FROM LAKE HARTWELL, Charles Anderson sent this photo of either the rise (or fall) of the sun behind one of the many islands of the lake. Either way, it’s a peaceful-looking scene and ties in somewhat to Today’s Focus on how to stay sane with the continuous input from our many fancy devices. Just quietly watching the sun peacefully rise and fall can be so very satisfying, whether over a lake or mountain, or your neighbor’s yard.
TODAY’S FOCUS: How to main sanity with all the continuous input?
EEB PERSPECTIVE: It was an amazing performance Tuesday by Kamala
SPOTLIGHT: PCOM Georgia
ANOTHER VIEW: Finding satisfaction when moving to a new church
FEEDBACK: You can help solve the problems of the shootings
UPCOMING: Judge clears way for Mulberry to hold first election
NOTABLE: Here’s a short recap of recent commission action
RECOMMENDED: Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia is only state reduced to a British colony
MYSTERY PHOTO: Maybe you can you identify this city neighborhood
CALENDAR: Historical Society to hear about area’s oral history on Monday
How to maintain sanity with all the continuous input?
Times Square via Pixabay.
By Randy Brunson
SUWANEE, Ga. | We are continually inundated with input from so many sources, blog posts, videos, commentaries, newsfeeds on television, radio, billboards, and less today, from newspapers.
Brunson
A big part of your discernment is to filter all this, and determine where we really need to focus. That includes the stories which showcase the dark side of humanity, many of which are designed to touch our hearts. All this can lead to worry and concern over the state of the world, our families, others we love and care for. Even with tight parameters, the amount of information we hear, plus the problems of the world, can seem overwhelming.
The Question: how do we maintain our sanity, our sense of calmness and peace, in the middle of all this? Yes, we can delink our technology. But how do we delink mentally and emotionally? How do we maintain our equilibrium, care for our souls?
In order to learn who we really are, to understand why we exist, and to have clarity around our purpose, we must have a place in our lives where we are removed from the materialism, entertainment, diversion, and busyness that the world and society immerse us in.
In The Ascent to Truth, Thomas Merton says: “We look for rest and if we find it, it becomes intolerable. Incapable of the divine activity which alone can satisfy (rest), …fallen man flings himself upon exterior things, primarily for the sake of agitation which keeps his spirit pleasantly numb…and diverts us from the one thing which can help us begin our ascent to truth…the sense of our own emptiness.”
Among those many activities which can keep us from being at rest are worry and concern, whether for sick parents, a troubled friend, the most recent mass shooting, or losses due to war and other depravity. Worry and concern, even when or perhaps especially when grounded in something noble, can be a very heavy load. And with social media, the immediacy of text messages and personal phone numbers, it is as if the world can enter our personal space at any time.
What to do? Practice benevolent detachment. Choose intentionally to mentally and emotionally delink. Sit. In silence. And release everything. Every worry. Every concern. Every item on the checklist left undone. Release it. All of it. And invite peace, calmness, and stillness into your soul. Start a daily habit of 15 minutes of complete physical, mental, and emotional silence and peace.
There is a reason. Books such as Boundaries and The Subtle Art of Not Giving A… are selling hundreds of thousands. Push back. Insist on breathing room and personal space. Solomon said that a kind man benefits himself. Do this. Take care of your soul.
Credit Where Due: much of the writing I do on these topics is instructed by author John Eldredge. I’ve read most of his books multiple times over the last 25 years. Given my personal journey, they have been an absolute Godsend. I recommend his work.
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It was an amazing performance Tuesday by Kamala
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
SEPT. 13, 2024 | What did you think of the presidential debate?
It made me wonder if there might be another debate, since Donald Trump always is confident that he does quite well in debates, though he really knows he stumped his toe in trying to keep up with Kamala Harris Tuesday night. Right now, he needs to catch up after a not-so-stellar performance against a female debater. But now we hear that he feels Harris wants another debate, since he says she did not do so well! Amazing deduction, but that sounded normal for Trump!
