Two philharmonic concerts coming soon
to local stage
By
Kelly Haggard
Special to GwinnettForum.com
JAN. 23, 2007 -- The Gwinnett Philharmonic starts off the new year
with a concert Saturday, January 27 at 1 p.m. and again on Tuesday,
January 30 at 8 p.m. The Philharmonic will feature Benjamin Britten's
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, subtitled 'Variations and
Fugue on a Theme by Purcell.' Both performances will take place
in the Performing Arts Center at the Gwinnett Civic Center.
Krohn |
The concerts feature as narrator the young phenomenon Jonathan
Krohn, named 'Atlanta's Most Talented Child' by Inside Edition's
Deborah Norville. Krohn, an 11-year-old home schooled sixth grader,
has been performing on stage since he was eight.
The Saturday afternoon concert ticket offers same-day free entry
to the Children's Museum in the Hudgen's Museum of Art, located
next door to the Performing Arts Center. The Children's Museum is
open from 10 until 3, and shares free parking with the Center.
The afternoon performance will also include an instrument 'petting
zoo' - an opportunity for children to get up close to the musicians
and their instruments - from noon until 12:30 and again for one
half hour after the concert.
The concert begins on a grand scale with Shostakovich's exciting
Festive Overture, then follows with the Young Person's Guide.
The second half of the concert will begin with the Radetzky March
by Strauss, then will feature the string section in the popular
opening Allegro from Mozart's Eine kleine Nacht Musik (A Little
Night Music). The woodwinds will be featured in music from Gounod's
Petite Symphonie, and then all the instruments brought together
again in one amazing conclusion with excerpts from the Fourth Symphony
leading up to a grand finale by Tchaikovsky.
According to Monte Nichols, music director and conductor, "The
concerts promise to be fully satisfying - artistically speaking,
even for the seasoned concertgoer. At the same time, the young people
in the audience,as well as adults who are new to the concert experience,
will be on the edge of their seats for this great music."
The Young Person's Guide was written to focus on each section of
the orchestra individually, featuring the various instruments and
allowing them to demonstrate their abilities and sounds. Britten,
a contemporary and friend of Dmitri Shostakovich, wrote it specifically
for a BBC presentation in 1946. The subtitle, 'Variations and Fugue
on a Theme by Purcell' was added by Britten to satisfy those who
insisted on a more stuffy sounding title for his very un-stuffy
composition.
The Guide is rarely performed with the narration intended for it,
but the Gwinnett Philharmonic has chosen to include this fascinating
feature for the benefit of our audience. It is an ideal concert
for introducing children to the sounds of an orchestra, and will
enhance any music-lover's understanding and appreciation of classical
music.
For more information on presentations and concerts by the Gwinnett
Philharmonic, please visit the Philharmonic website at www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org
or call 770-418-1115. Tickets are $28 adults, $24 seniors or $12
students. Special pricing is available for members and groups.
Tickets for the concerts are available through any Ticketmaster
outlet, by calling Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, or by purchasing
in person at the Gwinnett Arena box office, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
in Duluth.
New suggestion for Buford Highway corridor
is welcome idea
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
JAN. 23, 2007 -- Tom Moreland of Buford, now is retired from heading
the Department of Transportation, and runs his engineering firm
out of Norcross. He's the one guy most responsible for Gwinnett
having a mini-freeway along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard from
Holcomb Bridge Road to Interstate 285.
Brack |
Moreland was in Huntsville, Ala. In the early 80s, when transportation
commissioner, and saw his first "mini-freeway. This week he
said: "Yeah, I thought it was a good idea, and wanted several
in Georgia. I wanted to build mini-freeways on Peachtree Industrial
Boulevard, which we did, and on Memorial Drive and Tara Boulevard.
We got a lot of help from Lillian Webb, who was in the commission
office then, and Newt Gingrich, and we all pulled together."
We thought of that the other day when a meeting in Norcross unveiled
plans for major improvements along two key corridors, Buford Highway
through most of Gwinnett, and Tara Boulevard, south of Atlanta.
The plans were presented by the Atlanta Regional Commission, which
sought and funded the study, which was done by URS Corp.
Ironically, Tara Boulevard is included in this new study, the same
road Moreland wanted to upgrade nearly 25 years ago.
