“Christmas in Dacula” starts with a 5K and Fun Run, as these four participants show from the 2015 Run. The City of Dacula is planning this third annual Christmas activity for December 3. For more details about this event, see Today’s Focus below.
IN THIS EDITIONTODAY’S FOCUS: Third Annual ‘Christmas in Dacula’ Scheduled for December 3
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Mountain Fires in Georgia Impacting State as Far South as Macon
SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett County Public Library
FEEDBACK: Look at smoke in Macon from wildfires
UPCOMING: 29th Annual Lighting of Tree at Historic Courthouse Is on Thanksgiving
NOTABLE: County To Purchase Historic Promised Land Maguire-Livsey House
RECOMMENDED: A Lowcountry Heart: by Pat Conroy
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Little Known Today, Mary E. Hutchinson Was Acclaimed Artist
TODAY’S QUOTE: What Will Rogers Thought of Individual Greatness
MYSTERY PHOTO: Massive Overlapping Steel Provides This Issue’s Quandary
TODAY’S FOCUSThird annual ‘Christmas in Dacula’ scheduled for Dec. 3
By Heather Loveridge, Dacula, Ga. | The third annual Christmas in Dacula, to be held on December 3 from 12-8 p.m., will be hosted by Hebron Church, located on the corner of Fence and Dacula Roads. The 2016 Christmas promises to provide even more family fun than last year’s event. Presented by the Dacula Business Association and the City of Dacula, the 2015 Christmas in Dacula drew close to 10,000 attendees.
Christian Jolly, executive director of Christmas in Dacula, says: “This year we have even more great things in store, including a car show, expanded Santa’s Village and lots of shopping! This is the community’s celebration, and we hope to have another amazing turnout. We also look forward to once again giving back to our community through our support of Nothing But the Truth and Hebron Church’s C.A.R.E. ministry.”
Tony and Laura Webb play the Clauses.
Highlights for this year include:
- Santa’s Village with activities for children and teens. Only $5 for all-day access to every attraction;
- More than 80 business and craft vendors;
- Santa Claus and other character meet-and-greets;
- Tallest community Christmas tree in Gwinnett County;
- Live music from local schools and performing artists;
- Live nativity presented by Prospect United Methodist Church;
- Food truck row; and
- Car show.
Derek Spain, executive pastor , says: “Hebron Church is excited once again to be the host site for Christmas in Dacula. From the start of the 5K race in the morning to the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in the evening—and all hours in between—is a fun holiday festival filled with music, shopping, food, kids activities and lots more. At Hebron Church, we love the people of our community and we value our partnership with the Dacula Business Association, the City of Dacula and Christmas in Dacula in bringing this great event to our community.”
Returning this year is the Christmas in Dacula Jingle Jog 5K and Fun Run. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and is followed by the fun run at 9 a.m. Awards for top runners in all age groups will be given, as well as prizes for best costumes.
New for this year is the car show. The entry fee is $20 and trophies will be awarded as well as professional photos taken of each entry.
While admission is free, attendees are asked to bring cash to donate to local nonprofits. Attendees also will have the ability to donate directly to Nothing But the Truth and C.A.R.E. Additionally, the Salvation Army will be present with their kettles.
Dacula Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks says: “If you have not attended Christmas In Dacula, you are missing what we think is the premier Christmas event in Gwinnett County. I invite you to participate and enjoy the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.”
- For more information, visit www.christmasindacula.org.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Mountain fires in Georgia impacting state as far south as Macon
By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | Having lived almost all of my life in Georgia, except for a three-year stint in Germany and a year in Iowa at graduate school, this week many of us experienced something unusual — something that had never happen to me before.
Here in Gwinnett, for the first time I smelled the smoke of North Georgia forest fires.
That struck me as significant. First of all, it shows the massiveness of the fires, and what they bring…..smoke (through wind) to about all of North Georgia. The smoke from the mountain fires was also noticed as far south as Macon! That’s virtually half a state being impacted in some way by those uncontrollable fires in this dry weather. And more than 25,000 acres have been under fire! That’s massive for us in the Southeast!
Secondly, it emphasizes just how dry it is, not only in the mountains of Georgia, but in many parts of the state. We understand even in areas where firefighters have halted the fire, that nature’s dropping of leaves touching the hot ground re-starts the fires. About the only area not experiencing massive drought in Georgia is the eastern section, along the coast.
And third, the smoke emanating from the mountain fires is something that Georgians have never had happen in most of its citizens’ memory. That may be normal in the Western states. But this far south? That’s unusual. After all, generally we live in a state which is green, and where routine rainfall is expected in normal years every month. In Atlanta, the average driest month in recent years has been October (3.11 inches), while the wettest month is March (5.38 inches. Source: Weather.com.)
