Monday, June 30, 2008

No Searchlights Allowed for Garage Sales in Snellville

So you're thinking about having a yard sale, eh?

Be advised that there are laws in Snellville about having a garage sale. I thought it was all fun and games, sitting out in the scorching heat, having creepy strangers come to my house, and blowing all the profits on pizza for dinner because I am too wiped out to cook.

But wait, there are some things you need to know, and this comes right from the Snellville.org website in Permits and Applications. The rules seem like a bit of a drag, but then again, if you have a neighbor who seems to be in business 24/7 having a yard sale, these laws would be a blessing. So here goes...

Requirements for Snellville Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Estate Sales, etc.

The City of Snellville does not require a permit for residents to conduct Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Estate Sales, etc., however, these sale events must be conducted in accordance with the following provisions.

  • Sale event(s) may not last longer than three (3) days.
  • Sale event(s) may be held no more than four (4) times yearly.
  • Sale event(s) must be conducted on the owner’s property. Multiple-family sale event(s) are permitted if they are held on the property of one of the participants.
  • No consignment goods or goods purchased for resale may be offered for sale.
  • All promotional signage must be located on private property and the property owner’s permission must be acquired before erecting any sign.
  • On residential streets, promotional signage must be located at least eleven (11) feet away from the curb and located outside of right-of-way or a minimum of ten (10) feet behind the curb or telephone pole, which ever is greater.
  • Promotional signage may be no larger than 6 (six) square feet.
  • No more than three promotional signs may be erected per property.
  • Streamers, balloons, beacons, search lights, air and gas filled devices, and other attention getting devices are all prohibited.
  • Promotional signage must not be attached to street signs or markers, traffic control signs or devices, or attached to or painted on any pole, post, tree, rock, shrub, plant or other natural object or feature.
Violation of any of the above provisions may result in the issuance of a citation (maximum fine $1,000 per day) and loss of promotional signage at owner’s expense.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

23rd Wedding Anniversary

Last night, Hubs and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary by going out to eat at Poblano's Mexican Grill near Snellville. If you are interested in reading about the restaurant, check out SnellvilleEats.com

When we got married, I was almost 20 and Hubs was 21.
Do the math. Yes I'm old. LOL!
It's okay though, I have the mind of a three year old.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Gwinnett News Updates June 28

Lightning Ignites Two Gwinnett House Fires
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
Gwinnett County firefighters were busy Friday night trying
to get two separate blazes under control. Lightning was said
to be the cause in both cases. ...

Dogs give Humphrey boot
Online Athens - Athens,GA,USA
"Please, please, please, I am begging you not to do this,"
Humphrey told a Gwinnett County police officer when
he was arrested for DUI on Tuesday according ...

Humphrey kicked off Georgia team following arrest
International Herald Tribune - France
The 20-year-old Humphrey was charged with DUI, failure to
maintain his lane and the underage purchase of alcohol and
taken to the Gwinnett County jail early ...

Extradition effort under way for father who fled to Mexico
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By REBECCA McCARTHY Gwinnett County authorities are
working with federal agencies to extradite a Mexican man
wanted for the murder of his four-year-old ...

Humphrey blew a .129, faces year-long
suspension from University

Red and Black - Athens,GA,USA
Humphrey tested for a blood alcohol level of .129 and
begged Gwinnett County officers "not to do this" following his
arrest Tuesday. ...

Georgia dismisses Humphrey
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Columbus,GA,USA
Humphrey was arrested Tuesday in his native Gwinnett County
on charges of DUI, possession of alcohol by a person under 21
and failure to maintain lane. ...

UGA Mascot Uga VI Passed Away

I was in Savannah yesterday but just heard about this today. The heat and humidity was oppressive in Savannah, and I wonder if that had anything to do with it. Sorry to hear this news though.

Athens, GA- Uga VI, the winningest mascot in the University of Georgia's history, died on Friday due to congestive heart failure.

University officials said UGA VI died in his hometown in Savannah GA on Friday evening.

Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler the dogs owners said "He was a good one. He had a marvelous record. He was a very strong and healthy dog."

11Alive News
Warning: English teachers, fans of spelling, and geography buffs should not look at this page.

Wikipedia on UGA VI

Ultimate Cubicle Prank

Some serious time on their hands!
This video is safe for work.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Today's Gwinnett County News Updates

Fire Blocks Satellite Boulevard in Gwinnett
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
Three separate buildings at the Recycling Bank of Gwinnett,
located at 4300 Satellite Boulevard, were destroyed at the
facility which was closed when the ...

Humphrey begged police not to arrest him
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Humphrey, 20, was arrested Tuesday morning in Gwinnett
County for DUI, failure to maintain his lane and purchasing
alcohol while under age. ...

Help pours in after recycling center fire
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County officials responded to calls about the fire
around 9:45 pm Wednesday. Fifty firefighters battled the
blaze for hours, Captain Thomas ...

Gwinnett County, Georgia Chooses Solution for
Integrated Justice ...

Government Technology - Folsom,CA,USA
Gwinnett County, Georgia, located 30 miles northeast of
Atlanta, is implementing Agile Technologies' Judicial Inquiry
System (JIS), Judicial Data Exchange ...

Suspect in Gwinnett Co. Home Invasion Arrested
MyFox Atlanta - Atlanta,GA,USA
ATLANTA (MyFox Atlanta) – US Marshals arrested one
of two men accused of robbing a family at gunpoint in their
Gwinnett County home. ...

Gwinnett County News from June 26

UGA basketball player Humphrey arrested
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By CHRIS VIVLAMORE University of Georgia basketball player
Billy Humphrey was arrested Tuesday morning for drunk driving
in Gwinnett County. ...

Man sought in connection with murder of developer's wife
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By REBECCA McCARTHY They're not calling him a suspect, but
Gwinnett County Police have released a sketch of a "person of interest"
in connection with the ...

Murder in the dog park
Baltimore Sun - United States
Yellow River Park, in Gwinnett County, doesn't permit dogs off
their leashes, and Charles Martin Coats, 57, continually -- over
several years -- reminded ...

Fire at recycling plant closes busy Gwinnett road
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By MIKE MORRIS A massive overnight fire at a Gwinnett County
recycling plant was expected to keep a busy stretch of Satellite
Boulevard near Duluth closed ...

Gwinnett Recycling Plant Fire
News/Talk 750 WSB - Atlanta,USA
(WSB Radio) -- A spectacular fire at a Gwinnett County recycling
plant prove to be more stubborn that firefighters anticipated. ...

Fire Blocks Satellite Boulevard in Gwinnett County
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
The busy street has been closed since a fire Wednesday evening
at the Recycling Bank of Gwinnett, located at 4300 Satellite
Boulevard in Duluth. ...

Fire Erupts at Gwinnett County Recycling Center
MyFox Atlanta - Atlanta,GA,USA
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) -- A fire erupted
at a recycling center in Gwinnett County late Wednesday night.
Firefighters were still dousing hot ...

Fire at recycling plant closes busy Gwinnett road
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
A massive fire at a Gwinnett County recycling plant closed a section
of busy Satellite Boulevard in Duluth early Thursday morning.
There were no injuries at ...

Gwinnett County News from June 25

Metro area's violated air standards 13 days
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
While smog levels did violate the EPA's limit in Conyers,
south Dekalb County, central Gwinnett County and McDonough,
they did not reach the red zone. ...

Child's body found in attic; father fled to Mexico
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN A Gwinnett County man is wanted for
allegedly killing his 4-year-old daughter, hiding her in the
attic and fleeing to Mexico with the rest of ...

Gwinnett County, Georgia Chooses Agile
Technologies and Metatomix ...

