February is here and tomorrow determines who Super Bowl #48 Champion is and whether or not General Beauregard Lee sees his shadow.  If January seemed a little blah, February is sure to make up for it. 

This month's LovinLilburn continues to report positive community news, and with spring around the corner, this issue is packed with great things to do outdoors and places to check out. You will also get recaps from January events and a focus on special happenings in February and beyond.  

February, known for Black History Month, Presidents' Day and St. Valentine's Day, provides numerous activities that focus on history, remembrance, and love. 

Don't forget to check out www.Lilburncp.com and post something on our Community Bulletin Board. Like us on Facebook and check out more pictures of our environs.  You can always find this issue and back issues of LL on the Blog page of our web site and everything on the web site can be translated into one of about 73 languages by using the language icon. Certainly consider forwarding this issue to neighbors and friends and encourage them to sign up.  LCP does not sell or distribute email addresses.  

Happy Reading! 

Business license renewals originally due to the City of Lilburn Friday, Jan. 31 are now due Feb. 5 because of the inclement weather.  The form and payment need to be turned into the City offices located at 76 Main St. City instructions are at this link.  Gwinnett County Business operators must file their business license renewal forms on line by Feb. 15 and must send in payment by April 1. County instructions are at this link. 

Beaver Hills Civic Association was recently honored by Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful as "Best Green Neighborhood."  Beaver Hills represents several neighborhoods in the Burns Road-Pleasant Hill- Beaver Ruin Road area. They also participate in the Adopt-a-Road program. Pictured L-R is Chuck Warbington presenting the award to last year's Beaver Hills President, Carl Moller and Susan Abrams, Beaver Hills Civic member who is their COPS Liaison. 

Last week Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy was celebrated with a parade and activities sponsored by Gwinnett's United Ebony Society.

Here in Lilburn Salem Missionary Baptist Church also has a legacy, and it goes back to 1824 when the church was cofounded by a plantation owner who built a church for the area's African slaves who then laid a foundation that continued the church through the post-slavery days and beyond. Salem Missionary Baptist Church has continued instilling Christian faith and values continuously since its founding to the present.  

Salem honors and preserves its history in its Heritage Hall located on Church St. If you have a chance, it is well worth the time to schedule a tour of Heritage Hall where church leaders have a museum dedicated to preserving their history and heritage in our community.

Other Black History events:

·       A series of readings during Black History Month will be held Sat. Feb. 1, at 1 pm at the Lilburn Library and on Feb. 8 at the same time at the Mountain Park, Lawrenceville, Snellville, and Five Forks libraries.  See Gwinnett Libraries for more.

·      Another outing for families would be to attend a presentation by the Environmental Heritage Center's.  Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8 with Wanda Ritchey as "Sistah Spice" who will educate and entertain you at 11 am and 1 pm.  The Center is located at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford.

For some family fun, consider celebrating Presidents’ Day, at McDaniel Farm in Duluth and learn about two leaders who played critical roles in America’s history. Examine photographs of Abraham Lincoln and listen to the famous words of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats, and then make a fun craft to take home to remind you of what you’ve learned.  This program is for ages 9 and up, takes place every Saturday in February and is sponsored by Gwinnett Heritage Center. 

    Valentine's Fun

While dinner out is a great Valentines' activity, here are some more suggestions:

• Daddy-Daughter Dance, Feb. 8, 5-8 pm at Lucky Shoals Park Community Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross.  Enjoy a memorable evening with dancing, games, snacks, a keepsake photo & more.  $8/pp  Call 678-277-0860 for more information.
• Cupid's Piano Concert and Dessert, Friday, Feb. 14 1:00 pm-2:30 pm.  Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Rd. Lawrenceville, $6 pp, Contact 678-277-0179 or click here  by Feb. 7.
• A "Singing Valentine" from the Stone Mountain Barbership Chorus.  $50. Go  to www.stonemountainchorus.org or call 770-623-47686
• February 14 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Judges from Magistrate Court are offering free Valentine's Day weddings and special ceremonies to renew wedding vows at the courthouse. Couples getting married must get a marriage license from the Probate Court before Valentine's Day. Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Call 770.822.8250 for more information. 

