 2 to 12yrs /

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents its annual production of, “The Nutcracker”Until December 16, 2007Times: Fridays 7:30pm / Saturdays 2:30pm & 7:30pm / Sundays 2:30pmwww.gwinnettcenter.comLocation: Gwinnett Performing Arts Center at Gwinnett CenterPhone: 404-249-6400Admission: Live performances - $25 for adults / $20 for students and seniors. Recorded performanc-es $20 and $15.

ART Station Theatre presents, “A Broadway Christmas Carol”Until December 23, 2007Times: Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm / Sundays 3pmwww.artstation.orgLocation: ART Station Theatre in Stone Mountain Village

Phone: 770-469-1105Admission: $20-26

Christmas on the CornerDecember 5 - 7, 2007Times: 6pm nightlywww.hebronchurch.orgLocation: Hebron Baptist Church Phone: 770-962-3671Admission: FREE

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas CarolDecember 6 - 23, 2007Times: Thurs - Sat 8pm / Sat & Sun 2:30pmwww.auroratheatre.comLocation: Aurora TheatrePhone: 678-226-6222Admission: $18 - $25

Lawrenceville Community Theatre Presents “A Christmas Carol”December 6, 2007www.lawrencevilleonstage.comLocation: LawrencevillePhone: 770-985-7005Admission: $40 - $125

Red Clay Theatre Presents “It’s A Wonderful Life”December 6 - 23, 2007Times: Thu - Sat 8pm / Sun 2pmwww.redclaytheatrearts.comLocation: DuluthPhone: 770-622-1777Admission: Call for Tickets

New London Theatre Pres-ents “It’s a Wonderful Life”December 7 - 23, 2007Times: Fri & Sat 7:30pm / Sun 2:30pmwww.newlondontheatre.orgLocation: South Gwinnett H.S. Phone: 770-979-3691Admission: $10 adv / $12 door

Gwinnett Choral Guild presents “Christmas by Candlelight”December 8, 2007Times: 7pmwww.gwinnettchoralguild.org

Location: Buford First United Meth-odist ChurchPhone: 404-223-9962Admission: $10-$25

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”December 14 - 15, 2007 Times: 7:30pmwww.lionhearttheatre.orgLocation: Norcross Community and Cultural Arts CenterPhone: 770-806-0935 Admission: $5 plus a canned good or unwrapped new toy for the Norcross Cooperative Ministries


Duluth

Hometown Holiday The Enchanted Forest, a festival of trees sponsored by local busi-nesses, civic and other groups, will be open on December 1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Train rides will be available on December 1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Additionally, Radio Disney will be sponsoring “Jingle Jam” at the Duluth Festival Center and Amphitheater on Sunday, December 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a concert featuring Keke Palmer and Drew Seeley!

Downtown Duluth is located just across the railroad tracks on Highway 120 in Duluth. For more information and a complete sched-ule of events visit www.duluthga.net or call 678-475-3512.

The North Pole Fa-la-la-la FolliesDecember 15, 2007Times: 10amwww.auroratheatre.comLocation: Aurora Theatre - Children’s PlayhousePhone: 678-226-6222Admission: call for admission

GAC Presents the Comedy/Drama, FruitcakesDecember 6, 7, 8 at 7:30Greater Atlanta Christian SchoolSara D. Williams Fine Arts CenterTickets $5.00 students and adults.1575 Indian Trail RoadNorcross, GA 30043770-243-2000

The Polar Express™ 4D Experience Pulls Into Stone Mountain Christmas

Stone Mountain Christmas is on until Dec. 30, 2007. New for this year’s festival is the Atlanta debut of the 20-minute Polar Express™ 4D experience. Guests will be able to enjoy an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole in Stone Mountain’s own 4D movie theater. Among the traditional entertainment, two new live shows join this year’s lineup; A Hometown Holiday and Kickin’ Up Christmas. Each show is highlighted by heartwarming holiday songs that bring back memories of being a kid at Christmastime.

For more information on A Stone Mountain Christmas or the park, call 770-498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.