How badly did Trump do? The New York Times asked 14 journalists what they thought. Their response was overwhelming, in that 13 of the 14 professionals thought that Ms. Harris easily outdistanced the former president, rattling him along the way. Even one of his staunch supporters, Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, knew that Trump was out-debated!
Should there be another debate, we suspect Mr. Trump won’t do much better, but will continue to flub around, go off in many directions, and continue to throw off utterances that often make little sense. And observer after observer noted again that Trump pumped out false facts (“lies”) time and time again.
At least the ABC moderators often corrected Trump when he lied, something that the earlier CNN moderators did not do in the first presidential debate with President Biden. Hats off to ABC for this in-real-time fact-checking.
Even Trump must have realized how bad his debate performance was, for on Wednesday he complained that the ABC network should be shut down for the way they conducted the debate. That doesn’t sound like a winner talking. And it shatters any idea that Trump believes in the First Amendment.
Did you notice the composure of the two candidates? From the very start, Kamala Harris was confident, even walking across the gap between the two lecterns to shake hands with the former president, something that apparently immediately shook him. Then as the debates began, Trump always maintained this mean, harsh look, close-mouthed and seemingly trying to stare down the cameras. He also never looked at Ms. Harris.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, was agile behind her microphone, looking at Trump, smiling continually, then shaking her head and laughing when Trump sent out another false statement. She seemed in control even without speaking. Trump posture and harsh staring face showed he was up tight, spewing ill will toward the whole world.
Another element: specifics. Kamala Harris continued to give us detail after detail about various elements in her plans for government, citing facts in an amazing way. How could she remember such specific information is amazing in itself. She obviously has a good mind.
That compared vastly with Mr. Trump’s almost incoherent sputtering of what he might do in a second term. He maintained he had plans in the making, saying he had “concepts of a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act, but did not offer anything specific. There was a major difference in their presentations.
With the country used to Donald Trump being a continued presence in the media almost daily, the debate was something of an introduction of the nation to Ms. Harris, who was in the spotlight with her opponent for the first time. She scored well.
Can Kamala Harris sustain her victory? Lots can happen in two months. But we feel she bested Donald Trump Tuesday night.
Your thoughts?
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PCOM Georgia
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Finding satisfaction when moving to a new church
By Mary McCarthy
SNELLVILLE, Ga. | For those that are feeling disconnected or discouraged at your current church, consider moving to another church. During the Fall of 2023, my family moved to Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. It has been exciting to become involved in this vibrant faith community.
McCarthy
We found a church with worship services to meet different needs from traditional, contemporary to Holy Communion. It is so exciting to see all ages from babies to youth, young families to working families to retired families worshiping together. Our senior minister, Dr. Adam Hilderbrandt, is adept at teaching and challenging us as we grow stronger in our faith journeys.
There is a growing Kids Ministry. Here are some of the activities they are continually doing:
- Sunday School;
- Wednesday Night groups and activities for three years old through fifth grade;
- Digital Learning Days for Kids K-5;
- Weeklong Summer Vacation Bible experience;
- Two or three retreats per year;
- Special kids event during annual church camp meeting;
- Easter Festival, Advent Festival and Candy at the Cabins; and
- Parents are supported through small groups and programs.
The Student Youth Ministry is most active:
- Sunday School;
- Wednesday Night small groups and activities;
- Fall Beach Retreat;
- Spring Retreat;
- High School Mission trip; and
- Special youth events during annual church camp meeting.
Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church
The music ministry consists of choirs, men and women ensembles, bells, contemporary music and instruments. It provides stirring music that creates another level of worship.
Recently there was an opportunity to explore approximately 25 small groups that are striving to learn more about our faith through Bible study or providing mission opportunities throughout our local community.
“Propel” is an opportunity for women to meet with all ages of women to have dinner together and then participate in a Christian learning experience with music, videos, guest speakers and small group discussion.
“Crossroads” is a monthly meeting to meet with others who are 50 or older to enjoy lunch, conversation and special guest speakers.
The church shows God’s love throughout the Lawrenceville community. We partner with many local ministries outside the church:
- Lawrenceville co-op. In August, we contributed 3,502 items to this ministry;.
