GREEN LIGHT: Georgia Gwinnett College has received a green light from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to implement its teaching unit and teacher education programs. The commission's decision to award the college a developmental approval was based on an on-site evaluation, and enables GGC to pursue national accreditation for the academic programs in the new School of Education. Seven of GGC's first 12 student teachers pause for a photo following the announcement that GGC's teacher education programs have been approved for implementation. These students are obtaining classroom experience through Gwinnett County Public Schools. Shown are: Assistant Professor Marilyn Dolven, Heather Kulp, Emily Valentino, Ann Marie Miller, School of Education Dean Cathy Moore, Katie Burrows, Erica Wagoner, Stephanie Heinrich and Nicole Olano.

Issue 11.03 | Friday, April 8, 2011

TODAY'S FOCUS
:: New wife learns about chicken

ELLIOTT BRACK'S PERSPECTIVE
:: Unterman sets record, more

McLEMORE'S WORLD
::Shutting down

FEEDBACK
::Drop us a line

UPCOMING
:: Corners to Crossing, B. Gwinnett

NOTABLE
:: New PCOM degree, Deal at GGC

ALSO INSIDE

_:: IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Meet a sponsor

_:: REVIEW: Send us a review

_:: GEORGIA TIDBIT: Civil War blockade

_:: TODAY'S QUOTE: Hope he knows

_:: ARCHIVES: Read past commentaries

TODAY'S FOCUS
New wife faces old problem: How to cut up a chicken
By DEBORAH SEAY WILLIS
Special to GwinnettForum

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., April 8, 2011 -- It's June 1970 and from many times having watched my mother and grandmother cut up a chicken, I thought it would be as easy. Not so, as it turned out!

Soon after returning from our honeymoon, I had promised my newly-wed groom, as he was leaving for work, that I would prepare Southern fried chicken for dinner that night.

As I stood at the sink with chicken in one hand and the knife in the other, I realized that it was one thing to have watched a chicken being cut up and another thing to actually doing such. But, I took action. I placed named chicken and knife in a pan and took them down to where my mother worked and proceeded to explain to her that I had an "emergency" out in the car and desperately needed her help. Mom gave me a look that said, "Oh, my, what in the world have you done NOW?"

As we approached the car, I told her of my emergency. Mom sighed, and started to cut up the chicken. But since I had not brought a "properly sharpened" knife, she succeeded in cutting her finger! With some rather unpleasant terminology, she told me that I must have a very sharp knife, that she could not help, that she needed to get back to work and wished me well, as we hugged each other!

As I was getting out of the car, I remembered that the house we were renting that summer (until it was time for my husband to return to the University of Florida), included some older nearby neighbors, whom I hoped knew how to cut up a chicken. So, with my traveling chicken, I rang their doorbell.

The wife answered and as I stood there, I went on to state that even though we have not been properly introduced, that I was the bride next door and did she know how to cut up a chicken?

With a delightful grin on her face, she told me that she did not, but that her husband, who had been raised on a farm, did know how. "Please come in and make yourself at home," she said.

Her husband, it turned out, was equally delighted to help out. He proceeded to instruct me on the importance of having a very sharp knife (I decided not to share that I had just recently been given this same advice) then went on to what part of the chicken to cut first and why to do such and finished cutting the chicken up.

Dinner went well and, in time, I did let my husband know just WHERE in Bradenton, Fla. his dinner had been taken that day! We had a great laugh over it and I never again had to ask anyone how to cut up a chicken! Yes, indeed, "Had Chicken/Did Travel!"

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Unterman sets Senate record ... and other things
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

APRIL 8, 2011 -- A few random thoughts for today.

Brack

Gwinnett will have more than usual impact on the Georgia budget this coming year after a local senator was named to the budget conference committee.

Unterman

Sometimes we don't realize just how far we have to go in making progress. But there was progress here, as Sen. Renee Unterman of Buford became the first female in modern history to serve on a Georgia Senate Budget Conference.