You can fly to Quito direct from At-lanta and be there in just 5 hours – no jet lag. The Diversity of the ecosystems in Ecuador will keep you wondering how one country can offer such variety. Ecuador is most known for the Gala-pagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast. The Galapagos have been made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These islands boast spectacular volcanic rock landscapes and bar-ren vegetation along with a variety of exotic and rare wildlife including giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions and the blue footed boobies. Considered an outdoor laboratory this archipelago of the Pacific Ocean has 125 islands; 5 of which are inhabited; with over 3000 square miles, 97% of which compromise the National Park Galapagos.

When visiting this national park you will indeed feel the effort to protect these islands. They limit the number of visitors to the islands each year. You can only reach them by a flight from Guayaquil then on small ocean vessels. No large cruise ships allowed. The only evidence of your visit left on the islands are your footprints. The Galapagos Is-lands are at a critical turning point and decisions are being taken to preserve these islands by further limiting the number of visitors each year.

The Journey from these islands to the Amazon Basin is by air with an overnight in Quito – 9000 feet above

The Park TravelerEmbark on a New Journey of Discovery - EcuadorSpecial for Park Life by Lori Snow

sea level. Take a small commuter style plane to the town of Coca to board a shallow running canoe style boat for your 2 hour trip up the Napo River. Visit this UNESCO site – the Yasuni National Park. This enormous national park (approximately 5 million acres) encompasses the Yasuní, Nashino, Cononaco, and Tiputini river basins. The park is well known for the va-riety of bird species and wildlife in the densely forested hillsides and its permanently flooded lowlands. Yasuní wildlife highlights include monkeys, jaguars, harpy eagles, snakes, birds and caimans. The average temperature here is around 80 degrees year around. The park is accessed only by boat. Eco friendly lodges are available for a true experience . Artitcle provided by Lori Snow CEO of Condor Outfitters, Inc – Central and South American travel experts – based in Lawrenceville, Georgia at 770-339-9961.


Food & EntertainmentWhere to Eat After the GamesFives Guys Burgers & FriesThe thing here is simplicity. The burgers come in two sizes - regular (2 patties) and “little” (1 patty). You can select from a variety of toppings. The french fries are made in peanut oil and come plain or in cajun spice. It’s different and the food’s good.www.fiveguys.com 350 Town Center Ave, Suwanee (770) 945-4670

Sidelines Grill Watch Sports on more than 40 TV’s strategically placed to access every seat in the house while you enjoy a ‘Cold One’ along with Sidelines Famous Loaded Potato Soup, or their fabulous Sidelines Chili. The menu will please most of the family, service is good and you won’t miss the game. sidelinesgrill.com 1500 Satellite Blvd NW, Suwanee (770) 814-9694

Ledo’s Pizza, Pasta & PubLedo’s has become a staple in the community. It’s square pan pizza is a throwback to the 50s, before the round pizza pans became the rage. The Peachtree Corners location has become a favorite of Wesleyan and Norcross High School teams. Check out their Italian salad which is large enough for a meal and comes with the famous LEDO salad dressing. Other delicious entrees include lasagna, spaghetti, manicotti, soup, salad, and breadsticks.www.ledopizza.com 5450 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross (770) 449-1500

Pepperoni’s PizzaPepperoni’s is a casual dining restaurant that provides superb quality meals for a very moderate price. This sports bar-pizzeria has a menu that includes pizza, pasta, ribs, hot wings, and salads. The unique aspect of the restaurant is its glass-topped tables have individual themes that generates lively conversation - there is also a half a dozen televisions throughout the restaurant so you don’t miss the games.2750 Buford Hwy, Duluth (770) 232-0224

Atlanta Bread CompanyA long-time supporter of the local schools, ABC has be-come a great family restaurant. The owners Ron and Mary are really great people. The food is good and there is such

a variety of meals to pick from off the menu. The service is quick, friendly, and courteous. You’ll be surprised that they have a variety of pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and soups - of course the omlettes are great. www.atlantabread-forum.com 4880 Peachtree Corners Circle, Norcross (770) 662-0900

