|
Daughter lovingly remembers relationship
with her mother
By
Bunny Drueke
Special to GwinnettForum.com
SNELLVILLE, May 11, 2007 -- My mother, Lou Brown of Tuscaloosa,
Ala., was the stereotypical stay-at-home married mom raising four
kids in the 50's and 60's. She married at 18, which was not unusual
for those times. My father was a lieutenant in the Army, and my
mother aspired to be a nurse. But I came along the following year,
and she put her career plans on hold.
Brown (left) and Drueke
|
For two short years, I had her undivided attention. Over the following
11 years, I was joined by two brothers and a sister. We kept our
mother busy, believe me! With four children, she never had time
for college or the nursing career of which she dreamed.
Yet, she was always there for us. I (and my siblings) regularly
volunteered her services---whether cookies or car pools---at school,
because I knew she would help. She served on the PTA board, hosted
school parties, led Girl Scout dens, and taught Sunday school. My
mother always had clean sheets on our beds, warm food on our table,
freshly-laundered clothes for us to wear.
She chauffeured us to dance lessons, piano lessons, ball practice,
and choir. She attended every recital, ball game, and band concert
we had. She helped with homework. When school was over for the day,
we never came home to an empty house; she was always there. She
defended us when we were in the right and corrected us when we were
in the wrong. She encouraged us, believed in us, pushed us when
we needed it, and cheered for us when we succeeded. And we, naturally,
took all of this for granted, as if she owed it to us simply because
she was our mother.
One day when I was in high school, I realized how lucky I was to
have a mother like mine. My best friend became ill but could not
leave school because there was no one to pick her up and no one
to tend to her, since both of her parents worked.
I had never faced that situation. I could not even conceive of
such a thing ever happening to me or one of my siblings. My mother
dropped everything, and I mean everything, to pick us up if we were
sick. She was there with homemade chicken soup, a cool washcloth,
and soothing songs to help us through long days and feverish nights.
My friend's parents loved my friend dearly, but they could not give
her what my mother gave me.
As I stood watching my friend enter the nurse's station where she
would spend the rest of the day, the realization of how blessed
I was overwhelmed me. I became conscious of how I much I took my
mother for granted. I knew in that moment, beyond any doubt, how
much my mother loved me, how much she willingly had sacrificed for
me. Her time and energy might have been limited, but her love was
limitless.
It still is.
Thank you, Momma, for being my role model, my friend, my Mother.
Happy Mother's Day.
Gwinnett is best in the world in Relay for
Life ... and for fun!
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher
GwinnettForum.com
MAY 11, 2007 -- Raising money for a good cause is not always easy.
Yet two ways to ensure that the effort will succeed is to enlist
a lot of people to help, while making it fun at the same time.
Brack |
But the biggest key is having a good idea.
For years the Gwinnett unit of the American Cancer Society sought
to raise funds for cancer research. They held one of the first big
"balls" in the county, the Crusader's Ball. It did well,
but was not a blockbuster. And they toyed around with other ideas,
such as the notorious "Jail and Bail" and the dumping
of thousands of rubber ducks into the Chattahoochee River.
It wasn't until the Gwinnett cancer cure volunteers began the Relay
for Life that they hit the jackpot. And boy, did they ever!
The 14th annual Gwinnett Relay for Life, which begins tonight (Friday)
at 7 p.m. and will conclude Saturday at 10 a.m., sets the standard
in the nation for this event. Supporters are anticipating that this
year they can set the pace nationwide again by raising $2.5 million.
Gwinnett is virtually assured of being best again, since no other
relay in recent years has even come close to the amounts that Gwinnett
raises.
Perhaps the biggest reason that Gwinnett's Relay does so well is
the contribution that it gets from the Gwinnett schools. Virtually
every public school has participation, in some form, in the Relay.
Altogether, the schools are responsible for raising a minimum of
40 per cent of the total funds raised
The schools do it in a number of ways, from having their own relays
and walks at the school, to parents contributing, plus the support
of the teachers in the various schools. But it's not just the kids
and teachers. It's the school bus drivers, the cafeteria workers
and other at the schools who pitch in. The schools set the standard
for the nation, as Gwinnett is the epicenter for raising money for
cancer eradication.
