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TODAY'S
ISSUE
New Notre Dame Academy
to open in August in Duluth
By
Mary Rogelstad
For Notre Dame Academy
Special to GwinnettForum.com
MARCH 15, 2005 -- A new independent Catholic school opening in
Duluth plans to incorporate the standards of a relatively young
program promoted by the International Baccalaureate Organization
(IBO) called the "Primary Years Programme." Only about
30 elementary schools in the country are currently accredited users
of the IBO curriculum. Notre Dame Academy hopes to be added to the
list. The school will use the hands-on and interdisciplinary curriculum
beginning at the preschool level for three year olds and continue
it through 6th grade. For 7th and 8th graders, Notre Dame plans
a separate middle school that will utilize the "Middle Years
Programme."
The school plans an open house at its 48,000 square foot facility
at 4635 River Green Parkways on April 14 (date corrected from
earlier version). The school projects at least 275 students
to enroll the first year, though it could handle up to 400 students
at present. It is leasing space, and hopes to expand to an adjacent
building as enrollment grows.
Debra Orr, founder of Notre Dame Academy, says the curriculum will
work particularly well in a Catholic school. "The International
Baccalaureate Program emphasizes the development of traits such
as tolerance and respect," Orr says. "These values line
up perfectly with the virtues of the Catholic church."
The program will also allow the school to respond to the strong
immigrant growth in the county, particularly among Hispanics. As
the school grows, Notre Academy plans to add a dual language classroom
option, which will require participating students to communicate
effectively in both English and Spanish. To enhance this effort,
the school is seeking donations to install a state-of-the-art language
lab, which will use technology to help students learn how to speak
another language.
Notre Dame Academy also plans to marry the IB curriculum with
other elements. The school will incorporate a Service Learning program
that will require students to participate in a major service project
each year. Plus, a "Fitness for Life" program will offer
the students daily physical education classes and lessons about
healthy living. In addition, the school is seeking donations to
create "Smart Classrooms" that use interactive white boards,
a primary science lab for hands-on learning, a media center with
an international focus, and music and art rooms.
Ms. Orr has 20 years of educational experience, including a teaching
position at St. Pius X and a primary role in launching Blessed Trinity
High School. The President of Notre Dame's Board is architect David
Schroeder. He has worked on such projects as The Forum at Peachtree
Parkway, and has designed the school's planned facilities at its
site on River Green Parkway. On the religion side, the school has
formed an advisory board consisting of Father Joel Konzen, principal
of Marist School; Sister Lois Castillon, national director of Ursuline
Education; and Father Fred Wendell, pastor of Prince of Peace Church
in Buford.
Overall, this team will provide students at Notre Dame Academy
with an exemplary program that will include a curriculum based on
the best systems in the world. As Education Week puts it, the IB
program "Helps mold well-rounded students better prepared for
a world that globalization shrinks more and more every day."
ELLIOTT
BRACK
Dallas
Hudgens' first novel a page-turner to the very end
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
MARCH 15, 2005 -- For a novelist, picking the characters you write
about, and their society, is the key.
For F. Scott Fitzgerald, it was the society elite of the jazz age.
For Ernest Hemingway, it was about he-men and wars. For John le
Carre, it was about the Cold War, espionage and those in scullduggery.
A first novel by Dallas Hudgens, who was raised in Duluth, picks
an element of society many of us will know very little about: people
in the suburban Metro Atlata area who are sometimes on the wrong
side of the law. Somehow, you wonder how this son of Duluth chose
to write about this element of society. Dallas, you may not know,
is the son of the late Scott Hudgens and his wife, Jackie.
The characters aren't exactly down and outers that Dallas, writes
about in his novel, since most of them seem to have some redeeming
qualities. They might be described as with good hearts, though rough
around the edges. However, they may also be on the fringe of occasionally
breaking the law, smoking more marijuana than most, and not above
taking advantage of a situation if it benefits them, even though
it may be slightly breaking the law. Like routine shop lifting.
Or driving without a license. Or going before a female judge and
being told she would put you away for two years if you ever came
to her court again.
 Dallas,
who now lives in the Washington, D.C. area, and who has been a regular
free-lancer for the Washington Post, and getting his first
writing job at the Gwinnett Daily News, has always wanted
to write. And his first book, "Drive Like Hell," (Scribner,
322 pages, $23), is a page turner. Time you get people through one
episode, another pops up, and you must go on to the next chapter.
We hate to suggest plots of novels, and won't here. Simply understand
that this book combines the best and worst of the suburban South,
with heavy doses of country and rock music of the late 1970's, low-life
maneuverings, stock car racing and an early small town drug culture.
Sometimes it's funny, other times outlandish, but always entertaining.
One reviewer has gone as far as call Dallas' book "the Great
American Redneck novel." To me, that's going too far, for I
think of Rednecks as better than the set of characters that Dallas
writes about, who often are law-breakers and ex-convicts. We think
of good old Rednecks as unimaginative, dull, and sometimes lazy,
but we don't think of Rednecks as necessarily law breakers. Maybe
sorry, but always law-abiding.