LongHorn SteakhouseGranted it’s a chain restaurant, but it sponsor’s the Collins Hill High School football team. The menu at LongHorn serves up thick burgers, fresh salads, steak, chicken, pork, BBQ ribs and seafood. “It’s a recipe for freshness that their guests have come to depend on.” 800 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville(770) 338-0646

Lenny Mac’s BarbequeLenny Mac’s is a family owned business that openEd across from the Gwinnett Center. Lennys smokes the meat onsite with a combination of hickory, white oak, and cherry woods. You’ll find platters like: slab of St. Louis Ribs, Fried Catfish, and Mac’s Big Comb (which is of rib, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and a choice of 4 sides for only $30). One BBQ internet blogger said, “Lenny Mac’s comes across as very authentic, down home, southern BBQ for the locals and does a good job. Definitely worth checking out.”www.lennymacsbarbeque.com 6555 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA (678) 417-7244

DQ Chill & GrillBesides the ice cream, blizzards and cakes you can choose from a menu of burgers, hotdogs, chickens and salads. Our favorite is the 1/4 lb. FlameThrower® GrillBurger™ is a thick, juicy 1/4 lb. burger, smothered in a fiery Tabasco® flavored mayo with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño bacon, thick-cut tomato, and green leaf lettuce – or just choose the 1/2lb. classic grill burgerwww.dairyqueen.com 4890 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross 678-969-0732


Holiday Hours Begin December 1Gwinnett HIstoric Courthouse Holiday hours are from 4:30 - 8 p.m. (Fridays - Sundays, Dec.1 - Dec. 23) Get into the holiday spirit! Visit the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse on the square in downtown Lawrenceville for Santa photos (nominal fee), carriage rides (nominal fee), holiday tours, musical entertainment and children’s crafts! Children’s crafts will also be available on Dec. 5, 12, and 19, and carriage rides will be available on Dec. 1, 8, and 15. Please call ahead for entertainment performance schedules. Call 770-822-5450. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 W. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.


Survey ResultsBEST OF PARK LIFEResults from Website Reader Survey top three choices where available. Prizes will be announced online December 15th

Best 5 or 10K RunDuluth Fall Festival

Best After Park TreatDQ Grill & ChillBrustersCarvel

Best Aquatic CenterBogan ParkMountain Park Park

Best Place to SkatePinckneyville ParkMountain Park Park

Best Place to Walk the DogLittle Mulberry Park

Best City ParkSuwanee Town CenterDuluth Town Green

Best County ParkLittle Mulberry ParkShortey Howell ParkPinckneyville Park

Best Equestrian TrailTribble Mill ParkLittle Mulberry ParkYellow River Park

Best Place to Fly a KiteLittle Mullberry ParkSuwanee Town GreenTribble Mill Park

Best Football FieldsGeorge Pierce ParkMountain Park Park

Best Mountain Bike TrailsMountain Park ParkCollins Hill ParkYellow River Park

Best Nature WalkSuwanee GreenwayLittle Mulberry Park

Best Park Tennis CourtsDacula Park

Best Pavillions for PartiesJones Bridge ParkPinckneyville ParkMcDaniel Farm Park

Best Picnic AreasTribble Mill ParkDuluth Town GreenSuwanee GreenwayMcDaniel Farm Park

Best Place to BikeSuwanee GreenwayTribble Mill Park

Best Place to Chill & Hear NatureLittle Mulberry ParkJones Bridge ParkTribble Mill Park

Best Place to RunSuwanee GreenwayCollins Hill ParkGeorge Pierce Park

Best Place to FishJones Bridge ParkSettles Bridge ParkLake Lanier

Best Place to WalkLittle Mulberry ParkSuwanee GreenwayMountain Park Park

Best PlaygroundMountain Park ParkPlaytown SuwaneeMoutain Park Park

Best Restaurant After the GameChili’sTaco MacPepperoni’s

Best Sand Volley Ball CourtCollins Hill Park

Best Skateboard PlacePinckneyville ParkMountain Park Park

Best Soccer FieldsRabbit Hill ParkPinckneyville Park

Best Baseball/Softball FIeldsBunten Road ParkPinckneyville ParkGeorge Pierce ParkDacula Park

