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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Altamaha
Riverkeeper marks 7 years of watershed protection
By Constance Riggins
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: The headwaters of one of the
three major rivers that form the Altamaha River Basin is in Gwinnett
County, as the Yellow River flows to the South River which empties
into the Ocmulgee River. In addition, the Alcovy River headwaters,
which flow to the Ocmulgee, are also in Gwinnett. The seventh
annual membership celebration of the Altamaha Riverkeeper will
be Saturday, September 23, in Hawkinsville, from noon until 4
p.m., on the river. ---eeb)
SEPT. 22, 2006 -- The Altamaha Riverkeeper's mission to protect
the Altamaha River Watershed, Georgia's largest, is a huge challenge.
The river system covers 14,000 square miles and includes the Ocmulgee,
Oconee, and Ohoopee rivers.
When the organization began, the Riverkeeper had no way of knowing
the volume of requests for help with pollution that would come pouring
in from citizens throughout the watershed. Since 1999, the Altamaha
Riverkeeper (ARK) has made over 800 site visits to assist citizens
with water quality problems.
Altamaha River |
Many of the citizens ARK has helped will be attending the Altamaha
Riverkeeper's annual celebration in Hawkinsville on September 23.
The event is an opportunity to share the successes and challenges
of the organization that grew from a small group of people in the
coastal fishing village of Darien to an organization with over 1,200
members working to unite Georgians for a healthy watershed.
James Holland, the Altamaha Riverkeeper, says: "ARK documents
problems, reports them to local, state, and federal agencies, and
works with the agencies to enforce water quality laws. With our
assistance, people are getting involved in monitoring our natural
resources and reporting problems. Increasing pollution is generating
extensive media coverage and making the public aware of the growing
problems in our watershed."
Through its proactive attack on pollution, ARK's work has supported
five successful Clean Water Act cases leading to improved water
quality in Georgia.
ARK's work also includes outreach and advocacy to teach the importance
of healthy water quality. Using extensive photographic and video
documentation, Riverkeeper Holland captures the watershed's wildlife,
flowers, fauna, and the devastating effect of water pollution. Holland
has given over 350 educational presentations to schools, clubs,
government groups, and churches.
Oconee River |
The Altamaha Riverkeeper is working in a watershed that contains
one of the fastest growing populations in the Southeast where thousands
of residents depend on the rivers for recreation, food, and drinking
water. The watershed also provides a habitat for more than 120 species
of rare or endangered plants and animals - the largest documented
cluster of globally imperiled plants and animals in any Georgia
watershed.
The watershed includes some of the South's last remaining cypress
swamps, forested wetlands, and tidal marshes. Wetlands improve water
quality and offer priceless benefits such as providing fish and
wildlife habitat, storing floodwaters, and allowing for ground water
recharge.
ARK's Director Deborah Sheppard says, "We have accomplished
a lot in the last seven years but to keep up with the increasing
pollution ARK is expanding protection on the watershed's estuary
and coast with a new Coastkeeper. We are raising funds for the new
position; our work depends upon public support to protect our natural
resources. "
The Altamaha Riverkeeper is sponsoring two upcoming events:
- Inconvenient Truth/ Global warming documentary by Al Gore, Thursday,
October 5, at 7 p.m.; Ida Hilton Library in Darien.
River Clean-Up on the Altamaha in McIntosh County, Saturday, November
4. Volunteers meet at 8 a. m. at Two Way Marina, U.S. Highway
17, approximately 3-4 miles south of Darien. Lunch for volunteers
will be provided after the clean- up.
- Learn more about ARK's work at www.altmahariverkeeper.org
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or mailed
to Altamaha Riverkeeper, P.O. Box 2642, Darien, Ga. A 31305. The
Malcolm Fraser Foundation will match the amount of all donations
allowing supporters to double the value of their contributions.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
Several factors among reasons for Gwinnett's
rapid growth
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
SEPT. 22, 2006 -- It takes an outsider sometimes to focus when
considering your own community.
Brack |
An outsider was wanting to know about the development of Gwinnett.
"Did Norcross and Duluth grow because of the railroads?"
he wanted to know.
Hardly. After all, that railroad came in the 1870s, and 100 years
later, Duluth had only 1,810 people, and Norcross, 2,755.
Meanwhile, Gwinnett by 1970 had grown to 166,903 people. Clearly,
though the towns and entire county developed, it wasn't the railroad
that powered that growth.
What was it?
Thinking back, we see several factors impacting why the county
grew so quickly. Of course, Gwinnett's proximity to Atlanta and
its airport is the major factor. But what were the major contributing
factors? Several.
