Children's Healthcare of Atlanta dedicated to pediatric care
By Katie Hart-Smith
Manager, community outreach, Children's Healthcare fo Atlanta
Special to GwinnettForum.com

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 1, 2008 -- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is the only hospital system in Georgia dedicated to the delivery of pediatric healthcare. As a nationally recognized leader, managing three hospitals and 17 satellite locations, Children's exists to serve the needs of the community as it:

• Employs more than 6,800 employees; approximately 15 percent of whom are Gwinnett County residents.
  
  
• Offers access to more than 1,400 pediatric physicians

As Gwinnett County continues to establish itself as a premier community for family living, the pediatric population is estimated to increase by 30,000 children in the next two years. Children's has expanded its programs, facilities and services into Gwinnett to ensure the healthcare needs of the community's children are fully met.

Services in Gwinnett County include:

• Sports Medicine: A multidisciplinary program offering comprehensive medical and orthopaedic services to student athletes. The Children's Orthopaedics program was ranked in the top five nationwide by Child magazine.
  
  
• Immediate Care: Physicians and staff at the Children's Immediate Care Centers treat patients from birth to age 21 with minor illnesses and injuries and also provide lab and X-ray services. When a child has a minor emergency and his regular doctor is not available, such as on evenings and weekends, the Centers are available.
  
  
• Outpatient Rehabilitation: For patients and families with ongoing rehabilitation needs, our outpatient rehabilitation program offers specialized services to meet the needs of children, teenagers and young adults.
  
  
• Orthotics and Prosthetics: The Children's Orthotics and Prosthetics services address the medical, therapeutic and emotional needs of patients with conditions that require orthotic or prosthetic devices.
  
  
• Outpatient Surgery: At Children's, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and staff understand the special surgical needs of growing children and know how to comfort and help kids if they are scared. Children's offers outpatient pediatric surgery in general, ENT, orthopaedics and plastics.
  
  
• Outpatient Cardiac Care: Sibley Heart Center Cardiology is a group of pediatric cardiologists, affiliated with Emory University School of Medicine, who provide comprehensive services for infants, children, teenagers and young adults with complex congenital and acquired heart defects.
  
  
• Health Advocacy: While Children's is making strides to provide the medical services needed for Gwinnett children, the organization is also proactively providing education and training to the community so families can take positive steps toward a healthy future.
  
  
• The Type 2 Diabetes Intervention Prevention Programs (TIPPs for Kids) is a 12-week nutrition and physical intervention designed for children with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Children's physical trainers and nutritionists assist participants in developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
  
  
• The Children's School Nurse Liaison/Consultant program teaches school and healthcare workers how to care for a child's medical condition. With more than 135,000 students attending Gwinnett County schools, teachers, coaches and school nurses play an integral role in keeping kids safe and healthy while in the classroom.

Sports medicine, immediate care, outpatient rehabilitation, orthotics/prosthetics and outpatient surgery services are available at Children's Healthcare at Satellite Boulevard. Children's Healthcare of Snellville offers outpatient cardiac care as well as sports medicine services. Outpatient rehabilitation and orthotics/prosthetics services are also offered at Children's Healthcare of Gwinnett/Sugarloaf. Visit www.choa.org/gwinnett for maps and directions to Gwinnett locations.

For more information about services available in Gwinnett, please contact me at katie.smith@choa.org or 404-785-7609.

Is there a full-service gasoline station left in Gwinnett?
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher

FEB. 1, 2008 -- Picking up ideas jotted down, a few tidbits today:

Is there still a gasoline station in Gwinnett which offers its customers what you might call "Full service?" Some people remember them as "service stations," meaning, the attendants would pump the gas for their customers, and perhaps, clean the auto's windshield at the same time.

We ask this question to help out one Gwinnettian we know, who drives to Atlanta regularly. She fills up her gasoline tank in Atlanta, since she knows no place within Gwinnett where "full service" is offered.

She laments: "Why, I'm not mechanical, and might spill some gas on just one dress, and it wouldn't be worth it. So I just let the attendants fill up my tank."

So, be alert and on the look out. It could save one Gwinnettian a possible trip into Atlanta each week.

* * * * *

Brack

People in Britain have raised the question: does that country need a "statement of values," much like our Declaration of Independence? Britain never crafted a document like ours, since that country just evolved. However, they did give us the Magna Carta, no small piece of work.

After that question was raised, the Times of London came up with an idea of their own: why not a British motto? The upshot was a motto-writing contest.

Here are some responses: "Once Mighty Empire, Slightly Used."

