TODAY'S ISSUE
Gwinnett tennis tourney to benefit children's health care
By Michelle Clark
Special to GwinnettForum

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., May 5, 2006 -- Raise spirits--and funds--by playing in the 17th Annual North Gwinnett FRIENDS Charity Doubles Tennis Tournament, benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Scheduled for May 18-21 at the Steeplechase Tennis Facility in Lawrenceville and other venues in North Gwinnett, the event will help make a difference in the lives of many young patients and their families. FRIENDS is the organization giving voluntary support to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

The tournament, presented by Discovery Point Child Development Centers, helps fund programs and equipment for the hospital and its ill patients.

Nancy Orrico of Lawrenceville, tournament chairman, says: "We've seen an unprecedented response to this year's tournament. The draw is filling up at a record pace, with many new faces and a solid core of long-time participants. Once people become involved in the FRIENDS Tennis Tournament, they start to look forward to it year after year. It's a great way to share a good time with friends and fellow tennis players, while also supporting a truly worthy cause."

The entry deadline is May 12 (or until filled). The registration form and fee of $30 per player can be completed and submitted online at www.steeplechase.org/tournament.

Tournament participants are guaranteed at least two matches, and will receive a commemorative 2006 Tournament T-shirt, a "Goody Bag" of merchandise and an invitation to the Tournament Party, which features dinner, drinks, music and door prizes. Winners in the Championship Bracket will receive gift cards to the PGA Tour Superstore, while all finalists will receive limited edition 2006 Tournament Bag Tags.

Kim Jenkins and Jill Morgan, both of Buford, at their game.

The four-day Tournament will also feature a Showcase Tennis Match on Saturday evening, a Silent Auction and a tennis clinic for kids.

The format for the Tournament consists of men's and women's doubles tennis, with multiple levels from beginners to AA, and a consolation bracket at each level for teams with a first-round loss.

This Tournament is dedicated in memory of Caroline Brown, daughter of Beth and Jeff Brown of the Steeplechase community in Lawrenceville. In May 2004, two-year-old Caroline unexpectedly needed life support treatment, and the specialized equipment at Children's Hospital was her only hope. Sadly, Caroline eventually lost her battle, but that extraordinary equipment gave her family a few more days to spend with their baby. Because of community fundraising such as this Tournament, the FRIENDS organization was able to contribute money toward the purchase of the equipment that helped the Browns and countless other families.

North Gwinnett FRIENDS is one of 32 community FRIENDS groups that support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through volunteer service, fundraising and advocacy. This group of volunteers has organized this charity Tournament for the past 16 years and has raised tens of thousands of dollars during that time for Children's.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta enhances the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Operating three hospitals with more than half a million patient visits annually, Children's is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric specialties. To learn more about Children's, visit www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Four-year educational tax proposal makes more sense
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

MAY 5, 2006 -- Funding education in Gwinnett has been a major priority with voters for years. In general, voters have backed efforts by the Gwinnett School Board to dip into their pockets and pay the monies needed for better instruction, high quality facilities and the key needs of school children.

Brack

Up until 1993, Gwinnett had to rely primarily upon bond referendums to get the finances needed to expand its school facilities. However, since 1997, Gwinnett has gone to the polls on two occasions and passed a Special Purpose Local Optional Sales Tax for school infrastructure. Anticipation is that in the fall of 2006, Gwinnett voters will face another sunsetted sales tax proposal for school construction.

Let's take a look at what's happened in Gwinnett school voting since 1968. That year, the School Board proposed a $6 million bond referendum for classrooms. It won, as did a $6 million package in 1973. These passed, though turnout was low since the voting was in a special election, with nothing else on the ballot.

The year 1976 saw a set-back for the schools, though not for classrooms. Voters turned back a proposal to build two stadiums, one where Gwinnett Place now sits, the other in South Gwinnett. Voter turnout was much greater than in most referendums, some 32 percent.

The year 1979 saw a $20 million proposal, a record size, and in an 18 percent turnout, passage. This was followed by a $10 million proposal in 1982, $15 million in 1984, $44 million in 1986 and a whopping $70 million in 1988. Turnout of voters varied at 17, 12, 10 and 11 per cent.

But 1990 brought the county a setback. A $75 million proposal in February was defeated when 17 per cent of voters went to the polls. The vote was 12,603 against, and 9,901 for. Gwinnett schools officials were stunned.

