CENTENNIAL EVENT: The Town of Braselton is hosting its first official Centennial Event on February 27. It will be an unveiling of a painting by Henry M. Wood Jr. of the former Braselton High School. This will take place on Saturday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at the Braselton Library, 15 Brassie Lane, in Braselton. Light refreshments will be served. Autographed prints of the painting will be available.
IN THIS EDITIONTODAY’S FOCUS: Main Street Grayson Launches BOOST for Local Businesses
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Those New “Drones” Help Friend Coin a New Term
SPOTLIGHT: Aurora Theatre
FEEDBACK: Letters on Wounded Warrior Project; Suggests Tunnel for Peachtree Corners
UPCOMING: County and Gwinnett Place To Study Mobility and Connectivity
NOTABLE: PCOM Students Prepare For Residency Program Match Day
RECOMMENDED: Ansel Adams Photography Exhibit at Booth Western Museum
GEORGIA TIDBIT: George Whitefield Part of Great Awakening in Georgia in 1700s
TODAY’S QUOTE: Why Companies Need To Improve Their Products
MYSTERY PHOTO: Two Dogs Who Look Similar
LAGNIAPPE: One Place Where Andrew Jackson Is Commemorated
TODAY’S FOCUSMain Street Grayson launches BOOST for local businesses
By Gail Lane
GRAYSON, Ga., Feb. 16, 2016 | We know that what most business owners need more than anything is a little bit of support. It might be people eating in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, or just passing along a positive post on social media. Main Street Grayson wants to do more. We want to give our small business owners a little bump … a positive nudge … a BOOST that will help them rise to the next level of success and distinguish themselves from their competition.
The BOOST investment initiative originated in Milledgeville, Ga. as a grass roots effort to raise funds to award quarterly grants to businesses in their community. Last year, Stone Mountain also successfully launched a BOOST campaign. Now we in Grayson are bringing this concept to Gwinnett. In their January, 2016 meeting, the Main Street Grayson Board of Directors unanimously agreed to implement “Grayson BOOST,” an investment group and incentive program designed to provide funding assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Main Street Grayson service area.
Allison Grier, Small Business Liaison for Main Street Grayson, says: “This type of grass roots fundraising brings us together as a community to help ensure that our businesses continue to thrive. We believe this demonstrates our commitment to our economy in a way that will encourage new entrepreneurial efforts in our city.”
The concept is simple. We want to gather a group of investors –– both corporate and individuals — who have an interest in the success of Grayson’s businesses and can contribute a minimum of $100 twice each year with a two-year commitment as an investor. That’s $400 over two years that will directly impact small businesses in Grayson.
Investors will each have one vote in the grant awards process. While we appreciate anyone who might want to contribute more than $200 per year, they will still only have one vote when applications are considered. Several investors have already stepped forward to be part of this community effort.
Grayson BOOST plans to award two rounds of grants in 2016 with the hope of growing the investment pool to accommodate quarterly grant awards in 2017. Grant amounts can range from $100 to $1,000 and eligible uses for grants include signage, equipment, marketing and advertising needs, and interior or exterior renovations. Grants will NOT be awarded for payroll, operational expenses, insurance, or rent. At this time, we are accepting investors and applications for grants will be accepted from April 1 through May 13 with awards presented on June 1.
An informational meeting about Grayson BOOST is planned for Tuesday, February 16 at 6 p.m. in the Grayson Senior Center.
- Until then, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at communitydevelopment@cityofgrayson.org or call me at (770) 963-8017.
How many people have helped coin a new vocabulary term
By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher
FEB. 16, 2016 | How many people do you know who have come up with a new term to describe their business?
We’re not talking about some hip-hop phrases, or a word that is in everyday use. We’re talking about a word that describes a new way to produce, one that has a good chance of becoming in widespread use.
The term comes from my friend who I previously shared an office with before he moved to Winston Salem, N.C. He’s Nick Nicholson, founder of VIA Video, and his vocation is that of a videographer.
Previously.
Now Nick is into a new field, utilizing those ever-growing new additions, drones. Simply put, Nick attached a modern video camera to a drone and flies it up and around whatever he’s shooting.
The new word is “Aeriography.”
It might be quickly defined as “Video from above.” He defines the word this way: “Gathering of imagery, both still and motion, from an altitude.”
It’s not simple, by any means. A couple of years ago, Nick bought a small drone, and learned to fly it. After attaching a camera to the drone, he found that it was difficult to do two things at once: fly the drone, and manipulate the camera.
Nicholson with Kubota client
Recognizing this difficulty, Nick brought on another person, a pilot, to guide the drone, so that he could apply his professional know-how to the filming. That was the turning point, since it allowed each person to concentrate on their special field, producing a better quality video.
