GwinnettForum | Number 25.43 | May 27, 2025
OPENING OF A GWINNETT-BASED OFFICE for Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) took place last week. Strategically located within the Gwinnett Chamber building and adjacent to Partnership Gwinnett’s offices, the new space enhances local access to GaMEP’s extensive services for manufacturers and supply chain companies across the region. Bryan Weaver, with scissors, regional manager for GaMEP, says: “Establishing a local office in Gwinnett enables us to serve businesses more efficiently by being embedded in the heart of the community and adjacent to key economic development partners.”
TODAY’S FOCUS: How we can stop narcissism in our nation
EEB PERSPECTIVE: County, Mulberry city need to start discussions
SPOTLIGHT: Oconee State Bank
ANOTHER VIEW: Taking a look at some recent financial matters
FEEDBACK: Readers comment remembering Wally Odum
UPCOMING: Sugar Hill Society hosts new exhibit on moonshining
NOTABLE: County mails 308,000 notices of tax assessment
RECOMMENDED: Marina Variety Store restaurant in Charleston, S.C.
GEORGIA TIDBIT: New Englander produces state’s first geological survey
MYSTERY PHOTO: Two mysteries solved from this Vienna photo
CALENDAR: Lantern Parade will be Friday night in Duluth
How we can stop narcissism from ruining our nation
“The same patterns that destabilize families destabilize democracies.” – HUFFPOST quote, May 23, 2025
By Mike Wood
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | In May 2020, I suggested in GwinnettForum that one 2020 presidential candidate apparently had dementia and that the other appeared demented.
Wood
Unfortunately, hindsight now shows both assessments to be accurate. The second presidential candidate, Donald Trump, lost the 2020 election but won it in 2024. Now we need to address what makes him demented. The prime cause is narcissism, one that has morphed beyond a personality disorder into a pathology.
When narcissistic control seeps into political leadership, it distorts truth, erodes trust, and destabilizes civic and government institutions. The same patterns that destabilize families destabilize democracies. Along with the magnetic worldview and vision of the pathological narcissist come denial, attack, reversal of blame, and emotional chaos.
Narcissistic control in government thrives on flipping the script and silencing watchdogs. Authoritarian leaders manufacture a psychological state of volatile uncertainty — where outcomes aren’t just not unknown, but are constantly shifting and unpredictable.
Call that state “moving the goalposts” which involves constantly reversing policies or public positions so that citizens, the media, and allies remain unmoored. Anyone familiar with narcissistic pathology understands the deeper maneuver: whether consciously or not, narcissists hold power by keeping others in a state of psychological whiplash. The more aggressive versions use confusion, despair, and emotional bonds, like loyalty, to control how others think and feel, secure a constant flow of admiration or negative reactivity, shield themselves from shame, and keep others attached to them, even against their best interests.
Among these tactics, perhaps the most effective is “crisis manufacturing.” It keeps others in survival mode, distracts from deeper issues, and ensures the narcissist stays at the center of attention and maintains control.
When these negative activities trap people, they/we must learn how to return to grounded, organized action. Among the steps:
- Begin with grieving what cannot be changed;
- Focus, with fierce clarity, on what remains within reach;
- Set boundaries and refuse to give power to someone who thrives on your reactivity;
- Stop playing along or exhausting your energy in cycles of infighting;
- Name the tactics, call out the harms, cultivate trusted support, and let go of things beyond your control.
What else can we do?
- Stop enabling and realize that reactive efforts to clean up the damage often backfire, shielding narcissists from accountability and allowing them to retain influence. On a political level, this means pausing to strategize with others before rushing in to fix the narcissist’s mess;
- Become sturdy and repetitive, not reactive, i.e., a boring target for someone addicted to power;
- Set boundaries, such as working with others to reestablish constitutional guardrails, such as due process, checks and balances, and freedom of speech;
Maintain faith in the long game.
Narcissistic dynamics rely on urgency and alarm. Deep change comes from staying calm, clear, and connected. Never mimic harmful tactics. Instead, set boundaries, participate in civic mobilization, and use long-term strategies to begin healing the democratic spirit of the republic.
