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Issue 10.41 |Friday, Aug. 20, 2010 |
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TODAY'S FOCUS LAWRENCEVILLE,
Ga., Aug. 20 -- Aurora Theatre has assembled outstanding children's performers
for the region, bringing them to Gwinnett County to give parents and their
children a chance to experience their artistry in downtown Lawrenceville.
School is back in session and so is Aurora Children's Playhouse with two dynamic performances this August to kick off the 2010 - 2011 Season of Children's performances. On August 21, join Br'er Rabbit and his friends for 40 minutes of stories, music, and humor in this new production by puppeteer, David Stephens (All Hands Productions). "The
New Adventures of Br'er Rabbit" combines the classic characters with
new, original stories. Br'er Rabbit has his toughness put to the test
in "Br'er Rabbit and the Fly." Br'er Bear falls for one of Br'er
Fox's tricks in "Br'er Bear and the Beehive." You'll learn Br'er
Rabbit's special fishing technique in "Br'er Rabbit Goes Fishing."
Finally, Br'er Rabbit learns to play the banjo in "Br'er Rabbit Tries
to Sing." This all-ages show features hand and rod puppets.
Children's
entertainer Scott Douglas (World Music Productions) takes audiences on
a fantastic journey to discover the 20th Century's only new acoustic instrument
on August 28. In "Panorama of Steel Drums," audience members
will not only hear but participate in a performance featuring the sounds
of Calypso, Reggae, Soca and other forms of music on the steel drum. Enjoy
the last sounds of summer and the excitement of a Caribbean carnival. EEB PERSPECTIVE AUG. 20, 2010 -- A Gwinnett couple are the parents of the second-ranking female officer of the international Salvation Army in London, England.
She is Sue Swanson, daughter of former Commissioner and Mrs. Andrew (Joan) Miller of Lawrenceville, now residents of Del Mar Gardens. Sue is married to Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, chief of staff and second-in-command to Salvation Army General Shaw Clifton. The Swansons began their new assignment on May 1. Sue is world secretary of the Women's Ministries of the Army. The couple began their Salvation Army work in 1976. Prior to their current assignment, the Swansons led the Central United States Territory of the Army out of Chicago. Sue says in her work she gets "to hear what is happening around the world in Salvation Army ministries. It's great to see the work of young women in Africa in having good self esteem and working in prevention of AIDS, gaining their rights, and not being abused. Or to hear of young mothers in India of Bangladesh learning to read or finding jobs. We get to be here and see all that support." Meanwhile, Barry keeps in close contact with General Clifton, and coordinates the financial and business program members in 122 countries. At the headquarters, there are approximately 100 staff members.
As Americans in England, the Swansons find driving on the wrong sides of the road different. "But we are still alive," Sue chimes in. They live south of London, and commute by car or train about an hour. "In London, it's exciting, as the whole world seems to walk by us." But Sue admits that, having been in Atlanta before, "You can't get a good Varsity burger." Sue's parents retired to Gwinnett after Andy was national commissioner of the Salvation Army. They've found there is some language difficulty between the two countries. Barry, a native of Chicago, says: "When they say an item is going to the table here, that means you put it on the table to discuss." With his love of history, Barry says it's particularly great to be in such a historic country, "and, from the Army's perspective, great to be working where William and Catherine Booth founded the Salvation Army. You get a sense of movement throughout time, as the Army grew and expanded, and changed, but was also true to the founder." The Swansons, married for 35 years, miss their four children in the States and two grandchildren. One daughter is a teacher in Korea, another daughter is in social work, a son works with disabled and another is in college. "We do Skyping, and though we can't hug them, we can see them," says Sue. One of the elements of their jobs is world travel. Sue says: "Next month we go to Finland, then to Liberia, then Hong Kong, and finally back to the States in New York City. We hope to visit my parents when we come to New York." Her father suffers from dementia. "He pulls up moments as he knows Mom, and knew my name twice last time. My dad would love to know what I'm doing now." The Swansons
are content in their jobs. "We decided earlier that wherever God
sent us, we would move in and adapt, to really move in with heart. We
try not to compare place. This is where we are now, in London." 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 Garden Plaza at Lawrenceville, one of Gwinnett County's newest retirement communities. The 150-unit community boasts a full range of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa facilities, fitness center, beauty/barber shop, Internet café, courtyard gardens and separate garages. The apartment homes (studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom) are leased on a monthly basis to senior adults 55 and older. The team at Garden Plaza is committed to providing extraordinary customer service. We believe our programs and services are operated at a level of excellence that exceeds our residents' needs and expectations. The action-packed recreational calendar includes outdoor excursions, as well as anything from movie matinees and shopping trips to educational seminars and live performances. Visit the web site at www.lawrencevilleretirement.com.