Depending on where you are in Georgia, the average rainfall can vary from 45-55 inches of rain per year. The average for the state is 49.74 inches.
Roving Photographer Frank Sharp give you an idea of how strong the drought is in Gwinnett with this photograph from Rhodes Jordan Park. He says: “What used to be water was all the way to the wall but now is shoreline. The bald cypress planted last year are suffering.”
What this means is that we live in an area which is relatively verdant and flourishing most of the years, with well-watered greenery. We’re not used to having periods of extreme drought, and really, can’t get used to it. In our neighborhood, we have not had a rain at all since September 17. That’s two months ago! And yes, the ground is beginning to crack, and many of our yard’s plants and trees are really suffering from lack of water.
On another front, we haven’t had to mow what little grass we have much this year. Far as that goes, many lawns are looking pretty bad, many mostly weedy. Why is it the weeds grown quite well even in a drought, when the grass itself seems to die away? At least we are saving on mowing.
And these days, if you are into leaf-blowing, it’s mighty easy with dry leaves, compared to damp or soggy leaves.
We’re trying to conserve our water usage. After all, if you have a regular water meter, Gwinnett County impacts you with heavy consumption, for you have not only to pay for the water, but there can be sewer charges based on your consumption. So, you are hit two ways.
Speaking most hopefully, about all we in the Southeast can do now is pray for rain. That will not only help quench the mountain fires, but the rain can brighten our spirits. It’s great to sit on your porch and listen to a steady rain. Oh, for the day! That’s far better than smelling smoke.
FIRE FACTS: These North Georgia mountain fires are continuing to spread. A report from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Service on Thursday morning found 336 people fighting the Rock Mountain fire, which had burned 8,545 acres. Engaged in the fire-fighting were 11 crews; 10 engines; one bulldozer; two water tenders; five helicopters and one fixed-wing airplane. That indicates the scope of the work ahead, since this fire is only 20 percent contained.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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Photo provided.
Look at smoke in Macon Thursday from mountain fires
Editor, the Forum:
Here’s a look at downtown Macon on Thursday.
We’ve been 41 days and no rain 6 more days and we break a 116 year old record.
What most folks do not know is, it is hard to get a sustained fire in our hardwood forest, but it is happening this year.
— Tom Payne, Gray
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. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net
UPCOMING29th annual lighting of tree at Historic Courthouse is on Thanksgiving
Continue the tradition this holiday season with Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR), as it hosts the 29th annual Lighting of the Tree on Thanksgiving Day, November 24 at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street in downtown Lawrenceville. Families will gather on the grounds to await the flick of the switch illuminating 30,000 lights on the 30-foot Norway spruce.
The evening’s entertainment will include Class Act Band leading the singing of carols, and music by Cheyenne Knight and Buford City High School. Food vendors will be on hand to offer sweets, savory treats and warm beverages. For kids, there will be face painting and crafts starting at 5:30 p.m. until Santa Claus arrives in style.
Santa’s sleigh will be on display on the East Lawn, on loan from the North Pole. Parents can take photos of their little ones in the sleigh once Santa has arrived at the Courthouse.
The East Lawn will feature musical performances by Buford High School Theatre Club. For details, call the Courthouse at 770-822-5450.
Suwanee seeks applicants for 8-month Youth Leaders Program
Applications for the 2017 Suwanee Youth Leaders (SYL) program, an eight-month City of Suwanee leadership program for high school sophomores and juniors, are being accepted through December 2. Applications are available through schools and at suwanee.com.
Now in its fourth year, the award-winning SYL program is open to students who live in the North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge, and Collins Hill school clusters, as well as home school and private school students who reside in these areas. The program centers on civic involvement, leadership skills, and volunteer opportunities.
Dorothea Popa, a senior at Peachtree Ridge High School and 2016 SYL alumna, says of the program: “SYL impacted me by shaping me into more of a leader and allowing me to showcase my leadership qualities. I think that an important aspect of SYL was connecting with people with other schools; some of the people I met in my class I now call some of my closest friends.”
The 2017 SYL program will kick off with a mandatory two-day retreat February 18-19. Students will then meet one Saturday each month March through September and also will be expected to help plan and execute several community events, which may include the August Concert, Food Truck Friday, Suwanee Fest, and Arts in the Park.
- For more information about SYL, contact Adam Edge at aedge@suwanee.com or Denise Brinson at denise@suwanee.com.
