GwinnettForum | Number 21.42 | June 3, 2022
CHECK TIME: Receiving a $50,000 check from Jackson EMC will help the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett renovate a building for the new YALLS program. See story in Notable below. From left are Randy Dellinger, Jackson EMC district manager; Jamie Hamilton, Special Needs Schools executive director; JT Wu, Special Needs Schools board member; Jackson EMC board Secretary Lynn Price and Chairman Otis Jones.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Statement from Carolyn Bourdeaux on recent primary
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Internet moguls may not realize weekly newspapers exist
ANOTHER VIEW: Pivots during pandemic, and becomes better-trained woman
SPOTLIGHT: Georgia Banking Company
FEEDBACK: Why do microwave ovens have such loud beepers?
UPCOMING: Gwinnett homeowners eligible for $4 million in grants
NOTABLE: Special Needs Schools gets $50,000 from Jackson EMC
RECOMMENDED: Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Union Navy eventually takes control of Georgia coast line
MYSTERY PHOTO: No lighthouse, but how about another covered bridge?
LAGNIAPPE: James Walters recognized for 14 years at cemetery service
CALENDAR: Cornhole tournament upcoming in Snellville
Statement from Carolyn Bourdeaux on recent primary
(Editor’s Note: this is a letter Seventh District Congressman Carolyn Bourdeaux sent after her loss to Rep. Lucy McBath in the recent primary.—eeb)
Dear friends,
Thank you.
Tuesday’s primary did not go the way we had hoped, so my journey in politics is coming to an end for now, but please know that I deeply appreciate your support both during this race and over the many years as we worked to flip Georgia’s 7th district. The friendships and community we have built has been one of the great joys of this experience.
Bourdeaux
We have accomplished a lot together – starting in 2018 with a district that no one thought a Democrat could win. In that race, I took on a four-term Republican incumbent who had never gotten less than 60 percent of the vote, and with your help, we closed the gap to make this district the closest race in the country. This effort also helped flip 14 state House and Senate districts. Then in 2020, we completed the work of transforming this district, and I was the only Democrat in the country to flip a competitive Republican seat. The work we did ensured the Democrats had a majority in the US House and was critical to delivering Georgia for Joe Biden as well as flipping the two Senate seats in the January 2021 runoffs. This was an extraordinary accomplishment. Thank you for lending your shoulder to this effort.
The 2022 primary was rough. However, the work and community building that had gone into flipping the 7th through 2018 and then 2020, and then the legislation and projects that I have been working on with so many local leaders and community organizations in this district was simply not something that I could willingly abandon. I am deeply appreciative of your help and the wonderful community that stuck with me through thick and thin.
I know we all recognize how compelling my opponent Lucy McBath’s story is. She is a mother who lost her only son to racially-motivated gun violence and has been a fierce advocate for gun control in Congress even as this nation has been brought to its knees in grief over and over again by one horrifying instance of gun violence after the next – most recently with the racially motivated shootings in Buffalo and terrible loss of life at the elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
We all admire Lucy’s strength and dedication, and, now more than ever, wish her godspeed in the pursuit of her cause.
So with this, I bring this chapter to a close. I will work to serve this community faithfully for the remainder of my term and then look forward to finding other ways to continue the democratic project of strengthening and healing this country and leaving a better world for our children and grandchildren. Thank you again for your friendship and support during this journey.
In hope and faith,
— Carolyn Bourdeaux, Suwanee
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Internet moguls may not realize weekly newspapers exist
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JUNE 3, 2022 | Today’s media market is far different from the way it was just a few years ago.
There are fewer newspapers, which in our way of thinking is a blow for democracy. When any community loses a way for people to communicate with one another, our nation is in trouble. There are 11 counties without a newspaper, says Robin Rhodes, director of the Georgia Press Association.
Without a local newspaper, a community is hurt in so many ways:
- Perhaps the most important is that people lose touch with their government, which no longer has a key way to communicate developments with their constituents. But it’s more than that.
- Local citizens can’t keep up with the non-governmental news, the births, the deaths, the graduations, the weddings, the local football details and even the price of groceries.
- Another major element, the legal advertisements, which without a local newspaper, must appear in an adjacent county legal organ, are seen by fewer people.
- And how about those photographs that people save from newspapers, commemorating special events in their lives. There’s no way to share these treasured (and often through age, yellowed) remembrances.
