2/19: On Lawrenceville Co-op; What our parents told us; more

Marking its 20th anniversary is the Lawrenceville Co-Op. Linda Freund, left, is the manager of the Co-op, having been there 15 years. However, Marvel Kent, now age 90, has been there since Day One, volunteering since the beginning. To look more into the operations of the Lawrenceville Co-op, one of six Co-ops in Gwinnett, see Today’s Focus below.

TODAY’S FOCUS: Marking 20 Years Service, Lawrenceville Co-op Serves Area

EEB PERSPECTIVE: Parent to Child: “Did You Wash Behind Your Ears Today?”

SPOTLIGHT: Howard Brothers

UPCOMING: Suwanee Farmers Market Asks Vendors to Come to March 21 Meeting

NOTABLE: Three Gwinnett Seniors Win DAR Good Citizen Awards for 2016

RECOMMENDED: The Sisters are Alright by Tamara Winfrey Harris

GEORGIA TIDBIT: Shoulderbone Creek in Hancock County Hosted First Camp Meeting

TODAY’S QUOTE: One Way To Tell If You Are a Leader

MYSTERY PHOTO: Does This Look Like a Southern Scene?

LAGNIAPPE: Another Photo from Booth Western Museum Ongoing Exhibit

Lawrenceville Co-Op marking 20^th anniversary serving the area

By Louis Detwiler

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Feb. 19, 2015  |  Since 1995, the Lawrenceville Co-op has been serving the greater Lawrenceville community. Thousands of people have been helped and renewed by the Co-op’s mission.

Detweiler

There are six co-ops in Gwinnett, with each of them serving specific Zip Code areas.

The work, the blessings, and stewardship of the Co-op are guided by Linda Freund, its director. Her stability and focus for the last 15 years has kept the Co-op in line with God’s calling: “For I was hungry and you gave me food; whatever you have done to the least of these people you have done to me.”

In 2015 a discernment committee, composed of leaders from local churches, reviewed the direction of the Co-op. A key part of the ministry focuses on the last sentence of the mission statement: “The Co-op seeks to preserve the client’s dignity while encouraging self-responsibility and spiritual growth.”

The Lawrenceville Co-op is helping thousands of families in Lawrenceville and Dacula who are in need. From its inception in 1995 to December 2015 the Co-op provided assistance to over 25,400 families. The Cooperative now aids about 500 families a month.   Besides offering food, emergency shelter, and limited financial help, it now has a community faith-based registered nurse.

Part of the mission statement of the Lawrenceville Co-op is “To glorify God and demonstrate God’s love.” The Co-op is an intentional Christian organization seeking to honor…Jesus Christ in word and deed by sharing and caring for neighbors in need.”

Support for the Co-op can be seen throughout the community. In 2015, some 26 churches donated $1,200 or more and provided food to its pantry. Another 24 churches supported the Co-op in volunteer hours, food donations, and financial contributions.

The total contributions from churches in 2015 reached $168,006. Last year businesses and associations (including Walton EMC and Jackson EMC) made contributions for a combined $152,000. Publix donates bakery products to the Co-op. Last year individuals contributed $171,000. Fundraisers for the co-op last year netted $42,000. The total cash income for 2015 was close to $500,000.

Linda Freund says: “One reason people contribute to the co-op is because we have such a low expense ratio. Our operating cost has traditionally been about 8 percent of our total expenses. Most of our funds go directly to assist clients. We are staffed by over 400 volunteers. There are three paid positions: director, administrative assistant, and a faith community nurse.”

Volunteers form the base of operations. Churches provided 13,209 volunteer hours last year, compared to 15,465 volunteer hours in 2014. The Co-op always needs more volunteers. Volunteer orientations are every two months. Some of the volunteer work includes organizing and distributing canned foods, administration support for clients, and interviewing people to qualify them for assistance. One volunteer, Marvel Kent of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, has served the Co-op for its entire 20 year history.

When a client comes to the Co-op asking for assistance, steps are taken to assure the client is treated with dignity and respect. The need is confirmed and the mission statement is read to that person. Immediate assistance is given, if needed, and through an interview, underlying causes are recognized. If further visits are needed, a menu of resources is offered and a plan of action is agreed upon.

Linda Freund states, “Our job is not to judge. We all face hardships and crisis in our lives. One day we could be on the other side of the table.”

• To learn more please visit the website www.lawrencevilleco-op.org.

Parent to child: “Did you wash behind your ears today?”

By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher

FEB. 19, 2016 | “Don’t leave the lights on in room behind you!”

That admonition may have been drilled into me from my parents since they came up during Depression Times, where every minute the “the lights” were on meant another bite out of their pockets.

