10/2: Selling online; Busy weekend; Nicknames; Victimhood

UNVEILED LAST WEEKEND was this art depiction of the Eastern Continental Divide, located in Thrasher Park in Norcross.  The work is by Mosaic Artist Jennifer Freeman of Duluth, showing two streams of water cascading different ways (east and west) highlighted by crystals and stained glass to show the flow of the water. The piece is 10 feet tall, with a seven foot diameter.  Mrs. Freeman also has a 11 foot circular mosaic in the park, which was completed several years go. To see other work of this artist, visit http://www.mosaicodyssey.com/index.html.

TODAY’S FOCUS: Be Most Careful When Trying To Sell Something On Line

EEB PERSPECTIVE: Busy Weekend Coming; Creative Annual Report; and Nicknames

ANOTHER VIEW: Suggests You Vote Democratic and Wallow in Liberal Victimhood

SPOTLIGHT: Hayes Family Automotive Group

FEEDBACK: Argues Against Democrats, Saying Socialism Doesn’t Work Anywhere

UPCOMING:GGC President Announces His Retirement for May of 2019

NOTABLE: BiCentennial Elisha Winn Fair To Be Held Two Days This Weekend

RECOMMENDED: In the Blood by Steve Robinson

GEORGIA TIDBIT: Gene Talmadge Wins Four Terms as Governor, Serves Three

MYSTERY PHOTO: Mountains, Winding Road and Water Are Clues to This Mystery Photo

CALENDAR: Lots of Activity These Next Few Days in Gwinnett

Be most careful when trying to sell something online

(Editor’s Note: A few years back, we set aside this comment from a friend of ours, thinking GwinnettForum readers might benefit from reading it. It’s set a long time, but we think still could be beneficial to readers.  Enjoy, and be careful! –eeb)

By Troy Fore

JESUP, GA.  |  I had heard the warnings about posting on Craigslist.com or buying off their classified  advertisements website. A couple was murdered after being lured to a Middle Georgia location to buy a car. Craigslist rip-offs are so common that some police departments offer their offices as a “safe location” for buyers and sellers to meet.

Fore

Even so, when I decided to part ways with an unused camera lens, I posted it on Craigslist for $350 in June. I included my cell number for text replies. I received a few legitimate responses–and some not so legit.

Here’s one thread (with his grammar) after I acknowledged the lens was still available: “OK, will be offering you 450usd including the mailing fees and I will be paying cash through PayPal before mailing out the package and hope the item is still in good condition???”

$100 for postage? So I asked, “Mailing to where?”

“You are mailing it to my God son as a birthday gift schooling in British college in West Africa and i want this mail out to him once you receive the money …ok …and i really need your mutual trust and I want you to be completely honest with me cuz am a good christian and God fearing man ….”

Well, my portion of the  “mutual trust” evaporated, and I didn’t respond again.

THERE WERE a few more responses that seemed so similar — distant area codes, fractured grammar, etc. — that I didn’t respond. I knew the asking price was reasonable, but not so much of a bargain that I expected to sell it without some discussion.

Also, I had offered to accept some other equipment in trade.

I finally made a legitimate sale for some cash and a flash unit in trade. Before I was sure of that sale, however, I renewed my Craigslist posting–same ad, listing the price as  $350, and got another intriguing offer:

“Hello how is the condition of the item and do you still have it for sale?”

I decided to explore this offer a bit: “Yes. I still have it in like new condition. However, there is an error in the posted price. It should have been $1,350. Sorry.”

Undeterred by the price increase, he came back: “Sounds Good, I am actually buying this as a surprise birthday gift for my Pastor son, I am gonna offer $1,500 for everything if you promise it gets shipped to him in good condition. Do you have a PayPal account?”

Do you see the similarities between this and the earlier offer?

I am thinking that I should be asking $13,500.

What do you think?

• Have a comment? Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Busy weekend coming; Creative annual report; and nicknames

By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher

OCT. 2, 2018  |  Next weekend is going to be one of the busiest of the years for different types of events in Gwinnett. Check the Calendar (below) to see some of these events, and there are probably even more. So, put on your traveling shoes and enjoy many different aspects of Gwinnett this weekend.

