Historic Gwinnett Courthouse sets activities in Yule season
By Amy Szymanski
Special to GwinnettForum.com

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Nov. 13, 2007 -- Let Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation get you in the holiday mood as the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse offers special events for this year's holiday season! Carriage rides, visits with Santa, children's crafts, carolers, and our annual Lighting of the Tree will all help bring the holiday spirit to Gwinnett!

The holiday season kicks off with the 20th Annual Lighting of the Tree on November 22 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will include musical entertainment, carriage rides, food and hot beverage concessions, Santa visits, and free self-guided holiday tours of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and grounds.

The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will be emceed by Fox5's Randy Travis. Santa will arrive at 6:45 p.m. Entertainers will include Miss Gwinnett, Aundrea Poole; Gwinnett's Outstanding Teen, Kelsey Thrift; Class Act Band; Steve McKee; Abby Mauragas; and the Gwinnett Choral Guild.

Santa will make additional stops for holiday hours at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on November 24 and 30, and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Framed Santa photos will cost $5 each. Free children's crafts will also be offered during these times, and will include snowflake ornaments, snowman decorations, and holiday cards for parents.

The grounds and downstairs of the courthouse will also be available for self-guided tours during these hours. Outdoor entertainment during holiday hours at the courthouse will include Shiloh High School Chorus, Parkview High School Chorus, Sugar Hill elementary and many more.

Carriage rides around historic Lawrenceville will be available on December 1, 8 and 15 from 5 until 8:30 p.m. and are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Additionally, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse will offer Workshop Wednesdays on December 5, 12 and 19 from 2 to 4 p.m., where Santa's Workshop on the first floor of the courthouse will be open for free children's crafts.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, call 770-822-5450.

Lilburn policy requires developers to put art in public places
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher

NOV. 13, 2007 -- All of Gwinnett will be indebted for years to a measure passed by the City of Lilburn back in 2005 which is now beginning to bear fruit. Other cities in Gwinnett should consider similar measures, which will add substance to their cities if they follow the Lilburn pattern.

Brack

Back in June 2005, the Lilburn Council passed an ordinance requiring the funding of art in public places for future developments. Their policy for the definition of art is rather wide ranging, though it seeks to have permanent art pieces housed in major private development projects. This applies to residential, commercial and industrial architecture within the city. The value of the outdoor art piece is required to be a minimum of three-quarters of one per cent of the total development. But if developers choose, they can swap a piece of art for a cash donation to the city for art. So far two developers have chosen this route.

While Lilburn has a policy requiring public art, the 2006 Norcross Art Fest produced revenue to pay for the erection of very green public frogs on the lawn of Thrasher Park in downtown Norcross.

Developers are encouraged to consider a wide range of sculptural styles, materials and type of art. The art must be in proportion to the mass and size of adjacent buildings, and must be designed by working artists with experience and knowledge of "monumental sculpture." This is defined as five feet or larger in one dimension, excluding the base. The City also tightly controls the criteria of the artist selected to do the work for the developer.

Other cities in Gwinnett should consider emulating the move by the Lilburn Council, which will add substantially to their cities if they follow the Lilburn pattern.

* * * * *

The only art piece to come out of the Lilburn policy so far has been a reflecting pool at the newly-opened Hindu mandir. Other forms of art that the policy anticipates could include statues, modern art, realistic art, or a sculpture of a person.

While Tom Combiths, city manager of Lilburn, says that the idea for the art policy came from the "staff of the city," it also happens that Tom once was in Brea, Calif., which has a similar policy. That's a town of about 35,000 people in northern Orange County, between Whittier and Yorba Linda. Such a policy was instituted in the mid-1980s, and has since produced many major art pieces donated to that city, some in public places. Many other cities on the West Coast have similar policies, we have learned.

Already there are art pieces in some public places in Gwinnett, such as the historical markers on the Courthouse Square; the Fallen Heroes Memorial near the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center; and the statues of Roy Roger and Trigger in Buford marking the work of the leather industry in that town in making saddles. And you may think of other public art pieces here in Gwinnett.

With this unplanned head start, and now with the Lilburn example beginning to get legs, adoption of policy requiring public art in other cities is a goal for the future. Should the county, in addition, also require public art in major developments, such a policy would embellish the artistic life of the community even more. The works should be wide-ranging in scope, allowing the creative abilities of our citizens to be in full bloom. It can only enhance Gwinnett as a good place to live.