What caused all this? The first element in many smaller areas was the arrival of Wal Mart in their hometown, or even in an adjacent town. Local residents, attracted by what they thought were lower prices, stopped shopping with the local grocery, or men’s shop, or pharmacy. And this soon meant a loss of advertising for the local paper, which resulted in fewer pages. Eventually, it put some newspapers teetering on the brink.
But the really big gun aimed at smaller newspapers was the Internet, which at first did not seem like a threat. But soon, it gained more users, and more online buying. Local retailers started feeling the pressure, lower volumes, a rise in cost, and again, curtailing if not elimination of advertising for the local newspaper.
The newspaper’s primary sources of advertising, grocery stores, department stores, automobile dealerships, and various forms of classified ads, led by real estate sales, were out the window. These were major sources of revenue. Grocery and auto advertising losses especially hurt the weeklies.
Meanwhile, the giants of the Internet, the Googles, the Facebooks, Amazon, eBay and other sites got fatter, taking away eyeballs from newspapers. Yet they have tremendous readership. And this has caused a drop in newspaper’s circulation, and for some, even going out of business.
The upshot is that where Georgia once had a thriving weekly newspaper industry, it is a shadow of its former self. Where one time the Georgia Press Association annual convention would draw 600 people to Jekyll Island, today its number is less than 100. It’s one sign of the time.
Recently we have noted Google, Facebook, IBM and other American giants spending big bucks on full page advertisements in major daily newspapers, to improve their images. While they polish their apples in big-city newspapers, they never think of the harm they have done to the weekly newspaper field.
How about these internet companies start paying attention to small town America? A full page advertisement in many weekly newspapers would reinforce Google and Facebook’s images in these communities. And the total outlay for a page of advertising would barely impact the Internet giant’s earnings report, costing in most small papers less than $1,000.
Ever happen? Probably not. After all, those Google and Facebook executives live in an entirely different world. They may not even know that small town newspapers exist.
That is really sad.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Pivots during pandemic, becomes better-trained woman
By Tina Fears
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | After starting my business with $100 and a dream, over 13 years ago, I found myself in the middle of the major pivot after the COVID 19 pandemic impacted my ability to produce and manage in-person events.
Fears
I was born in Los Angeles, Calif., but raised in DeKalb County. I’ve lived in Gwinnett for 14 years. I am the founder of Stage Ready, a full-service project management and creative direction firm for the arts. Though this great pause was overwhelming, I decided to use this as an opportunity to refocus the direction of my business and sharpen my tools as a leader.
I applied for enrollment in The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University. I was committed to using this down time to become better in all areas of entrepreneurship. The bonus was that Bank of America and Cornell offered this program at no charge. Enrollment is competitive because of limited space, so when I was informed that I was accepted into the program, I was ecstatic!
The program addressed the double bind for women in business, as we are often forced to choose between being game changers and simply staying in the game. As a double minority, I immediately identified with the challenges presented to a Black woman in business. I was challenged, encouraged, and empowered while enrolled in this program.
After receiving my certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell in 2021, I immediately implemented new business practices that reflect who I am as a leader, a woman, and an entrepreneur. The program also addresses the importance of negotiation, contracts, and critical legal issues women in business face.
Though this was an online program, it’s still Cornell University, so we had to bring our A game. The time commitment and amount of information presented in each course is significant but was worth it.
I am committed to continuing my journey as a business owner as well as empowering others along the way. That’s what the future of women’s entrepreneurship looks like for my company. I know the value I bring to the table, and I am confident in my ability to not just play the game but be a game-changer.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Georgia Banking Company
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Why do microwave ovens have such loud beepers?
Editor, the Forum:
Why are microwave ovens so loud?
It’s one thing to have a single, gentle, “Your food is ready” beep. But it’s not necessary. I set the timer and I can tell that it is done because the light is out, the food has stopped spinning, and the timer reads zero.
So what on earth equates this simple expected event with a noise like a cement truck backing up? And why must it repeat the cycle if you fail to remove the food within the next 60 seconds?
There’s no volume control, or a setting to disable the alarm volume. Where did “Shall provide end-of-cycle alarm louder than a chainsaw” come from?
I was making a breakfast sandwich this morning and my wife (who has the day off) comes downstairs all grumpy that I woke her up with the beeping. I can’t blame her – who can sleep through that bone-rattling alarm?
Most ovens have a timer that simply ‘beep-beep-beep’ when it’s done. An old- fashioned manual egg timer just pings and goes silent. What on earth were the microwave oven people thinking?
We need a less apoplectic appliance that doesn’t wake up the neighbors or doesn’t require an OSHA warning.
