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 HONK, HONK: Tim Morrison, coordinator of the Gwinnett senior center, and Sam Richardson are paying no attention to the geese overhead on the roof at the Lawrenceville Center. But these geese know that they rule the area around the center, and can also alight on the roof when they want to. A ribbon-cutting last week opened a new chapter at the recently-restored Lawrenceville Rhodes Jordan Park. (Photo by Frank Sharp.) |
Issue 12.01 | Tuesday, April 3, 2012 TODAY'S FOCUS ELLIOTT
BRACK'S PERSPECTIVE FEEDBACK UPCOMING NOTABLE ALSO INSIDE IN
THE SPOTLIGHT GEORGIA
TIDBIT LAGNIAPPE GWINNETT
CALENDAR TODAY'S
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TODAY'S FOCUS NORCROSS,
Ga., April 3, 2012 – Here they come marching one by one, hurrah,
hurrah! The Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption, Inc. (SEPRA)
is sponsoring the third annual “Miles of Joy” Pug Walk and Picnic
fundraiser on Saturday, April 14, to raise money to help any and all pugs
and pug mixes in need. “Miles of Joy” takes place
on a paved path at Norcross’s Pinckneyville Park, 4758 South
Old Peachtree Road, and encompasses two miles. Registration,
at the Family Pavilion near the Dog Park and walking track, begins
at 9:30 a.m., and the Pug Walk commences at 10 a.m. Potential
adopters can peruse a foster corral and meet some of the foster pugs;
however, no adoptions will take place at the event. SEPRA is
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues, fosters and adopts out
pugs and pug mixes. The organization is a fully licensed shelter
by the Department of Agriculture; however, SEPRA does work solely out
of private foster homes. The organization is run exclusively
by volunteers, and, therefore, every dollar donated to or raised by SEPRA
goes directly to rescues and administrative fees, like the website, brochures
and newsletters. SEPRA pays no salaries or wages to any officer,
member or volunteer. ELLIOTT BRACK APRIL 3, 2012 – When Hall County decided it wanted an Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) several years ago, it went ahead with preparations for the tax, disregarding, at first, the Buford City Schools. In fact, eventually the start of collection was six months behind because of the efforts of the Hall County officials in not recognizing their lawful need to get agreement from the Buford City Schools.
You see, a small portion of Buford is in Hall County. Therefore, the state regulations concerning educational SPLOST require that Hall County and Buford City Schools come to an agreement on how monies collected in such an E-SPLOST are allocated. Eventually, Buford got, over a five year period, $3 million out of the $130 million in funds collected in Hall County from the E-SPLOST, after negotiating, based primarily on the number of students in each system. Introduced this year were new Quality Based Education Study Committee proposals, altogether nine pieces of legislation. “We got seven of the nine proposals passed,” reports Rep. Brooks Coleman of Gwinnett, who co-chairs this group along with Sen. Fran Miller of Dunwoody, who also represents a portion of Peachtree Corners. Among these proposals was a statewide bill about allocating E-SPLOST funds. Buford is included in such a bill as it is one of 21 city systems within the state. On the last day of the session, Sen. Renee Unterman took to the well of the Senate to oppose legislation being sought via a statewide Constitutional Amendment to change the formula for splitting E-SPLOST funds for city systems. Senator Unterman says: “This was the fifth year we’ve argued about this regarding Buford, and we have defeated it each time.” It amounts to the state’s 21 city systems seeking to maintain their position with the larger county school boards. Some things don’t die. Look for this legislation to be back on the agenda for the next General Assembly, as QBE seeks to continually be refined by the lawmakers. * * * * * Another legislative matter between the City of Berkeley Lake and the future City of Peachtree Corners fell by the wayside on the last day of the session. Rep. Tom Rice’s House Bill 956 would move parcels of property to and from Berkeley Lake and Peachtree Corner’s boundaries. This died as Rice decided not to ask for its approval as local legislation. Rice’s bill had been amended by Sen. David Shafter and passed by the Senate, meaning that Rice would have to agree to the Shafer proposals. This put Rice in agony, as he was getting strong comment from both sides of this question. He tried to dodge the bullet by asking: “Based upon this long history of events, I believe the best option would be to have both cities work towards a cooperative solution. I am hopeful that Mayor Salter and Mayor Mason and their respective councils can come to a place of agreement on the borders.” * * * * * Along that line, we reiterate an earlier proposal: Georgians overall would be far better off to have our Legislature meet once every two years instead of every years. We could rest easier that way! ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
FEEDBACK Editor, the Forum: The 2012 Great American Cleanup Gwinnett Challenge has officially kicked off. We'd like to invite you to jump in and help make Gwinnett America's greenest cleanest community.
