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Issue 11.73 | Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 TODAY'S FOCUS ELLIOTT
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TODAY'S FOCUS LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 13, 2011 -- Members of the Philadelphia Winn Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Tamassee DAR School in Tamassee, S.C., marked a special occasion recently. The two commemorated the 25th anniversary of a Christmas program that provides dinner and gifts for a sponsored cottage of children on campus.
Each year the boys and girls alternate "going to Atlanta," which is how they refer to it, according to Dean Bare, chief executive officer of Tamassee DAR School. They specifically come to Lawrenceville for dinner hosted by the DAR Chapter. However, this year the children invited the Philadelphia Winn chapter to head north and let them serve dinner for the Daughters and their families. In another twist, the Lawrenceville chapter voted to give all the children at Tamassee gifts this year instead of limiting it to one cottage. The school can have as many as 56 children in grades ranging from kindergarten through high school. Children brought under the wing of Tamassee are placed there due to what Bare refers to as any of the "4 D's" that can affect a family --- "destitution, divorce, death, or desertion." In preparation for the Christmas party, the children wrote out their wish lists. Once Philadelphia Winn members received them, Daughters saw that funds were available to buy the specified items. This is always a family affair, begun 25 years ago by Philadelphia Winn charter members Eloise Williams of Dacula and Ruth Strickland of Auburn, her sister. The tradition continues on through the Williams sisters, Jenna Black of Decatur, Faith Brooks of Dacula, and Candace Davis of Dacula, all Philadelphia Winn members, who do the shopping. Their goal is to find the exact gift each child requested. Even the granddaughters participate, not only in finding gifts but also in wrapping them. Thus, three generations of one DAR family guarantee that the Tamassee kids have a joyous Christmas. The celebration on this year kicked off with a special chapel service in which the children sang Christmas hymns and Bare gave a message on "True Giving." Afterwards, Daughters and their families dined with the children with an exchange of good conversation and warm hugs. During the "Santa" portion of the program, the children received the exact gift for which they asked. The occasion also held an extra-special meaning this year because Bare ("Poppa Bare" to the children) is retiring. The 2011 Christmas dinner was the last one the Daughters will share with him. Amy Twitty will succeed Bare as CEO following his departure in January. Those interested in learning more about the Philadelphia Winn Chapter, NSDAR, Lawrenceville, should email philwinndar@gmail.com. EEB PERSPECTIVE DEC. 13, 2011 -- Georgia's Republican-led state Legislature has its head stuck in the sand if it thinks Georgians will pass a regional sales taxes for transportation next year.
The Georgia Republicans, who have never failed to embrace the idea of letting the poor pay a bigger part of taxes, are in for a shock of their lifetime if they think the regional sales tax has a chance to pass. Apparently their idea was to propose the tax during the past legislative session, but not to vote on it for 18 months, giving them plenty of time to build the case for the passage of this regional tax for transportation. In effect, the exact opposite has taken place, as first one person and group after the other has spoken against the passage of this tax. The latest group coming out as openly opposed to the regional sales tax is none other that the Tea Party, one segment that the traditional Republicans might think in their corner. Other often conservative groups have also opposed the tax. About the only encouragement that the Republicans have gained for the regional sales tax has been, lo and behold, many Chambers of Commerce across Georgia. That should be no surprise, since the Chamber, primarily composed of traditional business people, are usually conservative and take the Republican line forward. There are several reasons why the regional sales tax approach will fail. First, it is regressive in its concept, with those less wealthy paying a higher share of their income for this tax. Second, it is flawed in concept, since it must pass by regions. For instance, a highway could have one region pass the tax, and improve that road. But the next region might vote against it, creating a checkerboard improvement of the highway. Third, counties are lumped together in regions. One county could flatly oppose the program, but if enough people in other counties approved it, it would still go into effect in the county opposing it. What happened to "one-man, one vote?"
What we need is more creative thinking. Of all people, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner has floated the idea to fund national highway activity by taxing expanded drilling for oil. At least this is new thinking by the House speaker. Now it would be great if we could get Georgia's leaders also thinking "outside the box," as Speaker Boehner did, on how we should pay for our transportation measures. Expanding the sales tax for transportation won't get past the voters, we feel. Best thing that could happen now would be for the Georgia Republicans to realize the reaction of Georgians to their regional sales tax, withdraw it from next year's voting, and come forward with new proposals to stimulate funding transportation projects to benefit the state. We doubt the thick-headed Republicans will withdraw the vote. But they should, for the regional sales tax is going to an ignoble defeat next year. ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
UPCOMING Moody's Investors Services notified Gwinnett County last week that it had revised the County's Aaa credit rating to a stable outlook, upgraded from a negative outlook assigned in August.