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Wonders if conservation of water really helps much

Editor, the Forum:

I read with interest Allen Doss' article on the drought and water conservation. One point he makes is very true:

"As individuals living in Gwinnett County and the region, we have very little individual control over issues regarding water releases and absolutely no control over rainfall amounts. We are, however, in complete control over our consumption of this valuable resource. "

However, in our current situation I question what effect conservation can have. No matter how little or how much water we take out of Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River for use, as long as the Corps of Engineers insist on these large water releases from the dam (or more accurately, the laws and policies regulating releases), conservation really doesn't matter. We can reduce our water use by 50 percent and the lake will still be drained in 75 days (or however much is left). Without rain, conservation is all but useless.

I understand that for some counties and municipalities that are dependent on wells and other reservoirs conservation of water is critical, but for Atlanta and communities that take their water from Lanier and the 'Hooch, does conservation really do anything?

Nowhere have I seen anything that conflicts with the above; Mr. Doss' article certainly doesn't, but the media and our elected officials continue to trumpet conservation. I hope some of your readers can point out some numbers showing where I'm wrong.

Now to add one more conservation tip (regardless of how futile it may be!):
Don't rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, just scrape off the residue into the trash can (not the sink disposal). Most dishwashers are completely capable of cleaning off all but the most hardened baked-on food residue.

-- Lee Hutchins, Hog Mountain

Dear Lee: Let me add another voice for conservation. While your argument makes a little sense, if we don't conserve and the Corps continues to release, we'll really be low. Conservation may not help much, but every drop helps. And with all of Gwinnett concerned about conservation, the overall consumption level has dropped 10 million gallons a day. So, in effect, conservation does work! -eeb

Using alternate to Google can mean pennies for charity

Editor, the Forum:

When reading a back issue of the Forum and noticed you mentioned the advantages of inventions, including Google.

As a long-time Google user, please let me recommend an alternative:
Goodsearch.com is a search engine just like Google except powered by Yahoo. The difference is that one can designate a charity which will receive a donation from Goodsearch for every search.

Even at one cent per search, it adds up quickly if many people participate. Gwinnett Philharmonic is offered as one of the beneficiaries, so if you decide to try it (and hopefully recommend to others) please consider choosing us as your beneficiary. Keep up the good Forum work.

-- Monte Nichols, Peachtree Corners

New London company presents "Wonderful Life" in December

The New London Theatre Company will present "It's a Wonderful Life" in December at Zoar Methodist Church. The performances will be on three weekends, Dec. 7-8-9, Dec. 14-15-17 and Dec. 21-22-23. The Friday and Saturday performances at are 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Cost is $10 when tickets are purchased in advance, and $12 at the door.

This classic American play takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II, and is told through flashbacks spanning George Bailey's life and narrated by unseen Angels. Through flashbacks we see people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives. The play is directed by Tonya Hensley and produced by Tony Webb.

New London presents family-friendly fare, guaranteed fun for the upcoming holidays. To learn more about The New London Theatre, visit http://www.newlondontheatre.org or call (770) 979-3691.

New London's next production will be in February, presenting "Godspell."

Proposal on Jekyll Island development before the public

Linger Longer Communities (LLC) and the Jekyll Island Authority are holding a series of public meetings to field questions about LLC's town center project, which proposes "Three new hotels, a new convention center, time-shares, beach cottages and condos, retail shops, restaurants, an environmental discovery center, and a restored wetland park where Jekyll Island's Convention Center, parking lots, and retail center are currently located."

Meetings are November 14 in St. Marys and Jekyll Island; November 15 in Augusta; and November 20 in Metro Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria Center at 3:30 p.m.

These meetings could be the last opportunity to establish perspective of the park's visitors on the town center concept, and the details of the proposal.

For an outline on the Jekyll redevelopment issue and LLC's proposal, visit www.savejekyllisland.org/Analysis.html.

Those unable to attend one of the meetings and who have not yet completed a ten-question survey on Linger Longer's town center proposal should visit www.savejekyllisland.org/S3.html to take the survey.

Buford Business Alliance sponsors Christmas parade Dec. 1

Celebrate the holiday season at Historic Main Street on Saturday, December 1. The festivities start at noon, culminating with the lighting of the tree at 5:30 p.m. The parade will start on Main Street at 2:30 p.m.

Tim Koenning, president of the Buford Business Alliance, the sponsor of this event, says: "This is by far our biggest event of the year. With the aid of the local schools, and the city, we are certain to bring out the crowds to celebrate this special time of the year in a memorable fashion."

