CONCERT SERIES: The crowds come in the summer for the Duluth Concert Series. Activities begin this year on June 20. For more on who’s entertaining at the series, see Upcoming below.
ISSUE 15.17 | May 29, 2015IN THIS EDITION
TODAY’S FOCUS: Performing Arts Center To Host “Home By Dark” Again
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Gracious Adelaide Ponder of Madison Worked Tirelessly for her Area
ANOTHER VOICE: Trying to Defend Southern Men
UPCOMING: Duluth Summer Stage Series Kicks off on June 20
NOTABLE: Snellville Farmers’ Market Donates to Co-op’s Kick the Boot Campaign
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT: Roma Italiano, Duluth
GEORGIA TIDBIT: John Riddle Art Work on the Grounds of Georgia State Capitol
TODAY’S QUOTE: What James Thurber Thought of Women
MYSTERY PHOTO: Several Recognize Canal at Corinth, Greece
LAGNIAPPE: Gwinnett Tech Toastmasters Win Awards at District Conference
TODAY’S FOCUS
Home By Dark returns to Gwinnett stage for 3 performances
By Jennifer Walker
DULUTH, Ga., May 29, 2015 — Home By Dark will return to Gwinnett Performing Arts Center for three performances during 2015, captivating audiences with an impressive lineup of songwriters and musicians.
From a 2013 showing; photo by Kate Awtrey.
Home By Dark is a songwriters concert experience unlike any other. By pairing the best performing songwriters with the most talented instrumentalists around, the event allows audiences an intimate opportunity to hear the stories behind the songs and witness honest and authentic performances from the songwriters themselves.
Founder James Casto says: “At Home By Dark, our belief is that a song can change your life, and that’s the inspiration behind every performance. This expansion of our series into Gwinnett is a meaningful step in Home By Dark’s journey and is truly a testament to the support we’ve received from the community.”
The event is Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center.
Among the performers:
* James David Carter rose to fame in 2014 with his appearances on NBC ’s hit singing competition “The Voice.” The Team Blake member consistently brought audiences and viewers to their feet and, in the process, garnered thousands of fans across the country.
* J.P. Williams has shared the stage with Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Randy Travis and Jo Dee Messina. As a Nashville songwriter, JP’s earned a category win in the International Songwriting Competition, landed a Number One cut on the southern gospel chart, been a featured artist at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., played in Ireland for Budget Travel Magazine and signed with Major Bob Music in 2011.
Another performance of Home by Dark will be Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Those artists include
* Marcia Ramirez has performed on stage with artists such as Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis and Tanya Tucker. As a songwriter, she’s sold cuts by Jo Dee Messina, Grand Ole’ Opry stars, The Whites, Nashville Star finalist Rachel Williams and many others. Marcia is currently touring with pop legend Christopher Cross.
* Emily Shackelton has performed around the country including a performance on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. She studied at Berklee College of Music from 2004-2007, where she was awarded grand prize in the coveted John Lennon-BMI Foundation Songwriting Scholarship Competition. Her song Dream Big was performed on American Idol by 2008 winner David Cook. Emily currently writes for Liz Rose Music/Warner-Chappell and has had songs cut by Sara Evans, The Voice winner Cassadee Pope, X-Factor winner Tate Stevens, Karyn Williams and Wynonna Judd.
A final performance will be Thursday, December 17 at 8 p.m. at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, with these artists:
* Lisa Kelly may be best known to audiences as a member of the International ensemble group Celtic Woman, but the Irish songstress has a diverse background in musical theatre and performing. Lisa recently opened The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy in Peachtree City, where she teaches performance and singing to students of all ages.
* Additional artists to be announced soon!
- Tickets for Home By Dark range from $20-$50 and are now on sale. Buy tickets at GwinnettCenter.com, AXS.com, at the Arena box office or by calling (770) 626-2464.
Adelaide W. Ponder of Madison led a magnificent life
By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
MAY 29, 2015 — The Athens author, Philip Lee Williams, may have said it best of Adelaide Wallace Ponder of Madison, who died recently on her beloved St. Simons Island.
“What a magnificent life she led!”
Not only that, but what a wonderful and elegant person she was. She worked so much for others, particularly the community of Madison, and did it in such a kindly fashion, a quiet and genuine way that all appreciated.
Ms. Ponder, who died at age 90, was born in Madison. She and her late husband, Graham, purchased The Madisonian, the Morgan County newspaper, in 1957. The pair edited and published a high-quality newspaper, which lent its voice and space to improving Madison in many ways, particularly in cultural affairs and in providing leadership for the community for four decades. Much of what the attractive community is today can be traced back to the Ponders, insuring that Madison continually improved and provided its residents with the atmosphere it is today known for.