Best Park to Take the Kids for the DayJones Bridge ParkDuluth Town GreenThrasher Park

Best Box Lunch PicnicsChik Fil ANY BagelKFC

Best Park Concert VenueDuluth Town GreenSuwanee Town CenterTribble Mill Park

Best Park FestivalDuluth Fall FestivalSuwanee Day

Best Town GreenDuluth Town GreenSuwanee Town Center

Best Place for Lunch Near a ParkPark Cafe (Duluth)Five Guys Burger (Suwanee)Sonic (Dacula)Paizano’s (Norcross)

New Survey Begins On-LineBEST OF SPORTS& RECREATIONWWW.GWINNETTPARKLIFE.COM

Ends February 15th.


BE HERE TOO If your league, church or group has league registration you should be here to. Email [email protected]

Baseball Registration

Lets Play Ball!Information compiled from various sources. Please check related websites and call ahead. Registration begins in December and ends in January 08

Association: Buford Website: http://www.bufordsports.com GGBL Contact: Chris Gant Phone: 770 614-4990 GGBL Contact: Steve McDaniel Phone: 770 271-0473 Park: Buford City Park

Association: Brookwood Website: http://www.baabonline.com/ GGBL Contact: Cal Wray Phone: 678-686-6215 GGBL Contact: Dan Cotter Phone: Cell: 404-277-5363 Association: Collins Hill Website: http://www.chaasports.com/ GGBL Contact: Dave Hester Phone: 770-682-0741 GGBL Contact: Bill Neidert Phone: 770 995-7641 Park: Collins Hil Park Association: Dacula Website: http://www.dacula.com/ GGBL Contact: Billy Moore Phone: 404-386-6143 GGBL Contact: Chris Bullock Phone: 678 478-0564 Park: Dacula Park Association: Duluth Website: http://www.duluthyouth.com GGBL Contact: John Clark Phone: 770 497-9027 GGBL Contact: Tom Autry Phone: 770 813-9007 Park: Shorty Howell Park Association: Grayson Website: http://www.gaasports.org/ GGBL Contact: Mark Azar Phone: 404 569-9454

Association: Hebron Website: http://www.hebronchurch.org GGBL Contact: Larry Runnels Phone: 678 963-0043 GGBL Contact: Mark Beddingfield Phone: 404 376-0133

Association: North Gwinnett Website: http://www.ngbsa.org GGBL Contact: Jim Powell Phone: 770 614-5295 GGBL Contact: John Willis Phone: 770 889-4412 Park: George Pierce Park Association: Peachtree Ridge Website: http://www.pryaa.com GGBL Contact: Mike Chaney Phone: 678-407-1022 GGBL Contact: Tim Burdick Phone: 678-584-5151 Park: Bunten Road Park Association: Shiloh Website: http://saa-youth.org/pages/Sports.html GGBL Contact: Bill Emerich Phone: 770 736-5045 Park: Lenora Park Association: South Gwinnett Website: http://www.sgaasports.com/ GGBL Contact: Tim Gaines GGBL Contact: Chuck Hauser Phone: 678 988-8151 Park: E.R. Snell Sports Complex

Based on Gwinnett Baseball League informa-tion. Please visit http://www.gwinnettbaseball.com/and individual websites for updates.