No matter. I still practice this every day, if only leaving a room for a short time. I can’t help it. The lesson stuck.

Thinking back, much of our adult life habits stem from minor, everyday ways we were trained. We may never recognize that we do this, but nonetheless, it is straight out of our parents play book.

“Did you wash behind your ears?” Maybe that’s a good question to ask a boy growing up, with their almost-every-day playing outdoors, often down in a hole, digging their way to China, or wrestling with another, or happily rollicking with a dog, or in and out of ponds or the ocean.

Another oft-heard question: “Did you brush your teeth?” That question led to better health care, and better teeth. The question may have been necessary, since sometimes boys might forget.

Another on the cleanliness circuit: “Did you wash your hands before you came to the table?” Most of us may need to do this more than ever. After all, we come in contact much more today than previously when life was simpler. We are out and about, and touch door handles both at home and at work places, public toilets, your car’s steering wheel, and your and often others’ cell phones. Did you clean your hands before your last meal?

And another: “Did you put on clean underwear?” That’s a key question, at least for boys. Somehow, this is not very important for growing-up boys. Good thing, most of the time, that we were asked!

“Are your shoes shined for Sunday School?” That really meant more than that in my growing years. Impressed upon me was that we all should wear our “Sunday best” when going to church. (That may explain my going out in coat-and-tie daily, while others have adopted more of a leisurely-presentation.)

We remember one admonition that my wife used to give our young (8-10) year old son when we lived in Jesup, about 7,000 population, in South Georgia. When taking his bike across town, perhaps two miles, she would say to him: “Be careful when crossing the railroad tracks.”

You need some more info on this one. You see, the streets Andy rode his bike to see his friend were not crowded. But in the middle of town the Atlantic Coast Line (now CSX) tracks Y-ed off, one headed to Waycross, the other to Jacksonville. Altogether, at this street, there were about six or eight tracks. A train might come along once an hour. That was the “menace” at this location. Certainly the train would toot its horn, loud and clear. But still the admonition.

What this showed was really how safe our community was. If worrying about the train tracks was the main thing, the town was pretty safe.

Those routine and natural admonitions can stick with you long in life. What do you remember your parents said to you that is still today a good habit?

Howard Brothers Hardware

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Howard Brothers, which has retail stores in Alpharetta, Doraville, Duluth and Oakwood. John and Doug Howard are the ‘brothers’ in Howard Brothers. This family owned business was started by their dad, and continues to specialize in hardware, outdoor power equipment and parts and service.  Howard Brothers are authorized dealers of STIHL, Exmark, Honda and Echo outdoor power equipment.  They are authorized Big Green Egg, Traeger Grill and YETI Cooler dealers.

• Visit their web site www.howardbrothers.com.
• For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: Our sponsors.

• Send Feedback and Letters to: elliott@brack.net

Suwanee Farmers Market asks vendors to come to March 21 meeting

Warm days, fresh produce, and eating al fresco will return to Suwanee before you know it! The Suwanee Farmers Market and Food Truck Fridays return to Town Center this spring, from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays, May through the first week in October, at Town Center Park. The market is in search of farmers, herb and flower growers, butchers, bakers, jams and soap makers, and others to participate in its 12th season.

Suwanee Events Manager Amy Doherty says: “The Suwanee Farmers Market has a loyal customer and farmer base. Our market is almost as much a social event as it is an opportunity to access locally grown produce and a variety of other items, such as salsa, honey, eggs and meat, and baked goods.”

Vendors are required to attend the annual Farmers Market meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. For more information and an application, visit www.Suwanee.com.

Food Truck Fridays return in April, May, June, August, and September, with each month will bringing great food and music from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (music begins at 7 p. m). Enjoy an evening of dining on the grass in Town Center Park, enjoying good food, good company, and good tunes. Interested food truck vendors can apply to be part of these annual events by returning the application found at www.Suwanee.com.

• For more information on the Suwanee Farmers Market or Food Truck Fridays, contact Amy Doherty at 770-904-3387 or adoherty@suwanee.com.

Three Gwinnett seniors win DAR Good Citizen Awards for 2016

Meghann Ashey, Cara Brooks, and Rachel Byers will be honored by the Philadelphia Winn Chapter NSDAR, in Lawrenceville, as DAR Good Citizens for 2016. Each was chosen by the faculty of her high school based on the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

They are Meghann Ashey of Parkview High, Cara Elizabeth Brooks from North Gwinnett High, and Rachel Lee Byers from Loganville Christian Academy.

