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Gwinnett radio hams to work in national demonstration
By Norman Schklar
Public Information Coordinator
Georgia Section of the American Radio League
Special to GwinnettForum

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., June 20, 2006 -- Over the past year, the news has been full of reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications in emergencies world-wide. On the weekend of June 24-25, local residents will have a chance to meet and talk with ham radio operators and see for themselves what this "radio service" is about.

The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society will be holding a 23-hour demonstration of emergency communications abilities at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville from 1 p.m. Saturday June 24 through noon on Sunday June 25. During this event, GARS will provide emergency power and operate around the clock.

This annual event, called "Field Day," is the climax of the week long "Amateur Radio Week" sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for amateur radio. Using only generators, batteries or solar power, the hams construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls and back yards to test their skills under field conditions. The slogan, "Ham radio works when other systems don't!" is more than just words to the hams, as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised in a crisis.

We encourage those interested to grab a microphone or keyboard and communicate over amateur radio. We welcomed well over 100 visitors to our Lawrenceville site last year. This year we are teaming up with the Gwinnett County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) to provide an even more interesting operating demonstration. The Boy Scouts Venture Crew 73 will also be lending a hand in the efforts to maintain around the clock communications. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year's event.

We hope that people will come and see for themselves, this is not your grandfather's radio anymore. It may be called 'Amateur Radio' because we are unpaid but that does not mean we're not prepared!

Over the weekend hams will be demonstrating AM, sideband, FM, digital, code and even satellite communications. Several clubs will also be experimenting with television signals and incredibly high frequency equipment. It was from their practical experience as hams that many electrical engineers went on to develop the marvels of today's communications.

There are 670,000 Amateur Radio operators in the United States and more than 2.5 million around the world. Through the ARRL hams provide emergency communications for the DHS Citizens' Corps, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA and many state and local agencies.

To learn more about Amateur Radio, contact Bill Cherepy, GARS membership chairman at 770-972-0377 or go to www.GARS.org. The public is invited to come, meet and talk with the hams. They might even help you get on the air!

ELLIOTT BRACK
Ah, traveling on the wing and staying in European B&B's
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

JUNE 20, 2006 -- In the United States, staying at Bed and Breakfast facility is often quite pricey. In Europe, B&B's allow the traveler to save money and get to know the flavor of the country at the same time.

Most of our recent trip to Ireland and France was in B&B's. Some we reserved on the internet before leaving while others we simply found while there. Prices were from 24 to 32 Euros per person per night…quite reasonable. All were enjoyable.

In Ireland, a key highlight is the "full Irish breakfast," which means eggs, bread, a broiled half tomato, bacon, sausage and black pudding, plus coffee or tea, orange juice, and to start matters off, cold cereal. It's delicious, and a great way to start the day. In France, the breakfast is usually a continental one, coffee, juice and bread (croissants and maybe pastries.)

Our first B&B was on the coast of Kerry, at "The Old Forge" near Caherdaniel. We enjoyed our accommodations, and would have enjoyed looking at the sea, but we were fogged in this area while there. (See photos.)

In Listowel, Kerry, Ireland, it was a two story mansion, with a room big enough to park at least two, if not three, cars. We also learned that the town has quite a following as a writer's haven, with its annual festival drawing top names.

One night in Ireland, leaving the 4,000 year old mounds of Newgrange, just outside its gate, we found a hotel open only three months. Since the weather was cool (mornings in 40s, afternoon no higher than 55 degrees F.), we switched on the room thermostat. But then we started looking, not finding any heat source. Later we learned that the heat came from circulating water, built into the floor. The bath's floors are always comfortable that way!

Our first night in France almost was a disaster. On the Internet, we learned of a B&B near Rouen on the Seine River, high above the river. Corresponding with a B&B agency, we thought we had reserved a room. But on arrival, the proprietor had no indication we were coming. (There was no communication between the agency and the B&B.) Though she spoke no English, and we no French, somehow we got a room overlooking the river. We got to stay two days.

Near Mt. St. Michelle, our B&B was a working vegetable farm. You could see the island two miles away across the flat land. Many of the B&Bs had TV (though not all), with every now and then even BBC was on the tube.

We often did not have complete directions, and had to search for out-of-way places. Near St. Lo, we stayed with an English couple who had left their jobs near London to run a B&B. They have restored an old farmhouse, now rent two rooms, and plan to have a third soon. We were to be there on a Saturday night, and on the internet, they suggested reservations for our dinner on Saturday in a nearby town. And on Sunday, when many restaurants are closed, the couple volunteered to cook for us that night. Chicken was the main course, with salad, cheese and dessert. It was perhaps the best meal we had, especially with the good table conversation.

On the Cherbourg peninsula, near Volognes, our B&B was a 500 year old manor house. A French computer engineer is restoring it, and had four rooms to let. The house is down a beautiful tree-lined drive, away from noises, and with cows mournfully looking at you.

