GwinnettForum | Number 25.66 | Aug. 26, 2025
THE TWO GRAND MARSHALS of the 2025 Duluth Fall Festival will be sisters Kathryn Parsons Willis and Ann Parsons Odum, both of whom are native to Duluth, where they still reside. Both have been active in all the previous festivals, making them natural for this role. The festival is September 27-28. This recent photograph was taken at a Fall Festival sponsor event at one of the Festival sponsors, Dreamland Barbecue.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Creeping nationalization by the Trump Administration?
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Halloween candy, TVs, pro golf and Newsom’s caps
SPOTLIGHT: Aurora Theatre
FEEDBACK: Liked applying Newton’s laws to the Georgia legislature
UPCOMING: GGC introducing free 10-week fitness program
NOTABLE: Esteves returns to area as arts center manager
RECOMMENDED: The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Several planetariums scattered throughout Georgia
MYSTERY PHOTO: Lighthouse reflection may be a clue for mystery players
CALENDAR: Share views with trail study panel on Wednesday
Creeping nationalization by the Trump Administration?
By Mike Wood
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | The first Trump Administration, which governed from January 2017 to January 2021, placed a strong emphasis on revitalizing American businesses. Through a combination of policy changes, tax reforms, and deregulation initiatives, the administration sought to foster economic growth, boost domestic manufacturing, and encourage job creation within the United States.
The second Trump Administration continues those initiatives and has added even more.
The 2025 omnibus bill (OBBB Act), passed this year by Congress and signed by President Trump, made permanent the reduced individual and corporate income tax rates which the 2017 bill had scheduled to sunset after 2025. Those favorable tax provisions amount to an indirect investment in American businesses whether they operate as corporations, themselves subject to income taxes, or as pass-through entities whose owners, often individuals, pay income taxes on the passed-through business profits.
In the post-pandemic era, the U.S. economy has recovered much more robustly than the economies of other countries. The recovery has led to increased business profits. So, what to do with those profits? A business might use them to “EAT THE TARIFFS.”
Alternatively, those profits might benefit the federal government more directly.
Some observers see shifts in the relationship between the federal government and private enterprise, which present ways for the government to share in increased business profits. Rather than abrupt takeovers, governmental influence now expands through targeted interventions and regulatory actions that affect operational decisions.
The concept of nationalization—where the government takes control or ownership of private industry—traditionally has been viewed as contrary to American capitalist ideals. However, under the current Trump Administration, several policy decisions and interventions by the federal government look like gradual, or “creeping,” nationalization. Let’s consider two recent examples.
A potential deal with Intel: The Trump administration seeks a nearly 10 percent stake in the computer technology company. The possible agreement would convert about $8.9 yet-to-be paid of $10.9 billion in awarded federal grants, issued to Intel under the CHIPS Act, into ownership equity in the company. Initially, the government would not have voting rights or governance power, and any agreement likely needs approval by Intel’s board of directors, but the deal still would constitute a degree of government ownership.
Potential export taxes on Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices: The administration has agreed for these chip companies to export a limited range of their artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China. Such chips would not include their most sophisticated AI chips, but Chinese companies or China’s government likely would buy large volumes anyway. In what is essentially an export tax, these companies would pay 15 percent of the revenue from sales of AI chips into China to the US Treasury.
While these deals with US technology companies fall short of nationalizing them, they may constitute the leading edge of “creeping” nationalization of private industry businesses.
Typically, it’s socialist or communist governments that seek partial or complete ownership of private businesses. So, do these deals portend ultimate nationalization?
We will see.
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Halloween candy, TVs, pro golf and Newsom’s caps
By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
AUG. 26, 2025 | First noticed: 2025 Halloween candy was on shelves on August 23, two-plus months from October 31. These are the high holy days for the candy industry. C’mon. Wait a while! Give us a break!
Which size of television set is the best seller?
In order of best-selling size, 65-inch TVs are currently the most popular, followed closely by 55-inch models. The trend shows that the average TV size continues to increase, with larger screens becoming more affordable and mainstream. As production costs for larger panels have dropped, bigger TVs are more affordable than ever before.
Most popular TV sizes:
- 65-inch: Now the default for many households, this size offers an immersive experience for living rooms. As prices have become more accessible, it has surpassed the 55-inch as the most commonly purchased size.
- 55-inch: For years, this was the most popular TV size in North American households and remains a top seller. It is considered a great option for smaller living rooms or bedrooms.
- 75-inch and larger: As prices continue to fall, demand for larger sizes like 75- and 85-inch TVs has been on the rise. These are popular for those seeking a more theatrical, large-screen experience.