They rectified the situation that same November, in the General Election, proposing an even larger $135 million referendum, and breaking the proposal into four individual items. One, for an Open Campus, lost, but the other three, totaling $129 million, passed.

Returning in 1993, a massive $225 million three-pronged approach also passed in an off-year election. Where 12.5 percent had voted in 1990, nearly double that, or 23.2 percent, turned out for the special election in 1993.

The Gwinnett School Board in 1997, in a special election, had its first Educational SPLOST vote, asking voters to approve a penny sales tax for educational infrastructure. Gwinnett voters approved a whopping $560 million measure by an equally whopping margin, as 70.32 per cent voted yes.
.
Then in November, 2001, again in a special election, the sales tax was extended, in a $995 million proposal, and this time 78.73 per cent of voters approved.

Now in 2006, the Gwinnett School Board ie expected to propose extending the sales tax for school construction. It has a chance this year to be more strategic in its approach, by setting the measure at the same time as the 2006 General Election. (If the School Board asks for a special election, Elections Board officials have estimated the cost of this one-item voting would be $21,000, coming out of the School Board and eventually from taxpayers.)

By calling for a four year proposal this fall, the School Board would not only be voting when the most people go to the polls (instead of at a special election, with low turnout), it would also set the 2010 School Board up to call another sales tax referendum on a four year cycle, improve the chance of passage, and save the special election cost. A four year proposal is more prudent.

We strongly suggest that the School Board make this year's proposition a four year proposal for extending the sales tax, so that the board in 2010 can come back in a General Election to seek approval….with a better chance of passage.

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 Peachtree Bank, located at 9570 Medlock Bridge Road. Duluth. The bank also has locations at 185 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville, in Roswell is located at 695 Mansell Road,and 1725 Mount Vernon Rd. in Dunwoody. Monty Watson is president of the bank, which has assets of over $515 million. Member, FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Go to The Peachtree Bank web site at : http://www.thepeachtreebank.com.

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

McLEMORE'S WORLD
5/5: What's that he's singing?

Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:

FEEDBACK
5/5: Here's a great place for politicians to help out little guy

Editor, the Forum:

Last fall, post-Katrina, the Internal Revenue Service raised the mileage reimbursement rate to $.485 per mile for business. It's currently $.445 for 2006.

Any noise on an increase out there?

I haven't found anything on the net...yet.

The politicians could help us big here...

-- Brian Luders, Duluth

UPCOMING
Jazz guitarist featured in first Suwanee series of the year

Atlanta-based jazz guitarist/composer Dan Baraszu and his band will offer up some riffs, licks, trills, and musical thrills when they take the Suwanee Town Center stage from 8-10 p.m. Friday, May 5, as part of the Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 Concert Series. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

Born in Detroit, Baraszu has been playing guitar for more than 25 years. His music is inspired by a wide spectrum of influences, but particularly Pat Marino, Joe Pass, and John Scofield. Go to www.cdbaby.com for more on his music,

Baraszu has a bachelor's degree in jazz composition and arranging from Boston's Berklee College of Music and a master's in jazz pedagogy from the University of Miami.

Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase at the concert with vendors. No alcohol may be brought into Town Center Park.

The Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 Concert Series will continue at Town Center Park on the first Friday of each month through August. Town Center Park is located at the intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway.

Judge Conner to address Chamber's "Success Lives Here"

Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Melodie Snell Connor will be the speaker at the Gwinnett Chamber's Success Lives Here Seminar on May 12 at Sugarloaf Country Club. The meeting will begin at 7:45 a.m.

Judge Conner is a lifelong resident of Snellville and Gwinnett County, as will share her secrets to success in the law profession. Judge Conner was nominated to the Gwinnett County Superior Court in July 1998. Prior to this position, Conner served as a judge for the Gwinnett County State Court and the Magistrate Court. Judge Conner began her career as an attorney for Donn M. Peevy in Lawrenceville.

Judge Conner balances her professional life with her involvement in the community and with her family. Among many things, Judge Conner served as the chairperson for the Legacy Awards Gala of the Gwinnett Women's Legacy of United Way in 2004 and 2005. She has also served as a coach and team mom for various basketball, baseball, softball, cheerleading and roller hockey teams of the South Gwinnett Athletic Association.

