|
TODAY'S
ISSUE
Hey
people! Have some phone consideration, please?
By Cindy Evans
Special to GwinnettForum
DULUTH, June 13, 2006 -- I am writing this with the hope that it
may help the thousands and thousands of receptionists in the Gwinnett
County area. As a receptionist myself, I personally experience most
of these pet peeves most days. So if you are one who will ever make
calls or take calls, this is for you. (For the sake of simplicity,
I will refer to the receptionist as she, the most common gender
in this role, but I do acknowledge and understand that gentlemen
have this role at times as well.)
Evans |
1. Do not interrupt the receptionist in her greeting. This
is just rude. If you don't have enough time to hear her two sentences,
you probably don't have enough time to be making this call. Oh,
if I had a penny every time I get as far as "Thank you for
calling….", and/or "This is…." only to
have the caller bark out someone's name they want. Would you interrupt
that person you are now asking for? Then don't interrupt the operator,
she is also a professional person.
2. Do not ask the receptionist how they are doing and not let
them answer. If you don't want them to answer, don't ask. I
can count on the stars the number of people who say, "Hi, how
are you? Hey, patch me through to…." The receptionist
will probably only answer fine, so let her respond. She is busy,
too.
3. Be sensitive to who is answering the call. It may NOT
be the person who is going to help you with your matter. I have
been on very busy switchboards and the caller ringing in will immediatly
say, "Hi, this is so-and-so and my situation is (and go on
forever) and I need you to….." and all the while other
lines are lighting up. They won't let you get a word in to transfer
them to the CORRECT department, one actually trained on the matter.
(Sigh.)
4. Lastly, please have a somewhat correct concept about the
establishment/ environment you are calling into; Is it big?
Can the receptionist actually see her co-workers? Is it a multi-building
campus? For example, I took a call today on the first floor of a
six-story company. The caller asked me to, no joke, wave at "Alex"
and get his attention. I don't even know what floor Alex is on,
let alone what he looks like as we have over 400 people.
Okay, those are the Phone Pet Peeves top four, but there are more
(people who cough loudly in your ear, people who aren't paying attention
when you answer, and those who are talking to someone else, etc.).
On behalf of all receptionists, I would kindly ask you to please
review this list and try not commit any of these phone sins.
Let me also say, long live all of you considerate callers, the
ones who know the person's name, the ones who say please and thank
you, and the ones who will happily hold for that brief moment. Call
anytime!
ELLIOTT
BRACK
Loonies may carry the day, but saner times
will prevail
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
JUNE 13, 2006 -- Trying to make logical sense over the effort to
force Jo Ann Pinder out of the library directorship is like herding
cats. For from all we can learn, Ms. Pinder has done an exemplary
job in her position here, leading the library to unexpected high
prominence. After all, not every library is chosen as tops in the
nation.
Brack |
Patrons of the library continue to swell, and their praise of the
facilities and its service continue to mount. Add to that the fact
that the Gwinnett County Public Library continues on the cutting
edge of library services. It makes you scratch your head in confusion
about why all the hullaboo.
But then, you realize that a local library is by its very nature
a public business, and therefore, subject to political whims. Then
some appointee gets an idea in their head that may be as loony as
possible, or even vindictive. Suddenly, everything is topsy-turvy
and out-of-control, and for no good reason.
In the long run, calmer voices will prevail. But in the interim,
the image of the county could be seriously damaged by the tyranny
of the minority of loose screws, extremist citizens, and others
not occupying the mainstream.
Why do we say that?
Look at those agenda-laden and singularly-minded wanting change
in the library system:
- Old-time genealogists. Some people have been upset with
the system for years, for not having vast stores of materials
on genealogy. These people are behind the time, for it is far
better to chase your ancestors today through the Internet than
through tons of printed and bound matter.
- Home schoolers. Upset with what many consider the best
(and largest) school system in Georgia, some of these people took
offense to efforts to eliminate DVD pilferage in the library used
to school their own children. (The very act of theft of the materials
by their own kind never crossed their mind.) And now these people
want to change the system?
- Ideologues. Right-wingers often search for causes they
can clamp onto. They remind us of hitchhikers along the roadway:
any off-beat cause will do for them.
- Power grabbers. Fire the library director, these people
feel, and they'll then look for the next public servant to take
out, as they seek to extend their off-balanced agenda.
What will hurt Gwinnett the most, in all this, is that such efforts,
even when unsuccessful, sully the reputation of the county. Gwinnett
in the last 30 years has through one administration after another
suffered few public relations boners. But even when there are minor
problems, the perception remains for years and years. Ask people
in other counties about Gwinnett, even today, and they often ask
"Are you still under a moratorium on building permits?"
(That took place in 1984.) Or they bring up "the New York trip",
which took place in 1987.
Yet in all this, there is a certain knowledge that, "this
too, shall pass." The citizens of the county will understand
the direction of such shenanigans, and move to set matters straight.
For there are enough people around who wore red shirts on Monday
to see to that. Those people are in the majority. And while minorities
have rights, we concede, their ideas do not prevail in the long
run. We may have to suffer through their off-center views for a
short period, but not forever.
