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Centerville community organizes, gets
results for area
By
Dan Curry
President, Centerville Business Association
Special to GwinnettForum
CENTERVILLE (Snellville, Ga.), Aug. 8, 2008 -- During the Spring
of 2007, business persons and clergymen in the Centerville area
met with elected officials and other interested parties to organize
the Centerville Business Association. I, as president of the organization,
indicated that this was in response to the community experiencing
an increase in crime.
The main goal of the organization is to make Centerville a safer
place to live, work, worship, and play. The goal will be reached
by bringing people together with concerns and working through them
in a rational and positive manner. The CBA has been working with
the Gwinnett County Police Department on a plan to bring more police
presence into the area.
Understanding the fact that the police had exhausted all of their
resources for the area, the organization has made arrangements to
employ off duty police officers to help patrol the commercial corridor
of Centerville Highway. Soon, an information network for members
will be in place. Recently, the CBA has been working closely with
elected officials Chairman Charles Bannister and Commissioner Mike
Beaudreau to open a police work station in the Centerville area.
The police department also welcomes this partnership. According
to Major Keybo Taylor, commander of the South Precinct, during 2007,
this precinct experienced an increase in various criminal activities
for the Centerville area.
Major Taylor also stated that there were several areas that were
identified for increased enforcement efforts. These locations were
identified by crime stats, trends, patterns, and crime analysis
data. Some of the areas that were identified included:
- Bridle Gate Community
- Trotters Ridge Area
- Ellington Springs Community
- Grand Manor Area
- Communities around Caleb Road/Mink Livsey, etc.
- Businesses along Georgia Highway 124 from the city limits of
Snellville to the county line.
Uniform Police personnel from the South Precinct were mainly responsible
for implementing this plan through aggressive patrol, area checks,
and handling calls for service. The South Precinct assigned two
officers to a specialized patrol detail in the Centerville area,
and they were responsible for conducting an anti-robbery patrol
and to address other crime related problems. The goal of the detail-specific
unit is to deter robberies through police presence and to take corrective
action in problem areas.
Results thus far indicate that there has been a reduction in criminal
activity as a result of an increased police presence in the Centerville
area. Police also increased the frequency of area checks and police
visibility in the Centerville area. At this time, officers began
to make personal contact with the business owners along Highway
124. The Gang Task force has been instrumental in addressing all
gang related incidents reported in the area.
Police measured the results of this plan by the statistical data.
So far, there has been a reduction in all reported Part I crimes,
with the exception of commercial burglaries, in the area as a whole.
When compared to the first six months of 2007, this year has seen
a 37 percent reduction in the number of robberies throughout the
entire South Precinct area.
Buford's Grace Holland of "Amazing Graces"
dies at age 94
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
AUG. 8, 2008 -- A chapter in the life of Buford was laid to rest
on Thursday, as Grace Holland was buried. She passed away August
4 at the age of 94. She was one of "the two Graces" of
Buford who were close friends, primarily coming together over flowers.
The other was Grace Harris, who died Feb. 6, 2004. Now Grace Holland
has joined her in the flower garden of heaven.
Brack |
They were two leading ladies of Buford, often visiting with one
another, who shared common interests. They deeply cared for one
another, and had husbands who enjoyed one another. The two ladies
both were blessed with loving flowers, and having wonderful green
thumbs. The two Graces had an abiding interest in flowers in general,
and roses in particular. Both of their houses were usually full
of blooms when in season. And both shared their flowers with the
larger community.
This is no ordinary story, for it began in the segregated south.
The Hollands are white; the Harris' were black. The two Graces first
did not realize that their friendship would itself bloom so strongly.
We visited the Hollands (Grace and E.J.) four years ago, and it
is apparent how much the couple cared for the Harris couple. Cleve
Harris preceded Grace in death, and ever since then, Grace Harris
had told people: "I'm ready to join Cleve in heaven."
E.J. Holland remembered it was about 1960 when they first met the
Harrises. The Hollands had a sausage-making business on North Bogan
Road, and the Harris' would come by and make purchases. Grace Holland
puts it this way: "We just fell in love with each other immediately.
We've been close ever since." With Grace Holland often tending
her flowers around her house, soon the two Graces were talking horticulture.
"Our friendship just flourished," she remembers.
E.J. added: "They were such nice people. We just enjoyed them.
I guess Cleve was about as good a friend as a person could have."
The pair often went fishing. E.J. is the only survivor of the quartet,
now at Brookside Assisted Living in Buford.
