GwinnettForum | Number 20.29 | May 1, 2020
TEACHER VISIT: Mrs. Alicia Wood, who teaches at Greater Atlanta Christian School, is shown with Frances and Charlotte Clark of Berkeley Lake. She recently visited all her students during this pandemic, which meant a 245 mile drive. For more details, go to Notable below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: New Telephone Scam Afoot; Targets Elderly, So Hang Up on ‘Em
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Sugarloaf Parkway: Name Came from the Rollins Farm Horse Stables
ANOTHER VIEW: Each Should Do Something To Bring Us Through Pandemic
SPOTLIGHT: Lail Family Dentistry
FEEDBACK: It Might Help Us All in These Times To Simply “Rant!”
UPCOMING: Gwinnett Bar Association Releases Poll on Judicial Qualifications
NOTABLE: GACS Teacher Drives 245 Miles Delivering Bags to Students
RECOMMENDED: Book on CD Review: Sister Queens by Julia Fox
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Forester Leon Neel Was Leading Advocate for Ecological Management
MYSTERY PHOTO: More Than You Might Imagine in Today’s Mystery Photo
New telephone scam targets elderly. So hang up on ‘em.
By Raleigh Perry
BUFORD, Ga. | Recently I have received several phone calls supposedly from Medicare. Its message is short, but not so sweet. What they told me was that I had to have a physical exam to determine whether or not I had cancer and if I did not do that, Medicare would not pay for the treatments should I come down with cancer.
Perry
Like most of the calls of this nature, my telephone, which will give me the incoming call number and tell me who is calling, tells me that the caller is “Unavailable” and the number is local. These calls could be coming from other areas and, therefore, the calling number might not be a number local to the Atlanta area.
Then it suggests: “For more information, press one (1).” That should be a key that something is wrong. Another key is that Medicare would not call you on an “unavailable” number if they were to call you at all. You would most certainly get a notification in the mail. That is simply the way that the Social Security Administration works.
The best thing that you could do when you get these calls is JUST HANG UP! You can, if you want to, listen to the entire message, but certainly do not press the one (1) key on your phone for more information.
I am 77 years old and according to the DO NOT CALL LIST, I receive an abundance more calls than the average telephone user. That fact, and the general nature or the calls, tell me that virtually all of this type call is focused on the elderly. Elderly people would be afraid of losing their Medicare. The prompt to “Press One” would virtually certify you as elderly and a bit afraid of losing all, or any part, of your Medicare coverage.
Medicare is nothing more than a group health insurance policy for those over 65. You pay for this coverage. Every year you receive a letter from the Social Security Administration telling you how much you will receive each month the next year and how much of your Social Security monies will go to pay for the Medicare insurance. You are not about to lose that coverage regardless of what the caller says.
I will repeat my advice again. JUST HANG UP!
My wife will not even pick up the land line phone in our house, since all of the people she will be wanting to talk to know her cell number. I, on the other hand, will always pick up the phone. At this point, I do it to keep readers of my articles up to date on the newest scams and their potential to mess up your life.
I know that most “unavailable” messages you see on your phone are scams. But I do have some callers that call for me and their name does not appear on the phone. If I get a live scammer on the phone, however, I will play along with him to a certain extent – just for fun. This also means that that scammer is tied up with me, and not bothering someone else.
I enjoy my life and I want you to, also. So hang up more often on these often-scam calls.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Parkway’s name came from the Rollins Farm horse stables
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MAY 1, 2020 | The origin of the name of Sugarloaf Parkway is clear. Several readers came to the rescue to determine exactly how Sugarloaf Parkway got its name. The answer was sitting there under our eyes.
Mike Tennant of Johns Creek remembered that “The Rollins’ farm was named Sugarloaf Farm years before the golf club was envisioned.”
And Elaine Still of Braselton wrote: “I recall that there was a horse farm once located on the Rollins property and was called Sugarloaf Farms. I think the use of Sugarloaf as a name for the road originated from that. I’m thinking there were large stables there and vaguely remember attending some sort of fundraiser there in mid-90s after it was no longer a horse farm. I have plenty of time to reflect during quarantine!”
Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash put it this way: “Sugarloaf Farm was the name of the property from which about 1,600 acres ultimately became Sugarloaf Country Club. One of the courses at Sugarloaf Country Club is called the Stables Course as a nod to the stables that were part of Sugarloaf Farm.”
Here is a link to an archeological survey of the 1,600 acres that was prepared in 1994, likely in preparation for the development of Sugarloaf Country Club: https://archaeology.uga.edu/gasf/reports/618
Georgia Republicans have placed two questions on their primary ballots for GOP members to decide. The tabulation will guide the party in their efforts for new legislation.