- Family Promise: provide meals, building play equipment;
- Village of Hope: providing summer lunch programs for needy children who are on free or reduced lunch. Christmas Extravaganza provides Christmas gifts for needy families where parents come and select gifts;
- “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” builds beds for children in Gwinnett County that need them;
- “Parents First Initiative” offers parent classes at four locations on “Raising Highly Capable Kids;
- “Grace Arbor” is an Adult Day Respite Care for those with memory impairment;
- Habitat for Humanity;
- Student tutoring; and
- “GriefShare” offering guidance to those who are experiencing loss.
Part of the church’s heritage is the ownership of a 56 acre campground, which began holding camp meetings in 1833. The land was originally bought in 1832 for $1 an acre for 50 acres. It is still utilized for Camp Meeting during the summer, for retreats, children and for youth experiences, LV Christmas Lights, Candy at the Cabins and singalongs. The Boy Scouts also routinely use the campground.
We have found this a vibrant church, and we welcome you. The address is 395 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30046. The website is lvfirst.org.
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You can help solve the problems of the shootings
Editor, the Forum:
After the tragic mass shooting at Apalachee High School by an apparently mentally ill student, we need to take action. Your question may be what can one person do? Here is a suggestion.
On every voter’s registration card are listed the voting district numbers for our state senators and house members. After the November election, find out who won in your districts and write a personal letter or email requesting that they support sensible gun safety legislation; e.g., laws for gun locks, gun safes, and red flag laws.
Some of these ideas had bipartisan support in the last legislative session of the General Assembly, but ultimately were never brought to a vote. Write Governor Kemp to urge him to call for a committee to study and recommend gun reforms for the General Assembly to consider and pass when it convenes in January. Georgia’s gun laws are among the most permissive in the nation. It is time to bring more balance to that situation.
– John Titus, Peachtree Corners
Articles on Project 2025 deserve more publicity
Editor, the Forum:
It’s too bad that your readership may be confined to a small space in Georgia. The articles on Project 2025 and the Trump Dream should be publicized and made available to voters everywhere. Thanks for all you do with the news.
– Mike Eberlein, Peachtree Corners
Had difficulty also in finding good irrigation company
Editor, the Forum:
Let me agree with you. I found solace in reading your frustration with irrigation companies. I went through two before I could find one provider that does good work. I’ll keep Tim Waters in mind (great unintended pun across both disciplines) if I need a plan B irrigation manager in the future.
– Donald Lee, 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: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Judge clears way for Mulberry to hold first election
An election to create the first City Council for the City of Mulberry is going forth on November 5. A challenge to the law creating the city was dismissed by Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Tadia Whitner on Monday, clearing the way for the city election.
The court ruled that the plaintiffs, including Gwinnett County, which was among the plaintiffs, “…..lacked the legal standing to challenge the Mulberry charter” and dismissed all claims in their entirety.
There are 15 candidates seeking five positions on the first Mulberry City Council. The five winners will select one of their members as the new mayor. For information on the candidates, see the panel at the right, as compiled by GwinnettForum.
Gwinnett Symphony’s first 2024-25 concert coming soon
The first concert of the year of the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra will be Sunday, September 22 at 7 p.m. at the Discovery High School Theater. The Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra is set to captivate your senses with a masterful performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, alongside other compositions.
Prepare to be enchanted as you journey through the rich tapestry of Shostakovich’s vibrant Festive Overture, the elegant and expressive Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3, and the profound, sweeping emotions of Brahms’ Symphony No. 4.
Our conductors, Robert Trocina, Gregory Pritchard, and Klaus Albert Bauer, will guide you through these extraordinary pieces, making for an evening of musical brilliance and moments. For tickets, click here.
Here’s a short recap of recent commission action
Lakeview Road: An existing bridge on Lakeview Road will undergo construction to widen the bridge with 12-foot-wide lanes, sidewalks, curb and gutter and drainage improvements. The project also constructs a new two-lane bridge over Big Haynes Creek. An existing two-lane bridge over Big Haynes Creek on Lakeview Road will be replaced with 12-foot-wide lanes, sidewalks, curb and gutter and drainage improvements. E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., of Snellville was awarded the $3.8 million construction contract, funded primarily by SPLOST.