Association: Lawrenceville Website: http://www.lyasports.com GGBL Contact: Jim Mackel Phone: 770-962-2954 GGBL Contact: Todd White Phone: 770-339-3694 Park: Rhodes Jordan Park Association: Lilburn GGBL Contact: Phil Chamblee Phone: 770 381-0758 Park: Lilburn Lions Club Park Association: Loganville Website: http://www.loganvilleggbl.com GGBL Contact: Donnie Richards Phone: 770-466-4572 GGBL Contact: Craig Sheppard Phone: 770-466-2134 Park: West Walton Park Baseball Fields Association: Mill Creek Website: http://www.millcreekaa.net/ GGBL Contact: Joe Godfrey Phone: 770 616-4741 GGBL Contact: AT Wilson Phone: 770 932-6031 Park: Bogan Park Association: Parkview Website: http://www.plaympaa.com GGBL Contact: Mike Everett Phone: 770 736-5612 GGBL Contact: Jon Caskey Phone: 770 527-7376 Park: Mountain Park Park Association: NorcrossWebsite: http://www.norcrossbase-ballsoftball.com GGBL Contact: Paul Mannion Phone: 770 447-6050 GGBL Contact: Mike Matton Phone: 770 380-0320 Park: Pinckneyville Park

Baseball Coaches

Striking Out Injuries in Youth BaseballA free safety and training seminar for baseball coaches.January 12, 2008Presented by Resurgens Charitable Foundation. Hosted by Joseph Chandler, MD former team physi-cian of the Atlanta Braves. Where: Georgia Tech Global Learning & Conference Center (Midtown Atl).For more info visit www.resurgensfoundation.com


School Sports Norcross High School

Varsity Girls VolleyballNorcross Varsity Volleyball team was ranked 8th in the state for AAAAA. The team is led by its 3 seniors, Jenna Hancharik, Hannah Nelson and August Rhea, all of whom have been playing Varsity for 4 years. These girls have been through 3 coaches in 4 years; however, the third time seems to be the charm. Their new coach, Kevin Dove previ-ously coached at Riverwood and Druid Hills. He has done an amazing job of bringing out the best in each player. The team made it to the state play-offs last year for the first time in school history.

Front row- Seniors Hannah Nelson, August Rhea, Jenna Hancharik 2nd row-Alex DeMercy, Gracie Lewis, Tiffany Clarke, Amy Falkowski, Julia Purcell, Macy Clark, Rachel Monteagudo Back Row-Heather Allen, Kate Kisner, Bruna Freitas

Top to BottomJessica Coan, Mollie Mitchell,Reagan Page

Greater Atlanta Christian

Three Softball Players SignThree Lady Spartan senior softball players signed letters of intent recently. Jessica Coan, the Gwinnett County Pitcher of the Year, will be signing with Georgia Tech. Mollie Mitchell, Gwin-nett All-County Catcher, will be signing with Lipscomb University. Reagan Page, All-County 3rd Baseman, will be signing with Georgetown University. Jessica, Mollie, and Reagan led the Lady Spartans to Final Four finishes in each of their high school years at GAC.

Greater Atlanta Christian

Freshman Girl Places 4th in State Cross Country

Congratulations to Freshman Lauren Kester who placed 4th in the State Cross Country Meet. Lauren pictured with coach Victoria Echevierria and Head Cross Country Coach Brad Kinser

North Gwinnett High School

Air Riflery TeamAir Rifle tryouts was held recently at North Gwinnett High School.

Those making the team include: Travis Willey, Devin Herrington, Cody Chesneau, John Truhe, Michael Hood, and Greg Hicks. According to the NG’s Black & White (newspaper), “last year Lauren Herrington was the only girl that made it. She had perfect scores in the kneeling position and was one of the best in the state.”

Air Riflery is a varsity sport played throughout Georgia high schools, it’s played at the NCAA level and its world championship is ranked second only to the Olympics in their significance in the riflery community. Participants must prove their skill in three positions: Prone, Standing, and Kneeling. At NG and throughout Georgia’s high schools Air Riflery is a co-ed winter sport and interested students must try-out for the team. Air Rifle competition starts in January and runs through February. State Championship is held in March.


BE HERE TOO Send Your School Sports Stories and Pictures to [email protected]

Cornerstone Cougars

Girls Volleyball First Season with NAML

Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) of Norcross competed in their first season of girls volleyball. The 7th grade CCA girls team competed against Crown Athletics, Kings Ridge, and Shiloh Hills as one of the four North Atlanta Metro League (NAML) schools in Division A.