After all, we're talking about the public arena, and eventually,
saner politics will return.
ABOUT
OUR SPONSORS
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's featured sponsor is The
Gwinnett Center, which is home to three distinct facilities
right here in Duluth. The Convention Center offers our 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. The Arena is our newest addition and has already seen
great success with a nomination for The 2005 Pollstar Arena of The
Year Award. In early 2006 we already have performances from Bon
Jovi, George Straight, Nickelback and many more. Please visit www.gwinnettcenter.com
for updates on events at our three great facilities.
For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm
FEEDBACK
6/13: Wants Marines to get their just due
for their work
Editor, the Forum:
I find it truly odd that the national media is so focused on the
alleged atrocities committed by U.S. Marines in Iraq and yet there
is little or no notice paid to the fact that Marines were the first
outside responders to the devastating earthquake in Indonesia.
Maybe it's time to let our military justice system do its job before
we start condemning the committed men and women who serve in the
corps. Maybe it's time to get all the facts before we judge anyone.
Maybe it's time we start demanding better from our national media
or start turning off the network news program.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Dear Patrick: Am I being condemning when I ask
why it is that the Marines always seem to be the ones to complain
about their coverage, good or bad? Are they just that zealous?
-eeb
6/13:
Feels neither political party giving us what we deserve
Editor, the Forum:
In recent years, the Democrats have really become a sad sack of
whackos that will stop at nothing to retake the leadership of our
government. Sometimes, I even wonder if they would stop their antics
at the sight of a large mushroom cloud, because they are undermining
our security much faster than our well known enemies. They are one
scary bunch. Yet at the present time, the Republicans are not doing
much better! There MUST be an answer to both of these crazy political
parties. Third party anyone?
-- Roy McCreary, Dacula
6/13:
Feels commuter rail not getting attention it deserves
(Editor's note: After a letter to the Atlanta
newspapers concerning commuter rail, one reader couldn't resist
bringing another view to the table. We thought you would enjoy
the feedback. -eeb).
Editor, the Forum:
Stuart Galsihoff of Sandy Springs couldn't be more wrong. ("Commuter
Rails Lines Expensive, Ineffective," AJC letters, June 5, 2006).
I worked in the transportation industry for 36 years and have yet
to see a professionally prepared, unbiased (which excludes anything
prepared by the far right-wing American Enterprise Institute Mr.
Galsihoff cites) that didn't state unequivically that rail transport
could move more people (or tonnage) less expensively, more easily,
and with less impact to the environment than any other mode of transportation.
Expensive? Compared to what? Certainly not in comparison to the
billions and billions of dollars spent on highways. The expense
of commuter rail transport would be a small drop in the ocean compared
to our highway expenditures. And in most cases a round trip ticket
would cost much less than the approximately 40 cents per mile it
costs to operate a motor vehicle.
Ineffective? Nope. Commuter rail operations in Virginia and Florida
have built substantial riderships. And these riders left their cars
at home or at a park-ride lot, and kept them out of the congested
downtown area.
Speaking of effective - the State of Georgia has been trying to
pave its way out of a traffic problem for almost 50 years, now.
Has that been effective? Look around you. I think not.
Colossal boondoggle? Again, nothing compared to the boondoggle given
to the paving interests (is Mr. Galsihoff one of these?) by refusing
to consider any other form of transportation than highways. It has
been proven over and over again that more pavement will not solve
our traffic problems.
It is said that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing
over and over again and expecting a different result. We've tried
pavement for about 50 years, now. It clearly does not work. It is
time we tried something else.
-- Robert H. Hanson, Loganville
6/13:
Likes direction Snellville initiative is now taking
Editor, the Forum:
I wanted to pass along Chief Whitehead's report to the Council
on the impact of Snellville's Fixing Broken Windows initiative and
how it is faring so far.
I personally am exuberant about this report, the positive impact
it has on Snellville's Quality of Life an the re- focus it has given
our community and government.
This Council initiative has 30 more days left and I am sure efforts
along with the direction will continue after that time.
-- Bruce L. Garraway, city councilman, Snellville
NOTABLE
Small Businessman of Year to be recognized on Thursday
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Sponsor HavenTrust Bank will
reveal the 2006 Small Business Person of the Year at the General
Membership Luncheon on June 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Marriott-Gwinnett
Place in Duluth.
The five finalists for the 2006 Small Business Person of the Year
include Al Karnitz, Ace Truck Body & Trailer Repair, Inc.; Bruce
Arnett, Carnett's Car Washes; Roger Green, Green Financial Services,
LLC; Bob Williamson; Horizon Software International, Inc.; and Brian
Perdue, Salon 124, Inc. These five small businesses are recognized
for their business growth, their willingness to adapt to change,
their determination to introduce innovative new products and services,
and their ability to contribute to the marketplace and spur economic
growth.
A selection committee of five individuals will select the 2006 Gwinnett
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year. The 2006
Selection Committee members were Louis Young, owner of Columbia
Engineering; Doug Wren, president of Quantum National Bank; Alicia
McCart, vice president of The McCart Group; Kelly Greer, co-owner
of Tillman, Allen, Greer, LLC; and Robert Andoh, regional director
for the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center.