Monday, February 3

Lunch & Learn - Low-Maintenance Home Landscaping

Bring your sack lunch and learn about low maintenance home landscaping ideas from Gwinnett County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Timothy Daly. Mr. Daly will also discuss pruning, planting, and answer your horticulture questions. This lunch and learn will take place on Monday, February 3 from 12-1 p.m. at Lilburn City Hall (76 Main St., Lilburn).
Please call 770-638-2225 or email rschmitt@cityoflilburn.com by January 31 to register for this FREE event.

Wednesday, February 5

Groundbreaking for Main Street Realignment

The City of Lilburn will mark the ceremonial beginning of the Main Street Realignment with brief remarks from city, county, and state officials. The brief ceremony will be held in the grassy lot just south of S.M.I.L.E., 336 Main St., Lilburn, Ga. 
Paved parking available in the lot on the other side of S.M.I.L.E. 

Saturday, February 22

Camp Creek Greenway Trail Wildlife Habitat Dedication

Join the City of Lilburn on Saturday, February 22 for the dedication of the Camp Creek Greenway Trail as a National Wildlife Federation® Certified Wildlife Habitat®. The dedication, which takes place at 10 a.m., is part of the City's Arbor Day activities.
Immediately following the dedication, the Ladybugs Garden Club is inviting anyone who would like to volunteer or learn more about their group to join them for trail maintenance. 

Saturday, June 21

White Elephant Sale

Reserve your space for the 2014 White Elephant Sale.  This is a great opportunity to repurpose unwanted items and maybe find some new treasures while you're at the sale!  Instead of having a series of garage sales, the City will host one large white elephant sale in June.
Space reservation fee is $15 and spaces are limited.  Sellers should be set up by 8 a.m. the morning of the sale.  Please check the City website for more details.

Chief Bruce Hedley of the Lilburn Police Department has released his Crime Statistics Report for 2013.  The report shows significant decrease in violent crime in 2013 as compared to previous years reports.  The report indicates one homicide in 2013 and no report of rape.  robbery is down 27% as compared to 2012 (seven-year low) and aggravated assault is down by 1% as compared to 2012.  Burglary has decreased by 33% as compared to 2012 and is at a nine-year low. Another significant improvement is a 21% decrease in auto theft as compared to the previous year's reports.   Click here for report data.  

Lilburn Community Partnership's Business After Hours, January 16 was informative and engaging with close to 50 residents and business operators gathering to hear reports on CID activity from Chuck Warbinton, Director of Gwinnett Village CID and Joe Allen of Gwinnett Place CID.  An added bonus was impromptu legislative updates by State Senator Curt Thompson and House Representative B. J. Pak.

Attendees were treated to great food by Spice of Life catering, hearty coffee by Simple Sip, comfortable set up by The Special Occasion, and a spacious meeting room by Elite Signature Enterprise event facility. Photos: Michael Taylor

Warbington distributed handouts and gave a concise summary of Gwinnett Village projects.  He commented that bad weather was delaying progress on the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at I-85 and Jimmy Carter but that the expected traffic delays during construction would be rewarded with a major traffic improvement.  He also mentioned the pedestrian pathway that would go down Indian Trail to connect with the Lilburn CID's pathway to Bryson Park.  He then described Jacoby Development's plans to expand movie studio space and establish a media school at the OFS site just off the I-85 at the Norcross exit. Attendees expressed interest in the movie industry development, and a recent article in the Gwinnett Daily Post gives more info.  

Allen, equally proud of the accomplishments of Gwinnett Place CID, told of the recent purchase of Gwinnett Place Mall by Moonbeam Development based in Las Vegas - more info from Atlanta Business Chronicle.  Allen also related the incredible drop in crime since the CID has been established.  Other accomplishments include the DDI, which everyone agreed had improved traffic at I-85 /Pleasant Hill, the installation of sidewalks and the beautification numerous areas throughout the CID.  Be sure to check out Gwinnett Place CID Facebook and web site for more info.

Senator Thompson, coming directly from the Gold Dome, explained his district, which includes Gwinnett Village  and Gwinnett Place CID's.  Sen. Thompson predicted a short legislative session due to election primaries being held May 20.  (Our legislators cannot raise money for campaigns while in session.) He encouraged attendees to contact him immediately if they had concerns that needed to be addressed.

Rep. B. J. Pak, District 108, also coming directly from downtown ATL, predicted that there would be little legislation of any consequence on the budget because of the short time frame and that we should expect more important legislation to be considered during next year's session. Next year, he said he plans to work to lower the Georgia income tax which would be especially important to business owners. 