- 43-inch and smaller: These smaller sizes are still popular for use in secondary rooms like bedrooms and kitchens, where space is more limited.
Don’t know about you, but our kitchen TV is a 12 incher.
Enjoyable golf watching: I’m no golfer, but for the first time, this year we have been hooked on professional golf. It started with the Masters, where Rory McIlroy won, completing a career Grand Slam. Then we caught air of Scottie Scheffler coming on strong, and were hooked by the television showing of his steady play as he racked up several victories.
Then with the Tour Championship being played at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta, we were in front of the television watching much of the play. We were pulling for Sheffler, but soon jumped on the Tommy Fleetwood bandwagon, as he played well. With him entering 163 previous professional tournaments and never winning a major tournament, who wouldn’t pull for him?
His steady play on Sunday set the table, as he approached the 18th hole three under par and saw his last remaining opponent, Patrick Cantlay, fail to catch him.
The good part is that in all these failures to win, apparently Fleetwood has been gracious all the way when failing to close out a championship. It’s good to see a gentleman like him finally achieve a major title. And it was great television watching,
From historian Heather Cox Richardson we learned this today: “California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been calling attention to (President) Trump’s erratic behavior and mental incapacity by imitating the president’s disjointed all-caps social media posts and mimicking the president’s merchandise. He recently replaced Trump’s name with his own on ball caps, for example, to say “Newsom was right about everything” after Trump appeared Friday with a cap saying “Trump was right about everything,” and has offered flags that say “Make America GAVIN Again” to troll Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Right-wing media complaints about Newsom’s unprofessional behavior highlight Trump’s instability, for Newsom is simply imitating Trump.”
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Aurora Theatre
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Aurora Theatre, providing the best live entertainment in northeast Georgia. Aurora Theatre produces Broadway’s best alongside exciting works of contemporary theatre. Aurora Theatre manages Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC) in partnership with the City of Lawrenceville. This $45 million world-class facility with five venues, has the ability to host a wide variety of performances, weddings, celebrations and community events both indoors and outdoors. Nestled on the historic downtown square, Lawrenceville Arts Center has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Don’t miss any of the concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, award-winning theatre, or Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Visit our website to learn more information and secure your seat today!
- For more information or to purchase tickets: http://lvilleartscenter.com/or call 678-226-6222.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Liked applying Newton’s Laws to the Georgia legislature
Editor, the Forum:
In the August 22 GwinnettForum, you made a clever comparison to Newton’s laws, as you applied to the legislature.
Our General Assembly should meet for 40 consecutive days! I suggest only Sunday off. (old school).
– Barbara Knox Luckhurst, Duluth
Wants Georgia to bring on gambling so he can bet
Editor, the Forum:
Most of us do not have a gambling addiction, do not commit crime, support economic impact and yet enjoy legalized gambling. I hope it passes in Georgia as I live 15 miles from the western border. I hope Georgia brings in the horses and casinos. Nothing better than going to the horse races.
– Stewart Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.
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.
GGC introducing free 10-week fitness program
Free and fitness are always good, and at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), you can have both by volunteering for a free 10-week exercise program.
The Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education is offering this program to benefit both participants and students. Volunteers will receive a comprehensive fitness assessment and a personalized training plan, while GGC’s exercise science students gain valuable, hands-on experience in a practical fitness setting.
Assessments include:
- Blood pressure
- Body composition
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Muscular strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
After the initial assessment, participants will take part in a personalized 10-week training program, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m., September 16 to November 20. A post-training assessment will measure progress.
Who can participate:
- Healthy adults ages 25–65
- Healthy adults without any major health complications
- Healthy adults who don’t currently exercise regularly
- Healthy adults able to attend scheduled sessions
To express interest in participating, visit this site to complete the pre-participation survey. For additional questions, please contact exscpracticum@ggc.edu
Mountain Park getting new Marriott Fairfield Inn
A new four-story Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites will be built in the Park Place area of Mountain Park. The address is 1990 West Park Place, Stone Mountain.
The hotel will feature modern décor, an indoor pool, flexible meeting space, complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a convenient 24/7 marketplace. It is expected to open by Spring of 2027.
Esteves returns to area as arts center manager
The City of Lawrenceville has named Daniela Esteves as Complex General Manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC). Esteves brings more than eight years of experience in the performing arts and event industry, and returns to Gwinnett in a new job.
She most recently served in Artistic Operations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and previously worked with several arts and entertainment organizations, including Gas South District in Gwinnett County from 2019 to 2021. Her professional background includes programming, patron services, marketing, and event management. Esteves holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from American University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida.