Market Wire (press release) - USA
With a population of approximately 780000, and a projected
population of 1.2 million in 2010,

MARTA Eyes Gwinnett Train Stations
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- MARTA wants to expand rail
service into Gwinnett County. It is hoping rising gas prices
will cause voters to say yes to the idea ...

MARTA pushes message of expansion into Gwinnett
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
... public talk in Lawrenceville's Georgia Gwinnett College on
Tuesday evening, hoping to drum up support for expanding
the rail line into Gwinnett County. ...

Students show improvement on CRCT
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County Schools students fared better than their
counterparts in the state on the new math exam.
Of the 11926 eighth-graders required to pass the ...

Gwinnett County News

Initiative aims to promote metro biotech industry
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
One goal is to recognize the region that stretches from Cobb

County to Gwinnett County as a "unique hub of life science talent. ...

MARTA to Gwinnett?
News/Talk 750 WSB - Atlanta,USA
(WSB Radio) -- Voters in Gwinnett County will cast ballots
next month in a non-binding referendum to determine the
public's support for the extention of ...

Cheap Gas Lures Gwinnett County Customers
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
That's how one customer reacted when 11 Alive News showed
up at a new Gwinnett County gas station. "It's the only gas station
in town where people walk in ...

MARTA officials court supporters in Gwinnett
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EUNICE LEE MARTA officials trekked up to Gwinnett
County's Global Mall on Monday evening in hopes of
rekindling an old flame. ...

Gwinnett candidate: Engineer's license now up to date
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EILEEN DRENNEN Gwinnett County Commissioner
Lorraine Green, candidate for chairman of the Gwinnett
Board of Commissioners, said Monday she has corrected ...

Gwinnett Residents Consider MARTA Rail Line Expansion
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
With rising gas prices and a nationwide push to go green,
many residents in Gwinnett County are throwing their
support behind a possible extension of ...

Barrow County man dies in weekend wreck
Access North Georgia - Gainesville,GA,USA
By BJ Williams DACULA - A Barrow County man was killed
in a single-vehicle accident in Dacula early Saturday morning.
Gwinnett County authorities said ...

Police: Woman Killed in Jealous Rage
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
A 44-year-old woman was strangled by her boyfriend
during a jealous rage, Gwinnett County police revealed
Monday. The victim, Elba Mejia-Mesa, ...

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

More of your money wanted - Stormwater Utility Fee Meeting

..."Snellville’s Stormwater Utility will assess this fee to property owners based on the demand that their property places on the drainage system. This method is being considered in-lieu of raising property taxes which have historically been utilized for stormwater management."
~Snellville's Official Website


We
are having property taxes raised, but apparently
they'd
still like the Stormwater Utility Fee from you.

...."
In a 4-2 vote, city leaders passed a one-half point increase.
The rate will rise from 3.65 to 4.15, annually costing property
owners an additional $20 per $100,000 of assessed value.
The average Snellville home is worth $150,000, which would
see a $30 rise in property taxes, city officials said."
~Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 16, 2008

Might be a good idea to show up at this meeting...
...unless you like your future decided
for you.

Stormwater Utility Proposed Fee Schedule Meeting
Monday, June 30th at 7:30 p.m.
Snellville City Hall Council Chambers

Monday, June 23, 2008

My Blog Empire Expands

So how is everyone doing? It's been awhile since I had time to put more of a personal type note in this blog.

I made a change to the blog so now subscribers will receive the entire message in email. Previously, it was set up so that subscribers would only receive the title of a post and a link to the blog. I'm sorry that I didn't realize for quite a while that it was set up like that. I don't think it's fair to expect subscribers to have to click into the blog to read the posts - that's the greedy blogger's way of doing it, so people have to click into a blog and see the ads. I think people subscribe to a blog to save time, and expecting them to click yet another link is a real pain. Soooo, that has been fixed and I hope it is better for everyone.

I have made some changes to SnellvilleShops.com too - it has a new look with banner across the top and the colors. If you haven't been there lately, check it out. There have been some really nice offers lately. Here are some of the recent posts:

Sunday, June 22, 2008

First Phase of Median Work on US78 Nears Completion

1st Phase of 78 Median Work Nearly Complete
News/Talk 750 WSB - Atlanta,USA
The completion of all four phases of the project which ends at Highway 124 in
Snellville is scheduled for November 2009. Landscaping will then be added. ...

Voter Registration Drive at Briscoe Park Today

Supporters of Barack Obama for President will hold a voter registration drive today (Sunday, June 2, 2008) at Briscoe Park in Snellville starting at 2:00 pm. The event will last for four hours. For more information, contact Nuecolah Behnzukeh at 623-670-4269.

Voter Registration drive @ Briscoe Park
The Gwinnett Fellows aka Extreme Makeover: Hope Edition
are holding a voter registration drive at Briscoe Park in Snellville.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Senior Discount on Pet Adoptions at Gwinnett Animal Shelter

"The shelter also will now waive adoption fees for people 55 and older, and also will provide reduced costs for veterinary services on those pets"

Metro Atlanta tackles pet neglect
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County's shelter manager, Lt. Mary Lou Respess, said they've also been seeing at least two cases a month of animal abandonment. ...

Dog portrait in pencil


Friday, June 20, 2008

Private Funds Wanted for Ronald Reagan Extension

Private funds sought for Ronald Reagan extention [sic]
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
"Connecting Ronald Reagan Parkway to I-85 is the subject of a request for proposals issued by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. ..."

I remember when Ronald Reagan Parkway was first designed, it was supposed to go all the way to I-85, but it ends at Pleasant Hill Road. Now they are trying to get private companies to help develop it to I-85, with that section a toll road. It seems like it starts out as a temporary toll situation to pay for the road section, but the problem I foresee is that even when the road is finally paid for, a toll road tends to stay a toll road. Blechh.

UPDATE: for more information on this, see Susan Gast's AJC post from 30 June 2008

Gwinnett County News

Gwinnett County officials receive local government certification
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
LAWRENCEVILLE – Gwinnett County Chairman Charles
Bannister and County Administrator Jock Connell recently
completed the nationally-recognized Certified ...

Sex issue resolved: Bynum-Weeks marriage over
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Weeks strolled into the Gwinnett County Justice and
Administration Center around 9:30 am with a smile
on his face. He was flanked by two supporters, ...

Author Charles Frazier brings Indian culture to life
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
The Gwinnett County Public Library claims Georgia's
highest book circulation numbers and ranks among
the largest systems in the country. ...

Some failing test scores are waived
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Schools uses the CRCT as its "Gateway" test for
promotion in grades That review was held Thursday
by the Gwinnett County Board of Education. Gwinnett County...

Gwinnett candidates talk environment at forum
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The crowd laughed, and the candidates for chairman
of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners obliged.
Sponsored by the Greater Gwinnett Group of the ...

Gwinnett Co. manhunt ends; SWAT team is called to assist
Access North Georgia - Gainesville,GA,USA
Gwinnett Police Corporal David Schiralli said Lawrenceville
Police went to a residence on Russell Road to talk to Robert
Michael Benton about a stolen ...

John Walker of Lilburn -Gwinnett Jail Without Bond
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
John Luke Walker, 17, of Lilburn remains at the
Gwinnett jail without bond. A bond hearing is scheduled
for June 26 in Gwinnett County Superior Court. ...

MARTA wonders if Gwinnett will pay for rail
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
In 1990, Gwinnett County voters overwhelmingly
rejected joining the MARTA system. However, in
January, a poll commissioned by the Gwinnett
Village Community ...

Snellville United Methodist Church Celebrates 125 years

July 2008 marks the 125th Anniversary of Snellville United Methodist Church in Snellville, Georgia.

The church has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1883 when Reverend Betts, an evangelist, conducted a revival in the community. From these services, came a group of believers who organized Snellville Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This began what we know of today as Snellville United Methodist Church. The vision of the original church founders for a place of worship planted the seeds of faith in a small community.

