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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Volunteers still
needed for Great Day of Service next weekend
Rachel Holder
Gwinnett Health and Human Services Coalition
Special to GwinnettForum.com
OCT. 21, 2005 -- What if you could only shower once a week because
you were confined to a wheelchair and your home did not have a
handicap accessible restroom?
This is the case for one of the residents at the Fernando House
operated by the Fernando Foundation, a nonprofit organization
that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to have a
place of their own and to become independent.
This year for the Gwinnett Great Days of Service, sponsored by
the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, the residents
of the Fernando House will get a handicapped-accessible restroom.
This is a huge project that requires breaking down a wall and
removing an existing shower and bathtub to accommodate the new
handicapped-accessible bathroom fixtures.
Most Great Days of Service projects can be completed by volunteer
teams without special skills in carpentry or plumbing. However,
since this is such a huge project that requires completely redesigning
a bathroom, we had to ask a professional for help.
Tip Cape with Bowen Family Homes has agreed to remodel the bathroom
for the Fernando House. They are completing the project in the
spirit of volunteerism. This is just one of many exciting projects
that are happening for this year¹s event.
There are several more construction projects that need volunteers,
including two projects for Driving Magic, a nonprofit organization
providing equine-assisted activities for people with disabilities.
Driving Magic uses horses to promote self-esteem, confidence,
and, most importantly, happiness to disabled individuals in Gwinnett.
Participants in the Driving Magic programs range from 3 years
old to 65. Each participant receives a lesson unique to his or
her special needs that is motivating and fun. Goals range from
achieving a well-balanced sensory experience to learning how to
drive or ride independently (and for some, competitively).
After leaving a corporate career to spend more time with family
and in the community, Executive Director Jennifer Lindskoog took
her love of horses and her experience volunteering with people
with disabilities to establish Driving Magic, Inc. on July 1,
2004. "We have grown so significantly in our first 15 months
that it reinforces the need for this type of therapeutic experience.
One of our biggest needs now is for volunteers."
Driving Magic has some construction needs, as well. They are
in need of a handicapped-accessible restroom in their barn, as
well as a fence around one of their pastures. She is hoping that
through this year's Great Days of Service, she can get those tasks
accomplished. Right now, we are still in need of skilled volunteers
and the materials to complete these projects.
There are still opportunities to get involved in this year's
Great Days of Service if you are not a skilled plumber or carpenter.
For instance, on Friday, October 28, we have several projects
still open, such as landscaping at the YMCA in Lawrenceville,
and many other projects that will benefit youth, the elderly,
and those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
If you would like more information on the Gwinnett Great Days
of Service which takes place October 28 and 29, please contact
me at 770-995-3339 or Rachael@gwinnettcoalition.org
or visit the website at www.gwinnettgreatdaysofservice.org.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
There's one gas which costs far more than
gasoline does!
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
OCT. 21, 2005 -- A reader had a hunch.
'If you think gasoline is expensive, do you know how much another
gas, Freon, costs?' he asked. We didn¹t. After all, Freon
is mighty important, especially to us in the South, who need our
air conditioners. So we went looking for an answer, and know now.
It wasn't easy. Figuring a company dealing with air conditioning
and cooling would know, we started by calling Mingledorff's, the
giant Norcross distributor of air conditioning units. They represent
the big boys of cooling, from Carrier to Bryant and Payne. They
employ some 150 people out of their Peachtree Corners headquarters,
and once were located in Savannah, where Mingledorff is recognizable
name.
We found Bud Mingledorff on a company trip to China with his
key dealers. Later we talked with Jim Fetco, Gregory Presley,
and eventually with Reggie Van an Hoozer, Mingledorff's technical
service manager, who had all the answers.
First, some facts: Freon was developed by General Motors engineers
in the 1920's. It is a registered trademark product, technically
chlorofluorocarbon gas. GM later asked DuPont to produce it commercially.
Freon made widespread use of air conditioners and refrigerators
possible.
Because of environmental problems, production of Freon is being
curtailed in this country. It's basically a refrigerant which
flows through your air conditioning coils, and transfers heat
to make your home more comfortable. But it's being phased out.
After 2010, no U.S. manufacturer is allowed to produce a product
relying on R-22. The gas itself is barred after 2020. (Auto air
conditioners use R-12 Freon, a similar product, also being phased
out.)
The replacement is a product developed by Allied Signal, which
is a better refrigerant, one which dissipates without harm if
released into the air. It is seen as an acceptable replacement
for R-22. This one goes by the technical name of 'R-410-A,' and
is called 'Puron.' Even the name signals that it won''t harm the
environment. Today it's marketed by Honeywell, which purchased
Allied Signal.