Ashey

Meghann Ashey is the daughter of J. Philip and Julie Ashey of Lilburn. Her scholastic activities include National Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society.  She has held leadership roles in Parkview’s Chorus throughout high school, and served as Parkview’s wrestling head manager.  She has also received several awards, including Governor’s Honors in 2015 with a vocal major.  Meghann has volunteered her time at Zoo Atlanta, with middle school chorus, and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She plans to attend St. Olaf Music Conservatory, pursue a degree in Music Choral Education, and teach middle school.

Brooks

Cara Brooks’ activities include National Beta Club and Key Club, Chorus, Relay for Life Executive Board, and president of the North Gwinnett Equestrian Team. She has served on Student Council and as a freshman mentor, volunteered with Special Needs students at NGHS, and served at First Presbyterian Atlanta Homeless Breakfast. She will attend Emory and Henry College in Virginia next fall and will ride on their Equestrian Team. She has earned both an academic scholarship and an athletic scholarship for riding, and she aspires to be an equestrian riding instructor. Cara’s mother, Susan Brooks, was a DAR Good Citizen in her senior year as well.

Byers

Rachel Byers’s scholastic activities include National Beta Club and National Honor Society, and she has been a class officer for three years. Active in JV and Varsity Volleyball, Rachel is also an accomplished musician, earning a “Superior” at the ACSI Piano Festival in 10th grade. She is a math tutor, small group leader for her church, and performs piano recitals for assisted living homes. Rachel plans to major in Communication Studies and minor in Political Science at UGA, followed by Law School. Her dream is to work in a district attorney’s office as a prosecuting attorney, work in government in Washington, D.C., and run for a state office.

Sequent Health Partners care for 8,500 patients through Cigna plan

Sequent Health Physician Partners’ first accountable care program, launched in January through a new collaboration with Cigna, aims to improve health, affordability and the patient experience for over 8,500 area patients who are covered by a Cigna health plan and receive care through Sequent Health’s physician network, which is based primarily in Gwinnett.

The initiative includes approximately 460 long-established local medical providers, including over 125 primary care physicians and a wide range of specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, neurologists and surgeons who practice with the clinically integrated network. The parent company of Sequent Health Physician Partners is Gwinnett Health System, which is also the parent company of Gwinnett Medical Center.

Manfred Sandler, cardiologist and Sequent Health Physician Partners board chairman, says: “Among the many benefits of the program, it’s designed to minimize barriers to health care. Additionally, care coordinators help patients navigate the health care system, especially those with chronic conditions or other health challenges.”

The care coordinators are part of physician-led care teams that will help people get the follow-up care or screenings they need, identify potential complications related to medications and help prevent chronic conditions from worsening. The care coordinators are also aligned with a team of Cigna case managers to ensure a high degree of collaboration between the medical group and Cigna, which will ultimately provide a better experience for the individual.

Care coordinators can also help individuals schedule appointments, provide health education and refer people to Cigna’s clinical support programs that are part of their employer’s health plan.

Customer should be wary when renting a car for any trip

Summer is coming eventually, and you may want to take a last minute trip. Rental cars have become essential for many vacations or business trips, but rental contracts are often misunderstood. Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia advises consumers to read contracts carefully before signing.

Renting a car can be a great convenience when you’re traveling to regions without good public transportation or taxi service. But it’s always wise to understand the provisions of a rental contract and any limitations on the use of a vehicle.

Unexpected costs like mileage caps, insurance and drop off fees can also change the price dramatically. Putting in a little extra time for comparison shopping before renting can save you money, and future hassles.

Additional fees that may influence the overall price you pay are:

• Drop-off charges may apply if you return the car to a different location;
• Taxes for state, city, or airport;
• Location rates may vary within the city and at the airport for the same firm;
• Daily rates may be higher during certain days of the week;
• Special offers may be available during certain holidays or seasons; and
• Additional fees may apply for extra drivers.

BBB offers the following tips for renting a car:

Ask for discounts: If the advertised price is higher than you want to pay, ask whether discounts apply if you’re a senior citizen or a member of an automobile club. Discounts also may be available for certain dates, weekends or longer trips.

Consider location: Renting from an airport-based rental facility often is more expensive than an off-airport location, usually because of taxes and surcharges the airport charges the rental company.

Look for package deals: Some airlines may offer discounted rates if you purchase more than one service, such as a flight, rental car or hotel stay.

Understand insurance: Check your car insurance policy before you leave home. In many cases, your policy will cover damage to a rental vehicle and you can skip insurance through the rental contract.

Ask about late or early return fees: Some renters have been surprised at being charged a fee for returning a car early or late. Sometimes, the penalty may be deducted from your deposit. If you’re traveling over a holiday or have to return the car outside of regular working hours, ask whether the office will be open or if you need to drop keys in a lock box.

