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Nursing program to begin at Gwinnett
Tech this August
By
Dana Urrutia
Special to GwinnettForum
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., July 18, 2008 -- Gwinnett Technical College
will now offer an associate of applied science degree in nursing
and will begin accepting applications for the program August 1,
2008.
Gwinnett Tech has received developmental approval from the Georgia
Board of Nursing to offer the associate degree nursing program.
Those admitted in the first class -- 40 students -- will start classes
in September 2009. The admissions deadline for this class will be
January 15, 2009.
Sharon Bartels, president, Gwinnett Tech, says: "We are eager
to serve the community with an associate degree RN program. There's
a tremendous need for additional nurses in the community and we
know that our program will make a real difference for students,
residents and healthcare employers."
The addition of the associate degree RN program, explains Bartels,
reflects the continued demand for healthcare professionals and the
college's commitment to fill that need. Funding for a new Life Sciences
Building at Gwinnett Tech was approved this year as a part of the
state's budget. The building will ultimately provide space for additional
classrooms and students in Gwinnett Tech's nine Health Science programs,
including nursing.
Registered Nurse Kim Hudson-Gallogly, MS, RN, will serve as the
nursing program director. She has almost 20 years experience in
clinical nursing and nursing education. Most recently, she served
as an assistant professor at North Georgia College and State University
and as a women's health nurse practitioner for Student Health Services
at the college. Hudson-Gallogly earned a bachelor of science in
nursing, from Georgia College, and a master of science as a woman's
health care nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist from
Georgia State University. She is now completing a PhD in adult education
from the University of Georgia.
Explains Hudson-Gallogly: "Nursing is a discipline like no
other. Great nurses not only have great compassion, but also must
have a comprehensive and leading-edge education, strong clinical
training and proven critical thinking skills. Gwinnett Tech's health
science graduates - across the board - have earned an outstanding
reputation and we look forward to continuing that standard of excellence
in the degreed nursing program."
Gwinnett Tech nursing students will complete their clinical training
at area hospitals, including Gwinnett Medical Center and Emory Eastside
Medical Center.
Gwinnett Tech has offered a practical nursing diploma program for
many years, and will graduate the current class of practical nursing
students in June, 2009. As the college implements the new associate
degree nursing program, the practical nursing diploma program will
be on hiatus.
Once the associate degree nursing program is underway, Gwinnett
Tech will apply for candidacy to earn accreditation from the National
League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, a time line that will
accommodate accreditation before the first class graduates. While
specific academic programs at the college often earn specialized
industry accreditation, Gwinnett Tech is also accredited by the
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools.
For more information about Gwinnett Tech's Nursing program or about
any of the college's more than 45 program options, contact 770-962-7580
or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
Intensely-covered Gwinnett moves to new day
for journalism
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
JULY 18, 2008 -- For the last 20 years, Gwinnett County has been
the best covered county for news in Georgia, if not the nation.
It has been the result of competition, between the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
and first, the Gwinnett Daily News, especially after
it was purchased by the New York Times, and later, at the
arrival of the Gwinnett Daily Post.
Brack |
We remember the competition so fierce at one time when the Daily
News was around that we joked if anyone dropped their handkerchief,
a photographer materialized to take that picture to get in a paper
the next day. Both newspapers were covering many trivial, not real
newsworthy, events.
This extensive coverage led to more electronic coverage, since
most TV stations don't do original reporting, but depend on newspapers
to guide and set the agenda. Gwinnett was well covered.
Now the announcement of a pull-back by the AJC in all of
suburban Atlanta means that there will be far less intensity and
depth of the news coverage for Gwinnett. The AJC elimination
of the daily Gwinnett News (once called the Extra)
and local coverage in Midtown, North Fulton and Cobb County (the
Southside coverage has long been gone) should bolster the Gwinnett
Daily Post operations in the county. But the competition will be
far less intense, though the AJC says that it will continue
to provide solid reporting in the suburbs. But Gwinnett, in particular,
will not have a daily section focused on its developments. This
will be particularly felt by those who advertised in the Gwinnett
section of the AJC, who will find it far more costly to advertise
in that newspaper now.
