POIGNANT TIME: Joel Cenescar (right) accepts for his late brother the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice diploma from Georgia Gwinnett College president, Dr. Jann Joseph, during commencement. Joel’s brother, Jimmy Cenescar, was a Georgia State Trooper who died in the line of duty in January. He was scheduled to receive his diploma May 9. There were 908 graduates in the May, 2024 class at GGC. There were 88 international students getting degrees, along with 16 military veterans. The GGC graduates represented 43 counties. Commencement Speaker State Rep. Pedro “Pete” Marin addressed the class, saying: “I believe in you, each of you. I am invested in your success. I need you to be greater. I need you to matter more in this world. That is your charge today: Matter more. Be more. Do more. Dream more. Love more. Live more. Inspire more. Achieve more. Go forth with the confidence of having done something amazing. Go with our collective love and appreciation.”
TODAY’S FOCUS: Bridging cultures and bonds through Rotary students
EEB PERSPECTIVE: How the Kentucky Derby became fashionable
SPOTLIGHT: Georgia Gwinnett College
ANOTHER VIEW: Here’s a prayer for Mother’s Day
FEEDBACK: Send us your thoughts
UPCOMING: Animal Shelter at capacity; adoption fees waived
NOTABLE: Winner told for 13th Movers and Shakers awards
RECOMMENDED: Mala of the Heart, edited by Ravi Nathwani and Kate Vogt
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia state parks total 85,000 acres
MYSTERY PHOTO: Eight-man-tall statue is today’s mystery
LAGNIAPPE: Key ingredients here for blossoming daylilies
CALENDAR: Mulberry possible cityhood meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday
Bridging cultures and bonds through Rotary students
Samantha, Terry, Reilly, Abbey, Heather Swaim and Nancy Meldrum.
By Terry Swaim
AUBURN, Ga. | Last year, our family had the incredible opportunity to host Nancy Meldrum, a Georgia Rotary Student Program participant from England. Little did we know that this experience would not only enrich her life but also deeply impact ours in ways we could have never imagined.
Heather, Abbey, Reilly, Samantha Swaim and Nancy Meldrum.
From the moment Nancy arrived, she fit right into our family, quickly becoming what we often referred to her as our fourth daughter. We proudly shared with her the richness of our southern culture, from our favorite foods (Chick-fil-A, Waffle House) to our cherished pastimes like hunting, fishing, Disney World, church on Sundays and the fervor of high school and college football. As she immersed herself in our way of life, we witnessed the genuine curiosity and openness with which she approached every new experience.
When it was time for Nancy to return home, our farewells were tearful but filled with the promise of staying connected. True to our word, we maintained regular communication, and to our delight, Nancy’s family extended a warm invitation for us to visit them in England.
Our journey across the pond was nothing short of extraordinary. We marveled at the grandeur of London, feasted on British fare, and explored historical treasures like the Crown Jewels and iconic landmarks. However, the true highlight awaited us in the quaint countryside of Shropshire, where Nancy’s family (Tim, Louisa, Miriam and their cat, Frank) welcomed us to stay in what once was a sheep barn now transformed into a beautiful rental home.
In their picturesque countryside, steeped in centuries of history, we discovered the true essence of British hospitality. From ancient churches to cozy pubs, from majestic castles to serene gardens, every moment was imbued with a sense of tradition and community. But beyond the tangible landmarks, it was the warmth, generosity, and love of Nancy’s family that left the most profound impression on us.
At Stokesay Castle in Shropshire England, built in 13-14th Century: Tim, Nancy, and Louisa Meldrum; Samantha, Abbey, Heather, Reilly, and Terry Swaim.
As we shared stories, laughter, and meals around their table, we realized that despite our differences in culture and geography, we were fundamentally the same. We all yearned for the same things – love, connection, serving others and a sense of belonging. Through our shared experiences, we found common ground and forged bonds that transcended borders.
Reflecting on our journey, we couldn’t help but acknowledge the transformative power of programs like the Georgia Rotary Student Program had on our family. What began as a simple exchange of hospitality blossomed into a profound exchange of understanding and friendship. In a world often divided by cultural, spiritual, or political differences, it is these personal connections that serve as the true catalysts for lasting friendships.
