SCULPTURE: The second of two bronzes by sculptor Jean Westmacott depicts the transformation of a Brenau University woman from the timid freshman in the background to the strong, confident graceful leader at graduation. Westmacott, center, stands with models Rachael “Moji” Ogunmuko, left, and Lucy Kern during the dedication ceremony on April 11. For more details, see Notable below. (Photo by Barry Williams and Nick Dentamaro.)
Issue 15.04 | April 14, 2015
IN THIS EDITION
TODAY’S FOCUS: New Sculpture at Environmental Center Honors Wayne Hill
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Loganville’s Michael Brown Writes Novels About the South
FEEDBACK: Oooops. We Re-Printed an Urban Legend
UPCOMING: New Exhibits at Hudgens Art Center Features Aurora Theatre Designs
NOTABLE: Brenau College Dedicates Second Bronze Sculpture, Completing Process
RECOMMENDED READ: Promise of Silver by Michael K. Brown
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia’s Water Comes from Varied Sources
MYSTERY PHOTO: We Tossed a Softball and Many Hit It Out of the Park
LAGNIAPPE: Opening Night at Coolray Field with the Gwinnett Braves
TODAY’S FOCUS
Environmental Center foundation plans Wayne Hill sculpture
By Cammie Fulmer
BUFORD, Ga., April 14, 2015 — Former Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Wayne Hill will be honored with the first outdoor art at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (EHC).
Funded by the private, non-profit Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation, this venture will consist of a multi-year project to place sculptures and reflective garden spaces throughout the EHC’s 700 acre campus.
Members of the EHC Foundation Board unveiled this rendering of a proposed sculpture garden featuring an interactive, nature-inspired art piece. The bronze sculpture will feature the likeness of former Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Wayne F. Hill, who was instrumental in the creation of the EHC.
On April 6, a proposed rendering was presented by members of the EHC Foundation Board for an inaugural sculpture which to be placed at the entrance of the EHC near its nationally recognized turtle pond. This gifted sculpture will picture three children observing a turtle and discovering the wonders of nature set alongside a depiction of one of the EHC’s founding supporters and former County Commission Chairman Wayne Hill.
Marsha Anderson-Bomar, a member of the EHC Foundation Board, says: “Wayne Hill has served our community his entire life. In choosing a figure that was representative of the subject matter of this sculpture, it was fitting to select Wayne Hill as it was largely his vision and commitment that brought the EHC into existence, which inspires more than 111,000 people annually.”
The beginning of this project will also signify the inaugural use of the turtle figure in a public art and cultural tourism experience. Envisioned to be a fund raising initiative supported by local businesses, corporate giving and private donations, the turtle character will be featured in several locations throughout the region and will provide an opportunity for community engagement.
Ms. Anderson-Bomar adds: “Recognized by various early American cultures as a symbol of Earth itself, the turtle character will serve as a symbol of our community and act as a reminder of our relationship to the environment. This project truly is an addition to the EHC’s mission to inspire community involvement by encouraging natural curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world around us. We look forward to people seeking out these turtles while they discover what makes Gwinnett and Georgia great.”
The artist commissioned to provide the sculpture is Vic McCallum, who has also created various other bronzes throughout Gwinnett County. That includes a 12 foot tall sculpture of a red-tailed hawk for Mill Creek High School, as well as the bronze sculpture in Buford of Roy Rogers, his horse, Trigger, and a Bona Allen worker. The rendering that was presented on Monday is an early draft of the final sculpture and was based on photographs provided by Mr. Hill’s family.
This initial sculpture garden is expected to be completed within 18 months. Private donations are continuing to be secured by the EHC Foundation. For more information or to contribute to the project, please visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.
EEB PERSPECTIVE
Loganville retiree fills void by writing novels about the South
By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher, GwinnettForum.com
APRIL 14, 2015 — Who would have thought that years in corporate America would be the business background of a newly-published Gwinnett author?
Michael Brown, a Loganville resident, has now had two books published. We read his Somewhere a River, a 268 page novel from Deeds Publishing of Atlanta, and found it most enthralling. It is set in Alabama, the story turning around growing up in the South, high school and college football, and the entanglements we can get ourselves in both when younger and afterward. Later parts of the story take place in a different setting……Wyoming, of all places, as a struggling Southerner finds redemption and contentment where he does not expect it. It’s a story, somewhat haunting, that develops out of, and makes sense in, the modern world.
Part of the setting of this book it at an Alabama college, where a football coach who wears a checkered hat has teams that find success. Somehow this guy is never named…..but you get the idea.
Brown writes about this naturally, since he grew up in Birmingham, graduated from the University of Alabama, and became an industrial engineer, never thinking that one day he would turn to writing.
