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Retrofitted Toyota Prius from Jackson EMC gets 100 mpg
By Alan Shedd
Special to GwinnettForum.com

OAKWOOD, Ga., Sept. 14, 2007 -- Rev up the auto engine and ride for 600 or more miles without refilling the 10-gallon gas tank. This may sound too good to be true, but thanks to a national research project, Jackson EMC is putting a socket in it and studying how 100 miles per gallon may soon be a reality.

Jackson EMC's Toyota Prius was the first electric cooperative car with plug-in hybrid technology, and we're the first electric cooperative to participate in this national research project.

Sponsored by the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), a Toyota Prius was refitted with higher-capacity batteries and plug-in recharging technology. Several thousand Valance lithium ion cells are used to form one large battery. The larger battery pack, which is hand-built, allows us to get a longer drive time from the electric charge without relying on the gasoline engine. With more electricity, the Prius can drive at a lower speed on electricity alone. At higher speeds, the electric motor assists the gasoline engine, which saves gas.

Before the conversion, I was getting about 47 mpg on my daily commute and now that the weather is warmer, I'm seeing nearly 100 mpg on my commute. MPG depends on speed, distance and traffic. The best mileage is at low speeds and stop and go driving.

The hybrid refit to higher capacity batteries was a weeklong process. I drove 2,750 miles from Atlanta to Monrovia, Calif., where the rebuilding process began. The original battery was removed and replaced with a larger battery-pack, and a new data collection system was installed in the dashboard. A plug-in charging system and software were also added to the car. The return trip went as smoothly as the trip to California with two nightly plug-ins at hotels along the way.

CRN's project is examining how this technology will work for cooperative vehicle fleets and the impact commercial plug-in hybrids will have on the electric system. The two-year study should provide answers on battery and vehicle reliability and performance.

So far, after more than six months and 17,000 miles, the conversion works smoothly. The gasoline engine charges the battery system while driving (it does a little - it is cheaper to plug the car in and recharge the battery from electricity than use the gasoline engine to recharge it fully so the engine will keep the battery charged to a minimum level.) Also, energy is recovered during braking (regenerative braking) to help charge the battery and get the car rolling after a stop, and I purchased an extension cord to plug the car into a standard electrical outlet at night. After about four hours, the battery is fully charged for the next morning. The gasoline engine doesn't work as hard during the drive, and that's how you can get over 100 mpg.

Jackson EMC is the first of four electric cooperatives participating in the hybrid conversion research. CRN is conducting this project while the technology is still cutting-edge.

Promoting energy efficiency didn't start with the PHEV project. For decades, Jackson EMC has been at the forefront of energy efficient living with programs like "Right Choice, Green Power" and the high school electric vehicle program. Our commitment to finding innovative ways to save energy, the environment and money is shown in our variety of products and services and participation in research projects such as the CRN study positions us as industry leaders in finding energy efficient solutions for the future.

WABE, GPB cooperating for more in-depth broadcasting
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

SEPT. 14, 2007 -- "That was odd," we thought, listening to WABE (90.1 FM) the other morning heading for the office. The report came out of Savannah, and was given by Orlando Montoyo, who doesn't work for WABE, but for Georgia Public Broadcasting, and in Savannah.

Why were WABE listeners hearing a story from a GPB staff member? That in itself was unusual. WABE, as listeners know, is licensed to the Atlanta Public Schools, while GPB is state-run and functions out of Atlanta, but has correspondents in several Georgia cities. It broadcasts on the statewide (except for Atlanta) GPB network of stations.

Were the two public broadcasting groups actually cooperating, after years of virtually no communication between the two?

In a word, yes. We learned that from talking to Susanna Capaluto of GPB and John Weatherford, general manager of WABE this week.

It's a welcomed changed for public broadcasting listeners, and actually goes far beyond mere cooperation on the radio dials. For the two groups are also working together on the television side. (The Atlanta Schools televise over Channel 30 in Atlanta, while GPB operates a network of channels around the state, including Channel 8 out of Atlanta.) Where once many programs were beamed out at the same time, by working together, many network programs are sent out by the stations at different times, allowing more people to access major network programs.

On the radio side, much of the cooperation came between Capaluto and Michael Fields, a former NPR editor in Atlanta, who is now the news director for WABE. Susanna explains: "Michael was my editor when I would do reports for NPR, and we got to know each other. When he went to WABE, we started talking and this spring started working together more."

She explains: "Before, often we would be sending a reporter each to cover the same news. By cooperating, it is a savings of resources, since our GPB reporters don't cover what WABE is covering. It allows us both to work more in depth on stories. We can offer our state coverage, and they can concentrate more on Atlanta."