– Joe Briggs, Suwanee
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, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net.
Gwinnett homeowners eligible for $4 million in grants
Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources has partnered with Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity to provide plumbing and septic repair assistance to Gwinnett residents through the Water Resources Assistance Program.
A total of $4 million Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were awarded to Gwinnett County for home plumbing repairs and septic system conversions and repairs. The County has allocated up to one million dollars to Habitat for Humanity in 2022 in partnership with WRAP. Future funds will be allocated to the program on an annual basis.
Qualified Gwinnett residents can apply for home plumbing repairs associated with damage caused by leaks, retrofitting of toilets, faucets, and showerheads, and repair or replacement of failing septic systems. To qualify, household income cannot exceed 60 percent of Area Median Income annually, based on family size. The applicant must also own and reside in the home where services are needed. Residents can get more information and find out if they qualify by visiting GCGA.us/WRAP.
Special Needs Schools gets $50,000 from Jackson EMC
Jackson EMC has donated $50,000 to the Young Adults Learning Life Skills (YALLS) Program, a division of Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett. The private school serves young adults with disabilities as they transition into adulthood.
Jamie Hamilton, the school’s executive director, says: “This donation will enable us to provide the perfect environment for these young adults to further grow their skills in a variety of areas, emphasizing housekeeping, hospitality culinary and foodservice.”
He adds: “With purposefully built spaces, industry partnerships, enriching programming, and real-world training opportunities these young adults will develop meaningful skill sets that will open doors for employment. This space will also allow us to welcome as many as 20 new young adults to the program and create multiple full and part-time job opportunities.”
The comprehensive renovation will create the Jackson EMC YALLS Life Skills Development Center. It includes partnerships with organizations like CUSA Hospitality, LLC, a hospitality management firm, that will furnish space with authentic fixtures, aid in the creation of training programs, and provide on-the-job learning opportunities. Similar partnerships are being formed to support the culinary and foodservice training programs.
The YALLS group focuses on growing independence in the community, workplace and home. Ongoing training, education and support ensure that each participant finds their niche that will provide them with a sense of fulfillment and pride that will keep them looking forward.
The Jackson EMC donation was made possible using margin refunds that have been unclaimed by the electric cooperative’s members for five years. Legislation passed in 2005 permits Georgia electric cooperatives to make charitable, education and economic development contributions of unclaimed margin refunds.
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, the largest electric cooperative in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation.
Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge
From Karen J. Harris, Stone Mountain: A cryptologist in the city of Yong’An is researching fabled beasts long unidentified for their mystery and uniqueness. Her writing about these beasts is to be a story that will be printed as either a book or a series of short pieces. As she delves into this mystery with the help of her professor and his assistant, the boundaries become blurred, and her sense of self becomes murky at best. The nine beast types are each a wonder with elements both sublime and disconcerting. As the story concludes, the reader sees the parallels that are evident in today’s modern culture. The Strange Beasts of China is an enthralling read that will be difficult to forget.
- 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
Union Navy eventually takes control of Georgia coastline
The battle between ship and shore on the coast of Confederate Georgia was a pivotal part of the Union strategy to subdue the state during the Civil War (1861-65).
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s call at the start of the war for a naval blockade of the entire Southern coastline took time to materialize, but by early 1862, under Union General Winfield Scott’s “Anaconda Plan,” the Union navy had positioned a serviceable fleet off the coast of the South’s most prominent Confederate ports. In Georgia, Union strategy centered on Savannah, the state’s most significant port city. Beyond Savannah, Union forces generally focused on securing bases of operation on outlying coastal islands to counter Confederate privateers.
Confederate defensive strategy, in turn, evolved with the Union blockade. After the fall of Port Royal, S.C. in November 1861, Confederate president Jefferson Davis appointed General Robert E. Lee to reorganize Confederate coastal defenses. Lee quickly realized the impossibility of defending the entire coastline and decided to consolidate limited Confederate forces and materiel at key strategic points. He countered Union naval superiority by ensuring easy reinforcement of Confederate coastal positions along railroad lines. In this way, Lee minimized reliance upon the fledgling Confederate navy and maximized the use of Confederate military forces in coastal areas, including both Georgia’s Sea Islands and mainland ports with railroad connections.
On the night of November 11, 1861, a daring Confederate blockade-runner, Edward C. Anderson, escaped under Union eyes and piloted his ship, the Fingal, into the port of Savannah. A native of Savannah, Anderson was the first of many who attempted to assist the Confederate cause by breaking through the Union’s extensive coastal blockade, which stretched from Virginia to Florida. However, in Georgia none would match Anderson’s success. The landing of Enfield rifles and cannons, as well as sabers and military uniforms, at the state’s major port marked the high tide of the South’s ability to penetrate the North’s naval forces stationed along the Georgia shore.
