TODAY'S ISSUE
Knows from experience good aspect of school uniforms
By Joe Gilkey
Special to GwinnettForum.com

(Editor's Note: Joe Gilkey is a native of Hawaii, and has lived in the area for six years. He is a regional credit manager for Siemans Medical Solutions, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Snellville and is president of the Pastoral Council at St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church. Married for 15 years, he and his wife have two daughters, ages 12 and 9. --eeb)

SNELLVILLE, Oct. 14, 2005---Without a doubt, I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Krishnaswamy's article (GwinnettForum, October 11) about the benefits of wearing a uniform to school. He pointed out everything I have always believed to be true about uniforms. As one who attended parochial schools, and thus having to wear a variety of uniforms throughout, there was an inherent pride about wearing the insignia of the particular school I was attending at the time.

Gilkey

As a side note, during my high school years, (1976-80), I attended the only Catholic co-ed high school in the state of Hawaii and the "uniform," (if you could call it such), consisted of the boys having to wear a collared shirt and no sneakers or shorts. That's it!

On the other hand, the girls were required to wear a pleated skirt in gray or blue and a white blouse with the high school insignia sown in. It is strange that during the entire time, no one, at least no one I can remember, made any issue of it. It was never explained why the girls were held to higher uniform standard than the boys. I am pleased to report that the uniform code has since changed with both boys and girls held to an equal standard. However, during my high school days, I never gave it a second thought.

Going back to Mr. Krishnaswamy's article, there were several key phrases that will unfortunately doom the idea of school uniforms before it even leaves the gate.

First, "After all, a uniform is a form of conformity." It is unfortunate that parents these days seem to want their children to "make a statement about their own individuality." Hog wash! Children are in school to learn, both text book and getting a taste of how the real world works.

Some will say that in the "real world" you don't have to wear a uniform. Outside of UPS, tell me what a suit and tie is? I personally felt a sense of sadness when most corporate environments went to "business casual." There is nothing that makes me feel more professional than a suit and tie. (Of course, the jacket always made me feel slimmer!)

Secondly, "They create an acceptance of regulations." A major problem of our society today is the disrespect of regulations and authority. Remember the days when a teenager, (or preteen for that matter), would never even consider mouthing-off to an adult stranger? Now, it is done for sport. Fear of consequences from adults, (parents included), no longer have an impact on many of the youth of today.

Frankly, I have to admit that I did cringe a bit at, "And finally, they accept the status, eventually without question." I can hear the naysayers now: "You want our children to become a bunch of drones!!" Emotions will inevitably play into this statement without taking it at face value.

Somewhere along the way, in the minds of some, the parent's role has changed from one of raising children to be good citizens to one who's job is: "protector from all discomfort." Without a doubt, most children will resist the idea of school uniforms, but our job as parents is to look at the big picture.

Do you not give your children medicine they find distasteful but will help in their recovery? Do you not make your children eat vegetables they abhor? As with medicine and vegetables, children may never really like wearing uniforms, but eventually, they will get used to it.

The Superintendent of Gwinnett County schools spoke at our Rotary Club last fall and the question was asked about school uniforms and regretfully, it is not even on the radar at the county level. Some individual schools have attempted their own policy of uniforms but without it being a county-wide initiative, it never took off.

If only parents would look beyond their own interest and behave more like "parents," the idea of uniforms could take hold. Remember, a job of a parent is not to raise good children. It is to raise good adults.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Duluth pastor blogging his hiking in Himalayan highland
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

OCT. 14, 2005 -- All of us have our own idea of a "dream vacation." Too few of us get to see it through.

That's what the Rev. David Fry is doing this week, on a trip of a lifetime in Nepal, along with a friend hiking in the Himalayan country. His trip was a surprise gift from members of his church, which he founded, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian, to mark his 20th year as pastor.

You can follow along with Dave as he makes his hike. Or at least you can read about what he has logged so far back when he was last at an internet café in Kittapur, Nepal, working away on his blog on a very slow computer. Go to: www.davefrytrek.blogspot.com.

According to Dave's well-laid out plans, on Friday he is supposed to be trekking to the Solu Khumbu region, home of the Sherpa people. They anticipate camping at an altitude of 9,380 feet tonight.

Then in the next several days, they will be climbing higher, to Namche Bazaar at 11,287 feet, where they will take one free day as Dave writes "to practice breathing." Loads will be transferred to Yaks to haul amid the high air and cold.