To anyone considering hosting someone from another country, whether a student or a family, we urge you to seize the opportunity. The blessings you receive are numerous. For us, hosting Nancy not only expanded our family but also broadened our horizons, enriching our lives in ways we will forever cherish.
In the end, it’s not just about where you travel or whom you host – it’s about the connections you make, the memories you share and the friendships you forge along the way.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
How the Kentucky Derby became fashionable
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
MAY 14, 2024 | Every now and then, you come across something that surprises you, and you say to yourself, “I didn’t know that.”
It was a small item about the way fashion shows itself off at the Kentucky Derby. Down in the story, a line told us: “The Kentucky Derby was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.”
That sent us to the computer, and Wikipedia told us that Clark (1846-1899) “was the founder of the Louisville Jockey Club and the builder of Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby is run.”
A familiar name, Clark was the grandson of the explorer and Missouri governor, Gen. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition! His mother was a Churchill, one of the first families of Kentucky, the family which gave the land for the horse track, called today Churchill Downs.
When Clark’s mother died, he lived with his aunt, Lutie Churchill, where he developed a taste “for expensive things,” including horse racing. He traveled to Europe, where he was inspired by the fashionable dress codes at events like Ascot in Britain and Paris’s Grand Prix.
Creating the Derby around the well-to-do, he figured, could transform his racetrack from a place of ill-repute to one for the well-heeled high society. From the very first race in 1875, when 10,000 people showed up, the New York Times reported that day “the grandstand was thronged by a brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen.” These days those attending are still “brilliant assemblages.” And do the ladies like to show off fancy hats!
Lewis also made several contributions to racing, introducing the French system of parimutuel betting machines, to eliminate old-fashioned bookmaking. He instituted many racing rules still used today, including a uniform system of weights and the stakes systems.
Yet Lewis lost lots of money when the stock market crashed in 1893. Fearing poverty, sadly, he took his own life in 1899.
Have you noticed how slim beer (and some soft drink) bottles are today? There’s a reason. Some bottlers have started giving you not the previous standard 12 ounce liquid of their product, but now bottle beverages in 11.2 ounces. What do you call that? Nothing more than a price increase, for you now get less but pay the same price. Smart marketing? How about disregarding the customer with a price hike?
Germany’s Bayer pharmaceutical company received a patent for Aspirin in 1899. This most ubiquitous of nonprescription drugs had its roots in the bark of the willow tree. In 1828, a German pharmacy professor isolated the active ingredient in willow bark and named the bitter yellow crystals “salicin,” after the Latin name for white willow. German chemist Hermann Kolbe first synthesized salicylic acid in 1860. In 1895, Bayer chemist Felix Hoffmann combined an acetyl group with salicylic acid, yielding a gentler product in 1897.
Bayer sought a patent for the brand name Aspirin: “A” for acetylsalicylic acid, the synthetic compound developed by Hoffmann; “-spir” for Spiraea ulmaria, or meadowsweet, which was a botanical source of salicylic acid; and “-in” because it was a common suffix for drugs at that time. By 1950, it was the best-selling pain reliever in the world.
Helping legislators who have children: In South Carolina, we recently read, legislation passed its House of Representatives that would allow donations made to a candidate could be used to cover childcare expenses. What! The Freedom Caucus opposed this bill. The Freedom Caucus spoke for lots of people.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Georgia Gwinnett College
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to readers at no cost. Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is a public, four-year and accredited liberal arts college that provides access to baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC’s mission is to produce future leaders for Georgia and the nation who are inspired to contribute to their local, state, national and international communities and are prepared to engage in an ever-changing global environment. GGC currently serves nearly 12,000 students pursuing degrees in 21 majors and more than 50 concentrations. Visit Georgia Gwinnett College’s website at www.ggc.edu.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Here’s a prayer for Mother’s Day
(Editor’s note: this prayer on Mother’s Day appeared in Sunday’s bulletin at Christ Episcopal Church in Norcross. The author recently lost his mother.—eeb)
By The Rev. Edgar Otero
Rector, Christ Episcopal Church
Dear God:
Otero
On this special day, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and love. We thank You for the gift of mothers—the selfless, nurturing souls who shape our lives in countless ways.