Well, if the voters continue to elect women to high office, there's bound to be some such change. It's about time to see more diversity in the leadership of our state.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle appointed Senators Unterman and Ross Tolleson of Perry to the budget conference committee. Jack Hill of Reidsville, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, is also a member. Senator Unterman has represented Gwinnett in the Senate for 10 years.

* * * * *

IT'S BEEN CALLED the best party in Gwinnett for many years now. We're talking about the Jazzy (Cajun) Thing, an annual benefit for Annandale at Suwanee. The fundraising will help provide comprehensive programs and services for individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

The 18th annual Jazzy is to be held on Saturday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the River Exchange Shopping Center, 2100 Riverside Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more info, contact Keith Fenton at 770-932-4887.

In the past, more than 1,000 people have gathered to dig into authentic Cajun food, play charitable games, participate in a silent auction, and be entertained with music from the official Jimmy Buffet tribute band, ALA. This year there will also be artwork for sale from Annandale Villagers and community artists.

You walk into a room decorated to resemble….a Cajun swamp, which the Villagers eagerly enjoy creating each year. Local food vendors compete to see which one of them will be judged by the participants (with votes) to offer the best appetizer selections, many of them flavored in the Cajun style.

A key feature of the Jazzy Thing this year is a raffle that will send the winner and a guest on a week's trip to Ireland. Only 1,000 of the raffle tickets are being sold to the raffle at $20 each. The price for admission to the Jazzy is $75 per person.

* * * * *

NEW JOB: Lafeea Watson, who has been the communications manager of the Salvation Army in Atlanta, is to take a new position soon. It sounds like a delicious new job. You see, she will be the public relations and media management manager for Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. in Winston-Salem, N.C. Talk about your slick, sticky, sugary jobs! We congratulate her on the new position. She has done an admirable job for the Salvation Army in Atlanta.

* * * * * *

EVER HEARD of Georgia Health Sciences University? Yep, it's actually in the U.S. state of Georgia, not the independent nation of Georgia of the former Soviet Union. But most U.S. Georgians have never heard of it.

That's the new name of the Medical College of Georgia. Now, why they are deciding to change their name, we don't know. We recognize that it is no longer a mere "college" of medicine, but a "university" of several colleges, and soon, another location, as they open a campus in Athens. There's even talk of having a campus in downtown Atlanta. But why not "Medical University of Georgia?"

Our grandchildren will never know the name of "Medical College of Georgia." But we miss it already.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
The Gwinnett Center

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 seven years of tremendous success hosting countless concerts, community and sporting events, which includes being home to the Arena Football League's Georgia Force, and to the AECHL hockey team, the Gwinnett Gladiators. Some past shows 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.

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

McLEMORE'S WORLD
Shutting down

FEEDBACK
Drop us a line

• Send us your thoughts. Our policy: We encourage readers to submit feedback (or letters to the editor). Send your thoughts to the editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and the city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission for us to reprint. Please keep your comments to 300 words or less. However, we will consider longer articles (no more than 500 words) for featuring in Today's Focus as space allows.

UPCOMING
4th annual Corners to Crossing race set for April 16

People are lacing 'em up and getting ready for the start of the fourth annual "Corners to Crossing" Road Races, to be Saturday, April 16, beginning at 7 a.m.

New this year is that the start of the 10k which will be at the Forum on Peachtree Parkway. Runners will run down and back through the Forum, eventually merging with the fast course run in prior years. As last year the 5k and one mile will start at the First Baptist Church of Norcross.

The 5k route is run entirely through Historic Norcross. Starting on North Peachtree it continues south, then right through Norcross Hills, down Sunset, Valley, Ridgecrest, Dogwood Cir, Longview, and then back up Sunset, south on North Peachtree to Thrasher Park. Neighbors are invited to line the course and cheer on the runners. It is encouraging to the runners to see folks along the course while running. Set up a lawn chair and enjoy the race.