People were drawn to her, with her sincerity and agreeableness. Adelaide reminded me in many ways of Queen Elizabeth, so understated and pleasant, dressed beautifully, and always radiating a captivating appeal. She smiled demurely, welcomed others, and always was charming. You felt at home with her.
Her husband, Graham, was also understated and didn’t call attention to himself. Yet he was sound in judgment and resolute in his positions. Before he went into newspapering, he had been a cotton broker, and while he was publisher, was also a rural mail carrier.
Seen together, they appeared as what they were: a beautiful and delightful couple.
Adelaide Ponder
Adelaide brought so much to the table. She was an honor graduate of Wesleyan College in Macon and a recipient of its Distinguished Alumnae Award. One of her many interests was in the arts. She worked tirelessly and raised the funds in the transforming of the former Madison school into the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, and served on its Board of Trustees for years. She was presented with the Governor’s Award of Georgia in the Humanities for her many cultural achievements.
But this does not adequately describe the scope and depth of her many activities in her community. You name it, and she was involved, whether with the Madison Bicentennial Committee, with the Madison Towne Park, and the Magnolia and Boxwood Garden Clubs. She co-chaired the Madison Beautification Committee, was on the city’s Downtown Development Authority, Bi-Racial Commission, The Morgan County Historical Society, and help found the Madison-Morgan Conservancy. She was also thoroughly involved in the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, and was presented with its Medal of Honor from the national society. The Ponders were deeply involved in the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Madison.
She was a doer in the community. And always a lady.
She was also active in the Georgia Press Association, chairing its Press Institute, and its Cracker Crumble. She probably should have been president of the Press Association, but no doubt she demurred in those days, and her husband was elected to that office. She was also on the board of visitors the University of Georgia, was the first woman on its journalism advisory board, and taught news reporting there.
She led, as said above, a magnificent life.
Adelaide Wallace Ponder, 1925-2015: may you rest in peace.
ANOTHER VIEWHere’s the way two sides come into view with this retort
By Debra Houston
MAY 29, 2015 — In “Another View,” (5/15) George Wilson ponders, “Why do Southern white men vote against their own self-interest and against progressive legislation?” After growing up here in Gwinnett with three Southern brothers, marrying a Southerner, and rearing two Southern sons, I feel qualified to speak on the subject.
Houston
The answer is obvious. Progressives raise taxes and redistribute income. Southern white men prefer to keep their hard-earned money so they can feed their families without leaning on the government. As do most Americans. They also dislike the government pushing nontraditional social experiments on them and their kids. As do most Americans.
Plus, they won’t be coerced into joining a union, especially when their dues end up in the coffers of the Democratic Party. And they understand that a gun effectively stops a predator when he forces his way into their home. A homeowner without a gun is acting in the self-interest of the predator.
Still, only progressives know what is best for everyone. Mr. Wilson demonstrates a paternal attitude toward these misguided, God-fearing, Confederate offspring. And he speaks as if only Southerners believe in God. Most Americans do. And, by the way, the Civil War ended 150 years ago.
How dare Southern white men vote pro-life, favor law enforcement, and question gay marriage! It’s as if disagreeing with progressives on what they want for you is a sign of madness. It’s like Southern guys believe they have a Bill of Rights that guarantees free thought.
Sorry, Democrats. You can call them names and throw cheap innuendo in their face, but Bubba won’t be bullied. These guys are no different from other Americans who believe in freedom. And like many Americans, they ponder, “Why is progressivism so far outside the mainstream of America?”
IN THE SPOTLIGHTThe Piedmont Bank
The public spiritedness of our spo
nsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. The Piedmont Bank, which opened its doors on June 30, 2009, is a full-service bank, with four locations, with its home offices at 5100 Peachtree Parkway in Norcross; and other locations at 185 Gwinnett Drive in Lawrenceville; east of Interstate 85 near Suwanee at Old Peachtree and Brown Roads; and in Dunwoody at 1725 Mount Vernon Road. It has a capitalization of $51 million, and more than $425 million in assets now. The bank is making substantial business and personal loans. Its directors include Paul Donaldson, Robert D. Cheeley, John J. Howard, Monty G. Watson (who is chairman), Robert J. Ratliff and T. Michael Tennant, while James E. Stephenson is an advisory director. Deposits in The Piedmont Bank are insured by the FDIC.
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UPCOMINGDuluth’s Summer Stage Concerts kick off on June 20
The City of Duluth will kick off their Summer Stage Concert series this year with a bang! Speed racing, mechanical surfboards and a rockin’ good time is what you can expect at this year’s Summer Stage Concert series.