Let this step help curtail the outlandish and harmful ways that narcissists harm us and others no matter whether in government, business, social or family life.
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County, Mulberry city need to start discussions
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MAY 27, 2025 | The continual refusal of Gwinnett County government to recognize and work with the new City of Mulberry is foolish and uncalled for. It might even be dangerous for Mulberry citizens if Gwinnett County departments fail to respond to certain activities in Mulberry.
So far this standoff seems to be nearly one-sided with the county dragging its feet. However, City of Mulberry officials must make sure that they take every step to continue dialogue with county officials to come to a quick conclusion concerning the differences between the two governments.
What type of situations are at bay?
A letter from a Mulberry resident to GwinnettForum this week throws some light on the situation. Here is the letter in its entirety, with the name of the letter-writer removed.
The letter states:
Mulberry is in maroon
Several months ago, I called the Gwinnett County Building Department because someone is polluting the 50 acre lake (Duncan’s Lake) in my subdivision. It has been brown instead of blue for maybe three months now. This is highly unusual. In the past, brown water has been the result of nearby construction without silt fencing (or failing to maintain silt fencing) on one of the creeks which feed our lake.
This has happened once before and the County was very responsive. They inspected and quickly found the culprit, and our lake cleared within a few weeks. But this time I was told that Gwinnett is not doing any inspections in Mulberry! This is incredible. There is so much construction going on right now. Without inspections??? Whew!
Governor Brian Kemp signed Bill 138 recently. I have been told that it mandates that all counties must continue to provide full county services to new cities for two years. Gwinnett has apparently decided to ignore this new law. I believe they have filed another lawsuit, just one of many they have filed against Mulberry.
Sen. Clint Dixon has been highly critical of Gwinnett’s behavior.
The letter succinctly expresses only one problem that is occurring that is affecting residents in the city of Mulberry. Certainly there are more incidents around that require the county to take care of county problems for the 40,000 citizens of Mulberry. Having a large number of residents only emphasizes the many different incidents that can develop in this bottleneck of governmental services.
One of the two entities must take the first step in bringing harmony to the current rift between Mulberry and county officials. It doesn’t have to be such a gridlock as we see between Russia and Ukraine. So far, such a meeting has not been scheduled. If neither of the two governments (the county and Mulberry) will take the first step to invite each other to the table, GwinnettForum offers to host both governments to such a meeting.
Governments: please send to GwinnetForum three suggested dates that you can meet, and Gwinnett Forum will find a neutral site and develop an agenda for a successful gathering. This meeting will be private, and only for the county government delegates, recognized media, and a facilitator.
As the saying goes: “Ball in your court!”
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Oconee State Bank
Today we add a new underwriter for GwinnettForum. With more than 65 years of service, Oconee State Bank has established itself as a trusted financial partner and community cornerstone. Headquartered in Watkinsville, Ga., the bank operates full-service branches in Gwinnett, Watkinsville, Bogart, Athens, Macon, and Elberton—with a new location coming soon to Statesboro. Expanding beyond Georgia, Oconee State Bank recently launched Trio South Bank, a new division based in Johnson City, Tennessee, further extending its commitment to delivering exceptional service to new communities. Oconee State Bank offers more than traditional banking. Its mortgage division, Remarkable Mortgage, serves clients in Athens, Oconee, Macon, and Gwinnett—providing personalized guidance and support through every step of the homebuying journey. The bank’s giving arm, The Remarkable Foundation, actively reinvests in local communities through charitable partnerships and meaningful outreach. Guided by its mission to create remarkable experiences that significantly impact the lives of others and its vision to be essential to the lives, businesses, and communities it serves, Oconee State Bank is on a bold journey to become Georgia’s Most Remarkable Bank—and beyond. Member, FDIC.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Taking a look at some recent financial matters
By Randy Brunson
SUWANEE, Ga. | Welcome to May and the end of the school year. Let’s get started with some recent financial items that may be of interest to you.