Many thanks to all of our speakers, volunteers and sponsors for an informative evening.   

LAA will host a discussion by local furniture maker Alan Harp at 7:00 pm Feb. 12 at Lilburn City Hall, 76 Main Street.  Harp is the owner of Alan Harp Design.  He will speak on how to use Facebook to attract new business clients.  The talk is free and open to the public.

LAA is also soliciting 2014 Membership Renewals.  Individual:  $40.00,   Family:  $70.00,  Student:  $30.00 (18 and under), and Patron:  $100.00

Please mail your check to LAA, 312 Westminister Lane, Lilburn, GA  30047.  Membership applications are available for download at www.lilburnartsalliance.org. For more information:  arts@lilburnartsalliance.org.

Lilburn is fortunate to have two new County parks with youth leagues operating. 

Bryson Park, located at 5075 Lawrenceville Hwy, is in the midst of soccer sign-ups which take place Sat. Feb. 8 at the soccer concession building from 10 am until 2 pm. Visit their web site www.brysonparktitans.com.  Phone 678-820-9094 or brysonparksoccer@gmail.com. The league is also looking for volunteer coaches, team managers, and general volunteers.   

Lion's Club Park, while not really new, has been renovated and expanded. Located at 5500 Rockbridge Circle, the park will be open soon with a ribbon cutting planned for Feb. 25 @ 3:30 pm and Grand Opening for March 8th. Teams have already formed and more information can be found at www.eteamz. com. The park is beautiful with an under-the-bridge connection to the Lilburn Centennial Greenway Trail.  Lion's Club Park has a great children's playground which features a wheelchair-accessible play feature.  While the park is already large at 51 acres, the County plans to add even more space to this park in Phase II when it will total 81 acres. Click for masterplan link.  See more pictures at LCP website Leisure Page.

SafetySmart Lilburn 

SafetySmart Lilburn's President Margot Ashley reports that they are continuing to expand the number of Neighborhood Watch areas.  Visit their website for more info on volunteering, contributing and donating.  Margot and her organization do a great  service by distributing criminal activity alerts and reporting summaries of City meetings.  See link for Margot's summary of the recent Town Hall Meeting.

Lilburn Woman's Club

Lilburn Woman's Club has been busy making preparations for a busy 2014.  Members have been contributing recipes over the last few months for another not to-be-missed LWC Cook Book.  The Club is also planning a Lilburn Garden Tour in June, and they have reserved City Park for another awesome Lilburn Daze in October.  With around 70 members, they keep everyone busy.  More info on events, activities and membership can be found on their website.

The Lilburn Community District Office will be moving in March to Lilburn Commons Office Park on Hwy. 29 across from Providence Christian Academy.   Executive Director Gerald McDowell is pleased about the move as it places the office in a more central location within the CID boundaries.  

Taste of Lilburn to Benefit Wynne Russell House

The Lilburn Community Partnership is pleased to announce that it will host "Taste of Lilburn" on Saturday, March 22, from 2:30 pm until 5:30 pm  in the auditorium of City Hall located at 76 Main Street.  Organizers have secured 1910 Public House, Three Blind Mice, Oyster Barn, Bambinelli's, Spiced Right and Taqueria Los Hemanos.  Just 150 tickets will go on sale soon.  Prices in advance are 2 tickets for $25 and include a glass of wine or soft drink as well as samplings from the featured restaurants.  There will also be a silent auction benefitting participating non-profits.  Check the web site Bulletin Board and Dining Page for updated info on securing tickets.

Proceeds from the event will go toward maintaining and preserving the Wynne Russell House and grounds.  Once improvements are made, the house will be available for use by the community and tours.   

February Business After Hours

With two very successful BAH events, the Lilburn Community Partnership at its last meeting voted to have Business After Hours every month.  The next BAH will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5:30 -7:30 pm at the Flex Fit Gym located in the rear of the Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center at 4155 Lawrenceville Hwy.  The February event will feature a demonstration of "Ninja" fitness and a stunt performer as well as healthy food tastings.  Gerald McDowell of the Lilburn CID will give an update on CID and City projects.  As in the past, we welcome business operators to bring door prizes. This event is open to residents and business operators. Check the LCP website for updated information. RSVP appreciated but not required: info@lilburncp.com.

