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Duluth
is location of Georgia's Call Before You Dig center
By
Meghan Chestnutt
Manager, corporate communications
Utilities Protection Center of Georgia
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: The Utilities Protection Center
of Georgia moved in 1995 to Duluth on Summit Ridge Parkway to
serve Georgia. It now operates a "Call Before You Dig"
service there. -eeb)
DULUTH, Ga., Jan. 8, 2008 -- Utilities Protection Center of Georgia
(UPC), in partnership with the Common Ground Alliance and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), have launched a new nation-wide,
three digit "Call Before You Dig" number, 811. This new
number works like UPC's existing "Call Before You Dig"
number (1-800-282-7411) while providing the ease of three digit
dialing to have underground utility facilities located and marked
to help prevent injury and damages.
This new FCC-designated nationwide 811 number will route calls
to one of the 62 One-Call centers located in the country, based
on the area callers dial from. This call will start the process
of notifying the appropriate member utility companies within the
area of proposed excavation. These utilities will send out "locators"
or locate technicians to the proposed excavation site to mark underground
utility lines. This is provided free of charge to the caller. Calling
811 also creates a safer working environment for all those at or
near the excavation site.
The 811 number does not take the place of the UPC's existing 'Call
Before You Dig' 800 number. It is an additional number for the center
that is designed to work in Georgia and across the U.S. Calling
811 is not just for an emergency or report damaged facilities but
may be used any time.
On average, one call to UPC means seven utility companies will
be notified. The one call puts UPC to work!
Those calling should be prepared to answer a series of questions
to be sent to utilities in order to mark their underground facilities.
Those questions include:
- What is the address?
- What is the nearest cross street?
- Are you inside or outside of the city limits?
- Where on your property will you be digging?
- What type of work will be done?
- When will the work begin?
- How long will the work take?
Calling before you dig is not just a word of guidance. It is Georgia
Law. It is also a way to help prevent damage to property and underground
facilities and to prevent serious injury. It is important to call
at least two business days before work is to begin.
Risky assumptions about the location of underground utility lines,
some of which can be buried at shallow depths, can lead to injury,
loss of life or property and service outages. Also, in the state
of Georgia, digging without first calling UPC could result in the
issuing of fines by the Georgia Public Service Commission. A copy
of the Georgia "Dig Law" can be found at the UPC Website,
www.gaupc.com.
UPC strives to encourage four Dig Safely practices to all its stakeholders
and homeowners by : 1) Call before you dig; 2) Wait the required
amount of time; 3) Respect the marks; and 4) Dig with care.
Know what's below. Call before you dig: 811 or 800-282-7411.
Citizens should support Feb. 5 vote on school
bond issue
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
JAN. 8, 2008 -- What we like about the upcoming bond issue concerning
the Gwinnett County Schools is that it comes on February 5, when
a large segment of Gwinnettians will go to the polls. This is the
date of one of the most political votes of the year, that of Georgians
picking a presidential nominee.
Brack |
But there are no other local, especially school issues, on the
ballot. With the February 5 voting essentially devoid of local politics,
the school bond issue can stand on its own merit.
And merit this proposal by the School Board has. The Gwinnett schools
are facing a funding crisis, one that can be clearly seen, and the
School Board is offering a direction to its voters so that the crisis
will be meet head-on and Gwinnett's school progress remains on track.
In the last 10 years or so, for the most part, funding for the
ever-expanding Gwinnett school age population has been met with
both property taxes and from monies from the E-SPLOST (Special Purpose
Local Optional Sales Tax for education) funding. However, the growth
has outstripped the funding for the future. Therefore, the school
board is suggesting the bond issue to ensure that construction of
new schools continues, without interruption. Without this bond issue
to gain immediate funds, school construction would stop---there
would be no funds for it---for at least a two year period, beginning
in 2010.
Couple this with previous bonds, voted years ago, which have been
paid off. This puts the School Board in a position to fund the new
bond without a tax increase, and at the same time, never stop in
continuing to build new desperately-needed schools.
What Gwinnett get when it builds schools is the envy of other school
boards across the country. Gwinnett, with its extensive construction
program in the last 30 years, has set the standard on how to build
schools most economically yet with durable quality.
It has done this by putting the school construction program under
the direction of people trained in that area, professional construction
people. (Many systems "promote" school administrators
into supervising such projects, and often wonder why they can't
build schools effectively.)
Gwinnett schools have learned it's best to work with a known group
of firms, and to standardize as much materials and equipment as
possible. This way the System gets a savings in operation, maintenance
and interchangeability of components.
Not only that, unlike some public projects, the Gwinnett County
Public Schools don't feel wedded to the low bid concept. "Cheaper
is not always less expensive," is the way Chief Operating Office
Jim Steele puts it. "When you take the cheap route, you often
end up spending more in the long run. The best bid does not have
to be the lowest."