We pray for all mothers, whether they are with us physically or watching over us from heaven. May Your grace surround them, comforting their hearts and strengthening their spirits.
Lord, bless the mothers who wake up early to prepare breakfast, who mend scraped knees, and who wipe away tears. May they find joy in their sacrifices and know that their love is cherished.
We lift up the mothers who work tirelessly to provide for their families, juggling responsibilities with grace. Grant them strength, resilience, and moments of rest.
For the mothers who have lost children, we ask for Your healing touch. Comfort them in their grief and remind them that their love endures beyond this earthly realm.
Lord, bless the new mothers—the ones cradling tiny miracles in their arms. May they find wisdom, patience, and overwhelming joy in their new role.
We remember the grandmothers, aunts, and mother figures who pour love into our lives. Their wisdom and laughter enrich our days.
And for those who long to be mothers, but face empty arms, we pray for hope and peace. May they find solace in knowing that You hold their dreams in Your hands.
Heavenly Father, we honor the legacy of all mothers—their sacrifices, their laughter, and their unwavering love. May Your blessings flow abundantly upon them.
In the name of the One that experiences the love of a mother, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May this prayer bring comfort and warmth to your heart as you celebrate the remarkable women who have touched your life.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
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 by to: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Animal Shelter at capacity; adoption fees waived
The Gwinnett Animal Welfare Center has reached a critical capacity with more than 180 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens currently under care. To ease the strain on staff and resources, the shelter urgently requests potential adopters and foster families to take advantage of waived adoption fees. The shelter is also covering the cost of spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchips for all adopted pets.
Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division Director Katrina Amaro says: “Our largest animals, the big dogs, are always the hardest to find placement. Getting more animals into permanent adoptive homes or temporary foster placements is critical.”
For those interested in fostering pets, Gwinnett County will provide food, preventive vet care and basic supplies like leashes at no cost.To learn more about adopting or fostering a shelter pet, visit Gwinnett Animal Welfare. The Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center is located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville.
Winners of 13th Movers and Makers awards announced
Partnership Gwinnett hosted the 13th annual Movers and Makers Awards at the Gas South District last week. The event served as a platform to honor and recognize the exceptional achievements of manufacturing and supply chain companies in Gwinnett County.
Among the highlights of the morning were the presentations of seven prestigious Movers and Shakers awards:
- MVP Award: Mighty 8th of Buford;
- Corporate Citizen: Peachtree Packaging and Display, Lawrenceville;
- Supply Chain Pioneer (Small): Volcanica Coffee of Suwanee;
- Supply Chain Pioneer (Large): NEMA, Inc. of Duluth;
- Manufacturer of the Year (Small): Bitzel’s Chocolate of Suwanee;
- Manufacturer of the Year (Medium): Eclipse Gaming Systems of Duluth; and
- Manufacturer of the Year (Large): RealTruck of Norcross.
This year’s ceremony featured distinguished keynote speaker Glenn Case, Founder and Chief Technologist at Hermeus of Atlanta, who inspired attendees with his journey through the technology industry and his insights into its future.
Gwinnett’s own Shark Tank produces winners
Gwinnett County student entrepreneurs braved the Shark Tank Thursday in Snellville, collecting a total of $1,750 in donated funds to help grow their budding businesses.
The annual pitch competition, based on the popular TV show of the same name, encourages local students to create a self-sustaining business complete with business plans, financial forecasts and marketing strategies. They then pitch their businesses to a room full of judges comprised of local business leaders who grant them seed money based on the strength of their presentations.
Each of the judges donated their time and $250 to the competition which has been taking place in the city for more than a decade.
Snellville City Manager Matt Pepper says: “The competition brings together the best of our young student entrepreneurs and our business community to create a thriving business environment.”
Student businesses ranged from cakes in a jar to crocheted stuffed animals.
The winners are:
- Zuri Jackson – Styled By Z (Brookwood High School) – $425;
- Oluwaferanmi Ogunmefun – Anmi Jadore (Grayson Tech) – $100;
- Monty Robinson – Legends of the Minigame (Brookwood High School) – $300;
- Fazzilet Salewala – AdTract (Brookwood High School) – $100;
- Christopher Martin – Young Dedicated Hustlers (Grayson Tech), won mentorship for The Print Lounge and the Wing Suite.