Event Coordinator Maggie Waddell says: “We really want to do something different this year and I think we just will.”
The season will kick off with a beach party on Main Street in Downtown Duluth featuring the Jimmy Buffet Band, A1A. A total of 100 tons of sand will be poured onto Main Street giving residents the chance to ride mechanical surf boards, participate in a sand castle contest and giveaways. Then they can dance the night away with A1A on June 20. The event runs from 8 until 10 p.m.
On the stage on July 18 will be 90’s band Vertical Horizon, known for their hit song “Everything You Want.” This will be from 8-11 p.m. in celebration of a successful cycling race known as the Georgia Cup. The race will run from 3-9 p.m. earlier in the day. This family-friendly event will be packed with plenty of fun activities such as a BMX bike show, large games, food trucks and more.
On August 15 from 8-10 p.m. attendees can enjoy smooth sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s, with Yacht Rock Schooner. If you’re a big fan of Hall and Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald, this is the band for you. There will be giant games, food and beverage vendors.
The season wraps up with The Duluth Fall Festival presenting Rupert’s Orchestra in concert on September 12 from 7-10 p.m. Residents can put on their dancing shoes when this band hits the stage.
The four part series will encompass live music, complete with a show-worthy performance for people in and around Duluth to enjoy. VIP tables will be available for each concert except for Rupert’s Orchestra. These are open zone events so you may bring your own drink or purchase from our licensed vendors. Anyone interested in covering this event, should contact Amanda Leiba at 770 476 3434.
New safety work coming to Interstate 85 on Monday
Georgia DOT will improve safety and improving traffic flow along Interstate 85’s Express Lane southbound in Lawrenceville by widening the buffer and adding a flex tube barrier between the Express Lane and the General Purpose Lanes. This change is only for I-85 south beginning at the State Route 316 west Express Lane merge to the Old Norcross Road Overpass. Overnight work is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8 if weather permits.
The project will increase the width of buffer between Express Lane and General Purpose lanes from 24 inches to 50 inches using the inside shoulder for the additional width. The lanes will not get smaller. A three feet high, white flex tube barrier with reflective tops will be bolted into the interstate every 10 feet. Additional raised pavement markers and reflective striping will be added in the buffer area. Similar flex tubes are used on interstates in Texas, Virginia and Florida.
The work will occur overnights only closing the Express Lane and the adjacent lane. Sundays through Thursdays overnight work hours are 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day. Fridays and Saturdays overnight work hours are 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day.
Peek Pavement Markings of Columbus is the contractor for the 0.89 mile long project on Interstate 85 southbound from the State Route 316 merge to the Old Norcross Road Overpass. The contract cost is $159,337.50 and the project completion date is June 17, 2015.
NOTABLESnellville market donates to co-op’s “Boot the Mortgage” effort
Snellville’s Farmers’ Market Committee has voted to donate $2,500 to the newly created “Boot the Mortgage” campaign.
The Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op recently moved into a new facility, allowing it to dramatically expand its efforts to feed needy people in the community. Charitable organizations and a group of citizens have joined together to launch “Boot the Mortgage,” a new campaign which will enable the co-op to pay off its mortgage. Retiring the mortgage will allow the co-op to supply an additional 950 families of four with a week’s worth of food per month, officials said.
Gretchen Schulz, chair of the Snellville Farmers’ Market Committee, says: “Because we have no paid staff, we are able to keep our expenses low. And we so enjoy using some of our profits to help other organizations in our community.” In the past the Snellville Farmers’ Market has also donated to the Snellville Veteran’s Memorial and the Snellville Community Garden.
The market will be kicking off its sixth year at 8:30 a.m. June 6 on the Snellville Towne Green on Oak Road in front of Snellville City Hall.
- For more information on Boot the Mortgage, visit the Give Hunger the Boot Facebook page. For more information on the Co-Op, visit www.segwinnettcoop.org. For more information on the market, visit www.snellvillefarmersmarket.com.
No one probably ordered a background check on you
Be on the lookout for this creepy email scam that states someone doing a background check on you, the Atlanta Better Business Bureau warns.
The fake messages claim someone ordered a background check on you, but it’s really a ploy to get you to click an infected link.
How the scam works: You receive an email with the subject line: “Someone recently viewed your background-information.” Curious, you open it. The message claims to be an automatically generated notification that someone “…has just recently ordered the results of your background-check.”
Interested in who requested information about you? At the bottom of the message is a link to “Find out more about this new-scan.” You may be curious, but don’t click the link! This email is a scam, and the link will download malware to your computer.
In general, it’s best not to click on links that come in unsolicited emails. Here are some more ways to spot a malicious email just in case your spam filter doesn’t catch it.