With the General Election for 2018 five weeks away, It’s high time to start studying the candidates and issues. GwinnettForum will publish its list of candidates it will endorse in the October 16 edition, giving readers three weeks for detailed information on the election.

Today we present the 2018 Sample Ballot. Click here to see the ballot. (To enlarge the PDF, use the + button.) Besides the list of the people running for the different offices,  you will note that again this year there will be Constitutional Amendments as well as referendum questions on the ballot. In coming issues, GwinnettForum will present more detail on both the amendments and referendums.

Perhaps the most important element of the ballot for citizens of Gwinnett to determine IS whether a School Bond referendum should pass. Again, more on that in the next issue.

Each election is important in different ways. Now’s the time to pay attention and vote. Encourage your friends to participate in our citizen process.

We got this from Marshall Miller of Lilburn, quoting the late George Carlin: “When you’re born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you’re born in America, you get a front row seat.”

The most creative idea we have seen lately is the product of City of Suwanee’s Abby Wilkerson, their public information officer. Abby conceived the idea of publishing the city annual report, often a dry, boring recitation of financial transactions, in comic book form. The colorful 8×10, 16 page report is handsomely illustrated, and includes its own “league of unextraordinary villains.”  But don’t worry: the villains meet their match in this annual report.

The distinctive comic book annual report caught the eyes of officials, and provided Suwanee with a national prize in its presentation. AttaGirl! Abby, for your creative thinking!

Filling in the blanks about abbreviations recently allowed us to think of a new way for you to fill in the blanks. This time, we turn to names of minor league baseball teams.

Some of the names of the minor league teams are doozies…..and we look no further than the CoolRay Field for one of those outlandish names.

Now, see how many of these 40 team nicknames you can get right.  We’ll give you the name of the city, and you supply the nickname of the team.

• The Little Rock Arkansas _______.
• Bradenton, Fla.  ________.
• Zebulon, N.C. _______.
• Charleston S.C._______.
• Chattanooga _________.
• Clinton, Iowa _________.
• Columbia S.C. _______.
• Columbus Ohio _________.
• Delmarva (Salisbury, Md.) _______.
• Down East (Kinston, N.C.) ________.
• Erie (Pa.) ________.
• Florida (Kissimmee) ________.
• Fresno (Cal.) ________.
• Greensboro (N.C.) ________.
• Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, Ga.) _________.
• Hickory (N.C.) ________.
• Iowa (Des Moines) _____.
• Lake County (Eastlake, Ohio) _________.
• Lakewood (N.J.) ________.
• Lancaster (Calif.) _______.
• Lansing (Mich.) _______.
• Lexington (Ky. ) ________.
• Louisville (Ky.) ______.
• Midland (Tex.) ______.
• Modesto (Calif.) ______.
• Myrtle Beach (S.C.) ______.
• Nashville (Tenn.) ______.
• New Hampshire (Manchester) _______.
• Norfolk (Va.) ______.
• Reading (Pa.) ________.
• Reno (Nev.) ______.
• Richmond (Va.) _________.
• Salem (Va.) ________.
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) _______.
• Savannah (Ga.) _________.
• Tacoma (Wash.) ______.
• Trenton (N.J.)______.
• Tri-City (Pasco, Wash.) _______.
• West Michigan (Grand Rapids) _______.
• Wisconsin (Appleton) _________.

Have your try at these nicknames. See how many  you get!

• Have a comment? Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Suggests you vote Democratic and wallow in liberal victimhood

By Debra Houston, contributing columnist

LILBURN, Ga.  |  Welcome to the latest episode of “Women Can’t Speak Out,” brought to you by shrill feminists, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and the Democratic Party at large.

In July, Senator Feinstein received a letter from Christine Blasey Ford accusing Judge Brett Kavanaugh of attempted rape during a high school house party. That’s what the “resistance activist professor” claims, nearly 40 years after it allegedly happened. Senator Feinstein held onto the letter until it looked like Kavanaugh would be confirmed to the Supreme Court.

Ms. Ford couldn’t report the incident when it allegedly occurred because everyone knows women can’t speak out. They’re scared. And fragile. They’re emotional and crumble under pressure. That’s common knowledge, you thoughtless Republicans.