- Mina Torab – FoodCycle (Brookwood High School) – $325;
- Antwan Williams II – Transcendence (Grayson Tech) – $100;
- Simi Sodipe – Blissful Delights (Brookwood High School) – $100; and
- Holly Nguyen – Cozy Crochet (Brookwood High School) – $300.
Mala of the Heart, edited by Ravi Nathwani and Kate Vogt
From Susan J. Harris, Stone Mountain: This book of poems is a sublime collection of poems by mystics from all over the world. The number of poems in this collection, which is 108, is symbolic of the belief since ancient times of the significance of this number. According to beliefs there are 108 earthly feelings, 108 delusions, and 108 in the traditional meditation Mala. The poems travel to the heart of the reader and point the way to peace and wisdom, and the importance of the simplicity of the existence of mankind. It underscores the importance of silence, interior quiet, and moving to our “center” where wisdom lives in each of us. Poets include Rumi, from India, Angelus Silesius from Bohemia, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John of the Cross, from Spain, Lalla from India, William Blake from England, and many others. This is a beautiful, singular journey that awaits the reader.
- 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. Click here to send an email.
Georgia state parks total 85,000 acres
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, protects more than 85,000 acres of natural beauty at more than sixty parks and historic sites in the state.
The diversity of landscape within the state parks system includes inland and coastal sites of geographic importance. The Blue Ridge Mountains, with perhaps its most scenic stretch at Georgia’s Black Rock Mountain State Park, are located along the Eastern Continental Divide, while Georgia’s “Colonial Coast” encompasses a portion of the eastern Atlantic coastline and includes all the Sea Islands. In between these sites lie Amicalola Falls, the Okefenokee Swamp (with more than forty species of mammals, more than 50 species of reptiles, 60 species of amphibians, and 34 species of fish), Providence Canyon, and Tallulah Gorge.
In the early 20th century auto touring increased in popularity, putting destination spots in demand. Georgia took advantage of this new opportunity by joining the national movement toward the development of state parks in 1927, when the state senate called for a resolution to preserve the Indian Springs Reserve in Butts County. The resolution placed the spring and ten acres of land surrounding it under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Forestry, with the intent of converting the reserve into a state park
In 1931 the Georgia State Parks System was created, and the state created a commission that established two parks: Indian Springs (already named) and Vogel, near Blood Mountain in Union County. Five more state parks, referred to at the time as “forest parks,” became a part of the system during the next six years.
In 1937 the Georgia Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Monuments was established in order to manage what became known as “recreational areas.” In 1937 Georgia law defined these areas as “natural features, scenic beauty, with or without historical, archeological or scientific buildings or objects thereon, [possessing] distinctive, innate or potential physical, intellectual, creative, social or other recreational or educational value or interest.”
The parks system grew in large part because of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), organized in 1933 as an independent agency under President Roosevelt’s New Deal. The creation of the CCC brought jobs for people in Georgia and provided manpower needed to restore and preserve the state’s land resources. CCC workers built dams, fought forest fires, planted trees, and constructed trails in the wilderness. In the mid-1930s Georgia’s state parks grew from 500 to 5,000 acres with the aid of the federal government. Among the newly created parks were F. D. Roosevelt State Park on Pine Mountain in Harris County, A. H. Stephens Historic Park in Taliaferro County (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and
.In the 1940s the state parks system continued to grow through cooperation among various agencies, including the National Park Service and the CCC. The CCC developed and turned over to the state land that eventually became Chehaw Park in Albany (Dougherty County), Little Ocmulgee in McRae (Telfair County), and Fort Mountain in Chatsworth (Murray County).