The two questions are:
“Should voting in the Republican primary be limited to voters who have registered as Republicans?” and “Should candidates for Board of Education be required to declare their political party?”
Our thoughts on these questions:
First, Georgia laws now give voters great leeway on determining in which primary you may vote. The simple answer is you pick the primary you want to vote on at the time you vote. There is no party registration in Georgia, giving the voters this leeway. The Republican suggestion would deny such a freedom.
On the education question, we have heard many comments from voters wanting the Board of Education seats, and some say even county commission positions, to be non-partisan. If the Republicans push this question in the Legislation, why not make it for both local governments, the commission and the school board?
The commercial television networks haven’t done our nation much of a service by allowing President Donald Trump to interrupt local programming each afternoon for him to talk on and on about the virus. Or have they?
Did you notice that the timing of the presidential interruptions is so that his position can be told on the nightly news?
Why the networks seem to think that every Trump decision to go on television is important. He seems to have not just Fox Network, but CBS, NBC and ABC, ready to accede to his every command. It’s noteworthy that PBS hasn’t fallen for this to feed stations with his live broadcasts.
Television networks should use some judgment in determining whether the president should get air time. It reminds me of the old saying, “Fool me once…..” After repeated airings of “no news,” these open no-news press conferences of the president should have been pulled.
Or should they have been? Even some key Republicans are saying that the president’s continued venting and rudeness and lack of news are hurting his chance at a second term.
Could it be that the TV execs were smart, after all?
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Each should do something to bring us through pandemic
By John Titus
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | How can I help?
If, as the saying goes during this pandemic, “We are all in this together,” then the above question is an important one. It is one that our political leaders at all levels should ask. This is not a time for seeking credit, casting blame, or appealing for votes. No, this is the time for selfless leadership in the face of an unprecedented challenges to our national health and economic well-being.
Titus
The Federal Government has different responsibilities, capabilities, and areas of expertise than do the states. Recognizing this, the President should be in regular contact with the governors to learn of their problems and needs and then ask, “How can I help?” Likewise, governors should be in contact with county and city officials and asking the same question. This should be the model at all levels.
As individuals, we can ask the same question. Perhaps the immediate answer for us individually and collectively is to responsibly maintain social distancing. Those of us who while still sheltering in place retain some freedom of movement have the most options. Can we shop or run errands for neighbors or friends? Can we volunteer at food banks or other non-profits in need of help? For those more strictly quarantined, we can still stay in contact with more isolated family and friends to raise their spirits with messages of hope. I am sure all of you can think of a multitude of ways.
Please ask yourself, “How can I help?” Each of us can do something during this time when we are all in this together.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Lail Family Dentistry
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It might help us all in these times to simply “rant!”
Editor, the Forum:
Susie Decker let loose with a good rant that maybe we should all give a try.
I’ll take a shot at the mail flyers from congressional candidate Renee Unterman. She criticizes ‘socialized’ healthcare and ‘holding communist China accountable.’ Socialized healthcare is water over the bridge. This COVID virus has been an abject demonstration that private insurers are no more capable of protecting the population without a massive federal step-in than the Second Amendment-armed militias were at keeping the redcoats at bay in 1812.
Time to move on to the work of figuring out how to do it right. Also, is ‘China’ our enemy, or is it 30 years of CEO’s claiming that their responsibility is not to employees but the shareholders as they announce another factory moving abroad? And to Susie – that confederate flag will never be behind us as long as we support apartheid in Israel or any other country. So fly it or end it.
— Joe Briggs, Suwanee
All in this together, or do big companies simply grab first?
Editor, the Forum:
It’s hard to argue with anything George Wilson so smartly and simply lays out. A variety of companies/concerns…from Ruth Chris’ to Shake Shack and the L.A. Lakers have returned money. Why not these other companies?
We’ll see if we’re all in this together or it’s simply a money grab…at the expense of so many who need this financial support.
— Howard Hoffman, Berkeley Lake
Suggestion for virus testing is great, but may not be adopted
Editor, the Forum:
George Wilson’s suggestion for COVID-19 testing at polling places is simply, “GREAT.” That’s probably the reason why it won’t even be considered. Not enough bureaucracy, and too logical and too simple.
— Bill Brown, Norcross
Invites reconsideration of 2016 in light of mental condition
Editor, the Forum:
Prior to our 2016 presidential election, mental health professionals warned that Donald Trump had behaviors that suggested he had a narcissistic personality disorder. In light of our president’s handling of the COVID-19 crises, I am now respectfully requesting those who voted for President Trump to reassess their vote based on the following symptoms described by the Mayo Clinic.