Effective July 1, 2025, the City created a new division within the Department of Community and Economic Development to operate the LAC. Under this structure, several Aurora staff members have transitioned to city positions, and new positions have been added to expand programming, rentals, and communications.
Jasmine Jackson, director of Community and Economic Development, says: “The Lawrenceville Arts Center is more than a performance venue — it’s a gathering place that fuels our local economy and strengthens community connections. This transition ensures the Center remains welcoming and vibrant, while expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the arts in Downtown Lawrenceville.”
Grimsley joins board of Jackson EMC
A new member of the Jackson EMC Board of Directors is Mary Grimsley, a leader recognized for her strong community involvement and dedication to service.
Grimsley is an educator and business owner. She and her husband, Don, own Grimsley Enterprises, Inc., an ocean freight forwarding firm. Active in the community, she is a member of the University of Georgia Parents Leadership Council. She serves on the Sisu-Integrated Early Learning board of directors and is a past board member of the Spina Bifida Association of Georgia. She is a graduate of Leadership Georgia.
Grimsley is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in reading education, and a certification in gifted education. She previously taught at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn. She and Don live in Gainesville. They have four children, a son-in-law and a grandson.
She succeeds Alton Thornton, who is retiring from the Jackson EMC Board of Directors after 14 years of service. He previously was with AgGeorgia Farm Credit.
State conservation board recognizes two Gwinnettians
Two Gwinnettians have been honored by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD).
Ellis Lamme was elected vice president at the annual meeting recently at Jekyll Island, Ga. As Vice President, Ellis will assist with leading GACD as they work with federal and State partners of the United States Department of Agriculture and with all 40 Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the promotion of natural resources conservation.
Lamme was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1947, and has been in the south for 40 years. In 2000, he was elected as chairman of the Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and has since been re-elected for five consecutive terms. He also currently serves as the president of the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, a multi-county environmental organization based out of Lawrenceville.
In addition, the GACD recognized David van Landingham of Snellville, who has served for 10 years as a District Supervisor for the Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation District. He is secretary of the Gwinnett conservation district board. He began the Gwinnett Water and Pollution Department and was with the county for 14 years.
The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer
From Rick Krause, Lilburn: I was in a dark place when a dear friend sent me this book. It was quite helpful. The book is basically a guide to inner peace. The author suggests that I explore the nature of consciousness and the voice inside my head—the constant chatter that shapes how I experience life. Through mindfulness and self-awareness, he shows how we can step back from that voice, release emotional blockages, and live with more freedom and clarity. Some themes are: I’m not my thoughts, I just observe them, peace comes in letting go, not controlling life, and consciousness, not overthinking, is the key to spiritual growth. I benefitted from having read it, feeling calmer, more centered, and more in control of my thoughts and reactions. It helped quiet my mind and open my heart, being mindful to that end. I continue to draw upon it frequently. Highly recommend.
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Several planetariums scattered throughout Georgia
Because Georgia has several major planetariums scattered throughout the state, the planetarium experience is within easy driving distance of most Georgians. Planetariums have revolutionized the way astronomy is taught, especially to young students and the general public.
In Georgia, National Science Foundation funding during the late 1960s and 1970s gave a boost to planetarium construction, including expensive projects for public high schools as well as science centers and university physics departments. At the same time competitive production of turnkey (fully equipped) planetariums brought down ticket prices, and star projectors came within the reach of smaller schools and museums around the state.
Among the larger planetariums in Georgia are the Jim Cherry Planetarium at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus, the Mark Smith Planetarium at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon, the planetarium at Valdosta State University, and the Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College. Other planetariums are located at Georgia Southern University, Agnes Scott College, North Georgia College and State University, and the University of West Georgia. The Wetherbee Planetarium and Science Discovery Center are located in Albany at the Thronateeska Heritage Center. The Muscogee County School District also has a planetarium.
The Valdosta State University planetarium was also opened in the late 1960s; its shows are staffed by students under the direction of a faculty member. Valdosta State is one of only three universities in the state to offer an undergraduate degree in astronomy. Among the newest planetariums in Georgia is the Coca-Cola Space Science Center at Columbus State University, which opened in 1996.
Planetariums are a powerful resource and act as laboratories for public school science educators and for universities that offer astronomy courses. Skies can be set back in time to demonstrate triple conjunctions or eclipses that happened long ago. With many of the newer digital planetariums, it is possible to “travel” through the stars and in and around complex stellar arrangements in ways that make the experience seem three-dimensional and far less abstract than studying photographs in a textbook.
