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IMPACT! Group offers help with foreclosure
problems
By
Marina Sampanes Peed
President/executive director, The IMPACT! Group
Special to GwinnettForum.com
Peed |
DULUTH, Ga. October 12, 2007----Did you ever think a technical
term like "foreclosure" would be broadcast in all the
media? Until recently, it was not on everyone's mind. "Foreclosure"
is far more complicated than what gets reported. There are plots
and sub-plots that include Wall Street, instant gratification, fraud,
unscrupulous professionals, predatory practices, ignorance, stagnant
wages, rising interest rates, and personal crises. There is plenty
of blame to go around.
Virtually every neighborhood in Gwinnett County has been affected
by foreclosures. From high-end, gated communities to starter-home
neighborhoods, foreclosures are everywhere.
While finger-pointing makes some feel better for the moment, the
local community is left to deal with the aftermath. Foreclosures
and homes on the verge of foreclosure have a huge negative ripple
effect. Families who lose their homes suffer the emotional, physical,
and financial strain that accompany this major crisis. Property
values of other homes in the neighborhood decrease measurably when
a home is sold in a "short sale" or after foreclosure.
Property tax collections slow down, which impact local services.
How does all this happen? The most common reasons homeowners fell
behind on their mortgages (and other bills) were major life events
that impacted family income. These included job loss, divorce, major
medical crisis, or death of a spouse. Since more than 60 percent
of households live paycheck to paycheck, this could happen to almost
anyone.
What can you do?
Encourage people to seek guidance early. Over 60 percent of delinquent
homeowners are unaware of workout options offered by their lender.
Half of homeowners who go to foreclosure don't contact their mortgage
company or a Housing Counseling agency like The
IMPACT! Group for help.
There will be more foreclosures, not fewer, in the coming two years
in Gwinnett County as more adjustable interest rate loans are subject
to interest rate hikes. It is difficult to refinance a mortgage
if you are already behind with the current loan.
Homeowners seeking to get ahead of the crisis and refinance out
of their mortgage BEFORE they fall behind may be surprised. Some
homes don't hold the same value as when they were last financed.
So what are we doing about this? November 4 is Gwinnett's first
"Foreclosure Prevention Sunday." The IMPACT! Group is
asking the faith community to share a message of awareness and hope
to people on that Sunday and encourage people to reach out for help
before it's too late.
The IMPACT! Group's HomeOwnership Center has provided foreclosure
counseling for more than 2,300 homeowners, but it clearly is not
enough. In addition to our local services, we recently joined forces
with a coordinated effort called "HOPE for Homeowners"
at www.995hope.org and 1-888-995-HOPE to promote a free 24/7 foreclosure
counseling service. With one phone call, a homeowner can talk with
a HUD-certified Housing Counselor day or night and get on the path
to solve their housing problem.
We've added two new classes to our Home Investment Academy to respond
to the financial challenges facing our community:
- "Keeping Your Home Through Challenging Times" is great
for anyone who wants to be prepared and learn their options and
recognize the countless consumer scams posing as easy ways out
of financial problems.
- "After the Storm: Financial Recovery Program" guides
singles and couples to develop sound strategies to recover financially
after divorce, bankruptcy, or foreclosure. Starting over can be
scary, and this course builds confidence through practical information
and knowledge.
Call, stop in, or check out the tools on our website to get more
information: www.theimpactgroup.org
or call 678-808-4477.
Dallas Hudgens' latest novel takes many whacky
turns
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
OCT. 12, 2007 --A Gwinnettian has a new book out. Dallas Hudgens
has now published his second novel, entitled Season of Gene.
It is a good, relatively quick, read, one that makes you turn the
pages relatively quickly.
Brack |
Dallas is the son of Jackie Hudgens of Duluth and the late Scott
Hudgens. He lives in Falls Church, Va., and was in Decatur this
week for a book signing.
His new book has quite an array of distinctive characters intricacies
in the fast-moving plot. We could not help but think while reading
it that it would be perfect for a movie, with a wide array of backgrounds
and angles.
 Dallas
doesn't write about high-level society, but about a lower end of
the scene. You may remember that his first book was about NASCAR
racing. This new book's key character runs a car wash, and on the
side operates a scarce ticket agency. He also manages an amateur
team of baseball over-the-hills. Throw in that one of his players,
recently deceased, had come in possession of the actual baseball
bat that Babe Ruth hit the "called" home run against the
Chicago Cubs, and you have all sorts of ways the plot can turn.