"At Least We Are Not French."

"We Apologize for the Inconvenience."

But the one favored by 20.9 per cent of readers: "No Motto Please; We're British."

Makes us wonder in Gwinnett: has the "Success Lives Here" outlived itself? Does Gwinnett need a new motto?

* * * * *

Back in 1975 our Congress passed the Metric Conversion Act and started the "go metric" campaign with school activities, bumper stickers, public service announcements and wall charts.

Then came 1982, and Ronald Reagan disbanded the U.S. Metric Board and canceled its funding. And just like that, the United States stopped moving to what most countries of the world use to measure just about anything.

The metric system was developed 200 years ago, during of the Age of Reason, and is based on numeric intervals of 10. The U.S.'s measurement system is based on the size of seeds and body parts. The results? Today, the United States, Liberia and Myanmar are the only non-metric countries in the world.

* * * * *

Even with some rain, it's still dry. We got this note in during the height of the drought, and meant to use sooner. But some are still valid. Enjoy.

"It's so dry in Georgia that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling……..the Methodists are using wet-wipes…..the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks…..and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water." Thanks, David Earl Tyre, for tickling our funny bone.

* * * *

Over in Newnan, we know it wrangles Publisher Billy Thomasson about every time he listens to the electronic media mis-pronounce the name of his county: Coweta.

The typical radio or TV pronunciation is Cow-WEE-Ta . Billy maintains that's not either the way it is spelled nor pronounced, wanting people to call it Cow-EE-ta County. Note he doesn't say or spell the "W" twice.

We remember some oldtimers, for instance the late Betty Mauldin, who pronounced our county "GWIN-nett," not the more normal "Gwin-NETT." Over in Duluth, you have some people who still refer to it as "DOO-luth," instead of most people's second syllable emphasis of "doo-LUTH." And down Perry way, the correct Middle Georgia way of saying their county name is 'HOUSE-ton", not the Texas way, "HUEWS-ton."

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is the Gwinnett Philharmonic. The Philharmonic continues their 2007-2008 concert season with Side by Side: Sensational Strings at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, for which the Gwinnett County Public Schools Honors Orchestras again join the Philharmonic in a concert featuring their spectacular string sections. On Tuesday, April 1 at 8 p.m is The Philharmonic Plays Pops with Mac Frampton, a thrilling pops concert with guest pianist Mac Frampton performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the orchestra. Visit http://www.macframpton.com). The final concert of the season will be the Sizzling Swing - Big Band Style jazz concert, on Tuesday, May 13 at 8 p.m., featuring the orchestra's own Philharmonic Jazz big band troupe. All concerts take place in the Performing Arts Center of the Gwinnett Center. Tickets are $28 adults, $24 seniors and $12 students. Tickets are available at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, through the Philharmonic's website or in person at the Gwinnett Center box office between 10 and 5, Monday-Friday. For more information on the Gwinnett Philharmonic, visit their website at http://www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org. Be sure to sign up for their monthly e-newsletter while you are there, to receive timely reminders and inside information on concerts.

• For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm
  

Looking for super candidate to solve our nation's problems

Editor, the Forum:

Until you raised the race issue, I had not thought that Obama's success in South Carolina could cause him problems in other states. If I follow your premise, will Hillary's victory in New Hampshire because of the overwhelming support of women or Romney's Nevada victory because of the overwhelming number of Mormons voting cause either of them problems in other states?

It seems to me that this whole issue of race is being kept alive by the media and those who make their living by maintaining race as an issue.

By the way, personally I don't yearn for a minority President. I yearn for someone who is strong on National Defense, has an equitable solution to the illegal immigration problem, has a plan to restore our economic vitality, has enough fiscal restraint to balance the budget and has the courage to reduce the federal government's role in our lives. If they do that, I don't care if the are a black, female, Mormon, old, or a southern lawyer with nice hair.

-- Patrick Malone, Snellville

Dear Pat: Another way to put it, seems to me, is that you want Superman to be a candidate for president. On your qualifiers, most of us will agree. We just can't find candidates with all these qualifications. And once the two party nominees are named, many of us wind up voting not so much for someone, but against one of them.---eeb

Possibility exists that manipulations always go on

Editor, the Forum:

Enjoyed your article on the South Carolina Democratic primary. You might want to give some thought in the area of "Note that such an appearance comes without any effort from the Clintons or other people. Is Mr. Obama's success in South Carolina going to cast him as more of a race-related candidate than he wants to be seen in other parts of the nation?"