Cheap land. Compared to the more developed parts of Metro
Atlanta, Gwinnett in the 1960-90 period, persons with foresight
could buy this land, either hold it for a while for much higher
prices later (still cheap by Atlanta standards), or go ahead and
develop it immediately to make a quick profit. Many took profits,
and turned to more land, eventually making more money. For a while
in this 30 years period, this wasn't unusual, as developers really
drove the Gwinnett economy, even more than they do today.
Good schools. Perhaps the most influential aspect of Gwinnett
life today is its very good school system, which has attracted parents
to locate in Gwinnett for over 30 years. With many of these parents
moving here from areas where they also had superior schools, it
meant that for years Gwinnett's schools made amazing improvement
strides, which only led to others wanting to move to Gwinnett. It
was an upward spiral that is hard to beat. Amazingly, even with
the recent rapid growth, Gwinnett schools have been able to continually
upgrade themselves, and insure high quality education.
More and more good jobs. With the growth in population has
come a concurrent growth in good jobs in Gwinnett, as commercial
development came alongside population growth. More and more residents
could live, and work, within the county. Industries were locating
here for the superior work force, which spawned more good jobs.
And today about 50,000 of its 395,043 (2005) jobs are considered
"high tech" jobs. Another way of looking at this: 315,229
(79.7 percent) Gwinnettians work and live in the county!
Upbeat feeling. Gwinnett offers a high quality of life,
with those living here proud to be Gwinnettians. It's a county that
grows on people, and in the long run, attracts others to live here.
Good government. Compared to some places, Gwinnett has had
good government. There has been no widespread corruption. Those
within government aim to please, seem to do a good job, and present
a good image. And…. compared to some communities, no Gwinnett
official has been found guilty of any crime or kickback or similar
shenanigan. That image of good government makes Gwinnett a place
you want to live, and be part of a community.
Other reasons for Gwinnett's spectacular growth? Sure, there are
many. How about it? You tell us why you think living in Gwinnett
is as good as it is, or if you want to point our some of our foibles,
let loose. We look forward to your comments.
ABOUT
OUR SPONSORS
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Hayes Family
Dealerships with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac,
GMC and Cadillac. Mike, Terry, Tim and Ted Hayes with Robin Haynes
of Baldwin and Stan Roberts of Toccoa invite you into their showrooms
to look over their line-up of automobiles and trucks. Hayes has
been in the automotive business for over 30 years, and is North
Georgia's oldest family-owned dealerships. The family is the winner
of the 2002 Georgia Family Business of the Year Award.. Check their
web sites at: www.hayeschrysler.com
or www.hayeschevrolet.com
or www.hayesgmcars.com.
McLEMORE'S
WORLD
9/22:
No more spinach for you
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
FEEDBACK
Commission
overstepping boundary concerning food vendors
Editor, the Forum:
I was very disappointed to learn that Gwinnett County has banned
mobile food vendors for reasons of aesthetics. Gwinnett County commissioner
Bert Nasuti said "I'm all for capitalism, but there's a right
way and a wrong way."
It is the height of hubris for a politician to state that the government
knows better what consumers need over what consumers want. Nasuti
and other commissioners‚ desire to have Gwinnett beautiful
in their own eyes do not trump the rights of entrepreneurs and consumers
to conduct business as they see fit. Overruling the needs and desires
of consumers for personal preference does a disservice to the American
way.
-- Omar Branson Zaki, Lawrenceville
Must be scumbag that
mowed down two of geese flock
Editor, the Forum:
Some scumbag plowed a flock of Canada geese on Lakes Parkway in
Lawrenceville Tuesday night around 7:30. The "debris"
field was two lanes wide and 100 feet long...a big vehicle, driven
with an attitude. It killed at least two and another was half-dead
and flapping.
The flock was in the street freaking out. They live in the pond
right next to the road and are always around.
It makes me sick!
-- Name Withheld.
Sees coup in Thailand
as excuse for bringing jobs back home
Editor, the Forum:
This week's military coup in Thailand is just one reason for American
companies to bring back the manufacturing jobs they have sent overseas.
Actually, many corporations have wanted to get out of many of the
countries they went into, and just didn't know 'how' to go about
leaving, in order to bring back jobs to the US citizens.
There are not many CEO's or board members who would want to have
to live outside the US. Why? Because they like what our country
has to offer! So do U.S. citizens who helped to make their company
successful and whose paycheck goes to keep their community, state
and the U.S. "up and running!
-- Debbie Willis, Peachtree Corners
UPCOMING
Applications
being accepted for nominations to academies
The office of Representative John Linder (R-Ga.) is accepting applications
from high school seniors currently residing in the Seventh Congressional
District for a nomination to one of the four service academies -
U.S. Air Force, U.S. Military, U.S. Naval, and U.S. Merchant Marine
Academies.
Youths interested in applying to the service academies must be between
the ages of 17 to 23 and obtain a nomination from a federal Representative
to attend the academy of their choice. This is a detailed and selective
process that allows the academy to offer admission to the best and
brightest candidates in the country. Applications for the Seventh
District nomination process must be complete and submitted to Rep.