You usually see signs go up, but this picture shows one that's being taken down at Bryson Park.  With the billboard down, hopefully Phase II of the park master plan will be scheduled.  More to come on this next month. In the meantime look at the picures of people getting out and having fun.

            

LCP, whose mission is to engage the whole community, is exploring the feasibility of hosting an international festival of food and arts in late September in Lilburn Park.  Organizers are looking to emulate other similar festivals held in Norcross, Suwanee, Piedmont Park and Albany.  (Photo is by Billy Wright taken at the Korean Festival in Suwanee.)

The success of the festival will depend on securing sponsors to help offset expenses of advertising, shuttle, security, event fees, etc. Success will also depend on indentifying a key group of volunteers who share the vision of engaging the entire community and willing to devote time to meet monthly ensure success.  If you are interested in being a sponsor and/or volunteer, contact info@lilburncp.com.

Photo is from Norcross Gateway International Festival

Is it really that important to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth as well as have them cleaned? YES!

Dogs/cats like humans can get gingivitis or cavities.  Additionally if they chip or break teeth from chewing on hard bones/toys it can cause bacteria to get up inside and lead to an abscess.

If your pet’s breath is worse than usual it can mean they are suffering from periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can lead to a bacterial infection which can enter the bloodstream and spread to your pet’s kidney, liver, heart and even his brain. Plaque build up can cause pain and inflammation making it difficult for your pet to eat as well.

Thankfully there is a simple prevention, brushing their teeth! Even just twice a week can make a dramatic difference in their oral health. Smaller dogs or brachycephalic breeds may need more frequent brushing as their teeth are crowded together which allows more plaque to accumulate.

There are tooth pastes and brushes made just for pets and you can find them at your local pet store like the Pet Super Store in Loganville just off Hwy 78. They have everything needed to do the job right.

Your pet may not like it at first but if done with enough regularity they will get used to it. If you brush them on a daily basis you may be able to limit your professional cleanings to every few years as opposed to yearly as recommended by most veterinarians. Our dog is 5 years old and hasn’t needed her teeth cleaned by our vet yet! Think of the money you will save! Plus anytime you can keep your pet from being anesthetized is a good thing. Do continue your yearly check-ups with your vet as they can tell by looking in your pet’s mouth if professional cleaning is needed or not. (Note from LCP: This article should not be considered an endorsement, but is included for information only.)

Terie Hansen, Professional Dog Trainer, Pet Sitter & Owner at Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care-may be reached at 404-422-9832 www.gooddogcoaching.com

1.  Define your needs. Write down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale? Work with your real estate agent to achieve your objectives and set a realistic time frame for the sale.

2.  Name your price. Your next objective should be to determine the best possible selling price for your house. Setting a fair asking price from the outset will generate the most activity from other real estate agents and buyers. The condition of your home and what comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for will determine pricing.

3.  Prepare your home. Most of us don't keep our homes in "showroom" condition. We tend to overlook piles of boxes in the garage, broken porch lights, and doors or windows that stick. The condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer. First impressions are the most important.

4.  Get the word out. Now that you're ready to sell, your real estate agent will set up a marketing strategy specifically for your home and your agent will structure the marketing plan so that the first three to six weeks are the busiest.There are many ways to get the word out, including: * The Internet,Yard signs, Open houses, and Media advertising.

5.  Receive an offer. When you receive a written offer from a potential buyer, your real estate agent will first find out whether or not the individual is pre-qualified or pre-approved to buy your home.  Remember: Once both parties have signed a written offer, the document becomes legally binding.

6.  Negotiate to sell. Most offers to purchase your home will require some negotiating to come to a win-win agreement.  Once both parties have agreed on the terms of the sale, your agent will prepare a contract.

7.  Prepare to close. Once you accept an offer to sell your house, you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing.Also, begin to make arrangements for your upcoming move if you have not done so.

8.  Close the deal. "Closing" refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer.  Cancel electricity, gas, lawn care, cable and other routine services.

How much is my house worth? Click here Your Home's Value

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This month's Top 10 comes from one of our readers, Ayana Knowles, a professional realtor with Keller Williams. LCP appreciates reader contributions, and the publishing of articles is for information purposes and does not indicate endorsement.