One could make the argument that the Clintons expected a loss in South Carolina. Thus the strategy of enflaming the "black" community in order to bring out the "black" vote much more significantly to create the possible situation to which you have addressed as the theme of your article. Make sense?

-- Hoyt Tuggle, Lawrenceville

Dear Hoyt: Well, if it doesn't make sense, it at least could have happened. One thing about politics: it is always far more complicated than most of us can imagine, which perhaps whets the appetite for the candidates so much.

Go shop!

Another great cartoon by Bill McLemore:

US Highway 78 project scheduled completion in 10 months

"You don't just have a ribbon cutting and build a road; there remains a tremendous amount of work to accomplish over the next two years," says Evermore CID Executive Director Brett Harrell during a recent presentation on the progress of the U.S. Highway 78 transportation improvement project. He notes that the highway Median Safety Project has been in the planning and preliminary engineering stage for over 10 years! Now the construction countdown has begun and stands at 10 months, with a scheduled completion date of November 2009.

Utility improvements along US 78 Highway

Those traveling the U.S. Highway 78 corridor will notice the ever-changing visual signs of progress. So what is happening during the construction phase of this major highway median and safety project? Many things: Grading work, infrastructure modifications, sign removal, utility relocation (power poles, gas lines and water meters), right-of-way clearing, and fiber-optic cable installation for enhanced traffic light synchronization, to name a few items on the project manager's check list.

Harrell reports that Walton EMC is well ahead of schedule, AT&T and Comcast are moving at an expedient pace, and all public utility and clearing crews are working diligently. Actual road construction is scheduled to begin in early February at the Park Place end of the corridor.

In addition to the median project, there are many additional conceptual projects planned within the Evermore business district. The Evermore CID recently enhanced their website to provide a thorough overview of both conceptual studies and active project updates. To stay informed on project status and traffic information, visit the website frequently at www.EvermoreCID.org.

Envisioning the end result, the corridor will be lined with landscaping, sidewalks, park benches, decorative traffic lights, and illuminated street signs. Pedestrian access will be improved and encouraged, and most importantly the project will dramatically increase public safety.

The Evermore CID's long term objective is to ultimately transform the business district into an entirely redeveloped community with an established sense of destination that offers an attractive place to live, work, and shop!

Chamber offers mentoring program with Gwinnett schools

Would you like to make a difference in our schools? Would you like to become involved in Gwinnett's education efforts? Would you like to help a child learn?

If you are seeking involvement opportunities in education, HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) is an academically structured mentoring program that pairs a student who needs help with a community volunteer as a mentor. Research shows that children can learn faster and become more self reliant when they are taught one-to-one. Learn how you can become a mentor to a student and help a child to be successful.

HOSTS Mentoring and Intervention services provide research-based instructional strategies and interventions to assist teachers in effectively helping students who struggle in the regular classroom.

Find out how you can make a difference in Gwinnett schools by attending a February 26 kickoff breakfast featuring the Pilot Mentoring Initiative with Lilburn Middle School's HOSTS Program. For more information, contact Gail Macrenaris at 770-232-8803 or gail@gwinnettchamber.org.

"Nature of Things" theme of Pinckneyville photography exhibit

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is sponsoring an exhibit of photography by Ken Easter entitled "The Nature of Things" at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center from Jan. 29 - April 24. An opening reception will be held on February 6, from 7 - 9 p.m. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Easter's goal as a nature photographer is to give tangible evidence that serenity is available to those who take the time to seek it. He does this by capturing moments in time with his photographs, moments that can easily go unnoticed.

Railway Museum offers Valentine's at vintage dining car

The Southeastern Railway Museum is offering a Valentine's dinner theme at the museum, "Romance on the Rails". Tables are limited and reservations are required.

Dinner seating is limited to nine tables with two different seatings : Thursday, February 14 or Friday, February 15, both at 7 p.m. A table for two is $125 and a table for 4 is $200. Diners are invited to tour the museum either before or after dinner. Dinner choices include chicken, steak or salmon.

The service is in a 1928 dining car, with fine China and white linen tablecloths. To reserve your table, contact Kathy Sills with Casual Catering of Georgia at (770) 963-8106 or by e-mail at caterer@srmduluth.org.

Bill McCargo heads Chamber of Commerce for 2008 term

McCargo

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has picked Bill McCargo of Scientific-Atlanta to be chairman of its board for 2008. He was installed at the 60th annual banquet of the Chamber last Friday.