One thing a novel must be is plausible. And the way that Dallas
unfolds this story, it's entirely reasonable. Part of this is because
in his various assignments for free lance articles, Dallas has experienced
life first hand. For instance, one of his assignments earlier was
a long piece in the Washington Post magazine about stock car driving.
The Post sent him to the Charlotte Raceway, where Dallas actually
drove around the track at excessively high speed. And as he unfolds
the story in his novel, with lots of driving scenes, you realize
he knows what he writes about.
He's also done his research, acknowledging Atlanta author Paul
Hemphill ("Wheels," about NASCAR racing) as one of his
sources.
You will enjoy Dallas Hudgens' "Drive Like Hell." It's
even a Book-of-the-Month selection. You'll find it familiar, readable,
and exciting, good essentials for a novelist. We look forward to
his next work, and wonder what part of society he'll tackle next,
or whether he will continue to write about the zany characters he
introduces to us.
Note: Dallas Hudgens will appear for a book-signing and
reading at the Ansley Mall Chapter 11 bookstore, 1544 Piedmont
Avenue, on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m.
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FEEDBACK
3/15: Sees hope, suggests one way for peace
in Jerusalem
Editor, the Forum:
It occurred to me this past Friday that we were missing good news
about freedom and democracy in the Middle East while we were being
force fed an all day barrage of the hunt for one truly sick man.
My sympathies and prayers are with the families of the victims,
don't misunderstand my point. The media missed covering an historic
agreement between Shi'ites and Kurds in Iraq to form a coalition
government.
In Spain a Muslim Cleric issued a Fatwa against Osama bin Laden.
Syria agreed to discuss full withdrawal with the Lebanese government
after a partial troop withdrawal to eastern Lebanon to be completed
March 31.
Freedom is on the march it would seem in the Middle East. I have
to say that even though it was George W. Bush's last reason for
invading Iraq this last reason may be more truthful than the previous
four or five. As much as I cannot stand the man, I do hope and pray
that for the people of the Middle East who have long been left abandoned
by the world that Bush's war somehow brings peace and stability
to the region.
I have one question for Mr. Bush; "If you truly desire democracy
to flourish and spread in the Middle East, then why not support
the idea of a One-State solution in Israel/Palestine, giving both
Arabs and Israelis the same inalienable rights? Jerusalem could
become the new capital of the United Nations and no weapons would
be allowed at all in the city. The jobs created by starting the
building of such a new headquarters for the UN would increase the
economic recovery of Palestinians and eliminate the need for Jewish
settlements to be forcibly relocated. Reparations for the displaced
could be the first mention by the West at addressing the hyper-sensitive
issue of repatriation for Palestinians forcibly removed after 1947.
Sure, it is bold, but isn't the idea peace and stability? If we
cannot begin to live together, Muslim, Jew, Gentile, Christian,
Buddhist, Hindu, Democrat, Republican, Liberal, and Conservative,
then how will we ever achieve democracy or peace?
It will take time I admit. What do we have to lose but to try peace
and justice? I can't stand George Bush and his policies but I will
be praying for his last gasp at justification in Iraq to be the
thing that works for all of us, American, Iraqi, Muslim, Christian,
and Jew……all of us.
-- Roger Hagen, Lilburn
Dear Roger: Kudoes for extending your mind.
Thanks for your comments and direction. It will take a lot of
luck, and prayer, for this to work. Good of you for advancing
it.-eeb.
3/15:
Readers are best served when they act as their own editors
Editor, the Forum:
Your observation that virtual journalists play fast and loose with
the truth, facts and accuracy is accurate. However, generalizing
that traditional media sources are held to a more rigorous standard
has fallen on deaf ears in light of the scandals at the New York
Times, the Washington Post, CBS and Dan Rather, etc.
One only needs to read Cynthia Tucker or Jay Bookman's regular ranting
to see the truth shaded, bent and occasionally broken to fit a particular
point of view.
It seems to me that Forum readers would be better served if you
encouraged us to become our own editors, checking facts through
numerous news sources before forming our own opinion of our perception
of the facts. In any case thanks once again for stimulating our
collective thoughts.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
PS. I loved the piece on introducing speakers. A little cut and
paste and it's now part of my skill set. Thanks. -PM
Dear Pat: Appreciate your comment. You know,
we are all our own editors in many ways. I hope the Forum sometimes
helps. --eeb
3/15:
Feels elected officials could act as liaison to gangs
Editor, the Forum:
There was graffiti in Spanish all over a fence in our neighborhood
when we returned from being out of town this weekend. While it is
not my fence I feel for these neighbors, as this is the second time
the gangs have struck.
They also left their mark on the BellSouth box in our yard and
continue to write all over people's property. I would like to see
some of the Hispanic officials who were elected act as a liaison
to the Hispanic gangs.
-- Name Withheld by Request, Norcross
(Editor's Note: We contacted Rep. Pedro Marin
of Duluth, who responded immediately. His thoughts are below.
