Water is precious; steps outlined for
us to conserve it
By
Kathryn Fazekas, Suwanee
Sixth grade, Wesleyan School
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: A sixth grade student from Gwinnett
County is the grand prize winner of the Metro Atlanta's Clean
Water Campaign's 2006 Essay Contest. Kathryn Fazekas of Wesleyan
School in Norcross will receive the $100 grand prize for her entry
entitled "Water, Use It Wisely" at a January 18 ceremony.
The contest was open to sixth through eighth graders at public
and private schools in the 16 counties of the metropolitan Atlanta
area. Her essay won at the county level and went on to win the
district award.-eeb)
JAN. 12, 2007 -- Water is a very precious resource that everyone
needs to survive. We need clean water for people and animals to
drink, to grow plants, and to live. We need to conserve water for
people living now and in the future.
Citizens can protect water quality in rivers and lakes in many
different ways. First, people should not litter. When people litter,
the garbage can go down into the sewer, stop up the waterways, and
pollute the water.
Next, when people use chemicals, paints, and other hazardous materials,
they should dispose of them properly at local collection sites.
At home, people can use fewer chemicals on lawns and use environmentally
safe products to clean their houses. People should not wash their
cars on the driveway because the soap can go into the sewer and
pollute the water. Instead, they should wash cars on their lawns
so that the grass and soil can soak up the water. People may not
like to pick up after their dog, but they need to so that the dog's
waste won't wash into the sewer.
In the community, citizens can support conservation groups, like
The Sierra Club or The Georgia Clean Water Campaign, that work to
protect our natural resources. They can adopt a stream or street
in the area and help keep it clean of garbage. People should support
local and national government officials that believe in protecting
the environment.
We can all help the environment by learning to conserve water at
home. There are many ways we can do this. People can check their
faucets and toilets for leaks. They can replace old toilets with
the new water saving toilets. They can buy water efficient dishwashers
and clothes washers and run these only when they are full. People
can take shorter showers and turn off the water when brushing their
teeth. They can use rain sensors to shut off sprinkler systems and
only run sprinklers when needed. People can buy rain barrels to
water outside plants. Where I live, the golf course uses water from
the ponds to water the course.
There are many ways to encourage people to protect and save water.
One way is to have conservation groups teach children about the
importance of conserving water and keeping our water clean. There
should be tax breaks or refunds for people who buy water saving
appliances. Water utility companies should give discounts to people
who use little amounts of water monthly. Citizens can hand out fliers
about conserving water at events around town. People can also support
public officials that support a clean environment. In my community,
I would begin making a difference by asking the government to create
a Suwanee Clean Up Day. People could clean up the Chattahoochee
River, local parks and playgrounds, and their own neighborhoods.
If we all do our part in trying to protect the environment and
conserve water, then there will be enough fresh water for everyone
now and in the future.
Bush legacy will be formed as a result of
next two years
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
JAN. 12, 2007 -- It could well be that the eight years of the George
W. Bush presidency will be measured by his last two years of being
in office. After all, the first six years were ones with Republican
control over the Congress, with Congress seldom denying the wants
and whims of the president.
Brack |
Now with the Democrats in control of Congress for what appear to
be the final two years of the W. presidency, his governing style
will be severely tested. No longer will Congress roll over when
he wants something. Who knows? Perhaps we'll even see more of that
negotiating tool, the presidential veto, used to try and whip Congress
toward the will of the president.
However, in the long view of his legacy, the only issue that will
be on the table is what the United States does in regard to Iraq.
That has become the defining issue during the Bush years.
His speech this week was a virtual admission that the direction
he pushed the country did not work. However, he still showed the
hard-headed doggedness to push on in the same direction of his previous
errors, now deciding that, indeed, more troops are the answer.
No doubt Mr. Bush is confident that this is the right way. We desperately
hope that more troops can bring about better results than we have
seen in the past.
Previously, especially during the Viet Nam war, Congress voted
to limit that war, so that our country would cut its losses. That
may be the eventual move by Congress for Iraq, failing to give approval
for continuing to support a large force there.
Many Americans are about to reach the point that they care little
about saving face in Iraq. More and more seem upset over the continual
build-ups. How fiscally-conservative Republicans can continue to
shove money down the rat-hole of Iraq and keep their fiscal position
is beyond us. While it is usually the "tax and spend"
Democrats who want to throw money after problems, here we have the
GOP trying to make us think that the only way out of Iraq is spending
more American taxpayer dollars over there.
It makes you question any Republican's fiscal soundness when they
continue to sign a blank check for spending for Iraq.
The results of the November election may have changed that thinking.
For sure, the dramatic shift in power in Washington is more than
most people thought possible a year ago. Now we look to the Democrats
not only to put the brakes on the Bush presidency, but to return
our troops from the desert, and put sound fiscal practices back
in order.
It would be a strange twist if the Democratic rebellion against
the Bush policies results in president's administration being looked
upon in a kinder manner. We doubt it. The Bush legacy may be already
determined by the previous policies.
