|
TODAY'S
ISSUE
Architect sought to
take ideas of people in designing library
By Carmen Ponder
Design principal
Ponder & Ponder, Architects
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The new Dacula Branch of the
Gwinnett County Public Library is set to open on Saturday at 10
a.m. after its dedication ceremony. In this account, the architect
for the library tells of how she went about determining the design.
-eeb)
APRIL 14, 2006 -- Once there was a growing community, clammering
for a Library they could call their own. They lobbied neighbors
and wrote their politicians. They made their wishes known to all
who would listen. First they received a renovated park. "Dacula
Park is beautiful," they agreed, "But what about our Library?"
Then Dacula High school was enlarged and renovated. "Our students
deserve this wonderful school," they said. "But they need
a Library for learning as well." And so it continued for what
seemed too long a time.
Once the new branch was funded, community leaders agreed the facility
would make its mark among the other community amenities so prized
and beloved. Thus the Dacula Branch is nestled between the park
and the high school. County administration felt the building should
be a part of the park complex, so they had the building face the
park entrance. County departments wanted to respect the existing
context of park buildings, and the library designers concurred by
reflecting their color and scale in the new design. The Library
staff's primary concern was the Library users. Every aspect of the
building was designed with them in mind.
Teen area |
The resulting Dacula Branch is a 21st century American building,
whose architectural vocabulary reflects its community and its function.
It is an open gathering place for people to interact and to collect
and exchange information. Likewise the building opens itself to
customers by exposing its structure and building systems. The designers
worked from the inside and out, and from the outside in, to develop
dynamic yet comfortable spaces. The large mass of the 20,000 square
foot building is broken down in scale by incorporating various roof
heights and stepped walls. Natural daylighting is provided throughout
via large wall openings and high clerestory windows. The building
materials were selected for their solidity and long-term durability,
without sacrificing warmth and sense of human scale.
The designers of the Dacula Branch have been dedicated in their
pursuit of beautiful function. We live and work in Gwinnett County.
We are honored to contribute to our community and our library. Inspired
by the City who so desired a library, our goal was to create a welcoming
community building - so much more than a repository for books.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
If headed for China, be sure to see the terra
cotta warriors
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: this is the fourth of a series
of articles written about a trip to China in the fall of 2005.
Other articles have appeared in Gwinnett Forum on Nov.
18, 2005, Nov.
29, 2005, and Jan.
6, 2006. -eeb)
APRIL 14, 2006 -- Most tourists visiting China today are steered
to one of the most distinctive sites in all the world: the vast
museum housing 8,000 terra cotta warriors, near Xian, China. What
the tourists see blows the mind.
Brack |
Here for about 2,000 years, this intact terra cotta Army was buried
in vast underground chambers. These figures were positioned as if
ready for battle, guarding the nearby tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang,
China's first emperor, whose mausoleum is two miles west.
This gigantic underground treasure came to light on March 29, 1974,
when farmers were drilling for water wells. When pottery fragments
and bronze weapons came up, they were startled. Story is that the
farmers at first didn't think it important to tell anyone, but one
of the elders prevailed to tell higher officials. My-o-my, what
happened next!
By July 17, the National Cultural Relics Bureau had began explorations,
becoming more amazed each day at what they found. And by 1979, a
museum had been opened, the biggest on-site museum in China.
The museum for the infantrymen, archers and even their horses is
huge. There are three pits. The largest pit is 62x230 meters in
dimension, all under roof. Pit One is three times bigger than a
football field. (Think of a 150,000 square foot building, about
double the size of most supermarkets.)
Visitors can circle the area, and look down into a pit about five
feet below. In it are the terra cotta warriors, lined up in corridors,
one after the other after the other. More than 6,000 figures are
in the first pit, along with horses. Though the warriors have several
different styles of dress, depending on their duties, each, every
single one, of the faces of the warriors is cast differently. No
two look the same.
These warriors stand on paved bricks. Above their heads were placed
heavy timbers, supported by columns of earth, and the timbers were
covered with mats and straw. This was filled over with earth. The
area would never see the light of day for 2000 years, until the
well drillers stumbled onto them.
Since the opening in 1979, more than 40 million people have visited
the area, one of the premier tourist spots in China. At least 1.5
million people visit each year. It's a UNESCO cultural heritage
site.
All this was placed underground about 200 BC, after the Emperor
died in 206 BC at age 50. Emperor Qin had ruled for only 15 years,
but his realm was extraordinary, in that he amalgamated areas of
the country, gave the Chinese standardized weights and measures;
limited handwriting to Small Seal Script; and regulated carriage
axle widths to six feet.