But Anderson’s remarkable feat also signaled to the Union that it needed to bolster its blockade and close off access to Savannah, which, like Charleston, S.C. to the north, offered an access point readily able to provide Confederate armies with necessary war materiel. If the Union hoped to wear the South down by cutting it off from the outside world, then it had to put a stop to incidents like the Fingal’s arrival at Savannah.
While smaller vessels than the Fingal sometimes did evade Northern capture, their modest hauls made for paltry victories. Because Union forces took control of the seas around Brunswick and St. Simons Island in the war’s beginning stages, the virtual closing of Savannah’s port to privateers like Anderson greatly contributed to eventual Union success in Georgia.
Confederate leadership and the people of Savannah came to pin their hopes of resisting Union occupation and breaking the blockade on a handful of gunboats. While built as a British merchant ship, the blockade-running Fingal was converted to an ironclad in 1862 and renamed the Atlanta. This ship, as well as the Georgia and later the Savannah, were ironclads patterned after the CSS Virginia, famous for its battle against the USS Monitor at Hampton Roads, Va., in 1862. The Macon, the Sampson, the Resolute, and the Isondiga, wooden gunboats of varying designs, constituted the remainder of the Confederate fleet in Savannah.
In addition, Georgia’s coastal defenses included innovative torpedoes, developed by Commodore Matthew Maury, which caused the Union navy periodic concern. Despite these innovations, the Confederate naval forces paled in comparison to Union naval strength. Despite fleeting successes by Southern naval forces, the increasingly potent Union Navy ultimately enabled complete Union control of the Georgia coastline.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
No lighthouse, but how about another covered bridge?
As much as we like featuring lighthouses, covered bridges are also a favorite. Here’s another. Now, where is it? Send us your thoughts to elliott@brack.net and include your hometown.
Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill, was first in with identifying the recent Mystery Photo. She wrote: “This is the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse at the Kaua’i National Wildlife Refuge on the north shore of Kaua’i, Hawaii.” The photo came from Rob Ponder of Duluth.
Others sending in the right answer included Allan Peel, San Antonio, Tex.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; and Jim Savedelis, Duluth.
Peel writes: “The tower is relatively short at only 52-feet. When originally built, the lighthouse had the largest hand-blown clamshell lens in the world. The revolving lens, which was first illuminated on May 1, 1913, produced a double flash every ten seconds that was visible up to a distance of 21 nautical miles. The lens is one of only seven of its type in its original position. It originally cost $12,000 and is now worth $1 million. Its beacon is famous for having alerted the pilots of the U.S. Army and Navy’s first attempt at flying from the mainland to Hawaii in 1927. When the exhausted pilots saw the flashing beacon of the Kīlauea Lighthouse, they realized then that they had overshot the island of Oahu, notifying them of the need to turn back so they could land safely at Wheeler Field.”
Walters recognized for 14 years at cemetery service
On May 12, Snellville resident James Walters was recognized at the Button Gwinnett Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) meeting for his recent Service to Veterans Medal award by the Georgia Society of SAR. This award was given in recognition for his dedicated volunteer service to the Georgia National Cemetery’s Public Information Center. Since 2014, Walters has volunteered four days per month in Canton at the cemetery. Since 2007, he has been part of the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council. Over the past 14 years, James has provided 4,062 hours of volunteer service for veterans and their families. He played a crucial role in the development and installation of the new bell tower at the Georgia National Cemetery. He has been a member of the Georgia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for 21 years. From left are Georgia Society SAR Veteran Chair Gary Hoyt, Walters, and Button Gwinnett Chapter SAR President Don McCarty.
Outdoor concert: Gwinnett Symphony Jazz Orchestra director and pianist, José Manuel García, will host a free concert in Thrasher Park in Norcross on Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. This concert is sponsored by the city of Norcross. Enjoy the sounds of the Summer Latin Spices.
Recognizing a new craze, there’s a Cornhole Tournament on the horizon. The Sunrise Rotary Club of Snellville plans this tournament on June 25 at the Lincoln Fill Station, 2280 Henry Clower Boulevard in Snellville. Hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Teams can register for prizes at $50 per two-person team. Proceeds will benefit local charities that the club supports. Email questions to gwinnettsunrisefundraiser@gmail.com.
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