TODAY'S FOCUS
People in Gwinnett realize change is going to do us good
By WILL NELSON
Special to GwinnettForum

(Editor's Note: Will Nelson is a native of Michigan, and graduate of the University of California, Fullerton, where he studied health and fitness psychology. He is single, has resided in Buford for 10 year, and is a lifestyle management consultant. -eeb)

BUFORD, Ga., May 10, 2011 -- I was asked recently what I thought was the biggest event thus far in the last decade. While I can't single out one particular event, one accumulative effect I have noted is the change in lifestyle and in the earnest desire to improve lifestyle management. People want to get back to basics, simplify, remove the clutter (in their minds and in their houses), streamline, and get on with life without dragging so much along with them.

Nelson

When 9/11 occurred, it was like a shock, but its effects basically petered out in a few months. Most of us went back to the way we were living before and continued right along. Then, a few years ago, we started the "great recession." Partially a domino effect, partially handwriting on the wall, and definitely jump-started by Wall Street greed and subprime loans, this event has become the defining moment in the lives of millions of people.

The price paid in foreclosed homes, lost jobs (many of which will never come back), and the fundamental shift in people's day-to-day attitude, have been deep, impactful, and likely not to go away any time soon. But there have been some major silver linings.

While many of the now permanently unemployed are disenfranchised, many others have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurialism. The quintessential American "can do" attitude that built this country in the first place is starting to rebuild it again right now. It is causing people to work cooperatively instead of competitively. It is causing us to realize we are all in this together, and together is how we will get through it.

Years ago, I visited Yosemite six months after a wide-ranging and devastating fire. At once, I saw giant trees charred down to giant sticks dotting the landscape. But when I looked closer, I saw an explosion of new, young, and yes, fragile, life covering the forest floor.

I see the same picture again. Many of the old ways of living and thinking have been forever obliterated. In its stead lies new, fertile ground that many are seizing and building upon. This is creating a newfound sense of community, both in business and in our personal lives. In some ways we have been humbled; perhaps even a bit of our arrogance has been curbed. Within these changes lie the opportunity for relationships, starting with ourselves and extending to others.

There is also a movement afoot of going "green," and while $4 a gallon for gas will really push that direction, we're going there none-the-less. And we're recycling more, using less water. Thrift is no longer a dirty word. More and more, people are living together and seeking to find harmony in doing so. In time, this will transform our lives and our neighborhoods. Yes, change is gonna do us good.

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Berkeley Lake works to restore its lake to former beauty
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

MAY 10, 2011 -- For perhaps two years, the town of Berkeley Lake won't have a lake.

Brack

The effect of the heavy rains back in September of 2009 is causing the city of 2,128 residents to re-build the dam. Work is expected to start this July. The initial phase of work will see the entire 88-acre lake drained to reduce the pressure on the dam, so that engineering on the dam can begin.

It's anticipated that the engineering project will take nine months to complete. Then, depending on nature, it's anticipated that it might take up to more than a year for the lake to return to its full water pool. Even now, the pool level is down about 10 feet, meaning that only the deeper part of the lake has water, with many reaches of the upper lake now entirely dry.

The town has had a lot of activity about the lake since the 2009 downpours caused the problems. The rains essentially wiped out the drainage systems of the lake, and caused two feet of water to pour over the 20-30 foot wide spillway. The water was rushing toward the Chattahoochee River, about a quarter of a mile away.

An idyllic view of Berkeley Lake from the community chapel.

Chip McDaniel, who is president of the Berkeley Lake Homeowner's Association, said this week: "We believe the city has the problem solved on how to proceed, and will soon have the engineers working."

Altogether, the Association is made up of about half of the 600 homes in Berkeley Lake, with the majority of the Association members having homes around the lake. Members of the Association are active in the community, and work closely with the Berkeley Lake City Council.

The Association owns the lake itself, but the city owns the dam. Hence, the work on re-building the dam because of the damage from the 2009 rains falls on the city.

The City Council has been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on funding the work on the dam. FEMA approved a portion of the work on the dam, but the Georgia Safe Dam Program did not give approval. At present the city is in the midst of appealing the overall funding by FEMA.

However, the City feels pressure to get the work done quickly, and is seeking to sell $2.8 million in bonds, to be repaid over 30 years. The city hopes to close on the bonds by mid June regardless, though it has hopes of being reimbursed eventually by FEMA.

Note the 10 foot drop in lake level from the lake's normal pool.

