Here it is the end of November, and one would think we are in the midst of winter!

This is the third issue of Lovin'Lilburn, and we hope that it will provide you with some timely information about our greater Lilburn community.  As you peruse this issue you will notice updates on traffic improvements that may affect you, lots of free activities listed on the side bar and bits and pieces of info that we hope you will find useful.

As we start the busy shopping season, remember that in addition to the national chain stores, we have wonderful local businesses who fill a niche for unique goods and services and contribute substantially to our community.

Finally, as this is the season for giving, while you are purchasing gifts for family and friends, put a little aside for those in need.  A few extra cans and toys for those without could be the most meaningful gifts you can give.

                  

The City of Lilburn Annual Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 5 - 8 pm at City Hall.  There will be visits by Mrs. Claus and Hope and Will from Children's Healthcare.  

In addition to announcing the coloring contest winners, children's activities include holiday stories read by Mrs. Claus and Mayor Johnny Crist. The event will also include a performance by the Declaration Ringers handbell choir. So come on out and enjoy community fellowhip during this annual holiday tradition.  Also, please bring a toy for the Lilburn Police Department toy drive and canned goods for the Lilburn Co-op.  More info on this link: program schedule.

 WHAT'S SO BIG ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY?  While the Big Box stores are getting ready for Black Friday, small business owners all over Lilburn are getting ready for Small Business Saturday.   Small business Saturday is the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Many independently owned businesses will have special sales, open houses and events on that Saturday.

Family owned markets, restaurants, bake shops, and coffee shops will have tasty holiday items for sale and on the menu or gift cards for sale. If you are looking for one of a kind gift items consider stopping in the local boutique, antique, florist and consignment shops.    

              Throughout the year consider checking out other small businesses that include car repair and service, electronic, insurance providers, and financial services. Although most small businesses don't have the huge advertising budget of a major chain store, small shops can offer items that are of equal or better quality and at affordable prices. When you shop small and local, more of your dollars stay in the community. So it is really "Big" when you remember to "Shop Small" whenever you can. 
   --Wendy Carter, owner of New for You Consignment Shop. www.newforyou consign.com

This timely advice comes to us from Eddie and Wanda Price, owners of Eddie's Automotive. Now is the time to get your vehicle in for service before your trip in order to avoid having any car problems during your travels.  If you are flying, think about leaving your vehicle with Eddie for service while you are gone.  Winter specific maintenance includes:

• Check antifreeze
• Inspect tires
• Check windshield washer fluid
• Check battery and clean battery posts. 
• Inspect spark plug wires
• Check brakes
• Check engine oil

Eddie cautions that in addition to winter driving, changes in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. The main culprets are freezing temps, salted roads, and wintery precipitation.  Eddie stores your vehicle overnight in his spacious building.   For more information, check the website. 

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Lilburn's dining scene is always changing.  In the City we have recently added 1910 Public House which continues to surprise with new tweaks to its establishment. Check out their new market with Wine Tastings on Tuesday evenings.  They also have some family dinners for 4 priced at just $25 and small plate lunches priced around $8.00.  

With children out of school for several days, you can make it a "stay-cation" and treat them to a dinner out for just a little more than it would cost you at home. So if you are caught in a bind and wonder what to serve, consider taking the family out to a meal in our Lilburn area.  See below for some other options that we know about: 

Bambinelli's has some great lunch specials which include salad and soft drink at priced at $7.99. During this busy season, getting ready for the holidays takes its toll on leaving time to prepare family meals.

Take a look at Oyster Barn's website for daily and nightly specials and entertainment.  Also check out our Dining in Lilburn page for more info on our area restaurants.

The Tunnel on Main Street is complete; just don't try to drive through it!  Lilburn resident, Sonny Franks spearheaded the project, City

The November Business After Hours hosted by Legacy  Station was a success  with over 40 in  attendance.  Great  contacts were made  both by residents and  businesses. The event  was photographed by  Richard Ferris who  also took some great videos of the the train displays.  See more on the LCP web site.  

Touch a Truck on Saturday, Nov. 16 was a great first event.  Families came out on a cold damp morning to hear the Berkmar Band play and admire the various vehicles on display.  Winners took home some great door prizes including a model starter train set. 

If you travel I-85 via Jimmy Carter exit, you will be interested in the schedule of work planned.  Betweeen October and December, 2013, Stage 1 construction activities on the south side of Jimmy Carter Blve. include utility relocaions, clearing, roadway and bridge wideing, drainage, temporary lane shifts, barrier walls and temporary traffic signal work.  Pedistrians will be permitted to cross on the north side of Jimmy Carter Blvd.  Temporary signage will be installed to guide pedestrians.  

December 2013 - February 2014, Stage 2 construction activities will be focusing on the north side of Jimmy Carter Blvd.  This will include clearing, roadway and bridge widening, drainage, temporary lane shifts, barrier walls and temporary and permanent traffic signal work.  During this stage, pedestrians will not be permitted to cross Jimmy Carter Blvd. and will be required to use the planned pedestrian detour.  Temporary signage will be installed to guide pedestrians.  Advance warning of the pedestiran detour will be provided to stakeholders and the public.  Pans are to be finished by March, 2014. See more information and updates by clicking this Gwinnett County link.

Lilburn Christmas Parade Dec. 7

The annual Christmas Parade is just around the corner. Make plans now to be on Main Street in time to get a good viewing spot for the 10 AM parade.  This year promises to be bigger than ever with Mrs. Claus as Grand Marshall! and of course Santa will be there as well taking down the wishes of all good children.  See more info for after-parade festivities on the City website.  Don't forget to bring your canned goods for the Lilburn Co-op.  Check their website for suggestions.

                

At the November City Council meeting, the Lilburn Community Partnership was awarded a lease to occupy and manage the Wynne Russell historic home.  The LCP will be responsible for paying utilities and maintaining the home.  Plans are to make the home available for small events, meetings and tours. The home is suitable for groups no larger than 75.  If you are interested in volunteering to help maintain the house and grounds or in renting space, please contact Diana Preston through info@lilburncp.com. 

The Lilburn Community Partnership will be hosting Visit with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 21.  The North Pole site will be set up in Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center near Firehouse Subs from 10 am until 2 pm.  Children's activities will be available, and Richard Ferris will be taking photos that can be downloaded free from his website.  This is a free event and we are asking particpants to bring canned food items for the Lilburn Co-op.  Check the Community Bulletin Board page on the LCP website for updates.

Chamber Announces Small Business Contest

Submit a business plan summary to the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest by March 8, 2014.  Grand prize winner receives $5,000 cash & more than $7,000 in prizes.  Click for more info.

Giving Back

As we celebrate and give thanks for what we have, we also must reflect on the needs in our community.  There are many needs, and we have numerous groups all working to give back and help make our community strong.

Some groups that come to mind (and there are more) are the Lilburn Co-op, Lilburn Woman's Club, SafetySmart Lilburn, Coalition for Health and Human Services, Gwinnett United in Drug Education, Latin American Association, CPACS (Center for Pan-Asian Community Services), Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Reading to Learn, Be More Positive, Lilburn Arts Alliance and our own Lilburn Community Partnership.  When you get a chance, check out these groups and consider giving your time, talent and/or treasure.  You will be making a huge difference in the lives of so many.

If you would like to highlight a favorite group, send us information to post on the Community Bulletin Board or a more lenghty description in an email to info@lilburncp.com.