Designed to profile the successful business and community leaders who have made Gwinnett what it is today, the Success Lives Here Leadership Series will touch on the their lives and how they got to where they are today, what has contributed to their success, and what brought them to Gwinnett to build a career. much, much more! Don't miss this nine-month series, offering the secrets to success!

Cost to attend is $35 for Chamber members; $45 for non-Chamber members. Pre-payment is required. Registration deadline is May 10. Call 770-232-8807 or email meghan@gwinnettchamber.org to attend.
.
Suwanee library to host author of extended family subjects

LeBey

Barbara LeBey, author of ReMarried with Children: Ten Secrets for Successfully Blending Your Extended Family will speak May 9 at the Suwanee Branch Library. The author will speak at 7 p.m.

A former state judge, Ms. LeBey will discuss how to navigate the complex world of modern family life. She is also the author of Family Estrangements: How They Begin, How to mend them, and how to cope with them. For more information visit www.gwinnettpl.org.

Norcross studio to feature work of the late Marilyn Darden

On Saturday, May 13, the Norcross Art Studio and Gallery features a memorial art show of the works of Marilyn Darden. Her Color Me Southern® --A Homeplace Revisited series spans over 25 years. Friends of the community are invited to enjoy music, food and fun at the show in memory of the late Ms. Darden, who died unexpectedly March 1.

Marilyn Darden painted what she loved and knew best---the South. Her artwork reflects her life's journey in abstract portraits, places and mementos and is inspired by her Scotch-Irish heritage and her Southern family and friends. Her visual abstract work was represented in juried shows, winning both critical acclaim and awards. Originally trained as an educator, Ms. Darden's passion for teaching was played out upon retirement at Pinckneyville Middle School in Norcross, while never straying from her other passions, loving her family, singing with the Decatur Civic Chorus and creating and displaying art at her space at Norcross Studio.

Marsha Bomar to talk to small business meeting on May 17

A special Small Business Development presentation, featuring Street Smarts President Marsha Anderson Bomar is slated for Wednesday, May 17, at 7:45 at the 1818 Club.

Sponsored by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, those attending will learn how building relationships and success stories can present an opportunity to market your firm or services at little or no cost, but with great impact. An array of examples will be presented to help each participant be more effective in marketing.

In 1990, Marsha Anderson Bomar formed Street Smarts, a transportation planning and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta. She was the first woman to serve as International President of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and was the first woman to ever receive the ITE Burton Marsh Distinguished Service Award. She recently received the 2005 Society of Women Engineers Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Ms. Bomar holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degrees from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in Mathematics and Transportation Planning and Engineering, respectively. She also holds a Masters of Civil Engineering with a concentration in Transportation from Princeton University.

Cost is $35 for Chamber members; $45 for non-Chamber members. Registration deadline is May 15th. To RSVP, e-mail meghan@gwinnettchamber.org.

NOTABLE
New Deshong Park in South Gwinnett gets $3.7 million

Toddlers will soon be exploring a new playground as teens shoot hoops and adults play lawn games at Gwinnett's newest community park. County commissioners approved development plans for DeShong Park, near Annistown Road in Stone Mountain, last week.

The Board awarded the $3.7 million construction contract to Gary's Grading and Pipeline Company. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 2 p.m. The County purchased the 208-acre tract of land in October of 2001 for $9.4 million. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is funding the purchase and development of DeShong Park.

Chairman Charles Bannister commented on this addition to the park system, saying "This park will give residents of the southern part of the county another opportunity to enjoy one of the benefits of living in Gwinnett - our comprehensive program of quality parks and leisure activities, funded primarily by the voter-approved SPLOST."

The new park is located at 2859 North DeShong Road in the southern end of the county. "This will be a community park that truly has something to offer people of all ages and interests," said District 3 Commissioner Michael Beaudreau. "The residents in south Gwinnett will find an amazing variety of amenities at DeShong Park."

Those amenities will include a two-acre open play area, a 1.5-mile multi-purpose trail, a lawn court area with horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, chess/checker tables, a pavilion and benches, a teen area with two half-court basketball courts and skate complex, a playground with swings and climbing structures, and restroom facilities.

Georgia Family Council gets grant for Norcross and Duluth

The Department of Human Resources has awarded $1.5 million to promote healthy marriages in six communities across Georgia. Duluth-Norcross has been chosen as one of the communities that will benefit from the marriage-strengthening program.