Back when the daily Gwinnett section started, it took a while for
Gwinnett readers to understand how to go through the newspaper.
Just after the start of the daily edition, when I was with the AJC,
people would call up and complain that a story was not in the paper.
Often I could tell them that indeed, it was, though in the Gwinnett
section. Many were reading the main sections, and not see the story
there, but could turn to the Gwinnett section and find the story
in far more detail than it would have been if in the main newspaper.
Over the years, people learned how to read the paper, many reading
the Gwinnett section before the main section, and getting pure Gwinnett
news there. However, in recent years, the AJC realized that
not enough Gwinnett news was going to readers in other counties
of Metro Atlanta, so started a new method of placing many Gwinnett
stories in the main section, and re-running these stories in the
Gwinnett section. Readers in Gwinnett got the same story twice.
This could have led Atlanta newspaper officials to question why
such stories were appearing inefficiently in two places. Could this
be one reason they decided to halt the local daily section? Ironic,
isn't it?
Gwinnett, perhaps as well as any place in Atlanta, recognizes that
change continues to take place in all walks of life, including the
media. While we lament the decline of a daily Gwinnett in the AJC,
it's a sign of how the times are changing. We hope that Gwinnett
as any part of the Metro Atlanta area, continues to have good coverage
from all media. Who knows: perhaps the Internet, widely seen as
the major reason for the change, will be an answer.
For me, reading the daily newspaper is a strong habit, and it's
fun, too. We'll see less Gwinnett news in the AJC, but hope
that the Gwinnett Daily Post (and efforts like GwinnettForum)
can fill the void as best they can.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Hayes Family
Dealerships with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac,
GMC and Cadillac. Mike, Terry, Tim and Ted Hayes of Lawrenceville
and Gainesville with Robin Haynes of Baldwin and Stan Roberts of
Toccoa invite you into their showrooms to look over their line-up
of automobiles and trucks. Hayes has been in the automotive business
for over 35 years, and is North Georgia's oldest family-owned dealerships.
The family is the winner of the 2002 Georgia Family Business of
the Year Award.. Check their web sites at: www.hayeschrysler.com
or www.hayeschevrolet.com
or www.hayesgmcars.com.
Agency
seeks short-term foster homes for chihuahuas
Editor, the Forum:
I have already received over 30 requests for rescue of homeless
Chihuahuas this month alone. I am urgently recruiting for foster
homes and transport volunteers at this time.
Most foster commitments last one to three months. Some can last
longer depending on the dog, but most of our dogs are highly adoptable.
We do prefer foster homes in North Metro Atlanta, but will discuss
any opportunity that presents itself. Note: There is no cost involved
in fostering!
We also need transport volunteers to pick up our rescued animals
from animal control, from other rescue people, etc. at various locations
across Atlanta and transport them to our shelter in Buford. We also
need help in transporting dogs to and from their veterinary appointments
on occasion; our vet is located in Gwinnett County.
Please help in any way you can by referring your friends, family
members, or co-workers to our organization to volunteer. I can be
reached personally by email or phone if anyone wishes to discuss
fostering or transporting in more detail.
The demand for adoption and rescue of Chihuahuas in Atlanta is great.
I hate having to turn away so many animals in need because of a
lack of resources. We only have four foster homes thus far - this
is not enough to feed the demand.
Our animal rescue organization has been most successful thus far
because of support from people like you, but in order for us to
continue to grow and make an impact on the community, we need your
help!
-- Leigh Ann Dickey, executive director and founder, Chihuahua
Rescue of Georgia, Inc., www.chihuahuarescuega.org
or call 770.630.6233
New
possible seascape
Another great cartoon by Bill McLemore:
Shawn
Mullins appears at historic Courthouse July 25
Shawn Mullins Appears at Historic Courthouse Friday, July 25
Shawn Mullins makes his fourth return for the Moonlight and Music
Concert Series on the lawn of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse on
Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m.