Meanwhile, the city has pre-certified firms to work on the project, but not sent the job to bid yet. The City is anticipating that work could begin on the project in mid July. However, all work must gain the approval of the Georgia Safe Dam Program, though there is no indication if the approval will come in time for work to begin in July.

Mayor Lois Salter calls all the work required around the dam "unfortunate." She and the City Council have had to raise taxes to help pay for the engineering and sludge removal. "We feel like we must fund this work," she says.

So the City of Berkeley Lake struggles from the onslaught of the 2009 rains. The upshot will be no water in the signature lake in order to restore it to its previous beauty.

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McLEMORE'S WORLD
Real Mother's Day

FEEDBACK
Three responses about column on death of Osama bin Laden

Editor, the Forum:

You are seriously off base in your comments on the bin Laden issue. We live in a complacent country bordered by two oceans, Canada and Mexico. People are more worried about what to put on their Facebook page than what's going on in the rest of the world.

-- David M. Garramone, Berkeley Lake

* * * * *

Editor, the Forum:

Perhaps what bothered you and me about are the bin Laden celebration was that the United States acted like a third world country. The only thing missing were AK 47s being shot in the air. If the situation was reversed, Americans would have been appalled. I am pleased that bin Laden can never hurt us again, but disappointed at the way we reacted.

-- Patrick Malone, Blairsville

* * * * *

Editor, the Forum:

Thank you for your comments about how some Americans celebrated the death of one of our most feared foes.

I am relieved that we have come to a turning point, hopefully, in the war on terrorism but celebrations over any death feels wrong to me.

You said it all well. Thank you.

-- Cheryl Hartman, Lilburn

• 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
Classical music evening set in Norcross on Sunday

The Norcross Arts Alliance is planning its first session of classical music, "A Classical Evening in May" on Sunday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center.

The headliners of this evening will be Jenn and Greg Jordan, singing songs of Mozart, Handel, Gilbert and Sullivan, Debussy, and Schubert. They will also reprise their love duet from our Cabaret, "Wanting You," by Sigmund Romberg.

Craig Duke will reprise a Bach prelude and fugue and a Beethoven piano sonata. He is a recent graduate of the Florida State University School of Music.

John Cooper, a Norcross High School senior and member of the Atlanta Symphony youth orchestra, will play several pieces on viola.

Don Papenbrock, Tracey Rice, and Craig Duke will serve as accompanists for the singers.

Gwinnett Village Alliance plans second Spring Job Fair in June

The Gwinnett Village Community Alliance will hold its second annual Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, June 21, presented by AT&T, BB&T Bank and Victory World Church.

The event will be held at Victory World Church, 5905 Brook Hollow Parkway, in Norcross 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Letycia Pastrana, executive director of the Alliance, says: "With one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, many Gwinnett families are experiencing job loss and significant financial stress. We are anticipating that more than 1,000 job seekers will be in attendance providing a great opportunity for companies to search for quality employees."

Job Seekers will have the opportunity to network with approximately 30 dynamic employers and recruiters from local businesses such as the Gwinnett Medical Center, Primerica, AARP, BB&T, RockTenn, Fed Ex, Bank of America and others. Industry experts from partner organizations will offer career and financial workshops every hour on Unemployment and Credit; Unemployment and Finances; Building Your Resume; and Job Search Skills. Additionally, the Fair will provide local businesses with a qualified pool of potential employees who can harness their company goals and meet the needs of new and expanding demographic demands within the community.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Minton by email at eminton@gwinnettvillage.com, or by telephone at 770-449-6515.

Norcross Police sponsoring 5K run for cerebral palsy Saturday

The Norcross Police Department and United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia are teaming up to present a special event featuring family fun and celebrating kids of all abilities on Saturday, May 14. The first C.H.U.K Run (Cops Helping Unique Kids) will begin with a 5K Run through downtown Norcross at 8 a.m. There is a $20 registration fee, with proceeds going to support United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia services for children and adults with disabilities. Participants can register online in advance at Active.com, with a guaranteed T shirt size. Day of event registrations will be accepted with T shirt sizes as available.

Following the 5K Run, at 10 a.m., there will be a free Fun Run/Walk and Family Festival in Thrasher Park. There will be entertainment, games, crafts and activities for kids of all abilities. Chick-Fil-A and other local businesses will be providing lunch, and a Chick-Fil-A cow will be making an appearance.