At Honfleur, the stay was in a small hotel, though we were housed in a carriage house about 200 feet from the street, and up 18 levels of single steps through the garden.

Yes, you can see we enjoy the adventure of traveling, making plans often along the way, and learning about out-of-way places and people.

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Walton EMC Natural Gas, headquartered in Monroe. Walton EMC Natural Gas brings the same friendly service and caring values to the natural gas market that its parent, Walton EMC, has delivered to its Gwinnett electric consumers for 69 years. And month after month, Walton EMC Natural Gas has been Georgia' low price leader for your natural gas needs, according to information from the Georgia Public Service Commission. Call 770/267-2505 or visit www.waltonemcgas.com to become the next satisfied Walton EMC natural gas customer.

Have you noticed that historically black Bethune-Cookman College's baseball team, ranked Number One most of this season in the black college poll, has very few black players? The coach is Hispanic and most of the players are white or Hispanic. Also, it's probably a good selling point to a prospect to go to school in Daytona Beach. That shouldn't hurt. We hear a lot about diversity and they actually are diverse. It is good to see college baseball getting better coverage this season. It used to be ignored by the sports media.

I am a proponent of charter schools. I feel that charter schools are an innovative way to reach kids who would otherwise get "left behind". I read recently that there is a group of parents that want to see charter schools started in Gwinnett County.

I would love to be part of that movement. I believe in public education, diversity, and freedom of choice when it comes to education. I also believe that Gwinnett's builders are very irresponsible in building homes without the schools to accommodate. A smaller community school would be like a welcome flash from the past. Are there any takers?

Aurora Theatre will be among the featured entertainment at Lawrenceville's third annual Prelude to the Fourth celebration to be held on the Historic Courthouse lawn. The theatre will perform a concert version of The Music Man for one performance only.

The event is Monday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. on the Historic Courthouse grounds in Lawrenceville. Admission is free to the courthouse lawn, though tables of six are available through the Lawrenceville Tourist and Trade Association for $125.

From stage to screen, The Music Man is one of the most beloved shows in history. The Music Man features some of the most memorable melodies of Broadway, 76 Trombones, Till There was You, and Trouble.

Enjoy a free concert version performed with a full orchestra in this lovely and inviting outdoor setting. Families and friends can rent tables and order catering packages from local restaurants, as they enjoy the music on the eve of Independence Day. This event helps kick off Gwinnett County's famous Gwinnett Glows event held each year on July 4th.

Gwinnett County's annual Fourth of July celebration will be a little bit different this year, thanks to a stronger partnership with the City of Lawrenceville and Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association plus continuing sponsorships from EAGLE 106.7 FM Radio and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Gwinnett News.

The live band, food vendors, and free children's activities will be at the Historic Courthouse Square in downtown Lawrenceville this year, starting at 4 p.m. The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC), a few blocks away, will only be used for parking (space will be limited) and fireworks viewing.

The traditional fireworks show, sponsored by local businesses, will still be shot from the Nash Street parking lot but will go higher to make them visible from all over the downtown area. The 18-minute show will be synchronized to a music track simulcast on EAGLE 106.7 FM. Access to Nash Street and the employee parking deck behind GJAC will be restricted.

Live entertainment will again feature Tim Purcell and the Mustangs. A children's Ferris wheel will be added to the traditional children's activities that includes pony rides, inflatable slides and moonwalks, face painting, sand art, the Tumblebus, trackless train rides, climbing wall, and a petting zoo.

Police cars and motorcycles, fire trucks and ambulances will be on display on the Pike Street side of the Historic Courthouse. The Sheriff's department will provide free photo identification for children. Portable restroom facilities will be available both downtown and at GJAC.

The first few rows in the main GJAC parking lot will be available for parking while the back rows will be left open for fireworks spectators. A short trail at the back of the lot near the Fallen Heroes Memorial will connect pedestrians to Luckie Street for access to downtown. A section of Luckie Street will also be closed to vehicular traffic.

Gwinnett Glows has become a holiday tradition for tens of thousands of area residents over the past 18 years. TVgwinnett (cable channel 23) will again provide live TV coverage and streaming video at tvgwinnett.com beginning at 8 p.m.

Other leading sponsors of Gwinnett Glows 2006 are the Gwinnett Parks Foundation, Coca-Cola Enterprises - Lawrenceville Sales Center, and Jordan Jones and Goulding.

Safety improvements will be made soon at the County airport, Briscoe Field, after the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a $680,591 contract with Precision Approach, LLC. The money will pay for new taxiway edge lighting, pavement marking, guidance and holding-position signage and installing a rotating beacon and two new wind cones. Airport Manager Matt Smith said the County will also put up fencing around the control tower to meet new security regulations.

In a separate action, the Board agreed to apply for federal funds under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which will cover 90 percent of the project costs. The state is expected to provide five percent. The County money is the remaining five percent.