It’s a dangerous message for young women. They can speak out and have matters settled fairly in a true court of law within the statute of limitations. But this isn’t about sexual misconduct. This is about the ruination of Brett Kavanaugh. He’s a conservative. He might get some crazy idea and overthrow Roe v Wade.

Ms. Ford wasn’t enough ammo for Democrats. They needed another victim in case she floundered. So they came up with Deborah Ramirez. I can’t print the filth she spews on Kavanaugh and her accusation on what he did during a college dormitory party. You see the direction Democrats are going with this –– the judge has a pattern of sexual misconduct.

What if he’s innocent? According to the Left, it doesn’t matter. They say: He’s a man. He’s white. He’s privileged. He’s guilty.

To defend himself, Kavanaugh would have to prove a negative. For those who accuse him, they need no proof whatsoever. We must believe them simply because they’re women. Do I think Kavanaugh’s guilty? No, I don’t.

And here’s why: something may have happened at those parties. I think both women were inebriated. Alcohol doesn’t make it their fault, but it does contribute to a faulty memory when you also add in bygone decades. I think they have the wrong man.

Democrats have cried wolf too many times. This is a hit job. This is vengeance against President Trump voters. And this is about Roe v Wade. Notwithstanding all that, it also gives Dems a mid-term issue: Vote Democrat and wallow in liberal victimhood.

• Have a comment? Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Hayes Family Automotive Group

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Hayes Family Automotive Group with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC. Mike, Tim and Ted Hayes of Lawrenceville and Gainesville with Terry Hayes of Baldwin invite you into their showrooms to look over their line-up of automobiles and trucks. Hayes has been in the automotive business for over 40 years, and is North Georgia’s oldest family-owned dealerships. The family is the winner of the 2002 Georgia Family Business of the Year Award. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence!

• Check the web sites at: hayeschrysler.com or www.hayeschevrolet.com or www.hayesgmcars.com.
• For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.

Argues against Democrats, saying Socialism doesn’t work anywhere

Editor, the Forum:

Poor Jack Bernard.  He cannot seriously believe that he can insert race and minorities into a discussion about why people are leaving the Democrat Party.  It is that party which has become the “Democratic Socialist” party and people who have any education realize that Socialism has never worked anywhere it has been tried.

More government in charge of all health care?  That isn’t working in Canada or Great Britain.  Canadians come here for health care when they cannot wait weeks or months for medical procedures.  And, Britain wouldn’t even let a baby come here for help—it just wanted the child dead rather than admit their form of medicine couldn’t/wouldn’t help.

Free education?  We already have much of that in scholarships and aid for students who really want a college education, while technical schools have been totally ignored.  This is happening in many high schools which try and push everyone into college prep courses.

Unemployment, under President Trump, is at all-time lows along with all-time lows for minorities, too.

No, what people from ALL races and walks of life are learning is that the U.S. offers opportunities for all if they will prepare themselves to take advantage of them.

One only has to take a look at Joe Profit, a former Falcon and highly successful businessman.  A man of color who was one of many of a sharecroppers family whose mother tells him she was always a Republican because of the values and ideals that Republicans hold.  He is running for Congress now.

Hispanic Patriots, the Million of Black Women for Trump and other communities realize that it is through personal effort that one succeeds and that is a platform Democrats deny them.  For Democrats/Socialists, it is ALWAYS what government can do for you rather than what you can do for your country as reiterated by JFK.

— Roberta Cromlish, Stone Mountain

— Dear Roberta: One guy who wrote a book (The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care) about the best health care in the world thinks that place is France, where the government pays for college and med school for doctors (and others) France requires everyone to have medical insurance The author, T.R. Reid, thinks it is presently the best health care system in the world. –eeb

• 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

GGC president announces his retirement for May of 2019

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) President Stanley C. “Stas” Preczewski has announced plans to retire effective May 2019. Preczewski has served as president of GGC since 2014, overseeing the growth of Georgia’s youngest state institution to an enrollment of more than 12,500.

Preczewski

Preczewski, in a message to the campus community, said: “Whether it’s national rankings, fundraising or accomplishments of our graduates, GGC has been on a remarkable upward trajectory for over 12 consecutive years. The credit goes to the faculty, staff and students who shatter records as a matter of routine operations. They have a selfless commitment to our culture and are dedicated to student success in all of its forms. I have been privileged and proud to shoulder this work alongside the members of this community each and every day.”