The Emperor Qin didn't stop there: he authorized and organized
the first segments of the Great Wall, to keep out the "infidels"
of Mongolia, and started the important Lin Canal.
Today his notoriety comes from the way his terra cotta warriors
are guarding him in death.
Virtually ever China tour we read about includes visiting the terra
cotta warriors. If you go to China, make sure you see the site.
It is one of the real wonders of the world. The fact that it has
been discovered in such intact shape boggles the mind.
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 Howard Brothers,
which has outlets in Duluth, Norcross and Oakwood. John and Doug
Howard are the owners/operators of the Howard Brothers stores, which
specialize in hardware, outdoor power equipment and parts and service.
Major trade brands are a hallmark of Howard Brothers. And did you
know that Howard Brothers is the largest seller of Stihl products
in the United States? Visit the web site at www.howardbrothers.com.
For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm
McLEMORE'S
WORLD
4/14: A taxing time
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
FEEDBACK
4/14: UGA student fron Duluth arranges anthem
at Bush event
(Editor's Note: The following was first sent
to his parents by Knox Summerour, who is working toward his master's
degree in music next month at the University of Georgia, and is
a graduate assistant. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Summerour
of Duluth.-eeb)
Editor, the Forum:
One of the coolest things that's happened to me yet in my musical/extramusical
life occurred yesterday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on the brand
new Coverdell Center for Biomedical Research here in Athens was
held on Friday. (It sits on the site of what used to be the only
college dorm I ever lived in). Since it was named in memory of the
late Georgia Senator Paul Coverdell, there was a laundry list of
prominent politicians present, including Governor Sonny Perdue,
former Sen. Phil Gramm, and headlined by President George H. W.
Bush.
The Georgia Brass Ensemble was asked to provide music for the ceremony
and about a week ago our director, Fred Mills, asked me to make
an arrangement of the Star-Spangled Banner to be sung by Greg Broughton,
tenor, and played by us, the Georgia Brass.
So I did. So we play some other prelude music and then as soon
as the former President arrives at the podium the whole crowd, probably
in total about 5,000, stands and salutes. Then the colors are presented,
and we play the anthem. I wasn't sure how well it would work, as
it is with anything one writes or composes, but I thought it came
off well.
I guess President Bush was about the fourth person to speak, and
after he took the podium and received long rousing applause, with
us sitting no more than 20 feet from him and about five feet from
Barbara, he specifically mentioned how he really enjoyed our rendition
of the national anthem. I don't remember the exact words, and don't
remember if he said arrangement or rendition or both, but I know
he said 'really.' And that was a thrill, and perhaps even more of
one when I reflect back on it. As a friend put it to me last night,
as a President he's probably heard more arrangements of the National
Anthem than any civilian will hear in their lifetime.
So for him to say that, was . . . pretty cool for me. Then he gave
a great speech (he's quite charming in person, humble as you'd expect),
as did Governor Perdue and Phil Gramm. President Bush was choked
up talking about Paul Coverdell. It was a memorable and fun event.
And maybe this means I'll be Secretary of State one day. Yep, that's
probably what it means.
-- Knox Summerour, Athens
4/14:
Volunteer impressed with foundation's Easter Egg Hunt
Editor, the Forum:
(Editor's Note: The Foster Children's Foundation
got a note from a volunteer which we wanted to share at this time
of year. Used by permission of the writer. -eeb )
What a wonderful feeling I had leaving the Duluth Town Green Sunday
and your annual Easter Egg Hunt. I wouldn't have traded that opportunity
for anything. The sparkle in the eyes of those children with their
contagious laughter and smiles are still with me and will remain
in my heart forever. How fortunate our society is to be blessed
with people who devote your lives for such an awesome cause. I am
impressed by your organization and team of volunteers that brought
together an event like today. It is beyond question that the children
had a blast!
I visited your website tonight and will be signing up for other
upcoming events. The self gratification that came from being a part
of The Foster Children's Foundation today was priceless."
-- Denisia Boyd, Dacula
UPCOMING
Gwinnett Chamber hosts House speaker, plans forum soon
Gwinnett's Chamber of Commerce has two interesting meetings on
tap soon, both of them free to Chamber members and guests.
Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson will highlight the Governmental
Affairs Town Hall meeting on April 20 at 5:30 p.m. The event will
be held in the Stephens Education Center of the Chamber on Sugarloaf
Parkway.
The second meeting will be the Gwinnett Technology Forum, set for
April 18 at 7:30 a.m. at the Scientific Atlanta Auditorium at Gwinnett
Technical College.
