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Issue 9.84 | Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 |
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McLEMORE'S
WORLD ARCHIVE UPCOMING NOTABLE ALSO INSIDE _:: IN THE
SPOTLIGHT: Meet a sponsor
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ABOUT US GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today. SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM |
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TODAY'S FOCUS DULUTH, Ga., Jan. 29, 2010 -- A $50,000 art competition has been announced by the Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts. The competition is open to any full time resident of Georgia over age 18, and the cash prize will be awarded in November 2010. Deadline for entering the arts competition is June 4, 2010. A solo exhibit of the winning artist will be on display in December, 2010 at the Center in Duluth. The winning artist will be announced November 30 at an Award Celebration held in conjunction with the final juried show, which will run from November of 2010 until February, 2011. The Hudgens Prize represents one of the largest art awards given in the nation. It is an unprecedented opportunity for a Georgia artist to receive both the prize and the opportunity for a solo exhibit. The juried exhibit will provide statewide exposure for not only the winner, but for 10 finalists in the competition.
The Prize is sponsored by a private foundation that prefers to remain anonymous. Stan Hall, chairman of the board at the Hudgens Center, says: "The foundation was strongly interested in supporting the arts on a statewide basis, and also wanted to help increase the visibility and prestige of The Hudgens in the state." He adds: "We are greatly honored that the foundation chose us to be the venue and facilitators for this exciting competition." A Juror Panel for the competition consists of David Kiehl, curator of prints at The Whitney Museum of American Art; Sylvie Fortin, editor-in-chief of Art Papers Magazine; and Eungie Joo, Keith Haring director and curator of Exhibitions and Public Programs at the New Museum in New York. Teresa
Osborn, interim executive director at The Hudgens, says: "We are
extremely excited to be able to offer such an important award competition
to the artists of Georgia. Particularly in times of economic challenge,
it is vital that we support the arts and artists, or we lose something
that is literally irreplaceable in our culture and our state. It is our
hope that by bringing more attention to The Hudgens, this competition
will also result in more support from the community and the state, particularly
in this current, very challenging, economic environment."
Visual artwork of any medium will be considered for the competition, but it must have been completed within the last two years and meet certain size and weight criteria. The entry fee is just $30 for members of The Hudgens and $50 for non-members and entitles each artist to submit up to five entries. Entries are to be submitted via digital images burned onto a CD and mailed to The Hudgens. The jury will select between five to ten artists to participate in the Finalist's Exhibition, which will run from November 30, 2010 through February 19, 2011. The winner will have a solo exhibition at The Hudgens Center in December 2010. The Hudgens Prize prospectus contains further details about the competition and information on how to enter, and is available on The Hudgens' website at www.thehudgens.org. The Jacqueline
Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway,
Bldg 300 in Duluth, at the end of the Gwinnett Center complex. The parking
lot is located off of Satellite Boulevard, near the intersection of Satellite
& Sugarloaf Parkway, and the main entrance is under the giant robot. EEB PERSPECTIVE JAN. 29, 2010 -- In hard economic times, some people try to benefit themselves or their industry. You often hear of it when the Legislature is meeting, as these people see the time ripe to pluck nice fruit, and introduce unsavory measures.
They often claim that they are to "Lower the barrier" only because of the tough times the state is going through. What they do not tell you is that once such measures become law, they remain in force, in good as well as bad, times. Such measures can lower our quality of life, all done for mere expediency. You want examples? Look no further than this week, when Rep. Harry Geisinger, (R-Roswell) introduced legislation to legalize betting on horse racing in Georgia. While there may be good reasons for Georgians to allow horse racing, as do at least 35 other states, bringing this form of gambling to this state ought to stand on its own hind legs. It ought not be propped up as emergency legislation simply to bring in more revenues and jobs. We hope this legislation makes no advances in the General Assembly. The way it is proposed, it's bad law. Another
example: Georgia has one of the most respected lotteries in the nation.
In fact, the Georgia Lottery has been a model for many states, as former
Governor Zell Miller's initial proposal was set in motion only for education,
and not for agencies day-to-day operation.