This is a tremendous wallop to help the cause, and the best part
is that the students at the schools (each year a new crop of kids
introduced to Relay) enjoy it too. And remember the individuals
who hold community and neighborhood events, all aimed at this one
cause!
The totals are amazing: $17 million already raised in 13 years.
After this year's totals are in, Gwinnett will have raised close
to $20 million.
Think, too, how Gwinnett's success has spun off even more interest
in the event. For instance, there are 150 communities in Georgia
holding their own relays, with some raising more per capita than
even Gwinnett! And altogether, there will be 4,000 Relays in the
nation, no doubt all hearing how well Gwinnett does, and seeking
to do better themselves!
If you want to be inspired, go out to the Gwinnett Fairgrounds
(park at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and take a shuttle) tonight
between 7-10 p.m. You'll join more than 10,000 people there, and
if you are there for the Cancer Survivor's Walk at 7 p.m. you'll
see 2,000 people, the largest gathering of cancer survivors, in
the world. It's awe-inspiring. Then there is the awe-inspiring Luminary
Walk at 10 p.m.!
Yes, the weather forecast says that it could rain (and boy, do
we need it!) But we'll bet nearly all of those cancer survivors
show up! Through Thursday already some 8,200 persons have registered
on the Gwinnett ACS website that they will be present, and many
of them may bring friends with them!
It's an exciting time when Gwinnett holds its annual Relay for
Life. Come and be part of this world-wide recognized event! It's
a great way to raise money….and have a fun time, too.
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's featured sponsor is Mingledorff's,
an air conditioning distributor of the Carrier Air Conditioning
Company. Mingledorff's corporate office is located at 6675 Jones
Mill Court in Norcross Ga., and is proud to be a sponsor of the
Gwinnett Forum.  With
18 locations in Georgia and South Carolina, Mingledorff's is the
convenient local source with a complete line for the quality heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration parts and supplies
you need to service and install HVAC/R equipment. Product lines
include Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Totaline and Aeroseal. For all of
your HVAC needs, and information on the products Mingledorff's sells,
visit www.mingledorffs.com
and www.carrier.com.
Finds
hospitality very warm at Fenway, and other thoughts
Editor, the Forum:
About your recent comments on Fenway Park and hot dogs: a few years
ago my son and I attended a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
We had bought our tickets from a man who had a couple of extra tickets
that day and we sat with them.
He was what I would expect a Red Sox fan to be---baseball savvy
and quite knowledgeable. After a few innings of conversation, he
passed both of us a complimentary hot dog and drink. I am sure they
were not cheap!
I have thought about that often and just wondered if I, as a Braves
fan, would do the same thing at Turner Field for a visiting fan.
And we talk about Southern hospitality!!
Now, about police officer shaved heads. I like the shaved heads
better than the Cobb County Mountie hats. Saw one on their public
relations officers--a very attractive female---and the hat did nothing
positive for her!
About Gates Foundation as school superfunder: Is Bill Gates looking
for a job? Alvin (Wilbanks) may be about ready to retire soon.
-- Charles Summerour, Duluth
Raises issue of insanity
in national and international politics
Editor, the Forum:
Why not Hillary or Obama??
We can't do any worse than what we have been subjected to for the
past eight years!
As my father has told me on numerous occasions: "The definition
of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect
a different result."
If you vote Republican again and expect a different result…..well,
you know the rest!
-- Todd M. Price, Miami, Fla. (Formerly of Lawrenceville)
Special day for children?
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
Lawrenceville
Ghost Tour returns for summer starting May 11
Back for a third season, the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours return to
downtown Lawrenceville with the first tour on Friday, May 11 (tonight).
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes as
this is a walking tour that begins and ends at the Seven Sisters
Fountain in the picturesque plaza next to Lil' River Grill on Crogan
Street in Lawrenceville.