The finish line for all races is Thrasher Park in Historic Norcross. Gayle Barron, five time winner of the Peachtree Road Race, will be assisting as the Master of Ceremonies and sharing running/training tips throughout the morning. Based on projections this year's participation will exceed 1,000 runners/walkers.

The fun doesn't stop at the finish line. The Forum is hosting family events and retail promotions throughout the day. The Taste of the Forum begins from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The City of Norcross starts at 2 p.m. with Musicfest 2011 in Lillian Webb Park. The day closes with the traditional beach music concert. This year's headliner is the Catalinas, a popular beach music band.

There will be traffic detours and several road closures the morning of the race. On Saturday, April 16, from 7 until 10 a.m. North Peachtree Street will be closed, with northbound access to Langford Drive only. Sunset Drive in Dogwood Hills residents are requested to use Barton Street. Also closed will be Reps Miller Road.

Of the proceeds, 100 percent will be distributed to the Robert Fowler YMCA and the Norcross Cluster Schools Partnership. For more information visit www.cornerstocrossing.com or the city's Web site, www.aplacetoimagine.com.

Public safety day is April 16 in Braselton

Year One and the Braselton Police Department have teamed up to bring Public Safety Awareness Day on Saturday, April 16, from 3 to 8 p.m.

The Braselton Police, West Jackson Fire and Rescue and the Gainesville Police Department will be on hand to talk to the public about ways to stay safe in their home and business and the ever popular DUI Demonstration will be included as part of the day's events. The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce will also be having their first ever Wing Cook-off at the event.

Year One's Braselton Bash family oriented car shows held though the year at their facility located in Suite 1 at 1001 Cherry Drive, Braselton. More information on this and other Braselton events can be found at www.braseltonfestivals.com.

GGC plans Button Gwinnett Day celebration April 13

Who shot Button Gwinnett? History buffs will explore this question, as well as the colorful past and bright future of Gwinnett County at the 2011 Button Gwinnett Day, to be held at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), April 13, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Center LVIS room.

Gwinnett

Button Gwinnett Day evolved from the former Button Gwinnett Society, and is currently a periodic lecture event presented by the college.

"We are excited to host this Gwinnett County tradition at GGC," said Linda Hughes, assistant professor and chair of the college's Speaker Series Committee. "The program will be of interest to those familiar with the county's history, and those who want to get a good overview of our local heritage."

The county's past, present and future will be explored by Michael Gagnon, GGC assistant professor of history; Kelly Greer, publisher of Gwinnett Magazine; and Jose Perez, president of Target Market Trends and a member of the GGC Board of Trustees.

NOTABLE
PCOM to offer master's in development and leadership

A Master of Science degree in Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) is the newest program scheduled to be offered at the Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) on Old Peachtree Road in Suwanee, beginning with the College's fall term in August.

While GA-PCOM offers only graduate and professional level programs, most of which focus on healthcare (osteopathic medicine and pharmacy), the ODL program brings with it a different perspective.

Bill Clinton, program director, and Dr. Jeff Branch, coordinator for the Georgia campus program, feel that this program will be attractive to individuals in a variety of businesses and organizations where promotion and advancement are dependent upon forward thinking and leadership ability. Clinton says: "The approach of this accredited program is unique because it focuses on each enrolled student--- their business, industry or organization, their background, their goals, where they are and where they want to be." Classes are intentionally small, consisting of 12-15 entering students each term. Small classes allow the students to interact and to share workplace experiences.

Branch says he expects students will come from a multitude of backgrounds…perhaps banking, healthcare, not-for-profit organizations and manufacturing to name a few. "The more varied the class, the greater the opportunity for learning," he adds.

Graduates of the program at the Philadelphia campus, on which the model is based, give ODL high marks for changing the lives of many former students. Clinton adds: "Not only does the program help students in their workplace and prepare them for upward mobility, many of the skills learned and applied on the job, can also be applicable in their personal lives."

The ODL program provides a solid foundation in leadership theory, team and organizational dynamics, coaching and consulting, personal and professional development, project management, systems literacy and diagnosis and strategic thinking.