To help us grow our impact, we challenge you to forward this to your colleagues, family and friends and challenge them to join alongside us for the 2012 Great American Cleanup. Thank you for all you do to make this community the best it can be. We look forward to your involvement!
UPCOMING In celebration of 25 years as a county-wide park system, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR) is creating a documentary featuring park patrons who have played an important part of the park system, as well as those wanting to share interesting memories of the last 25 years. Patrons are asked to bring photos, videos, and oral histories to be used in crafting this documentary titled 25 years of memories.
In addition to the film documentary, GCPR is hosting a series of 25 Year Silver Anniversary Celebration events throughout the year. The Silver Anniversary events include:
Drop off your memorabilia anytime or call to schedule an interview at these locations:
GGC Health Science Building OK awaits governor’s signature With more than 8,000 students on campus, Georgia Gwinnett College could see the campus further expand with the addition of an Allied Health and Science facility that would open in 2014. The $25 million project is included in Georgia’s fiscal year 2013 budget, which will go before Governor Nathan Deal for approval.
Once the
building is funded, GGC can begin designing its allied health programs,
which will include a nursing program already approved by the Board of
Regents. The nursing program is needed to provide a source of trained
nurses for the rapidly growing health care needs of the Gwinnett region
and the entire state of Georgia. NOTABLE The Rev. Dr. Jay White lists among his loves motorcycles (he has a BMW RT at present), sailboat (down to only one right now), reading, woodworking, and going to the gym at least five days a week.
Each Sunday
morning, you’ll find him in the pulpit with a Bible in his hand,
leading worship as the new pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ), 3495 Sugarloaf Parkway, in Lawrenceville. The new Lawrenceville pastor and his wife Sandy White have five grown children. Her career is as a hospital nurse. White previously pastored Hooker Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina. He had a variety of experiences before becoming a pastor 19 years ago. These include five years as a Virginia State Trooper and then climbing the corporate ladder at Anheuser–Busch. “I figured there was more to do with life than making beer,” he said. He said he was drawn to the multigenerational makeup of his new church, its progressive theology, its friendly people and its missions. He leads a congregation active in pushing beyond the walls of the church to serve. This includes working with the homeless and others through Family Promise and the SaltLight Center, More Hands for God, the Lawrenceville Food Co-Op, the Lazarus Project, the denomination’s Week of Compassion, and regular mission trips to India. Morphis is new board member of Gwinnett Place CID
The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (CID) has a new board member. She is Kimberly Morphis, president of LVK Management Corp., a commercial real estate property management company. She specializes in the leasing, management and retail development for shopping centers. Morphis says: “The CID’s relentless efforts to provide our business owners, tenants and the public a competitive, secure and attractive district is an integral asset for property owners and their tenants in meeting such successes in today's economy.” Morphis will serve as the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners appointee, assuming the post held by Justin Fanning. The next CID board meeting will take place on April 11. During that meeting, district property owners will conduct their board member elections for Posts 1 and 4. Gwinnett Tech program wins Energy Star excellence award Gwinnett
Technical College's Building Operator Certification® (BOC) program
was recently named a 2012 Energy Star Award for Excellence winner for
its outstanding contributions in consumer education to promote energy-efficient
tools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the Northwest
Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) for its Building Operator Certification
program. Gwinnett Tech is the BOC provider for Georgia.
RECOMMENDED
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
First played in 1934, the Masters Tournament is one of golf's four "major" events, alongside the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship. The tournament is staged every April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta.
The natural beauty of the course's 18 holes—each adorned with the plant from which it gets its name—and the fact that the golf calendar did not already include a major event during those months, made spring the ideal time for the Masters to be held. Moreover, early April was the best time to catch the nation's sportswriters as they returned north from baseball's spring training in Florida. A few days in Augusta provided them a respite from their travels and from the national pastime. The Masters was a pioneer in many respects. Clifford Roberts devised the over-under (+/-) to par scoring system. In 1949 Bobby Jones and Roberts originated the post-tournament ceremony in which the defending champion presents the new champion with the coveted green jacket. The Masters was the first golf tournament to be televised, in 1956 on CBS. In time, other tournaments adopted many Masters innovations. In spite of its rise to major tournament status and success with television, the Masters became a target of controversy in the 1960s because of the Augusta National club's general exclusivity and, in particular, perceived racism. As club chairman, Roberts seemed determined to make it difficult for any black player to enter the Masters; at best, he was extremely careful about the qualification procedure and insensitive to the obstacles blacks faced in professional golf. In the early 2000s controversy again visited the Augusta National Golf Club as women's groups began to target the all-male club for alleged gender discrimination. The Masters continues to grow in prestige and popularity. It remains the only major golf tournament staged every year on the same course, a feature that provides the event a sense of continuity and familiarity lacking in the other major tournaments. The Masters has long taken pride in the international makeup of its fields. It continues to draw the world's best golfers annually to Georgia for what has become one of the world's finest golf tournaments.