Nick also recognized the dangers that would entail if he attempted to fly the drone and shoot video at the same time. It’s somewhat like the dangers of texting and driving an automobile at the same time. The “driver” (pilot) of the drone after all has to watch out for power lines, trees, and perhaps today, even other drones.
Nick is originally from Rhode Island, where he graduated from that state’s university in 1974. He moved to Atlanta in 1979, and established Video Inventory Associates, a photographic inventory company. Yet while successful, he did not think it particularly challenging or rewarding.
He began shooting video around a real estate development, The Galleria in Atlanta. He shot different angles for several months. Soon the development company recognized that all this footage needed editing. So from this modest start in 1980, Nick began working on not only corporate video production, but post production, and carved out a niche in the local marketplace. He soon had clients in construction, law, manufacturing, aerospace, mining, agriculture and healthcare.
Nick says of his new wrinkle for his video business: “It is a perfect adjunct to my business I already had, in that it offers me an opportunity to have a platform I never had before, an aerial one, and provides perspectives unique for many industries. It’s a burgeoning industry. The biggest hurdle is getting properly certified from various governmental agencies. For instance, I am now getting a “tail number” for our drone. And you must fly under 400 feet, have an observer with you, and other limitations.’
But Nick really doesn’t like to use the term “drones,” but prefers unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). “The biggest advantage is that you can place high definition cameras in places you can never get a helicopter to fly. And an UAV is much less expensive than using a helicopter.”
- To see some of Nick’s “aeriography” work, go to: http://www.viavideo.tv/services/aerial-footage.
So, a new product (UAV) results in Nick’s new term: “aeriography.”
IN THE SPOTLIGHTAurora Theatre
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Aurora Theatre, celebrating their 20th anniversary as home of the best entertainment in northeast Georgia. With over 600 events annually, Aurora Theatre has live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre’s Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series is comprised of Broadway’s best plays and musicals alongside exciting works of contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, comedy club events, children’s programs, and metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction, Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. Aurora Theatre is a world-class theatrical facility with two performances venues. It is nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, with free attached covered parking and is surrounded by myriad of restaurants and shops.
- For more information or to purchase tickets: http://www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: Our sponsors.
Pleased to see scrutiny on Wounded Warrior Project
Editor, the Forum:
It’s about time that Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) gets some long needed scrutiny! A 30-year Air Force veteran myself, I love that there has been an increase in awareness and support for veteran issues. However, I hate that there are several tax-exempt charities out there preying on those wishing to help the vets in need.
Charity Navigator (CN) , a recognized charity rating agency, has given WWP 78.49 (of 100) on their financial performance metrics, and only 84.52 overall, and have even placed the charity on its Watch List. Surprisingly, the USO, another well-known mainstay of military support, is also rated low at 73.73 overall, and with an abysmal 63.07 on financial performance!
Some much higher rated charities doing similar work, but having 90+ overall ratings from CN, include Operation Homefront, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, and Air Force Enlisted Village.
— Leo Lawrenson, Colonel, USAFR (Ret), Suwanee
Editor, the Forum:
It would be great if you could take it one step further and identify some local groups that our dollars would benefit our veterans directly. I know of one. Operation One Voice, led by Bill Stevens, a local retired police officer.
— Randy Sutt, Duluth
Dear Randy: In the same issue with the info on the Wounded Warrior Project, the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services announced a program for veterans. Another group we know that has a housing program for veterans is The IMPACT Group in Norcross. We are sure there are many other worthy of our contributions.—eeb
On bridge in Peachtree Corners, Savannah port and politicians
Editor, the Forum:
- Byron Gilbert’s suggestion of a tunnel rather than a bridge in Peachtree Corners is an excellent idea. Tunnels are very abundant all over Europe. Most people, me included, typically assume that a tunnel is unsafe, leads to trash and graffiti. Lights and cameras usually solve the crime problem.
- Am I the only one who found Governor Deal’s outrage over Obama’s proposed budget not having enough money in it for deepening Savannah’s port to be disingenuous? Seems like some politicians want to cut spending unless it’s their ox that’s getting gored. Surprise! Surprise!
- I think most people know that politicians say all kinds of outrageous things about their opponents. Always have! Always will! They do it because they think it works. Maybe it does sometimes, but I believe Americans, for the most part, see through this. It is sad that it’s this way since I truly believe that the overwhelmingly majority of politicians enter politics for the right reason. While I might disagree with their policies I believe they believe them to be in the best interest of the country. Do they get corrupted by the power and the money? Absolutely!