Highlighting the most vivid stories of the strange and supernatural,
a costumed guide will lead ghost tour groups every night on a 90-minute
adventure on the Historic Square in beautiful Downtown Lawrenceville.
Our tour guide will take you into the old jail, show you where the
corpses flew down Honest Alley and tell you other macabre tales
that will send a chill down your spine.
Tours will run every Friday and Saturday night through Thanksgiving
weekend with an expanded Halloween that will include tours every
night in October. If you have a large group, such as a Scout troop,
Red Hats, church group, office party or neighborhood association,
a private tour may be arranged on any night of the week for a minimum
of ten participants.
Groups plans garage
sale to help Gwinnett Village CID area
The IMPACT! Group and Gwinnett Village Community Alliance are joining
resources to raise funds for two groups in Gwinnett. On May 19,
the organizations will be hosting a community garage sale to raise
money for the IMPACT! Resource Center and Rockbridge Elementary
School. Donations of gently used clothing and other items are requested
for sale at the event.
The event will take place in the parking lot of the Norcross Human
Services Building off of Indian Trail Road. The garage sale will
be open to the public and begin at 9 a.m. Items for sale will include
clothing, home decorations, small furniture, and children's items.
As a co-sponsor of the event, the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance's
mission is to improve the quality of life in the Gwinnett Village
Community Improvement District area. Among its initiatives, the
Alliance seeks to encourage resident associations, increase home
ownership in the area, and encourage new residential development.
More information about the Alliance can be found online at: http://www.gwinnettvillagealliance.com.
Individuals caring to donate items for sale at this event are asked
to contact Sally Sherrington, executive director of the Gwinnett
Village Community Alliance at 770-449-6515 or at sally@gwinnettvillage.com.
Duluth Rotary golf
tournament set for Wednesday, May 23
The Rotary Club of Duluth will hold its 2007 Golf Tournament on
Wednesday, May 23 at the Chateau Elan Golf Club, with a shotgun
start at 10 a.m. The tournament provides a chance to help those
less fortunate. The format is a four-person scramble with awards
for first through third low gross, low net teams, longest drive,
closest to the pin, Hole in One and more.
Individuals and teams are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are
available! For more information please contact Ric Baxter at 770
682-0000 or ricbaxter@AmsTax.net.
Clean and Beautiful
wants your thoughts on solid waste
Your opinion is needed. Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has launched
an online Solid Waste and Recycling survey for citizen input as
they assist Gwinnett County in reviewing the Ten-year Comprehensive
Solid Waste Management Plan.
The update to the Plan is required by state law and will help ensure
that there are collection, disposal and recycling options to meet
citizens' needs in the future. Visit www.gwinnettcb.org
to share your thoughts on these important quality of life issues.
Tribble Mill Park
hosts movie under the stars on Saturday
Pack a picnic, bring your blankets and low-back lawn chairs and
come out on Saturday, May 12, to Tribble Mill Park in Grayson to
watch Happy Feet as Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation
brings you a free movie under the stars.
Food concessions will be available for purchase before and during
the movie. Pre-movie festivities begin at 6 p.m. and the movie begins
at sundown (approximately 8:30 p.m.).
Happy Feet (rated PG) is the animated story of Mumble, an
Emperor Penguin in Antarctica, who has the worst singing voice in
Emperor Land, but has the unique ability to tap dance. With the
help of the Adelie Amigos, Mumble proves that being yourself can
make all the difference.
Local
Realtors honor Betty Romig after 34 years with group
Romig (left) and Jackson
|
The Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors honored Betty
Romig, left, for 34 years of service as its executive vice president.
She is shown with Tommie Jackson, retired from the Atlanta Board
of Realtors, who was Ms. Romig's mentor 34 years ago. A reception
was held on May 3 celebrating Ms. Romig's retirement from NAMAR.
She began her career with NAMAR in 1973 when there were 334 members.
Today, NAMAR and has grown to the second largest Real Estate Board
in the state with over 5,000 members.
