SUCCESSFUL SHOE DRIVE: With a goal of collecting 2,500 pair of shoes, the Lilburn Woman’s Club far exceeded their aim by compiling 3,654 pair of shoes in their recent drive. The donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners to grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Many organizations from the Lilburn area participated in this drive. With the truck loaded with the shoes are : Jorge Cameron, Mandy McManus, Andrea Brannen and Ed Brannen.
TODAY’S FOCUS: October Marks 50th Anniversary of Perimeter Highway, I-285
EEB PERSPECTIVE: One Gwinnett City Election in 2019 Has An Unusual Twist
SPOTLIGHT: Lail Family Dentistry
FEEDBACK: It’s Time To Get Back to the Business of Running this Country
UPCOMING: County To Fund Restoration Work at Historic Winn and Nash Homes
NOTABLE: Railway Museum To Conduct Feasibility Analysis on Development
RECOMMENDED: Ninety Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Ellijay in Gilmer County Known as Georgia Apple Capital
MYSTERY PHOTO: Today the Mystery Photo Is of a Person, Not a Site
CALENDAR: Pumpkin Painting at One Stop Norcross on October 19
October marks 50th anniversary of perimeter highway, I-285
Building I-285 in 1960s
From DOT press release
ATLANTA, Ga. | The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Interstate 285 (I-285) by reflecting on its past growth and mapping its future.
Officially opened October 15, 1969, the 64-mile loop encircling Atlanta connects to three other major interstate highways: I-20, I-75, and I-85, along with State 400. Originally, I-285 was just two lanes in each direction and traversed largely undeveloped sections of metro Atlanta. In 1969, the entire population of metro Atlanta numbered fewer than two million; today, more than two million vehicles travel I-285 daily and the population of metro Atlanta has tripled. I-285 is one of the busiest interstates in metro Atlanta and one of the most heavily-traveled roadways in the United States.
Soon after its opening, I-285 quickly became part of the geography and culture of metro Atlanta. Almost immediately nicknamed “The Perimeter,” this moniker gave rise to a naming of businesses and office developments that sprung up around I-285, such as Perimeter Center and Perimeter Mall. The corridor also contributed to the now-ubiquitous acronyms referring to metro-Atlanta geography: OTP (Outside the Perimeter) and ITP (Inside the Perimeter).
Following its initial construction, the corridor was widened several times over the years as the region experienced exponential population growth. With each widening of I-285, the corridor continued to see mounting congestion. As the artery boomed with commercial and residential growth, Georgia DOT recognized that more needed to be done for regional mobility. In 2007, the State Transportation Board and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) adopted tolled managed express lanes as the solution to mitigate congestion and improve mobility in the metro-Atlanta region.
Now, the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) is bringing express lanes projects to the most congested sections of the I-285 corridor. Four of the five upcoming express lanes projects included in the MMIP are on I-285: the I-285 East Metro Express Lanes and I-285 West Metro Express Lanes (together formerly known as I-285 Top End Express Lanes); I-285 Eastside Express Lanes; and I-285 Westside Express Lanes. Also included in the MMIP is the SR 400 Express Lanes project.
Together with express lanes already in operation, these new projects will form a connected transportation network that provides motorists with congestion relief and more reliable travel times. Other much-needed projects in the MMIP will rebuild interchanges at I-285 and I-20 east and west of Atlanta. The express lanes and interchange projects are all expected to be completed and open to traffic between 2025 and 2032.
Additionally, six smaller mobility improvements along I-285 originally scheduled as part of larger express lanes projects — which among other improvements include bridge replacements, an auxiliary lane extension, and additional collector/distributor lanes — are slated for completion between 2023 and 2026.
In the past decade, Georgia DOT has begun or completed several operational improvement projects to enhance traffic flow in specific locations along the corridor. One example, the Transform 285/400 Interchange improvement project currently under construction, adds roadway capacity and improved traffic flow, safety, and access.
- To view an online photo gallery of historic images of I-285 over the years courtesy of the Atlanta History Center, visit this website. To learn more about the MMIP and improvements planned for I-285, click here.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
One Gwinnett city election in 2019 has an unusual twist
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
OCT. 18, 2019 | Come November 5, there are elections in 12 of the 16 Gwinnett cities. A total of 51 candidates (one candidate had to pull out because of sickness) are seeking the offices of mayor or councilmen in these cities.
