|
Church waits years before completing
blank sanctuary wall
By
Joe Anziano
Special to GwinnettForum.com
DULUTH, Ga., March 27, 2007 -- When Pleasant Hill Presbyterian
Church (PHPC) built its new sanctuary in 2001, it left the prominent
front wall blank on purpose. Church leaders knew they would fill
the large space some day, but they wanted to take their time in
deciding what belonged there.
Now, after a multi-year process, PHPC has installed and dedicated
a soul-inspiring iron sculpture by Atlanta artist Andrew Crawford
of Andrew T. Crawford Ironworks. He is well known Georgia artist
who has created pieces for the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta,
the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and the Georgia Museum of Art at
the University of Georgia in Athens.
During the selection process, PHPC Interiors Committee members
Jennifer Lybeer and Tari Donaldson interviewed and considered many
local and out of state artists, including people who worked with
stained glass, textiles, lighting art, quilt artists, metal artists,
oil painting, and wood. However, they felt an immediate connection
with Andrew Crawford---not only for his fine and distinctive artwork
in metal, but for his ability to listen to the church's general
vision and then to design a visual display of that vision.
The impressive sculpture covers 117 square feet on the prominent
front wall. According to Senior Pastor Dr. David Fry, "It was
important that we commission a work that was of the highest quality
and artistically excellent. We worked with the artist to create
something that expressed Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, something
that was clearly Christian, yet left room for each viewer to see
meaning for themselves."
The sculpture incorporates the ancient craft of metalworking with
ancient Christian symbols in a modern design. Although made from
a traditional material, the work offers images that are abstract
as well as concrete. "God is a Person, and persons are always
part mystery," Dr. Fry said, "so we wanted the art to
be both expressive and partly mysterious as well."
The sculpture was created from forged and fabricated steel. A window
design outlines the sculpture, creating a frame around textured
steel branches and vines that wrap around a quatrefoil cross and
a circle in the center of the piece. Hand formed leaves and flora
also extend from the center, reflecting light and adding depth to
the sculpture.
It is comprised of approximately eight individual pieces that are
hung separately to form the completed design. The overall weight
is approximately 250 pounds.
Scripture is usually read and heard, but PHPC believes it can also
be seen. Through this beautiful new focal point in its sanctuary,
the church feels worshipers will be invited to prayer and contemplation,
and will see God's truth in a new and stimulating way.
Visitors are welcome to view the artwork during weekday office
hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.) or during Sunday
worship services (8:30 and 11 a.m.).
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church is located at 3700 Pleasant Hill
Road in Duluth, Georgia. It is part of the Presbyterian Church,
USA denomination and has approximately 850 members.
For more information, please contact: Jennifer Lybeer, chairperson,
Interiors Committee, at 404-556-1667 or Dr. David Fry, senior pastor
at 770-497-0223.
Gwinnett still growing, but most of smaller
states are too
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
MARCH 27, 2007 -- New population estimates are out from the U.S.
Census, and today we take a look at Gwinnett's growth in people.
Today's thoughts are not what we thought we would be writing a few
years back.
Brack |
You see, we were all primed to say that with its fast growth, Gwinnett
County's population would be larger than not four, but five, states.
It's already been reported earlier that Gwinnett has more people
than four states. Wayne Hill, when chairman of the county commission,
once told a guy in Wyoming that with their population: "If
I lived out here, you would call me governor!"
We were all about ready for Charles Bannister to say that his county
was larger than five states.
Not true, we learn. You see, while Gwinnett has continued its speedy
growth, four of the five smallest states have also grown since the
2000 census. Take a look at the accompanying table.
Gwinnett's population is still larger than four states, Wyoming,
Vermont, Alaska and North Dakota. But we had figured that by now
we might could say that Gwinnett was larger than South Dakota.
Yet South Dakota has had a spurt in population (for that state.).
Had it not gained population, by 2006, Gwinnett would have passed
it in population. But since the year 2000, the Census estimates
that 26,126 people have moved into South Dakota, giving it a population
today of 781,919, far more than the 757,104 people the Census now
estimated reside in Gwinnett.
However, Gwinnett's six year growth rate shows the county adding
30,314 people per year, while South Dakota has averaged adding 4,354
people per year in the six year period. Should Gwinnett keeps its
pace of growth, and add another 30,314 people by the July 1, 2007
estimate, and South Dakota continues as its last year's growth rate,
Gwinnett will count 787,418 people, while South Dakota will have
786,273 in residence. Gwinnett then can say it has more people than
five states.
We hope one thing happens: Gwinnett growth slows some. We'll eventually
pass South Dakota in population. But slower growth here would be
fine, most people would tell you.
We also include in the table the population of Delaware, estimated
to be at 853,476 on April 1, 2006. Yes, Gwinnett's population size
may some day exceed the population of six states, not four or five.
Yet Delaware has seen a substantial rise in its population in the
last six years, as more and more people crowd into the area along
the Eastern seaboard.
The continual growth of Gwinnett also reminds us of something else
that we have heard Wayne Hill say several times. Particularly when
people would question Mr. Hill on the fast growth, often complaining
about this element or that one, he would hold up his hands in protest,
reminding them that he and his family are natives of the area, adding,
"I haven't invited anyone to move to Gwinnett."