The Forum will give attendees an inside look at the mysterious
world of angel and venture financing. The program will feature a
panel of four investors representing a wide range of active angel
investors and traditional venture capitalists. Those participating
in the session include Chuck Johnson, Partner of NMP; Paul Pischal,
Managing Director of H.I.G. Ventures; Bill Henagan, Managing Director
of BlueRidge International; and Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent
Systems Corporation.
Sierra Club speaker
to tell of 60 hikes in metro Atlanta area
April's meeting of the Gwinnett Sierra Club will feature a presentation
about hiking in the Atlanta area, telling about 60 hikes within
60 miles of Atlanta.
Randy Golden, together with his wife Pam, are authors of the book
of the same title, which details 60 of the area's best trails/hikes
with a variety of length and difficulty that allows people from
a wide range of age and fitness levels to participate. He will discuss
these hikes in general, and selected ones in detail at the April
meeting of the Gwinnett Group of the Sierra Club.
The meeting will be April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Willowrun Condos
off Club Drive. For more information, please visit
http://georgia.sierraclub.org/gwinnett/
or phone 770 921 0242.
Notre Dame Academy
plans first Family Funfest on May 7
Notre Dame Academy, a new, private independent Catholic school
in Duluth, will hold its first Family FunFest from 12:30-8 p.m.
on Sunday, May 7, at the City of Duluth Festival Center. This special
family day will offer something for families and children of all
ages, including live entertainment featuring performances by contemporary
Christian recording artists: Silver Rain, Paul Tate and Deep Blue
C, and Notre Dame Academy students.
It will be capped by a musical performance by Christian acoustic
performer eLi, and headlining band, Superchic[k], a popular Chicago-based
Christian rock/hip-hop band.
Live entertainment kicks off at 1 p.m. with the Superchic[k] concert
starting at 6:15 p.m. Admission to the Family FunFest event is free.
Tickets will be available for children's inflatable rides and food.
Proceeds from the silent auction and donations received from the
Superchic[k] concert will benefit Hands of Christ Duluth Cooperative
Ministry. The first Family FunFest is sponsored by Notre Dame Academy,
Curiously Wrought, Bank of North Georgia, Maximum Dirt and Big League
Party Rentals.
Among activities will be eight inflatable moonwalks and jumping
castles, complements of Big League Party Rentals; airbrush face
painting by Twinkles the Clown; science-themed interactive shows
by "Mad Science"; art activities provided by Abrakadoodle
and, of course, plenty of popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and
children's games. Food will be provided by LowCountry Barbecue.
Notre Dame Academy is a private, independent Catholic school in
Gwinnett County serving students three years old (Pre-K) to eighth
grade. Located in Duluth, Notre Dame Academy first opened its doors
in August 2005 to serve the area's growing Catholic population.
Notre Dame Academy currently serves more than 200 students and
os receiving applications for the 2006-2007 school year, expected
to total 375 students. For more information on Notre Dame Academy,
visit the website at www.ndacademy.org
or call (678) 387-9385.
NOTABLE
Local engineer pens article concerning value of water
Lynn Smarr, a supervising engineer for Gwinnett County's Department
of Public Utilities (DPU), was featured in the March issue of Journal
AWWA published by the American Water Works Association. The article,
titled "Women In Water: Making Waves in the Industry,"
is part of a special Collector's Edition honoring the non-profit
organization's 125th anniversary.
Smarr |
Smarr supervised the design and construction of a $51-million water-intake,
pump station, and associated pipelines project for Gwinnett at one
of its two Lake Lanier intakes. Completed in 2004, the project provides
a second water intake from Lake Lanier and distributes raw water
to the two filtration plants where Gwinnett's drinking water is
produced.
Since joining DPU in 1987 with a degree in civil engineering from
Louisiana State, Smarr has worked on utility relocations for transportation
projects and served as project manager for construction of another
multi-million dollar water treatment facility.
In the article, Smarr says, "There needs to be a change in
public perception about water and water issues. We did a fabulous
job this year of conserving water, and people finally got it into
their heads. But we shouldn't let up. People still need to realize
the value water has."
Gwinnett announced
"Park'nership" between Bogan and REI
A new "Park'nership" between a well-known business leader
and community steward and the Gwinnett park systems is blooming
and the fruits will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Bogan
Park now and for future generations.
The Gwinnett Parks Foundation will be awarded a $10,000 park improvement
grant check on April 14 from Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI).
The parks foundation will use the funds to extend its Park'nership
park enhancement volunteer program to Buford's Bogan Park and build
a new outdoor classroom and improve the natural habitat around the
pond at the popular northeastern Gwinnett park. The ceremonial passing
of a $10,000 giant check from REI officials to Gwinnett Parks Foundation
board members will take place prior to the Gwinnett Parks Foundation's
monthly meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 14 at the Bogan Park
pavilion near the future outdoor classroom site.