Years later, after Cleve died, Grace Harris, who was living alone,
tells what happens each day: "At 8 a.m., on the dot, I get
a call from Grace (Holland), to see how I am. She's wonderful."
The two Buford ladies' reputation with roses got them featured
on the nationwide Home and Garden Network in 1996, as the show featured
their flower-growing and propagation techniques. The pair got calls
from all over the country after the show ran. They were also featured
in a Public Broadcasting documentary entitled the "Amazing
Graces."
The pair agree with strong opinion on how to care for roses. Grace
Holland says: "If you have a tall bush, then cut it back in
February to two or three feet. Then put Tree Kote dressing on the
canes." Grace Harris agrees with one exception: "I always
use Elmer's Glue on the canes." She adds: "Keep only the
healthy canes. Don't leave those small canes."
Their love of flowers was the big inspiration getting the Graces
together. They both had fine gardens, and shared secrets of making
the roses even more stunning. They often supplied roses for various
civic and church activities in Buford. Their roses were the best
around.
Buford recognized the two Graces in 2001. Planted on the grounds
of Buford Academy was an October Glory maple tree in honor of the
two ladies.
Grace Reed Holland: (1914-2008): May you rest in peace.
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
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a host of useful information, to promoting growth in our county,
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where businesses thrive and success lives. For more detail, go to
www.gwinnettchamber.org
Keeping
cool in Iraq
Editor's Note: Cartoonist Bill McLemore is hospitalized in LaGrange,
Ga. We pulled a cartoon from 2003…..and it's still timely.
We ask your prayers for the Rev. McLemore. --eeb
Says
proposed Beaver Ruin Park can be great natural center
Editor, the Forum:
For some reason the proposed Beaver Ruin Park project was a main
focus point in the Gwinnett county commissioners race between Charles
Bannister and Lorraine Green. Mr. Bannister has made it quite clear
in past editorials and in recent political campaign comment that
this parcel is not worthy of a park and is simply worthless swamp.
Here's some factual information concerning this property. First,
I am one of over a dozen individuals who have volunteered over the
past year on the non-paid citizens planning committee for this future
Beaver Ruin park project. I have walked it extensively well over
a dozen times over the last few years. The plan is to shape this
parcel into a park that all of Gwinnett will be proud.
This planning process is still ongoing. But as it stands now it
will have similar elements as the Chattahoochee Nature Center. It
will include plant restoration and educational aspects. It will
be a passive park with boardwalks and trails. It will be a joy for
children and adults and an asset and a learning experience for school
field trips. With the donated parcels and recreation easement this
park will be close to 100 acres.
The park has a thriving eco-system with an abundance of wildlife.
The acquisition of this property was a tremendous coup for the county.
If the final plans are approved and funded, this park will be a
crown jewel of a county park and will be enjoyed for many generations
to come.
Everyone in Gwinnett knows we have lost many properties in the
last few decades in this county to extensive development. Many would
have been put to far greater use as green space. Ms. Lorainne Green
has not only been an advocate for this land, but she has been the
number one commissioner for many other park purchases throughout
the county. How Mr. Bannister can condemn her for this advocacy
position is a disgrace.
-- Edward Bienkowski, Duluth
Ho Hum. Another August
Election; It Was So Boring
Editor, the Forum:
August party-pooping: "What if they held an election in August
and no one showed up to vote?
I don't know which is more boring, the Gwinnett runoff, or the
2008 Presidential Election. Nothing exciting about either of them.
-- Roy McCreary, Dacula
Says Partnership Gwinnett
producing its own study
Editor, the Forum:
What you are suggesting exists in calling for a group to study
the problems of the county is Partnership Gwinnett. When you are
done with your history book I will sit down with you and update
you on Partnership Gwinnett's nine months of communitywide study.
It's a five year plan, and we can show the first year accomplishments.
It's available at www.partnershipgwinnett.com.
-- Nick Masino, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Dear Nick: We look forward to hearing more about
the plan. However, while this plan addresses Gwinnett's situation,
it is essentially a plan from the business community. What we
suggested for the county is to appoint a blue ribbon group representing
the entire county, and be blessed with community resources and
by the government, to come up with a recommendations on how to
go forward. It's not exactly the same thing when it comes from
the Chamber. -eeb
Sugar
Hill sets public hearing on comprehensive plan
The City of Sugar Hill plans a public hearing on its comprehensive
plan on Monday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex.