Linder's office by Friday, October 20, 2006 at 5 p.m. The application
must include a complete transcript, three letters of recommendation,
resume of experience, short essay, and the application form, along
with SAT/ ACT scores.
To obtain information on this process, or to provide information
to a potential candidate, contact Annie Valenty at 770-232-3005
(extension 1011). The Academy Nominations section of Representative
Linder's online office at http://linder.house.gov/academy
provides multiple resources for information about the process, including
links to the service academies, requirements for consideration,
all of the pertinent deadlines and a downloadable application.
Duluth rail museum
to host scout merit badge meet
On Oct 7, 2006 the Southeastern Railway Museum will host Boy Scout
merit badge day. Scouts who participate will receive certification
necessary to earn the Railroading merit badge. The event will start
at 9 a.m. Sessions will continue during the day. The historic rail
equipment at the Museum will provide a unique venue for this program.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To enroll, contact
John Stevens at 678-873-3770 or snevets4@compuserve.com.
Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth, and is
located off Buford Highway north of Pleasant Hill.
NOTABLE
County
OKs new sewage pump station near Big Haynes Creek
An estimated 30 months of construction will get underway in October
on a new regional sewage pump station at 2680 Centerville-Rosebud
Road. The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners has awarded the $17.6
million contract to Max Foote Construction Company, Inc.
A public meeting on these projects will be held on Thursday, Sept.
28, at O'Kelly Chapel Baptist Church, across the street from the
construction site. Residents may attend the open house format meeting
at any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to speak directly with
project staff.
Built at the junction of Big Haynes Creek and Brushy Ford Creek,
the station will pump sewage to the Brooks Road Station through
a new 36-inch line that will be built separately.
Two gravity sewer lines to be constructed along the two creeks
will bring sewage to the new station. Plans call for new pumps to
be installed in year 2015 at the new Big Haynes Station to upgrade
its capacity by 10 million gallons per day.
These projects are part of the County's master plan to consolidate
old, inefficient pumps and replace them with regional pumping stations
and state-of-the-art treatment facilities. The new facilities will
also allow additional sewer hookups for homes currently using septic
tanks.
Hospital System picks
Carolyn Hill for board of directors
Hill |
Carolyn Hill has been named to the Gwinnett Health System Board
of Directors. Hill, a resident of Suwanee, has volunteered her time
in many different roles over the past 15 years with the Hospital,
most recently serving as president of the Foundation Board of
Trustees and chair of the "TIME MATTERS" in the fight
against Breast Cancer campaign. In addition to volunteering for
other organizations and staying busy with her three children and
five grandchildren, Hill and husband, Wayne, are also members of
the GHS Foundation Keystone Society and annual sponsors of the Foundation's
Ball and Silent Auction.
Medical Center's cancer
program wins commendation
Gwinnett Medical Center's cancer program has been granted Three-Year
Approval with Commendation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of
the American College of Surgeons.
The cancer program earned this distinction by demonstrating a Commendation
level of compliance with standards that represent the full scope
of the cancer program, according to the Commission on Cancer report.
Areas included in this scope are cancer committee leadership, cancer
data management, clinical services, research, community outreach
and quality improvement.
The CoC is dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of
life for cancer patients by standard-setting, prevention, research,
education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. The
Approvals Program sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs
and reviews them to ensure they conform to standards. Approval is
granted only to facilities that voluntarily commit to provision
of the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous
evaluation and performance review. To maintain approval, facilities
with CoC-approved programs must undergo on-site review every three
years. For more information about the CoC, visit www.facs.org/cancer/index.html.
.
RECOMMENDED
- 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
Largest
telescope in Southeast at Fernbamk Observatory
Fernbank Planetarium |
The Fernbank
Observatory houses the largest telescope in the southeastern
United States, a 0.9-meter (36-inch) Cassegrain reflector, beneath
a 10-meter (30-foot) dome. One of the largest instruments ever dedicated
to education and public viewing, the telescope is used for observations
of the moon, planets, and such deep-sky objects as nebulae, star
clusters, and galaxies. Astronomy programs at the observatory range
from the second-grade to college levels and also include adult education
courses and public viewing.
Since its opening in 1967, the Science Center's Jim Cherry Memorial
Planetarium has attracted nearly five million visitors. As of 2004
the planetarium still ranks as one of the largest in the country.
The German-built Carl Zeiss Mark V projector is the centerpiece
of the facility and is used, along with more than 200 other projectors,
to present programs written and produced by the planetarium staff.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
Considerations about
the state of humility, as applied to you
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking
of yourself less."
-- Rick Warren, best selling author of "The Purpose Driven
Life", via Cindy Evans, Duluth
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
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