Should you need a new air conditioner, one using Puron might
be your choice, for that should be the key refrigerant in the
future, should your unit run out. However, at present Puron costs
considerably more than Freon, since most systems still use Freon.
Now to the cost, which Reggie Van an Hoozer figured for us. Freon
costs presently $73.80 per 30 pound drum, but the drum is filled
to only 25 ponds. Puron, as a comparison, cost $228.50 for a similar
drum.
So, how does this compare with gasoline cost? Each 25 pound drum
has 3.125 gallons. So, the cost per gallon for Freon comes out
to $23.62, and for Puron, it is a whopping $73.12 per gallon.
For sure, you don¹t want a leak in your AC's coolant lines
at these prices!
Makes even $3 gasoline seem inexpensive, eh?
Think too, that we in the South may need our gasoline to move
around, but we need our Freon/Puron to say cool in the summers
(or for those of you using a Heat Pump, to stay warm in winters,
too.)
That reader having a hunch about really high gas prices per gallon
on Freon (and Puron), was right. Thankfully, the gasoline pumps
haven't started clicking each gallon at $73 yet!
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McLEMORE'S
WORLD
Lottery lesson
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
FEEDBACK
10/21: Wants Congress
to vote Yes on 2 survivors' benefits bills
Editor, the Forum:
The Defense Bill is currently before the Senate. There are two
amendments in the bill. One has to do with the survivor's benefit
plan and the other one has to do with the reduction of annuities
that are a function of social security.
I want the Senators to vote 'yes' for the two amendments in the
defense bill. The first amendment is to terminate payments on
the survivor's benefit plan in 2005 rather than in 2008. For example,
I have been paying on the annuities since 1972 when I retired.
This annuity would provide some compensation to my spouse in the
event of my death. However, the annuity would be reduced on the
basis of social security and my payments on the annuity are currently
scheduled to continue until 2008.
What is needed is for the Senate to vote approval on the amendments
which 1) states that the Survivor's Benefit Plan annuity payments
will end in 2005; and, 2) the Survivor Benefit Plan annuity will
no longer be reduced by the Social Security that the spouse receives.
The amendments were proposed by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida.
However, Senator Warner of Virginia wants to leave the situation
as status quo. I retired from the military after 30 years of service
in 1972 and have been making payments on the Survivor's Benefit
Plan since that time. This is more than 30 years and consequently
I would like to see those annuity payments terminated this year
rather than 2008.
I am 82 years old and my spouse is in skilled care, which is
very expensive. If something happened to me, she would be hard-pressed
to pay for the skilled care unless she could get the full annuity
and the social security. I subscribed to the plan in 1972 for
the simple reason that I wanted my spouse to be taken care of
financially if something happened to me. My objective is still
the same.
-- Nimrod 'Mac' McNair, Stone Mountain
UPCOMING
Aurora Theatre brings
back Moster Mash Bash next weekend
Gwinnett's Aurora Theatre is bring back last year's favorite
'Monster Mash Bash,' its celebrated Halloween Cabaret.
This smash hit from last year is double the fun with two nights
this year instead of only one. The performances will be Friday
and Saturday, October 28-29, at 8 p.m. at the Duluth theatre.
Admission is $10 for all seats. Reservations may be made at 770.476.7926
or by email at www.auroratheatre.com.
Featuring the best of Broadway's spooky side, this evening of
music and fun will also feature haunted classics from the movies
and, of course, the Monster Mash.
Costumes are encouraged but not required, however there will
be a prize for the best costume each night. This is a great Halloween
event for a family or adults looking for something fun that's
not gory or geared just for small children.
Chamber to hear
head of Economic Development on Oct. 26
The chairman of the Georgia Department of Economic Development,
Craig Lesser, will be the speaker at the October 26 meeting of
the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The meeting is to be at 11:30
a.m. at the 1818 Club, which is on the third floor of the Chamber
building on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.
Commissioner Lesser was a partner in the firm of Griswold Lesser,
LLC, which provides strategic advice and counsel on public affairs
issues to major firms. He was previously senior vice president
for external affairs for Mirant Americas, Inc., a power generation
and marketing and trading entity spun off from Southern Co.
General Membership meetings are held once a month providing an
opportunity for Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce members to stay abreast
of important issues in Gwinnett, network with other business professionals,
and have a chance to listen to renowned speakers from all types
of industries.
NOTABLE
State Community Affairs
recognizes 2 awards in Duluth
The Georgia Downtown Association and the Georgia Department of
Community Affairs honored a Duluth organization and Duluth resident
for their outstanding achievement and improvement in Georgia's
traditional downtowns. Presentations took place at the annual
Georgia Downtown Conference recently at the Madison Morgan Cultural
Center in Madison.