REI is sharing its success with communities nationwide by dedicating
$1 million to 100 community parks across the country, above and
beyond the $3 million the company previously earmarked this year
for outdoor recreation and conservation causes.
Bogan Park in Buford, Piedmont Park in Atlanta and Big Trees Forest
Preserve, in Sandy Springs, are the three Georgia park honorees,
of the 100 community parks that will benefit from a $10,000 REI
grant.
Bogan Park has experienced tremendous usage and popularity for
its state-of-the-art aquatic center and well-designed ball fields,
double gymnasium and community center and plentiful miles of walking
trails. Through the REI grant, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation
will create a stone outdoor classroom area adjacent to the existing
pond at Bogan. The classroom will include educational signage to
educate all ages of the natural habitat around the pond and native
horticultural plantings. A draft project plan proposes a stone and
concrete classroom area, which will be located at a part of the
pond that has the sounds of softly running water to enhance the
natural learning experience. The pavilion and pond area at Bogan
Park sit beside heavily utilized portions of the trail system at
the park.
REVIEW
Under
the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven should be a starting
point for every fan of the new HBO series "Big Love."
A compelling look at the history of the Mormon faith, Krakauer brings
America's fastest growing religion into perspective through the
story of the Lafferty brothers, a family of Mormon fundamentalists
who answer only to God. At times preachy, and at others chilling,
Krakauer nevertheless has crafted a history of a religion less than
200 years old that puts some modern day issues into deft perspective.
Whereas "Big Love" creates a vision of a happy, relatively
well-adjusted polygamist family, Under the Banner of Heaven shows
a different side, one filled with submission, rape, incest, delusion
and utter disregard for the laws of the land. And for further reading,
Krakauer has a comprehensive list of sources from which he liberally
quotes, allowing the reader to delve deeper into the subject matter.
-- Catherine Brack, Washington, D.C.
- 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
W.E.B. Du Bois' time in Georgia produced
major studies
William
Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868-1963) was an African American
educator, historian, sociologist, and social activist who poignantly
addressed the issues of racial discrimination, black social problems,
and world peace during the first half of the 20th century. During
two extended stints in Atlanta, 1897-1910 and 1934-44, Du Bois contributed
immensely to the black intellectual and activist community and produced
a number of studies that explored the social, economic, and political
conditions of African Americans in Georgia and across the United
States.
Du Bois |
In Georgia, Du Bois wrote some of his best-known works, including
The Souls of Black Folk, Dusk of Dawn, and Black Reconstruction,
and established a journal dealing with the African American experience
called Phylon, which has recently resumed publication. His life
and work in Georgia improved the lives of blacks in the state and
across the country while educating all races about the contributions
of African Americans to American society.
Du Bois was born in Great Barrington, Mass. Du Bois graduated from
Fisk in 1888 with a B.A. and graduated cum laude in 1890, receiving
a B.A. degree. In 1891, he received an M.A. in history from Harvard,
and between 1892 and 1894, he studied at the University of Berlin.
Du Bois accepted a professorship at Wilberforce University in Ohio
and completed his dissertation on the African slave trade, receiving
a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1896.
Du Bois became an assistant instructor at the University of Pennsylvania,
where he embarked on a pioneering socio-historical urban study on
African Americans in the Seventh Ward of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia
Negro (1899).
Before publishing The Philadelphia Negro , Du Bois accepted a faculty
position at Atlanta University (later Clark Atlanta University)
in 1897. The years from 1905 to 1910 were eventful for Du Bois.
In 1905, he founded and served as the general secretary of the Niagara
Movement and in 1909, he helped found the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
In 1934, AU president John Hope invited Du Bois back to chair the
university's sociology department. During the next decade, Du Bois
published his seminal Black Reconstruction (1935), which challenged
the dominant historiography of the time by arguing that Reconstruction
was not a total failure and that blacks played an important role
in democratizing America.
Du Bois's years in Georgia were some of the most productive in
his 70-plus years of scholarship and activism. While he has most
often been associated with New England, it was in Georgia and other
parts of the South that Du Bois focused much of his studies on black
social conditions.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
Oh, if only the current
chief had listened to this guy
"I'm not a great believer in spreading democracy, because
I don't think you can spread democracy. People have to want it themselves."
-- The recently-departed Lyn Nofziger, former top aide to
President Ronald Reagan, via Marshall Miller, Lilburn
SEND
YOUR FEEDBACK
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
===========================================
MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2006, 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.
|