But stranger turns have taken place in politics.
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is the Aurora Theatre,
Gwinnett County's first choice for professional theatrical entertainment.
Celebrating their 11th year and inaugural season in their new home
on the square in Downtown Lawrenceville, the Aurora Theatre is committed
to producing quality, professional theatre for all of North Georgia.
In the 2006-2007 Season Aurora Theatre will produce five mainstage
productions including: Lucky Stiff, Glorious!, Christmas Canteen
2006 & Noises Off in their interim theatre at Lawrenceville
City Hall. The season will conclude with Camelot to be staged in
Gwinnett's crown jewel for the performing arts, the new Aurora Theatre.
For young children ask about the Saturday Children's Playhouse on
the second, third and fourth Saturday morning of every production.
To purchase individual tickets, season tickets or for more information,
visit their revamped NEW website at www.auroratheatre.com
or call 678-407-6690.
Lots made in China
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
Points out that "normalcy" is grammatically incorrect
Editor, The Forum:
I see in your column that a report predicts a return to "normalcy"
in the real estate market. Actually, there is no such word as "normalcy".
The word is "normality."
"Normalcy" is a grammatical error originally (I think)
committed by the 1920 presidential campaign of Warren G. Harding
who campaigned on a platform of "Back to Normalcy."
The voters were so fed up with World War One and the associated
turmoil of the following peace treaty negotiations that they overlooked
the grammatical error and voted for him anyway. It has stuck ever
since, poor grammar and all.
In fact, it has (almost) become the normality.
-- Robert H. Hanson, Loganville
(Dear Bob: Thanks for wordsmithing this one.
You make us wonder if a "Back to Normalcy" might work
for some presidential contenders in 2008, grammatically wrong
or not. -eeb)
Baseball league waiting
list disappoints newcomer
Editor, the Forum:
I live within five miles of George Pierce Park in Suwanee. My husband
registered our youngest son to play little league baseball, only
to find out that he's been placed on a waiting list (this was five
days after the three week registration period began).
We received a message stating that due to limited field space,
only so many teams can play which limits the number of players.
We should be contacted by the end of the month if he is not placed
on a team, so that he can possibly join another local park's team
(which would be several miles away).
I find this to be VERY disappointing! We are somewhat new residents
of Gwinnett County, due to my husband's career relocation last summer.
We thought we were moving to an area that offered better schools,
more advantages, better quality of life.
It seems that too many invitations were sent out, requesting people
and businesses to move here! Where is the control on urban sprawl?
I see strip centers and new housing construction at every turn and
intersection in my area. Yet, the schools are overcrowded, traffic
is more than a nightmare, and my son might not have a chance to
play baseball at our local park this spring!
Who do I complain to? What community and city council meetings should
I attend to voice my complaints? I am a common citizen who is more
than scared and concerned about the direction and focus of her community.
I have researched the plans for the proposed, future schools in
my area. The North Gwinnett Cluster Elementary School will be opening
on Buford Hwy. This is a two lane road! Lanier Middle School already
needs law enforcement to help direct the buses entering and exiting
in the mornings and afternoons on Buford Highway. I would hope that
the planning commission is considering widening Buford Highway to
allow for the increased traffic flow from this new school, not to
mention the expansion of Lanier Middle School to Lanier High School
in the future.
I am supportive of everyone having the opportunity to live in such
a prosperous area. But our city/county leaders need to recognize
that infrastructure needs to expand and grow with every new building
and zoning permit they issue. And remember that our natural resources
are affected by all of this, too!
-- Audra Favre, Suwanee
Dear Ms. Favre: Your concerns are reasonable.
This is what many other families have been faced with. Perhaps
some can come forward and tell the way to navigate this vast area
of recreation. As to Buford Highway, now four laned from Duluth
to Norcross, it was once two-laned. Give time, and most of Gwinnett
may be four-laned. --eeb
Tech
forum to hear update on Georgia legislature
The January Gwinnett Technology Forum will present Cathy Woolard,
lobbyist for AeA Southeast at its meeting January 16 at the Busbee
Center of Gwinnett Technical College. The meeting begins at 7:30
a.m. with refreshments with the program beginning at 8 a.m.
Woolard presentation is entitled "The State of Technology
in the Georgia Legislature." She has been a public and community
affairs consultant for 20 years, and has represented the Technology
Leadership Coalition at the General Assembly for five years.
Ms. Woolard began serving on the Atlanta City Council in 1997 and
from 2001 to 2004 served as the President. She was a candidate for
Congress in 2006.
AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), founded in
1943, is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents
all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely
to helping our members' top and bottom lines.
There is no admission charge, but registration is required. To
RSVP, email Jo Anne Wymer at Joanne@gwinnettchamber.org.
County
sets mark in hiring 133 policemen during 2006
Gwinnett County hired a record 133 police officers in 2006, more
than the combined total of 120 officers that make up the two largest
city police departments in Lawrenceville and Duluth. More than 60
civilian positions in the police department were also filled last
year.
