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Wants Jekyll to be affordable as vacation
spot for ALL Georgians
By
Holly Moore
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: The writer and her family have
lived in Suwanee for 18 years and have recently taken family vacations
at Jekyll Island, off the Georgia coast at Brunswick, and are
concerned about potential changes on the state-owned island.-eeb)
SUWANEE, Ga. Aug. 31, 2007 -- What is really going to happen on
Jekyll Island?
Moore |
That is the question that I ask myself every time I read another
article discussing the Jekyll Island Authority. What is really going
to happen to this jewel of the Georgia coast? And when and if the
powers-that-be have completed their redevelopment, will the island
still be beautiful and natural? Will we still wish to vacation there
and will we be able to afford it?
I first visited Jekyll Island as a child; I still remember that
day on that pristine beach. Thirty years later I again visited the
island with my husband and our two children. The trees were taller,
there were more hotels and a shopping center, but the quiet, undeveloped
peacefulness of the island still remained. That week we rode bikes,
played in the ocean, walked along the beach, toured the historic
section, visited the Tidelands Nature Center and water park, played
putt-putt golf and ate in island restaurants. In fact, during our
stay, we only left the island one afternoon to drive around the
neighboring much-developed St. Simon's Island.
At the end of that week, we proclaimed that it had been a grand
vacation and we couldn't wait for next year! That was seven summers
ago…and we have, indeed, returned year after year to the slow-paced
peacefulness that is Jekyll Island. Every year we do much the same
things, always including riding bikes, swimming in the ocean, and
walking along the undisturbed beach. Our teenagers have free range
of the island. They bring friends along to enjoy it with them. Unlike
many coastal islands, there are no crowds or traffic to worry about.
This summer they took in the new Georgia Sea Turtle Center and went
on a late night turtle walk.
We're aware of the intended redevelopment of the island; we wonder
what the outcome will be. There is no debate that some hotels need
to be renovated; two properties have already been torn down but
no new hotels have been built.We hear that developers want to add
"luxury resorts;" and that they want to tear down one
of the newest and most affordable hotels (The Day's Inn). Renovations
have begun on the north end hotel where we stay and yet we were
told that this property may be razed.
The Jekyll Island Authority claims that it supports "revitalization
that will include lodging options for all Georgians." However,
I question whether the options being pursued will truly serve all
Georgians.
I also question whether the Authority will challenge the present
rules on the percentage of acreage that can be developed. (Only
35 percent of the island, by law, is supposed to be "developed.")
The conservation of this unique coastal island should be of utmost
importance to the state. While newer renovated hotel rooms might
generate more conventions and visitors each year, many Georgians
won't be able to enjoy Jekyll if only luxury resort-type properties
replace the existing hotels. I hope that the state is mindful of
their responsibility to preserve this "jewel" so that
it will continue to be enjoyed by all Georgians -- not just a select
few.
County needs enthusiastic participation of
minority community
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
AUG. 31, 2007 -- "Houston, we have a problem!"
Brack |
Remember that phrase? We might paraphrase it for today, "Gwinnett,
we have a problem!"
The reference to Houston came from John Swigert Jr., who along
with Fred Haise Jr. made up the crew of US Apollo 13's moon flight.
He was beaming back to earth his assessment of a major technical
problem to the NASA headquarters in Houston. Luckily, the problem
eventually got solved. But the phrase became standard for what a
person anticipates when they face major problems.
The problem for Gwinnett County centers around the new diversity
that is showing up in the county. We have seen at tremendous influx
of people to Gwinnett in recent years who did not reflect the previous
population of Gwinnett. There has been a major arrival of people
of other nationalities. It's best seen in our public schools, where
more than half of the enrolment is from minority populations now.
The problem isn't the people arriving. The problem is that the
new arrivals are not fully participating in Gwinnett life. Ask about
any element of Gwinnett, and officials of organizations will tell
you that in general, minorities are not participating in their volunteer
programs.
A recent analysis showed that many newly-arriving minorities in
Gwinnett are not even registered to vote. While the white population
represents 52.5 percent of residents, it makes up two-third of those
registered to vote. Black members of the community are registered
to vote in only slightly lower a figure than they represent in population.
But only 2.8 per cent of Hispanics are registered, while making
up 17.1 per cent of the population. While Asians account for 9.1
per cent of the population, only 3.9 per cent are registered to
vote.
This is just one indication that minorities are not fully participating
in our society. Note that we are not talking about illegal immigrants,
but those counted by the Census, and we submit, probably legal in
this country. These relatively new arrivals in Gwinnett need to
be registered, so that they can fully participate in our governing.
You see this same lack of involvement by minorities in other aspects
of the county:
- At the Chamber of Commerce, there is an active recruitment of
minority businesses, but few join and participate in its affairs.
- At school PTAs, mothers and fathers of minorities do not turn
out in proportion to the enrollment of minorities for meetings
and support of children.
- Non-profit agencies search diligently for minority board members
but get little interest. Minorities also do not have a solid history
of contributing to non-profit enterprises.
- Leadership programs, always seeking to balance their roles with
minorities, find few participating or applying for their programs.