NOTABLE
Suwanee Day cops honors among top 20 Southeastern events
Suwanee Day has been selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's
"Top 20 Events" for September 2006. This annual "Celebration
of Community" brings about 30,000 people to Town Center Park
the third Saturday of September for a day that begins with a one-mile
parade and ends with a bang of a fireworks display. In between,
arts & craft exhibitors, children's activities, and entertainment
are available throughout the day.
This year's Suwanee Day festival will be celebrated Saturday, September
16.
Exhibitor applications for Suwanee Day 2006 are still being accepted.
Exhibitors include approximately 200 fine artists, talented craftspeople,
and food vendors. Online applications are available at www.suwaneeday.com.
Festival exhibitors are selected through a jury process, and preference
is given to applicants who offer individually made items.
Buford firm wins award
for creativity in design
Spitfire Media Group of Buford has been awarded an American Design
Award for creativity and cutting-edge web design. This is actually
the second award Spitfire has received from the American Design
Association in the last year. Bradley Sherwood, Spitfire creative
director and co-founder says, "This is a great honor for us.
There were over 1,100 entries and we were one of only 79 firms from
across the globe recognized for our design innovation. Once again,
Spitfire's creative team has caught the attention of some of the
greatest minds in the business!"
It was Spitfire's own website (www.spitfiremediagroup.com)
that has won the recognition. With an authentic WWII aviation theme,
full of sound, imagery and old-fashion charm, Spitfire Media Group
has taken a theme of old and infused the latest in technology to
create a website that is turning heads. In addition to being honored
by ADA, Spitfire Media Group has also received a Pixelmakers Award,
a NewWebPick.com Award, and DesignFirms 05-06 Web Design Award.
Fellow co-founders, Jonathan Holmes and Paige Havens note that
Spitfire Media Group is much more than a web design firm. "We
are a full-service marketing communications agency that specializes
in high impact advertising and public relations campaigns. Our creative
talents stretch cross all mediums and we produce marketing results
that leave our clients wanting more!"
RECOMMENDATION
L'il River Grill,
Lawrenceville
"I'd like to critique a recent visit to the L'il River Grill
in Lawrenceville. The presentation of the food was lovely. The taste
was good as well. The creme brulee was served in so shallow a dish
there was more sugar to break through than custard. The waiter,
who never broke a smile, bussed my dish before my companion was
finished. This practice of cleaning the table while someone is still
eating is acceptable in a diner where speed is needed to move the
diners in and out. Then, when I asked for hot tea the waiter said
that they had none. How could this be? Well, that was my experience.
I hope they get their act together soon because the potential is
there."
-- Ann Antoci, Lawrenceville
- 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
TIDBIT
Paris crash killing Atlantans leads to founding
of High Museum
On June 3, 1962, many of Atlanta's civic and cultural leaders were
returning from a museum tour of Europe sponsored by the Atlanta
Art Association when their chartered
Boeing 707 crashed upon takeoff at Orly Field near Paris, France.
Of the 122 passengers that died, 106 were Atlantans (eight crew
members also died; two stewardesses sitting in the tail section
survived). In an instant the core of Atlanta's arts community was
gone. Thirty-three children and young adults lost both parents in
the crash. Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. traveled to Paris to assist with
the recovery efforts.
Expressions of grief and sympathy flowed into Atlanta from around
the world. Within days of the crash, memorial gifts benefiting the
Atlanta Art Association were established. Some $15 million was raised
for the establishment of a memorial cultural center, which was to
include a new home for the visual and performing arts in the city.
Founded in 1905, the Atlanta Art Association had acquired the Peachtree
Street home of Mrs. Joseph Madison High in 1926 and other property,
including the adjacent home of Edgar P. McBurney. New galleries
were constructed on the site in 1955. In 1959 the association acquired
the 18th-century Thornton House in Union Point, which was moved
to their Atlanta property and restored as a house museum. The Atlanta
Arts Association Women's Committee had established a successful
tearoom, gift shop, and gallery in the former McBurney coach house.
After the Orly disaster, the Atlanta Art Association evolved into
the Atlanta Arts Alliance, which would eventually administer the
High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Alliance
Theatre, the 14th Street Playhouse, and the Atlanta College of Art.
Builders broke ground for the Atlanta Memorial Arts Center on June
3, 1966.
The center was opened to the public in 1968, when a casting of
Auguste Rodin's The Shade (L'Ombre) was presented by the French
government to the city of Atlanta, in memory of those who died at
Orly. The campus of the Atlanta Arts Alliance has continued to evolve,
and the Memorial Arts Building is now situated amid other buildings
at the Woodruff Arts Center campus. The building remains a vibrant
memorial to those who devoted their energies to the betterment of
humanity through art achievement in Atlanta and beyond.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
Two engaging personalities
with very similar results
"Like Nixon, Bush has a way of enraging liberals even while
trying to appease them."
-- Columnist Joe Sobran, via Marshall Miller, Lilburn
SEND
YOUR FEEDBACK
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
===========================================
MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2006, 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.
|