Winning the award for 'Most Valuable Volunteer' was Kathryn Willis
of Main Street Duluth. She has lived in downtown Duluth all her
life, operated a family business, and has seen many changes. She
and her family donated downtown property to the new Town Green
and became part of the citizens group to envision the master plan.
The new Town Green grew from the need to have more space for
Duluth¹s Annual Fall Fest, this year in its 23rd year. Since
1982, Kathryn Willis has been at the heart of this festival's
organization and success. From the first few years of making no
profit, to last year's proceeds of over $100,000.00, Ms. Willis
has been a key voluntary coordinator. The committee she now leads
has over 300 volunteers.
Winning the "Best Downtown Special Event" was Duluth's
'Barefoot in the Park' celebration. This recognition says that
the event 'goes beyond the traditional arts and crafts fair and
focuses on the Fine Arts throughout the county.' A total of 75
local and regional fine artists were hosted by a committee of
city and county employees, local theatre groups and businesses.
The 'Children's Art Park' got over 1,000 kids in-touch with their
'inner artist' as well as promoting awareness for the arts at
early ages and in schools. No disciplines were neglected, and
Duluth used its outdoor amphitheater for continuous performances
throughout the event. A total of $3,000 in awards were given out
to deserving artists and $6,000 was raised to help support the
arts.
Doug Loescher, Director of the National Main Street Center in
Washington, DC, was the keynote speaker at the opening plenary
sessions
This year marks the 25 year Anniversary of the nationally acclaimed
National Main Street Program as developed by the National Trust
for Historic Preservation. The Georgia Main Street program is
one of the original 6 states selected as the pilot program in
1980.
RECOMMENDATION
Pandora's
Star, by Peter Hamilton
If you know what a 'Dyson Sphere' and a 'Niven Ring' are, then
you'll like Pandora's Star by Peter Hamilton. This is hard
science fiction at its best, complete with a variety of aliens
both benign and hostile, faster than light travel, rejuvenation
of youth, murder mysteries, subterfuges and counterplots, and
space battles where the future of the human race hangs in the
balance. There are numerous plot lines and characters that (hopefully)
will converge eventually in the second and third books of the
trilogy.
Unlike too many science fiction writers, Hamilton doesn't allow
the science to overwhelm the fiction - this is a rollicking good
story that happens to be set in the 24th century and the extrapolation
of present day life, society, and politics to 400 years in the
future is very believable. I anxiously await the second book's
publication, Judas Unchained.
-- Lee Hutchins, Hog Mountain:
- 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
Civil War bttles follow text of Georgia
tactics author
William
J. Hardee's 1855 textbook, Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics,
was required reading for officers in both the Union and Confederate
armies. Achieving the rank of lieutenant general in the Confederate
army, Hardee was renowned for his understanding of tactical maneuvers
in battle.
Hardee |
The youngest of seven, William Joseph Hardee was born at Rural
Felicity in Camden County on October 12, 1815. He entered the
U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduated in 1838, and accepted
a commission in the army. Hardee participated in the invasion
of Mexico during the Mexican War (1846-48). After the war, he
wrote Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics, which would become
the most widely read military manual during the Civil War.
When Georgia seceded from the Union in 1861, Hardee resigned
his commission and accepted the rank of colonel in the new Confederate
army. Hardee was given a corps command in Kentucky. After a severe
defeat at the hands of Union general Ulysses S. Grant's troops,
his corps joined General Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee, and
Hardee, now a lieutenant general, saw his greatest strategic success
in Tennessee at the Battle of Murfreesboro, December 1862.
Hardee later learned that he did not like Bragg or his strategies,
and he and others challenged Bragg's leadership. After another
harsh defeat near Chattanooga, Tenn., Bragg resigned, and Hardee
took command of the army. In 1864 and 1865, Hardee's troops fought
in major battles as Georgia land was steadily taken by the Union.
His army retreated and eventually surrendered after one last charge
near Bentonville, S.C., in March 1865.
After the war, the Hardee family moved to Selma, Ala., where
he eventually became president of the Selma and Meridian Railroad.
He fell ill at the family's summer retreat at White Sulfur Springs,
W.V., and he died in Wytheville, Va. in 1873.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
Compares the president
with Democratic dreamers of past
"Bush is like those Democratic dreamers of the past who
believed they could 'make the world safe for democracy' and blot
out the sins of mankind with the blood of American soldiers."
-- Bobby Beecher, Glennville (Ga.) Sentinel, via Rebecca
Miller, Lilburn.
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