CCA was fortunate to recruit newcomer Betty Ann Connor for their first volleyball coach. “I am thrilled to be coaching the first volleyball team at Cornerstone Christian Academy. I have had numer-ous coaches influence me, and I count it a privilege to encourage these girls during this volleyball season,” Coach Connors stated.

With a new team of girls that had never played volleyball before, Coach Connor had a fresh slate in which to work. “It is rewarding to see the girls use all the techniques that they have learned through the season, to work as a team, and win.” In their final game of the season, the girls beat Shiloh Hills in a two-game shutout. The NAML season ended with a tournament in which CCA played Kings Ridge in another two-game shutout to secure their third place Division A win.

Congratulations to the CCA volleyball team! They are pictured from left to right: Lizl Kruger, Lane Crawford, Kelly Quigley, Samantha Heckman, Coach Betty Ann Connor, Colette Collins, Maddie Stephen, and Mackenzie Reddic. Inside left to right: Brittany Collins, Sydney Blackwell, and Madison Kerr.

This promising, young team, who had never played volleyball before, is very much looking for-ward to next season. Please contact Penelope Col-lins for additional athletic department information.


With the average cost of wed-dings nearing $30,000, Gwinnett Historic Courthouse offers budget-conscious couples a variety of ways to plan the perfect wedding without breaking the bank.

Affordable Wedding and Reception Sites

As a special event facility of Gwinnett County Parks & Recre-ation, the Gwinnett Historic Court-house rents its outdoor gazebo and indoor reception hall for over 100 wed-dings and receptions annually. With its elegant Southern charm and modern day amenities, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse accommodates up to 350 people with affordable rental packages ranging from $150 to $1,400.

Semiannual Bridal and Fashion Shows

In Jan. and June of each year, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse hosts a Bridal and Fashion Show for those in-terested in a “one-stop-shop” approach to wedding planning. Brides can meet with area wedding planners, florists, caterers, DJ’s, boutiques and more for only $3 per person. In addition, 40 brides at each show will win door priz-es ranging from free wedding services and discounts to a half-price rental of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Each show culminates in a runway show highlighting some of the latest wedding fashions. The next show will be on Jan. 20, from 2 – 6 p.m.

“Weddings on a Budget” Workshops Throughout the year, the Gwinnett

Historic Courthouse offers afford-able classes that cover wedding topics including creating wedding stationery, addressing invitations using calligra-phy, managing wedding day hair and make-up for the bridal party, ballroom dancing for couples, and scrapbook-ing wedding memories, to name a few. Upcoming workshops include Stamp-booking 101 on Oct. 29, Calligraphy on Tuesdays from March 4-18, and Create Your Own Wedding Stationary on Mon-days from April 15-29.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is operated by Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation and is located at 185 Crogan Street in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information call 770-822-5450 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

*Average cost of wedding attributed to 2005 survey conducted by the Fairchild Bridal Group. Number of GHC weddings and receptions held annually estimated from GHC 2007 rental activities report.


Weddings on a Budget


PHOTO CREDIT:Dax and Trisha Goodridge | Platinum Bride Photography and Star Scape Studio78B East Main Street , Buford, GA 30518 | 770-289-5045www.starscapestudio.comwww.platinumbridephotography.com


Lake Lanier Islands Resort®

A New Way To Say “I Do”

Surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Lanier, Lake Lanier Islands Resort recently opened it’s new outdoor wedding venue, the Summer House Gardens.

The Summer House Gardens is an exqui-site wedding location with breath-taking views of the water and pristine nature found at Lake Lanier. At water’s edge, is a three-tiered ga-zebo constructed of heavy timber and natural stone pillars and flooring. A large, arched rooftop connects the two individual tiers to-gether signifying the unity of two lives coming together. Underneath, the couple’s “I do” will be echoed through the tall Georgia Pine Trees that accent the beauty of the natural setting. Perfect for both large and small ceremonies -- up to 250 of your closest friends and family members.