The 500-acre airport is located a mile northeast of Lawrenceville. It has one 6,021-foot runway, equipped with an Instrument Landing System and capable of handling most corporate jets and all general aviation airplanes. The control tower is open from 7 a.m to 9 p.m. daily. Two privately-owned tenant companies offer refueling and other aviation-related services onsite.

Providence Academy wins Clean and Beautiful top prize

Providence Christian Academy won Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful top prize as part of the Great American Clean-up program. It is the winner of a $2,000 prize, in addition to a $500 award for winning their division in the schools category.

Providence Christian Academy targeted an area in their community that had become a magnet for illegal dumping, graffiti and other crimes. In addition to beautifying the area, the group's goal was to create a sense of pride and personal ownership for public and private spaces and reduce crime in the area. Over 80 volunteers, including parents, students, teachers and community residents donated 302 hours to fill 10 dump truck loads with litter, landscape the area and remove graffiti.

At Friday's annual meeting, over 2,500 Walton Electric Membership Corporation customer-owners and guests learned their electric company has implemented several service innovations over the past year.

Said Board Chairman Johnny Allgood. "We installed a new outage reporting system that is more caller-friendly in getting information to us. At the same time, we put in 40 more phone lines. All this means you spend less time on the phone reporting your outage and we spend less time getting your information."

Allgood also highlighted a new computer map system that replaces old paper maps. "Since Walton EMC has grown so much, a set of paper maps detailing our system is now over 2,600 pages, more than two feet thick."

"It costs more to print a set of map books than it costs to buy a laptop computer. The maps are now instantly updated by a wireless connection. Our linemen don't even have to take the computer out of the truck," continued Allgood.

CEO Ronnie Lee commented on energy prices in 2005. "We weathered the Perfect Energy Storm last year with minimal damage. When it hit, our objective was clear: continue to offer the lowest possible price for your electricity needs."

"The bottom line is that your Walton EMC bill has stayed the same for the last 13 years. The reason is because you receive your electricity from a company that has your interests as its top priority," said Lee.

Also during the business session, members elected two fellow customer-owners for three-year terms to represent them on the co-op's board of directors.

Incumbent Sam Simonton of the Bold Springs district was re-elected without opposition. In the Eastville district, incumbent Jim Whitley defeated challenger Mark Thomas.

Customer-owners enjoyed gospel, bluegrass and country entertainment. Several won door prizes, including H.E. Shellnutt of Bishop who won the main prize-a refurbished pickup truck.

Children created spin art, watched puppet shows and cooled off with free snow cones. Healthcare professionals conducted a variety of screenings, helping customer-owners possibly detect early health concerns.

Exhibitors demonstrated energy-saving equipment and Operation Sand Box collected items and appreciation notes to send to US soldiers in Iraq. Customer-owners also viewed information on Walton EMC programs, including green power.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 115,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens. Its subsidiary, Walton EMC Natural Gas, serves natural gas accounts statewide. Learn more at waltonemc.com and waltonemcgas.com.

James Brown, who grew up in Augusta, has been one of the most influential musicians of the last half of the 20th century. An original artist, fascinating showman, and tireless performer, Brown has achieved legendary status, inspiring a generation of younger musicians. He has created a solid body of work that has withstood the passage of time and popular music trends.

When he was 15, Brown was caught committing petty theft and was sentenced to 8 to 16 years in juvenile prison. While incarcerated, first in Rome and then in Toccoa, he formed a gospel group and earned the nickname "Music Box." He appealed to the parole board and was released shortly after his 19th birthday. A talent scout for King Records heard a demo tape by Brown and the "Famous Flames." He sought them out and signed them to record for King.

Brown, along with Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, was pioneering a distinct new form of music: "soul," a dynamic blend of gospel and rhythm and blues, was wildly popular. For the next decade Brown was positioned at the top of the charts, releasing single after single and continuing the grueling touring schedule.

With "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud-Part 1," released in 1968 a few months after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Brown forcefully voiced the ideals of black cultural nationalism. Yet Brown rejected violence and was criticized by some political militants for helping to calm angry crowds after King's assassination and for accepting President Lyndon Johnson's invitation to dinner at the White House. In 1969, Look magazine's cover asked if he was the most important black man in America.

That same year, Brown moved back to Augusta. He traveled to Vietnam to perform for American troops and endorsed Richard Nixon for president in 1972. Brown's popularity declined in the late 70's, though he continued to perform and record. In 2003 Brown was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for his artistic achievement. In May 2005 the city of Augusta erected a statue of Brown in the downtown area where he grew up.

James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," and "Soul Brother Number One," has remained a seminal musician. His frenetic stage shows established a much-imitated style, and his songs continue to find wide airplay and receptive listeners, both black and white. Though often outspoken about America's persistent racism, Brown espouses black self-help and tells audiences to make something of their lives by working hard, as did this man born in a one-room shack in the Jim Crow South.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
The product of bad citizenship should not surprise you

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