As part of its public service, GwinnettForum contacted the candidates and asked them to provide a profile of themselves for the voters to study. Those profiles, by municipalities, can be accessed on the right of the front page of the Forum. A big majority of the candidates responded to this invitation.
There’s an interesting development in one of the city elections. That will be in Norcross. There are eight candidates for the offices of mayor and two council seats. Incumbent Craig Newton is being challenged by Councilman Chuck Paul for mayor. In one Council race, three candidates vie: former Councilman David McLeroy, Tyler Christian Hannell and Bruce Gaynor. For the other council post, the candidates are Matt Myers, Alex Hecht and Jeff Hopper.
Also on the ballot in Norcross is a key question before the voters about terms of council members. Presently all offices are for two year terms, with an election for half the Council each year. The proposal asks voters if they want to have four terms for the mayor and council, and elections every other year.
Norcross voters have faced this question at least twice before, but in non-binding referendums. The proposal in 2019 is a binding question, and if approved, could go to the Legislature for enactment into law.
Before, both in 2010 and 2017, Norcross voters soundly rejected the four-year terms. In 2010, the vote was No, 418 votes, and Yes, 298, or a 58 percent rejection of four year terms. In 2017, the totals show 437 opposing four year terms, and only 191 for the measure, or 69.6 percent against four-year terms. Remember, both measures were non-binding before.
Now comes the interesting part. Yard signs have appeared recently around Norcross urging four-year terms. Among the places the signs have appeared is in front of the home of Candidate Jeff Hopper.
To us, that’s unusual. Most of the time, candidates shy away from allowing issues other than their candidacy to become part of the race. Added with the previous rejection by Norcross voters of four-year terms, that makes the advocacy sign for four-year terms in front of Hopper’s home even more unusual. Of course, if a majority of voters approve four-year terms, that could easily elect Mr. Hopper. Some may think: “At least we know where he stands on the question.” But it could also work in reverse.
All we say is that this is an interesting turn on a local issue during an election.
NEW SUBJECT: Germans have just finished on October 6 their annual Oktoberfest in Munich. The activities started in 1810, when the Crown Prince of Bavaria, Ludwig, was to wed Princess Therese of Saxony. Being gracious, they wanted to invite the whole town of Munich to mark their wedding. Among activities was a horse race in front of the city gates, and being German, lots of beer.
The good Bavarians had such a great time that they decided to have a similar party the following year, and on and on, and so we come to the present day with Oktoberfest a mighty Munich tradition, enjoyed by visitors from all over the world. It’s even exported to other countries, with one common ingredient, plenty of beer. So that’s why we were visiting in Munich in 1960 celebrating our first Oktoberfest, because of a wedding years ago.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Lail Family Dentistry
Mary and Wally Lail at Duluth Fall Festival Parade.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Lail Family Dentistry has been serving the community in Duluth and Gwinnett County for 50 years. Being the longest serving dental practice in the county, our roots run deep within our community and will continue to do so for g
enerations to come. The doctors at Lail Family Dentistry are all members of the Lail family and are here to provide for you and your family. If you are looking for a traditional, hometown dentist with convenient hours that utilizes the latest dental techniques and technology, then we would be glad to welcome you to our practice.
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It’s time to get back to the business of running this country
Editor, the Forum:
Indeed there is a time to laugh, and a time to cry. Knowing which emotion to use at which time is true wisdom!
I won’t pretend to be the wise one in this rebuttal to last week’s letter to the editor, but we’re sitting atop a powder keg that could blow with very little provocation. Our Republic is very nearly split down the middle so trolling may not be what’s called for here, some say tensions are as high as they were before the Civil War. I don’t know if that’s true, but I miss the days where my friends and I of different political persuasions could have a civil, friendly exchange of ideas and still walk away as friends.
I am passionate about my beliefs and there are many issues on which I will not compromise; undoubtedly you feel the same way. Maybe the one point of agreement for us all is to agree to disagree when we can find no common ground.
Work hard for your candidate and cast your vote. Every four years a new president of the United States is chosen, or the incumbent is reelected. It’s always been that way with the Electoral College in play.
For about 20 years, we’ve been almost evenly divided, meaning nearly half of us didn’t like the other candidate at any given time. What has always set America apart from some tyrannical countries is that we settled our differences at the ballot box, accepting the winner, with a peaceful transfer of power. It’s time to get back to the business of running this country—still the greatest country on earth, regardless of who’s at the helm. On that we can agree?