City of Suwanee plans Arts in the Park Festival for May 21

Attendees at the May 21 Arts in the Park Festival in Suwanee's Town Center Park will have an opportunity to appreciate, view, listen to, touch, and purchase art in a wide variety of forms. They'll also be able to watch art being created and even have a chance to create their own "masterpieces."

The annual Arts in the Park festival, organized by the North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA), will feature more than 40 juried artists who will exhibit their work and demonstrate their craft as well as a full entertainment line-up. Art forms represented include pottery, jewelry, painting, photography, writing, and elemental art.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and the show will conclude at 6 p.m. Entertainers - including a drum troupe, all-female barbershop quartet, and poets - will perform on stage as well as stroll and perform throughout Town Center Park. The headline performer, ZydeFunk featuring Charlie Wooton, will take the Town Center stage at about 5 p.m.

Part of the May 21 Suwanee Arts in the Park Festival will include chalk art. The ChalkWalk competition is open to self-styled artists of all ages and is separated into four divisions: elementary (pre-K-5th grade), middle school, high school, and advanced (18 years and older). Registration is $20 and is available online at www.suwaneeartsinthepark.com or at the festival (until spaces run out).

NOTABLE
Two Gwinnett students win Clean Air art contest

The Clean Air Campaign has named two Gwinnett County elementary school students winners of its 2011 "Young Lungs at Work" art competition. Helen Nguyen, 9, from Rebecca Minor Elementary School, placed first place for her submission, and Chirayu Salgarkar, 8, from Simonton Elementary School received third place recognition.

Guided by the theme, "Do Your Share for Clean Air!," students were asked to create comic strips to emphasize the positive impact that small actions, such as riding the bus to school or turning off an idling car engine, can have on Georgia's air quality. More than 200 students competed in the competition.

Nguyen's comic strip, "Ride the Bus," depicted a student discussing the health benefits of riding the bus to school with her mother. Salgarkar's comic strip, titled "Three Trips," displayed the importance of combining errands into one trip to reduce emissions and keep air clean.

The winning entries are currently featured on The Clean Air Campaign's website and social media channels. Donations are planned for each winner's school science, environmental, or art program.

Gretchen Gigley, director of education for The Clean Air Campaign, says: "All of the students that entered the art competition drew from their own experiences and showed that big passion comes in small packages."

The Clean Air Campaign works throughout the school year with Georgia schools to empower students and parents to take action for clean air within their school community. More than 300 Clean Air Schools participate in one or more of the following programs: No-Idling Program, Pool to School or Ride the Bus! For Clean Air. For more information, visit CleanAirCampaign.org.

County to get another $1.5 million for spring 2009 flood

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently got some good news: The County will receive another $1.5 million in state and federal reimbursements for emergency repairs to roads, bridges and drainage structures damaged in the September 2009 flood.

Gwinnett's Water Resources department will receive $773,989 from the Federal Highway Administration for repairs to numerous drainage culverts where flood damage closed roads such as West Park Place Boulevard, Five Forks Trickum Road and Harmony Grove Road.

Water Resources Acting Director Lynn Smarr said, "These funds cover about two-thirds of the repair costs at these locations and are a welcome addition to the reimbursements already received." Total damage to road-drainage structures in Gwinnett during the flood was about $7.7 million. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency previously approved reimbursements of about $4.7 million. The County paid the remainder from stormwater utility fees.

The County's Transportation department accepted $740,469 from the Georgia DOT for repairs to the Lawrenceville Suwanee Road bridge over the Yellow River and the Club Drive bridge over Sweetwater Creek. "These repairs were unexpected but essential before we could reopen damaged roads, so these reimbursements certainly help restore our budget," said Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen.

Repair projects were located in all four commission districts. Commissioners accepted the reimbursements during their regular work session on April 19.

RECOMMENDED
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• 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
Morgan was early missionary to Georgia of Mormon church

Mormon missionary John Morgan traveled to Georgia from Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1876 in an effort to win converts for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)..

Morgan

John Hamilton Morgan was born on August 8, 1842, in Greensburg, Ind. He relocated to Illinois in the years leading up to the Civil War (1861-65), and in 1862 he joined the Union army as a private with the 123rd Illinois Infantry. Morgan participated in the battles of Chickamauga and Resaca, the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, and the siege of Atlanta.

He mustered out of service in 1865 and made his way to New York, where he completed a business curriculum at Eastman's Commercial College. Opportunity led him to Salt Lake City, and there he became acquainted with and devoted to the LDS Church. In January 1867, with the support of church authorities, he established the Morgan Commercial College for young men and women seeking careers in business. He was baptized in November 1867 and subsequently ordained an elder.