The Comprehensive Plan was developed through a public process meeting
state planning requirements and lays out a road map for the future
of Sugar Hill. The document can be viewed in person at City Hall
or at www.cityofsugarhill.com.
The public hearing for comments on the final draft of the Comprehensive
Plan will be held immediately following the previously scheduled
August Planning Commission meeting.
Sierra Club meeting
to address interfaith connection
Join the Greater Gwinnett Group of the Sierra Club Thursday, August
21, as Dr. Katy Hinman, executive director, Georgia Interfaith Power
and Light, addresses the group about this interfaith ministry devoted
to deepening the connection between ecology and faith.
Specifically, the IPL campaign is mobilizing a national religious
response to global warming while promoting renewable energy, energy
efficiency and conservation. The Sierra Club will meet at Berkmar
High School in the media center at 7 p.m. for socializing. For more
details, contact Tom Morrissey at thmorrissey@bellsouth.net
or call (404) 513-4069.
DeKalb Book Festival
has top list of authors scheduled
The 2008 DeKalb Book Festival schedule, by far the best and most
diverse yet, is complete and live here.
The activity will be Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, when more
than 250 authors will descend upon downtown Decatur for a weekend
of literature, music, food, and fun.
Billy Collins, a former U.S. poet laureate, officially kicks off
the festival Friday night with this year's keynote address at 8
p.m. at Agnes Scott College's Presser Hall. Writer's workshops begin
Friday at Agnes Scott, from 3-6 p.m., with a keynote address by
C. Michael Curtis and Elizabeth Cox.
Saturday brings an overwhelming selection of authors and activities
to choose from, beginning with a parade and a world premiere. This
year's children's parade theme belongs to Madeline, the lovable,
feisty French schoolgirl, made famous by original author Ludwig
Bemelmans. The interactive parade line up begins at 9 a.m. at the
corner of Clairemont and Commerce Avenues, and gets underway at
9:30 a.m. The first new Madeline book in 50 years, written by Bemelmans
Marciano, will make its world premiere.
Don't stray too far, as "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
host Ty Pennington will appear at the AJC Tent on the corner of
Ponce de Leon and Clairemont Avenues Saturday afternoon. Also appearing
Saturday are Kathy Reichs, the inspiration for Fox's "Bones,"
with her daughter Kerry Reichs; Pearl Cleage, an Oprah Book Club
pick; John Dean, White House Counsel to President Nixon during Watergate;
Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey; and Emily Giffin, Raul
Benoit, Roy Blount Jr., Amiri Baraka, Hadjii and other authors.
Sunday author presentations, cooking demonstrations, and children's
activities continue with powerhouses such as Patrick McDonnell,
creator of the "Mutts" comic strip; Good Ol' Girls Lee
Smith, Jill McCorkle, Marshall Chapman, and Matraca Berg; plus Ferrol
Sams, Jack Pendarvis, Robert Olen Butler, Elizabeth Dulemba, Shirley
Corriher, and many more.
Snellville plans movie
in Briscoe Park for Saturday, Aug. 23
Bring the whole family on Saturday, August 23 to T.W. Briscoe Park,
for Nim's Island, starring Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin,
and Gerard Butler. Admission is free, with festivities beginning
at 7 p.m. The movie will be shown at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.). Bring
a chair or blanket and enjoy the fun! Refreshments will be available
for purchase and door prizes will be awarded. For more information,
please contact the Snellville Parks and Recreation Department at
770-985-3535 or visit www.snellville.org.
Hiring freeze put in
place by Gwinnett County government
Gwinnett County will not be hiring to fill vacant positions as
the county government deals with decreasing revenues and increasing
expenses. The hiring freeze, that would save about $4.5 million
over 12 months, will last until further notice with continuous reviews
of its impact.
All departments reporting to the County Administrator were informed
of the decision Wednesday in a letter from Jock Connell. Sworn public
safety officers will still be recruited in order to maintain and
strengthen public safety throughout the county, and job offers that
have already been extended will not be cancelled.
Connell said the temporary freeze affects vacant, non-sworn full-time,
part-time and temporary positions. "When you cannot control
the rising costs of the fuel, asphalt and other items essential
to the operation of your business, you have to find other adjustments
that can have an immediate balancing impact," he said. "We
will continue to assess our situation and make further modifications
as conditions warrant."