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© 2012, 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. |
SPECIAL
PUBLISHER'S NOTE Today’s edition marks the beginning of the 12th year of GwinnettForum. We appreciate all the many contributions in this previous 11 years of publishing from readers, supporters, underwriters, and even from detractors, who all make it worthwhile and enjoyable. We look to the year to come with anticipation and hopefulness. Again, as the Bartles and Jaymes commercial said, “We thank you for your support.” – eeb TODAY'S QUOTE "When I face an issue of great import that cleaves both constituents and colleagues, I always take the same approach. I engage in deep deliberation and quiet contemplation. I wait to the last available minute and then I always vote with the losers. Because, my friend, the winners never remember and the losers never forget."
MORE COPIES AVAILABLE
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
IN THE COMING WEEK (NEW) Recycling Day in Norcross: April 7. Begins as early as 8 a.m. to re-cycle electronics, re-cycle old bicycles, shred documents, and clean-out non-hazardous materials. Details are also available at www.norcrossga.net. (NEW) Show extended: The well-received musical, Clyde ‘n Bonnie: A Folktale, has been extended at the Aurora Theatre through April 15. Many performances are sold out. For tickets, order by phone 678-226-6222 or at boxoffice@auroratheatre.com. SOON AND ONGOING Safe driving course: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., April 12, provided by Suwanee Police Department, at 373 Buford Highway. Registration is required. Visit www.suwanee.com to enroll. Plein air painting event in Buford, April 13-14. A reception highlighting the two days of artists' work will be April 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tannery Row Artist's Gallery. Paintings will be for sale, including a Live Auction on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Old Snellville School will be the topic of the Snellville Historical Society meeting: 2:30 p.m., April 15, Snellville City Hall. Clark Britt will host the program, which will have several class members talking about the past. Class photographs will also be on display. (NEW) SMTA Expo: 9:30 a.m. To 4 p.m., April 19, Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth, open from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is the electronics industry’s Surface Mount Technology Association free annual trade show and presentation. For more information, go online to this page. (NEW) Ribbon-cutting and blessing of new building of Rainbow Village: Noon, April 20, at 3427 Highway 120 in Duluth. An open house of the new facilities will continue until 7 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Sandra and Clyde Strickland.
MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE
© 2001-2012, 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 |
Brenda
Megel, president of SEPRA, says, “Our Pug Walk has become a very
popular fundraiser for rescue foster families, adoptive pug people and
dog aficionados alike. We see pugs in every color—fawn,
black, apricot and silver—as well as other dog breeds, enjoying the
walk in the park with their owners. And for those who don’t
have a pet to bring, anyone can sponsor a foster pug online and walk in
their honor.”
The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Crowell Brothers Funeral
Home, located on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross, Ga.,
which is a family owned and operated business in operation for over 30
years, and which prides itself on caring, individualized service. The
staff at Crowell Brothers works to help families properly honor their
loved one, according to his or her own personality and life experiences.
Many families follow their own traditions when arranging services; others
seek something different, a way to celebrate an extraordinary life. Crowell
Brothers strives to personalize each service and help those affected begin
their healing process. Whether you are currently in need of our services,
or are simply educating yourself about your choices, this site was established
with you in mind. Crowell Brothers is here to help you through any questions
or concerns that you may have. For more information, visit our Web
site at 
The
Great American Cleanup, locally hosted by Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful,
is the nation's largest annual community improvement program. Improving
our community's appearance causes big things to happen: we become a better
place to live and learn, to conduct business, and to raise a family. Greener,
cleaner communities aren't just aesthetically pleasing, they are vibrant
places with engaged citizens, more active local economies, higher property
values, a healthier environment, and improved public safety. They are
better places for living life!
Memorabilia
can be brought to the designated community recreation centers during the
months of April through May, and interviews can be scheduled by calling
770-614-2060.
The
University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents has already approved
the selection of the project’s construction management firm. The
board appointed a program management firm and a design professional firm
in January, and authorized the project in August 2010. 
The
Building Operator Certification program teaches facilities personnel how
to bring HVAC, electric and lighting systems to their most efficient level
of operation to promote energy efficiency. The course series consists
of classroom training, project assignments to be completed at the participant's
facility, and in-class exams administered at the end of each day of training.
Beauty
and the Beast Ballet, presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet at Gwinnett
Center in Duluth: 7:30 p.m., May 18, and 3 p.m., May 20.