The email claims to have information about you, but you never signed up for it. Scams often pretend to be personalized for you, but they are actually sent in batches to many people. Don’t fall for this! If you never signed up for custom email alerts, you shouldn’t be receiving them.
Check out the “From” field: Scammers have the ability to mask email addresses, making the message appear to come from a legitimate source. But they don’t always use it. Look out for email addresses that don’t match the brand used in the email message.
- To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper. To find companies you can trust, please visit bbb.org.
Roma Italiano, Duluth
My husband and I had the pleasure of going to the new Roma Italiano Ristorante in Duluth. We ate inside although there is patio seating outside. The food was very delicious and perfectly prepared. I had a baked pasta entree with chicken and spinach. The pasta was very tasty and complimented the warm garlic bread well. I also considered the salmon piccata dinner. My husband ordered the stromboli, but says he might get a wood fired pizza next time. They are open for lunch and located at 3455 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The entire team was friendly and gave great service.
— Cindy Evans, Duluth
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 TIDBITJohn Riddle art work on the grounds of Georgia state capitol
John T. Riddle Jr., an artist whose work explores the struggles faced by African Americans throughout history, was born in 1934 in Los Angeles, Calif. After earning his bachelor’s degree in education and his master’s degree in painting from California State College in Los Angeles, Riddle taught art in area high schools.
John T. Riddle Jr.: Harriet Tubman: Carrying Out the Plan
In 1974 he moved to Atlanta and began teaching at Spelman College. During his more than two decades in Atlanta, Riddle created the bronze statue Expelled Because of Color, a public commission that stands on the grounds of the state capitol. He also worked for the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, became executive director of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Art Center, and served for fifteen years as assistant director of the Atlanta Civic Center. In 1999 Riddle returned to Los Angeles to become the program manager of visual arts for the California African American Museum.
Riddle’s celebrated works have been exhibited at such venues as the High Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, both in Atlanta; the Tubman African American Museum in Macon; the National Jazz Museum in New York City; and the Musée de Montreux in Switzerland. Former Atlanta mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young also acquired his work for their private collections.
Riddle died in Atlanta on March 3, 2002. His mixed media work Clubs Is Trumps, silkscreen print Turtlemen with Turtlehooks (1985), and collages Harriet Tubman: Carrying Out the Plan (1981) are part of Georgia’s State Art Collection.
MYSTERY PHOTONot where, but what does this Mystery Photo tell you?
It may be difficult to identify exactly where this edition’s Mystery Photo is located. But the question this time is: what’s the significance of this photograph, and why are the trees done that way? If you know, send your idea to elliott@brack.net and be sure to tell us where you live.
Last week’s Mystery Photo came from Tom Studer of Summerville, S.C., which Tim Anderson of Fitzgerald quickly recognized: “Although I’ve never been, I believe the mystery photo is the Corinth Canal in Greece. He’s right.”
Later on Karen Garner of Dacula told us more: “The Corinth Canal, near Corinth, Greece, according to Wikipedia, is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former peninsula an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. It now has little economic importance.” Wow. That’s mighty hard digging in that rock!
Another recognizing it was Ruthy Paul of Norcross, who wrote: “Corinth Canal is a spectacular sight. It connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, and thus saves ships a few days driving around the Peloponnese area. The canal is more than four miles long but very narrow (70 feet at the bottom) and deep (260 feet).”
She adds: “Corinth Canal was not finished until the late 19th century, but had been an idea and a dream that began more than 2000 years ago. One of the first serious attempts to dig the canal was by the Emperor Nero in 67 AD, who brought about 6,000 Jewish slaves from Judea to dig the canal. The plan did not materialize for several reasons, including for economic reasons.”
Others recognizing the Canal were Jim Savadelis of Duluth and Bob Foreman of Grayson.
LAGNIAPPEWinning awards
The Gwinnett Technical College Student’s Toastmasters International Club was honored at the recent Georgia District 14 Spring Conference, with students, officers and the club’s faculty adviser all winning top awards. They included: Best Club Newsletter: Padraig O’Dea, vice president of public relations; Triple Crown Award: Dwight Lewis, vice president of education; Officers Training Award: Club officers Trevell Pittman, Dwight Lewis, Padraig O’Dea, Carlos Guedze, Archie Campbell, Angela Babushkin and Ebony Wyatt; and Outstanding Member Award: Club co-adviser and faculty member Dr. Penny Joyner Waddell. From left are Padraig O’Dea, Dwight Lewis, Ebony Wyatt, Carlos Guedze, Archie Campbell, Angela Babushkin, and Trevell Pittman.
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