Keep the celebration going with a recep-tion at our Summer House Pavilion. Share that first dance, laugh with friends and dine with family under the 300-seat wedding tent directly above the lawn from the Summer House Garden. The Summer House Garden and Summer House Pavilion are both nestled behind the Emerald Pointe Hotel & Confer-ence Center. The entire wedding party, family and friends can be accommodated with their newly renovated guest rooms, or in one of the properties two-bedroom Lake Houses with private patio, Jacuzzi and fireplaces in each Lake House.

Before you say “I do” relax and rejuvenate at our new, upscale Tranquility Spa.

The opening of the new Summer House Garden and Tranquility Spa are just part of the new venues coming to Lake Lanier Islands Resort. For general information, and reservations call 770.945.8787 or visit www,lakelanierislands.com.


In Focus

Norcross High School Varsity Girls Volleyball members: (L-R) Seniors Hannah Nelson, Jenna Hancharik and August Rhea 6 Years Straight, One ACT PLAY Wins Again!

GAC has won The One Act Play AA for the 6th straight year. GAC Theatre Director Mr. Clif Jones now has 18 State wins in his drama career with GAC and 11 wins in the category of GHSA One Act Play AA Competition. GAC Senior Tracy Davis was also awarded best actress in the Georgia High School Association AA One Act Play Competition. Cast and Crew members (above) are: Andrew Caudill, Tracy Davis, Lauren Lindsley, Kyle Nichols, Sarah Waller, Blake Harper, Elizabeth Burson, Lauren Cherry, Michael Ray, Matthew Edwards, Gavin Carden, and Nicole Baker.

Youth Frazier Cycling Group at a recent Greenville Meet.

North Gwinnett 12-year old footballAbove: “Manning’s 12 year-old Bulldogs celebrate the team’s victory at home.” Below: Waiting to take the field at George Pierce Park. Photo Source: Lori Manning

The Amigos for Christ Music Festival Fills the Park!Over 5,000 people of all ages came together at Suwanee Town Center to celebrate the joy of giving against a lively infusion of music. To find out more visit www.amigosforchrist.org

Here you will find photos from all over the county about parks, sports, youth leagues, recreational programs and more! If your not here send your photo and short caption to [email protected]


In Focus

Greater Atlanta Christian Varsity Grils Softball Team“Erica Lawrence of Gwinnett, show-ing “Cinnamon Twist” at the Wills Park Equestrian Center competing in the Horse Hunter Jumper Class.” Many girls from Gwinnett and Peachtree Corners competed. Photo Source: Nancy Noller

Norcross High School Football Photo Source: Neva Spell Photography

Little Mulberry Photo Source: AngieBarrettPhotography.com

MPO Scott Parrish and the Duluth Police Explorer Post were on a mission. The mission: to clean up the wooded area between Howell Street and Highway 120 where urban campers had been discovered. On Saturday, November 17 the Explor-ers headed out on their mission and the group removed trash in 15 large bags. The site now has re-turned to the way nature had intended it to be.

Send us your pictures [email protected] include Park, School or League Name, one line description, date taken and your contact name and number for verification purposes.

Left: Safeco donates $2,500 worth of food to seniors for the holidays.


Ground Breaking in Suwanee at Sims Lake Park Photo Source: City of Suwanee

Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association Officers with County Commissioner Lorraine Greene Photo Source: PR Youth League

Pictured L-R Dr. Flynt accepts a grant from Robin Worley of Sewell Manufacturing and the Warren and Ava Sewell Foundation and John Upchurch of the Peachtree Ridge Foundation. Source: Diane Clausen, PRHS

Pictured right are kids with elves fromwww. HOSTanELF.com, which is a local

Peachtree Corners business. Recently HOSTanELF participated with Northside Hospital in their Fifth

Annual Tennis Against Breast Cancer Ladies Day.

Basketball at Peachtree Corners Baptist

gwinnett park life nov 2007

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