From the Board
Fall has arrived in Lilburn and our community is a busy flurry of activity here at the end of the month. In addition to the Halloween events, there are so many fall festivals, sports events, conferences, concerts and so on. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, please remember to take time to enjoy the beauty of our area and reflect on this wonderful community we call home. Savor this month's newsletter and make a point to give us some feedback on items of interest that you would like to see featured or better yet, send us an article that you feel would complement our news items.
In this month's issue, you will read about the Lilburn MOMS Club, information on the ongoing SPLOST vote, Diwali Festival of Lights, the recent First 72 Summit for Disaster Planning, Lilburn Art Show, Veteran's Day Observance, Business After Hours, Touch a Truck Family Festival, Lilburn Tree Lighting and Annual Christmas Parade as well as upcoming neighborhood and traffic improvements. Be sure to forward this on to neighbors and friends. For past issues, go to our website Blog page and for free community postings, check the website Bulletin Board. We appreciate your comments and contributions. As this newsletter comes to you free, we hope you will support our sponsors who make this web site and our work programs possible. If you don't have time to read this monthly issue to the end, save it for later and make a note to: remember to vote, set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night (fall back, spring forward) and change your batteries in your smoke alarms. www.LilburnCP.com.
Get $$ to Beautify Your Subdivision Entrance
Our neighborhood contest to get $50 toward plant materials at Dorough Landscape Co. ends Nov. 1 at midnight. It's not too late to get your neighbors to register to receive Lovin'Lilburn. 
Simply forward this newsletter to as many of your neighbors as possible and ask them to register to receive Lovin'Lilburn.. Email addresses are not shared or sold.
The top five neighborhoods with the most email addresses registered will win the $$. Winners will be posted online and notified through email. Register by following this link. (Featured entrance is Woodfall Estates.)
Go Green for Halloween and Beyond
Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center is going green for Halloween – and hoping you will too! How can you green your spooky holiday? Rather than candy, give collectable treasures like tumbled rocks, coins, bubbles, or art supplies. Reuse, borrow, trade, purchase used or do-it-yourself for costumes and decorations. Choose healthytreats, like organic candy or honey sticks. Save this year's costumes for the annual costume swap starting late September, 2014.
Splost Vote Ongoing Until Nov. 5
Plan to vote now if you can't vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5. On Monday, Oct. 28 through Friday, Nov. 1, Advance In-person voting takes place at the same locations. (The locations nearest most of Lilburn is 4651 Britt Road. Norcross, Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd. Snellville and Elections Office, 455 Grayson Hwy., Lawrenceville). For more info on SPOST projects, read article by Lilburn resident, Mike Levingood further down in LL and check the links: Elections Info and City of Lilburn website for City projects.
Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, Nov. 3
Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday and change your smoke alarm batteries.
Luxomni BBQ, Bake and Yard Sale
Make plans now to attend the Annual BBQ, Bake and Yard Sale At Luxomni Baptist Church on November 2nd! Come on out and enjoy some of the best BBQ you've ever had! The Youth Yard Sale will begin at 8:00 am, and the BBQ and Bake Sale will begin at 10:00 am. All proceeds from the Yard Sale will go to offset the expenses of the youth summer trip. Be sure to share this event with your friends and family! For more information visit the web site at www.luxomni.org.
Diwali Will Light Up the Sky Nov. 3
On November 3rd and 4th, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Rockbridge
Road in Lilburn will be celebrating Diwali and the Hindu New Year, two of the most festive celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is traditionally marked by placing decorative oil lamps in rows and its colorful festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. On the evening of Diwali, many celebrate this day with fireworks. The evening Festival of Lights at the Mandir will begin Sunday evening at 7:00 pm and include a spectacular fireworks display visible from many viewing points in the Lilburn area.
The day following Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is a time for renewal, reflection and resolution. There is a grand offering of hundreds of different vegetarian food items, prepared lovingly by devotees, to thank God for His providence over the past year and to seek His blessings for the year ahead. The Mandir will host tours for the grand food offering on Monday, Nov. 4, from noon until 4 pm. 
Visitors are welcome during these celebrations as well as during regular visitor hours (daily from 9am to 6pm). Groups with 10 or more can schedule free tours in advance using the Mandir website.
www.atlanta.baps.org.
Disaster Planning Summit
Did you know that the first three days of a disaster is the most critical? On Thursday, Oct. 24, over a hundred leaders of faith and disaster response 
organizations as well as community leaders came together at the Lilburn Church of Latter Day Saints to learn about community planning for the first seventy-two hours after a disaster strikes. The conference lasted the entire day led by a committee made up of the Red Cross, Noah's Ark and Joseph's Network. (Pictured is Lt. Chris Dusik of the Lilburn Police Department presenting "Stragtegies Dealing with an Active Shooter.")