— Lee Schermerhorn Tonelli, Hoschton
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
County to fund restoration work at historic Winn, Nash homes
Elisha Winn House
Two historic homes in Gwinnett will get restoration work from the county. The Elisha Winn House, the first seat of Gwinnett County government, will get site upgrades, while the 1840 Hudson-Nash Farmhouse will be restored after commissioners approved two SPLOST-funded projects on Tuesday.
Department of Community Services Director Tina Fleming said the improvements at both houses will set the stage for interpretive programming for grades K-12 and the public to learn more about Gwinnett County’s history.
The Elisha Winn House site, located at 908 Dacula Road in Dacula, will get new parking, restrooms, a covered outdoor stage with seating, plus accessible walkways and associated electrical, landscaping and drainage improvements.
Elisha Winn was instrumental in forming the new county in 1818 and offered his house and barn for elections, courtrooms and a jail. The Board awarded the $2.28 million contract to Multiplex LLC of Duluth.
Earlier this year the County moved the Hudson-Nash farmhouse across the street to the Yellow River Post Office historic site on Five Forks Trickum Road between Lilburn and Snellville. Now it will be stabilized and restored by Finch Finishes under a $286,748 contract.
The work includes paint removal; specialized cleaning; rehabilitating windows, doors, and mantels; painting; and interior restoration. The house had been on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places in Peril list before it was donated to Gwinnett County two years ago.
Thomas Hudson built the house as part of a plantation on the Yellow River that covered 562 acres by the time of the Civil War. He also ran a store and post office in a building that is now preserved with other historic structures at the Yellow River Park.
William Nash bought the property around 1880 and it remained in his family until 1996. “We believe it is the only 19th century house with a detached kitchen that is still standing in Gwinnett County so we’re excited to preserve it for future generations to see,” said Fleming.
Howling time approaches in downtown Duluth on Oct. 25
Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Howl on the Green returns to Downtown Duluth on October 25 from 6 until 10 p.m. All the ghouls, goblins and fairytale characters are invited.
This annual event brings thousands to Duluth Town Green; providing families a safe and family friendly environment to celebrate the season. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with food trucks, free inflatables, free hay rides and costume contest registration. From 7-8 p.m., the shops of Downtown Duluth open their doors for trick-or-treaters.
At 8 p.m., there will be a costume contest with prizes for first place winners in each category (2 years and under, 3-5 year, 6-10 years, 11-17 years, 18+, group, and pet). The night turns to fright at 9 p.m. with a unique Twisted Fairytale performance featuring mystical creatures, aerialists, fire dancers and being scared. For more information, visit https://www.duluthga.net/community/howl_on_the_green.php.
Railway Museum to conduct feasibility analysis
The Southeastern Railway Museum (SRM) is considering initiating a new economic and community development program to benefit the greater Gwinnett County/North Metro Atlanta area. SRM is seeking input regarding this proposed initiative, SRM Executive Director Randy Pirkle says.
SRM has hired First Community Development (FCD) of Atlanta to assist them in developing the new five-year Southeastern Railway Museum Strategic Plan, which will help chart the course for economic and community development throughout the greater Gwinnett County area in the future. As a result, SRM has retained FCD to conduct a comprehensive Feasibility Analysis to determine the level of support and acceptance of this important initiative. The scope and direction of this new SRM program will be determined ultimately by the corporate and community leaders and elected officials in the greater Gwinnett County area. The results will be invaluable to this analysis.
Steve Dorough and Gerald Scott of First Community Development will direct the study. The FCD Team will arrange confidential interviews of 45 minutes each with selected leaders in the Gwinnett County/North Metro Atlanta area. They will be seeking information only and opinions will be held in confidence.
Local firms announce partnership for smart city technologies
Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners has announced its strategic partnership with ASHRAE to support meaningful innovation for smart city technologies. Curiosity Lab is a 5G-enabled autonomous vehicle and smart city living laboratory located in Peachtree Corners.
ASHRAE represents more than 57,000 building systems design and industrial process engineers from around the world and will move their global headquarters into the Curiosity Lab neighborhood in Peachtree Corners. ASHRAE’s new net-zero-ready global headquarters will be renovated to showcase HVAC&R equipment and technology in action. When ASHRA moves to its new Peachtree Corners headquarters next fall, its 120 employees will be relocating to its Technology Park address, the former Recall building.