— Hoyt Tuggle, Lawrenceville
Finds info on English as a second language timely
Editor, the Forum:
Your GwinnettForum is always informative. The story on English as a second language, was very timely for me…as I have been introduced to a program, ESL Aboard, and may take advantage of it when I step down from this job in a few days. Love the idea of travel, training, and helping people.
— Howard Hoffman, Peachtree Corners
- Send Feedback and Letters to: elliott@brack.net
County, Gwinnett Place CID to study mobility and connectivity
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has approved funds enabling the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District to study mobility and connectivity improvements in the area.
The county has agreed to provide $25,000 toward the CID’s study of potential enhancements to the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road associated with the ACTivate Gwinnett Place master plan and another $50,000 to explore pedestrian and cycling connections between McDaniel Farm Park and activity centers in the greater Gwinnett Place area. The studies will analyze the feasibility, scope, impact and cost of various types of improvements.
The CID is also contributing funds for the studies. “Gwinnett Place CID is grateful for the continued investment in planning for the future of the Gwinnett Place area,” said Gwinnett Place CID Executive Director Joe Allen. “This partnership between Gwinnett County and the CID is vital for the continued success of Gwinnett’s central business district.”
Gwinnett County’s contribution is coming from the 2014 SPLOST. For additional information about SPLOST-funded road improvement projects, please visit www.gwinnettSPLOST.com.
Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful names new members of advisory board
Several people have been named to the advisory board of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful.
New board members include Mark Abrams, president of Aspen Information Systems, Inc.; Scott Andrews, economic development director for the City of Sugar Hill; Christina Kim, CEO of LK Enterprise; LLC; Tyler White, vice president and community relationship manager at United Community Bank; Donald Lee, Guardian Ad Litem Unit at Gwinnett County Juvenile Court; and Marianne Velker, senior vice president and manager of Global Leasing Sales at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.
Outgoing members include The Hon. Kristina Blum, chief judge of the Magistrate Court of Gwinnett; Tim Hur, managing broker/owner of Point Honors and Associates Realtors, Caryn McGarity, CEO of The McGarity Group; J.K. Murphy, formerly of Gwinnett Daily Post; Sean Murphy, CEO of Procurri; Michael Park. partner at I.B.I. Consulting; Dr. Manfred Sandler, managing partner of CardioVascular Group; and Yvonne Whitaker, administrator of NCR Foundation.
NOTABLEPCOM students prepare for residency program Match Day
Match Day is an annual rite of passage for medical students, when they find out at which U.S. residency program they will train for the next three to seven years. “It’s daunting to any fourth year medical student,” says Joy Jones, DO ’14, a Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic (GA-PCOM) alum who matched two years ago.
Katie Bozman, PharmD ‘ 15, matched to a residency program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
DOs and MDs must complete these graduate medical education (GME) programs or “residencies” in order to become licensed physicians. It’s during their final year of medical school (whether seeking a DO or MD degree) when students choose specialties and begin applying to residency programs throughout the country – that’s where the Match comes in. Likewise, fourth year pharmacy students have the option to continue their training by matching to a residency program.
The Match processes go like this: Students apply to the programs they’re interested in, and program leaders and current residents interview candidates. Later, applicants rank preferred programs and program directors rank candidates and indicate the number of program spots available. “I only ranked programs that I would truly be happy at,” Dr. Jones said, “I decided on my number one choice because it was a place that comprised all I was looking for… and it was a dually accredited program in which I could take DO and MD boards and not be denied practicing medicine anyplace in the U.S.” In a double blinded process, the numbers go into a computer system that matches students to residencies based on rankings and available spots.
Fourth-year pharmacy students may use the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Resident Matching Program, which includes both postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residencies – though their decision to pursue a residency usually depends on whether they seek a clinical or retail-based pharmaceutical path.
This year, the AOA National Matching Service results were released February 8 while the NRMP and the ASHP Matching Program results will come out March 18. However, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) plans to combine the two medical Match processes, resulting in a single accreditation system for graduate medical education by 2020.
Asian American Resource Center gets Jackson EMC grant
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total $80,393 in grants during their January meeting, including $7,000 to the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Founded in 1997, AARC provides culturally competent support services that enhance self-sufficiency and quality of life for immigrants and the underprivileged, breaking the cycle of poverty and helping them realize their potential.
Jackson EMC District Manager Randy Dellinger (center) presents a $7,000 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation that will help the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) house and educate homeless single mothers and their children, and transition them into stable, permanent housing. Accepting the grant are from left, AARC’s Development/Administration Coordinator Mimi Kim, Program Director Joy Seo, Executive Director Connie Jee, and Case Managers Ji Soo Park and Heather Kim. The grant will fund a case manager to work with the women on goals and opportunities to create a timeline of objectives for self-sufficiency, and program administrative costs.