Preczewski was appointed president in 2014 following eight years of service as the college’s inaugural vice president for academic and student affairs and one year as interim president. He also served one year as interim president at Georgia College and State University.

Prior to joining the administration at GGC, Preczewski served on the faculty of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Preczewski earned a B.S. in engineering from Cornell University in 1980 and concurrently received his Army officer commission. His other degrees include an M.S. in engineering from the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in national security strategy and planning from the United States Naval War College, and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Missouri. Preczewski retired from the U.S. Army in 2006 as a colonel.

Snellville toughest place in Georgia to drive distractedly

The Snellville Police Department (SPD) was recognized as the top agency in the state for its efforts to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and enforcement of distracted driving laws. The accolades were handed down at the 19th Annual Governor’s Challenge Awards last week.

SPD has been recognized for its efforts to reduce injury and fatality traffic accidents 12 of the 19 years that the Governor’s Challenge has taken place.

Statewide, approximately 20 percent of all traffic accidents in 2017 involved a distracted driver. In Snellville, only five percent of all traffic accidents in 2017 involved a distracted driver, a testament to the work Snellville officers do to curb this dangerous driving behavior.

Kudzu Art Zone’s annual 12×12 Extravaganza goes through Oct. 7

Kudzu Art Zone’s much anticipated annual 12 x 12 Extravaganza Silent Auction and Fine Art Exhibit is currently ongoing in Norcross. Over 100 works by member artists are offered, along with nine themed baskets for bidding through Sunday October 7.

The paintings are all 12 x 12 inches, perfect for gift giving; bids start at $50 or are available for immediate purchase at $100. Bidding in this popular event goes on until Sunday October 7 and closes in conjunction with the final day of the Norcross Splash Festival. Kudzu will host a reception on that day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. when lucky bid winners may claim their art works.

Kudzu Art Zone  is a nonprofit center for the arts with galleries and studios where artists may be seen at work. It offers classes and workshops for adults and children, exhibits and special. It is located at 116 Carlyle Street in downtown Norcross. For information on this affair, classes or workshops call 770-840-9844 or go to the website: www.kudzuartzone.org. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bicentennial Elisha Winn Fair to be held two days this weekend

Elisha Winn House

The 40^th annual Elisha Winn Fair will be the weekend of October 6-7 at the Elisha Winn House, where Gwinnett County was founded, at 908 Dacula Road. The Fair will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. This is a signature event of the Gwinnett Bicentennial.

Tour the 1812 home with period furnishings, one-room school, working blacksmith shop, and old log jail and barn. Then enjoy live demonstrations, real cotton patch, arts and crafts, antique vendors, re-enactors, live country/bluegrass music, handmade quilt raffle, and food vendors. Sponsored by the Gwinnett Historical Society. Cost: children under 12 are free; 13 and older $3 per person.

The Elisha Winn House, which is believed to have been built in about 1812, holds a special significance in Gwinnett County because it is where the county’s founding father laid out the plans for setting the county up. It was also the county’s first voting poll site and housed the Inferior and Superior Courts for a time in the county’s early years.

Corrections graduates 13 inmates in first welding vocational program

The Gwinnett County Department of Corrections graduated 13 people in the first graduating class of its welding vocational program. The 18-week program is offered through a partnership between the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Atlanta Regional Commission and Gwinnett Technical College. The offenders enrolled in the program attend the class four days a week for six hours a day after completing their work detail. In class, students receive instruction that emphasizes basic skills, safety and quality workmanship. Warden Johnson said, “The goal of this program is to make it easier for offenders to succeed once they are released. When they have a skill like welding, it’s easier to find employment and become a productive member of our community, which reduces recidivism.”

Other vocational training offered by Corrections includes forklift licensure, ServSafe, building maintenance and computer science. The department also provides literacy and GED classes for inmates, with GED testing conducted onsite.