Recycling Bank now offering shredding of sensitive papers Got confidential or sensitive papers? The Recycling Bank of Gwinnett, 4300 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, is now offering confidential document shredding on site at no charge on Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Have confidence in the process by watching your sensitive papers being shredded. NOTABLE The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges today reaffirmed Brenau University's 10-year accreditation a Level V doctoral degree-granting institution.
Schrader said both actions were a testament to Brenau's extremely strong showing in the decennial accreditation review process - the highest level of review and credentialing for all of Brenau's academic programs and administrative operations that support the university. The university passed the last major milestone to reaffirmation in March when the visiting independent team of academic officers from other institutions completed its on-site examination. Following initial SACS approval last year, Brenau opened the first classes for candidates for its new Doctor of Nursing Practice in the fall term. The university plans to propose a doctoral program in occupational therapy and one other discipline during the next academic year. Walton EMC Operation Round-Up gives $15,000 to SGCM "People who used to be givers are now receivers. They've never been in this position before." That's how Walton EMC's Operation Round Up program works. Through Operation Round Up, Walton EMC's customer-owners recently donated $15,000 to South Gwinnett Community Ministry (SGCM) to aid in its critical mission.
"We're not seeing homeless people," says SGCM's Board President Cliff Hagan. "We're seeing people who have lost a job or are battling sickness. It's likely these people are your neighbors." SGCM offers a central point for assistance in Gwinnett County around the Snellville, Grayson and Loganville areas and serves as the benevolent arm of more than 30 individual churches. The ministry provides immediate needs for those in dire straights, including food, medicine and personal care items. Even those who get assistance through food stamps still need help with necessities -- like diapers and cleaning supplies -- not covered by that program. Here are some other local donations recently made by Round Up:
Former Gwinnettian included in book of inspirational hope Blairsville resident, Patrick T. Malone is one of the contributing writers included in the new book Open to Hope: Inspirational Stories of Handling the Holidays after Loss. Malone is a former Gwinnett resident. Published by the Open to Hope Foundation, this is the follow up to Open to Hope: Inspirational Stories of Healing after Loss, which was released this past spring. Malone says that getting through the hectic holiday season can be especially tough when you're grieving the loss of someone you love. How do you get through the busy days ahead, filled with social gatherings, gift shopping, and Christmas cheer you may not be feeling? You'll find practical advice and encouragement from these heartfelt stories and articles contributed by writers at the Open to Hope Foundation. "They have navigated many of the same confusing, anxiety-producing decisions you may be coping with now, so let them guide you. They have been there before you and made it, and you can, too." All of the proceeds go to the Open to Hope Foundation. More information is available at http://opentohopethebook.com. Gwinnett Veterinarian's Association awards 1st scholarship Gwinnett Technical College student Jennifer Berndt has been awarded the Gwinnett County Veterinary Medical Association's first merit-based scholarship.
Gwinnett Tech offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. The program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and graduates have maintained a near-perfect pass rate on the national exam since the program's inception.
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Benny Andrews, nationally recognized as an artist, teacher, author, activist, and advocate of the arts, grew up in rural Morgan County. Although he moved to New York in 1958, his formative years in Georgia continued to inform his work. Andrews explored American life in his collages, prints, paintings, and drawings by fusing memory and imagination.
Andrews walked to Madison to attend Burney Street High School, and in 1948 he was the first member of his family to graduate. A two-year scholarship awarded by the 4-H Club enabled him to enroll at Fort Valley State College. The only art course offered was a single class in art appreciation, which Andrews took six times. By 1950, with the end of the scholarship money and with poor grades, Andrews left school and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After four years of military duty, which spanned the Korean War (1950-53), Andrews was honorably discharged. He used the G.I. Bill to fund a portion of his studies at the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois. Andrews arrived at the Art Institute of Chicago in the fall of 1954, he had never visited an art museum nor had a formal art lesson. His distinctive figurative style developed from his childhood habits. Andrews and his brother Raymond, who became a novelist, saved illustrations from newspapers, magazines, and comic books, which Andrews then copied. He created original drawings based on the observed gestures and expressions of those around him or from memories of characters he saw at the movies. With an economy of lines and elongated figures, he emphasized gesture and subtle expression.