It keeps your interest.
Season of Gene ends too quickly. You want to know more of
what is about to happen. It also makes you look forward to Dallas
Hudgens' next book.
* * * * *
Perhaps you've noticed your checked luggage with a big ATL tag
on it. Ever seen a tag marked LZU?
Neither have we. But there's an airport with the designation of
LZU. It's not a commercial airport, so you probably have never used
it. But pilots of private aircraft may know of it.
LZU is the officials designation of Briscoe Field at the Gwinnett
County Airport in Lawrenceville. Now you know.
* * * * *
Mason |
A native Gwinnettian is among recent additions to the University
of Georgia Arch Foundation board of trustees. He's Keith Mason of
Atlanta, a partner in the Atlanta law firm of McKenna Long and Aldridge.
Previously he was chief of staff to former Gov. Zell Miller and,
as White House deputy director of intergovernmental affairs, was
President Bill Clinton's chief liaison with the nation's governors.
Mason received a business administration degree from UGA in 1982
and a law degree in 1985.
The Arch Foundation is UGA's cooperative organization that supports
the university's academic mission and assists with development and
fund-raising activities. Gifts to the foundation are used to provide
scholarships for superior students, support distinguished faculty
scholars, strengthen research and teaching programs and build new
facilities.
* * * * *
Gwinnett continues to be recognized, this time nationally as the
National Association of Counties says Gwinnett is one of 10 winners
of its "Sustainable Communities Awards."
The award was for work collaborative efforts of the county's Board
of Commissioners, public school system, the University of Georgia,
and the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Foundation. The Center
features some of the very latest 'green' building practices and
serves as a focal point for a regional educational effort to conserve
and responsibly utilize natural resources.
This latest award is just another recognition of another worthwhile
venture in Gwinnett.
 The
public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Walton EMC Natural
Gas, headquartered in Monroe. Walton EMC Natural Gas brings
the same friendly service and caring values to the natural gas market
that its parent, Walton EMC, has delivered to its Gwinnett electric
consumers for 70 years. And month after month, Walton EMC Natural
Gas has been Georgia's low price leader for your natural gas needs,
according to information from the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Call 770/267-2505 or visit www.waltonemcgas.com
to become the next satisfied Walton EMC natural gas customer.
Laments association of dressing up and pulpit
preaching!
Editor, the Forum:
One of my pet peeves is getting dressed to the nines, and having
someone say "Where you preachin' today?" That assumes
the preacher is a sharper dresser than I am (which he isn't)!
I consider these retorts insulting. Do you? Have you ever heard
that particular one? This may be a regional one.
-- David Earl Tyre, Jesup
Dear David: It's getting to the point that few
people dress up for church or about anything else. Have you seen
enough of low-waisted pants and skimpy clothing showing lots of
skin? I have. But be pleased. Story Thursday in NY Times
says that neckties are coming back. That's a plus. -eeb
Finds trip to ghost
towns of Colorado a great fall adventure
Editor, the Forum:
We just got back from Denver (via Minneapolis) on Northwest in
a nice six-day trip. It was a roundabout route, with fairly cheap
fares. We hit a lot of back roads visiting some of the ghost towns
from the website ghosttowns.com, with nobody much around Colorado
before the ski season. The motel we stayed at in Winter Park, Co.
was about empty. I've made a bunch of trips out west the last week
in September over the years. We were a little late this year for
the peak color.
On football timeouts, I agree with you on the "icing"
time-out. It's getting so that I almost hate to go to any game that
is being televised, as the game is stopped repeatedly for commercial
breaks. In the stadium the paying customers are being used. During
these many commercials, they must sit there doing nothing and seeing
no action. I've about quit going and just watch on television, often
going to another station during commercials.
-- Marshall Miller, Lilburn
Dear Marshall: Sounds like a good trip. Most
people head Up East for leaves No doubt the aspens in Colorado
are beautiful. You have given me a new idea, and I thank you for
it. -eeb
Associates retorts
of Forum with work of skillful politicians
Editor, the Forum:
Your retort
to the October 9 letter was classic Political Science 101. "When
you find your position indefensible, re-frame the discussion."
The President does it when anyone questions the wisdom of continuing
the war, i.e. make it about patriotism, security and/or the troops.