ASHRAE embodies the living lab concept and will be demonstrating state-of-the-art IoT technologies to HVAC&R leaders from around the world. The Society also hosts technical seminars on a wide variety of topics and will hold continuing education opportunities on a regular basis for members and industry professionals at its HQ in Peachtree Corners.
Curiosity Lab serves as a proving ground for novel technologies and will be available for ASHRAE members and other innovators to test, demo and deploy emerging smart city or sustainable energy technologies.
Betsy Plattenburg, executive director of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, says: “Our close proximity will allow Curiosity Lab and ASHRAE to collaborate and learn from each other as we continue to encourage technological innovation and the development of new smart city and sustainable energy concepts.”
Jeff Littleton, executive vice president of ASHRAE, adds: “Peachtree Corners’ innovative approach to technology testing and development made our relocation especially appealing, and we look forward to working with both the City and Curiosity Lab to advance our smart city knowledge and capabilities.”
Snellville may place 12-month moratorium on vape shops
The City of Snellville is planning to place a 12-month moratorium on opening of new vape shops in the city. This move comes after there have been increased reports of people getting sick or dying from vaping products.
Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz, who spearheaded the city’s efforts looking into the issue, maintains: “This is something that is of particular interest to me because practically every day in the newspaper, there’s more concern expressed for e-cigarettes and vaping and the illnesses and deaths that have been caused. This resolution that we are looking at passing does prohibits the opening of any new vape shops for the next 12 months. This will give us time to see what, if anything, is going to be done perhaps by the state legislature or by the federal government. After 12 months we can determine where we go at that point.”
A vape shop is defined as a store which has total retail sales of more than 25 percent designated to vaping products or 25 percent of the floor area designated for the sale or advertising of vaping products, city officials said.
There are two vape shops within the city. They will not be affected by the city and will remain open.
Ninety Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams
From Karen Harris, Stone Mountain: Ninety-Nine Stories of God is a will-of-the-wisp collection of stories illustrating the need to connect with the Divine. Some stories, such as ‘The Darkling Thrush,’ ‘Fathers and Sons,’ ‘A New Arrangement’ and ‘See that You Remember’ feature the Lord in contact with other protagonists in the story. Others like ‘Distinction’ and ‘Sartre to Camus’ state a startling truth that in spare words packs a wallop! Most of the stories require a second reading as the truth conveyed feels just vaguely out of reach and most be accessed spiritually rather than intellectually. In 168 pages, Joy Williams provides readers with an opportunity to singularly access God through the prism of their own lives in these paradoxically sparse but dense stories.
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
Ellijay in Gilmer County known as Georgia apple capital
Most of the apple crops produced in Georgia are grown in the north Georgia mountains. Ellijay, in Gilmer County, is known as the apple capital of the state. The state’s apple season can extend from July through December. The apple production of the state totaled 26 million pounds in 1997, with the produce valued at almost $3.8 million.
There are an estimated 360,000 apple-bearing trees in Georgia.
The most popular varieties include Ozark Gold and Paulard (July and August); Red Delicious and Golden Delicious (July-December); Rome Beauty and Mutzu Crispin (August-December); Empire, Jonagold, and Jonathan (August-September); Arkansas Black, Fuji, Granny Smith, Stayman Winesap, and Yates (October-December).
Apples are not a difficult crop to grow and will thrive in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Apple trees do not do well in poorly drained soil; the roots die, growth is stunted, and eventually the trees die. Soil should be tested before planting, because most fruit trees, including apples, grow best if the soil has a pH that is close to 6.5. Most of the soil in Georgia is too acidic, so lime must be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Rootstock influences tree size. Some growers prefer the standard tree; others like dwarf trees. Pruning is important to encourage maximum growth and fruit production.
Diseases common in Georgia apple trees are black rot, fire blight, scab, bitter rot, and alternaria. Insects that cause a problem for growers are apple tree borers, scales, aphids, fruit worms, and red spider mites.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Today the Mystery Photo is of a person, not a site
Today we don’t ask where’s this, but who’s this? This person is decked out pretty nicely, wouldn’t you say. Now figure out who it is and send your guess to elliott@brack.net, including your hometown.
The last Mystery Photo was recognized only by Allan Peel, San Antonio, Tex. It was sent in by George Graf of Palmyra, Va. Allen wrote: : “Today’s mystery photo is of the Punta Norte Lighthouse on Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) about five-miles north-east of the Cancun shoreline in Mexico, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. This lighthouse is one of three lighthouses that were built by the Mexican Navy on the island during World War II. Inactive since 2017, the Punta Norte Lighthouse is a 52-foot tall concrete tower with lantern and observation deck.