Gwinnett Place CID beefing up security presence for holidays
The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (GPCID) is beefing up its on-going security presence throughout Greater Gwinnett Place this holiday season.
The CID contracts with private security professionals for additional presence in the Greater Gwinnett Place during the holidays, which expands upon the normal hours of security operations and translates to additional safety patrols in CID-marked automobiles and uniformed professional public safety personnel monitoring retail centers and businesses. Gwinnett County Police Department’s Holiday Taskforce will also mean an additional law enforcement presence in Gwinnett’s central business district.
Since 2007, the GPCID’s daily community patrols have been a proactive benefit for the many shoppers and guests arriving to the district. Through private and public security measures as well as the CID’s “Broken Windows” initiatives, which focuses on eliminating trash, graffiti and more, GPCID continues to make public safety an important priority.
Learn about starting a nonprofit on Dec. 1 at Five Forks Branch
Learn the process of starting a nonprofit organization step-by-step. Discover the characteristics of a successful nonprofit, steps to incorporating and obtaining tax-exempt status, and fundraising, staffing, and other organizational concerns.
Gwinnett County Public Library, in partnership with the Foundation Center, is offering this free class on “Starting a Nonprofit Organization” at the Five Forks Branch, 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lawrenceville on December 1 at 6 p.m.
- For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.
County to purchase historic Promised Land Maguire-Livsey house
County commissioners this week agreed to buy one of Gwinnett County’s oldest remaining homes and 1.448 acres surrounding it in the southern tip of the county. The $161,200 purchase is funded by SPLOST.
The historic Maguire-Livsey House, located on Anderson-Livsey Lane, was built in the 1820s on the 1,000-acre Thomas Maguire Plantation that later became known as “The Promised Land.” A series of journals kept by Mr. Maguire document life on the plantation.
The Livsey family bought the property in the 1920s. Their descendants still live in the area today and refer to it as the “Livsey Family Big House.”
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire this house with all of its unique history,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash. “I’m grateful to the family for their willingness to entrust the County with this property so that someday we can share the complete story of the Maguire and Livsey families with visitors.”
District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter added, “With our bicentennial celebration coming up in 2018, this is a perfect time to preserve an important piece of Gwinnett’s history for the benefit of future generations.”
Briscoe Park basketball courts named for Amanda Riley
From left are Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead, Councilman Bobby Howard, Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Platt, Barbara Riley, Steve Riley, Councilman Dave Emanuel, Mayor Tom Witts and City Manager Butch Sanders.
The basketball courts at T.W. Briscoe Park in Snellville have been named after Amanda Riley, the 17-year old Brookwood High School teen who succumbed to cancer in April of 2010.
Riley, an avid basketball player and fan, captured the hearts of locals during her battle with the disease. A dedication ceremony took place Monday at the courts off of Lenora Church Road, officially naming the Amanda Riley Basketball Courts.
A monument surrounded with flowers reads, “She was only among us for a few years but left an everlasting impact on our lives. Basketball was her passion and some of her happiest times was when she was on the court playing the game she loved. Dedicated by the City of Snellville Mayor and Council November 14, 2016.”
Georgia Archives to present program on Roosevelt in Georgia
Kaye Lanning Minchew, author of A President in Our Midst: Franklin D. Roosevelt in Georgia, will speak about Roosevelt and his Georgia holiday traditions at the Georgia Archives on Friday December 9, as part of the Georgia Archives free Lunch and Learn lecture series.
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, plus aids and family members, spent most Thanksgivings at Warm Springs between 1925 and 1944. They had family dinners and joined with patients at Founders’ Day Dinners at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute.
Despite the fact that Franklin Roosevelt visited Georgia 41 times between 1924 and 1945, historians have paid little attention to the significance of the time the 32nd President of the U.S. spent in the Peach State. Georgia helped restore his sense of well-being after contracting polio and provided a launching pad for his Presidential campaigns. Here, the Harvard graduate became friends with the common man, had his active lifestyle of hunting and fishing photographed by the national press, and fought with Georgia politicians. Sadly, he died here in the company of his old girlfriend. Using photographs, oral histories, video and audio clips, author Kaye Minchew will explore this fascinating chapter of Georgia and America’s history.
Kaye Lanning Minchew is an archives and public history consultant in LaGrange, Ga. She is president of the Friends of Georgia Archives and History. She retired as executive director of the Troup County Historical Society in 2015. Copies of A President in Our Midst: Franklin D. Roosevelt in Georgia will be available for purchase.