Georgia's Lottery is not only soundly based on all funding going to education, but the Lottery is one of the most successful in the nation. Just last week it announced that revenues for the year 2008 had broken a record again, bringing in $3.519 billion, the highest in the lottery's 15-year history. So what does a opportune politician do when such figures are quoted? Why it's a perfect target, is it not, to aim for? No lesser a person than Gov. Sonny Perdue has suggested tapping into lottery funds to ease the state's budget crisis. What's the governor thinking? The Lottery succeeds because the people of Georgia gamble, but realize that the profits go to a good cause: education. We assume the good minds of the General Assembly will toss the governor's proposal where it should go: to File 13. Don't think that this exhausts the list of legislative proposals you may see in coming days based solely on it being an opportune time to slip bad legislation through because of the tough economic times. Be vigilant, and pray that those representing us recognize all bad legislation when it appears…and it most certainly will appear. * * * * * IT'S A BAD MESSAGE: When you see something obviously out of whack, it sends a message: someone doesn't know what they are doing. Take, for example, the U.S. government's Office of the Census for this area. They are calling it, for reasons which baffle me, the "Duluth office" of the 2010 Census. We are baffled because of the address of the office: 5448 Spalding Drive in Norcross, Ga. 30092. It certainly sends a bad message: that as the census begins, it's starting out on the wrong foot. And it makes it appear that the census can't even get its address straight. Why in the world a census bureaucrat wants to call this office "Duluth" when it obviously has a Norcross address..…..well, perhaps some reader smarter than this corner will be able to explain. ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's underwriter is The Gwinnett Center, home to three distinct facilities in Duluth: The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Convention Center and Performing Arts Center. The Arena at Gwinnett Center has had six years of tremendous success hosting countless concerts, community and sporting events, which includes being home to the ECHL hockey team, the Gwinnett Gladiators. Some past shows from the 2008-09 season includes American Idol, The Cure, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, Kanye West, New Kids on the Block, SEC Gymnastics Championship, So You Think You Can Dance and Van Halen. The Convention Center offers patrons the opportunity to host or attend a wide variety of events; from corporate meetings to trade shows, to social occasions. The Performing Arts Center has an intimate capacity of 700 guests, which is home to many local events, family shows and even the occasional comedic performer. For further information visit www.gwinnettcenter.com.
McLEMORE'S WORLD ARCHIVE
UPCOMING The City of Suwanee, through its Suwanee Arts Partnership volunteer organization, is launching a fund-raising effort to make possible an exhibit of original outdoor sculptures to be displayed year-round throughout downtown Suwanee. The Suwanee SculpTour, modeled after a successful program in Columbus, Ga., will enhance the community's quality of life in a creative way, says Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson.
The exhibit will feature 15-25 sculptures of varying types, styles, and materials, which will be on loan to the City and, ideally, will change each year. No city funds will be used to implement the SculpTour so the exact number of pieces will depend upon how much financial support is provided by businesses and individuals. The SculpTour will be designed to be interactive in that residents and visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite sculpture; the winning piece will be purchased and displayed permanently. Brinson notes: "By exhibiting loaned pieces, the SculpTour will make a significant and widespread impact through public art in a single stroke. Vibrant, thriving communities across the country all have one thing in common: a commitment to public art," she adds. "We believe that by making a similar commitment, we can help make Suwanee - already a great place to live - a truly world-class community. But we're going to need some help from corporate sponsors and individuals to get there." Arts programs like the SculpTour can have a real economic impact on the community, Brinson says, bringing additional visitors to downtown Suwanee. In addition, public arts initiatives can make art accessible to everyone, attract a creative workforce, encourage dialogue, celebrate civic achievements, increase livability and walkability, and stimulate creativity in the workplace and schools. For more information about the Suwanee SculpTour or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits, contact Denise Brinson at denise@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996. Also, a brochure with more information and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.suwanee.com. Aurora Theatre offering Valentine's concert Feb. 13 Aurora Theatre can help to create a great Valentine's Day memory at its fifth Annual Valentine's Concert on Saturday, February 13, at 8:30 p.m.