Two open house events are planned at the campus at 625 Old Peachtree Road NW in Suwanee on Friday, April 15 and Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. Both events are open to interested students. A bachelor's degree in required for admission into the program. Refreshments will be offered beginning at 5:30 p.m.. RSVP to tiffanybr@pcom.edu are requested. Additional information about the ODL program is available at www.pcom.edu.

Governor to address Georgia Gwinnett graduates

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal will address Georgia Gwinnett College's commencement exercises on June 2 at the college's campus in Lawrenceville. Included in this historic graduating class, is the first group of students who have attended the state's newest institution of higher learning for all four years. This graduating class will be GGC's largest since its opening in 2006, with approximately 100 students receiving their diplomas.

Deal

GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman says: "We are most pleased to have the Governor at this commencement program, as it represents another milestone in our brief history," Kaufman said. "It is important to us to have a keynote speaker who will deliver an address that our graduates will remember for a lifetime. We certainly appreciate his willingness to speak to our first 'all-GGC' class."

Although he grew up in Sandersville, Deal was born in Millen to career educators. Deal earned his bachelor's degree at Mercer University in Macon and his juris doctorate degree at Mercer's Walter F. George School of Law. He also served in the United States Army, earning the rank of captain.

Deal served nine terms in the U.S. Congress, where he was considered an expert on healthcare and immigration reform. Prior to his years in Congress, he served 12 years in the Georgia Senate where he was elected president pro tempore - the Senator's Senator - by his colleagues.

When Georgia Gwinnett College first opened in 2006, its first students were primarily juniors. In the fall of 2007, GGC began accepting freshmen to its rolls, and many of those students will graduate in June - having completed their entire four years of college at GGC.

Currently, GGC has more than 5,700 students and expects to increase its student population to 8,000 in August. The college offers 40 areas of study through 12 bachelor degree programs.

Hospital acquires more precise surgical procedures

Eastside Medical Center is the first healthcare facility to receive the da Vinci SI in Gwinnett County. It is also the first facility in the Atlanta market to acquire the da Vinci Skills Simulator, offering the most advanced and state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology to patients today.

CEO Kim Ryan says: "We are excited to offer this technology to our patients. This significant advancement in our robotic-surgery platform will bring unparalleled skill to our operating rooms, leading to superior clinical outcomes and a higher degree of patient satisfaction."

The robotic system enhances the surgeon's skill with computer technology, enabling him to see vital anatomical structures more clearly and perform surgical procedures more precisely. The technology extends the surgeon's capabilities by providing a three-dimensional view of the operating field and improving access to the surgical site through small instrument "ports" that eliminate the need for large incisions. The system also provide full freedom of movement at its instrument tips, allowing precise operation in a closed chest, abdomen or pelvis.

The da Vinci Skills Simulator, which just became available in January, is a state-of-the-art computer that addresses the need for a realistic training environment for robot-assisted surgery. This new training technology can be thought of as a flight simulator for surgeons, with close approximation of the "touch and feel" of the actual da Vinci robotic surgical system. The device offers a variety of exercises designed to give surgeons the opportunity to gain extensive training in robotic techniques.

RECOMMENDED
Have a review?

• 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 ENCYCLOPEDIA
Union blockade, coastal occupation in the Civil War

The battle between ship and shore on the coast of Confederate Georgia was a pivotal part of the Union strategy to subdue the state during the Civil War (1861-65).

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's call at the start of the war for a naval blockade of the entire Southern coastline took time to materialize, but by early 1862 the Union navy had positioned a serviceable fleet off the coast of the South's most prominent Confederate ports. In Georgia, Union strategy centered on Savannah, the state's most significant port city. Beyond Savannah, Union forces generally focused on securing bases of operation on outlying coastal islands to counter Confederate privateers.

