As many of you know the Gwinnett Braves will kick off their inaugural season in Georgia in April of 2009 and I cannot wait til opening day.

As a high school student in Chesapeake Va. I used to go see the Tidewater Tides who used to be the NY Mets Triple A team play and while in college at East Carolina University we used to travel to Kinston NC to watch the Kinston Indians play single A ball.  Minor league baseball is an awesome experience and one I cannot wait to share with my three kids.

The crowds will be manageable, the parking should not be a problem getting in or out of the stadium, the food and beer should be relatively inexpensive, the drive to downtown Atlanta is eliminated and the atmosphere will be awesome. These kids who we will get to watch are fighting for their careers and will be working hard to make it to the pinnacle of the sport, the major leagues.

This past Saturday night I was fortunate enough to have dinner and spend time with Bill Blackwell, the Assistant General of Operations for the Gwinnett Braves who recently moved into Hamilton Mill. Bill has been in baseball for 32 years and recently moved to the Atlanta area after the Richmond Braves relocated to Gwinnett County.  In my discussions with Bill it was obvious of his love and passion for the game of baseball and his overall knowledge of what it takes to make the day to day operations of the team run smoothly.

I was extremely impressed with all of the behind the scenes work that is done to get a baseball team from one city to another as well as serving as good hosts to visiting teams that will be coming to visit Gwinnett County along with ALL the other duties of his job. Bill and I talked about the day to day aspects of his job and the extremely long hours he puts in expecially during the season.

As the stadium continues to take shape and the coming of minor league baseball approaches we all should be excited about the upcoming boost to the local economy and embrace the opportunity in front of us. Get out there and purchase season tickets or single game tickets. There is no better place to be than sitting in a ballpark on a hot summer afternoon watching America’s pastime.

I cannot wait. See you at the ballpark.

Gwinnett County Public Schools students have set a record for the system’s highest-ever composite score on the ACT. The ACT is a curriculum-based test designed to measure college preparedness. The Counties average composite score of 22.2 out of a possible 36 points is also higher than the state’s average of 20.6 points and the national average of 21.1 points, a news release states.

A closer look also shows that more Gwinnett County students took the ACT during the 2007-08 school year than ever before, and the average scores on the individual tests also rose. (The) results are a direct reflection of the great teaching and learning that occurs in our high schools,” said Jorge Quintana, the school district’s spokesman. “Our teachers truly care about our students, and are committed to preparing them for a bright and successful future.”

In Georgia, high school seniors made gains on the ACT, even as the national average for the college readiness exam fell.

The state’s composite ACT score rose to 20.6 in 2008, up from 20.3 in 2007. Nationally, the number fell to 21.1, down from 21.2 last year. Georgia’s scores increased in every subject area tested by the ACT and the state moved up three spots to 41st, up from 44 in 2007 and 47 in 2002. Gwinnett, Cobb and Fulton counties led the state in schools with the highest scores, as each school district had at least five schools with scores above 22.

The results of these test scores are welcome news to anyone who has children in the school system and we all should be extremely proud of all students, teachers and school administrative personnel. Congratulations to all.

Back in the Fall of 2006 a small Christian School opened in the Hamilton Mill area and if you have not heard about it yet, well here is your chance. We have just received word that Dominion Classical Christian Academy is adding a 5 day program to option for families who desire a traditional day-school approach along with a classical format.

Dominion Classical Christian Academy is a private, preparatory academy in Lawrenceville, GA. The Academy’s mission is to help families advance the Kingdom of God by covenanting with parents to equip their children with a Biblical worldview and a thirst for learning. Classes began in the Fall of 2006 with classes in K4-6th grade with the goal to add a class each year until Dominion is K4-12th grade. The Dialectic School will begin with 7th grade in the 2008-09 school year.

The Academy seeks to accomplish this task through a classical and Christ-centered education which utilizes a university schedule format.

As a member school of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, Dominion is one of only four classical Christian schools in the greater metro Atlanta area and the only such school in Gwinnett County.

SCHEDULE:

Because of Dominion’s commitment to covenantal education, we use a university-schedule approach. The university schedule is a 5-day educational program with 3 days per week in a traditional classroom setting and 2 days of home-based academic work. Parent-friendly packets are sent home for the work to be completed outside the classroom.