FEEDBACK Editor, the Forum: The best
kept secret in Gwinnett County is Georgia Gwinnett College. It has prepared
itself for the 21st Century and its technology based curriculum enables
students to compete in the new economy.
Feels root of societal ills is lack of self-accountability Editor, the Forum: Your Perspective column of August 17 is "on the mark" describing the current societal ills. I believe a good case can be made that the root cause is the lack of self accountability in America, a syndrome which has taken root over the last 50 years. Whether it be in parenting, education, government, or the workplace, the fault and blame always lies elsewhere. We have become a nation of disempowerment because we allow the passing of the buck for our individual failures, including the responsibility to behave as good parents, students, employees (or business owners) or citizens. Somewhere along the way, America has lost its vision of, "If it's going to be, it is up to me!"
All not lost: Many wonderful events are happening throughout! Editor, the Forum: I agree with a lot of what you said about civility, manners, rudeness, etc. in your well-worded, well-thought-out perspective article of August 17. Keep the faith, my friend, because all is not yet lost! I see wonderful things happening all around me that show me people have not lost all their goodness. I see it
in the gentleman who opened the door for me at a restaurant yesterday.
I see it in my neighbors rallying together to help other neighbors in
need-with food, funds and fellowship. And I marvel at the national news
story recently of the woman who loaned a homeless man her credit card
to buy himself some things he really needed. The homeless man brought
her card back to her when he was through. I would never have believed
this to happen in anything other than a fairy tale. Yet it happened......in
real life.
Define boundaries of civility to bring cultural revolution Editor, the Forum: I think
your comments about our society are right on point and I feel we may lack
the courage to call it as it is. I don't quite understand what you meant
by "we may have gone too far down". Could you elaborate?
Cannot ignore fabric of society and expect to remain whole Editor, the Forum: Your column on decency was right on, paralleling some similar thoughts I entertained in the shower this morning. All of the things you mention are part of the woof and weave of society, and we cannot ignore them and expect the full cloth of our society to remain whole. It is no coincidence that it hasn't. This isn't Old Fogeyism, it's just plain logic and analysis. The end product is sum of its parts. Good on ya, mate.
UPCOMING Gwinnett Senior Leadership will welcome the 2010-2011 class of new members at a reception on Sunday, August 22, at 2 p.m. at Garden Plaza in Lawrenceville. The Gwinnett Senior Leadership program is hosted by Gwinnett Technical College.
The new class members include Janice Bullock, Dr. Frances Davis, Libby Fannin, Sonny Gilreath, Nita Halford, Norman Harrison, Kathy Hedrick, Jean Holley, Cathy Karlsen, Ross Kaul, Wally Kelleman, Maureen Kelly, James (Jim) Kwater, Jack Mason, Glenn McFall. Ernest Melton, Linda Newton, Keith Roche, Nancy Segars, Rudolph Smith, Kent Swanson, Betty Warbington, Diane Witmer and Jerome Wright. Gwinnett Senior Leadership Chairman Elliott Brack says: "We're very excited about the eleventh year of Senior Leadership Gwinnett. It is the largest class we've had and the program is gaining popularity with seniors in Gwinnett." Gwinnett Senior Leadership is composed of a diverse group of Gwinnett's citizens 55 and older who have an interest in contributing their experience and adding value to the Gwinnett community. The program is unique to Gwinnett and the State of Georgia. Monthly programs for the class will focus on justice, education, power, growth, government, the region, health and human services. Van Sewell and Linda Turner are the Program Day Chairs. The Gwinnett Senior Leadership Board of Trustees includes Betty Atkinson, Bill Atkinson, Bill Barry, Donnis Bowman, Elliott Brack, Lorri Christopher, Tim Dunn, Carolyn Hill, Anna Shackelford, Pat Swan, Mike Tennant, Tom Travis and Connie Wiggins. For more information about any of Gwinnett Tech's programs, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580. Suwanee police accreditation exam team to arrive Aug. 28 A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will arrive in Suwanee Saturday, August 28, to begin examination of the Suwanee Police Department's policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services as the department seeks national accreditation. As part of the four-day on-site assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments about the Suwanee Police Department at a public information session at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 30, in Council Chambers at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. If citizens would like to provide comments, but cannot attend the public information session, they may phone in comments from 1-3 p.m. Monday, August 30. The number to call is 770/904-7658. Public
comments, both at the public meeting and via telephone, are limited to
10 minutes and must address the Suwanee Police Department's ability to
comply with CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available at the
police department, 373 Buford Highway. For additional information, contact
Lt. Dan Clark at 770/904-7605 or dclark@suwanee.com.
Those who wish to offer written comments about the department's ability
to meet accreditation standards may submit comments to: Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite
320, Gainesville, Va. 20155. Shades of Liberia will present the first Fashion/Wine Extravaganza event of 2010, Boutique Meets Catwalk, on September 10 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville. The event will raise funds in honor of Shades of Liberia projects for education, clean water and women empowerment.