As traffic moves on a new crossing of the railroad on Pleasant
Hill Road, Norfolk-Southern rail traffic is now re-routed
over a new temporary bridge prior to work on a stronger permanent
rail bridge. Auto traffic on Pleasant Hill Road will eventually
flow under the railroad and Buford Highway to have grade separation
at this intersection. |
Key Gwinnett features of the project would be to engineer Buford
Highway so that it could carry more traffic, and to extend the limited
access portion of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard 10 miles northward
to Sugarloaf Parkway. The two measures would provide for better
flow of traffic on both roads, and significantly open up the northern
reaches of Gwinnett (and Fulton County across the river) to increased
development.
Cost of these improvements would be significant….some estimating
that both the Gwinnett and Tara Boulevard improvements to cost at
least $512 million. Yet that may be what is needed in these two
major corridors to alleviate some problems of traffic congestion.
One new element introduced into the Buford Highway improvement
would be for a dedicated bus lane, being called the Metro Atlanta's
first bus-only lane, which is projected to improve the flow of traffic.
This busway would have a limited number of stops at stations similar
to rail stations.
There were several other suggestions from the report:
- Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Button Gwinnett Road, and perhaps
others, would be widened, to increase the flow of traffic to I-85
and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard freeways.
- Separation of grade would occur at Buford Highway and Jimmy
Carter Boulevard, similar to the current work going on to provide
flow-through at Pleasant Hill Road and Buford Highway by grade
separation.
- Other features would include new sidewalks throughout the corridor,
along with pedestrian crossings and bike and walking trails.
Here's a drawing of planned road improvements along Buford
Highway. Click here
to see a larger image. And click
here to see a larger image of bicycle lane recommendations
along the same corridor. |
While the report centered on Buford Highway, planners recognized
the need for speedy movement of automobiles through the corridor.
It had the creativity of recognizing nearby Peachtree Industrial
Boulevard as an alternate to quickly move traffic better by extending
the limited access part of that road.
Those of you who are new to the area may not remember the two-lane
Peachtree Industrial Boulevard between Holcomb Bridge Road and Intestate
295. Four traffic signals, a Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Jones Mill,
Winters Chapel and Tilly Mill Roads, stopped and started the congested
traffic morning, noon and night. Moving from Holcomb Bridge Road
to Interstate 285 each morning, and reversing at night, meant at
least a 15 minutes (if not more) stop-and-start drive in heavy traffic.
Now the time it normally takes to move along this route, even in
rush hour, is less than five minutes. Those in heavy traffic each
morning from north of Duluth to Interstate 285, will be buoyed by
this report from ARC.
It will take lots of funding, and many, many years, before such
a project can be completed. It's just one element in the many projects
needed, which would include some sort of rapid transit, for Gwinnett's
continually growing population. It'll take lots of work and arm-twisting
by Gwinnett leaders to see to completion. We know Tom Moreland will
be smiling as he hears and watches this!
 The
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a host of useful information, to promoting growth in our county,
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where businesses thrive and success lives. For more detail, go to
www.gwinnettchamber.org.
Wants more fiscally conservative commissioners elected
Editor, the Forum:
County Commissioners last week voted to symbolically reduce the
county budget by $6 million and then vote to double the salary of
the county commissioners.
County commissioners then denied a reasonable and legal re-zoning
application knowing full well their action will result in a lawsuit
they are going to lose. Then they avoided the lawsuit by paying
the rezoning applicant millions for swamp land.
One commissioner justified her vote by calling the swamp a "park".
One commissioner justified his vote by saying it was a courtesy
to the commissioner who wanted the "park". One commissioner
missed the vote and Kevin simply missed.
I wonder how much we could reduce our tax burden if we elected commissioners
who are fiscally responsible.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Be sure that your
auto's doors are really locked
Editor, the Forum:
Some think I'm crazy for checking the doors after I park the car
and hit the lock button...to make sure they're all actually locked.
A couple went to Fry's last week and bought two brand new desktop
computers and a printer, then loaded them into her Suburban and
went on their next stop. Upon arrival, the lady hit the lock button
and went into the next store.
When she came out, the computers were gone and there was no visible
evidence of forced entry. The doors weren't locked.
So you think, fine, their insurance will pickup the $1,900 they
just laid out? Yes, after they meet the $2,000 deductible.