The growth has brought vast changes, many of them good. People
who lived in Gwinnett in the 1950s's remember when residents of
Norcross had to go to Chamblee for a supermarket of that day, and
the few people in Snellville shopped for groceries in Decatur.
Come to consider it, we suspect that the governors of South Dakota
and Delaware might be hearing what politicians in Gwinnett have
heard: "The state's growing too fast. Something gotta be done
about it."
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today we present a new sponsor, the
Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. Formed in
mid-2006, Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID),
is a self taxing revitalization district that includes just under
500 commercial property owners with a property value of just under
$1 billion dollars. Gwinnett Village includes the southwestern part
of Gwinnett County including properties along Jimmy Carter Boulevard,
Buford Highway, Indian Trail, Beaver Ruin, Graves, and Singleton
Road. Gwinnett Village is the third CID to be created in Gwinnett
County and is the largest of all 13 CID's in the state. Gwinnett
Village's mission is to improve property values through increased
security, a decrease in traffic congestion, and general improvements
to the curb appeal of the area. For more information visit www.gwinnettvillage.com
or call 770-449-6515.
Finds recent edition
of GwinnettForum got him to wondering
Editor, the Forum:
Friday's
GwinnettForum left me wondering if our emotions have overwhelmed
our ability to think logically .
We are concerned about the possibility of concealed weapons in automobiles
(unconcealed weapons are already legal) yet seemingly unconcerned
about talking on cell phones and not paying attention, cutting people
off and other perceived transgressions. In 2006 more than 1600 Georgians
were killed in traffic accidents, most due to "perceived transgressions",
while less than 1300 died by handguns.
More amusing was a contributor's comparing the execution of Saddam
Hussein with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I sense reasonable
people of both sides of the war issue will find that offensive and
someone's history professor is rolling over in his grave.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Friday Forum causes
reader to wonder what to do next
Editor, the Forum:
Great topics in your 3/23
issue! I can't decide if I want to STRONGLY react to your comments
on guns concealed in automobiles, endorse Mr. Phillip's comments
on traffic, or verbally slap Mr. Greene silly for comparing Saddam
Hussein with Jesus the son of God. What do you suggest?
-- Wayne Buchheit, Dacula
Dear Wayne: Our job is to provide you that Forum.
Keep thinking!. --eeb
Wants more impact
on immigration question from senator
Editor, the Forum:
The American people are calling for an end to mass and illegal
immigration, but our elected officials (Democrats in particular)
seem to side with the racial and corporate lobbyists. Senator Evan
Bayh voted for the largest increase in immigration this country
has ever experienced.
As large corporations lay off thousands of Americans, these same
Americans will have to compete with the hundreds of thousands of
new immigrants allowed to enter America if a bill like Senate Bill
2611 becomes law.
We are asking Bayh to stand by the American worker and enforce
current immigration laws, while rejecting any guest worker amnesties
proposed in the Senate.
The Democratic Party used to be the working people's party. We
are looking for them to take a stand against corporate greed and
depressed wages. Unemployment in this country could easily be diminished.
-- Roy McCreary, Dacula
Gwinnett
Tech offers seminar on solar heating of home
Want to learn more about solar heating for your house? Gwinnett
Technical College and South East Solar Company are teaming up to
turn utility bills down through the installation of a solar panel
system on the college's campus.
The company, based in Duluth, is a leader in energy conservation
through the use of solar panels that use solar thermal energy to
heat water. South East Solar Company is donating a solar water heating
panel and tube system worth more than $2,000 to the air conditioning
technology program at Gwinnett Tech.
The solar water heating system will provide enough heated water
for an entire summer and will produce about 60-80 percent of needed
hot water during cooler seasons, an overall estimated cost savings
of about 30-40 percent in the first year, according to Jay Sampat,
managing partner, South East Solar Company.
The company is also hosting a solar training seminar Saturday,
March 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gwinnett Tech, Building 100,
that will address a wide spectrum of topics and issues related to
the solar industry, including:
- Applications of thermal energy.
- Basic solar principles and technologies.
- Combining solar system with an existing systems.
- Heating hot water for a pool, or for a home.
- Heating the home.
- Installation of solar systems.
.
To register for this one-day seminar, call 678-957-8454 or email
southeastsolar@gmail.com.
Snellville plans Easter
Egg Hunt at Briscoe Park on April 1
On Sunday, April 1 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m., the City of Snellville
will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at T.W. Briscoe Park. The event
is free for children 1-10 years of age. The children will be divided
into different age groups. There will be moonwalks, crafts, pony
rides and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Some activities
may require a fee. There will be prizes for those who find the "special"
eggs. Be sure and bring your baskets. The schedule is as follows:
1:30-4:30 p.m. Children's Area Open
1:30-4:30 p.m. Music and DJ
2:00 p.m. The Easter Bunny Arrives
2:30 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 2 & Under (Parent Assisted)
2:45 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 3-4
3:00 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 5-6
3:15 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 7-8
3:30 p.m. Egg Hunt - Ages 9-10
For more information. call the Snellville Parks and Recreation
Department at (770) 985-3535.