During the month of July, Snellville United Methodist will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary. A Homecoming series, beginning July 13, is appropriately entitled Celebrating the Past – Looking Forward to the Future”.

Among the celebratory events, the church will welcome guest pastors, celebrating persons active with the church for 50 years or more, and enjoying a reunion choir.

"Snellville UMC is blessed with a rich heritage and progressive vision for the future. Please join us in July as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future with grateful anticipation."

Here is a pdf from the Snellville Historical Society, in which the history of Snellville United Methodist Church was featured in their December 2004 newsletter. Several old photos of the church are included.

Here is the history of the church from Snellville United Methodist's website.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Six FlagsTickets

I received an email from Six Flags - I put this also in the SnellvilleShops blog, but I thought I should post it here too, so you won't miss it.

They told me that if we order season passes/tickets for SixFlags online, that is the cheapest possible price. (I had no idea)...so if you have been planning a trip to Six Flags, it might pay off to get your tickets early. Less standing in line too, and that's always a good thing.

Six Flags Theme Parks - Buy Online Now!

Gwinnett County News - Roundup

Sketch released of man who shot child
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call
detectives at the Gwinnett County
Police Department at 770-513-5300.

EDUCATION NOTEBOOK
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By D. AILEEN DODD The Gwinnett County Board of Education
will hold its monthly business meeting at 7 tonight at the system's
Instructional Support Center in ...

Will Cynthia McKinney drop out of run for
Green Party presidential ...

Third Party Watch (press release) - USA
Babette Hogan speculates that Cynthia McKinney could drop
out of the race for the Green Party nomination for President.
Hogan suggests, Ms McKinney might ...

Police dog tracked 'violent' suspect who fled police
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County and Lawrenceville police brought in SWAT
officers after they learned that the suspect they were pursuing,
Robert Michael Benton, ... (Russell Road, Lawrenceville)

Many Johns Creek businesses to pay more in taxes
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The council kept the millage at $4.614 per $1000 in taxable property,
which is the same rate residents paid to Fulton County
before the community ...

Man won't take probation, give up dogs to avoid jail
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Randy DeCarlo said Wednesday that he wants the commission
to address his concerns about Gwinnett County's new animal
ordinance and the policies — including ...


Gwinnett County News Links

Gwinnett parks to get facelift
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USAIt will receive a
large children's playground, picnic pavilion and restroom
building, said Phil Hoskins, community services director
for Gwinnett County ...

Longtime Democrat hopes for shift in political tide
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By GEORGE CHIDI Herb Green has seen eight decades of good
times and bad times for his beloved Democratic Party in
Gwinnett County. ...

Gwinnett Opinions: Norcross resident has had enough of illegal ...
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By Paul Allen I would like to respectfully take exception to a
few of [columnist] Rick Badie's recent comments surrounding
two of Gwinnett's most serious ...

County rolls back property tax rate
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Property taxes to support Gwinnett County government are
going down slightly, but don't expect more than a lonely fast-food
lunch out of the deal — if that. ...

Gwinnett road resurfacing funding up seven percent
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
Lawrenceville, Ga., (June 16, 2008) – About 36 miles of Gwinnett
County roads will be resurfaced using almost $5.2
by the Board of ...

Gwinnett County Public Schools and Southern Business ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
We also appreciate that SBCG is based in Gwinnett County.”
Dan Boylan, president of SBCG commented, “We understand
firsthand the challenges of engaging and ...

Cracked windshield leads to Ecstasy charges
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS Two men are cooling their heels in
Gwinnett County's jail this week after police arrested them for allegedly
transporting Ecstasy pills ...

$5 Off Publix Coupon

How would you like a free coupon for $5 off a $35 purchase from Publix? You print the coupon from home. This is just one example of the goodies that are posted on another blog of mine, SnellvilleShops.Blogspot.com. Sign up to get new posts by email and you won't be sorry!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

New London Theatre performs this weekend

Snellville’s own New London Theatre will be performing four of their nine one-Act plays this weekend in the Gwinnett County Community Theatre Festival in the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville. New London’s best of the One Acts: include, “Majority Rules”, “Trifles”, “The Storm”, and “Romeo and Juliet (abridged).”

Tickets can be purchased through Aurora Theatre (they are the hosts) and are $15.00.or $40.00 for the entire festival (8 theatres are participating). Details can be found at www.auroratheatre.com.

All ticket sale proceeds are to be divided among the 8 community theaters after expenses are paid. So, everyone who attends gets to see a great show, and helps the arts in their area at the same time.

(Thanks to Kathi Mardis for sending in this information)

Village Re Elects Deceased Mayor

Well, they just don't like change...or people with a pulse.
One thing's for sure, he can't make any mistakes.
Yahoo weird news

Oh how about some Snellville News Updates?

I usually check out all these links and read 'em before
I post them, but *yawn!* I just woke up and I'm sleepy.
I stayed up really late working on portrait commissions.

I'll read them when my eyes are more fully functional.

Express Yourself! Forums
Gwinnett Gazette - Lawrenceville,GA,USA
vote to raise the millage rate and, specifically, Council member
Kautz failed to represent in Snellville - 2008/06/17 21:33
The AJC reported on Snellville's...

Kids immerse themselves in fun
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Jackson McNew, 5, dips under the water while learning how to
swim at the Summit Chase Country Club swimming pool in
Snellville on Tuesday. ...

Public can comment on tax plan at Wednesday meeting
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
In Snellville, department heads asked for $1.5 million more than
the city had to spend, due in large part to a revenue shortfall during
an economic downturn ...

Snellville man jailed after e-mail threats
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS A Snellville man is accused of threatening
members of the Gwinnett County Police and Sheriff's departments
in an e-mail that stated "I ...

Metro Atlanta cities deal with high gas prices
WABE - Atlanta,GA,USA
For example: in Gwinnett County, the city of Snellville will raise
its tax rate. In DeKalb County, Decatur's school board is considering
a property tax ...

Man Charged with Threatening Police
WXIA-TV - Atlanta,GA,USA
Authorities say Jerome Vento Jr. of Snellville sent an e-mail to the
National Guard claiming that Gwinnett County authorities are
poisoning him and the ...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Gwinnett County News Roundup

Suspect Claims Gwinnett Police Poisoning Residents
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
A Gwinnett County man remained in jail Tuesday, charged with
making terroristic threats against the Georgia National Guard
and several police agencies. ...

County eyes voter registration record
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Voters in Gwinnett County will be asked to choose
general election Commission — including a well-contested
race for the chairman's candidates for County...

Express Yourself! Forums
Gwinnett Gazette - Lawrenceville,GA,USA
Mike was obviously better prepared and his answers
showed his usual knowledge and passion for the issues
facing District 3 and Gwinnett County
as a whole. ...

Commissioner's plan would eliminate county property taxes
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EILEEN DRENNEN Gwinnett County would partially
shift from property taxes to sales taxes if a proposal by
Lorraine Green, candidate for chairman of the ...

Televangelist Bynum signs divorce settlement
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The divorce must be finalized on the grounds
that the marriage is "broken beyond repair" in
Gwinnett County Superior Court. Weeks
plans to go before a ...

GOP hopefuls tell what they'd do
on county commission

Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The Monday night forum for eight Republican candidates
vying for a spot Commission seated incumbents and challengers
side by side, on the Gwinnett County...

2008 Property Tax Bills to be mailed by July 15
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
by July 15 Lawrenceville , Ga. , June 16, 2008) Gwinnett
County Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington
announced that 2008 property
tax bills will be ...

Gwinnett County officials receive
Local Government Advanced ...

Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
Administrator Jock Connell recently completed the
Lawrenceville, GA., (June 16, 2008) – Gwinnett County
Chairman Charles Bannister and County...