In the Blood by Steve Robinson

Reviewed by John Titus, Peachtree Corners: If you have an interest in genealogy and enjoy mystery novels, this is a book for you. Described as a genealogical mystery, it is the first in a series by this author. The main character, Jefferson Tayte, an American genealogist, is hired by a wealthy man to find out what happened to his loyalist ancestors who fled to England to escape the aftermath of the American Revolution. Seemingly they vanished into thin air. As Tayte goes about his work it soon becomes clear that he is not the only person interested in this quest. His adversary, however, is interested in more than finding the answers to this mystery. Once found, he is intent on keeping them hidden and is prepared to kill to do so. Having enjoyed this first genealogical mystery, I plan to read more in the series

• 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.  Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Gene Talmadge wins 4 terms as governor, serves 3

A controversial and colorful politician, Eugene Talmadge played a leading role in the state’s politics from 1926 to 1946. During his three terms as state commissioner of agriculture and three terms as governor, his personality and actions polarized voters into Talmadge and anti-Talmadge factions in the state’s one-party politics of that era. He was elected to a fourth term as the state’s chief executive in 1946 but died before taking office.

Talmadge

Eugene Talmadge was born on the family farm near Forsyth on September 23, 1884, to Carrie Roberts and Thomas R. Talmadge. After attending the University of Georgia and briefly teaching, Talmadge returned to Athens to earn a law degree (1907).

He practiced law briefly in Atlanta before moving to Ailey and then Mt. Vernon to start his own practice. In 1909 he married Mattie Thurmond Peterson, a young widow, who was the telegraph operator in Ailey. They had three children: Margaret, Vera, and Herman Eugene. The Talmadges later moved to a farm in Telfair County.

After holding minor offices in Telfair County, Talmadge made unsuccessful runs for state legislative office in 1920 and 1922. He finally won state elective office by defeating Commissioner of Agriculture J. J. Brown in 1926. Talmadge was overwhelmingly reelected in 1928 and 1930. He used the department’s newspaper, the Market Bulletin, to give advice to farmers on how to improve their farming skills and operations. But more important, Talmadge used the Bulletin to express his views on political issues and to present himself as an outspoken advocate for the farmers. He extolled the virtues of a laissez-faire economic policy and individual action to improve the well-being of farmers.

His critics in the legislature attempted to rein in the freewheeling and outspoken Talmadge. The senate adopted a committee report charging the commissioner

with violating a state law requiring that fertilizer fees collected by the department be deposited in the state treasury. The committee also concluded that Talmadge had improperly spent department funds on a scheme to raise the price of hogs. The senate committee further criticized the commissioner for having paid himself and family members more than $40,000 in salaries and expenses and for using department funds to underwrite his annual trips to the Kentucky Derby.

A committee of the Georgia house recommended that Governor Richard B. Russell Jr. sue Talmadge to recover state funds spent on the hog-buying scheme. A minority report even called for his impeachment. The house agreed to sue but rejected the call to initiate impeachment proceedings against the commissioner. Russell referred the issue to the state attorney general, who declined to bring suit.

Still popular with his rural constituency, Talmadge considered running for higher political office in 1932. Governor Russell ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate instead of seeking reelection. Talmadge entered the Democratic Party’s crowded gubernatorial primary and won without a runoff. He promised to run the government economically, balance the state budget, lower utility rates, reduce the price of automobile tags to three dollars, and reorganize the state highway board.

(To be continued)

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

Mountains, winding road and water are clues to this Mystery Photo

There are mountains, a winding road, and water, so where is this Mystery Photo?  Tackle this puzzle, figure out where it could be, and send your answer to elliottt@brack.net, being sure to include your home town.

Last week’s Mystery Photo was the home of the later Gov. Gene Talmadge in Telfair County, and several readers recognized it. Dink NeSmith of Athens said he “drove by Ol’ Gene’s big house on U.S. 341 South of McRae. It has a for sale sign in the front yard.”  Others recognizing it included Emmett Clower of Snellville; Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill; Howard Hoffman of Peachtree Corners (“Too easy”); and Sandy and Ricky Krause of Lilburn. Jim Savedelis of Duluth came closer than he thought when he said: ”I will guess it is the Governor’s Mansion.”

George Graf of Palmyra Va. told us that “During his first term, Gene Talmadge distinguished himself by granting three times more pardons than the state prison board recommended, raising reasonable suspicions that he was running a ‘pardons racket.’ When the legislature refused to approve cutting the price of automobile tags to $3 across the board, he achieved it by executive order, further endearing himself to the country folks, even as his action drained away desperately needed revenues for their local schools. A master manipulator of Georgia’s infamously malapportioned county-unit system which the total of about 1,200 votes cast for him in three sparsely populated rural counties like Gilmer, Glascock and Lincoln effectively canceled out the approximately 26,000 votes for his opponents in Fulton.”  (See above Georgia Encyclopedia item for more details on Talmadge.”

