TODAY'S ISSUE
Gwinnett Village CID sets formation; to be largest in Georgia
By Keith Shewbert
Special to GwinnettForum.com

(Editor's Note: Keith Shewbert represents the City of Norcross on the GVCID board of directors.---eeb)

MARCH 24, 2006 -- The Southwest Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (GVCID) will be officially born March 27, 2006 when the Norcross City Council, following the lead of the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners, approves the district. The Village weighs in at $689 million in commercial property value, and is the largest, at over 2,000 acres, in the state.

The mission of the GVCID is to increase property value, promote business development, and improve the quality of life for all those who live, work, or play in the Village. The district boundaries are Beaver Ruin Road, Buford Highway and Jimmy Carter Boulevard on the west side of I-85 and Indian Trail, Singleton Road, Jimmy Carter, and Dawson Boulevard on the East side of I-85.

The formation of the Village makes available $1.4 million per year to the GVCID to fund projects and leverage investments in the Village to meet its five main goals:

• Organization - Administer and sustain the GVCID and Community Improvement Association.
• Infrastructure - Encourage sustainable transportation and water/sewer systems that support existing and future users.
• Safety - Foster community pride through programs that focus on people.
• Green and Clean - Promote a clean and green community through maintenance, landscaping and public parks.
• Promotions - Promote the Village as a destination for multi-cultural restaurants, shopping, and special events.

As Atlanta grows, the Village anticipates it will become a sought-after address to raise a family, start a business, and enjoy the benefits of an International community. Living in the Village will connect residents to a distinctive community, where they can contribute to and enjoy all the dynamism of an urban environment, while enjoying small town accessibility and convenience.

Although infrastructure, safety, beautification, and promotion are vital to improving the quality of life in the Village, the most exciting initiative may be the Village People project, led by one of the busiest ladies in Gwinnett, Louise Radloff. The Village People Project will bring together education, business, community, and religious groups to help Village residents achieve their dreams of educating children, establishing deep roots, and creating a personal and community legacy.

The process of creating the GVCID and the Village has shown that the area has a deep reservoir of people willing to commit their time, money, and reputations to creating a thriving, diverse, and prosperous community. Achieving this vision will require the efforts of hundreds or thousands of individuals. Persons interested in joining the GVCID in raising this Village should give the GVCID a call at 678 429 6039. We will listen to your ideas and help you to help your community. Our website is www.gwinnettvillage.com, or email me at keithshewbert@gmail.com.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Naval historians question Lawrence, hero to new nation
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

Second of two columns; first one was March 21

MARCH 24, 2006 -- The quotation coming out of the Naval battle during the War of 1812 in which Lawrenceville's namesake, Capt. James Lawrence, was killed, is well known. On his ship, the USS Chesapeake, the mortally-wounded Lawrence uttered the famous words: "Don't give up the ship, lads. Fight her as long as she swims." Thanks to his friend, Commodore Oliver Wendell Perry, Lawrence's words live on, though Perry shortened his words, using them on the flag of his ship, the brig USS Lawrence, when successfully fighting the British on Lake Erie in late 1813.

Brack

But the circumstances of Lawrence's battle while commanding the USS Chesapeake when he lost his life were first told as the story of an embattled and losing hero. We now learn that the battle in which the Naval officer died was something of a wreckless adventure, according to Naval historians. We read about it recently in Sea History of the National Maritime Historical Society, in a story written by William H. White.

Shortly after his death, Lawrence was hailed as an "unlucky hero." No doubt that was in the mind of one of the town fathers of Lawrenceville, William Maltbie, in 1821, when the city fathers chose the name honoring Lawrence as its name.

But the flow of time brings out more details of the battle, as historian White wrote in the spring issue of Sea History. He writes of the battle: "For some time, Lawrence was hailed as an 'unlucky' hero on a jinxed ship. There were scapegoats who took the blame for the disaster, not Lawrence." He adds: "Survivors drank for half a century on their story, both in England and America. Nobody mentioned Lawrence's blunder. His image remained untarnished, at least in the minds of the American populace."

Lawrence

But many in Naval circles thought differently. They considered the route Lawrence chose that day "hasty" as he brought his ship alongside the enemy, who had a ship "most renowned for its gunnery." White writes many felt Lawrence was "over-confident and consumed with the need for another glorious victory, both to satisfy his own appetite and to prove to the Navy Department that he was worthy of their respect. Year later, opinion (in the Navy) held that had Lawrence survived the disaster, he should have been court-martialed and shot," writes White.