Groove to sounds of African Jazz beat with Mausiki Scales while sipping wine provided by Niko's. Fuel your taste buds by food provided by Guest Chef, Karleen, who specializes in organic Afro-centric/Caribbean cuisine. Music will be provided by Melody Vaughn while Cultural Troop will entertain you with traditional performances in celebration of the Liberian culture. Local artists, boutiques and designers will showcase an evening of fashions for the fall. Local fashion talent will include a premiere and local Liberian designer, followed by fabulous trunk shows and a live art auction Tickets, $35 general admission, are online at: www.shadesofliberia.org. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Credit card is the only payment accepted. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased online here. NOTABLE As one
of the nation's most traveled and congested highways, Interstate 285's
top end has become a focal point for improvement. Initiated in 2006, the
Georgia Department of Transportation's and the Georgia Regional Transportation
Authority's "revive285 top end" project has been in the process
of the development, identification and selection of solutions to improve
congestion, safety, system linkage and transportation options on this
vital corridor.
Individuals can also always contact the project directly with questions and comments at info@revive285.com or (770) 431-7445. Duluth mayor recognizes Gwinnett Tech intern for project Gwinnett Technical College Interiors student Robyn Brown has been honored by Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris for her two-part project on sustainable living completed while interning with Frugally Yours Interiors in Duluth.
As part of her internship project, Brown wrote a paper on sustainable living and created an outdoor living landscape design in the Historic District of Downtown Duluth. Mayor Nancy Harris was impressed with Brown's project and wrote her a letter thanking her for her hard work and congratulating her on graduating from Gwinnett Tech. Brown graduated
from Gwinnett Tech in June with an associate of applied science degree
in Interiors. The 50-year-old New York native resides in Duluth and is
currently enrolled in the Environmental Horticulture program at Gwinnett
Tech to achieve her goal of obtaining a degree in both industries. RECOMMENDED
I've just finished General Richard Clarke's latest book," Cyber War." I recommend this non-fiction read to everyone who uses the Internet. General Clarke writes with authority and conviction about the next war involving the United States -- a war which would incapacitate our lifelines, such as power grids, banking, transportation, and your home computer, to name some very exposed targets. Global cyber criminals hack into everything, work around the clock, and are very difficult to catch. You should add "Cyber War" to your reading list, since I believe it's better to be forewarned than kept in the dark.
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
The Habershams - - James and his sons, James Jr., Joseph, and John - - were prominent in the economic and political life of colonial, revolutionary, and early national Georgia. Their connection with Georgia history began with the arrival of James Habersham (ca. 1712-75) in colonial Georgia in 1738. Although trained as a merchant in his uncle's firm in London, England, James Habersham developed a strong religious friendship with George Whitefield and, when asked, accompanied the evangelist to Georgia as a teacher. Over time, Habersham became superintendent and financial manager of Bethesda, the orphanage Whitefield established near Savannah. In 1740, while at Bethesda, Habersham married Mary Bolton.
In the early 1740s Habersham formed a business association with Francis Harris of Savannah to begin shuttling supplies from Charleston to Savannah and Bethesda. As the Trustees' grip on colonial Georgia loosened, Habersham and Harris set up a firm in Savannah to begin making regular transatlantic commercial voyages to England. Their firm is recognized as the first such successful business enterprise in colonial Georgia. With resources from his business, Habersham began acquiring lands for rice planting along rivers near Savannah. Once the ban on slavery ended in Georgia, Habersham developed extensive rice plantations on holdings eventually totaling nearly 15,000 acres, worked by about 200 slaves. By the 1750s he had begun to become politically prominent as well, as a senior councilor in the royal government of the colony. He also served as council president and held the position of acting governor of Georgia in the early 1770s. All three of Habersham's sons became actively involved in the Revolutionary movement. Joseph Habersham, in particular, became a zealous revolutionary in 1774, although his aging father expressed his own loyalty to Britain. The senior Habersham's death in 1775 prevented the painful family division from extending into the war years.
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© 2010, 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. |
TODAY'S QUOTE "It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help."
Here's a list of great places to play with leash off your fuzzy friend: Graves Park Lenora Park Pinckneyville
Park Rabbit Hill Park
(Grand Opening of dog park in September) Settles Bridge
Park For a complete list of dog park rules, refer to www.gwinnettparks.com. If you have any additional questions, contact Nazanin Weck at 770.822.8866.
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. © 2001-2010, 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
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In
July 2010, GDOT and GRTA announced that four solutions, or alternatives
(narrowed from eight reviewed in 2009), are advancing for further consideration.
The project is now in the process of drafting an Environmental Impact
Statement with regards to these alternatives. When the statement is drafted,
the public will be invited to review and comment. In the interim, you
can:
