Johns Creek Civitans Named Outstanding New Club The Johns Creek Civitan Club was named "Outstanding New Club" during Civitan International's recent international convention. Johns Creek Civitan Club is a nonprofit volunteer service club dedicated to enhancing quality of life in Johns Creek, with a special emphasis on people with developmental disabilities. Projects have included hosting an appreciation breakfast for special needs teachers and a picnic for special needs families; hosting dances for teens and young adults with developmental disability; organizing the special needs Bocce Ball recreational league; donating to local Toys for Tots programs; sending Christmas cards to military troops; collecting diapers for North Fulton Community Charities; and sponsoring Junior Civitan clubs at Johns Creek, Chattahoochee and Northview high schools. In addition, members also raise money for medical research at the UAB Civitan International Research Center, a world-class medical facility dedicated to researching developmental disabilities. "The Johns Creek Civitan members are an example of what it takes to make a difference in their community for those citizens less fortunate. The Georgia District of Civitan is fortunate to have such an inspired group as a part of our organization," said Dianne Hansard, governor for the Georgia District Civitans.
Roswell CVB Wins Tourism Awards The Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) received two awards at the 2014 Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference, held recently in Augusta. Dottie Etris, executive director of the Roswell CVB Tourism program, received the Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual who exemplifies outstanding lifetime commitment to tourism. The award is named after Tom Kilgore, a former legislator who was an early advocate and champion of tourism and one of the architects of the Hotel/Motel Tax legislation. Before being named executive director for Roswell CVB Tourism, Etris served on the Roswell Mayor's Task Force for Tourism. She also was involved in the startup of the Chattahoochee Nature Center, where she served as director of administration from 1977-1991. In addition, Etris is co-founder of the Hospitality Highway initiative, which played a big role in designating Georgia 400 as Georgia's official "Hospitality Highway." The group continues to market and promote the many tourism attractions along Georgia 400. Visit Roswell's cooperative marketing program, "Mansions, Moonshine and Gold Mines," received the Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives. The Paul Broun Award recognizes an initiative that demonstrates an effective and unique marketing program. A joint marketing program with Dawsonville and Dahlonega that targets group tours, "Mansions, Moonshine and Gold Mines" highlights many different tourism attractions and offers to encourage groups to stay longer and spend more in each area. The award was presented to Diane Stone, group tours/motor coach sales for Roswell CVB; Christy Haynes, president/CEO for Dawson County Office of Tourism Development; and Jay Markwalter, tourism director for Dahlonega-Lumpkin County.
Enter Alpharetta CVBs Wine & Dine Giveaway The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is offering two lucky people the opportunity to experience Alpharetta's fantastic food, wine and hospitality. The "Wine & Dine Giveway for 2" will feature a full weekend of culinary delights at some of Alpharetta's top restaurants and a two-night stay at the Hyatt Place Windward Parkway. On Friday, the contest winner and guest will be treated to cocktails at MADE Kitchen and Cocktails, dinner at Smokejack's BBQ, and dessert at Alpine Bakery. Saturday will feature breakfast donuts from DaVinci's Donuts, a cooking class at Sur La Table, wine tasting at CRU Food and Wine Bar, and dinner at Oak Steakhouse. On Sunday, enjoy brunch at Tin Roof Kitchen. "With 300 dining options, numerous chef-driven restaurants and events with a focus on food, Alpharetta is becoming the foodie destination of the Southeast," said Janet Rodgers, president/CEO of the Alpharetta CVB. "We are excited to feature our city's dining with this awesome giveaway, and look forward to having visitors from around the region visit Alpharetta to try something new and delicious!" The "Wine & Dine Giveaway for 2" contest is open to all legal U.S. residents age 21 and older. Only one entry per person. Enter by October 31 at AwesomeAlpharetta.com.
Milton Breaks Ground on New Bell Memorial Park The City of Milton held a groundbreaking ceremony recently to kick off the Bell Memorial Park expansion project. Bell Memorial Park is located at 15245 Bell Park Road in Milton. The $9.4 million project will expand Bell Memorial from a 12-acre park with four baseball fields to a nearly 30-acre multi-use facility with both passive and active recreation options. The new park design will have four dedicated diamond (baseball/softball) fields with centerfield dimensions of 180, 200, 200 and 280 feet. There will also be two rectangular fields lined for football, soccer and lacrosse. The second field can also be set up as a 200-foot, fifth diamond field. Programming between spring, summer and fall will vary the configuration of four diamonds and two rectangular fields versus five diamonds and one rectangular field. Astra Group Inc. has been contracted to oversee construction of the park expansion.
Roswell to Host Annual Chili Cook-Off Registration is open for professional chefs and amateur cooks interested in competing in Roswell's third annual Chili Cook-Off. The event will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m., November 8, at Leita Thompson Memorial Park. Cash prizes will be awarded in professional and amateur categories. General attendees of the event can vote for their favorite chili recipes; entry fee will include a handmade ceramic bowl made by the Roswell Clay Collective; chili samplings and a voting ballot; and $5 worth of tickets for drinks, ice cream, games and clay activities. Registration and participant guidelines are available online at RoswellGov.com.