Bridge over interstate
to become one of four lanes
The Gwinnett Commissioners have approved a right of way agreement
with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the Georgia Highway
324 at Interstate 85 bridge replacement project. This project will
replace the existing two-lane bridge with a new four-lane bridge
to match the four-lane roadway between Georgia Highways 20 and 124.
The project will also move Camp Branch Road and Morgan Road away
from the bridge to improve safety. DOT Director Brian Allen says:
"The project has been designed to accommodate a potential future
interchange which would relieve congestion at the adjacent SR 20
and Hamilton Mill Road interchanges with I-85."
The project will be funded by the voter-approved SPLOST program
in addition to state and federal funding. The County will acquire
approximately 30 parcels to construct the project and state and
federal dollars will be used to purchase approximately $7.9 million
of right of way and easements. Construction is expected to begin
by the summer of 2009.
A second project approved today by the Board of Commissioners will
add sidewalks on McCart Road. The project will add sidewalks from
Simonton Road to Paper Mill Road tying nearby neighborhoods to Simonton
Elementary School. GS Construction, Inc., was the lowest of nine
bidders at $624,179.34.
The Board of Commissioners also awarded a construction contract
today for improvements to the intersection Georgia Highway 20 and
Old Peachtree Road. The project will provide longer left turn lanes
on all four approaches of the intersection. It will also install
right turn lanes on both Old Peachtree Road approaches. The construction
contract was awarded to The Dickerson Group, Inc., for $1,613,824,
the lowest of twelve bids.
Sugarloaf Parkway to get $2.8 million management system
Gwinnett's traffic management system will soon be expanded along
Sugarloaf Parkway to help manage peak-hour traffic congestion and
improve safety. DOT Director Brian Allen says: "In recent years,
daily traffic volumes on Sugarloaf Parkway have increased to as
high as 47,500 vehicles per day. A traffic management system is
needed to help improve traffic conditions along this corridor."
An intelligent transportation system consisting of 15 closed-circuit
television cameras and fiber optic cables will be installed along
12.3 miles of Sugarloaf Parkway from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
to Grayson Highway. The system will enable arterial traffic monitoring,
signal control and more rapid incident detection as well as control
signal timing and manage traffic back-up due to incidents along
the roadway and I-85.
The $2.8 million project will be funded by the voter-approved 2001
SPLOST program and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Play: "Damn Yankees"
"The Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville
is giving Gwinnettians another pleasant treat, and one with a baseball
theme, in honor of Gwinnett winning a Class AAA minor league baseball
franchise to start next year. You'll enjoy this prize of a play,
with such familiar songs as "You Gotta Have Heart" and
"Whatever Lola Wants" in it. You'll enjoy it here in the
late days of the 2008 baseball pennant race. And those Washington
Senators of the old days were about as bad as the Washington Nationals
are today, too."
-- eeb
- 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
Most Georgia
apples grow in region around Ellijay
Most of the apple
crops produced in Georgia are grown in the north Georgia mountains.
Ellijay, in Gilmer County, is known as the apple capitol of the
state. The state's apple season can extend from July through December.
The apple production of the state totaled 26 million pounds in 1997,
with the produce valued at almost $3.8 million. There are an estimated
360,000 apple-bearing trees in Georgia.
The most popular varieties include Ozark Gold and Paulard (July
and August); Red Delicious and Golden Delicious (July-December);
Rome Beauty and Mutzu Crispin (August-December); Empire, Jonagold,
and Jonathan (August-September); Arkansas Black, Fuji, Granny Smith,
Stayman Winesap, and Yates (October-December).
Apples are not a difficult crop to grow and will thrive in a wide
range of soil types, from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Apple trees
do not do well in poorly drained soil; the roots die, growth is
stunted, and eventually the trees die. Soil should be tested before
planting, because most fruit trees, including apples, grow best
if the soil has a pH that is close to 6.5. Most of the soil in Georgia
is too acidic, so lime must be incorporated into the soil before
planting.
Rootstock influences tree size. Some growers prefer the standard
tree; others like dwarf trees. Pruning is important to encourage
maximum growth and fruit production. Diseases common in Georgia
apple trees are black rot, fire blight, scab, bitter rot, and alternaria.
Insects that cause a problem for growers are apple tree borers,
scales, aphids, fruit worms, and red spider mites.
Death of any newspaper
moves us closer to authoritarianism
"Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country
moves a little closer to authoritarianism; when a great one goes,
like the New York Herald Tribune, history itself is denied a devoted
witness."
-- Journalist Richard Kluger (1934 - ), an author of a book
about the New York Herald Tribune history.
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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