Report: Man who died on way to jail struggled at least 10 minutes
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS Keith Henry Jr., 31, fought
with four Gwinnett County
police officers for at least ten minutes...

Commissioner's plan would eliminate property taxes
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EILEEN DRENNEN Gwinnett County would move
from a propertytax system to a sales tax system if a
proposal by Lorraine Green,
candidate
for chairman of the ...

English, Please?

The Gwinnett Buzz Blogger's site has a page devoted to reporting businesses that share English with another language on their signs or their materials. It says that they are diluting English as our main language.

I only have a problem with it when it's a government entity, with our tax dollars being used for it. We shouldn't be spending extra paper and ink, not to mention paying for translators. I get a little bugged when I see school materials in both English and Spanish - lately at Britt Elementary - but they use the same piece of paper and put the Spanish language on the back. The main expense is the paper, and that has already been bought, so it's hard to find issue with that. They are using both sides of the paper.

But when a private business wants to make their materials bilingual, tri-lingual, or even quad-lingual, that's their choice. I'm really against people telling businesses what to do. I'm all for feedback, so if you don't like that a company translates their materials then please send them feedback if you feel strongly about it.

Sepak Takraw, Anyone?

Sepak takraw is the national sport of many Southeast Asian countries. Sepak takraw is played at the Lao Wat Buddhist Temple in Snellville. Three players on each side of a net use only their head, feet, knees and chest to score points. LINK

Snellville Taxes Going Up, Snellville's Dumb Charter

"Councilwoman Kelly Kautz refused to vote on the measure,
expressing concern that the mayor didn't appoint a city manager
until last week. That meant the manager was not in place in time
to help put together and balance the budget."I don't believe this
has been a proper process," she
said."

In a 4-2 vote, city leaders passed a one-half point increase.
The rate will rise from 3.65 to 4.15, annually costing property
owners an additional $20 per $100,000 of assessed value.
The average Snellville home is worth $150,000, which would
see a $30 rise in property taxes, city officials said."

.....Councilwoman Kelly Kautz refused to vote on the measure,
expressing concern that the mayor didn't appoint a city manager
until last week. That meant the manager was not in place in time
to help put together and balance the budget.

"I don't believe this has been a proper process," she said.

Kautz's abstention, under the Snellville charter,
counts as an affirmative vote
."

Ok, who thought up this brilliant idea for the Charter, that if a council member refuses to vote, it is counted as a YES?!? Sorry, but that is just nuts! Abstaining from a vote should not mean a vote FOR something! It's an abstention!

I'm more upset about that than the tax going up.
Tax going up makes sense at least.


AJC Reports

Saturday, June 14, 2008

News from Around Gwinnett County

Body found near Buford still unidentified
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
... determined that the victim was shot to death, according to
Ted Bailey, chief forensic investigator for the Gwinnett
County Medical Examiner's Office. ...

Selling stadium name a big gamble for Gwinnett
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By TIM TUCKER Gwinnett County hopes to hit a home run
on the sale of naming rights to the new stadium it's building
for the Atlanta Braves' top minor-league ...

Students retake CRCT without summer school
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By D. AILEEN DODD About 100 Gwinnett County public school
students will gamble Monday: they will retake the state curriculum
exam without first attending ...

Gwinnett School Board sets unchanged tax for fourth consecutive year
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
by Tana Suggs The Gwinnett County Board of Education members
unanimously adopted the superintendent's recommended 2008
millage rates June 9 to support the ...

Gunshot victim found dead at Suwanee home
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
An autopsy is being performed this morning, according to
Ted Bailey, chief forensic investigator for the Gwinnett County
Medical Examiner's Office. ...

Event raises funds for Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes foundation
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Fans of the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes can support the work
of the foundation in her name at a fund-raiser Friday at
Malibu Grand Prix in Gwinnett County. ...

Friday, June 13, 2008

Great News! Crystal Sexton Found

Crystal Sexton has been found. Crystal's missing poster on the website for The Center for Missing and Exploited Children has been taken down. According to Tina Elkins, a Private Investigator with T.A.M.A. Investigations, "Until she has been interviewed by the Walton County Sheriff's office, no details can be released....For now, she has been found and she is safe."

Gwinnett News Roundup

Georgia Mall waters plants with recycled water
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
“We value our partnership with the Gwinnett County Department
of Water Resources, and we are thrilled to work with them,”
said the mall’s general manager, ...

Ivy Prep gets OK to boost enrollment
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BY D. AILEEN DODD The first state charter school to
operate in Gwinnett County is growing before classes begin.
The State Board of Education on Thursday ...

BOC wants proposals for Ronald Reagan Parkway to I-85
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
Lawrenceville, Ga., (June 12, 2008) – Connecting Ronald
Reagan Parkway to I-85 is the subject of a request for
proposals issued by the Gwinnett County Board ...

Korean Radio Station Back on Air After Firebombing
MyFox Atlanta - Atlanta,GA,USA
ATLANTA (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Korean radio station WFTD
was back broadcasting Tuesday morning after being firebombed
by a former employee. ...

Gwinnett man dies in police car on trip to jail

Autopsy doesn't explain man's death in police car
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office found the cause
and manner of death for Keith Henry Jr. to be undetermined,
pending further studies, ...

Gwinnett County Man Dies On Way To Jail
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Gwinnett County police said a
31-year-old man in their custody died on the way to the jail Saturday.
Officials said they were called ...

Unknown Man Found Murdered in Someone Else's House

Unknown Man Found Shot to Death
in Someone Else's Home
MyFox Atlanta - Atlanta,GA,USA

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Police are investigating a murder in Gwinnett County. Police say a man was found shot to death in a home there early ...

The homeowner doesn't know who the man is. Entry was gained through a back door of the residence.

Man Accused of Taking Photos Up Women's Skirts

Man Accused Of Taking Pictures
Up Women's Skirts At Gwinnett Wal-Mart
WSBtv.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
Gwinnett County police said they caught a man who was taking
pictures up women’s skirts at a Suwanee Wal-Mart. Police
charged Phillip Earley, 24, ...

He told police he is addicted to pornography and needs help.
He was 'allegedly' using his cell phone camera to take the pictures.
I'm surprised there were that many women wearing skirts.
I can't even remember the last time I saw a lady in a dress!

Dickey's BBQ Hiring for All Positions

Dickey's Barbeque Pit restaurant is just about to open next to Mellow Mushroom on US78.

They are hiring for all positions. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, check out more information on this at SnellvilleEats.com

Why Weren't Snellville Police Directing Traffic?

Gwinnett Buzz blogger:

"I would love to know why two Snellville police officers were having what appeared to be a casual conversation tonight in the parking lot of the QuikTrip while traffic hesitantly negotiated the intersection of US 78 and Grayson Parkway with a non-functioning traffic light? Perhaps there was a perfectly valid reason they were not directing traffic....continue to Gwinnett Buzz...
(UPDATE, as of June 17, the blog post has been removed)

(this is me again...) Oh boy. You know you are in trouble when many people in a Snellville who can't handle a small 4-way stop intersection encounter a busy intersection with a non-working light! It's a good question though, why they weren't directing traffic. Perhaps another officer was coming to do that...I hope! Several street lights along US78/Main Street were out due to the weather yesterday (I guess)

This reminds me, though. The intersection in Snellville to avoid right now is Pharrs and North. Construction crews are digging and the workman is out there with his "Slow" sign. This isn't usually an issue, except that the guy with the sign directs traffic, then on a whim, he'll stop directing traffic, leaving everyone in a confused mess. If you're going to direct traffic, then direct it. You can't just start and stop.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Bob Barr Needs Donations to Continue Campaign

Email from the Bob Barr campaign, if you are interested in what is in the emails (without having to sign up!)...his campaign is clearly more concerned about competition with John McCain than competition with Barack Obama. Comments in red are mine.