Brunson
Schwab Class Action Suit: Some of you may have recently received notice of a proposed class action settlement, directed at Schwab. The settlement class consists of Schwab account holders who previously had accounts at TD Ameritrade. If you are a client, we suggest you ignore this notice. Our observation regarding class action lawsuits is that they typically work well for the plaintiff firms, less so for the plaintiffs themselves. In a healthy society, there is certainly a place for courts and the attorneys who navigate the law and court systems. The fact that private equity money has backed plaintiff firms in class actions gives us pause. And does nothing to bolster our confidence in class action suits.
Market Behavior: As of the close of the market on Monday May 12, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Averages were within 1 percent of being flat for the year, while the NASDAQ remained down three per cent year to date. That was quite a recovery from early April. This simply means that the sectors and stocks which have been driving the market for the last two to three years remain extraordinarily richly priced. Historically, the S&P 500 is up 6.7 percent during the first year of a new president, based on data from PinPoint Macro Analytics. Actual results are variable with “worst years” dating back to 1931 and 1939.
Index Investing: Investing through an index fund, and in particular one which tracks the S&P 500, has grown significantly since John Bogle opened what is now the Vanguard 500 fund in 1975. This move coincided with Baby Boomers coming of age and, in our opinion, has had a positive impact on the investing world. At the end of 2024, according to Cerulli Associates, total Index-Based assets crossed the $16 trillion mark.
With the current domestic and global realignment taking place, will index investing continue to dominate? Or will active management reassert its value? Is the goal of investing, for you, simply tracking an index? Or the achievement of certain personal or life goals? And what is the role of investing, index or otherwise, in helping you achieve your goals.
That Social Security Check: So when does your Social Security check actually get deposited to your account? If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your Social Security check is deposited on the second Wednesday of each month. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of each month, your Social Security check is deposited on the third Wednesday of each month. And for those of us whose birthdays fall after the 20th of each month, your checks deposit on the fourth Wednesday. In May 2025, those Wednesdays are as late as they can be, as May 1 was on a Thursday.
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Readers comment remembering Wally Odum
Editor, the Forum:
So enjoyed the story on Wally Odum and his extended family. I went to church with him and Ann and extended family, for many years when I worked for Duluth United Methodist Church. I have some of Ann’s artwork, and before leaving Gwinnett, I commissioned her to paint the old farmhouse that my children, Thomas and Anni were raised in, in Monroe County. I gave it to Thomas as a birthday present and it now hangs in “my” room when I visit them.
What a wonderful and giving family they are. You brought back some great memories.
– Pat Mitchell, Boone, N.C.
…..The Odums have been so generous to our whole community. Ann celebrated with us last Saturday night at Wally’s Shack when our choir members celebrated the choir director, David Daniels’ retirement. David’s wife and mom-in-law (both named Ellouise), were also outstanding choir members who offered their talent and support. I remember having Oyster Roasts at the Party shack, even when it was really chilly outside!
– Barbara Karnitz, Norcross
……You did a good job honoring Wally and his much used Party Shack! Nice to think of him and Ann! They were mighty good members of the community!
– Frank Rinker, Braselton
…….Loved the article about Wally’s party shack . Been there many times with his family. Growing up, Mr. Wally was a wonderful example of kindness and generosity. Going to Wally’s Shack from time to time is a great way to honor and remember him.
– Barbara Knox Luckhurst, Duluth
…….Wally was a wonderful person!
– Annette Summerour, Duluth
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Sugar Hill Society hosts new exhibit on moonshining
The Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society is presenting a new exhibit, Sugar Hill’s Connection to Moonshine and Fast Cars, now on display at the Sugar Hill History Museum.
This exhibit highlights Sugar Hill’s role during the Prohibition era, when Gwinnett County’s remote woods and dirt roads made it a hotspot for moonshine. It tells the story of George Sudderth, who started running moonshine at age 12 and continued until a raid in 1975. Years later, he and his son opened a legal distillery in Dillard, Ga. George was inducted into the National Moonshiners Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Sugar Hill History Museum is primarily run by volunteers and is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To ensure the museum is open before your visit, call 678-541-6125.
Norfolk Southern provide funds for playground
Thanks to a $300,000 donation from Norfolk Southern, pediatric patients at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville will soon have a new outdoor therapeutic playground to help them feel better faster.