Photography exhibit of Ansel Adams
At the Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville
A painting of character actor Jack Elam taken at the Booth museum.
You have only until March 20 to catch the Ansel Adams Before and After photographic exhibit at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. Experience the iconic work of famed photographer Ansel Adams in a new light – set amongst the work of his predecessors, peers and contemporary photographers. For additional information on this exhibit, click here. You will see work by Adams, but also work by his students over the years, even to the current and living photographers. As Adams photographed, most of the work in this exhibit is in black and white, though some of the later photographers took Adams’ techniques, but did their work in color photographs. The museum is open at 10 a.m. each day, except Monday, when it is closed. Sunday it opens at 1 p.m.—eeb
- An invitation: We need more recommendations! What books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (100 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. –eeb
George Whitefield part of Great Awakening in Georgia in 1700s
In early 21st century Georgia, stadium-sized revival meetings featuring Billy Graham or the Promise Keepers attract tens of thousands of people. Such revivals are the modern-day descendants of early 19th century camp meetings, held on grounds around the state, and a method of evangelical preaching that gained popularity in the late eighteenth century.
Whitefield
The tradition of revivalism in the South, and in Georgia in particular, traces its roots to what some historians call the Great Awakening. The Great Awakening, which occurred from about 1720 to 1780, was a series of revivals that sparked a move away from formal, outward, official religion to experiential, inward, personal religion. Its central figure, George Whitefield, was a traveling Anglican preacher from England who cooperated with Protestants of every sort to gain converts.
From his home base in Savannah, Whitefield brought a riveting new preaching style to the colonists. He spoke extemporaneously rather than read from a prepared sermon; he spoke to, not at, his listeners; he used pamphlets and newspapers to promote his sermons; and he used emotional entreaties rather than formal theology to convert thousands.
In Georgia and throughout the colonies Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians took Whitefield’s revival message to heart. Never having had the advantage of state support, these democratic-minded churches adopted the revivalist themes of individual exertion, earnest preaching, and soul searching.
Democratic in its appeal and egalitarian in its preaching, revivalism fit the social and political spirit of the new nation. Members of the lower and middle classes were empowered by the Evangelical Protestantism preached by revivalists, through which they achieved identity and solidarity. Soon Methodist circuit riders and Baptist farmer-preachers replaced learned pastors as leaders of those churches. Whitefield and other itinerant preachers went out of their way to preach to all persons, including enslaved African Americans. By 1773 there was an independent African American church in South Carolina, and soon similar churches sprang up in Georgia and Virginia.
(To be continued)
- To access the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Here’s another lighthouse for you to tell us where it is
Several times The Mystery Photo has been lighthouses. This edition here’s another lighthouse to identify. See if there’s anything in this photo that points you to its locality. As usual, send your guess to Elliott@brack.net and be sure to tell us where you live.
Doc Martin’s dog
Hercules, the Brack family dog
Last edition’s Mystery Photo could have been two answers. You see, the Brack family dog, Hercules, looks most similar to a dog featured in the BBC series Doc Martin on Sundays and Thursdays on PBS Channel 30. That show is a favorite of many in the USA, featuring a local doctor in Cornwell who is posted there as a GP, because he’s really a brilliant surgeon, but can’t stand the sight of blood. On top of that he’s most cantankerous, and often clashes with his patients. It’s billed as a comedy series and has won many awards in its run.
Here’s another photo of the Brack dog, turning as if to answer a question. For an explanation of the Doc Martin dog, here’s a You Tube four minute clip from the dog’s owner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBHNmIiiHyY.
First person in to identify Hercules was Billy Chism of Cleveland, who remembered meeting Herk, saying he is “Obviously, dog of the year.”
Then George Graf of Palmyra, Va., did research from the GwinnettForum issues of May 27, 2005 and wrote: “Hercules (aka Herky) Rumpole Brack. He is Brack family dog Number 5. You got him from the pound (White County Shelter) and is a breed that you believe maybe wire-haired Jack Russell, but you’re not 100 percent positive.” One more person recognizing the dog was Faye Hill of Lawrenceville.”
LAGNIAPPELook where Andy Jackson is still commemorated
Looking closely, you can easily tell where this photograph comes from. Yes, it’s on the lawn of the White House, and you can see the Washington Monument in the background. Roving Photographer Frank Sharp caught this angle several years ago when in the nation’s capitol. But who’s riding that statued horse? Why it’s none other that Andrew Jackson, our seventh president. Many of our readers may not have recognized that Jackson is still guarding the north entrance of the White House. Watch out: with people questioning statuary these days, Ole Andy may someday be moved!
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- MORE: Contact Editor and Publisher Elliott Brack at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
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