This year's festivities include stage performances, children's activities, food and merchants. All of this will take place at and around the new amphitheater area at the end of Main Street in front of the Bona Allen Mansion. The parade will proceed down Main Street and finish in front of the Bona Allen Mansion at Wilson Avenue. The Association is also asking parade watchers to consider bringing a toy for the "Toys for Tots" campaign, as it works with North Gwinnett High and their DECA group in gathering. Drop off boxes will be readily available and easily visible.

The Buford Business Alliance is a non-profit organization that brings together the citizens, city leaders, civic organizations and the businesses of Buford in a communal spirit to promote business and tourism in Buford. For more information, go to www.VisitBuford.com.

Proper foot, ankle care subject of Snellville presentation

Learn about how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active with proper care of your feet and ankles. Dr. David Alder will be guest speaker on November 28, sponsored by h2u at Emory Eastside Medical Center. Dr. Alder will speak at 2 p.m.at the Snellville Senior Center. Dr. Alder is a member of the medical staff at Emory Eastside Medical Center and the Wound Center at Eastside Heritage Center. The public is invited to attend this presentation with no charge.

Health, Happiness, You is a healthcare organization that empowers its members to manage their health and live a healthy lifestyle. Reliable health information is the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Members are provided with updates on medical discoveries, advances and treatment options. Call the h2u office at 770-982-2358, for more information or visit the website at www.emoryeastsid.com.

Gwinnett shutting down water fountains in parks

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation (GCPR) is shutting off all outdoor water fountains located in the parks to aid with local water conservation efforts and in preparation for winter months.

According to Hawkins, all water fountains in GCPR parks, including dog park fountains, were shut off by November 9. Until water fountains are turned back on, park patrons are asked to bring their own water when using outdoor park amenities.

• 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
  

Trustee Garden in Savannah based on models in England

Trustee Garden

General James Oglethorpe established the Trustee Garden in Savannah in 1734, a year after the founding of the Georgia Trust. The garden comprised about ten acres to the east of the area then settled. Dedicated to botany and agriculture, it reflected the scientific and commercial aspirations of the Trustees and their backers in England; its growth and demise over the next 20 years reflected the realities of climate, geography, and the lack of people on the ground and consistent support from London to further these aspirations.

The garden was to be modeled after the physick and botanical gardens at Oxford and Chelsea in England. The Society of Apothecaries had set up a model garden for medical plants in the 17th century. The garden in Savannah was also intended as an agricultural experiment station for the semitropical products, mainly silk and wine, that Georgia was to provide for its English sponsors and for the crown. The leaves of imported white mulberry trees were to feed the worms required in silk culture, and imported vines were to bear noble grapes. Other semitropical and Mediterranean products were to be grown as well, ranging from orange trees and capers to cotton and olives. The objective of this experiment was not so much to develop an indigenous economy as to use local labor-settlers and indentured servants-to provide staples and raw materials for goods to be further processed and consumed in England. They were there to supplant expensive imports from Spain and other Mediterranean areas, according to the mercantilist policies of the colonial powers of the eighteenth century.

Despite its brief and spotty success and its decline by the 1740s, the Trustee Garden in Savannah was characteristic of 18th-century scientific and utilitarian interest in the natural world. As an early transatlantic enterprise, its founders prefigured the independent American botanists of the end of the century.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
  

One way to look at not knowing where you were

"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks."

-- Frontiersman Daniel Boone

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

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© 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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GwinnettForum.com
Number 7.62, Nov. 13, 2007

TODAY'S FOCUS: Yule Season Filling Calendar at Historic Gwinnett Courthouse
ELLIOTT BRACK: Gwinnett Cities Need To Emulate Lilburn Public Art Policy
FEEDBACK: Questions Water Conservation; Pennies for Charities in Searches
UPCOMING: New London Presentation; Jekyll Meeting; Buford Parade
NOTABLE: Foot, Ankle Care Subject of Meeting; Parks Shut Fountain Water
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Trustee Garden in Early Georgia Based on English Model
TODAY'S QUOTE: One Way to Look At Where You Once Were

REGISTRATION. The Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is working to register more voters. The chapter recently held voter registration drives at Collins Hill and Norcross High, getting approximately 100 students registered in the two campaigns. Here Clara Betterson, Keiristin Hill, Ursula Jones, CaSandra Smith, and Melissa Brown register students to vote at Collins Hill High School.

FOR CHARITY. You can give "A Gift of Laughter," a new book of cartoons by Bill McLemore, to help raise money for Rainbow Village. At just $20, it's a fun way to help. To order, call 770 840 1003, or 770 446 3800, or email to info@gwinnettforum.com.

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