Stone Mountain Barbershop
Chorus rehearses in Gwinnett
The Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus, led by Director Drew McMillan,
will move their Monday evening rehearsals to the Jacqueline Casey
Hudgens Center for the Arts at the Gwinnett Center beginning March
26, 2007.
Chapter President Doug Longerbone says: "This move places
us in the heart of our primary membership growth area and gives
us the opportunity to more closely align ourselves with the performing
arts community in Gwinnett County."
The 65-man a cappella choral group is auditioning new singers in
all voice parts for its 2007 performance calendar. Call the Stone
Mountain Chorus information line at 770-978-8053 for additional
information or visit the group's web site at www.stonemountainchorus.org.
Duluth
police capture MADD awards for DUI arrests
The Duluth Police Department has received the Mothers Against Drunk
Drivers "Departmental DUI Hero Award" for having the highest
number of DUI arrests out of any agency in its category at MADD's
third annul law enforcement recognition luncheon in Macon.
In the year 2006, Duluth officers arrested 654 impaired drivers.
Duluth's HEAT (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) Officers
Joe Tomalka and Bobby Johnson were also recognized for being among
a select group of officers with the highest number of DUI arrests
in the state, 256 and 250 respectively. Johnson was named MADD's
"Statewide Officer of the Year."
Three Gwinnett students
win Walton EMC Washington trip
Studying paid off for three Gwinnett County students. Jimmy Jia
and Blake Vander Wood of Lilburn and Brandon Lewis of Loganville
each won a spot on Walton Electric Membership Corporation's Washington
Youth Tour.
These students placed in the top eight on the written test covering
basic electricity, cooperatives, energy and electrical safety. Each
candidate proceeded to an interview session where judges selected
the top four as delegates for the trip.
Jia is a junior at Parkview; Lewis, is a sophomore at South Gwinnett;
Vander Wood is a junior at Brookwood. One other Walton EMC delegate
will join students from EMCs across the state in Atlanta to kickoff
the tour this June. Delegates participate in leadership exercises
and tour Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs before traveling
to Washington where Georgia's delegation convenes with 1,400 youth
from cooperatives across the nation.
Chamber names Andy
Kim as first global consultant
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce recently announced the addition
of Andy Kim as the first-ever Global Consultant for the Gwinnett
Chamber of Commerce. He will assist with Partnership Gwinnett's
strategy to launch aggressive new international economic development
efforts overseas.
Kim brings with him more than 30 years of experience, knowledge,
and networks in both the United States and Asia. Through his networks,
Kim coordinated a visit to Gwinnett from 18 Korean bioscience executives
last year.
In this position, Kim will serve as the key liaison between the
Chamber's economic development department, the local international
business community, and international prospects abroad. He will
also help coordinate overseas trade visits and local visitations
from international business leaders and other key officials.
- 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
Richard
Aeck left architectural legacy in Georgia buildings
Atlanta architect Richard
Aeck found a remarkable synthesis of engineering and architecture.
Engineering is art and art is engineering in early Aeck buildings,
where structure prevails as expression and is the basis of Aeck's
sense of beauty in architecture. Aeck's articulated ribbed dome
at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum at the Georgia Institute of Technology
(1957) in Atlanta becomes the totality of architecture as enclosed
space for use, defined structurally, spatially, and formally.
Richard L. Aeck was born in 1912 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. After
studying at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, Aeck received
a B.S. in architecture at Georgia Tech in 1936. He worked in Colombia
and Brazil. He also was consulting architect in Cambodia and consultant
in Uganda.
He returned to Georgia Tech. By the mid-1950s, Aeck's work was
published and recognized for its design excellence and innovative
engineering.
In the late 1950s Aeck started work at the Lovett School in Atlanta,
a project that embodies modern ideas about expressing frame and
construction with an economy of line and functional efficiency.
Aeck's extensive school work in Georgia includes elementary schools
in Columbus and Atlanta (notably Towns Elementary) and fine arts
buildings for Augusta College, Georgia Southern College, and Georgia
State University. He also designed buildings for Georgia State,
Floyd Junior College, and Southern Polytechnic State University.
Two unusual buildings by Aeck Associates crown the Atlanta skyline:
the twin downtown towers of the Floyd Building (1975-80). and the
cylindrical shaft of Aeck's C&S Bank Tower (1964-68, razed).
Aeck's C&S Tower was taken down in the late 1980s to make room
for Nationsbank Plaza (1989-92).
Richard Aeck retired in 1983, leaving his practice to his son Tony.
A subsequent merger with Lord and Sargent has ensured continuity
of the practice and name. Terry Sargent's design talents build on
Richard Aeck's legacy of structural expression to achieve an innovative
architecture consistently in evidence from one of the most creative
practices in Georgia.
Consider what address
you could have in Atlanta suburbs
"In Atlanta, if you live in the country, you must be in Tennessee."
-- Tommy Howard in the Norton Report, Gainesville.
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
County, Ga. USA.
|