For 34 years he and his wife, the former Judy Whitehurst from Macon, lived in Lilburn before moving to Loganville 11 years ago. Brown was with Frito Lay, Zep Manufacturing and the Sports Authority before retirement, and Judy ran a floor covering business out of their home, which they continue today.
Brown
Looking back at his career, Brown, at age 73, says that “writing fills a void in my life. There was nothing like it in my background, in that I never wanted to be an English teacher or even have a writing career.
But I found a pleasure out of hunt-and-peck writing these stories, which really come from my background when growing up. It took about nine months to write the first book. I haven’t done it to be a big deal trying to make money and I don’t like tooting my own horn. I simply want to write to have people enjoy the story.”
His first book, Promise of Silver, was published after Somewhere a River. The first book is situated on the Georgia coast, the story of two seniors who meet in a retirement community, and have a second romance. The title comes from the man seeing “silver” not gray, in his new friend’s hair. (See Recommended Read below.)
These days Michael Brown is wrapping up a sequel to the Silver book, set in the North Georgia mountains. This one will be titled Promise of the Hills. Michael is also beginning to think about a plot for a fourth book.
Once starting to write, he turned to the members of the Atlanta Writer’s Club to help his efforts. That was seven or eight years ago. He found difficulty in getting published while friends were getting published out of the club. He says the Writer’s Club was most beneficial to him. “Several groups critiqued my work, and basically, these people taught me how to write, especially about developing a plot and characters and to create interest for the reader. I had to learn that.”
Now Michael Brown is soon to take the leadership in the Atlanta Writer’s Club, as the incoming president beginning this month. The group has over 700 members, and meets monthly at Perimeter College in Dunwoody.
- For more about Somewhere a River, go to deedspublishing.com. The books are available online and in softback form.
- Correction: In a recent perspective, the location of the Atlanta Falcon training camp and headquarters was incorrect. The Falcons purchased and remodeled the former Ramada Inn in Suwanee as their facility. We regret this error. -eeb
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Walton EMC
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le, Grayson, Loganville and Dacula areas. Because its customers own the company, service — not profit — is Walton EMC’s primary focus. Walton EMC is ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South” by J.D. Power (see jdpower.com for details).
- Contact Walton EMC at waltonemc.com, facebook.com/waltonemc or 770-267-2505.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
FEEDBACK
Ooops! GwinnettForum taken in by an urban legend
Editor, the Forum:
There is an incorrect item in your 4/10/2015 edition of GwinnettForum. You reported that cell phone numbers were to be released to telemarketers. This is an urban legend that has been promoted via various emails for some years now. There are no plans to release all cell phone numbers, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Calls to cell phones from telemarketers remain illegal. The FCC allows cell phone numbers to be added to the do not call list, but this is a relatively pointless action, given that telemarketers would be in violation of the law to call a cell phone in the first place. You can take a look at the following two web sites for more information:
- http://www.fcc.gov/guides/truth-about-wireless-phones-and-national-do-not-call-list, or
- http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp
— Robert C. Covington, president, togoCIO, Peachtree Corners
Rant, rave and send us your opinion
Our policy: We encourage readers to submit feedback (or letters to the editor). Send your thoughts to the editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and the city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission for us to reprint. Please keep your comments to 300 words or less. However, we will consider longer articles (no more than 500 words) for featuring in Today’s Issue as space allows.
UPCOMING
New Hudgens exhibit features art of Aurora Theatre designs
A new exhibition featuring theatrical design is on display at the Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth. The Art of Theatrical Design: Aurora Theatre’s Sets and Costumes, will be on view through June 27.
Hudgens Center Executive Director, Teresa Osborn says: “This exhibition explores the process of the artistic vision behind the phenomenal sets, detailed costuming and props that transport theatre goers into the world of the actors. The technical design and construction of each production starts with a pen and paper and develops from there. This exhibit is a wonderful exploration of the detail and the craft behind technical theatre.”
The Aurora Theatre, located in downtown Lawrenceville, is home to over 600 events each year. They present two series of theatrical productions annually, which are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include winner of seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2013” and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts.
Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre producing artistic director, says: “We work with such gifted artists every day. It is one of the best parts of my job. Although our audiences recognize our onstage talent is extraordinary, many of our artists do their artistic work behind the scenes. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with the Hudgens Center on this exhibit where we have a chance to share the artistry of just a few of our Scenic, Costume, Props and Lighting Designers. This is a great opportunity for our community to gain better appreciation for the skills that go into crafting a theatrical production. Our visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of Aurora Theatre artists.”
The opening reception for the exhibit on Tuesday, April 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. The May 2 Family Day features free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p. m., guided hands on art activities and demonstrations.