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© 2011, 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 "But how you believe something is as important as what you believe. It doesn't matter if a person shares your overall philosophy. If that person doesn't have the right temperament and character, stay away." -- Columnist David Brooks MORE COPIES AVAILABLE NOW
The book includes 143 demographic and historic tables, with more than 4,000 names in the index, and 10,000 names in the appendix. Two versions of the book are available. The hardback edition is priced at $75, while a softback edition is $40. Books are available at:
You can also order
books through the Internet. To do that, go to www.elliottbrack.com
to place your order. For mail orders, there is a $5 shipping and handling
fee. Purchases are also subject to the 6 percent Georgia sales tax. SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM Loading
Model Train Exhibit: At George Pierce Park Community Center through January 2. This is a "G" Scale train, and is presented by the Vines Garden Railroad Club. Exhibit is open Monday through Saturday.
A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show: Through Dec. 18, New London Theatre in Snellville. WFAT Diet Radio in Snellville has hired a new theatrical troupe to put together a lively holiday version of the Christmas classic. For more details and to buy tickets, call 770-559-1484 or email here. Business After Hours of Buford Business Alliance: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Sperata Restaurant, 9 East Main St., Buford. Celebrate the end of a good year for the Alliance, invites Secretary Louise Cox. General Gwinnett Chamber Membership Meeting, at Gwinnett Center: 11:30 a.m., Dec. 14. Speaker will be Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. Info: 770 233-3000. New Exhibit, "Lateral Thinking," is up now through Jan.14 at Kudzu Art Zone, 116 Carlyle Street in Norcross. Admission is free. Artists were challenged to construct images from a list of unrelated objects to explore their reaction to disparate items.
© 2001-2011, 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 |
What
the Legislature…and when we say this remember both Houses are dominated
entirely by Republicans…..should do is bite the bullet and approve
a reasonable tax to fund transportation improvements. For highways, they
could simply raise the Georgia Motor Fuel tax, one of the lowest in the
nation. For other forms of transportation, they could create mechanisms
with public-private partnerships. And they need to find ways to tax the
beneficiaries of mass transit, the developers who profit enormously when
transit stations are located near their properties. 
The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. The Gwinnett Village Community Improvement
District was formed in 2006, and is a self taxing revitalization district
that includes just under 600 commercial property owners with a property
value of over $1 billion dollars. Gwinnett Village CID includes the southwestern
part of Gwinnett County including properties along Jimmy Carter Boulevard,
Buford Highway, Indian Trail, Beaver Ruin, and Singleton Road. Gwinnett
Village is one of four CID's to be created in Gwinnett County and is the
largest of all CID's in the state. Gwinnett Village's mission is to improve
property values through increased security, a decrease in traffic congestion,
and general improvements to the curb appeal of the area. For more information
visit 
Confirmation
of the U.S. government's AAA rating and assignment of a negative outlook
due to the national debt ceiling dispute last summer caused Moody's to
place 161 local governments, including Gwinnett, on a watch list for a
possible credit rating downgrade.
At
the annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., the SACS membership also named Brenau
University President Ed L. Schrader to a two-year term on the commission's
Board of Trustees, which guides the organization's work in the accreditation
process for hundreds of public and private colleges and universities in
11 Southern states, the Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico.
Berndt,
of Buford, a second-year veterinary technology student, was awarded a
$500 scholarship in a ceremony last week. She is front right, with Dr.
Chris Thomas, president, Gwinnett County VMA. On the back row are other
officers of the Gwinnett VMA: Dr. Kristin Kilgos, vice president/treasurer;
Dr. Steven Hansen, scholarship committee member; Dr. Bonnie Ballard, veterinary
technology program director, Gwinnett Tech; Dr. Desiree Lipscomb, VMA
scholarship committee member; and Rita Kuhn, RVT, VMA scholarship committee
member. 
30th
Anniversary Production of The Nutcracker by the Gwinnett Ballet Theater:
Through Dec. 18, Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth. Over
150 dancers will be on stage for the 16 shows, with cast members from
age 4 to adults. For more information, contact the GBT office at 770-978-0188
or visit the Web site at