Atlanta-based artist Shawn Mullins is a multi-instrumentalist who
plays over 200 performances a year. His music isn't defined by a
singular genre, but is a unique blend of folk, blues, country and
rock. His well-known song "Lullaby" reached No. 1 on national
pop charts and more recently his song "Beautiful Wreck"
has reached number one on both the AAA and Americana Radio. The
concerts and lawn seating are free to the public. Reserved tables
are sold out.
Come enjoy the warm summer evenings at the outdoor "Moonlight
and Music" concert series. Each show offers various styles
of music including blues, rock, folk, country and bluegrass, Motown
and more! Concerts are held from May to September, at 8 p.m., on
the fourth Friday of each month. Reserved tables for six can be
rented by contacting the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse offices at
770-822-5450. Bring a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants on
the Square.
For series information and band listings visit www.visitlawrenceville.com.
New London Theatre
schedules auditions for The Hobbit
The New London Theatre in Snellville is scheduling auditions for
its next play, The Hobbit, for July 21-22.
Monologues for the auditions can be found at the website: www.newlondontheatre.org.
Those interested in trying out should contact Director Tony Webb
at custompictures@msn.com.
The producer is Kirk Buis and Beth Elam.
The Hobbit is set in a time "between the dawn of Fairy
and the Dominion of Men", and follows the quest of home-loving
Bilbo Baggins (the Burglar) and 13 Dwarves, led by Thorin, to capture
the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug. The Gandalf instigated
(planned) journey takes them from light-hearted, rural surroundings
into darker, deeper territory.
Performances will begin September 12-28. Tickets are $12 prepaid
(on our website) or $15 at the door, if available. To learn more
about The New London Theatre, contact www.newlondontheatre.org
or call at (770) 979-3691.
Stephens to highlight
Chamber success breakfast on Aug. 8
Stephens |
John D. Stephens will lead the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce's "Success
Lives Here" breakfast on August 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the Sugarloaf
Country Club.
A native of Gwinnett, Mr. Stephens started his first business in
1962 as a utility contractor. He was instrumental in the construction
of Gwinnett's water and sewer infrastructure, which is one of the
most critical elements to Gwinnett's success and growth. His firm
has been engaged in major pipeline construction in 10 different
states. As his business grew, he became the leading utility contractor
in the Southeastern United States, setting industry standards and
techniques that are still in practice today.
Cost for Chamber members is $45, and $55 for non-Chamber members.
Registration deadline is August 1, 2008
Animal shelter increases
hours, offers free senior adoptions
Gwinnett's animal shelter is trying out some new ideas in a 90-day
trial this summer to increase pet adoptions from the facility. The
changes include longer hours, free adoptions for seniors and an
upgraded nutrition program for all shelter animals.
The shelter is now open for adoptions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
until 8 p.m. and has extended Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours on Wednesdays and Fridays remain the same at 10 a.m. until
4 p.m. and the shelter is still closed to the public on Sunday and
Monday.
A new "Paws for Seniors" program offers unlimited free
adoptions to anyone over 55 plus reduced veterinary fees for adopted
shelter animals. The shelter has also upgraded to the Hill's Science
Diet Nutrition Program to keep its animals healthy.
Gwinnett Police Corporal Illana Spellman reminded residents that
the new shelter is located near Briscoe Field airport off U.S. Highway
29 in Lawrenceville. Animal control officers are on duty from 8
a.m. to midnight and on call after hours.
County approves $15
Million for expanded recycling facility
Gwinnett commissioners will allow Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful,
Inc., to begin building a long-planned new recycling center to be
ready for the expanded recycling collection services that will begin
next year. The location of the new facility has not been determined.
Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Inc., is the non-profit organization
that manages solid waste services for the county.
The Development Authority will issue $15 million in revenue bonds
for the new Recovered Materials Processing Facility. Proceeds will
pay for construction of the new facility and reimburse the county
for expenses on the project prior to the bond sale.
The new facility will support the expanded recycling services that
will be offered in Gwinnett starting in 2009 to help meet state
and county goals of reducing landfill waste by 23 percent per capita.