No doubt you will hear more from the organizations that you are involved in the near future about the importance of advance planning in order to survive those first days when the unexpected hits. Whether resident, visitory, caregiver, organization leader or business owner, it is essential that all of us in the community take responsibility for having a plan for surviving the first 72 hours of a disaster until long term help can be mobilized.
On Nov. 13, at 3 pm, the community is invited to an open house at the LDS Welfare Facilities at 4823 North Royal Atlanta Drive, Tucker 30084, for a demonstration on preparing for long and short term disasters. RSVP to: rogerwash@ bellsouth.net. and find more info at: www.Providentliving.org.
Here are some links that might be helpful as you think about how you would plan for the first three days of a disaster: American Red Cross (check out their apps), Noah's Ark (has a great disaster planning work sheet to help you with all the essentials you need.) Joseph's Network (If you are a company or organization leader and would like to get more involved in disaster planning and recovery.) Portlight Strategies (advocates for ADA in disaster planning), Gwinnett Newton, Rockdale Dept. of Public Health, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Gwinnett County Department of Human Services.
Veterans' Day Observance
Celebrate our nation's veterans with a recognition ceremony and ice cream social in Lilburn City Park on Sunday, Nov. 10. There will be a display of patriotic quilts at the event that will be donated to members of the military as well as an American flag retirement ceremony.
The program presented by City of Lilburn and VFW Post 12096 will begin at 2 p.m. Major Ron Tootle of the Parkview Marine Corps Jr. ROTC will serve as the keynote speaker, and the Gwinnett Community Band will provide music. Ice cream will be served following the celebration.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their worn, tattered, and damaged American flags to the event for proper retirement. Lilburn VFW Post 12096 will provide this service free of charge.
Quilts of Valor Foundation will be onsite displaying some of the beautiful quilts the group has created for members of the military. The public will have the opportunity to participate in the group’s annual quilt raffle and sign cards for members of the military. Quilts of Valor Foundation will also accept 100 percent cotton, patriotic-colored fabric donations at the event.
More information:
www.cityoflilburn.com
Business-After-Hours
Business owners and residents, come out to Legacy Station on Thursday evening from 5:30 until 7:30 for an evening of networking and opportunities to meet the business owners from our community. The Lilburn Community Partnership Board members and volunteers will also be on hand to give out information and answer questions about the organization.
While at the event, you will also see awesome train displays and be able to do some advance holiday shopping as Legacy Station will extend its store hours for the evening until 8 pm. As an added treat, you can enter the drawing for an O-Gauge Lionel starter train set. The drawing will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 and you do not have to be present to win. Legacy Station is located at 4155 Lawrenceville Hwy. in the Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center, (enter near Firehouse Subs and go to the rear of the shopping center).
MOMS Club's High Five
| |
Top Five Costumes for 2013
|
Top Five Treats for 2013
|
| 1 |
Minion from Despicable Me |
Skittles |
| 2 |
Princess of any kind |
Smartees |
| 3 |
Super Hero |
Dum Dums |
| 4 |
Monsters from Monsters, Inc. |
Tootsie Rolls |
| 5 |
Witch |
Laffy Taffy |
The MOMS Club of Lilburn is a support group for stay at home moms. 
They schedule weekday play dates for school age children and younger. All events are open to both mother and children. Membership is open to residents of greater Lilburn. Meetings are the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:00AM at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. They are open to the public. For information contract Suzannah Heimel at heimels@yahoo.com (Thank-you MOMs Club for helping us make decisions on Costumes and Treats!)
Touch-a-Truck Community Event
Hallowe'en will soon be here and gone. With other holiday 
activities weeks away, you may be looking for some family fun. The Lilburn Community Partnership and Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center at 4155 Lawrenceville Highway are hosting a Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 am until 2 pm.
The Lilburn Police Department is lining up emergency response vehicles of all kinds, from fire trucks to bicycles. Personnel will be there to allow the children to get up close views of their favorite vehicles, and parents can get the latest safety info. There will also be an opportunity to get to know a police canine from the Sheriff's department. Another highlight will be a performance from the Berkmar High School Band.
Several shopping center merchants have already announced some special promos and gifts. As of Oct. 25, Kroger will have a drawing for a gift basket, Music-Go-Round will have a drawing for five $10 gift certificates, Great Expressions Dental Center is offering 35% off a dental care plan as well as a free teeth whitening kit and Legacy Station will be holding a drawing for a Lionel O-Gauge starter train set complete with engine, cars, and oval track! Check back on the Lilburn CP Community Bulletin Board for updates on promotions.
Gwinnett Schools Give Back to Seniors (65 and older)
School is back in full swing again and with it comes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, school plays, concerts, and more. If you are a Gwinnett County resident who is 65 or older, you can enjoy these great activities for free! Gwinnett County Public Schools offers a pass that gives you access to any school-sponsored athletic or fine arts event. These passes are not valid for regional or state competitions. For details on how to apply for a pass, please call 678.301.7274. Thank you, GCPS!