Yet Gwinnett routinely sees good examples where minority populations
are making great strides. You see it in the enterprise and hard
work of newcomers; you hear about it in the achievements of minorities,
especially of children of minorities in school; and you note the
many minority churches that are springing up to provide a base foundation
for their cultures and lives.
There are other examples of Gwinnett's growing diverse population
not fully participating with the total community. Only when these
new arriving people get totally involved in the wider Gwinnett community
will the county move forward with the enthusiastic gusto that the
minority participation can bring, to propel the county to new heights.
That's why we say, "Gwinnett, we have a problem.
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Looking back at wisdom from some mighty bright
persons
Editor, the Forum:
A few quotations, that taken together, might make more sense.
- "Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have
made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty,
and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in
the first place." -- French Economist Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850).
- "We have tried to apply common sense to our pollution problems...
There are three kinds of pollution today: real, hysterical, and
political." -- Ronald Reagan.
- "No doubt one may quote history to support any cause, as
the devil quotes the Scripture." -- Justice Learned Hand.
- "Democracies are most commonly corrupted by the insolence
of demagogues." -- Aristotle.
- "Never walk up behind a mule unless you are tired of the
life you are living." -- Cowboy/Rodeo-man/Philosopher R.
Lewis Bowman.
-- Roy McCreary, Dacula
Distinguished dog
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
Deadline Saturday for Suwanee Day 5K early
registration
The annual Suwanee Day 5K Classic is getting an early start this
year. The race, previously run in the evening, has moved its start
time to 8 a.m. This year's race will take place Saturday, September
8, beginning and finishing at Town Center Park.
The entry fee is $17 if received by Saturday, September 1, and
$20 thereafter. T-shirts are guaranteed for all runners registered
by September 1 and will be available while supplies last to all
others. To register or for more information, call BodyPlex at 770/614-6140
or visit www.suwaneeday.com.
The annual Suwanee Day festival will be celebrated at Town Center
Park the following Saturday, September 15.
Memory Walk garage
sales will benefit Alzheimer's Fund
This year's Alzheimer's Memory Walk Garage Sale will be held again
at the Eastside Heritage Center, 2160 Fountain Drive, in Snellville
on Friday, Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 8,
2007 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.---- rain or shine.
Linda Morgan and Sheila Goerissen are co-chairs for this Committee.
People can bring their garage sale donations (no clothing accepted)
to the Eastside Heritage Center beginning August 31.
You may participate by donating and/or buying items at the annual
Memory Walk Garage Sale . Proceeds will help target respite care
for those who provide assistance to loved ones and friends.
Norcross seeks input
for comprehensive plan on two nights
Norcross citizens are invited to two meetings to review the city's
comprehensive plan. The meetings are scheduled on September 12 and
October 11, both at 6:30 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts and
Community Center, located on Britt Street across from the City Hall.
Purpose of the meeting is to get citizens to help draft an action
agenda as part of the city's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Among the
questions being discussed are:
- Where are we today?
- Where do we want to go in the future?
- How do we get there?
Residents, business owners and invested stakeholders of Norcross
are invited. The City of Norcross is working with the Georgia Department
of Community Development on the plan. Pond and Company will facilitate
the meeting. For information, contact Jennifer Peterson at JPeterson@norcross-ga-gvt.com.
Library to host inaugural
Gwinnett Reading Festival Oct. 20
The Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) will present the first
Gwinnett Reading Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 at the Gwinnett
County Fairgrounds. The event is free and will take place from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Festival will be an event for all ages to promote the Gwinnett
County Public Library, books and a love of reading. The event will
include approximately 30 local, regional and national authors. Authors
will read, discuss, and autograph their works, including fiction,
non-fiction, adult and childrens' titles.
The Festival will also feature workshops, panel discussions, a
Starbucks coffee shop, food, a bookstore provided by Barnes and
Noble, and an on-site Library Festival branch. There will be events
for children and teens, including story tellers, battling knights
from Medieval Times, sumo wrestling, and a live Quidditch match.
Entertainment will include music and the comedy troupe, Laughing
Matters.
Authors and illustrators who have confirmed for the Festival include
Stephanie Bond, Mark Braught, Julie Cannon, Mark Childress, Jackie
Cooper, Brian Corrigan, Jim Daher, Tim Darnell, Carmen Agra Deedy,
Renee Dodd, David Fulmer, Steve Goodson, Joshilyn Jackson, River
Jordan, Terry Kay, Laura Knorr, Creston Mapes, Sara Hines Martin,
Brandon Massey, Jack McDevitt, Lisa Earle McLeod, Jim Miles, Judson
Mitcham, Susan P. Mucha, Bill Osinski, Electra Rome Parks, Jennifer
Patrick, William Rawlings, Jr., Ann B. Ross, Patricia Sprinkle,
Diane Thomas, Jacqueline Weldon White, Karen White, and Philip Lee
Williams.
A special ticketed event will be taking place during the evening
and will feature Georgia author Terry Kay reading from his new novel
The Book of Marie at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville.
This event is being sponsored jointly by GCPL and the Lawrenceville
Trade and Tourism Association.