Teen-Young Adult authors plan workshop here on May 2
Join bestselling teen and young adult authors Vicky Alvear Shecter and Laurel Snyder for a free Writer’s Workshop on May 2 from 1 to 3 pm at the Five Forks branch library. Writers are encouraged to bring their own work for feedback as the workshop offers an opportunity for critique as time allows.
Vicky Alvear Shecter is the award-winning author of Curses and Smoke, Cleopatra’s Moon, Hades Speaks! A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead, and other books about the ancient world and mythology.
Laurel Snyder, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, is the author of five novels for children including Bigger than a Bread Box, Penny Dreadful, Any Which Wall, Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains. The Five Forks branch library is located at 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville.
- For more details, visit http://www.gwinnettpl.org/event/writers-workshop
Leadership Snellville taking applications for second class
Applications are now being accepted for the second Leadership Snellville class. The program, which will take place May 14 to July 30, graduated eight participants from its inaugural class last year. The class is free and modeled after the Leadership Gwinnett program.
- For more information about the program or to request an application, email kkautz@snellville.org.
NOTABLE
Brenau dedicates second of two sculptures on campus
About 200 former Brenau University students attending annual reunion weekend festivities on April 11 witnessed the official union of two “Brenau students of today” with the dedication of the second of two statues depicting a somewhat timid young woman’s arrival on campus and the departure of a more confident, self-assured woman stepping with ease into the world, no matter what it holds in store.
With both bronze sculptures now permanently installed overlooking the front lawn of the historic Gainesville campus, university officials and alumnae of the 137-year-old Brenau Women’s College and Brenau Academy dedicated the art w
orks to “the lasting inspiration of the Brenau Ideal,” the university’s century-old mantra that challenges students and graduates to be “serenely confident of the limitless reaches of human endeavor.”
President Ed Schrader said: “In my 10 years at Brenau, I have seen many times the scenario that these works of art represent. Young women grow and prosper here. They leave well-prepared for them to make a significant impact on the world. We are making every effort to apply the ideal that has kept the Women’s College thriving across the entire university.”
Sculptor Jean Westmacott of Crawford, Ga., the former director of Brenau University Galleries, created the statues on a commission from former Brenau President John Burd to represent “what Brenau gives to a young woman.” The first took residence on the terrace balustrade outside Simmons Visual Arts Center in 2009. The second arrived in time for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year.
For the first piece Westmacott chose a student from one of the classes she taught in the Athens area after retiring from Brenau – Lucy Kern, whose ethnic background is Colombian Indian, German and Hispanic. The second sculpture used Rachael “Moji” Ogunmuko, a young artist from Nigeria who has modeled for the drawing courses Westmacott has been taking in recent years. Both Ogunmuko and Kern attended the dedication ceremony.
Westmacott explained that it was her intention to keep viewers guessing about the background of both figures since that reflects the collective background of Brenau students. “They can be from anywhere,” she said, “and they do come from all walks of life. That’s the beauty of Brenau.”
The sculptor spent 16 years at Brenau as galleries director and art professor before retiring in 2008. The Pennsylvania native, who holds degrees from Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania, moved to Georgia in the 1970s with her husband, Richard, a former University of Georgia professor. She maintains her studio on the 19th century farmstead she and her husband own in rural Oglethorpe County.
Gwinnett Clerk of Court unveils website improvements
Gwinnett County Clerk of Court Richard Alexander has recently completed website improvements to its existing site, www.gwinnettcourts.com. The improved site offers users simplified navigation and a comprehensive guide to Gwinnett’s judicial system. Users have the ability to access case/party information, filing fees, forms and court information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from a desktop, tablet or smartphone.
“This is an online resource to help residents and visitors obtain information and conduct business with us,” says Alexander. “It is our hope that the website is user friendly and meets the user’s needs in the most convenient, efficient and effective manner.”
- For additional information, contact the Clerk’s Office at 770-822-8100.
RECOMMENDED READ
Promise of Silver
A novel by Michael K. Brown
“The setting is a thinly disguised Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia, as developers take aim. The story tells of a gray-haired male retiree finding company with a silver haired female near his age, both quite unexpectedly. Add onto that the vicissitudes of older people, cancer, prostate problems, an aging mind, and dementia, plus even hand guns and heavy-handed police investigations. First thing you know, it’s difficult to put down the book, and you’re hooked. Then add several plot twists, which enliven the story. Meanwhile, the characters come on as solidly real. This books reads fast, and is a humdinger by Loganville’s Michael Brown, the first book he wrote.” — eeb
An invitation: What books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (100 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. — eeb
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA TIDBIT
Georgia’s abundant water supply has many sources
Water in Georgia originates mainly as rainfall and occasionally as snow or sleet. On average, annual rainfall increases with elevation, with the greatest amounts (more than sixty inches per year) falling on the southern Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia—specifically the Blue Ridge region—and forming a temperate rainforest.