"Just after a few short weeks, the campaign is reaching a “tipping point” for support in which we’re close to having the grassroots support, money and media that will allow us to be a serious national campaign.

Our friends and supporters on Meetup.com are organizing at a rapid rate. So much so that we already have TWICE the number of Meetup supporters that John McCain has!

Bob is hard at work doing lots of media events including in the last few days an entire hour on Glenn Beck’s CNN’s show. And he also made an appearance on the Colbert Report.

But we’re not stopping there. Our policy team lead by Doug Bandow (Ronald Reagan’s Senior Policy Advisor) is working day and night with Bob, writing and issuing policy statements. More importantly, our stances and our small government message are being spread far and wide by thousands of activists like you. <---um. excuse me?

While we’re reaching a critical tipping point, we really need your help today – to keep this campaign on track.

First – and most importantly – donate today! Give what you can and then please forward this e-mail to two friends or family members with a note from you urging them to donate.

We are in great need of what we call “quick cash”. (aren't we all, baby!) We have petition gatherers on the ground in states like Oklahoma but we will not be able to keep them working unless we receive immediate donations within the next few days.

Also, by the end of the month, it is an absolute necessity to break the $1,000,000 barrier in donations if we want to continue the campaign in all 50 states. Otherwise, Bob will lose ballot access in a number of states.

Please donate now on-line and urge at least two friends or family members to match your donation today!

In Liberty,

Russ Verney
Campaign Manager

Bob Barr '08

P.S. We need to break $1,000,000 by midnight on June 30th to get the “quick cash” we need for the campaign. If we make our goal, we’ll be “sending them a message” when we file our monthly report with the FEC!"

John McCain Town Hall Meeting Tonight on...where else? FOX...

This comes straight from the email from the McCain camp:

"Please tune into The Fox News Channel tonight at 7PM EDT to watch the first 2008 Presidential Town Hall, broadcast from Federal Hall in New York City. This historic location is where President George Washington first took the oath of office. Tonight it will play host to John McCain while he answers questions from real voters about important issues including the economy, energy prices and the war.

Last week, John McCain invited Senator Obama to participate tonight, hoping to start what would be a series of ten town hall meetings where both candidates would travel the country to answer questions from real voters. Senator Obama has yet to agree to meet us in these town halls. These town halls would revolutionize our political process and start a real change in the tone of politics. John McCain believes in this effort and is putting it into action.

Please tune into the Fox News Channel, tonight at 7PM EDT to witness first-hand John McCain's brand of straight talk with voters."

Gwinnett County News Links

Longer shelter hours may up adoption rate
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By GEORGE CHIDI Gwinnett County police plan
to experiment with longer public operating hours for
its animal shelter. Starting Saturday, the shelter will be ...

School board sets later meeting date
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By D. AILEEN DODD The Gwinnett County Board of Education,
which usually holds its monthly business meetings on the second
Thursdays, will meet on the third ...

Carpooling rises with gas prices
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County Transit Director Phil Boyd was out of the
office Wednesday and unavailable for comment on trends in
the county's transit program. ...

Q&A: How to vote; what's on ballot
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EILEEN DRENNEN The primaries for Gwinnett County
elections are only a month away, so if you haven't yet registered
to vote, you'd better get to it. ...

Man killed in hit-and-run accident identified
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS Gwinnett County authorities
have identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run accident
Saturday as 33-year old Nahum Chazari-Reyes. ...

Carpooling rises with gas prices
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Despite the big percentage increase, the numbers are still small
compared to the thousands of motorists who ply Gwinnett County
roads and interstates each ...

School Theft Suspect Arrested

Robert Franz Joseph II, a 21 year old man is a suspect in the theft of many projectors from the trailers of various public schools.

Snellville Middle School is not mentioned as one of the schools that had thefts, but I remember my kids telling me that $1,000 projectors were stolen out of Snellville Middle School's mobile classrooms during the last year. The projectors were removed from the ceilings of the trailers.

"Some projectors were recovered after he was arrested Friday. Each projector is worth about $1,000, said Gwinnett schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach." .....Read story at Atlanta Journal Constitution

Snellville to Treadway: "You're hired!"

Snellville officially has a new City Manager.

Treadway hired as Snellville city manager
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN It's official: Snellville has a new city manager,
bringing to an end an issue that for months divided the City Council
and involved the state ...

Treadway hired as Snellville city manager
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN Snellville's often-divided mayor and
council came together Wednesday in a unanimous vote
confirming an East Tennessee man as the new city ...

Snellville selects a new city manager
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN After a monthslong national search,
Snellville officials have selected a new city manager —
Russell G. Treadway of Elizabethton, Tenn., ...

From Mayor Oberholtzer's Blog:

Its Official! We Have a City Manager!
By Jerry
Treadway hired as Snellville city manager
By BETH WARREN The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/11/08 Snellville’s often-divided mayor
and council came together Wednesday in a unanimous
vote confirming an East Tennessee man ...
Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer - http://www.jerryoberholtzer.com/

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Gwinnett County News Roundup

Q&A: How to vote; what's on ballot
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
In July, Gwinnett County is asking voters to give it the
power to create TADs in unincorporated areas of the county.
Last fall, nine cities approved a ...

Here's hoping stadium is green
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Gwinnett County commissioners recently heard similar
voices telling them to build a ballpark. The county's own
"Field of Dreams" is a major accomplishment ...

Gang members nabbed following ICE-led operation in Georgia
BorderFire Report - Euless,TX,USA
... the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of
Georgia; Gwinnett County Police Department; Gwinnett
County Sheriff’s Office; Atlanta Police ...

School Board Member
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
As District III School Board member, I participated in a
two-year training program for the Gwinnett County Board
of Education and Superintendent sponsored ...

Minivan driver sought in deadly hit-and-run
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By ANDRIA SIMMONS Gwinnett County police are
searching for the driver of a minivan who fled after striking
and killing a pedestrian Saturday in Lilburn. ...

Ex-employee arrested after trying to torch radio station
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Chae's first court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 am
Wednesday at Gwinnett County Magistrate Court.
Rutledge said Chae walked into the building of radio ...

Commissioner Beaudreau takes "Meetings with Mike" on the road
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
Lawrenceville, Ga., (June 10, 2008) – Gwinnett County
District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau takes his monthly
open house on the road this month and will ...

Forums scheduled for commission candidates
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By EILEEN DRENNEN Two more forums have been
announced for candidates in the race for Gwinnett County
Commission. On Monday, the Conservative Republican ...

Residents' outcry leads to redo of Stone Mt. development
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
Greg Sportsman of the Hobgood Group said the company
will ask that the project be withdrawn from Gwinnett
County Commission consideration next week. ...

I had a feeling Eric Perteet had done this before

I had a feeling there were more women in Eric Perteet's life - LINK
This guy is a real 'piece of work.'

Snellville Tax Hike Proposal

Tax hike proposal draws comment
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
"Mine went up about 20 percent, and so did many others," Lawton said of his east Snellville home's appraisal. Lawton said he also is concerned that the city ...

I have a savings account at ING Direct, and I put $75 in it every month and it currently earns 3% interest. When it's time to pay property tax, the money's set aside in my Property Tax Fund account and it's not so much of a hit.

If you've gotta pay it, you might as well earn some interest on it through the year. ING Direct is a 'paperless' bank - you can do all your transactions online or by toll free phone number. It's free to join, no fees, and if you open a checking account, you get a MasterCard debit card which also has no fees.