A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition in which people may have the following symptoms: a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration, exaggerate achievements, take advantage of others to get what they want, have an inability to recognize the needs and feelings of others, react with contempt and try to belittle others, inability to think that anything could be wrong. Just saying.
—Alan Schneiberg, Ph.D.,Sugar Hill
- 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
Gwinnett Bar releases poll on judicial qualifications
The Gwinnett Bar Association has released a poll of many of its members concerning the qualifications of candidates for judicial posts in Gwinnett in the June 9 non-partisan election.
Judicial offices in Georgia are elected during the primary, not in the General Election. So those who win the June 9 non-partisan election will become judges come January 1.
The poll, taken by the Georgia Bar Association, was released this week to the media.
Donald Lee, president of the Gwinnett Bar Association, says the Association is making a good-faith attempt particularly to educate voters on the judicial candidates out there. “The Bar is not endorsing candidates, but presenting the views of our members on the qualification of the candidates. We are trying to help non-lawyers at the polls, since they do not always know the people on the ballot. We feel this is our civic duty.”
- To read the comments on the poll, click here.
Market adopting orders in advance and drive-thru
The Lilburn Farmers Market is making adjustments to the market to keep in line with the new restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers markets are considered essential businesses and now more than ever folks are looking for clean, local foods with less handling. It is introducing its new Pre-Order, Drive-Thru Lilburn Farmers Market!
The market is actively getting vendors up and running on the new ordering website. Go towww.lilburnfarmersmarket.org to place your order, pre-pay on the website. On Friday between 4 to 6 pm, come to 1400 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and your order will be brought to your car, safely and without contact. For customers who are interested in home delivery, this will also be an option on this ordering site.
This will be the style of the Lilburn Farmers Market until it feels the market can be reopened in a manner that is safe for everyone. It is important for everyone that we follow safety protocols providing locals foods.
GACS teacher drives 245 miles delivering bags to students
During these days of virtual education, Greater Atlanta Christian School’s pre-school teachers brought some reality to their annual Fairy Tale Day. GAC’s pre-school classes had a Saturday morning Zoom Fairy Tale story time complete with Frozen’s Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle. Afterwards K3 Teacher, Alicia Wood, of Peachtree Corners, made special deliveries of Fairy Tale goody bags, carefully assembled and safely presented to each of her students.
Shared Mrs. Wood, “It took 11 hours to cover the 245 miles between all my students, but it was worth every inch. My heart is happy and I feel even more connected just seeing their faces in person, even at a distance.”
“We always accentuate the positive. Teaching virtually has been a blessing since it has allowed our students to continue learning. However, nothing can compare with personal interaction and the loving relationships which truly propel early development and growth. We eagerly look forward to having our rooms bustling with students and activity.
Dr. Sheree Hill, director of Young Learners, says: “There aren’t enough words to express how much we all miss our kids. While we all await a glimpse of our next chapter, we cling to these stories that will help shape our happily ever-afters.”
(Editor’s note: Mrs. Wood was wearing a face mask, which was removed during the photo, since children can be scared of the mask on their teacher.) Mrs. Wood is shown with Frances and Charlotte Clark of Berkeley Lake.—eeb)
Sister Queens by Julia Fox
From Karen Harris, Stone Mountain: The lives of Queen Katherine of Aragon, and Queen Juana of Castile, daughters of Queen Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, are amidst the backdrop of 16th Century England and Spain. In order to build an alliance between England and Spain, Katherine is betrothed to Prince Arthur of England, who dies months after their wedding. The marriage is supposedly unconsummated due to Arthur’s feeble health and Katherine is afterwards wed to Henry VIII. Juana of Castile is married to Philip of Burgundy, who schemes with Ferdinand II to usurp Juana’s authority as Queen of Castile. Katherine is cruelly discarded by Henry for Anne Boleyn due to her failure to produce a prince. The events of the Sister Queens are read soulfully by Rosalyn Lander who takes the listener to these countries with her delivery of the facts of their lives. Recommended for Tudor history buffs. The full title is Sister Queens: The Noble and Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana of Castile.
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Send to: elliott@brack.net
Neel was leading advocate for ecological management
Leon Neel was a leading advocate of the ecological management of forests. Trained by famed Georgia naturalist and land manager Herbert L. Stoddard, Neel refined the Stoddard-Neel System of forest management over the course of 50 years. Neel’s implementation of this system allowed many plantations in both the Red Hills area, between Thomasville and Tallahassee, Fla., and the Albany region to be noted for their rare ecological values.