What it all adds up to is that Gwinnett residents have come to
realize that its school construction program is sound, getting the
best use of public dollars. Now the program needs additional bonding
funds to keep the construction program ahead of the curve of expanding
students as much as possible.
Therefore, we urge you to vote "Yes" to the funding of
a school bond during the February 5 presidential preference primary.
 The
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Iowa outcome still low turnout with circus
atmosphere
Editor, the Forum:
While I agree with your analysis of the caucus "system",
you are using fuzzy math for your caucus participants. In 2004,
Iowa had approximately 2.2 million voter eligible adults, of which,
about 1.9 [million] were considered active registered voters. 124,331
voters participated in the Democrat caucus, which equates to roughly
six percent of the registered voters. The entire population of Iowa
is not eligible to vote.
Between both parties, last night's event brought out well over
300,000 caucus goers, which still does not decide anything other
than what the people of Iowa believe to be their priorities come
November. However, they deserve a gargantuan ATTABOY for rejecting
the Clintons. May the remainder of the elections end with the same
result and send them packing!!
-- Larry Partain, Norcross
Dear Larry: OK, we used the entire population
instead of eligible voters. But the point of it is that the media
makes a big deal out of the caucus when it only gets such a puny
amount of people expressing their sentiments. The wider New Hampshire
vote, then Michigan and South Carolina, prior to the major voting
February 5, is where it matters. Iowa is just a circus around
the caucus I think you even agree it's an unusual way to pick
who will eventually become the leader of the Western world.. -eeb)
Cluster students collect
2,300 books in Peachtree Corners
Editor, the Forum:
The students and PTA of Peachtree Elementary want to thank GwinnettForum
for helping to promote our book drive for the Norcross Cooperative
Ministries. The students in the Norcross Cluster, as well as several
area businesses, collected more than 2,300 books for the needy kids
in our area.
I personally noticed that many of the books were for young adults
and teens, not just for preschoolers. Perhaps this will spark of
a love of reading for some of these children. We are proud of our
students, who are beginning a lifetime of service to the community.
-- Elizabeth Hale, Peachtree Corners
You can help Georgia
Gwinnett College select its mascot
Before Georgia Gwinnett College had a name, inaugural President
Daniel J. Kaufman would finish each speech with a simple "Go
Gwinnett!"
Two years later, Georgia Gwinnett College has a name, but is still
missing one of the most memorable symbols of college life: a college
mascot. Today, GGC will begin accepting mascot ideas from students,
faculty, staff and the local community. To submit your idea for
GGC's mascot, visit http://www.ggc.usg.edu/mascot.php.
Submissions will be accepted through Jan. 31.
Free health screening
at Eastside set for Jan. 17
A health screening is scheduled for Thursday, January 17, from
8 to 10 a.m. at Emory Eastside Medical Center in Snellville. This
is a collaborative effort by Health, Happiness, You and Emory Eastside
Medical Center. The Health Screening is an affordable way to keep
close check on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Persons must fast from 8 p.m. the evening before with no more than
a sip or swallow of water to take any required medication. Age requirement
is at least 18 years of age in order to participate. No appointment
is needed for the lab part of the screening. This event is open
to the public and no appointment is necessary.
Aurora adds Wednesday
matinee to first play of 2008 season
Scene from Dial M for Murder |
Aurora Theatre embarks on the new year with Dial M for Murder.
Set in post World War II London, this is the story of a bitter former
professional athlete who seems to plan the perfect murder of his
estranged wife. When the sensational trial ensues, the guilty party
appears to wriggle off the hook at every turn. Will justice prevail?
To find out, you will have to attend this classic thriller that
later became the signature Alfred Hitchcock film.
Dial M for Murder features a cast led by Aurora Theatre favorite
Chris Ensweiler as the former tennis pro estranged from his beautiful
wife and embittered to the point of murder. Real life husband and
wife, the duo of Elizabeth and Brik Berkes bring steamy passion
to their roles as star crossed lovers. The cast also includes Matt
Myers and Matt Brady. Gifted young director Joe Gfaller leads this
crew.
In addition to this celebrated thriller, an Afternoon High Tea will
be held in conjunction with Wednesday and Saturday Matinee performances.
This concept has been popular with past productions. Especially
loved by social groups and Red Hat Societies, the tea will be hosted
by Lil' River Grill. The additional cost for Afternoon High Tea
is only $10. Tickets can be purchased through the Aurora Theatre
Box Office. Reservations are required.
Dial M for Murder runs from January 17 through February 10.
Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday
and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 - $25. Two High Teas performance
are set for January 23 and 30 at 10 a.m. The tea is also offered
for the Saturday matinees. Reservations are suggested by calling
678 226 6222.
Libraries, Gwinnett
Tech team up for language classes soon
Gwinnett County Public Library, in partnership with the English
Language Institute (ELI) of Gwinnett Technical College, will offer
Let's Talk, English conversation groups for non-native speakers,
at four branch libraries beginning January 22. Recently released
census estimates show 30 percent of Gwinnett County residents speak
a language other than English at home. Of those, approximately half
report that they do not speak English well.
Gwinnett County Public Library seeks to support an already outstanding
English as a Second Language program at ELI by providing additional
opportunities for students and others to practice conversational
English.
Groups will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the following library
locations:
Monday: 1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville.
Tuesday: 788 Hillcrest Road, Lilburn.
Wednesday: 6025 Buford Hwy. Norcross.
Thursday: 2100 Buford Highway, Buford.
Registration is not required. Groups will be held weekly from Tuesday,
January 22, through Thursday, May 8. Lessons are geared to an audience
at the advanced beginner/early intermediate levels. Each week a
thematic topic will be explored, focusing exclusively on listening
and speaking skills. All groups will be led in English. Completion
certificates will be granted to those who attend 10 or more sessions.
For more information, call the Library Helpline at 770-978-5154.
Joan
Johnston is Volunteer of the Year for Eastside auxiliary
Johnston |
Emory Eastside Medical Center Auxiliary has awarded Joan Johnston
the 2007 Volunteer of the Year award. Johnston has served on the
Auxiliary Board as secretary, vice president of documentation, editor
of the newsletter and the Auxiliary's first creative scrapbook.
She also uses her computer and art skills to develop cards and
envelopes used by the Auxiliary's Forget-Me-Not Gift Shop for flowers
and gifts. Sunshine Cards are made to be sent out to volunteers
on birthdays or when they are ill. In her role as Newsletter Editor,
Joan often serves as the photographer.
Johnston's other special areas of service include volunteering for
the annual Relay for Life, and supports the Auxiliary's endeavor
including the annual bake sale, jewelry sale, and the Forget-Me-Not
Gift Shop's Annual Open House. She has accumulated 2,330 recorded
hours while volunteering in the Gift Shop.
Those who would like to become a part of this volunteer organization
may call the Auxiliary Volunteer Office, 770-736-2463, or visit
www.emoryeastside.com.
- 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
Barrow
leads UGA to heights of modern university
Barrow |
David
Barrow Jr. served as chancellor of the University of Georgia
from 1906 to 1925, a position roughly analogous to the modern presidency
of that institution and became one of Georgia's leading public servants.
David Crenshaw Barrow Jr. was born in 1852 in Oglethorpe County,
where his father, David C. Barrow Sr., was a leading planter and
a trustee of the university. His mother, Sarah Pope Barrow, was
the granddaughter of former governor and senator Wilson Lumpkin.
Barrow was educated at the University of Georgia, receiving both
a B.S. and a degree in engineering in 1874. He became a popular
professor of mathematics and engineering, a department head, dean
under Chancellor Walter B. Hill, acting chancellor upon Hill's death
(1905), and in 1906, chancellor. Barrow led the university through
a period of great growth.
When Barrow retired in 1925, the university had become a modern
institution, with an established college of agriculture, much-strengthened
versions of the 1906 schools, new schools of education, commerce,
and journalism, and a structured graduate school. Regular enrollment
had more than quadrupled because of Barrow's efforts and the admission
of female students. Faculty size had tripled, funding had increased
greatly, and several new buildings had been constructed on campus.
Barrow's contributions to the university, however, cannot be measured
solely in statistics. His moral and spiritual influence on students
was of equal-perhaps greater-importance. College undergraduates
in the early 20th century were the age of high-school upperclassmen
in the early 21st, and therefore the university was expected to
impress values upon them, both through precept and by example. Barrow's
speeches at the chapel and elsewhere, his writings, and his campus
presence demonstrated his own beliefs. Students nicknamed him Uncle
Dave and thought of him as benevolent, wise, caring, and able to
enforce rules with the proper mixture of justice and concern.
Barrow's personal life was also rich and full. He married Frances
Ingle Childs of Athens in 1879, and they had four children and ten
grandchildren. Barrow's name survives in Barrow County, in an Athens
elementary school and an Athens street, and at the University of
Georgia in Barrow Hall and the David C. Barrow Chair of Mathematics.
Barrow died in 1929.
A sense of humor a
sign a man wants the truth
"Nothing in man is more serious than his sense of humor; it
is the sign that he wants all the truth."
----Poet, Editor and Biographer Mark Van Doren (1894-1972).
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
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