The schedule allows parents to be involved in their children’s education (in keeping with Deuteronomy and Ephesians), and encourages children to see the home as the “center of gravity” for their lives.

The schedule is:

K4 and K5 Program – 3 days per week (MWF) for half a day (8:30-12:30) or full day (8:30-2:30). Afternoons are an enrichment period, including arts and music.

Grammar School (grades 1-6) – 3 days per week (MWF) for a full school day (8:30-2:30).

For more information, contact the school office at 770-338-7945 or visit the schools website at www.DominionClassical.org.

The Hamilton Mill “Hammerhead” swim team just finished another successful season and is sending a record number of swimmers to the Gwinnett County Championships to be held at Georgia Tech on July 19th and 20th.

As a father of two swimmers, one of which is heading to the County meet, I can tell you that each and every one of our children should be congratulated on the efforts put forward this year. In my families three years on the Hamilton Mill swim team, there continues to be a vast improvement every year.

A big thanks goes out to all the coaches and volunteers that take the time and effort to make the Hamilton Mill swim team what it is today. We are a rapidly improving program and one that will continue to improve with the continued support of the community in which we live.

This year we are sending over 70 swimmers to the County meet. Congratulations to all of you. Here is a list of those who have earned the right to swim for the County championship.

Laurel Anderson Callie Anton Alison Ashburn Jordan Ashwood Madeline Ahswood Nick Atkinson

Brooks Barton Rachel Boyd Austin Brooks Danielle Brooks Gianna Brooks Christian Cardona

Bryce Coleman Caitlyn Costa Courtney Costa Haley Eason John Evans Morgan Fields

Grant Gibson Madison Gibson Carlos Gonzalez Sebastian Gonzalez Michael Grimaldi Joey Gump

Finn Hardin Maddy Hermes Katie Hill David Holcomb Joey Kempf Coogan Koerts

Nick Kozlowski Jacob LaRosa John LaRosa Shayne Lastinger Hayley Lawrence Sarah Lowry

Jake Magahey Shay Magahey Chandler Martin Emily Martin Gracie Martin Bryan Murphy

Mark Murphy Thomas Murphy Grant Niekamp Jordan Niekamp Hannah Ochoa Stefano Ochoa

Kathryn Padova Matt Padova Charlton Pritchett M.E. Pritchett Sydney Purnell Victor Rivera

Jordan Rooks Kendall Schwefler Madison Schwefler Reece Sharpe Hannah Shaw Brian Smith

Daniel Smith Samantha Smith Sydney Staunton Jose Tomei Stamatis Tzimourtas Tom White

Bailey Williams Riley Woods Lindsey Wrolson Madeline Wrolson

Congratulations again to all our swimmers who participated this year and best of luck to those heading to Georgia Tech.

Hamilton Mill has seen its share of both good and bad times in the real estate industry in the past couple of years and while no one is saying we are through the troubled times, there is reason to be optimistic that the worst has come and gone. As you all have heard and read, real estate is a local market. One market may be going gangbusters, while another market in the same general area is really in a downturn.

For the past 10+ years the Hamilton Mill market has been perceived and will continue to be perceived as a premier place to live and with that comes some positive real estate industry news.

For one, we are starting to see more and more homes going under contract which is good for all of us. Yes, prices are not where we want them to be but homes are starting to sell. Currently there are 13 homes under contract in Hamilton Mill and two more are about to go under contract that we know of.

Here are some statistics to ponder if you are considering buying or selling a home within Hamilton Mill from the Altos Research website.

The median single family home price in Dacula is $269,900

Median single family home price in Hamilton Mill is over $400,000.

Dacula average days on market is: 112 and the trend is moving downward.

Percent of properties in Dacula with price reductions: 42%

Buyers market currently set at a 15. This shows that it is still a buyers market but is moving higher which tends to indicate we are past the “bottom”. Two months ago this number sat at a 7. There is several months of inventory available at the current sales rate. Buyers should find ample choices available.

For more information regarding the Hamilton Mill / Dacula area please feel free to email us at mhermes@diamonddwellings.com or call us at 678-279-4717 and we will be happy to provide more detailed information to you.

Hey neighbors, what are your plans for the Fourth of July?