Atlanta Shakespeare
company plans "Shrew" at Aurora
The New American Shakespeare Tavern will present Shakespeare's
"Taming of the Shrew" for two performances on the Main
Stage of the Aurora Theatre in downtown Lawrenceville. The performances
will be Sept. 14-15 at 8 p.m.
These performances are directed by Tony Brown, with costumes by
Anne Carole Butler. Cast members are from Actors' Equity Association,
the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United
States.
Tickets are $25, with Aurora subscribers' tickets priced at $20.
Order from 678.226.6222 or www.auroratheatre.com.
Railroad
museum gets Stone Mountain's Engine No. 104
The Southeastern Railway Museum is getting the "General II,"
Stone Mountain Railroad's locomotive No. 104, through a donation
by the Stone Mountain Memorial Associaton.
Originally built in 1919 for the Red River and Gulf Railroad, the
locomotive moved to Gulf Sand and Gravel Co. in 1950 to become Comite
Southern No. 1. The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad acquired the
engine in 1961. It became known as "General II" when it
was rebuilt and cosmetically altered to resemble the "General,"
the locomotive made famous by the Andrews Raid and locomotive chase
through northwest Georgia during the Civil War.
"General II" was the last steam locomotive operating
under its own power at the Stone Mountain railway. It stopped making
regular runs in 1986, when the need for costly boiler work relegated
the engine to making only cosmetic appearances. In 1991, Stone Mountain
placed the locomotive, which had developed other mechanical issues,
on static display.
The Southeastern Railway Museum plans to move the locomotive from
Stone Mountain to the museum's facility in Duluth to cosmetically
restore the locomotive and place it on display.
Locomotive technical details:
- Class 4-4-0 under the Whyte classification system for locomotives;
- Driving wheel diameter, 60 inches;
- Tractive effort, 13,800 pounds using a boiler pressure of 180
psi and Walschaerts valve gear.
The museum is grateful to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association
(the state authority responsible that owns Stone Mountain Park)
for the donation of this historic piece of Georgia's rail history.
Duluth's Southeastern Railway Museum has been in operation since
1970 and is "Georgia's Official Transportation History Museum".
The museum has over 80 other pieces of retired railway rolling stock
including vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger coaches,
private business cars, a World War II army troop kitchen, wooden
freight cars, railway post office car and maintenance of way equipment.
Many other items from Georgia's transportation history are also
presented on the museum's 30-acre site.
Georgia Perimeter
College marks highest enrollment ever
Georgia Perimeter College has just recorded its highest number
of enrolled students in the history of the institution, with 21,562
students registered for the fall '07 semester, saiys Dr. Anthony
S. Tricoli, president of Georgia's third largest institution of
higher learning. "We're showing growth on our campuses in Newton
County, Clarkston, and Decatur; and in Dunwoody our enrollment has
hit the 9,000 student mark," Tricoli adds..
Today's enrollment is 7.2 percent higher than last year's enrollment
on this same day. Learning online is clearly a favorite among GPC
students. "Our Distance Learning program is growing faster
than any other segment, we now have a total enrollment of 4,915
students taking at least one online course this semester,"
Tricoli indicates.
- 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
Augusta
Canal important tool in development of the city
The Augusta
Canal was the last canal built in Georgia and by far the most
successful. Initially conceived by Henry H. Cumming in late 1844,
the canal began at a point on the Savannah River about seven miles
above the city where a 1,200-foot dam diverted the river into the
canal by way of a guard lock. On November 23, 1846, water entered
the canal and it became operational.
Augusta
Canal |
Almost from the beginning the Augusta Canal was a success. In the
spring of 1847 four companies began leasing waterpower from the
Augusta Canal Company. The most significant of these was the Augusta
Manufacturing Company, one of the largest textile mills in the antebellum
South.
Other industries, mills, and machine shops of various types soon
appeared on the canal's banks. The canal also provided water for
the Augusta Water Works. During the Civil War the Augusta Canal
provided waterpower and transportation for the Confederate Powder
Works and other wartime industries, including the Ridgon-Ansley
Colt Firearm Plant, a small foundry that provided ordnance for the
Confederate government, and even a Confederate bakery.
In some respects, however, the Augusta Canal was almost too successful.
Postwar demand for waterpower soon exceeded the canal's output,
and industrial growth along its banks slowed until the canal was
expanded after the Civil War. A manufacturing boom followed. By
the 1880s the Augusta Canal powered the largest concentration of
mills in one city in what was coming to be called the "New
South." Canal hydropower brought electricity to Augusta in
the early 1890s, powering electric streetcars and city streetlights.
Eventually, steam power and electrical power replaced waterpower
in most major manufacturing establishments in the state. The power
canals of Georgia were largely abandoned, and canal construction
in Georgia came to an end.
By the late twentieth century, interest in Georgia's canals began
to revive. Preservation groups formed to protect and revitalize
the Augusta Canal and the Savannah-Ogeechee. In 1996 the Augusta
Canal was designated a National Heritage Area by the U.S. Congress.
Boy, oh boy, is this
ever true!
"The first wealth is health."
-- American essayist, poet, and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson,
via Cindy Evans, Duluth.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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