Junior League Recruiting New Members The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties (JLGNF) is seeking new members. Membership in JLGNF is open to all women over the age of 22 who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to volunteerism. JLGNFs mission is to raise awareness for girls self-esteem through fundraising events and hands-on activities that positively impact the lives of the young women in its surrounding areas. The service leagues new program, Strong Girls, Bright Futures, includes raising awareness of girls self-esteem for teen and tween girls and working directly with them to strengthen their self-worth. New members of JLGNF are offered the personal joy and fulfillment of making a difference in their local communities and enjoying social opportunities with women from all walks of life. Serving on the JLGNF board of directors for 2014-15 are: Kathryn Fletcher, president; Alyson Coffman, president-elect; Megan Blair, Communications vice president; Ashley Shoemaker, Membership vice president; Alex Klein, Finance vice president; Jennifer Wallace, Community vice president; Mary Elizabeth Warren, secretary; Heather Wagner, treasurer; and Dana Wade, Sustainer representative. For more information about joining JLGNF, email Recruiting@JLGNF or visit JLGNF.org.
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker Elected as GMAs First Vice President Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was elected first vice president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the associations annual meeting, held recently in Savannah. GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical assistance services to its 520 member cities. Mayor Bodker has served on the GMA board of directors for several years. He is a former chairman of GMAs Revenue and Finance Policy Committee and has been a member of GMAs Legislative Policy Council (LPC) in recent years, and is the new chairman of the LPC. He has also served as chairman of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association. As the first vice president, Mayor Bodker is now in line to become president of the 500-plus member organization in 2015. In addition, Johns Creek Mayor Pro-Tem Kelly Stewart was elected to the GMA board of directors as president of the third district-Metro Atlanta. Stewart was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2013 to the board of directors for the Department of Juvenile Justice. She has worked in the University System of Georgia and on Capitol Hill at the U.S. House of Representatives.
Enter to Win Alpharetta CVBs TopGolf Giveaway The latest contest promotion by the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) offers one lucky winner the chance to share a TopGolf VIP experience with seven friends. TopGolf Alpharetta is a premier golf entertainment complex that features 100 climate-controlled hitting bays on three floors and more than 200 HDTVs. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shots accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. The winner and seven lucky friends of the Ultimate VIP TopGolf Alpharetta Experience prize package will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the TopGolf facility; a one-hour instruction with a golf pro; two hours of unlimited golf; golf club rentals; access to all games available on site; a Drivers and Sliders food package; a Premium liquor package; unlimited fountain drinks; goody bags for all participants; and a two-night hotel stay at the Hampton Inn Alpharetta/Roswell. The contest is open to all legal residents of the United States (age 21 and older). Participants can enter through August 31 at AwesomeAlpahretta.com (only one entry per person). Official rules also are available at AwesomeAlpharetta.com.
Mayor David Belle Isle Named Chairman of CVB Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle was inducted as the 2014-15 chairman of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) board of directors during Alpharetta CVB's annual meeting, held recently at The Metropolitan Club. "I am grateful for the privilege to lead the Alpharetta CVB Board, which consists of some of Georgia's best hospitality leaders," said Mayor David Bell Isle. "As the hospitality industry grows, it continues to increase the importance of tourism in Alpharetta, bringing jobs, new dollars and a greater economic impact for our businesses and citizens. The Alpharetta CVB's role in sparking interest in our attractions, events, hotels and restaurants is crucial to the ongoing financial health of Alpharetta. I look forward to proudly representing the hospitality partners in our city." Also serving on the 2014-15 Alpharetta CVB board of directors are: D.C. Aiken, Alpharetta City Council; Scott Doll, executive director, Ed Isakson Alpharetta Family YMCA; Tom Boyer, general manager, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta; Fred Cerrone, president/CEO, Hotel Equities; Richard McLeod, community development director, City of Alpharetta; Nick Nicolosi, general manager, North Point Mall; Jay Patel, owner, North Point Hospitality Group; Mike Perry, director of Parks & Recreation, City of Alpharetta; Trevor Ralph, vice president of operations, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Bob Regus, city administrator, City of Alpharetta; Janet Rodgers, president/CEO, Alpharetta CVB; and Tommy Wright, general manager, Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Alpharetta. "The Board of Directors, as individuals, are genuine assets who bring unique and valuable skill sets to the hospitality industry in Alpharetta," said Janet Rodgers, president/CEO of the Alpharetta CVB. "Their support has been and will continue to be a critical component to our ongoing success in pursuit of marketing and promoting Alpharetta as an exceptional destination for visitors. Together, we will make 2014 a landmark year."
Milton Awards Environmental Grants As part of the Milton's Evergreen School program, the City recently awarded Birmingham Falls Elementary School and Cambridge High School each a $500 grant to further their work in environmental education. Birmingham Falls is using their grant funds to purchase supplies for a new Adopt a Stream initiative for fifth grade. Teachers and parent volunteers will be trained in biological and chemical water testing by a water department representative from Fulton County. Educators will be able to assist the students in monitoring the water quality of a stream on the school's campus on an ongoing basis. Additionally, some of the funds will be used for the installation of rain barrels in the school's courtyard area. Cambridge High School was the other Milton school that received the environmental education grant. To encourage the school to try to reduce the tremendous amount of paper, plastic and cardboard used, a grant was given to Cambridge to expand their classroom recycling program and to fund an organic garden.