Other new officers include Kerry Armstrong of Duke-Weeks, chair elect; and the following vice chairs: David Snell, transportation; Mike Levengood, education and leadership development; Tammy Shumate, marketing and communications; Ron Garrard, small business development; Terri Johdahl, niche market development; and Jay Eun, international.

Named to a three-year term as directors were Chuck Button, Bryan Cohen, Steve Gaultney, Dr. Javier Gonzalez; Dave Heydinger; Marian Lucia; J.K. Murphy; Mike Runyan; James Song; and Jack Wilson.

Appointed to a one-year term as a chairman's nomination were Kelly Greer, Dave McMullen; Anthony Rodriguez; Jacqui Welch; Dr. Gloria Seals; and Brett Taylor.

Suwanee offers older homeowners tax-deferral program

For Suwanee homeowners 62 or older and living on a limited income of $20,000 or less annually, the City of Suwanee now offers a homestead tax deferral program.

This program is designed specifically as a way of putting off tax payment until such time as the property is sold or transferred. It's important to note that this deferral program applies only to City of Suwanee property taxes and does not impact any Gwinnett County taxes.

City Council adopted the program in 2007. For those who qualify for the program, the City defers the property taxes owed and a lien is placed on the property. The City's deferral is considered a loan, with an interest rate applying to the amount to be paid back when the property is sold or transferred.

An application must be completed each year a deferral is sought. The application deadline is March 1. Additional information and an application are available at www.suwanee.com or by contacting Susan VanNusat at 770 945 8996.

• 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
  

Georgia's 100 miles of inland coastal waterways are beneficial

Georgia's coast is more than 100 miles in length. Its most impressive natural feature is the chain of barrier islands that fringe the shoreline. Separating the islands from the mainland is a belt of tidal marshes, four to six miles wide. Amid the marshes, and running the length of the coast, are the waterways that, from the earliest years of the region's European occupation, have been known as the inland passage.

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

The natural "water highway" of this inland passage provided a protected route for intracoastal maritime traffic, enabling smaller craft to avoid the outside waters along the coast, a route often impassable due to frequent Atlantic Ocean northeasters and tropical storms. Spanish traders and Franciscan friars traveled the waterway between the friars' chain of missions in the 16th and 17th centuries. English colonists utilized the route to transport cargoes of rice and indigo to the markets in Charleston, South Carolina, and in Savannah.

During the antebellum period, when large rice and cotton plantations were established on the Sea Islands and in the freshwater river estuaries, the inland waterway was increasingly utilized. Small coasting vessels transported plantation commodities to the larger markets for sale. These craft called at the tidewater plantations to load bags of cotton and tierces, or barrels, of rice for shipment. The rural nature of the islands and mainland coast made the waterway a crucial link with the outside world for the shipment and receipt of domestic goods, plantation equipment and supplies, as well as mail.

Despite Georgia's relatively short coastline, the Union navy had a difficult task in containing Confederate smugglers and blockade runners during the Civil War (1861-65) because the convoluted network of creeks and rivers afforded many opportunities for escape. The inland waterway thus facilitated communication between plantations despite the Union blockade offshore and in the sounds.

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

Here's what happens when you make things too complex

"Law that is sufficiently complex is indistinguishable from no law at all."

-- Sociologist Charles Murray (1943- ), via Marshall Miller, Lilburn.

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

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

© 2008, 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 7.82, Feb. 1, 2008

TODAY'S FOCUS: Children's Healthcare Has 17 Different Area Locations
ELLIOTT BRACK: Is There Still a Full Service Gasoline Station in Gwinnett?
FEEDBACK: Two Reflections on Recent Presidential Primaries
McLEMORE'S WORLD: Going Shopping
UPCOMING: US 78 Work; Mentoring Program. Photo Exhibit; Cupid Treat
NOTABLE: Chamber Updates 2008 Board Members; Suwanee Offers Tax Deferral
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia's 100 Miles of Coastal Waterways Are Beneficial
TODAY'S QUOTE: What Happens When Matters Are Made Too Complex

ETHICS. The City of Duluth is one of seven Georgia cities most recently awarded a certified city of ethics award from the Georgia Municipal Association. The voluntary program, developed by a panel of business and government leaders, encourages cities to adopt and adhere to a set of key ethical principles and a comprehensive model ethics ordinance. The ordinance guides city officials' conduct in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance also contains strong penalty provisions---including public reprimands, fines and removal from office---for city officials who violate the ordinance. From left are Ken Smith, GMA president and mayor of Kingsland; Greg Whitlock, councilmember; Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris; Doug Mundrick, councilmember; and Marsha Bomar, councilmember.

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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