Neel
Neel was born on March 20, 1927, in Thomas County. In 1950 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Georgia (UGA) and went to work for Stoddard. In 1963 Neel took over the timber management portion of the business. At one time he and Stoddard managed thousands of acres of timberland, often with a special emphasis on maintaining or restoring longleaf pine ecosystems. After Stoddard’s death in 1970, Neel established Neel and Associates.
The Stoddard-Neel System of forest management insists on the selection of individual trees for harvest and eschews the clear cutting or harvesting of groups of trees to clear space for sunlight. As such, the system emphasizes the concurrent management of wildlife, aesthetics, and timber resources, as well as ecosystem integrity, and seeks to perpetuate a multiple-aged stand of trees. A Stoddard-Neel forest is economically productive over the long term without sacrificing biodiversity and aesthetics. The system recognizes that a forest’s ecological health is as dependent on its understory as on the trees themselves.
Last week’s Encyclopedia Tidbit mentioned Arp. This market is on the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse grounds.
Fire is also an important element of the Stoddard-Neel system. Having observed and helped with annual burning practices as a child, Neel, as a young professional, already knew the value of fire. He quickly learned from Herbert Stoddard and land managers Ed Komarek and Roy Komarek the scientific purpose for fire, especially in the longleaf- wiregrass ecosystem.
Ed Komarek, referred to by some as the father of fire ecology, helped to establish the scientific basis of prescribed burns, especially during his tenure as director of Tall Timbers Research Station, located near Tallahassee, Fla. Present at the founding of Tall Timbers, Neel participated in many of its annual fire ecology conferences and served on its board for several years. Over the next 50 years he refined his knowledge of prescribed burns (Neel preferred the term “controlled burns”), while managing the timber in such rare old-growth longleaf forests as the Big Woods of Greenwood Plantation and the Wade Tract of Arcadia Plantation, both in Thomas County.
Wildlife management also played a role in Neel’s philosophy. Aware of Stoddard’s successes with wildlife management in ecologically sound environments, Ed Komarek encouraged UGA to establish a wildlife management program. Neel enrolled in the university’s first and, at that time, only class on the subject. From the beginning of his career, he, like Stoddard, was as interested in wildlife’s role in ecologically sound environments as he was in forestry.
In his later years, Neel continued to consult with both managers and landowners as they sought to maintain and restore longleaf pine ecosystems. It is a credit to Neel’s work that many private landowners have set aside ecologically sensitive land through conservation easements, written through and monitored by such organizations as the Nature Conservancy and Tall Timbers Research Station.
Neel received the Georgia Conservationist of the Year award in 2001. He died on May 13, 2019.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to http://georgiaencyclopedia.org
More than you might imagine in today’s Mystery Photo
There’s more than you might imagine in today’s Mystery Photo. You will have to work extra hard to get this mystery right. Send your answers to elliott@brack.net and include your hometown.
For the last mystery, George Graf of Palmyra, Va. quickly recognized Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Road, Port Clyde, Maine. The photo came Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill.
Graf writes: “On the shore of Port Clyde, Maine stands the Marshall Point Light, a lighthouse made famous for its cameo in the Tom Hanks’ smash Forrest Gump. Marshall Point Road reportedly has been haunted by apparitions for decades. On the foggiest of nights, people have claimed to see the ghost of a teenager named Ben Bennett, who was murdered roadside. Legend states that Bennett accidentally happened upon a rum runner in the early 20th-century smuggling alcohol. Bennett was chased through the woods to what is now Marshall Point Road and killed. Since that time, Bennett has roamed the road seemingly running. According to Hollow Hill, witnesses have reported seeing the rum runner, with a dark beard and black boots, running down the road holding a weapon as well.”
Also sending in the right answer was Jim Savedelis, Duluth: “This lighthouse is the Marshall Point lighthouse located at the end of St. George peninsula along the Gulf of Maine. It was the lighthouse used in the movie Forrest Gump. Run, Forrest, run!”
Allan Peel, San Antonio, Tex. tells us that “…this is actually the second time that this lighthouse has been featured as a Mystery Photo by Gwinnett Forum. Attached is the other mystery photo, submitted by Robin Braswell, that was featured in the Forum in June 2019. To watch a 27 second video clip of Forrest approaching the Marshall Point Lighthouse, click here to see. It’s followed by a 2:59 minute UTube video of the lighthouse area.”
Senate Candidate Debate: The Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series will host a primary election debate for U.S. Senate Democratic candidates on Sunday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. The debate will take place live via video in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. The debates will be available for viewers to watch online live or on-demand via Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheAtlantaPressClub and GPB.org.
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