Mark George, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern, says: “We hope those trains are a reminder of our long-term commitment to supporting a thriving community and serving as a beacon of sustainable, reliable transport. This new playground is a reflection of that commitment—an investment in the well-being of families in this region and a tribute to the incredible, life-saving work being done every day at NGMC Gainesville.”
NGMC Gainesville originally built a pediatric playground in 2007 with funds from the Jim, Greg and Steve Syfan Family Foundation, but the playground was closed in 2019 as it aged. Now, Syfan Logistics has committed $100,000, in addition to the Norfolk Southern gift, toward building the new playground.
County mails 308,000 notices of tax assessment
The Gwinnett County Board of Assessors mailed approximately 308,000 annual Notices of Assessment to residential and commercial property owners today. State law requires that annual notices be sent to property owners advising them of the assessed value of their property as of January 1. The Annual Notice of Assessment provides last year’s value and the 2025 value along with an explanation for any change in value from the previous year.
Roughly 84 percent of residential properties and 54 percent of commercial properties reflect new values this year.
The Annual Notice of Assessment is not a tax bill but includes the value of the owner’s property that is used in calculating taxes. The Board of Assessors recommends that property owners review their Annual Notice of Assessment to ensure it accurately represents their property and fair market value for Jan. 1, 2025. If property owners disagree with the 2025 value, they have 45 days from the date on their assessment notice to file an appeal online, in person or by mail.
Recent legislation created a new standardized state-wide assessment notice for 2025. House Bill 92 requires that the annual Notice of Assessment include estimates of the city, school board, and county rollback rates. A rollback rate is the tax rate that when applied to current year property values produces the same amount of tax revenue as was generated by the previous year’s property values.
Any taxpayer who wishes to view and print a copy of their annual notice of assessment, research market values, read frequently asked questions or submit an appeal online may visit Gwinnett-Assessor.com.
Grizzlies win first game in NAIA World Series
LEWISTON, Idaho—The Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies baseball team won their first game of the 2025 National Association of Intercollegiate Association World Series on Friday with a 11-1 victory over the University of British Columbia. The Grizzlies, with a 54-5 record this year, is the second seeded team in the playoffs. The British Columbia team was ranked ninth.
Georgia Gwinnett College is now scheduled to face No. 3 seed Tennessee Wesleyan University in a winner’s bracket game on Monday, May 26, starting at 3 p.m. pacific time.
Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger was pleased with the victory, adding: “The whole point of today’s game was to get comfortable and settled in at Lewiston. The early runs certainly allowed us to exhale.”
Marina Variety Store restaurant, Charleston, S.C.
EEB enjoys shrimp at the Marina Variety Store. 2020 photo.
On your next visit to the Holy City of Charleston, S.C., consider this diner-style restaurant where we’ve always enjoyed the food. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s the place to be. In-the-know Charlestonians use it as a gathering spot. It’s overlooking the Ashley River harbor, a short walk from the hospital area at 17 Lockwood Drive. Order eggs with shrimp or crab meat for breakfast from its full menu, or enjoy sandwiches at noon, or maybe perfectly-fried shrimp or perhaps a steak or fresh fish at night. You get all of this while able to watch the shoreline. Last time we saw a man with a throwing net pull what looked like a four pound fish from the shore’s waters. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays are 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Don’t forget to have your parking ticket validated. –eeb
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Click here to send an email.
New Englander produces first geological survey of state
A chemist, geologist, and instructor, John Ruggles Cotting conducted a significant geological survey of Georgia’s Burke and Richmond counties in 1836. As the first state geologist of Georgia, he completed a study in 1839 of the topography, geology, mineral resources, and soils in more than two dozen counties. Although Cotting diligently performed his duties, a series of obstacles prevented the publication of his work, which remains lost to Georgians today.
He was born on November 16, 1784, in Acton, Mass. After graduating in 1802 from Dartmouth College he prepared for the Congregationalist ministry.
During his years in New England, Cotting published two books: An Introduction to Chemistry, with Practical Questions (1822) and A Synopsis of Lectures on Geology (1835). Cotting’s book on geology probably caught the eye of planters and businessmen in Burke and Richmond counties who believed that an agricultural and geological survey of their counties could lead to improvements in crop production and to economic progress in the region.