Radio system: To maintain essential communications, Gwinnett Police will replace radios and accessories for its public safety and non-public safety departments. A $667,700 contract has been awarded to Motorola Solutions, Inc. to service various locations of the county.
More flock cameras: In a move to further reduce crime, Gwinnett Commissioners have approved the purchase of 40 additional Flock cameras for the Gwinnett Police Department. These cameras function as license plate readers to include the real time crime center for extensive monitoring and data processing. The $225,300 contract was awarded to Flock Group, Inc. and is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Governor’s Public Safety and Community Block Grant.
Grayson Highway ;Gwinnett County is installing adaptive signal control technology along Grayson Highway between Park Place Drive and Herring Road. This advanced system will automatically adjust traffic signal timings based on real-time traffic conditions to improve flow and reduce congestion. The pilot project, managed by SWARCO McCain, Inc. of Vista, Calif. at a cost of $191,130, is expected to be fully operational within a year.
Ball at Versailles, by Danielle Steel
From Karen J. Harris, Stone Mountain: Four young women are invited to be presented to the International Society at the Palace of Versailles. Amelia Alexander is hesitant to go because she is certain of the trajectory of her life with law school and a career. Felicity Smith is also uncertain because of her weight, the hostility of her sister and the lack of support from parents. Caroline Taylor is embroiled in an affair with a man 10 years older that she is. She has no desire to travel to Paris for a ball but does because of profound and unexpected disappointment. Samantha Walker is a history major with an overly protective father. Their lives evolve in romantic and challenging ways once they embark on this experience of a lifetime. In Danielle Steel’s long recognized ability to carve out happy endings, Ball at Versailles is a light and enjoyable read with the happy endings that are expected.
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Georgia is only state reduced to a British colony
Late in 1778 Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell was dispatched by the British commander in chief in North America, Sir Henry Clinton, to proceed against Savannah. Through his Georgia campaign, particularly his capture of Savannah and Augusta, Campbell achieved one of the few unqualified British successes in the American Revolution (1775-83).
Baptized at Inveraray, Argyllshire, Scotland, on August 24, 1739, Archibald Campbell was the third son of Elizabeth Fisher and James Campbell, commissary of the Western Isles. An engineering officer, Campbell served in Guadalupe, Dominica, and other West Indies islands before becoming chief engineer for the British East India Company in Bengal, India, from 1768 to 1772.
With the outbreak of revolution in America, Campbell recruited for and received a commission of lieutenant colonel in the Seventy-first (Fraser’s) Highlanders. Captured by patriot forces in Boston Harbor on June 16, 1776, he was exchanged for Ethan Allen on May 6, 1778.
On November 8, 1778, Campbell received unexpected orders to take command of 3,000 men sailing the next day from New York to invade Georgia. The expedition captured Savannah in late December. He next led a column into the interior and captured Augusta on January 31, 1779. When Georgia Loyalists failed to appear there, Campbell began a withdrawal on February 14. While awaiting transportation from Savannah to England to marry Amelia, daughter of the artist Allan Ramsey, Archibald Campbell restored the colonial government under his commission as civil governor. Thus Georgia became the only part of the United States ever reduced back to the status of a colony.
Campbell continued his distinguished career. He ended the American Revolution as lieutenant governor and major general in Jamaica (1779-81). In 1782 he was appointed governor of Jamaica. He became a Knight of the Bath in 1785 and served as governor of Madras from 1786 to 1789. Campbell died March 31, 1791, in London and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
See if you can you identify this city neighborhood
Today’s Mystery Photo is of a city neighborhood with few hills, taken recently by a Gwinnettian in an airplane. Can you identify this scene? Send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com, and tell us also where you live.
The last mystery was somewhat difficult, and you can know from the few people who recognized the photography. It came from Charles Anderson of Hartwell. Julie Duke of Norcross almost immediately recognized it: “I am pretty sure this is Erin French’s unique restaurant, The Lost Kitchen. I hope to stop by this fall when friends and I travel to Maine! She and her team offer deliciously curated meals to lucky winners of a postcard lottery. Diners at the Mill are treated to a multi-course meal from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.”