There will be a 17-piece Metro Jazz Club band. Some of the selections to be played include You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You, The Glory of Love and Almost Like Being in Love. Guest singers include Aurora Theatre favorites: Ann-Carol Pence and Glenn Rainey. A dinner and show package is being offered at nearby Square restaurants, including Sperata, Dominick's, McCray's Tavern, and S.A.B. Bistro and Italia Café. For details, contact Aurora Theatre at 678-226-6222 or at www.auroratheatre.com. Norcross, Suwanee planning Citizens' Police Academies Two Gwinnett cities, Suwanee and Norcross, are planning Citizens' Police Academies. When the next Suwanee Citizens Police Academy class graduates in April, the number of alumni of this eight-week "glimpse behind the badge" will total more than 300. The Suwanee Police Department has offered its Citizens Police Academy roughly twice a year since 2000 as a means to help citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of officers and to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between citizens and the police department. The next Suwanee academy begins February 16 and continues evenings through April 6. Deadline for notarized applications, which are available online at www.suwanee.com, is February 5. Participants must be at least 19 years old; preference is given to Suwanee residents or to those who work in the City of Suwanee. For more information, go to elias@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327. * * * * * In Norcross, the Norcross Police Department is preparing for the upcoming Norcross Citizens Police Academy to begin in early Spring. The program takes 10 weeks, and is held one evening a week. The maximum class size is 20. For more information, go online here. Walton EMC seeks applicants for D.C. youth tour Four local high school students will earn a unique leadership experience this summer through Walton Electric Membership Corporation's Washington Youth Tour. Tenth and eleventh graders are eligible to win a spot on the tour and participate in its leadership development activities. Entrants must either live or attend a school in Walton EMC's service area. Deadline for entries is February 12. Forms are available by going online to www.waltonemc.com. Students will receive study materials to prepare for the selection process, which includes a written test and short interview. During June 10-17, winners will see state government in action at Georgia's Capitol and learn how Georgia's EMCs work together to deliver power to their consumers. Then in Washington, participants will visit cornerstones of United States government and history, like the Capitol, Supreme Court and National Archives. Leadership development activities include a luncheon with Georgia's congressional delegation, one of the trip's many highlights. Several social activities are also included. NOTABLE
Construction is underway and on schedule for the new Emory Eastside Medical Center's Outpatient Imaging Center in Loganville. The projected opening is this spring. The $3 million, 6,000 square foot diagnostic all digital center will include open MRI, a 16-slice CT, x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, and bone density, and will be staffed by six highly trained, board-certified radiologist, three of whom are trained as interventional radiologists, specializing in mammography and neuro. From left, surveying the new construction are Dan Warlick, director of Support Services, CEO Kim Ryan, and COO Dustin Greene, COO. It's a great time to check on leaks in water faucets Gwinnett's
Department of Water Resources (DWR) says now is a great time to save money,
energy, and water by finding and fixing leaks in homes and businesses. To check
a toilet for leaks, Jim Scarbrough with DWR recommends putting a drop
or two of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl
within a few minutes, it means the flapper is leaking. If the flapper
is okay but you can hear water running, the problem is likely to be the
water inlet valve. Repair parts are available at most hardware or building
supply stores.
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
In 1936 archaeologist Arthur R. Kelly located the remains of a fortified trading establishment in the midst of a Creek Indian archaeological site on the Ocmulgee National Monument. It predates the founding of Georgia (1733.) Although historical documentation is lacking, it appeared to be an English trading house established while the Creek Indians were living in the area of present-day Macon during the period 1690-1718. The post is believed to have been burned in the Yamasee War of 1715. Excavations have turned up all sorts of artifacts, including axes, clay pipes, beads, knives, swords, bullets, flints, pistols, and muskets. The remains of the trading post consisted of two buildings surrounded by a five-sided stockade with posts set in a narrow ditch (the stockade wall of the trading post is now outlined by concrete bumpers) and further enclosed on four sides by a larger moatlike ditch. The stockade enclosed an area of approximately one-quarter acre. A depressed roadway, believed to be part of the old Creek trading path, leads up to the compound ruins. Excavations of the trading house also have revealed a number of Native American graves, with European trade goods primarily from English sources. Archaeological evidence indicates that the trading house was not present continuously throughout the Creek period. Archaeologist Gregory Waselkov suggests that the fortified settlement probably dates to the period after 1702, when English-backed Creeks from this area attacked Spanish missions in present Florida. Expecting reprisals, they built fortifications but probably did not need them after the Creeks destroyed the Apalachee missions in and around present Tallahassee, Fla., in 1704. Archaeologist Carol Mason argues that the remains are from the Hitchiti town of Ocmulgee, the residence of English trader James Lucas. Based on his interpretation of the Herbert Map of 1725, archaeologist Marvin Smith suggests that the complex may be the town of Kasihta. While the exact identification of the town and trading establishment is controversial, it may well be the origin point for English-backed Creek raiders who destroyed the Spanish missions in present Florida in 1702 and again in 1704. CREDITS GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday. If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more. Send
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TODAY'S QUOTE "Because of
the fact that the media has changed so much -- that there are so many
different outlets and because of the economic situation of media -- I
think there's a far greater, right now, desire to be first with something
than there is to step back and describe for people what is going on and
how it affects them."
Those interested in the history of Gwinnett need to know that the recently published book: Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta, has sold fast, with the first editions about sold out. Get yours before they're gone. Go to http://www.elliottbrack.com/ to order, or buy the book at a local bookstore shown on the site. The books are available at:
MORE RECENT COMMENTARY
FOR CHARITY. You can give "A Gift of Laughter," a great book of cartoons by Bill McLemore, to help raise money for Rainbow Village. At just $20, it's a fun way to help. To order, call 770-497-1888, or email to info@gwinnettforum.com. SISTER PUBLICATIONS We encourage you to check out our sister publications:
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