Ms. Romig has been presented numerous awards including the President's
Award in 1990 and Georgia CRS AE of the Year in 2003. In 1983, Betty
was inducted into the honorary fraternity of Omega Tau Rho, which
was created by the National Association of Realtors in 1950. It
is awarded by state and local associations to members showing exemplary
dedication and service. Recipients are members for life. Ms. Romig
will remain with NAMAR on a part-time basis as a consultant.
Selected Gwinnett
restaurants offer dinner for $18.18
One of Gwinnett more popular dining promotions, Gwinnett Restaurant
Week, is back! It is scheduled for Monday, May 21-Thursday, May
24. Nineteen participating Gwinnett restaurants have created delicious
three-course meals for a special promotional price of $18.18 plus
tax and gratuity!
Participating restaurants for the 2007 Gwinnett Restaurant Week
include:
- BUFORD: Aqua Terra Bistro, Sperata, Third Coast Grille and Picasso
Café and Wine Bar.
- DULUTH: Armaan Restaurant and Lounge, Blue Bay Seafood, Carrabba's
Sugarloaf, Sugo Tapas and Restaurant, Park Café, Kurt's
and Vreny's.
- LAWRENCEVILLE: Li'l River Grill, Dominick's Italian and Little
Gardens.
- NORCROSS: Pappadeaux, Hi-Life Kitchen and Cocktails and Dominick's
in Norcross.
- LOGANVILLE/GRAYSON: Chef Eric's at the Vines and the Grayson
House.
Complete menus and phone numbers for the participating restaurants
can be found online at www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek.
Reservations are required at all restaurants except Carrabba's Sugarloaf
and Aqua Terra Bistro. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged,
as many restaurants will sell out.
- 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
Seventy
Georgians inducted in Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame
On April 19, 1989, Governor Joe Frank Harris signed a bill authorizing
the creation of the Georgia
Aviation Hall of Fame (GAHF). Since then, GAHF has been in continuous
operation and is housed in the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air
Force Base in Warner Robins.
Hall of Fame |
GAHF eligibility is based on contributions to the advancement of
aviation or manned space flight, including achievements as a civil
or military pilot, aircraft designer, astronaut, or leader in the
fields of aviation or human space travel. Candidates, who may be
living or deceased, must have been born in Georgia, lived in Georgia
for at least four years, made their contributions in Georgia, or
made contributions elsewhere while living in the state. Inductees
are honored at an annual ceremony at the Museum of Aviation, during
which each of them receives a Hall of Fame Gold Medallion of Honor
and Achievement.
Through 2005, a total of 70 Georgia aviation pioneers have been
enshrined in GAHF. Among these are Eugene Bullard, the African American
pilot who became an ace for the French Air Service in World War
I (1917-18); aviation pioneer Ben Epps Sr. and his son Ben Epps
Jr.; General Robert Scott, an ace during World War II (1941-45)
and the author of God Is My Co-Pilot; Eddie V. Rickenbacker, renowned
World War I ace and commercial aviation pioneer; astronauts John
W. Young and Manley L. "Sonny" Carter Jr.; George H. Gay
Jr., the lone survivor of the first wave of U.S. naval aircraft
to attack the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Midway; famed Tuskegee
Airman Charles W. Dryden; Medal of Honor winner Joe M. Jackson;
aviation pioneering brothers Charles J., Frank S., and Ben Faulkner;
and Major Generals Cornelius Nugteren and Robert E. Hails, both
former commanders of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins
AFB. Six women have also been honored as of 2004, including the
stunt flyer and World War II veteran Hazel Raines and the aviation
record setter Jacqueline Cochran.
In 1999 the Georgia legislature enacted a law making GAHF the official
repository for documents associated with aviation history in the
state. In 2000 the GAHF board created the Chairman's Award, presented
annually to a person who has made distinguished contributions to
the Museum of Aviation, GAHF, Robins AFB, or the local community.
Recipients include Denmark Groover (2000), Alpha A. Fowler Jr. (2001),
Carl E. Swearingen (2002), George J. Berry (2003), and Robert H.
Sprayberry (2004).
There's never a better
time to begin this big task
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world."
-- Diarist Anne Frank, via Cindy Evans, Duluth
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.
|