Lawrence's need for self-gratification cost the lives of 150 of his men, says White, not to mention his own life, and the American loss of a frigate. "Lawrence's dreadful error was turned into an act of desperate heroism, making him a symbol of American strength and independence."

He adds: "His final utterance became a living icon of that same desperate heroism, 'Don't give up the ship, lads.'"

Regardless of the way Naval historians treat James Lawrence in remembering his last battle, during this time he was considered a worthy Naval commander, who distinguished himself in battle time and time again. His death came as he sought to score one more victory over England's fleet for the young American nation. It's for his daring and his drive that we should all, especially those living in Lawrenceville, be proud of him.

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 the Aurora Theatre, Gwinnett County's First Choice for Professional Theatrical Entertainment. Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, the Aurora Theatre is located in historic downtown Duluth and is committed to producing quality, professional theatre for all of North Georgia. In the 2005-2006 Season Aurora Theatre will produce Six Amazing Shows including: Chicago, The Nerd, Hometown Holidays - Christmas Canteen 2005, Wait Until Dark, A Year with Frog & Toad and Guys & Dolls. The season will also include two exciting touring productions Underneath the Lintel and The Gospel of John. For young children ask about the Saturday Children's Playhouse on the second, third and fourth Saturday Morning of every production. To purchase individual tickets, season tickets or for more information, visit their website at www.auroratheatre.com or call 770-476-7926.

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



McLEMORE'S WORLD
3/24: Some places easier to clean than others

Another great cartoon by Bill McLemore:

FEEDBACK
3/24: If this is progress, we certainly don't need failure

Editor, the Forum:

President Bush has continued to put the sunny spin of "remarkable progress" made by the United States in the Iraqi Invasion for three years.

The facts are that nearly $300 billion has been spent and more than 30,000 Iraqis have lost their lives. The Iraqis have 11 percent less electricity and 36 percent less potable water than before the invasion. The number of Iraqis with sewer access has fallen by 90 percent, and oil output is down by more than 20 percent. A poll in mid-2004 found that seven out of 10 Iraqis see the U.S. as "occupiers," not "liberators." A more recent survey showed that almost half of all Iraqis support armed attacks on U.S. troops. Now, we are being told that Iraq is close to a civil war and that American troops will most likely be in Iraq past 2008.

More than 2,300 American service members have died and 17,000 have been wounded. Recently, in the only poll ever taken of American soldiers serving in Iraq, 72 percent, think the U.S. should exit Iraq within one year. Forty-two percent said the U.S. mission in Iraq is either somewhat or very unclear.

If this is "remarkable progress", we certainly don't need failure.

-- Ralph Greene, Snellville

UPCOMING
Suwanee Day committee seeks design for Festival logo

The Suwanee Day planning committee seeks submissions of original artwork or graphic design for use as its official 2006 festival logo. The artist/designer of the selected artwork will receive a $500 cash prize, and their design will be used on this year's Suwanee Day t-shirts and posters.

The submission deadline is June 1. The Suwanee Day festival, an annual "celebration of community," will be held Saturday, September 16, at Town Center Park.

Original artwork including paintings, drawings, and photographs, will be accepted as will digitally created designs. Submitted designs should be versatile and reproduce well on t-shirts and as posters.

Last year's design winner was Patricia Gee of Buford. Her simple but colorful design featured people and fireworks.

In addition to the $500 cash prize, the winning artist will be featured in Suwanee Day promotional materials and have an opportunity to ride in the Suwanee Day parade. All submitted artwork will be exhibited during a Suwanee Day sponsor event as well as at the festival.

For more information and an application, visit www.suwaneeday.com. Suwanee Day exhibitor applications also are available at www.suwaneeday.com.

Two Brookwood juniors win Walton EMC trip to Washington

Claire Dellinger and Kelli McLane, both juniors at Brookwood High, studied hard for their shot at a trip and leadership experience this summer. It paid off when they scored in the top eight contestants from across ten counties in the first round of Walton Electric Membership Corporation's (EMC) annual Washington Youth Tour contest.

After placing in the top eight on the written test covering basic electricity, cooperatives, energy and electrical safety, Dellinger and McLane went on to an interview session where judges selected both as winners to make the trip.