Also spotting it were George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex., who added: “An old mill became the new home of a 40-seat restaurant called The Lost Kitchen. Erin French, an American chef and author, had originally owned The Lost Kitchen in Belfast, Maine, approximately 17-miles southeast of Freedom. Sadly she lost the restaurant, and many other personal possessions, in a painful divorce in 2013. After surviving many the struggles of her life, French was able to re-open The Lost Kitchen at the Mill at Freedom Falls in 2014. But The Lost Kitchen story does not end there. French’s success was amplified when the Magnolia Network started featuring her and the restaurant on a TV series that started in January 2021 called …you guessed it …The Lost Kitchen. Check out this three-minute YouTube Video here. It focuses on Erin French, how the restaurant started, what it is like to dine there, and how much dining costs, which is considerable.”
- 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.
Historical Society to hear about area’s oral history
On stage at the Lionheart Theatre in Norcross from September 13-29 will be Perfect Arrangement by Atlanta playwright Topher Payne. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, plus Sundays at 2 p.m. This madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door.
Norcross Hispanic Heritage celebration will be Saturday, September 14 from 3-6 p.m. in the parking lot of Summerour Middle School. The festivities will include music, colorful costumes, traditional folk dances, and Hispanic food — including tacos, pupusas, empanadas and more. Guests will also enjoy cultural exhibits, vendor booths and hands-on activities for all ages at this festive celebration of Hispanic culture and history.
Fourth annual Global Ismaili Civic Day is September 15 with a collective clean-up of seven waterways in metro Atlanta to remove trash and invasive plant species, and improve water quality and the health of the local ecosystem. The Ismaili Muslim community will partner with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, Gwinnett Water Preserve, and the Southern Conservation Trust. Among the areas to be cleaned will be Lions Club Park.
Gwinnett Historical Society will meet Monday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center, 100 East Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. The program will be presented by genealogists from the Atlanta History Center who will be speaking on the topic of Genealogy and Oral History. Come listen to what a panel of experts has to say about the role of oral history in genealogy research. Bring a snack to enjoy, be part of the business meeting and hear the main program at 7:30 p.m.
The Sugar Hill Preservation Society will present “An evening with Tom Martin,” where you will learn about the connection of Sugar Hill to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and Bowman’s Island. This will take place Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m. at the 39th Street Station, located next to the E Center parking deck. The entrance is inside the parking deck. Martin grew up in Sandy Springs, served in Vietnam, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and will relate his fascination with the river area.
Citizenship Clinic is scheduled for the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on September 21 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Invest in your future by applying for United States Citizenship. Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop.
Reading is FUNdamental will take place at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join Meridith Rose each month to learn about the fundamentals of reading and ways to build your child’s speech, language, and emergent literacy skills while reading together. Children are encouraged to attend. The program will be September 21 at 11 a.m.
Lake Lanier Islands 36th annual Shore Sweep will be Saturday, September 21 from 8 a. m. until 1 p.m. Be a part of cleaning up the lake for the benefit of Lake Lanier and all those who enjoy it. If you have never helped with Shore Sweep, we promise you will be surprised by how fun picking up trash can be! This event, hosted by the Lake Lanier Association is the largest volunteer clean-up in Georgia! Boats or all sizes and types are needed. To register, go to Lanier.org/Shore-Sweep/
JapanFest celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with the weekend festival taking place on September 21–22 at the Gas South Convention Center. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through food, games, shopping, live performances and hands-on activities for the whole family. Tickets are available online or can be purchased at the door.
Senior Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on September 22 at 2 p.m. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older Americans. However, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Join us to learn about resources for seniors and tips to prevent falls.
Attend the Braselton Brew Fest on Sunday, September 22 from 2:30 until 5 p.m. Brewmasters will transform the Braselton Town Green into a hoppin’ beer garden for the inaugural Braselton Brew Fest! Ticket holders will enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer, live music and lawn games.
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