Be paranoid, make sure your doors are locked. It's your stuff...and
your money.
-- Brian F. Luders, Duluth
Use of non-violence
changed the world for the better
Editor, the Forum:
Let me commend you on your article concerning the M. L. King observance.
This man did so much for so many people which ultimately lead to
the taking of his life. His use of a nonviolent philosophy in addressing
social inadequacies actually changed the world for the better.
The very least that the cities could do is to join the state and
county in recognizing this great American with the observance of
the Federal Holiday.
Thanks for re-igniting our consciences as it relates to this issue.
-- Craig L. Newton, Norcross
Gwinnett
students compete using robotic technology
A Gwinnett County middle school, along with a dozen others schools
across Georgia, will be the focus of the third annual Capitol Tech
event at the State Capitol Building in Atlanta on Jan. 23.
Five Forks Middle School teacher Jerry Paxton and four of his students,
Lexi Atkins, Eli Jones, Joey Moore and Marc Sporn, will show Georgia
legislators how they use technology in their robotics class. In
the class, students work in teams to design and program robots to
perform certain tasks. The technology the students use allows them
to apply and extend what they learn in their other classes - making
those concepts and skills more relevant, and thus, more memorable
for them.
Capitol Tech is held each year to show legislators the positive
impact that technology funding is having on instruction in Georgia's
public schools. The team from Five Forks Middle School in Lawrenceville,
represents 15 school systems in northeast Georgia served by the
ETTC based in the University of Georgia's College of Education.
Railroad museum plans
romantic Valentine's dinner
On Valentine's Day the Southeastern Railway Museum will host a
romantic evening at the museum, a "Romance on the Rails,"
featuring a limited number of tables for dinner
Dinner seating is limited to nine table. There will be two different
serving times on Wednesday, February 14: 7 and 9 p.m. A table for
a two is $125 and a table for four is $200. Diners are invited to
tour the museum before or after dinner.
The staff serves dinner in a 1928 Diner Car on fine china and white
linen. To reserve your table, contact Kathy Sills at Casual Catering
of Georgia at (770) 963-8106 or by email at caterer@srmduluth.org.
Southeastern Railway Museum, is located at 3595 Peachtree Road,
Duluth, off Buford Highway North of Pleasant Hill Road.
Gwinnett
and AARP team up to offer tax preparation help
Tax season is here … and help is on the way! Gwinnett Technical
College is partnering with AARP Tax-Aide to offer free income tax
preparation and tax counseling for community residents and Gwinnett
Tech students, faculty and staff.
Volunteers with AARP Tax-Aide will be on the college's campus from
February 1 to April 13. Counseling and assistance will be available
in the college's Busbee Center, Building 700, Room 2.310. Counseling
will be conducted each Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to
4:30 p.m., as well as on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
AARP Tax-Aide, the nation's largest, free, volunteer-run counseling
and preparation service, last year assisted more than two million
people file their personal income tax forms. The program is offered
at more than 7,000 sites around the country including senior centers,
colleges, libraries and other convenient locations. Each year at
this time, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal, state and local
tax returns for middle and low income taxpayers, with special attention
to those age 60+.
Clients are asked to bring last year's income tax return, proper
identification and all necessary documents for this tax year. Electronic
filing will be available through this free service at Gwinnett Tech.
For more information about free income tax preparation and tax
counseling available at Gwinnett Tech, call 678-226-6415.
Former Gwinnett resident
honored by Georgia Dugout Club
Gerald (Jerry) Queen, who previously lived in Gwinnett in both
Lawrenceville and Buford, has been inducted into the Georgia Dugout
Club's Baseball Hall of Fame. Queen was inducted. January 20 at
the Sheraton Hotel at the club's annual meeting in Atlanta.
Queen |
Queen, who now lives in LaFayette, La., is a native of High Shoals,
N.C. and graduated from Lincolnton, N.C. High in 1962. In the Lincolnton
area his dad, J.D., is still revered as a famous baseball player
from the 1940's.
At age four, Queen was stricken with polio. This left him only
able to play golf in high school, where he was voted the most valuable
player on the 1962 LHS golf team.
It was not until graduating from North Carolina State University
in 1966 and moving to Atlanta that his understanding of baseball
began to show as a high school coach.