If you are paying your bank $15 or more for monthly "service" or checking, demand better. If you are interested in starting an ING Direct account, email me and I can send you a referral email that will put $25 in your account when you start your ING account with $250 deposit.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Loganville Home Invasion

This occurred very close to Snellville...I don't mean to cut and paste the whole article, but I feel it's important to get this news out. You can read my "Cliffs Notes" version below, or read the entire original article at: The Loganville Tribune - Home Invasion

Assailants at large:


The white male was approximately 5 feet 10 to 6 feet, brown hair and a thin build – possibly 130 to 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a pair of navy blue or dark blue shorts and a white T-shirt,” Westbrooks said.

The other assailant was a black male, possibly 14 to 18 years of age, approximately 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 9, with a small frame, about 130 – 140 pounds. He had a tattoo on his right arm and he was last seen wearing blue-jean, knee length shorts and a dark colored shirt.

The Home Invasion Details:

According to Loganville police detective Sgt. Mike Westbrooks, patrolmen responded to a 9-1-1 call just after 2 a.m. Tuesday from a home at [removed] Spring Moore Court in the Breckenridge Subdivision on the Gwinnett side of the city.

“Two armed assailants had approached the homeowner who was sitting in his garage at the time and asked him to give them all his money,” Westbooks said. “He is an Asian man who speaks little English and when he tried to tell them he had no money, they physically attacked him and dragged him into the house at gunpoint. They then rounded up the other members of the family — a wife and two sons — and held them in one room at gunpoint while the house was ransacked. They eventually got about $1,600 in cash, a pink cell phone that belonged to the female member of the family and a play station belonging to one of the kids.”

Westbrooks said the assailants then forced the homeowner to turn over the keys to his Toyota Avalon and left in the vehicle. An officer responding to the 9-1-1 call, armed with a description of the vehicle, passed it on Old Loganville Road and turned around to give chase.

“The assailants turned into Foxbury Commons off Old Loganville Road and ended up wrecking the vehicle,” Westbrooks said. “They jumped out and fled on foot and are still at large.

TracFone offers double minutes for life of phone plus free ship

TracFone has a good deal going on - but it's only for 6 days only, now through June 16th. They are marketing it as a Father's Day gift deal, but of course anyone could use it.

Customers who purchase a Motorola C261 camera phone for $39.99 will receive double minutes for the life of their phone (a $49.99 value). This is currently the lowest priced bundle at TracFone.com that features Double Minutes! This offer also qualifies for free ground shipping. Not bad.


Have you done your morning stretches?

This video is incredible to me, but then again, I once pulled a muscle rolling over in bed. (not kidding, wish I was kidding)

Monday, June 09, 2008

Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance

The Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance has a new website to keep citizens of Lawrenceville up to date on issues. Visit their site at www.LawrencevilleNA.org or email lawrencevillena[AT]hotmail.com to be added to their mailing list.

The Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance urges citizens to become involved. I am so glad to see this. Lawrenceville has so much potential and it is our county seat, so I am disappointed when I drive to Lawrenceville and see it looking run-down, with graffiti and pawn shops and check cashing places (pawn shops and check cashing places are fine in small doses).

Lawrenceville really should be the shining city of Gwinnett and I'm glad to see people working to improve the quality of life there.

Joint Replacement Lecture June 25

Joint replacement is lecture topic

The h2u (health, happiness, you) organization at Emory Eastside Medical Center presents Dr. Craig Mines, orthopedic surgeon, speaking about joint replacement and injury prevention. The free lecture will be at 2 p.m. June 25 at the Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road.

Mines is in private practice in Snellville and is on the medical staff at Emory Eastside. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. For information, call the h2u office, 770-982-2358, or visit www.emoryeastside.com.

Snellville UFO

Check out this UFO report for Snellville. It happened a few years ago. What cracks me up is the "measurements" of the unknown object...

"The head of the object was pencil point size and the forked tail
about 2 inches long and the width of a pencil at arm's length."


LINK

Top 10 Search Terms

What are people looking for when they visit MySnellvilleBlog?

Here are the top 10 searches in the last 30 days or so:

1.
snellville blog
2.
eva kay wenal
3.
kay wenal
4.
eric perteet
5.
my snellville blog
6.
snellville days parade 2008
7.
"kay wenal"
8.
eva wenal
9.
wenal murder
10.
crystal sexton

Carpooling and Express Bus Information

If you've been considering trying the Express Bus from Snellville to downtown Atlanta, or if you have been thinking about carpooling but didn't know where to start - I've done some research for you and you can find it in the SnellvilleResources blog here.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Unclaimed Gwinnett Property and Vehicle Tax Funds

If you check this pdf form, it's a long list of unclaimed funds from Gwinnett County property taxes and vehicle taxes. Maybe you will see yourself or someone you know has some money coming to them! Contact Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner's office if you are on this list and claim your money. LINK

Teens and Money

Yesterday I talked a little bit to my older kids about money.

One of my teenage daughters especially thinks that money grows on trees. Wait, that's not quite right. She believes that money should just be handed to her because she "deserves it." Deserves it for what?!?

She gets a weekly allowance, but she thinks she should go shopping ... a LOT.

She has no idea what all her make up and clothing adds up to. All she knows is that "everyone else" seems to be able to afford everything they have, so why can't she have everything she wants? I keep trying to explain to her that people can LOOK like they can afford everything, but under the surface, they may just be treading water. They could be in risk of losing their house, and their house might be big and fancy, but we finally own our little house 100%.

I explained that to give your kids a secure foundation instead of fancy stuff on a rickety financial foundation is what real love is.

I would love nothing better to buy her everything she wants, and in fact, it would make life a lot easier for me if I just bought her everything, because it would shut up her whining. But the easy way out is not necessarily the right way.

I explained that putting off desires is important, that we can't just buy everything we see that we like. I pointed out (and had CNN on) so the kids could see the reports about Ed McMahon and Evander Holyfield losing their homes. I had to explain who they were, of course. LOL....but used that as an illustration that they had tons of money...more money than I will ever see, and yet they are losing their homes.

Anyone can live beyond their means. I explained about keeping your expenses no more than 80% of what you bring in. Give away 10 percent (tithe to church or other charitable donation), save 10 percent, and live on the other 80%.

Did it sink in? I really doubt it. I'll let you know if I see any impact from all this explaining. I think it will be time to take them each aside the next time I sit down to pay bills. Let them figure it out with me, and they'll see how fast it all goes.

Need to save money, cut back on expenses?
I have several pages with ideas and tips - LINK

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Classic Pizza & Pub on SnellvilleEats.com

I wrote up a post on SnellvilleEats about Classic Pizza and Pub, located just outside Snellville at Hwy 78 and Cooper Road, if you have seen the restaurant and have been interested in what's there. It's a fun family place to eat.... LINK

Look for Property Tax Bill in the Mail Soon

Sigh. I am the bearer of bad news yet again.

"The Tax Commissioner will mail 2008 property tax bills by July 15.
As in the past, only one bill will be mailed and will include payment
coupons and reply envelopes for both installment payments. First
installment amounts shown on tax bills must be paid by September
15 or taxpayers may pay the entire amount by this date. The balance
must be paid by the second installment date of November 15.
Installments
not paid by the due dates will incur a five percent penalty. In
addition, interest will begin to accrue on any unpaid amount at one
percent per month beginning November 16.

Tax payments may be made on the Tax Commissioner’s TaxTalk 24
line at 770.822.8800 or by credit card or e-check over the Internet
at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com (convenience fees will be
applied for credit card transactions over the Internet).

Customers may also pay in person at the main property tax office
in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville
or one of the Tax Commissioner’s five motor vehicle tag branch offices.
Tag office locations will only process property tax payments
and provide receipts to taxpayers, while the main property tax office
will continue to process payments, and assist with all other property
tax-related transactions. In addition, each tag office has a payment
drop-off location for check-only payments accessible at any time."