According to County Administrator Jock Connell, "This accomplishment
would not have been possible without the joint efforts of police
recruiting teams from Human Resources and the Police Department.
When you consider the difficulty that police agencies nationwide
are encountering trying to fill police officer positions, our recruitment
staff members rose to the challenge and, as a result, our citizens
are receiving the benefit of more law enforcement officers on the
job to protect and serve them."
The County also hired 113 new sheriff's deputies last year to staff
an expansion of the Pre-Trial Detention Center. Sixty-four new firefighter
recruits completed training last year and are now helping staff
a new fire station in Sugar Hill and expanded stations that opened
last year on Five Forks Trickum Road and in Snellville.
Gwinnett Clean and
Beautiful announces award winners
Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful presented seven awards to groups and
individuals for ongoing efforts to make our community safer, healthier
and more livable in areas such as recycling, volunteerism, education
and neighborhood improvement at its 27th annual banquet January
5. Among those winners were:
Enforcement Award: Sgt. David Spell was recognized for his
passion and commitment to a safe and clean community. He has gone
from neighbor to neighbor and street to street preaching, teaching
and encouraging people to show they take pride in their community.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Jim Kraus. Given annually,
this goes to a GC&B Citizen's Advisory Board member for being
an outstanding champion for a safer, healthier and cleaner community,
and for skills shown being prepared to lead, follow or stand on
the side and cheer.
Environmental Studies Scholarship at Georgia Gwinnett College:
the first recipient of the scholarship, Suwanee resident Daryl
Knight, began attending Georgia Gwinnett College in August to major
in biology.
Education Award: McKendree Elementary School was recognized
for exceptional efforts, with Principal Cindy Antrim and Teacher
Mandy Collins highlighted. Annually, McKendree is a top scorer on
the Environmental Achievement Profile. During the past year alone,
they recycled almost 20 tons of paper and continually worked to
conserve energy and reduce air pollution. Also accepting the award
for the school were two McKendree students, Autumn Williams and
Gus Ospina .
Recycler of the Year Award: The City of Berkeley Lake has
long been committed to improving the environment, and is recognized
for exceptional efforts. Citizens of Berkeley Lake can now recycle
up to twenty materials, up from five materials previously.
Neighborhood Pride Award: Gwinnett Daily Post was recognized
for excellent, balanced coverage, and exceptional efforts to recognize
the many community heroes who take daily actions to make Gwinnett
the best place to live, work, play and learn, inspiring others to
follow in their footsteps. Accepting the award was Gwinnett Daily
Post Publisher J.K Murphy and Editor Todd Cline.
Howard Allen Business and Industry Award: Jordan, Jones
and Goulding was recognized for working to improve the quality of
life in Gwinnett. Their knowledge of environmental and community
issues, exploration of new and advanced technologies and internal
commitment to being good environmental stewards are just a few reasons
for this honor.
- 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
By 1860,
Georgia had more rail miles in the Deep South
Georgia's first railroad
tracks were laid in the mid-1830s on routes leading from Athens,
Augusta, Macon, and Savannah. Some 25 years later, the state not
only could claim more rail miles than any other in the Deep South
but also had linked its major towns and created a new rail center,
Atlanta. The railroads continued to expand until the 1920s, when
a long decline began that lasted into the 1990s. Today, the state's
rail system is a strong, 5,000-mile network anchored by two major
lines, Norfolk Southern and CSX, and a couple of dozen shortlines.
Charleston, S.C. provided the impetus for rail development in Georgia.
In 1830 it began building a 136-mile railroad to Hamburg, on the
Savannah River opposite Augusta. Savannah businessmen, worried that
Charleston would benefit at their expense, responded by organizing
the Central Rail Road and Canal Company. The state legislature,
meeting in Milledgeville, issued a charter for the company in December
1833. The canal division of the company was soon dropped in favor
of the construction of railroads, which were not as limited as canals
with regard to where they could be built. Construction began in
December 1835. The Central Rail Road of Georgia eventually became
the Central of Georgia Railway, a 190-mile line across the Coastal
Plain to Macon.
Meanwhile, construction on the Georgia Railroad between Augusta
and Athens and on the Monroe Railroad (later the Macon and Western)
between Macon and Forsyth, was in progress. The Georgia Railroad
Company was chartered to a group of Athens businessmen in 1833 for
the purpose of building a railroad from Augusta west into the interior
of the state. In 1835 the charter was amended to allow banking operations,
and the name was changed to Georgia Railroad and Banking Company.
Company headquarters moved from Athens to Augusta in 1840. The Georgia
Railroad was completed to Marthasville (later Atlanta) in 1845.
One of the simpler
rules when you are storytelling
"Never tell everything at once."
-- Ken Venturi, (1931- ), Ken Venturi's Two Great Rules of
Life.
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
© 2007, 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
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