-eeb)
"Addressing criminal gang activity has been a special priority
for me as a legislator. In my first term, I passed legislation
providing for inmate labor to be used to remove graffiti in our
communities. This year, I have introduced two other bills (HB
96 and HB 130) that would crack down on gang activity. They are
still in committee, but hopefully will pass next year.
"To answer your question directly, I am working closely
with the gang prevention division of law enforcement and will
be in a leadership role at an upcoming Youth Summit on gang prevention
at Norcross High School. I would also be willing to help facilitate
a summit of gang leaders for the kind of liaison you are proposing.
"Thank you for your inquiry, and please feel free to contact
me at any time to discuss these issues."
-- Rep. Pedro Marin
3/15:
Says Bush conferences are set-ups, carefully orchestrated
Editor, the Forum:
The President's "Conversations" on the Social Security
issue are carefully orchestrated and rehearsed. Seniors on stage
express confidence that Bush's plan to create private investment
accounts would not eat into promised benefits, and the youth speak
of a richer retirement if the president prevails.
Nothing is said of the benefit cuts White House officials privately
acknowledge will be part of any Social Security deal.
-- Ralph Greene, Snellville
3/15:
Finds it difficult to bend herself into this position
Editor, the Forum:
In a recent column in Gwinnett Forum, the Red Cross weather warning
item had a unique sentence. It said that if a storm is coming, squat
down, put your hands on knees and your head between them. Elliott,
even if I ever could get into such a position, I don't think I could
ever get out again!! Can you?
-- Barbara Grastat, Lawrenceville
Dear Barbara: Does sound like a tough position,
but it might save your life if the ceiling were falling in! You
would make a smaller target. I would at least try! --eeb
CALENDAR
Alliance Theatre presents McCullers' discussion
and play
Humanity. Compassion. Hope. In 1930s Georgia, a deaf and mute man
triggers a search for acceptance within a small group of isolated,
lonely individuals.
The Woodruff Arts Center's Page to Stage Literary Series and the
Alliance Theatre present An Evening with Heart: featuring The Heart
is a Lonely Hunter, March 23, 6:30 p.m. on the Alliance Theatre's
Hertz Stage.
McCullers' famous novel - now a World Premiere play - will be the
focus of this special, one-of-a-kind Page to Stage event. The night
brings author Rebecca Gilman, one of America's most talented Southern
playwrights who faithfully and lovingly adapts McCullers' novel,
and Dr. Virginia Spencer Carr, McCullers' biographer, together on
the Hertz Stage. The authors will discuss their works and provide
insight into Carson McCullers' hauntingly beautiful book. The evening
will be hosted by Valerie Jackson, former first lady of Atlanta
and host of WABE-FM's Between the Lines.
The night begins with a light reception catered by Vinocity Wine
Bar and Restaurant at 6p.m. The authors take the stage at 6:30 for
an hour of "Heart-y" discussion. Afterwards, stay to see
the Alliance Theatre's World Premiere production of the play, The
Heart is a Lonely Hunter at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for the
Page to Stage reception and author event, $25 for the preview of
the play and $30 for both. Call (404) 733-5000 for tickets or visit
www.woodruffcenter.org.
RECOMMENDED
READ
- An invitation: What Web sites or books have you enjoyed?
Send us your best recent read along with a short paragraph as
to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb
ENCYCLOPEDIA
TIDBIT
3/15: Andrew Young
helps Atlanta grow as international city
Andrew Young's lifelong work as a politician, human rights activist,
and businessman has been in great measure responsible for the development
of Atlanta's reputation as an international city.
 Born
on March 12, 1932, into a prosperous middle-class family, the son
of a dentist and a schoolteacher, in New Orleans, Louisiana, during
the depths of the Great Depression and Jim Crow segregation, Andrew
Jackson Young Jr. was brought up to believe that "from those
to whom much has been given, much will be required."
Young graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in
1951 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He then earned
a divinity degree from Hartford Theological Seminary in Connecticut
and accepted the pastorate of Bethany Congregational Church in Thomasville,
Georgia, in 1955.
Young left his position as pastor in 1961 to work with the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the church-centered, Atlanta-based
civil rights organization led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Young became a trusted aide to Martin Luther King Jr., eventually
rising to the executive directorship of the SCLC. He was with King
when the civil rights leader was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee,
on April 4, 1968.
After King's assassination, Young won Georgia's Fifth District
seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 and became the
first African American since Reconstruction to be elected to Congress
from Georgia. Young was twice reelected to the House of Representatives.
Young returned to Atlanta and in 1981 was elected the city's mayor.
His election signaled the institutionalization of the revolution
in black political power he had helped to create in Georgia.
Young is currently a professor at Georgia State University's Andrew
Young School of Policy Studies. Young had four children with his
first wife, Jean Childs, who died of cancer in 1994. He married
his second wife, Carolyn, in 1996. Young has published two books,
A Way Out of No Way (1994) and An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights
Movement and the Transformation of America (1996).
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
A thought from a captive
The recent quote from Steinbeck reminded me of a quote that I like
from Corrie ten Boom who was held in a Nazi Concentration camp.
"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look
within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at God you'll be at
rest."
-- Janet Gibson, Lawrenceville.
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