Queen won five state championships and two runner-ups in his 17
year tenure at Marist High School. His record for that same period
was 375-124. He retired in 1989 because of declining health.
In 2002, Marist School renovated its baseball complex and named
the baseball field after him. A permanent plaque resides just behind
home plate proclaiming "Jerry Queen Field."
Queen was nominated by his fellow coaches in Georgia on seven different
occasions as the National High School Baseball Coach of the Year.
Next to Marist naming the field after him, Jerry says this latest
recognition is the highest honor ever bestowed on him.
* * * * *
About the Georgia Dugout Club: the Atlanta Dugout Club, since renamed
The Georgia Dugout Club, was founded in 1965. It was formed to honor
both high school and collegiate baseball programs and players in
all of Georgia. Only a few have been selected to the club's prestigious
Hall of Fame.
The Dugout Club began their Hall of Fame about six years ago, as
it sought to "catch up" on honoring significant coaches.
Others inducted in the ceremony on Saturday included Cliff Shelton
of Greater Atlanta Christian School, Norcross; Danny Hall, Georgia
Tech; Albert Lodge, Bryan County; Hank Aldridge of Swainsboro; and
Charles Flowers, Shaw High, Columbus.
(Editor's Note: The Lincoln Times-News, Lincolnton,
N.C. provided part of this information.-eeb)
Local EMCs offer chance
for Washington youth tour
Walton Electric Membership Corporation is seeking four local high
school students to attend the 42nd annual Washington Youth Tour
this June. The tour is a once-in-a-lifetime leadership opportunity
with all expenses paid by Walton EMC.
To enter, students should first complete an entry form and return
it to Walton EMC by Feb. 16. Log on to waltonemc.com/youth_tour.htm
to download an entry form or call 770/266-2572. The selection process
includes a test and short interview.
During the week of June 7-14, winners will first meet Governor
Sonny Perdue and Georgia's legislators. They'll also learn what
it takes to manage the state's electric power supply.
In Washington D.C., highlights of the trip include a luncheon with
Georgia's congressional delegation and a visit to Arlington National
Cemetery.
Walton EMC is a customer-owned electric cooperative, serving 115,000
accounts in 10 Northeast Georgia counties, including Gwinnett.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Jackson EMC offers another way for local students to
win a trip to Washington on the Youth Tour. Students who exemplify
community service and volunteerism at its best have the opportunity
to win a $2,000 scholarship, a $1,000 grant to distribute to their
civic organization of choice and an all-expense paid trip to Washington,
D.C. on the Washington Youth Tour.
All complete application packets will be reviewed. Five finalists
will be selected to enter the second competition round. The finalists
will then be interviewed by a panel to determine the winner.
Applications and letters of recommendation are due at the Jackson
EMC Corporate office in Jefferson no later than February 23, 2007.
High school juniors or seniors who will be 16 years of age by June
7, 2007, can see guidance counselors for an application or download
it from our Web site at www.jacksonemc.com/citizenship.pdf.
For more information, contact Latreace Sankey at 706-367-6122 or
lsankey@jacksonemc.com.
- 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
State has
operated Jekyll Island under an authority since 1950
Since 1950 Jekyll
Island has operated under the auspices of the Jekyll Island
Authority. When Jekyll was purchased by the state of Georgia, it
officially became the Jekyll Island State Park and was operated
as part of the state parks system in 1948-49. Maintenance and operational
costs were so great that the best way to operate the island was
determined to be via a state-sponsored authority, so that the island
could operate more like a business than as a department of state
government. (On October 7, 1947, when M.E. Thompson was governor,
the state purchased the entirety of Jekyll Island through a condemnation
order for $675,000.)
The state then chartered the Jekyll Island Authority for 99 years
(beginning in 1950) to manage the island on behalf of the state.
The board of the Jekyll Island Authority is appointed by the governor.
The island has become renowned for the preservation of its natural
and historic resources, and it provides public access to thousands
of visitors annually. In 1972 the Jekyll Island Historic District
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1978
it was elevated to National Historic Landmark status. In 2002 archaeologists
began to excavate the Horton House site, looking for evidence of
other structures and artifacts.
For inspiration and
insight, we should consider the birds
"There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man
than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as
it was before."
-- Irish Essayist Robert Lynd (1879 - 1949), The Blue Lion
and Other Essays.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
===========================================
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett
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