Georgia experiences little monthly or seasonal variations in rainfall, resulting in a relatively uniform distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Some years and months are drier than others, however. Years with a strong El Niño (a warm ocean current along the coast of Ecuador and Peru in the equatorial Pacific that can cause catastrophic weather conditions around the world) tend to be wetter than normal, while La Niña (cooler than usual temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean) years are drier.
Overall, the annual precipitation varies by as much as 40 percent of the mean, so that the northeast Georgia city of Athens, for example, which has an average annual rainfall of 48 inches, can receive almost 70 or less than 30 inches in any given year.
The source of precipitation varies during the year as well. Frontal storms (disturbances along the boundaries between cold and warm air masses) are common during the fall, winter, and spring. These storms cover large areas and can be accompanied by short-duration, high-intensity rainfall along cold fronts. Lower intensities are commonly observed with warm fronts and after cold fronts have passed.
Convective thunderstorms (storms with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning induced by rising, unstable humid air) are common in Georgia during the summer months. These storms are localized, generally short-lived, and often accompanied by high-intensity rainfall near their center. These storms can cause localized flooding in the area affected.
Tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes along the Georgia coast are most likely between June and November. These events may cause long-duration rainfall of moderate to high intensity over large areas. In 1994 Tropical Storm Alberto—which lasted two days, brought as much as twenty-four inches of precipitation in some places, and covered an area greater than 1,000 square miles—caused widespread flooding along the Flint and Ocmulgee rivers.
Water on the earth’s surface is returned to the atmosphere either by evaporation of free water from soil and ponds or by the process of plant transpiration—that is, water use by plants through stomata, or small openings in their leaves. Free-water evaporation is highly variable, with maximum rates occurring on warm, dry, windy days, and lowest rates on cold, wet, calm days.
Monthly evapotranspiration (a combination of water loss by both evaporation and transpiration) is greatest during the summer, decreasing during the winter. Overall, approximately 70 percent of Georgia precipitation is lost as evapotranspiration. This means that the remaining 30 percent is the source of all streamflow, or flow of water in rivers and streams.
(To be continued)
MYSTERY PHOTO
Few clues in this mystery
CLUE: There appear to be few clues for this edition’s Mystery Photo. There’s some rocks, which apparently means this building is located on water, but no other geographic features. Even the architecture is difficult to pinpoint. Tell us where you think this building is located by sending you answer to elliott@brack.net, and be sure to tell us where you live.
The correct answer to last week’s Mystery Photo came in thick and fast, as readers easily identified Hank’s Seafood restaurant in Charleston, S.C., sent in by Karen Garner of Dacula. First one with the correct answer was Billy Chism, the editor of the Cleveland newspaper.
Then came the onslaught, with Ruthy Lachman Paul telling us: “Charleston’s city atmosphere is known for its southern hospitality and its elegant charm. Old City streets are paved with bricks which walking horses carriages preserved historic buildings. Some of the estates are preserved and most impressive. In one of the preserved building you can enjoy Hank’s Seafood Restaurant that’s located in Historic District.”
Others identifying the mystery included Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Becky Munteanu, Suwanee; and Michael Green of Milton, who added: “Located on Hayne Street, Hank’s has been voted as having the best seafood in Charleston.”
More correct answers were from Eddie Copeland, Alpharetta; Layla Corley, Duluth; Frank Studer, Simpsonville S.C.; Howard N. Williams, Jr., Snellville; and Richard Lux, Trickum;
Bob Foreman of Grayson told us:’ Hayne Street is a well known street in downtown Charleston, S.C. Hanks Seafood is a well known business on Hayne Street. And the Sable Palm (or Palmetto Tree) is the state tree of South Carolina and is on the state flag. Sometimes, you make these too easy. Although, I admit last week’s photo from Bath England stumped me.”
More correct identities came from Diana Preston, Lilburn; Brenda Kukla, Suwanee; Jim Savadelis, Duluth; Tayna Moore, Norcross; Hoyt Tuggle of Buford; Jane Bane of Buford; Lynn Naylor, Atlanta; and Chuck Cimarik of Norcross, who points out: “It looks like Charleston SC and you even had the address in the picture.” Mimi Anderson, Peachtree Corners, tells us: “This is one of my favorite wonderful restaurants in Charleston, S.C. It’s right down near the riverfront park.” That’s 20 getting it right, near a record! Which means the mystery was far too easy!
LAGNIAPPE
Opening night
Opening night at Coolray Field in Gwinnett saw a good attendance, as this scene of Roving Photographer Frank Sharp tells. The weather was delightful, too, and fans enjoyed a great game, though the Gwinnett Braves fell to the Durham Bulls. The Braves continue their first homestand of the season Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday against Charlotte and Norfolk in Class AAA action.
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