4th of July Events Planned for Lawrenceville GA

IMPORTANT!!!! PLEASE NOTE, THIS POST IS FROM 2008
CLICK HERE FOR 2009 EVENTS
==============

The Gwinnett Glows 20th anniversary Independence Day celebration
begins at 5:00pm on July 4 with many free, family-friendly
activities and entertainment, including the popular band Tim Purcell
and The Mustangs.

The fireworks will be visible throughout the downtown
area. Live coverage of the fireworks display will be carried
on TVgwinnett (cable channel 23) and on the County’s website
www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Onsite vendors will provide a variety of food options until
the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30pm.

For more information about Gwinnett Glows 2008, call 770.822.7126 or visit online

UPDATE : Looking for Snellville Fourth of July Events?
There's TONS of great stuff going on and it's FREE!!!
Yeah baby!!! Click Here

New Gwinnett Animal Shelter

New Gwinnett animal shelter opens
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA
GWINNETT COUNTY - The four-legged residents of Gwinnett's
much-needed new Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center began
moving in as construction crews moved ...

"With about 33,000 square feet, the new shelter on U.S. Highway 29
at Sweetgum Road in Lawrenceville is just over twice as big as the
old facility on Hi-Hope Road. A small lake and dense forest on the
property are perfect for walking dogs. Funds from the Special
Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, paid for design
and construction.

The new building features separate sections, each with its own
ventilation and water to reduce contamination and the spread of
diseases among the animals. Surgical facilities will allow spaying
or neutering of all animals before adoption to help reduce
overpopulation."

New Young Professional's Group

Young professional group launches in Gwinnett
GwinnettHerald.com - GA,USA

by Tana Suggs DULUTH – Many young professionals living or
working in Gwinnett County found their own place to network
at Encore Nightclub in Duluth May 7, ...


Perdue Announces 100 New Jobs - Suniva

Perdue Announces 100 New Jobs
CBS 46 - Atlanta,GA,USA
The company was lured to the state with the help of $10.6 million in state and local tax breaks. Perdue said the move is part of a targeted effort to bring ...

13 Year Old Girl Shot in Home Invasion

Girl, 13, shot in home invasion
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA

(PEACHTREE CORNERS HOME INVASION)
By MARCUS K. GARNER A 13-year-old girl was shot Friday in a
Gwinnett County home invasion and robbery, police said.
A pair of robbers forced their way into ...

More on Suniva Moving to Gwinnett

Suniva Gets Ready to Roll
Greentech Media - Cambridge,MA,USA
The startup said it is retrofitting a warehouse to develop its first
factory on a 73000-square-foot property in Gwinnett County,
Georgia, near the company’s ...

Solar company to call Ga. home
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Columbus,GA,USA
AP -- Gov. Sonny Perdue made the announcement at a state
Capitol news conference on Thursday. The company was lured
to the state with the help of $10.6 ...

Solar company to call Ga. home
Macon Telegraph - Macon,GA,USA
AP Gov. Sonny Perdue made the announcement at a state Capitol
news conference on Thursday. The company was lured to the state
with the help of $10.6 million ...

Bob Barr on Colbert Show

Saving Money - Cutting Expenses

Need to save money, cut back on expenses?
I have several pages with ideas and tips - LINK

Here's what you will find:

How To Use Coupons and Save Money!
Prices are going up every day. I can't do much about the rising price of eggs and milk, because there are very few coupons for those grocery items. However, if you can keep from spending money on some other things you buy, it can really make an impact!

How To Save Money on Gas and Practically Everything Else
This page gives tips on saving money on your everyday purchases - groceries and gas - as well as how to save money on your online purchases and even earn rebates and start a college savings fund for your kids - all from purchases you are already making!

Stockpiling Food & Supplies
This page isn't about hoarding. It's about the practice of stocking up on food and supplies when they are on sale, so you only buy at the lowest price possible.Your stockpiled food and supplies may come in handy in a time of emergency, that's just a bonus.

Where to Find Grocery Store Weekly Sales Ads, Food Sale Circulars & Supermarket Fliers
This page helps you find stores' discount weekly sales ad fliers, so you can buy what you need at the lowest prices possible. Match your coupons to the sale prices before you leave home.

Where to Find Free Printable Manufacturer's Grocery Food Coupons for Groceries
Many people do not know that they can print manufacturer's coupons for groceries free right at home. This page has been made to compile all the very best sources of these places you can Print Free Coupons Online...Print Free Coupons
Homemade House Cleaning Recipes
This page is about homemade cleaning product recipes.Most of these cleaning recipes are made out of things you probably already have around the house!

Fabulous Freebies - Free Samples, Free Offers & Discounts
Freebies and discounts as I find them on the web. Please feel free to contact me if you are a merchant with a free or discount offer, or if you are a shopper and you find a good deal, please contact me so I can pass it along!

Coupon Binder & Coupon Organizing Systems
Whether you are just starting out using coupons or if you have been using coupons for a long time, chances are that you would like a more organized system for your coupons.

Grocery Store Trips & Traps
How many times have you gone into the grocery store just to pick up bread and milk and ended up with $45 worth of groceries in your cart? For the bargain shopper, the grocery store can be like a battle zone. The grocery stores have done everything they can do to get you to stay longer, get tired and...

Buy Coupons - Coupon Clipping Services
Imagine a world where you can just go to a website, type in the products you would like coupons for, then you can just click to select all the coupons you want, and then they're mailed to you. No time spent cutting out coupons....

Friday, June 06, 2008

Gwinnett Medical Center Open Heart Surgery Program Approved

I plan to celebrate this by eating some fried pork rinds and funnel cakes.

Open-heart surgery program closer to reality
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
"This is not only a point of pride for our organization;
it should serve as a point of pride for Gwinnett."
The CON paperwork noted that Gwinnett County has ...

Breaking News: Gwinnett Medical Center's
open heart CON approved!

Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA
"As Gwinnett County's traffic congestion continues to increase,
the creation of an Open Heart Surgery program at the
center of the county significantly ...

Solar Cell Maker Suniva Moving to Gwinnett County

Solar cell plant to bring jobs to Gwinnett
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USAFor agreeing to locate in Gwinnett,
Suniva will get about $10 million in economic incentives from the state
and Gwinnett County, including the elimination ....

Solar cell maker Suniva moving to Gwinnett
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
... Georgia Tech researcher that recently won $50 million in venture
capital is moving to a new facility in Gwinnett County so it can ramp up manufacturing. ...

Suniva Announces New Solar Manufacturing Facility in Atlanta Metro ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
“We are very excited to have Suniva come to Gwinnett,”
commented Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister.
“Suniva will bring cutting-edge, ...

Learn more about Suniva at their website, www.Suniva.com

Onlookers Gawk at Hit and Run Victim

After I saw this video yesterday, it haunted me all day. So you will want to exercise caution if your children are around. It's hard to watch. It didn't happen in Snellville, or even in Georgia - so I wasn't sure yesterday if I wanted to post about this or not...but decided that I should, because it effects us all as Americans.

In Hartford CT, surveillance cameras caught video of a 78 year old man being hit by a car while he was crossing the street. He was hit hard and knocked over the car then lies on the ground motionless.

What's shocking is that nobody does anything.
A few cars drive by slowly and look, and some people come out of
businesses to look and then they go back inside. That poor man is now paralyzed.

"Pedestrians gawk but appear to do nothing.
One driver stops briefly but then pulls back into traffic.
A man on a scooter slowly circles the victim before zipping away."

NOBODY CALLED POLICE!!!
'Scuse my French, but what the hell?!? Even if it's an area where
people don't trust the police, you'd think that they would step in themselves.

"It's a clear indication of what we have become," Hartford Police
Chief Daryl Roberts said. "When you see a man laying in the street
who's been hit by a car, people just drive around him, walk by him
and then you want to say, 'What are the police doing?'
Well, that's not a police problem.