Ask for the final price: Make sure the rental agent explains all of the charges before you sign the contract and drive off the lot. It can prevent surprises later.

Check their record: BBB Business Reviews will show whether a rental service has complaints and how those complaints have been resolved. Visit bbb.org to check out rental car businesses and read reviews.

• For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/atlanta.

The Sisters are Alright

A book by Tamara Winfrey Harris

Tamara Winfrey Harris has written a long overdue narrative about what it is to be a black woman in America today. She expertly covers issues that have dogged black women including perceptions of their strength, femininity, lovableness and self worth. In seven chapters she explores beauty, sex, marriage, motherhood, anger, strength, and health with an aplomb only possible from one who has lived the experience. At the end of each chapter the author highlights a fact about black women that underscores her belief in the ‘alright’ of her sisters. This book is not only for black people. All who are interested in learning about the worlds of those different from them would find something to embrace and find edifying. She ends her book with a meaningful and thought provoking quote ‘We have facets like diamonds. The trouble is the people who refuse to see us sparkling.’

— Karen Harris, Stone Mountain

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

Shoulderbone Creek in Hancock County hosted first camp meeting

(From previous issue)

Revivalism took many forms in Georgia. Revivals were carefully guided and disciplined affairs, governed by itinerant evangelist Charles Finney’s “new measure” techniques. But Finney was merely taming the more exuberant forms of revivalism, especially the camp meeting, that were born on the western frontier.

In Georgia camp meetings lasted up to five days and featured revival preaching day and night. Whites, blacks, men, women, and persons of all denominations took turns exhorting would-be converts. Repentant sinners were asked to approach the “anxious bench,” where they sat with all eyes on them until they were converted to Christ’s cause. Camp meetings induced sensational results: some observers described participants laughing out loud, barking like dogs, falling down as if dead, and experiencing “the jerks.” During the so-called Second Great Awakening, from about 1790 through 1830, camp meetings became one of the most popular ways to preach the revival message.

The first recorded camp meeting in Georgia took place in 1803 on Shoulderbone Creek in Hancock County. Methodist preacher Lorenzo Dow, who witnessed that meeting, was so impressed that he took the concept back to England, where he duplicated it with much success.

Camp meetings were popular with rural Georgians. Not only a time for spiritual renewal, camp meetings were also gathering grounds where families and friends could reunite.

In the 19th century most Georgians were farmers who lived solitary, demanding lives. Camp meetings were festive affairs celebrated annually at a time when crops were laid by, thus providing a reprieve from the rigorous routine of farm life.

But by the late 19th century Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians around Georgia disdained the behaviors and emotionalism associated with the camp meeting. In the latter half of the century these denominations had become the most powerful in the state, and it was the emerging Holiness and Pentecostal groups who embraced the egalitarian camp meeting. While these groups maintained the tradition of holding extended revival meetings, they shed the excessive emotional attributes that marked early camp meetings. Today there are nearly 100 active Methodist, Holiness, and Pentecostal camp meeting sites in Georgia each year. Camp meetings are still used to reinvigorate churches through extended revival meetings.

Since the Great Awakening the purpose of the revivals has remained the same: to convert sinners to Christ. And while the camp meeting tradition has changed, the revivalist techniques of George Whitefield, Lorenzo Dow, and Charles Finney still thrive in today’s Evangelical Protestant churches.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org

Where would this home be located?

Here’s what looks like a typical Southern home for this edition’s mystery photo. Now figure out where this one is located, and send your answer to : Elliott@brack.net. Make sure to include the town in which you live.

The Mystery Photo from the last edition was difficult for everyone but Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill! She wrote: “This is St. Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, northeast England, at low tide. At high tide it’s on a wee island. The only reason I know about it is because it’s about eight miles from Wallsend (Walls End) which is the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall (and about 50 miles south of the Scottish border). Your dog does look a lot like Doc Martin’s dog (which he claims to hate)!  St. Mary’s Lighthouse, St. Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, is in Northeast England. The lighthouse was built in 1898 on site of an 11^th Century monastic chapel. Monks there maintained a lantern on a tower to warn passing ships of the dangers of rocks on the island. The photo was sent in by George Graf of Palmyra, Va.

Another scene from ongoing exhibit at Booth Western Museum

This stunning scene is from the Ansel Adams: Before and After exhibit at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, which continues through March 20. It is by one of Adams’ students, Robert Weingarten, and named Palouse Pattern #12, (Homage to Hopper), Palouse, Washington. It was taken in 2001. It is a pigment print at a size of 26 x 36”. It is on loan as Courtesy of Lumière, Collection of Robert Yellowlees.

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• MORE: Contact Editor and Publisher Elliott Brack at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

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