He may need to have the breathing practice. His adventure culminates on October 21 at 17,575 feet at Gokyo Ri, with anticipation that its summit will offer the best views of Mount Everest. It's all downhill from there, to 8,564 feet on October 24, then arriving back in Katmandu on October 26, before flying to Bangkok and then home to Atlanta on October 29.

Fry

At first, his two main hiking buddies, John Garrett and Jim Dalton, were to be hiking with him. However, Dalton could not make the trip, so it's Dave and John on this trip. The trio often have hiked out West, in Alaska, in the Smokies, and around these parts. Dave has for several years led members of his church on winter hikes in the Smokies.

But the minister had always dreamed of the Himalayas. As he says in his blog: "On the last day of our hikes, we determine our destination for the next year. But never, on any of those trips, did I whisper a single word about Mount Everest trekking. It was the ultimate dream, but it was a dream far too out of reach for me."

Then he adds to his church members: "You dreamers gave us a trip to anywhere in the world; Debbie (his wife), said, 'Dave, you go first to Everest; then later we will go somewhere together.' " So John and Dave departed Atlanta on October 6 for Bangkok, via Seoul, a trip that took 14 hours, then a four hour layover before flying nearly six hours to Bangkok. The final leg of the trip landed the pair in Katmandu, Nepal.

Early on in Nepal Dave wanted to change dollar for rupees, but the hotel clerk would only exchange $100, not $200. Later he found out why: A breakfast of eggs, toast, hash browns, jam and coffee cost 95 cents. "It would take forever to spend $200 here," he writes.

He's also been introduced to local culture in Nepal. "Samvu, our guide, realized that "we were far more interested in what his life is like than we are in….another temple." The guide invited them to his home for tea. Dave notes the guide has a master's degree in English Literature from the University of Vermont!

When last on the computer, David got a taste of reality, reading of the Braves loss to Houston. He wrote: "I must go to my room now, and cry."

We'll follow your posting Dave! Attaboy!

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Gwinnett Banking Company, with offices in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta The bank, organized in 1996, has assets over $360 million and specializes in great rates and friendly, dedicated people. Gwinnett Banking Company was also named Georgia's "Lender of the Year" by the U.S. Small Business Administration, having the highest total dollars in 7(a) loans in Georgia. Check out its web site at www.gwinnettbanking.com, or send an email to info@gwinnettbanking.com.

For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm

McLEMORE'S WORLD
10/14: Bible school

Another great cartoon by Bill McLemore:

UPCOMING
Gwinnett Philharmonic begins season Tuesday, October 18

The Gwinnett Philharmonic will open its 11th season on Tuesday, October 18 with a concert full of passion and favorite melodies. The concert is titled "From Russia With Love," and it promises to leave the audience wanting more.

The concert will be performed in the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Gwinnett Center at 8 p.m. The evening will begin with the rousing "Russlan and Ludmilla Overture" by Glinka, followed by guest piano soloist Brent Runnels performing Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1.

The program continues with such well-loved favorites as Tchaikovsky's Waltz from his ballet "Sleeping Beauty" and the popular "March Slav." Also featured is a suite of three pieces from Khachaturian's ballet "Gayane," and Borodin's exuberant "Polovetsian Dances" from his opera "Prince Igor."

Soloist Brent Runnels will be especially interesting to hear. Brent has been a force for classical music in Atlanta. As a pianist, Brent has won critical acclaim for his performances in the US, Europe, Australia and Russia as an orchestral and recital soloist, chamber musician, and jazz pianist. He also sings professionally with The Schola of the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, where he is a staff tenor and director of the concert series.

Tickets for this performance are available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, or by visiting the Gwinnett Center Box Office at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Ticket prices are $28 and $21 for adults and $15 and $10 for students. For more information about the Gwinnett Philharmonic, visit the Web site at www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org.

"Operation One Voice" begins in Duluth, and runs to Tampa

"Operation One Voice" is well on its way toward a goal of raising $100,000 to benefit the children of fallen Special Operations Forces soldiers. It is gearing up for the grand finale of its 2005 fundraising season: a four-day, 580-mile run from Duluth, Ga., to Busch Gardens in Tampa.

The Special Operations Forces Run will see two teams of military, police, firefighters and civilians leap-frog each other as they traverse a route that starts on November 7 from the Arena at Gwinnett Center. It goes on to the Georgia State Capitol, to Fort Benning, and the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee before ending at Busch Gardens on November 11.