The funding and construction of the facility supports the Solid
Waste Management Plan adopted in April.
In a related move, commissioners also agreed to rebuild the Recycling
Bank of Gwinnett facility at 4300 Satellite Boulevard that was destroyed
by fire on June 26. Insurance will cover most of the expedited rebuilding
costs.
County tax bills mailed;
first payment due Sept. 15
Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington has mailed
2008 property tax bills to property owners in Gwinnett. For convenience,
taxpayers received two payment coupons and reply envelopes and may
pay in two installments due Sept. 15 and Nov. 15, 2008. Payment
in full is also accepted by the due date. Penalties and interest
apply for late payments.
This year, taxpayers have even more ways to pay their property
tax:
- By credit card or e-check online at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.
(Convenience fees apply for credit card transactions over the
Internet.)
- By check and use the drop-off boxes accessible 24 hours a day
at all Tax Commissioner offices.
- Bt mailing payments to the Tax Commissioner's office at 75 Langley
Drive, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30045.
- In person during regular business hours at the main Property
Tax Office located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration
Center in Lawrenceville, or at any of the five motor vehicle tag
branch offices.
- Over the telephone by calling TaxTalk 24 at 770-822-8800.
Larry Reed new head
of Norcross-Peachtree Corners Rotary
Reed
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New president of the Norcross-Peachtree Corners Rotary Club is
Larry Reed, a CPA in Norcross. He succeeds Debbie Sutton, director
of the Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners. He an alumnus of Senior
Leadership Gwinnett, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama.
He is a deacon of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, and lives in Lawrenceville.
The club meets Mondays at noon at the Carlyle House in downtown
Norcross.
A Bell for Adano,
by John Hersey
"Over the years, John Hersey has established himself as an
excellent writer. Somehow, we had missed reading his classic, A
Bell for Adano. This, one of his first books, produced during
World War II, tells how one American major used common sense in
getting a Sicilian town back on its feet, while war was going on
nearby. The book shows how listening to people at all levels is
an important trait of leadership, and also shows how meting out
sentences with justice in mind works wonders. Yet in the Army, certain
bad leadership traits can also be found, sometimes in higher ups,
and sometimes at the lowest levels. If you want to be entertained
with a good yarn with an obvious conclusion, you'll enjoy A Bell
for Adano."
-- Elliott Brack
- 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
humorists included in anthology edited by Burke
Several Georgia humorists are included in the anthology Polly Peablossom's
Wedding (1851), edited by T. A. Burke. The author of the title sketch,
John
Basil Lamar, is the best known of these writers. Born in Milledgeville
in 1812, Lamar was a substantial planter who lived near Macon. He
owned holdings in 13 Georgia counties and in Florida.
Highly literate and well traveled, Lamar supported secession, joined
the Confederate army, and was killed in the Battle of Crampton's
Gap in Maryland in September, 1862. His known literary canon consists
of six sketches. "Polly Peablossom's Wedding" is a brief
tale of a comic wedding that celebrates egalitarianism on the Georgia
frontier. Another sketch by Lamar, "The 'Experience' of the
Blacksmith of the Mountain Pass," recounts the conversion of
a proud, free-thinking mountain artisan who is beaten in a fair
fight by a Methodist circuit rider.
Burke's own contribution to the anthology, "A Losing Game
of Poker; or, The Gambler Outwitted," follows the form of the
moral disclaimer established by Longstreet: while the subject of
the tale is gambling, drinking, and swindling, the narrator makes
it clear that such behavior is no longer the social norm. Burke's
anthology also includes a sketch by the Augusta author T. W. Lane,
"The Thimble Game," about a country bumpkin in the city
who is conned out of $400 by a "Gimblet-man" (cotton buyer)
in a shell game.
(To be continued.)
You need at least two
to make determinations
"You can never get all the facts from just one newspaper,
and unless you have all the facts, you cannot make proper judgments
about what is going on."
-- Former President Harry S Truman (1884-1972).
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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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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