“Over the years it has been painted different colors. The photo is definitely several years old since I found photos of this lighthouse from September 2009 when it was painted all white along the tower with a red roof, and it looked like it was in pretty good shape. By January 2018 the all-white paint job was starting to show its age and in desperate need of some “TLC” and a new paint job. Then, photos from August 2019 show that it has since been spruced up with fresh paint, still prominently white along its tower length, but with light blue (i.e. aqua) coloring around its observation deck and window frames. I was able to find another photo where it had the red and white coloring of the mystery photo, but I could not pinpoint an exact date as to when it was these colors, but very likely it was from the early 2000s.”
It was Peel who sent in the answer to the previous Mystery Photo, together with a photo taken from about the same spot that Frank Sharp took the photo of Genoa. Both appear taken from LaSuperba Room and breakfast, in Genoa.
Pumpkin Painting will be on Saturday, October 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at One Stop Norcross, 5030 Georgia Belle Court in greater Norcross. Bring your Halloween spirit and imagination to decorate a spellbinding masterpiece that participants can take home! Pumpkin and materials included. Parent or guardian participation required. Cost: $6 per child. For ages 5 to 10.
Bridge the Gap 5K run will be held at Suwanee Town Center on October 19. It is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. Help bridge the gap for all adults with developmental disabilities as they transition into adulthood and the need for lifelong services. With your support, more adults with disabilities in the community can be served. For details, go to www.runsignup.com/bridgethegapga.
Zombie Run 5K will be October 19 in Braselton at 8:30 a.m. This course will be littered with zombies. The best way to avoid them is to outrun them. But don’t worry, Zombies aren’t real …or are they? Come find out how you will fare. For more details, go to http://downtownbraselton.com.
The 11th annual Frontier Faire will be held at the Fort Daniel Historic Site, 2505 Braselton Highway (Georgia Highway 124) on Saturday, October 19 at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Come see demonstrations, public archaeology, and storytelling by Barry Stewart Mann at 1 p.m. Admission is $2 for individuals, or $5 for families.
Putting on the Litz, the Gwinnett County Public Library Foundation gala, will be Saturday, October 19 at 6:30 at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth. The gala features gourmet dining, live entertainment, a silent and live auction and dancing. Author Diane Ackerman (The Zookeeper’s Wife) will be the keynote speaker.
The 47th Annual Stone Mountain Highland Games will take place October 19-20 at Stone Mountain Park. The games feature a number of pipe bands, folk singers, Celtic rock groups, Scottish country dancing, Highland dancing, sheep dog herding demonstrations and, of course, the athletic games. More than 100 Scottish clan associations will host tents and other organizations will provide tents with information on all things Scottish. The games will also host related activities (free lectures, a Celtic concert and a ball) on Friday, October 18, at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast in Norcross. For the complete schedule and ticket information, go to www.smhg.org.
Foster Parent Workshop: This will be Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grayson Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library, 700 Grayson Parkway, Grayson. Help children in your community who are victims of their circumstances. These children are in great need of compassionate, committed, and caring people. Do you have a place in your heart and in your home to provide care for these children? For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.
Downtown Lilburn 5K and Fun Run will be Saturday, October 26 at Lilburn City Park. Join Main Street Lilburn and NG3 for the run starting at Lilburn City Park and running along the flat Camp Creek Greenway. This is a USATF Certified course and your time in this race can be used as a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. It’s flat and fast, and runners and walkers are welcomed. Kids are encouraged (but not required) to wear their Halloween costumes! Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K begins at 9:30 a.m. The Kids Tot Trot and Fun Run is at 10:30 a.m.
Fourth Annual Paint Gwinnett Pink 5K Walk/Run Is Saturday, October 26 at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. Registration is at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. Strollers are welcome; pets are not. To register, click here. Money raised from this event will benefit local cancer survivors and the Gwinnett Breast Center at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. This is a 2020 Peachtree Road Race qualifying event.
Juried Art Exhibit at the Tannery Row Artist Colony in Buford continues until November 1. Includes a variety of media, including painting, pastel, colored pencil, pen and ink, mixed media, printmaking, fibre arts, photography, digital art and three dimensional art, including ceramics, pottery and found object sculpture. The Colony is located at 554 West Main Street in Buford.
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