There is sooo much to do in and around Hamilton Mill this weekend. Obviously this year the 4th falls on a Friday which will create even more opportunities to hang out with friends and family. My family is staying local (I hate traveling on holidays because of the traffic) but I have numerous friends heading out to go camping, the beach or any number of other area and out of town attractions.

Locally, the three main places to be on July 4th to watch the fireworks are as follows:

1. Park a chair in your driveway and watch the neighbors attempt to create their own fireworks show (please be careful with this one).

2. Mall of Georgia – Fireworks are always pretty good and there are numerous activities for the kids. They have all kinds of entertainment as well as food of all types. Hint: get there early and stay late to avoid the traffic.

3. Chateau Elan – Fireworks are about the same caliber as the Mall of Georgia, but I would put the Mall just a bit ahead of Chateau Elan. However the traffic is not as bad and the atmosphere is a little more laid back than the Mall.

My choice is Chateau Elan if I were to head out to see the fireworks, but I will probably hang out with some friends in my driveway where we can actually see both the Mall of Ga. and Chateau Elan’s at the same time.

Have a safe and happy 4th and always remember why we are celebrating. Make it a great day.

Tonight’s the Night for our Biggest Hamilton Mill Networking Event ever. We’re expecting 100 to 150 local business people to be there tonight at 5pm.

Here’s the latest news flash… FREE BEER! (well, almost free)

The original plan for this event (as with most of our events) was that your $15 would cover food cost, etc. — but drinks would be extra (cash bar). HOWEVER, Gibraltar Executive Suites has stepped up to pay for the beer & wine for this event, so now your $15 cover also includes drinks! Pretty sweet.

This is an open event, so please feel free to invite other business people in the area.

This event is a cocktails/appetizer reception from 5pm to 7pm

The Cost is $15/person (now includes beer & wine)

NOTE: This event is being held at a special location…

Gibraltar Executive Suites

2078 Teron Trace, Suite 250, Dacula, Ga. 30019 (behind 12 Stone Church on Hwy 124)

For more details about Hamilton Mill Business Networking, click here.

You’ll also want to add your business information to our

Free Hamilton Mill area business directory at HamiltonMillBusiness.info

Who’s invited: Anyone who has a business to promote in the Hamilton Mill area

What to expect: FUN! We guarantee that you’ll have a good time (absolutely NO boring product overviews!)

What to bring: Lots of Business Cards & info about your business

Who to Bring: Bring a friend who also has a business to promote!

NOTE: The cost is $15 / person at the door

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Hamilton Mill’s own Doug Stacks has made the decision to run for Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner in the upcoming Republican Primary on July 15th, 2008.

As a 35 year resident of District 3, Doug has a vested interest in the Hamilton Mill community as well as Gwinnett County. According to Doug ” I have always lived in District 3 and currently live in Dacula. Gwinnett is great! It’s great because of its quality of life, schools, and economic prosperity. I have many life long friends who still call Gwinnett home, to both their residences and businesses. I continue to meet people looking to reside and have successful businesses in the County.

My Friends, growth is here. We should be proud. Our schools are second to none. Bringing jobs and business to Gwinnett County is a priority in order to increase our tax base. Growth will continue regardless of what happens in District 3 – just look at the other Districts in Gwinnett, as well as our neighbors Hall, Walton, Barrow, and Jackson Counties! Growth equates to economic prosperity and you can manage it in an intricate way so our communities in which we live and play continue to reap the benefits. Without it, District 3 will NOT prosper.”

Take a couple of minutes and check out Doug Stacks website at www.DougStacks.com for more information.

If you live near Hamilton Mill, you’ve probably been waiting for the new park to open on Hwy 124. The new Duncan Creek Park located on Braselton Highway at Pine Road opens today! This park is minutes away from everyone in Hamilton Mill.

The official grand opening for the park is scheduled for June 14th, but county officials decided to open to the public today since school is out and there will be plenty of kids looking for new activities.

Duncan Creek park features 110 acres and includes a skate park for bicyclists, skateboarders, and rollerbladers. It also contains a football field, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. Also, the new Hamilton Mill library branch will be added at the park’s entrance later this year.

View the plans for the park on the Gwinnett County website at:

Also, see the complete article today in the Gwinnett Daily Post Local section at:

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