GwinnettForum | Number 23.93 | Nov. 26, 2024
LOOK AT THIS MUSHROOM growing on a tree about six feet off the ground in a nearby neighborhood. Nicole Caldwell the administrative clerk at Gwinnett Community Services in the office UGA Extension checked it out. A report from the University of Georgia found this to be an Inonotus hispidus mushroom, which is not an edible mushroom. If you find a plant you cannot identify, you will be amazed at how well the Extension Service can help you.
- EDITOR’S NOTE: There will be no Nov. 29 edition of GwinnettForum. The next Forum will appear on Dec. 3.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Chocolate: From Peachtree Corners to your doorstep
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Yep, there was once a paper mill in Gwinnett
SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett Place CID
ANOTHER VIEW: Reasons that Trump won the presidency
FEEDBACK: Thinking of Lincoln and the Greatest Generation
UPCOMING: Fire Services gets grant for equipment replacement
NOTABLE: Globetrotters’ president inspires GGC students
RECOMMENDED: Principles, by Ray Dalio
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Newly found: big trove of art in “Encyclopedia”
MYSTERY PHOTO: Sometimes, you just want to sit down and rest
LAGNIAPPE: If you see this type of mushroom, don’t eat it
CALENDAR: Gwinnett Courthouse Lighting of the Tree is Thursday
Chocolate: From Peachtree Corners to your doorstep
From Scoffrey’s.
By Scott Gottuso and Geoffrey Wilson
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | For years, we have had the privilege of being the head chocolatiers at a chocolate shop in Peachtree Corners. Our passion for crafting exceptional, handcrafted chocolates grew during that time, inspiring us to develop something truly our own.
Geoffrey Wilson and Scott Gottuso
Driven by a shared love for premium ingredients and artistry, we embarked on a new journey to bring our confections to an even wider audience.
And so, Scoffrey’s Chocolate was born—a modern online chocolate shop where
tradition meets convenience, offering the same high-quality chocolates you know and love, now delivered directly to your door.
How to Order from Scoffrey’s: Ordering from Scoffrey’s Chocolate is simple and stress-free. Visit us online at Scoffreys.com, where you’ll find a wide variety of handcrafted treats perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re shopping for a thoughtful gift, a centerpiece for your holiday table, or a personal indulgence, we have you covered.
For businesses, we also specialize in corporate gift giving. Treat your clients or employees to the unforgettable experience of premium chocolates, personalized to reflect your brand or message. With options like customized gift boxes or our decadent chocolate charcuterie spreads, we make corporate gifting easy, elegant, and memorable.
Our online store features everything from chocolate-covered pretzels and strawberries to seasonal specialties like our popular chocolate turkeys. Once you’ve made your selection, simply head to checkout. Don’t forget to select Free Local Delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you’re nearby!
We’re excited to offer free local delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whether for personal orders or corporate gifts, we’ll deliver your chocolates right to your door at no extra cost. If these days don’t work, let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
For customers outside our local delivery area, we ship nationwide, taking extra care to ensure your chocolates arrive in perfect condition. During summer months, we use cooler bags and ice packs to protect your treats from the heat.
Why Choose Scoffrey’s? At Scoffrey’s Chocolate, we pride ourselves on more than just our products—we’re dedicated to creating exceptional experiences. From customizable options to impeccable service, we go above and beyond to ensure you and your recipients are delighted.
Our journey from Peachtree Corners to an online platform reflects our commitment to evolving with our customers’ needs while staying true to our roots. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering us for the first time, we’re excited to share our love of chocolate with you.
Ready to order? Visit Scoffreys.com today to explore our full range of offerings, including corporate gifting solutions.
Whether it’s for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, Scoffrey’s Chocolate is here to make life a little sweeter.
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Yep, there was once a paper mill in Gwinnett
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
NOV. 26, 2024 | The question came from Roy Maxwell of Dacula: “Who knows the history of Paper Mill Road in Lawrenceville? I have always assumed it was named for an ancient paper mill, but those take a lot of water, and there is no major stream in the area.”
He continues: “This used to be a sleepy little road with no traffic, but that has changed with GPS routing and a lot of people have discovered it as a way around the congestion on Winder Highway out to Sweetgum Road. Every time I take it, I wonder, ‘Where was the paper mill?’ Or is there some other history behind the name?”
Paper Mill Road runs 1.9 miles in Lawrenceville to Simonton Road, from U.S. Highway 29 (Georgia Highway 8), which is East Crogan Street near the start of Scenic Highway.
We also wondered about this road’s name, but never took the time to find out. We contacted our friends at the Gwinnett Historical Society, thinking they would be able to tell us, and we were right. Frances Johnson, who is the Archivist at the Society, got right on it.
The short answer is that it was on the left headed away from Lawrenceville, at a creek.
Frances had much more information. “It was on Shoal Creek,” Frances said, “Which is a tributary of Alcovy River. It was at a site called Moore’s Grist Mill.”
It was particularly interesting where she found this information. At the Historic Courthouse, where the Gwinnett Historical Society has offices, there is a large map on the wall, and someone has scrolled in pencil the site of the paper mill at Moore’s Grist Mill. There’s also the year “1820” written on the map, but she did not know if this was when the paper mill was in operation.
Frances also found out that it was a Thomas Moore whom the mill is named for, and he came to Gwinnett from Burke County, Ga, in the 1820 land lottery. Furthermore, she found that he had owned eight slaves.
There is some indication about a Civil War battle at the mill, but that is not certain. Most information about the Civil War says that no big battles, but mainly skirmishes, were fought in Gwinnett. There is no further detail of a battle around Moore’s Mill in Gwinnett. However, on July 9, 1864, a historical marker was placed at Moore’s Mill in Atlanta where a battle was fought in the Civil War. Perhaps someone confused the names and assumed a Gwinnett battle at Moore’s Mill. We suggest there was no battle at Moore’s Mill in Gwinnett, since there is no evidence.