Dellinger, McLane and two other Walton EMC delegates will meet others from EMCs across the state in Atlanta to begin the tour. The kickoff banquet features an address from 2005 Walton EMC Delegate Anna Blue of Lilburn, whose Youth Tour peers elected her to represent Georgia on the national Youth Leadership Council.

The delegation then travels to Washington where highlights include a day on Capitol Hill complete with a Georgia Congressional Delegation luncheon, a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a Broadway play at the Kennedy Center.

The Washington Youth Tour is open to all high school sophomores and juniors who live or go to school in Walton EMC's service area. The next opportunity to qualify will be January 2007.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 110,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens.

Rail Museum schedules special April Fool's Day dinner

The Southeastern Railway Museum has a limited number of tables for "Festive Fools," the museum's first April Fools event.

Dinner seating is limited to nine tables at your choice of two different seating times. Seating is available Saturday April 1 at 7 p.m. and 9.p.m. A table for a couple is $69 and a table for 2 couples is $119.

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a bygone era as the professional staff of Casual Catering of Georgia serves dinner on china and white linen. To reserve a table, contact Kathy Sills with Casual Catering of Georgia at 770-963-8106 . All reservations are first come, first serve and must be guaranteed by credit card.

Southeastern Railway Museum is located at 3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth.

NOTABLE
Gwinnett adds more land to park off Pleasant Hill Road

A new neighborhood park is coming to Club Drive off Pleasant Hill Road near the Rolling Ridge subdivision after Gwinnett commissioners bought 6.7 more acres this week, bringing the total assemblage to about 25 acres.

The land adjoins other county-owned land, including two greenspace areas and the site of a former fire station. Phil Hoskins, director of the Community Services Department, said the potential acquisition was identified in the 2004 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. "It's in an area of dense population where there is very little open land available," he said. Gwinnett is purchasing the land for $1.5 million from Contract Development, LLC.

The planning process for the park will likely begin by late summer with an advertised public meeting. The County envisions a park with lake views, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground and open lawn areas. District 1 Commissioner Lorraine Green said: "With the scarcity of land in this highly developed area, it is important that the county buy and preserve this property before it, too, undergoes development."

Chairman Charles Bannister said the county would use funds from the 2005 SPLOST sales tax to make the parkland purchase. "I'm especially pleased that we are able to provide a new park in a well-established area of the county. I hope it will help revitalize the whole community."

Duluth-based two-state run garners funds for foundation

Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter presents Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue with a plaque and cap for his support of the City of Duluth-based program providing educational funds to children of fallen Special Operations Forces. They are joined by Capt. David Dusik of Gwinnett Emergency Services; Carolyn Salvartod, of the Howell Fery Discovery Point Learning Center; and Lt. Bill Stevens, Duluth policeman. The support came from a sponsored 600 mile run from Duluth to Tampa, Fla., netting $65,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation

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
Chick-Fil-A founder's firm increases sales 37 straight years

Truett Cathy, the founder and chairman of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, is a successful businessman and one of the country's most generous philanthropists, sharing his fortune primarily with disadvantaged children. Born on March 14, 1921, in Atlanta, Samuel Truett Cathy developed a philosophy early in life, for which he credits his success, to work hard and place his trust in God.

Truett Cathy

After serving in the Army, Cathy opened the Dwarf Grill (so named because the restaurant had only ten stools and four tables) in the small Atlanta suburb of Hapeville in 1946. Some two decades later, in 1961, he developed the product that would make his fortune-the pressure-cooked chicken breast sandwich. In 1967, soon after creating the sandwich, Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant, in the Greenbriar Shopping Center in Atlanta.

With only occasional setbacks, the company has become one of the largest privately owned restaurant chains in the country and has posted annual sales increases for 37 years. As of 2005, Chick-fil-A includes more than 1,200 restaurants in 38 states and the District of Columbia.

In 1984, he established the WinShape Center Foundation and the WinShape Homes program, a series of 14 foster homes (nine in Georgia, three in Tennessee, one in Alabama, and one in Brazil) created to provide a caring family environment for children who Cathy describes as "victims of circumstances."

The foundation also awards 20 to 30 students each year with scholarships to Berry College in Rome (jointly funded by the college), and through its Leadership Scholarship Program, Chick-fil-A has contributed more than $20 million in college aid to restaurant employees. Camp WinShape is another component of the foundation, providing two weeks of summer camp at Berry College for boys and girls.

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

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
One way to determine if you are making real progress

"The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year."

-- Former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, via Cindy Evans of Duluth.

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

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