Planetariums that operate for the public are normally open during school hours and on weekends. Among planetariums there is a wide variety of program options. Some facilities offer very basic astronomy programs with no special effects or gadgetry, while other, more publicly oriented facilities may offer elaborate productions involving months and even years of preproduction. Contemporary planetarium programs may be complete with animations, laser graphics, state-of-the-art sound, and specially commissioned music.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Lighthouse reflection may be a clue for mystery players
Here’s a distinctive view of a lighthouses sent by one of our readers. See if you can determine its location. Then send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Tim Sullivan of Mulberry came up with the right answer to the last puzzler. “It is the unusually shaped gas station at the Teapot Dome Service Station, located in Zillah, Wash. It’s a quirky piece of novelty architecture built in 1922 as a satirical nod to the infamous Teapot Dome scandal involving President Warren Harding’s administration. ” The photo came from Rick Krause of Lilburn.
Others recognizing the photo included Dick LoPresti, Berkeley Lake; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Matt Willis, Lawrenceville; Kay Montgomery, Duluth; Stewart Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.; Dr. Pat Mitchell, Boone, N.C.; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Lou Camerio, Lilburn; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas, who said: “The original, 14-foot-wide, Teapot Dome Gas Station was handcrafted in 1922 by Jack Ainsworth, who ran a general store built by his father in 1908. Ainsworth wanted to grow the business by adding a gas station next to the store.
“Ainsworth built the Teapot Dome Gas Station as a bold, tongue-in-cheek reminder of the political and criminal scandal that engulfed the Harding Administration.
“There is, of course, another ‘mystery’ buried within this mystery photo. While difficult to discern in the photo, the Teapot’s deep red handle and spout appear to be made of the same material … but they are not! The handle is made of sheet metal, but the spout is made of concrete. Why concrete? This is because the spout is actually a working stovepipe chimney that is used during colder weather. So, if you ever drive by this roadside attraction, and see what appears to be steam rising out of the teapot’s spout, don’t be misled. They are trying to stay warm, not boil a pot of tea!”
- 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.
Share views with trail study panel on Wednesday
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, you’re invited to the Norcross to Lilburn Multiuse Trail Study Public Open House to share your ideas on improving safety, mobility and connectivity along the trail corridor. Stop by Norcross Senior Center any time between 4 and 7 p.m. to view concepts, talk with the project team and provide feedback that will help guide the trail’s design and features. Can’t make it in person? You can still make your voice heard by adding comments to the project’s interactive map tool at GwinnettCounty.com/NorcrossLilburnMap.
Norcross PDC (People Drinking Coffee) meets Wednesdays from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at 45 South Cafe to discuss current events that are political, educational and community-focused. Speaking on August 27 will be Len Housley and Scott Leslie from the City of Norcross Public Works.
Join author Ravynn Stringfield as she discusses her newest romance novel, Love in 280 Characters or Less. This will be at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 27 at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Join New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis Lurie as she discusses her new novel, The Great Mann, a poignant retelling of The Great Gatsby. This will be on September 3 at 6 p.m. at the Hooper-Renwick Branch Library in Lawrenceville. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Georgia’s Historical Recipes is the subject and Valerie J. Frey will speak on September 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Collins Hill Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Frey will discuss her book, Georgia’s Historical Recipes, an exploration of Georgia’s culinary heritage and how it connects us to our present tastes. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Citizenship Clinic: Invest in your future by applying for United States citizenship. Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop. This citizenship Clinic will be September 6 at 11 a.m. at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett Public Library. Visit the library to register.
The Atlanta British Car Fayre returns to Norcross on September 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual celebration of classic cars, motorcycles and all things British takes place in downtown Norcross and will feature over 400 vehicles, as well as British-themed food, drinks and products. Live music from Brit-rock tribute bands will keep you dancing and entertained throughout the day. Admission is free.
Volunteers needed: Looking for a few good men and women to volunteer for the September 6 British Car Fayre in downtown Norcross. Time: between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. If interested, send an email to: Bill Aguilar at: wcac04@yahoo.com. Include your name, email and cell number.
Join award-winning author Kosoko Jackson as he discusses his new horror novel, The Macabre, a story about dark art, a family curse, a handsome agent of the British museum, and a painter who can tell the future through his paint. He will speak on September 10 at 7 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Three mayors will speak at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s Thursday Thought Leaders event on September 11 at the Atlanta Hilton Northeast in Peachtree at 11:30 a.m. On the panel will be Mayors Lois Salter of Berkeley Lake, Craig Newton of Norcross and Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners. Register now to reserve your seat. Lunch buffet is included.
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