Now to bring this up to date: The Talmadge House was purchased in 2011 by Ann and Jim Wooten (formerly of The Atlanta Constitution) of Smyrna, where they presently live. Wooten is from Telfair County, and they restored the 12-room house when it was in run-down shape. The house is now an events facility, and for sale for $549,000. The Talmadges built the house in 1937.”

DAR member designs Constitution Week items for Library for the Blind

Daughters of the American Revolution member Judy Clements Dyer found a creative way to celebrate Constitution Week this year. She designed an exhibit showcasing the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution in Braille, in order to make these historic documents available and accessible to the blind and visually impaired. As a member of the Philadelphia Winn Chapter DAR in Lawrenceville, she is dedicated to educating all of Georgia’s citizens on the importance and relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. During the 2018 Constitution Week Celebration, Judy shared her exhibit at the Open House for the Georgia Library for the Blind at its new location in downtown Atlanta. Her exhibit featured documents entirely in Braille. As a former librarian for 25 years, what she found most gratifying was the number of blind library users who enjoyed reading the founding documents of our republic in Braille, many for the first time.

RIBBON CUTTING at Eastside Hospital’s Loganville Digital Center, celebrating its new 3D Mammography Services. Come at 11:30 on October 3 to join in the pink ribbon cutting at 3445 Highway 81 South. Learn more at EastsideMedical.com/3DMammo.

AUTHORS VISIT: Join the Gwinnett County Public Library for a conversation with authors Lori Rader-Day and Roger Johns! The event is free and will be Friday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Liberty Books, 176 West Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. Rader-Day is a one-time winning and three-time nominated Mary Higgins Clark Award author. Johns is the author of the Wallace Hartman Mysteries, and a 2018 Georgia Author of the Year winner. For more information, please visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.

BALLOT BREAKFAST and community forum will be Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta, 5900 Brook Hollow Parkway, in Norcross. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local, state and federal candidates and learn about the issues they support. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to register to vote, review sample ballots and learn how to work at polling locations.  It is sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Alpha Omega (UAO) chapter and with The Center for Pan Asian Community Services.  More info: 770-335-3413.

TOUR LITTLE MULBERRY PARK with the Southern Wings Bird Club on Saturday, October 6 at 9:20 a.m. Park at the Hog Mountain Road Entrance (careful, there are four entrance to this park). The walk will be about two miles on a paced trail. Bring your own water and binoculars. Info: 678-334-1173.

15th ANNUAL ART SPLASH will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 6-7, in downtown Norcross, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Besides art, the event will offer continuous live entertainment on the Thrasher Park Stage  The Kidz Zone, also in the Park, returns with energetic rides and engaging children’s activities. A silent auction and sale filled with decorated chairs by local school students will be waiting for the highest bidders. Free shuttle and parking are easy to find. Check out splashfestivals.com for more information.

PUBLIC SAFETY FALL FESTIVAL will be Saturday, October 6 at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Gwinnett First Responders will show off their emergency vehicles, including a helicopter, ambulance, SWAT personnel carrier, and ladder truck. For more information, call 770-513-5119.

FREE CONCERT by the Johns Creek Symphony at Newtown Park amphitheater at 3150 Old Alabama Road on Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. The concert will be conducted by Symphony Founder and Music Director, J. Wayne Baughman. Repertoire for the performance will include American favorites, from Broadway to Sousa to Jazz.

GROUNDBREAKING at the Gwinnett Water Innovation Center of the Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, Tuesday, October 9 at 2 p.m. Park at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford. A shuttle will take guests to the groundbreaking site. Note: wear comfortable shoes.

CRAFT FAIR at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Snellville is Saturday, October 12,from 9 a.m. until 2 p. m.  Great for starting your Christmas shopping early. This benefits the WPC missions. The church is located at 2208 Main Street in Snellville.

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• Contributing columnist: Debra Houston
• Contributing columnist: George Wilson

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