Morgan's reputation grew quickly within the Mormon community, and in 1875 he was called as a missionary to the newly organized Southern States Mission. He did not immediately go south; instead, he labored for many months in Indiana and Illinois before making his way to Georgia in 1876. His mission field, established in the rugged and mountainous counties of northwest Georgia (with a base in Rome), produced so many converts that locals soon dubbed the region "Utah." Morgan initially established small branches of the LDS Church in Georgia, then made plans to "gather" the new adherents to the West. In 1877 he led the first party of Georgians to Colorado, where southern Latter-day Saints established the cooperative settlement of Manassa in 1879.

In 1878, his first mission completed, the LDS Church called Morgan to resume his southern duties and gave him authority over the entire Southern States Mission. During the 1880s, Morgan effectively divided his time between the South and the West. From his headquarters at Rome, he supervised the work of hundreds of missionaries assigned to southern mission fields. But frequent visits to Salt Lake City allowed Morgan to pursue other church and political activities. He served in the territorial legislature in Utah and worked in the campaign for statehood and the establishment of Utah's Republican Party. His continuing efforts on behalf of the church-and his willingness to labor in the volatile southern states-were recognized in 1884 when he was chosen and ordained one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies, an important position in the hierarchy of the LDS Church.

Morgan dedicated 12 years to the Southern States Mission. In 1888 he left his office as president and returned to Utah. He died on August 14, 1894, at the age of 52.

• Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia

LAGNIAPPE
New trail

A BIG UPGRADE at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville will soon be a new one mile multi-purpose trail which will completely encircle the lake, tying in all parts of the lake. Work is to be completed by late fall, 2011, and done by CRS Building Corporation at a cost of $7.3 million. The work includes replacement of three picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, and re-designed parking areas; new soccer fields; realignment of park roads to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety (the City of Lawrenceville also assisting in this roadwork); renovation work to lower long-term operational costs, including: a new pump system that will use lake water to irrigate ball fields; a stream restoration project to reduce siltation; and, dam and shoreline restoration; and a new outdoor basketball and horseshoe courts. The project is funded through the 2005 SPLOST program. (Photo by Frank Sharp.)

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TODAY'S QUOTE
What should happen to anyone prepared to run for president

"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so."

-- American Novelist Gore Vidal (1925 - )

SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM

GWINNETT CALENDAR

Sustainability Summit: 9 a.m. To 1:30 p.m., May 13, presented by Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Sessions will focus on case studies that make sense, plus provide information on smart grid technology. Participants are representatives from local firms.

(NEW) Ghost Tour, Norcross Welcome Center: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., May 13. Sally Toole and Will Aynerich will provide a private preview of the 2011 Ghost Tour Season, a glimpse into new stories for the 2011 Halloween Tour. Tour begins at the Welcome Center, 189 Lawrenceville Street.

Learning Collage Workshop: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 13-15 at Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross. John Morse will lead the workshop, teaching technique and how to collect and use found paper. Cost is $225. Call Kudzu Art Zone at 770-840-9844 to register and get supply list online.

Basket Weaving Class: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 14, Berkmar High School. For more information about the Gwinnett Basket Weavers Guild, call 770-757-9146.

Spring Festival, Historic Buford: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 14, on East Main Street. (Rain date is May 21.) Highlight of the day will be a barbecue cook-off, with all contestants preparing pulled pork barbecue for tastings.

Book Signing, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., May 14, The Little Shops of Arts and Antiques on Main Street in Lilburn, with Decatur's Doug Dahlgren, author of The Son, Silas Rising.

Ice cream social: 7 p.m., May 17, Norcross Community Center. Norcross Neighbors hosts, and is seeking board member nominations.

State of County Address: 11:30 a.m., May 18, Gwinnett Civic Center Ballroom. Hear Charlotte Nash, newly-elected chair of the Gwinnett Commission, give her views on where the county stands and her outlook for the balance of the year. Hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth. To register, contact Rachel Jeffers at 770-232-8816.

Gwinnett Golden Games: Continuing through May 20. For a list of the places and times, click here.

(NEW) Norcross Open Car Show: 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., May 21, downtown Norcross. Mingle among the restored automobiles, and check out vendors, including a bake sale and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Kristi Memorial Scholarship Fund and local charities. Info: norcrosscarshow@bellsouth.net.

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