After completing his study of the two counties in October 1836, Cotting published Report of a Geological and Agricultural Survey of Burke and Richmond Counties, Georgia. This impressive report came to the attention of Georgia governor William Schley, who urged the legislature to establish an agricultural and geological survey. The General Assembly responded favorably in December 1836, and Schley appointed Cotting as state geologist in January 1837. By the end of that year Cotting had surveyed ten counties. He encountered problems with the state printer, however, and the report of his research was not published. Because the state was in the throes of a severe financial crisis by then, the General Assembly opted to defer publication until the entire survey was complete.
Cotting conducted the second phase of the survey in 1838, and the third phase in 1839. Those inquiries covered another 16 counties, but the loss of support from Schley, who had been defeated for reelection, and the state’s continuing fiscal problems caused legislators to lose interest in the project. Although Cotting managed in 1840 to issue a brief preliminary report of the 1839 survey, the General Assembly voted on December 11, 1840, to abolish the office of state geologist. Later that month it approved a resolution allowing Cotting to keep the honorary title of state geologist but authorized no funds to continue his work.
Cotting died on October 13, 1867. The General Assembly reestablished the office of state geologist in 1889, and many important studies of the state’s natural resources have ensued over the years—all, however, without any direct benefit from Cotting’s pioneering work.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Two mysteries solved from this Vienna photo
Yep, we offer you another lighthouse to pinpoint, one we have never seen before in a photo or in person. See if you can tell us about it. Send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com and include your hometown. And yes, if you sent it in, tell us, for we lost the source of this photograph.
For the last mystery, Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas wrote: “Today’s mystery photo is of the Votivkirche, a neo-Gothic church located near the University of Vienna. It was built in the 19th century as a symbol of gratitude after Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916) survived an assassination attempt in 1853. The church was completed in 1879, just in time for the emperor’s silver wedding anniversary. I am pretty sure that many folks will identify this week’s mystery photo and give you reams of info about the history of the church. So I’d like to focus on the more modern aspects of what is in today’s mystery photo.
“As can be seen, there is a large greenspace located in front of the Votivkirche. Originally called Votivpark, it was created in 1870 and then officially renamed Sigmund Freud Park, in honor of the founder of psychoanalysis, who lived nearby and worked at the University of Vienna. The park is clearly a popular place for students of the university to gather and simply chill out, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and nurture their developing, life-long friendships.
“But what the heck is that large, insulated pipe running across the landscape? Well, the mysterious pipe running along the church’s front grounds is part of Vienna’s district heating system. Installed in the late 20th century, these above-ground pipes are used temporarily during maintenance or upgrades to the underground network. Vienna’s district heating is one of the largest and most eco-friendly in Europe, using waste heat from incineration and other sources to warm homes and public buildings. The pipe in front of the Votivkirche is a visual reminder of the city’s commitment to sustainable energy — even when juxtaposed against its grand, historic architecture.”
Others getting the mystery correct were George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; and Chuck Miller, Lawrenceville.
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Click here to send an email and please mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Lantern Parade will be Friday night in Duluth
Celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Island heritage! Attend the annual AAPI Heritage Cultural Night on Friday, May 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Bring the whole family for a vibrant celebration featuring music, food, dance, and community spirit.
A Lantern Parade will take place in downtown Duluth on May 30. Join your neighbors to light up the night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. on the Town Green where you can make your own lanterns, listen to live music and enjoy other family-friendly activities. This event is free to all. The parade begins at 9 p.m. The lantern-making workshop features free materials and instruction, while supplies last — so we suggest arriving early.
Snellville Commerce Club will meet on Tuesday, June 3, at noon at the City Hall. Speaking will be Michael W. Davis, associate director of prevention for GUIDE (Gwinnett United in Drug Education). Reservations are required, so use the link to reserve your place.
Author talk: Join scholar and author Karida L. Brown at the Snellville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on June 5 at 7 p.m. She will discusses her book, The Battle for the Black Mind, about the history of education in the U.S. Books will be available for purchase.
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