Over the next five years, the Georgia Healthy Marriage Initiative (GAHMI) will bring together community leaders in Duluth-Norcross who share a passion for stopping divorce and its painful results. These leaders will be given the tools and training necessary to promote healthy marriages in their organizations, ultimately leading to stronger families and a healthier community. These community leaders include pastors, government agency employees, counselors, non-profit organization leaders and others.

On May 18, 2006, community leaders will hear about the vision of the GAHMI program at a special leadership luncheon held at Winfield Hall in Duluth. To reserve a space at this event contact Laurie Boltin before May 15 by calling 770-242-0001 or by email at laurie@gafam.org.

RECOMMENDED

• 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
First European exploration of Georgia was by Spaniards

The initial European exploration of Georgia was carried out in large part by Spaniards, first operating out of colonial bases in the Caribbean Sea and Mexico and later from the city of St. Augustine on the Florida coast. Between 1525 and 1646, expeditions large and small explored both the coast and the interior of Georgia, covering most of the inhabited portions of the Coastal Plain and parts of the lower Piedmont.

In 1597, two Franciscan missionaries and a soldier briefly pushed inland as far as Altamaha and Ocute near present-day Milledgeville. When Spaniards heard rumors of an overland expedition from Mexico, they sent yet another expedition to these same towns under soldier Juan de Lara in 1602, and at least five reconnaissance expeditions were dispatched into the interior Coastal Plain between 1624 and 1628, including two trips under Ensign Pedro de Torres that penetrated as far as central South Carolina.

During this same period Franciscan missionaries explored other populated regions of southern Georgia, establishing missions near present-day Lumber City, Folkston, and Valdosta by 1630. The well-documented expedition by Fray Luís Gerónimo de Oré in late 1616 skirted the back side of the Okefenokee Swamp before descending the Altamaha River to the coast.

The final Spanish exploratory expedition into Georgia's interior took place in the winter of 1645-46, when Florida governor Benito Ruíz de Salazar Vallecilla led a group of soldiers north from the Apalachee mission province into the villages of the unconverted Apalachicola province along the lower Chattahoochee River in southwest Georgia and eastern Alabama. Though there were sporadic visits to these villages as late as 1695, the Ruíz expedition was the last major Spanish exploratory venture into Georgia. The remaining portions of north Georgia would eventually be explored by English traders and soldiers during the late 17th and early 18th century, long before ownership of the land was acquired through treaties between 1733 and 1838.

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

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Theodore Roosevelt and his ideas on immigration, from 1907

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

-- Theodore Roosevelt, 1907, via Roger Willis, Lawrenceville.

• 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

© 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.

Our sponsors

GwinnettForum.com
Number 6.10, May 5, 2006

TODAY'S ISSUE: Children Benefit from FRIENDS Gwinnett Tennis Play
ELLIOTT BRACK: School Board Needs To Think Strategically On Sales Tax
McLEMORE'S WORLD: "Oh say can you see, by the manana's early light..."
FEEDBACK: One Way Politicians Could Help Out the "Little Guy!"
UPCOMING: Jazz Concert, Author Talks, Memorial Art Show and Firm Promotion
NOTABLE: New Park Contract Underway; Two Cities Included in Grant
GEORGIA TIDBIT: First Europeans To Visit Georgia were from Spain
TODAY'S QUOTE: Consider What Theodore Roosevelt Felt on Immigration



CLEAR DIFFERENCE. Here's a good example of how a Community Improvement District can benefit an area. Look at these two pictures. The photo on the left shows a portion of Venture Parkway prior to the Gwinnett Place CID contracting with Imagescapes to conduct weekly landscape maintenance along all streets in the district. Tall weeds and trash have been removed, grass mowed, and stormwater inlets repaired. Nearing completion is 2,500 feet of new sidewalks along the length of one side of Venture Parkway. Gwinnett Place CID is beginning its second year of operation, with offices at the Gwinnett Commerce Center on Crestwood Parkway.

Click above image to find
lowest gas prices in Atlanta

© 2001-2006, Gwinnett Forum.com is Gwinnett County's online community forum for commentary that explores pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

PHONE: 770.840.1003
EMAIL: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

Site designed and maintained by
The Brack Group.