During the final leg of the run, the teams will be joined by over 100 soldiers from the United States Special Operation Command headquartered at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa. At Busch Gardens, they will deliver to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation funds they've collected toward their goal. The Warrior Foundation makes direct awards to the children of fallen soldiers to fund their college education and offer counseling services.

Operation One Voice is the brainchild of Lt. Bill Stevens of Duluth Police and the Gwinnett County Fire and Rescue. He wanted to honor the contributions of Special Operations Forces soldiers, who have a casualty rate 15 times higher than that of the conventional forces.

Already there are more than 500 children who stand to benefit from the efforts of Operation One Voice. Special Operations Forces include Army Rangers, Green Berets, Spec Op Aviators, Navy Seals, Air Force Special Operations pilots, para-rescue and Marine Force Recon.

NOTABLE
Gwinnett Tech plans horticulture programs, fall plant sale

Just in time for fall planting, the environmental horticulture program at Gwinnett Technical College is sponsoring a free, one-day 'What's New in Horticulture' seminar on Tuesday, October 18 in conjunction with the college's annual, fall plant sale. Items for sale will include ferns, perennials, trees and pansies.

The plant sale opens at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. Plant sale and seminar will both take place in Building 600, Room 204 on Gwinnett Tech's campus. Admission is free to the public.

AADD program set at Oakland School on October 25

The Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD) and the "Unlock the Waiting Lists" Campaign will offer a special forum on Tuesday, October 25, focusing on issues relevant to developmental disabilities and how individuals and families can advocate for resources, support and programs. The event, "Medicaid 101: An Introduction to Disability Supports in Georgia," will take place from 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland School in Lawrenceville.

To help parents deal with these kinds of challenges, AADD and the Campaign, a coalition of advocacy groups working to unlock the waiting lists in Georgia, will host a series of public forums throughout the state this fall.

Featured speakers at the October 25 event will include Dottie Adams of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Charles Hopkins, deputy director of the Office of Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of Human Resources.

RECOMMENDATION

• An invitation: What Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb
  
  
  

GEORGIA TIDBIT
Only two quilts survive of famed African-American artist

Harriet Powers (1837-1910) is one of the best-known southern African American quilt makers, even though only two of her quilts, both of which she made after the Civil War, survive today. One is part of the National Museum of American History collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The second quilt is in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The cotton quilts consist of numerous pictorial squares depicting biblical scenes and celestial phenomena. They were constructed through appliqué and piecework and were hand and machine stitched.

Powers

Powers was born into slavery near Athens on October 29, 1837, and lived more than half her life in Clarke County. The first of the Powers quilts was displayed in 1886 at a cotton fair in Athens, where Jennie Smith, an artist and art teacher at the Lucy Cobb Institute, a school for elite white females in Athens, saw it. She asked to purchase it from Powers, but Powers declined to sell it. Smith remained in touch with Powers, however, and five years later Powers, having financial difficulties, agreed to sell the quilt for five dollars. At the time of the sale Powers explained the imagery in the squares, and Smith recorded the descriptions along with additional comments of her own.

The history of the second quilt is less clear. One account indicates that the wives of Atlanta University (later Clark Atlanta University) faculty members saw the first quilt in the Cotton States Exhibition in Atlanta in 1895 and decided to commission a second quilt by Powers. Another account suggests that the second quilt was purchased by the same faculty wives who may have seen it at the Nashville, Tenn., Exposition in 1898. Regardless, the faculty wives presented the quilt to the Reverend Charles Cuthbert Hall of New York in 1898, while he was serving as the chairman of the board of trustees at Atlanta University. Subsequently, the folk art collector Maxim Karolik acquired it from Hall's heirs and donated it to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Powers's quilts are remarkable for their bold use of appliqué for storytelling and for their extensive documentation. Her use of technique and design demonstrates African and African American influences. The use of appliquéd designs to tell stories is closely related to artistic practices in the republic of Benin, West Africa. The uneven squares suggest the syncopation found in African American music.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
  
  

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Oh, the benefits of living in a democracy like America

"Democracy is buying a big house you can't afford with money you don't have to impress people you wish were dead."

-- Johnny Carson, via Rogers Wade, Atlanta.

• Another invitation: What's your favorite saying? Share with others through GwinnettForum. Send to elliott@gwinnettforum.com.
  

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

© 2005, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.