Clinton was the absolute master at this. Johnson tried it with Viet
Nam. Nixon tried it with Watergate. I think every politician does
it when their position is untenable. Yesterday's letter was about
control but it was re-framed as tax and class issue. Well done.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Dear Patrick: I agree. I am glad someone else
sees the president doing it all the time. But mainly, I favor
the Red Sox this year! --eeb
Suggests attending
performance of Aurora's Gospel of John
Editor, the Forum:
Several years ago I had the opportunity to see Brad Sherrill present
the Gospel of John and I would like to recommend it to the
readers of GwinnettForum. The Gospel of John will be presented
at the Aurora Theatre November 8-11.
Actor Brad Sherrill has memorized the entire book of John and presents
it in a lively, emotional and fascinating one-man dramatic production-done
with a few simple props and no scenery or special costumes. In two
hours you will experience the story of Jesus in a way that is simply
beyond description. Mr. Sherrill uses the modern language New International
Version, word for word. He does not condense nor summarize. He presents
it in the fashion of an ancient story teller-an eye witness who
tells it exactly as he saw it.
The performance is suitable for the "believer" and the
"nonbeliever" alike. You don't have to be a church-goer
to appreciate the power of Mr. Sherrill's presentation of John's
Gospel. I believe he chose the book of John because, of the four
gospels, it best explains who Jesus really is. John explains why
our Creator "Became flesh and made his dwelling among us"
and why "God so loved the world…"
Don't miss this opportunity to see and hear Brad Sherrill present
the Gospel of John. For ticket information call the Aurora
Theatre Box Office at 678-226-6222. To learn more, you can visit
this web site: www.gospelofjohn.com.
-- Bob Foreman, Norcross
Debit debit
Another great cartoon by Bill McLemore:
AJC obituaries editor to address Snellville
senior center
Kay Powell from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution will be
the guest speaker at the h2u-health, happiness, you meeting on October
24, at 2 p.m., at the Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road, Snellville.
Kay believes that True Southerners love a good story and there's
one story in every person's life. She delights every day in finding
that story and sharing it with readers. This event is free to the
public.
Powell |
Kay Powell has been the obituaries editor for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
for 12 years. She has been the editor of The Valdosta Daily Times,
where she wrote about child abuse, incest, wife beating, substandard
housing and discrimination everywhere from the public library to
the American Legion Hall - all pretty radical stuff for a small
South Georgia town in the 1960s. She has won the Associated Press
Public Service Award for her series on drug abuse and has survived
threats against her life.
Before joining the AJC, she was a research scientist at Georgia
Tech, director of a community development program, self-employed
seminar presenter, copy writer, accountant for Red Cross disasters,
model and actor in industrial films and worked for the Georgia Public
Service Commission, all of which eminently prepared her to be an
obituary editor.
Saturday concert in
Snellville features jazz on town green
Many Snellville organizations and businesses have assembled to
sponsor the First "Autumn on the Green" at the Snellville
City Center on the town green. The downtown community concert will
celebrate the completion of the out-parcel demolition, which also
signifies the beginning of a new township area for similar community
events in the future. "Autumn on the Green" begins at
6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. The Snellville City Center is
located at 2342 Oak Road, Snellville.
The performance promises a warm and sociable event with a jazz
performance featuring the Georgia State Quintet. Hostess for the
event will be Snellville's Jackie Ginn.
Families and jazz lovers are invited to come out with blankets
and lawn chairs to share in this community celebration and kick-off
for the fall festival season. Small coolers are permitted and great
concessions, coffee, cocoa and hot cider will also be available
for purchase. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. Concession vendors
will be present.
Richardson to bring
proposed tax change idea to Gwinnett
The one guy in Georgia pushing hard to eliminate property taxes
throughout the state and offset them with a four per cent sale tax,
House Speaker Glenn Richardson, is slated for a Gwinnett appearance.
Richardson will be on the program on October 25 at the Governmental
Affairs meeting of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The event is
at 5:30 p.m. in the Stephens Education Room at the Chamber building
in Duluth.
Richardson's proposal would have the state collect this additional
sales tax and return it to cities, counties and school systems.
The added sales tax would be on all business transactions, including
food, legal, accounting and personal services, healthcare, pest
control, electrical utilities and all other activity.
There is no cost for the meeting. Reservations are encouraged.
Respond to Jo Anne Wymer at joanne@gwinnettchamber.org
or 770-232-8812.
Cartersville's Booth
Museum features fifth Cowboy Festival
The West will come alive during an October event hosted by the
Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. Entertainment and education
will be the themes for the fifth annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival
and Symposium, October 25-28.