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Eight-man-tall statue is today’s mystery
Check out this eight-man-tall statue. Now can you figure out where this statue is located? If you realize where it is, send your answer to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
First in recognizing the last edition mystery, the lighthouse at St. Augustine, Fla., was Kay Montgomery of Duluth. She was followed by Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex., who wrote: “Today’s mystery photo is of the St. Augustine Light Station, located at 100 Red Cox Drive in St. Augustine, Fla. It is currently an active lighthouse, with a museum at the north end of Anastasia Island that is operated and maintained by Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Inc. The 165-foot tower was completed and first lit in 1874, and its first-order Fresnel lens had a range of 19-miles (21 nautical miles).” The photo came from Ann Royster of Shelby, N.C., through Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill.
Also recognizing it were George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Steve Toggerson, Lawrenceville; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Gloria James, Lawrenceville; and Lou Camerio of Lilburn, who asked: “This is the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Some think it is haunted. Do you know if this is true?”
Asking Google, this is what we learned: “St. Augustine, Fla., is the oldest city in the nation and home to what many feel is the most haunted lighthouse in America. During its 150 years of existence, many lives have been lost in or around the landmark’s grounds, leading some to believe that those who perished there never truly left. With a reputation for its haunting and the history to back it up, no haunted tour is complete without a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse.”
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: ebrack2@gmail.com and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Key ingredients here for blossoming daylilies
This patch of red daylilies seems to have the right formula for growth and brightness….plenty of water from this watering can. Another key ingredient in the blossoming plant is plenty of sunshine. Looks like this is a perfect place for growing daylilies.
Mulberry possible cityhood meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday
Next Mulberry Town Hall Meeting will be May 14 at 7 p.m. the Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, 1450 Pine Road, Dacula.
Workshop on Nutrition for a Healthy Life Series will be held on May 14 at 11 a.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes and healthy recipes to cook. This program will have Korean translation available.
Interested in learning more about Braselton history? Join us for a stroll through the historic district of downtown during National Historic Preservation Month on May 15, and 22. While the tours are free, please make sure you get a ticket. To help us provide an amazing experience, each tour is limited to 30 attendees. The tour will start on the front porch of Braselton Town Hall, former home of W.H. Braselton. The address is 4982 Georgia Highway 53. To reserve your spot, contact Jessica Payne at jpayne@braselton.net or 706-654-5552.
Author Terah Shelton Harris discusses her new book, Long After We Are Gone, on May 16 at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. This is an explosive and emotional story of four siblings each fighting their battle amid their father’s death. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Grief Writing Workshop will be held May 18 at 11 a.m. at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Author Zoe Fishman, who lost her husband in 2017, will lead the workshop to explore the good, bad, and ugly of your hard-won identity.
Multicultural Festival returns Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Gwinnett Place Mall. This is the 10th annual Multicultural Festival and county government open house. Residents of all ages can enjoy a fun-filled day with cultural performances from around the globe, bounce houses, carnival rides, and touch-a-truck with public safety vehicles. For more information, contact the Gwinnett Police Community Affairs Section at PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com or call 770-513-5119.
Community Health Fair on May 19 will be sponsored by the City of Norcross. The event will be on May 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lillian Webb Park in Norcross. The city is partnering with MRI Imaging and other health care officials. All prizes, food, and health services are free to the general public.
Yellow River Post Office
Gwinnett Historical Society will meet on May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Yellow River Post office, 3519 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn. Take a tour of this historic Post Office site, including the Hudson-Nash House and outbuildings. With limited parking at the site, arrive at the parking area at Maranatha Baptist Church, 1193 Martin Nash Road, and take a shuttle to the historic site.
Mahler’s Titan Symphony will be the main offering when the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Youth Orchestra and Symphony Chorus give their season finale on Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gas South Theatre in Duluth. Scott Woodard will be the guest conductor for the Mahler Symphony. Other music will be from Rossini, Elgar, Bernstein and Webber. For tickets, call 770-813-7600.
Author visit: Photographer and author Randy Louis Cox will visit the Peachtree Corners Branch Library on May 22 at 11 a.m. He will discuss his new book, 715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever. Books will be available for sale and signing.
GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday.
Meet our team
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Managing editor: Betsy Brack
- Roving photographer: Frank Sharp
- Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
- Contributing columnist: George Wilson
More
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 1365, Norcross, Ga. 30091
- Work with us: If you would like to learn about how to be an underwriter to support the publication of GwinnettForum as a community resource for news and commentary, please contact us today.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
- © 2024, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.
Follow Us