RECOMMENDEDA Lowcountry Heart
By Pat Conroy
Reviewed by Karen Garner, Dacula: This posthumous collection of Mr. Conroy’s speeches, interviews and reflections reveal the heart of a true Lowcountry writer. He exposes every emotion for all to see, appearing both vulnerable and invincible. As a long time admirer of his work, he led me to the Lowcountry, where I fell in love with the tidal landscape that has become my own life’s work. He is a force to be reckoned with, and his political views on segregation in a time of turmoil in our country are harsh and unforgiving. He compels you to examine your prejudices, raw and visceral. But he also soothes you with his love of the land and people, his continual connection with his readers, and the personal price he paid to live the life he did. The Pat Conroy Literary Center has been founded in his name. Check it out at http://patconroyliterarycenter.org/. The full title is A Lowcountry Heart: Reflection on a Reading Life.
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 TIDBITLittle known today, Mary E. Hutchinson was acclaimed artist
Mary E. Hutchinson practiced as a professional artist in New York and Atlanta during the mid-20th century. Though little known today, she achieved critical recognition and produced more than 250 works, including oil paintings, drawings, and etchings. Her artwork features highly finished, introspective portraits, especially of women and African Americans, and is significant for its critical engagement of gender, sexuality, and race.
Mary Elisabeth Hutchinson was born on July 11, 1906, to Minnie Belle and Merrill Hutchinson in Melrose, Mass., her mother’s ancestral hometown. She grew up in Atlanta, where both of her parents were teachers. Her father taught piano and served as a church organist, while her mother taught a mix of poetry and oratory at Washington Seminary, Atlanta’s elite private school for girls.
Hutchinson
Hutchinson attended Washington Seminary, probably because her mother taught there, and then went on to study at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. Hutchinson had her first exhibition as a young student in 1925, when she and her private art teacher, the painter Marion Otis, exhibited together in the windows of the Henry Grady Hotel. Atlanta’s newspapers covered the event as a part of a promotional push to establish an art museum in the city, which opened the following year as the High Museum of Art. That same year, 1926, Hutchinson accepted a scholarship to the National Academy of Design in New York.
Hutchinson studied art at the National Academy of Design from 1926 to 1931. She began making her way in the professional art world just before U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration implemented a variety of New Deal programs to help the nation’s “needy artists.” Hutchinson participated in these programs from their inception, teaching for the Federal Art Project at the Harlem Community Art Center. She also continued to make her way in the New York art world as an independent artist.
Hutchinson’s subject matter and style challenged cultural norms at a time when the increasing dominance of abstraction in modern art suppressed displays of social activism. She examined issues of race in her work by painting the people and scenes of her daily life, including a number of the young students she encountered at the Harlem Community Center. Her social and intimate life revolved around women, and in today’s perspective she would be considered lesbian. Her first partner, Joanna Lanza, was also her primary model from around 1931 to 1935, and from 1935 to 1945 she shared her life with Ruth Layton.
(To be continued)
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Massive overlapping steel provides this issue’s quandary
Look at how this structure is built, with the massive steel overlapping the area. If you’ve been to this city, you might recognize this popular tourist attraction. Now figure out where it is and send in your thoughts to elliott@brack.net and be sure to include your hometown.
We thought that the buildings on the horizon, the harbor, and the colorful houses would be a dead giveaway for last edition’s Mystery Photo. But not so. Only George Graf of Palmyra, Va. recognized this mystery, correctly saying: “Saint John’s Harbor, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, is the oldest and most easterly city in North America. It is located on the Avalon Peninsula in the southeast corner of the island of Newfoundland. It is closer to Dublin than Vancouver and is just 3.5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Cape Spear National Historic Site with its great lighthouse is the most easterly point in North America. About a 20 minute drive from St. John’s.”
The photograph was taken from the balcony of the house where most of the Brack family vacationed last July.
CALENDAR
Red, Blue and You Event, Friday, November 18, at 11:30 a.m. at Coolray Field, honoring first responders of Gwinnett. Hosted by the Evermore Community Improvement District. A barbecue lunch will be available for purchase.. For more information, call 404 580 1103.
Author Presentation: Bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe will appear November 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners as part of the North Georgia Reads series. She will also be in Cobb County on November 18, and in Flowery Branch on November 20. Miss Monroe found her calling in environmental fiction when she moved to coastal South Carolina. Already a successful author, she was captivated by the beauty and fragility of her new home. Her experiences living in the midst of a habitat that was quickly changing gave her a strong and important focus for her novels. North Georgia Reads was created to promote collaboration between neighboring library systems and to bring bestselling authors to a community of 46 libraries in north Georgia.
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