Weatherford, who has been at WABE now for three years, explains his strategy: "Several years ago, we started jointly hosting screenings and sessions for several programs. A couple of years ago, we started negotiating a program differentiation on television. Instead of the average viewer getting a 100 per cent duplication of signals, we brought in 35 per cent programs that people expect from PBS, and 65 per cent that they were not being exposed to. For instance, we put the Front Line program on Sunday night, and that seems better for our Atlanta audience. Both the GPB and WABE numbers for that show are up. Our prime time numbers starting in July 2006 have seen a 25 per cent increase."

He adds: "What we are doing on WABE is exposing Atlantans to more choices, both on radio and television. GPB is airing big chunks in the way PBS is doing it, and we stretch it out over the week."

Weatherford continues: "We've got our toes in the water in cooperation between us. It's a good start and the beginning of more expansive efforts. We've been pleased to see how it has worked out so far."

Yes, it's great to see such cooperation between what is essentially two independent broadcasters. By this cooperation, the listeners in Atlanta, and all across Georgia, benefit.
Now we understood why we heard Orlando Montoya on WABE. And WABE people are being heard on GPB. Good show!

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers Today we welcome a new underwriting supporter, WIKA Instrument Corp. For over 60 years, WIKA has been advancing the world of pressure and temperature instrumentation. In 2007, WIKA Instrument Corporation celebrates 40 years of business in the United States. Regarded as the global leader, WIKA has pioneered many products for a broad range of diverse industries, end-users and OEM applications. Our success is reflected in our commitment to Lean methodology, product innovation and customer focus. By combining world-class LeanSigma® operations, state-of-the-art proprietary technology, agile manufacturing and resident engineering, WIKA delivers made-to-order products with minimal lead times and tremendous flexibility. Additionally, the WIKA Tronic Line® has a continuously expanding array of electronic pressure sensors to meet the emerging demands of integrated and automated systems. Talk to us to learn more about our Total Performance commitment for your pressure and temperature measurement requirements. To find your nearest authorized WIKA distributor, call toll-free 1-888-WIKA-USA or visit our website at www.wika.com.

Good article on the Chestnut trees in a recent edition. I didn't realize there was a small stand of them near Pine Mountain, Ga.. I hope the botanist can use the pollen and create a resistant strain.

When I was a forester with Georgia Kraft in Rome, we were asked to locate any sprouts at stumps, tag them and mark their location on our maps for future reference. I left Georgia Kraft in 1964 and moved back to Jesup, rejoined the timber division with Rayonier and worked for them until 1977.

But I wonder what ever happened to the data we collected in north Georgia? I was told that the sprouts probably would not survive the blight. Too bad, as chestnuts are beautiful, valuable trees.

Wayne Buchheit is 100 percent correct (Letter, 9/11). Pulling out and losing in Iraq is not a viable option. Such a stupid stunt would cost thousands of Iraqi lives. Maybe we shouldn't have invaded Iraq, but that's water over the dam.

Lionheart Theatre Company will be holding open auditions this month for its Christmas show, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic cartoon made its debut in 1965 and was the first of many prime-time animated TV specials based upon the popular comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz.

Auditions are set for Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30 at 2 p.m. Needed in the cast are kids from age 5-13. There will be cold readings from the script and the kids will need to be prepared to sing a short Christmas song (such as Jingle Bells), as well as dance together in a big group.

The show performances will be: December 1, at the Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville; and December 13-16 at the Norcross Community and Cultural Arts Center.

Auditions are held at the Norcross Community and Cultural Arts Center. For more information call 770-806-0935 or go to website www.lionhearttheatre.org.

The monthly Gwinnett Technology Forum will hear the Atlanta head of Peak 10 at its meeting on September 18 at 7:30 a.m.

Greg Rollet is the interim vice president and general manager for the Atlanta operations of Peak 10. He is responsible for the fiscal well-being and day-to-day management of the Atlanta data center including operations, engineering, sales and business development.

Peak 10 is the leading independent data center operator and managed services provider in the United States, delivering scalable, economical and reliable solutions for hosting and managing complex information technology infrastructure.

The meeting will be in the Scientific-Atlanta auditorium of the Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are expected. RSVP to Jo Anne Wymer at Joanne@gwinnettchamber.org.

The annual Norcross Art Fest will be held October 6-7. More than 100 artists will be exhibited, plus food vendors and sponsors. It's expected that thousands of visitors will be present.

Norcross Art Fest needs volunteers in the following areas:

Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and an invitation to the Volunteer Party. Those interested in volunteering should contact Cindy Flynn at cyflynn@bellsouth.net, 770-449-5133 or Edie Riehm at eriehm@hotmail.com, 770-662-5512.