Scheduled events include evening concerts on Friday and Saturday
night, re-enactments of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, children's
activities, chuck wagon cooking, Native American dancing, numerous
demonstrations and living history encampments, and an artist's workshop
with featured artist William Matthews.
The Booth Western Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution,
is an 80,000 square foot museum located in Cartersville, where guests
are invited to explore the American West through contemporary Western
artwork.
Open since August 2003, the Booth Museum is the only museum of
its kind in the Southeast and is the second largest art museum in
the state of Georgia. For more information about the Booth Western
Art Museum call 770-387-1300 or visit www.boothmuseum.org.
Red Clay Theatre presents
Driving Miss Daisy through Nov. 11
The Atlanta-based play, Driving Miss Daisy, opens Thursday,
October 18 at 8 p.m. at the Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center in
Duluth. Performances are scheduled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
evenings and on Sunday at 2 p.m. through November 11.
Driving Miss Daisy is a 1987 play by Alfred Uhry about the
relationship an elderly Southern Jewish lady shares with her African-American
chauffeur, Hoke Colburn, over the span of several decades. The play
became one of Atlanta's longest running and most successful shows
at the Alliance Theatre, running for two years and over 800 performances.
The Alliance production was directed by Robert Farley, now artistic
director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre. In 1989, the play was
adapted for a Warner Bros. film with Morgan Freeman reprising his
role on Broadway and Miss Daisy played by Jessica Tandy (who went
on to be the oldest winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress
for the role). The film won the 1989 Academy Award for Best Picture.
Deborah Childs plays Miss Daisy in the performance, with Lou Brock
- as Hoke Coleburn. Performing as Miss Daisy's son is J.Michael
Carroll.
Now in its second season, Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center is a
280 seat venue and is equipped with the latest in sound and lighting
technology. It is owned by the City of Duluth and is operated by
Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center LLC.
Dorms
in the picture in 2009 for Georgia Gwinnett College
"When will you have dorms?" has been one of the most
frequently asked questions from prospective students and their parents
visiting Georgia Gwinnett College's campus.
This week the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
(USG) received an update on the status of GGC's student housing
plans.
The Board heard at its meeting in Carrollton and discussed several
public-private ventures at state colleges, including Georgia Gwinnett's
student housing project. Members heard of a proposed 2,000-bed public-private
project which will be located on the west part of the Lawrenceville
campus on a 20-acre area designated for student housing, recreation
and playing fields. The plans call for 1,000 beds to be ready in
August 2009 and another 1,000 beds to be ready the following year.
Different floor plan options will be available to students such
as suites or apartment-style models. Construction is anticipated
to begin in late 2008.
- 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
Eccentric
native Atlantan pens 17-million word diary
Inman |
Arthur
Crew Inman was a reclusive and unsuccessful poet whose 17-million
word diary, extending from 1919 to 1963, provides a panoramic record
of people, events, and observations from more than four decades
of the 20th century.
Inman was born in 1895 into one of the most powerful and affluent
families in Atlanta. He began his elementary schooling in Atlanta,
but in 1908 he left Georgia to attend Haverford School (where he
was miserable) and then Haverford College. After two years of college,
he suffered a nervous breakdown in 1916 that left him mentally and
physically impaired. He did not return to the South after 1915 and
lived in Boston for the rest of his life.
After failing to win acclaim with several volumes of undistinguished
poetry, Inman decided that he might find fame by writing a diary.
By the end of his life he had filled some 155 handwritten volumes.
Inman wrote the diary in Garrison Hall, a residential hotel in Boston,
where he rented five apartments and lived for most of his adult
life.
Despite his numerous eccentricities, Inman in 1923 married Evelyn
Yates, who remained with him for the rest of his life. She occupies
a prominent if not always hallowed place in the diary. Inman suffered
from various ailments throughout his life. He committed suicide
in 1963.
The 155 volumes of the diary remain mostly unpublished, but in
1985 Harvard professor of English and American literature Daniel
Aaron published a two-volume abridged edition that includes many
highlights.
Whether it is an epical literary reflection of the man and the
age or the product of a demented mind, Inman's diary remains one
of the most unusual literary products of the 20th century.
Who's to say that life
is supposed to be serious?
"Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that
life is serious."
-- The New Yorker's Film, Drama and Architecture Critic Brendan
Gill, (1914-1997.)
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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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.
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