Annual Christmas Parade Participant and Sponsor Registration Is Open!
Join your friends and neighbors as the City of Lilburn proudly presents the annual Lilburn 
Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7. This year's parade theme is "My Favorite Holiday Memory". Mrs. Claus will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade.
The parade begins at 10 a.m., winding down Main Street to Lilburn City Park. Following the parade, parents are welcome to take pictures of their children visiting with both Santa and Mrs. Claus in Lilburn City Park. There will also be entertainment and activities in the park. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Parade entry applications are currently being accepted. Participants are encouraged to be creative and provide some type of entertainment value, relating to the parade theme. Examples would be a decorated float, musical performance, costume characters, etc. Also, a safety rule for this year's parade is that candy will only be distributed by walkers and not thrown as in years past. For more info: 2013 Lilburn ChristmasParade Application
Mast Arms & Dual Lanes to Be Installed at Arcado and Killian Hill Roads
The City of Lilburn is installing decorative mast arms, dual lanes and a sidewalk along the east side of Killian Hill from Arcado Road to Trickum Middle School. The project is expected to take 10 months and is part of the City's initiative to improve traffic, pedestrian safety as well as defining the City environs with attractive signaling.
Tree Lighting...from the City of Lilburn
Join us as we welcome the holiday season with the lighting of the tree in front of City Hall. After the tree lighting, children are welcome to stay and listen to a variety of holiday stories. Entertainment will be provided and coloring contest winners will be announced! The event runs from 5-7 pm. More info at www.cityoflilburn.com.
Representatives from Lilburn Co-op will be at the event collecting canned goods. Donations may be brought to the event or dropped off at City Hall during normal business hours beginning on Friday, November 22. For a list of canned goods being accepted, please visit www.lilburncoop.org.
Hanarry Estates to Get New Water Mains
Hanarry Estates residents will be getting 4 miles of water mains replaced by Gwinnett County 
Department of Water Resources. The county contractor will install new water mains on Linda Lane, Ben Avenue, Ben Court, Theresa Way, Dorsey Circle, Dorsey Court, Bruce Way, Fieldstone Way, Fieldstone Court, Beth Court, James Street and Johannah Place. The project is estimated to cost $1.68 million, and the funding comes from the storm water fees charged on the the water bills.
Hanarry Estates is one of the older subdivisions in Gwinnett dating back to the late sixties and early seventies. Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources tracks water main breaks and aged water infrastructure and is in the process of replacing old water mains before they become major problems. So while the project may cause some temporary inconvenience, the end result will avoid major inconvenience later and help maintain property values.
SPLOST renewal anticipated to generate $498 million in 3 years
By MIKE LEVENGOOD
Attorney, McKenna, Long and Aldridge
Special for GwinnettForum | permalink
LILBURN, Ga., Oct. 4, 2013 -- Gwinnett citizens will have the opportunity on November 5, 2013 to renew the penny sales tax, also known as the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or SPLOST, which expires early in 2014.
Levengood |
Since 1985, Gwinnett County has used seven SPLOST programs to construct and pay for more than $2.5 billion in county and city capital projects like the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, the Gwinnett Civic Center, transportation and traffic improvements, roads and bridges, public safety facilities and equipment, our nationally recognized parks and recreation facilities, as well as water and sewer improvements and libraries. Because of SPLOST, over the past 28 years these projects have opened for use by Gwinnett residents and visitors debt free.
SPLOST revenues through the years:
1985 = $65.7 million;
1987 = $162.7 million;
1992 = $249.1 million;
1997 = $414.8 million;
2001 = $496.1 million;
2005 = $581.5 million; and
2009 = $579.1 million so far.
If voters approve renewal, the 2014 SPLOST is projected to pay for $498 million of additional capital improvements over a three year period starting April 2014. Gwinnett County and all 16 Gwinnett cities have agreed to share the proceeds. The new program is expected to raise an estimated $498 million in total. Gwinnett County will receive 78.9 percent of the proceeds and the cities in Gwinnett will receive 21.1 percent and so $392.9 million is expected to fund County projects and the balance of $105.1 million is expected to fund improvements in our Gwinnett cities.
Said another way, the proposal is expected, on average, to generate $13.8 million each and every month!
The county has determined that 70 percent of its share, or an estimated $275 million, will be dedicated to transportation projects such as roads, bridges, intersection improvements and sidewalks, including $25 million for joint city/county transportation projects. The proposed SPLOST program also includes funding for other purposes such as public safety, parks, library relocation and renovation and senior facilities. Each of the cities has proposed their own budget for these funds.
A Citizens Project Selection Committee consisting of volunteer community leaders has been established to help prioritize Gwinnett County transportation projects to be funded by the 2014 SPLOST if it is approved. Scott Hilton has been elected to serve as its Chair and Renee Byrd-Lewis will serve as its Vice-Chair. The members of the committee and the stakeholder groups that they represent are as follows:
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