On October 6-7, the Southeastern Rail Museum in Duluth will host the Fifth Annual Rail Fair. The hours will be 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Focus for this year's Rail Fair will be the museum's revamped and recently reorganized railcar exhibits.

Those wishing to volunteer for or be a vendor at the event should contact Gragg Robinson at (404) 569-8672 or call the Museum at (770) 476-2013. For additional information check out the website at www.southeasternrailwaymuseum.org.

The new Aurora Theatre of Lawrenceville will host its first symphonic concert Sunday, September 16 at 2 p.m. with the five member Peachtree Consort appearing. A division of Peachtree Symphonic Winds, Inc. this wind quintet consists of musicians from area professional orchestras.

This performance will consist of music from American musicians. Familiar music from George Gershwin, Aaron Copeland, and the father of the blues, W.C. Handy, will be performed.

Under the skilled direction of Dr. G. Allen Barbie, Peachtree Consort is dedicated to the education and performance of the chamber music repertoire. Concerts consist of classical and contemporary works of varying styles and sizes. Peachtree Consort members have extensive backgrounds and experiences in the history and performance standards of the chamber wind repertoire and its instruments.

The American Musician concert will also serve as an Aurora Theatre Volunteer Appreciation Day and new recruitment event. All current volunteers and prospective volunteers are invited to attend this concert at no charge.

Says Terrie Adkins, Aurora Theatre Volunteer Guild president: "It is a way to thank our volunteers, who are those extra hands that do the jobs to ensure the success and growth of our Aurora Theatre." Those interested in joining the Aurora Theatre Volunteer Guild should mention volunteering when making reservations. Tickets for Aurora subscribers are only $12, and $15 for the public. More information is at www.auroratheatre.com.

Department of Transportation District Engineer Russell McMurray has announced the appointment of Randall Davis as district construction engineer for Northeast Georgia's District One, which covers 21 counties in Northeast Georgia including Gwinnett.

Davis, who lives in Hall County, began his career with the Georgia Department of Transportation in 1981 out of college. Davis is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1981. He has also earned management certification from the State Merit System and the University of Georgia as a Certified Public Manager.

The new position becomes effective on September 16, 2007. Davis is now responsible for construction supervision of 300 construction projects with an estimated cost of $370 million annually. He is married to Roberta and is the father of two girls, Elizabeth and Ginny. He is a member at Trinity Christian Fellowship.

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

Like other Southern states not readmitted to the Union prior to the end of the Civil War (1861-65), Georgia had to adopt a new constitution under the rules of Reconstruction. In fact, the state went through this process twice, as attempts to reunite the Union during and after the Civil War became a prolonged two-part process that divided the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.

U.S. president Andrew Johnson's policies, known as Presidential Reconstruction, prevailed until the beginning of Congressional Reconstruction in 1867. During Congressional Reconstruction, Radical Republicans in both the House and Senate seized control of the program from the executive branch and implemented much more rigid terms for bringing the former Confederate states back into the Union, as well as for the military occupation of the South.

A constitutional convention in Georgia was held during both phases of the Reconstruction process as state leaders attempted to satisfy differing requirements by the federal government for returning to the Union. Both conventions assembled only under the guise of local authority since the Union government compelled their actions. Nevertheless, these meetings followed the protocols established by Georgians in previous years and allowed a degree of popular participation, though somewhat restricted by Georgia to be reconstructed. By engaging in all of the required activities beyond constitution making, the convention did not conform to the strict definition of a constitutional convention. In this way it was not unlike previous Georgia conventions, such as the convention of 1850 and the Secession Convention, in which other measures were discussed or adopted.

In December 1867 the federally sanctioned convention met in Atlanta and remained assembled until March 1868. Of the 169 delegates, 37 were black. Republicans, moderate and radical, dominated the convention over the dozen white traditional conservatives. As directed by congressional reconstruction acts, the convention proposed a new constitution that included suffrage for black males. Also in compliance with congressional rules, the document required popular ratification before being implemented as the fundamental law of the state. In April 1868 Georgia voters approved the new constitution and elected a new government.

The Georgia Reconstruction conventions demonstrate the enormous fluidity in the use of conventions to address matters beyond constitution making. The federal mandates imposed upon them also raise questions about the boundaries between national and state sovereignty. Almost a decade later, in the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1877, the state reasserted its power to conduct and control both the process and the content of its own conventions.

"Be still when you have nothing to say; [but] when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot."

Another invitation: What's your favorite saying? Share with others through GwinnettForum. Send to elliott@gwinnettforum.com.

Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves or comments on any issue to Gwinnett Forum for future publication.

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