Confederate defensive strategy, in turn, evolved with the Union blockade. After the fall of Port Royal, South Carolina, in November 1861, Confederate president Jefferson Davis appointed General Robert E. Lee to reorganize Confederate coastal defenses. Lee quickly realized the impossibility of defending the entire coastline and decided to consolidate limited Confederate forces and materiel at key strategic points. He countered Union naval superiority by ensuring easy reinforcement of Confederate coastal positions along railroad lines. In this way, Lee minimized reliance upon the fledgling Confederate navy and maximized the use of Confederate military forces in coastal areas, including both Georgia's Sea Islands and mainland ports with railroad connection.

(To be continued)

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TODAY'S QUOTE
Let's hope this guy knows what he's talking about

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."

-- Nature Writer Hal Borland (1900-1978).

SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM

GWINNETT CALENDAR

Civil War Talk: 2:30 p.m., April 10, sponsored by Snellville Historical Society at Snellville City Hall. Author Barry Brown, author of Crossroads of Conflicts, will be the speaker.

Fifth Annual Plein Air Festival: April 15-16 at Tannery Row Artist Colony in Buford. Artists will begin painting on April 15 and 16. Judging will be April 16, and the show will be open to the public at 7 p.m. The artists' work will be available for purchase.

(NEW) Spring Plant Sale, to benefit the Duluth History Museum: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 16 at 2956 Buford Highway. Partner for the event is Woody's Nursery. The Museum will have free admission on this date. Also available will be the Museum's hand-made birdhouses.

(NEW) Genealogy Class, at Duluth History Museum: 7 p.m., April 19, 2956 Buford Highway. Fee is $15. Leah Gilbreath Gonzalez, a registered Genealogist, will be the instructor. Pre-registration is necessary at 770-232-7584 or via email.

Gwinnett Technology Forum: 7:30 a.m., April 19, at Gwinnett Technical College’s Busbee Center. The focus will be display technology. Presenters include Rick Cope, CEO of NanoLumens and Clif Parker, CEO of Reach 3D.

17th Annual Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 20 and April 21, Gwinnett Technical College campus greenhouse, Lawrenceville. In addition at this sale, on April 20, Gwinnett County Public Library will sponsor a slate of gardening experts and authors from 10 a.m. to noon.

Educational networking event: 4:30 p.m., April 21, at Gwinnett Chamber Education Room. The event will feature Ryan Garvel, founder of The Atlanta Belt Line. The event is co-sponsored by the Gwinnett Chamber and the Swedish American Chamber. Garvel will speak on urban design techniques and strategic investments needed in the Metro Atlanta region. Email Lindsay for details.

Art Show, "Walk Like a Gwinnettian: Through April 25, at Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville. Features work of T. J. Haugh. Reception for artist is Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the site.

Flora and Fauna Art Exhibit: Kudzu Art Zone, Norcross, through April 30. There will be a flower arranging workshop April 30 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., led by Chris Sherry, noted Atlanta instructor. For more info, go to www.kudzuartzone.org, or telephone 770-945-4896.

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

MORE RECENT COMMENTARY

	6/14: Sanders: Australia and business
	6/10: Mechling: Dacula filmmakers
	6/7: Pope: Road improvements
	6/3: Ramey: New GGC alma mater
	6/1: Chandler: Traveling with friends
	5/27: Bolling: LanierWorld opens
	5/24: Callina: For-profit school caution
	5/20: Olson: Arts, Center join forces
	5/17: Mabin: Reverse mortgages
	5/13: Watson: Clean Air entries
	5/10: Nelson: Change is good
	5/6: Wiener: Gwinnett Place CID to improve
	5/3: Perez: Long view of Gwinnett
	4/29: Peterson: Sons of Union Vets here
	4/26: Austin: Airport privatization
	4/22: Sutt: Barefoot festival
	4/19: Myers: Preventing blindness
	4/15: Moore: Hidden homeless
	4/12: Maine: Lord inducted
	4/8: Willis: Cutting a chicken
	4/5: Ruth: Aurora's camps
	4/1: National Grandmothers
	COMMENTARY INDEX

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