"At the end of the day we've got to look at ourselves
and understand that our moral values have now changed,"
Roberts said. "We have no regard for each other."

Yahoo News - video link on left

UPDATE: Now they think that 4 calls may have come in to 911 about this hit and run

Missing Loganville Teen Crystal Sexton

The Center for Missing and Exploited Children has listed Crystal Sexton as an "Endangered Runaway." Here is her poster. Please take a moment to look so you will recognize her if you happen to see her.

UPDATE: Crystal Sexton found

Lawrenceville Mayor Wins Lottery

Mayor of Lawrenceville GA, Rex Millsaps, has won $250,000 in the Lottery. Lucky duck.

His daughter's getting married so a lot of money will go toward that. He also plans to have his truck detailed. There might be enough there to get a little bit of gas too. (LOL)

MyLawrencevilleBlog reports

New Mother Superior Appointed in Snellville

I had no idea that a formerly married mother of nine children could become a Mother Superior. I learn something new every day. This is a really good article.

"Visitation nun Sister Mary Jane Frances Williams was officially named the mother superior at the Monastery of the Visitation, Snellville, May 9. Mother is a title quite familiar to Sister Jane Frances. Prior to entering the cloistered monastery, she was married for nearly 42 years before her husband died, gave birth to nine children, and she has 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren."(Photo by Michael Alexander) LINK

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Vigil for Missing Teen Crystal Sexton

Friends, Family Hold Vigil for Missing Walton County Teen
Family and friends of a missing Loganville teenager gathered Wednesday night for a prayer vigil. Crystal Sexton -- 16-years-old -- vanished from her home last week. No one has seen or heard from her since. George Franco reports. ...

Other People Should Take Care of Me

I thought about this several months ago, and even mentioned to Hubs that as the gas prices increase, we would see more people running out of gas and sitting on the side of the road. It's just human nature to put off something unpleasant and costly....and I figured people would tend to let their car run on fumes before they pumped.

This news story tells how the Georgia DOT has seen a spike in the usage of the assistance gasoline that is given out when people run out of gas on the highways. They just give out a gallon or so, just enough to help the stranded motorist get to the next exit and gas station.

But of course, people try to take advantage, so the Georgia DOT worker logs the tag or license number of everyone they assist. People often ask for more than the allowed gas amount. Gimme gimme...

Who is paying the bill for it? You are, my darlings.....Link

I don't have a problem with people getting help when they need it, but to ask for more than the allotted amount and try to take advantage of the system is just plain wrong. (Dork Award)

Gwinnett Braves Team Logo and Uniforms

Braves unveil Gwinnett team logo and uniform
AtlantaBraves.com - Atlanta,GA,USA
Today the Braves unveiled their new Gwinnett Braves team logo and home uniform at the Pinckneyville Park baseball fields in Norcross, Georgia. ...

Photos - Videos Show Lawrenceville CarJacking Suspects

Police release photos of Lawrenceville carjacking suspects
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By GEORGE CHIDI Gwinnett County police released surveillance camera photos Wednesday of two men suspected in a carjacking last month in Lawrenceville. ...


Gwinnett Police Hope Video Will Help Identify Carjackers
ATLANTA (myfoxatlanta.com) -- Gwinnett County Police have new surveillance video they say shows the faces of two carjackers. They're hoping you know who and where those men are. As FOX 5's Chris Shaw reports, the gunmen have not been ...
Local News for MyFox Atlanta - http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

DON'T MISS: Entertainment Coupon Book Special

Entertainment Book is giving a free 2008 edition with a pre-order of the 2009 edition. Keep in mind that the 2008 book still has five months of savings left, and with summertime expenses it will save you up to 50% off on all the fun you have planned (dining, baseball games, groceries, car rentals and more).

I received the 2008 book only about a week ago, and I can tell you I have already saved over the cost of the book with the use of just one of the Kroger coupons inside! I still have more great Kroger coupons to use over the next months. (psst...I asked at Publix in Snellville and since Publix accepts competitor's coupons, you can use the Entertainment Kroger coupons at Publix too! Sweet.)

Real savings on all you do!

There's also a buy one get one free admission coupon for the Yellow River Game Ranch, buy one get one free admission (for up to 4 people per coupon, and there are two of these coupons) for Zoo Atlanta. If you go to Discover Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, there are coupons for Jillians...buy $10 worth of play and get $10 worth of play free. I took my daughter to the movies the other night and we used a coupon for Regal Cinemas from the Entertainment Book. Instead of paying $20 for the two tickets, our total was $12, saving us $8 right there.

These are just a few of the savings. I have used about 3-4 coupons for different things so far, and I have saved at least $35 already!

I think you will be kicking yourself later this summer, if you don't get the book, that's why I keep bringing it up! If you are planning a trip this summer, you could get a book for the area you are visiting and save even more.

This promotion is valid until June 30th, 2008 so don't wait too long! Actual percentage of savings depends on the original retail price of a given edition. Coupon values vary per merchant/edition. Baseball discounts are not included in every edition.

Interviews for 2 Candidates Snellville City Manager

2 finalists to interview for city manager job
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN Snellville officials have selected two finalists, one man from Tennessee and another from Florida, to face off for the city manager's ...

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Snellville News: Tax Hike Eminent

Tax increase seems likely for Snellville
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
By BETH WARREN After weeks of intense debates over a troubled city budget, Snellville City Council members agreed on one thing this week: A tax increase is ...

(and what better time to release this news than when people have an economic stimulus "rebate" check in hand...? That way, they take this bad news better. Oh well, I guess this makes sense, prices are going up everywhere)

New fire station will open early, under budget
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The station's firefighters will also respond to fires in nearby unincorporated areas of Grayson and Snellville. A dozen firefighters will be assigned to the ...

Community bulletin board
Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA
The free lecture will be at 2 pm June 25, at the Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road. Mines is in private practice in Snellville and is on the medical ...

Monday, June 02, 2008

Save Money with a Free Home Energy Audit from Walton EMC

If you think you need a new air conditioner, or you have other energy concerns in your house, Walton EMC offers their customers a free home energy audit.

I received great advice, and found out that we didn't really need a new air conditioning unit (although a new one would be nice)...we had some gaps in our duct work. I needed a service call from Hixon HVAC anyway, so I called them and the fee for service was $60 and the fee for fixing the ducts was $50. Our air conditioner works with so much more efficiency now - we can really feel strong forces of air flowing. It was definitely money well spent, considering that one air conditioning company we called recommended replacing our entire duct work system!

The latest newsletter from Walton EMC says that "if 20 percent of the conditioned air escapes from the ducts of your HVAC system, its efficiency is decreased by 50 percent. That means you're spending twice as much as necessary to make your home comfortable."

They also say that you are not off the hook just because your house is new. New homes often have poorly installed ductwork.



Call Walton EMC at 770-267-2505 and ask for the free home energy audit

Missing Walton County Teenager Crystal Sexton

A Walton County teenager named Crystal Sexton has been missing since Tuesday. She was last seen riding her bike. I posted it to LoganvilleBlog.Blogspot.com so please click for details and a video from FoxAtlanta.

Obama...the AntiChrist?!?

Why do I even open my email? Today, I received a forwarded email that claims that Barack Obama is the Anti Christ. Did you get that email too? Did the writer of this email miss all the hubbub recently about Jeremiah Wright, Obama's minister at a Church of Christ church?

Just amazing what people think sometimes, isn't it? I don't know why I opened an email with "FWD" in the subject line.

"FWD" = insipid.

Politically, I'm more in line with John McCain...he's a Centrist.
Bob Barr has thrown his hat in for the Libertarian Party. I don't know why the Libertarians don't work on getting more visibility early on...from a marketing standpoint, they are extremely late.