What kind of paper was made there? We don’t know that, either,.
Thanks, for asking your question, Roy Maxwell! Turns out, we all learned a little.
Turner
Ted Turner was featured in an article by Maria Saporta. To read it, click this link. It’s entitled:” Ted Turner’s dedication to world peace and saving the earth is as critical now as ever.”
He’s age 86 now. He is one of our most successful Georgians in so many ways. And he always seemed to know it. He’s been quoted as saying: “If I only had a little humility, I’d be perfect!”
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Gwinnett Place CID
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s underwriting sponsor is the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (CID). It is a self-taxing district that uses additional property taxes to accelerate infrastructure improvements, security enhancements and economic development initiatives. The CID is leading the effort to expedite mobility, quality of life and job creation strategies for the benefit of businesses, employees, and visitors to Gwinnett’s central business district. Through partnerships with Gwinnett County Government, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the State of Georgia and others, the CID has a proven track record of improvements that are transforming Gwinnett Place. While the Gwinnett Place CID comprises less than one percent of Gwinnett County’s landmass, the area has a $15.9 Billion annual economic impact on the state of Georgia. Representing seven percent of all Gwinnett County jobs, the district’s 2,054 companies and 28,688 workers produce $7.5 billion in sales each year and $2.1 billion in earnings (wages + benefits). For more information, visit GwinnettPlaceCID.com and VisitGwinnettPlace.com.
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Reasons that Trump won the presidency
By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. | Now we learn that Trump did slightly better than he did in 2020, winning 49 percent of the popular vote. He got 76 million votes, two million more than in 2020. And Kamala Harris got 74 million votes. But Trump’s victory was not a “landslide” or “mandate” as FOX hosts would have you believe. He triumphed in the entire south and almost every state in middle America.
The “why” is both simple and complex. It boils down to four key elements:
- President Biden’s unpopularity;
- Machismo;
- Harris inadequately addressing the economy and
- The failure of the Biden administration and candidate Harris to address illegalimmigration.
First and foremost, there is the problem of Joe Biden’s failure to withdraw early in the race. In 2024, Trump was ahead of Biden all year long. And Biden was deteriorating mentally and physically before our eyes. Yet, he stayed in the race until very close to election day. This fact was…and still is…hard to understand.
In late 2023, Biden had a dismal favorability rating of 39 percent versus 53 percent in 2020. That year Democratic strategist James Carville stated: “There are huge majorities of people in this country who think that the president is too old, and I don’t know if they are able to look beyond that…”
As the first in my extended family to go to college, I liked “Blue collar Joe”. But in 2023, I also thought that if things did not change, Trump would be elected for a second term. If I could see it, then so could Biden’s advisers. But they did not want to bruise an old man’s ego. So, he hung around until after his disastrous debate with Trump when Pelosi and other big wigs finally gave him an overdue push.
Even then, diminished as he obviously was and is, he did not resign the presidency and hand the reins over to Harris, as he could have. If he had done so, she would have had a chance to enact her own unique new policy proposals, though for a short while, rather than being stuck with his failing record on inflation and immigration. Plus, if she had been president in 2024, she could loudly claim that she was somehow responsible for lowering inflation (it is now down to 2.6 percent annually).
Machismo (strong or aggressive masculine pride) is another key reason Kamala Harris lost ground with two groups, the Hispanics and black men. Since Harris is black, the feeling was that Harris would gain a larger percentage of black men versus Biden in 2020. But she did not, losing 22 percent to Trump versus only 19 percent for Trump in 2020. However, she did much worse with Latino men, especially those under 40. One poll indicated that 55 percent of Latino men voted for Trump.
Brookings analyzed why the Hispanic male numbers were so high. Based on polling, it concluded it was because of blue collar economics versus sexism. However, as with all polls, the results are only as accurate as the veracity of those polls. In other words, there is no guarantee that black and Latino men would be open about their feelings about some women being more successful than them.
In the next column, I will deal directly with economics and immigration.
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Thinking of Lincoln and the Greatest Generation
Editor, the Forum:
Now is as good a time as any, to dust off the conclusion to Lincoln’s Gettysburg address.
It’s time to defend our Nation and give it a new birth of freedom or as some of us say, “Liberty,” by not allowing an oligarchic authoritarian regime to take it away from us all. Our fathers-mothers, grandfathers-grandmothers of the Greatest Generation saved us in the last century. Now it is up to us to be the next greatest generation,
President Abraham Lincoln gave us a blueprint in his astounding short speech. Lincoln’s stirring conclusion:
“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
My mother, a World War II Gold Star widow used to say, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Doesn’t that sound like a Greatest Generation way?
– Ashley Herndon, Oceanside, Calif.
More proper manners for kids to learn
Editor, the Forum:
You might add, concerning manners, that a proper response from an adult ‘s question would be “Yes ma’am or yes sir,” or no “ma’am or no sir.” The words “please” and “thank you” were always included if you asked for the dessert to be passed. And those of us who grew up in the south always said Grace said before eating began.
– John Moore, Duluth
Why were Herschel and Giuliani not nominees?
Editor, the Forum:
Heard that the president-elect may be replacing Hail to the Chief with Send in the Clowns. After reviewing his cabinet nominees—Gaetz (withdrew), Kennedy, McMahon, Oz, Hegseth, etc., that would seem appropriate. Guess experience (and being lawful citizens) just weren’t priorities? Wonder why Herschel Walker and the felon Giuliani weren’t also considered?
With a 70+ year history of missteps, innumerable lawsuits and a pathological disregard for comportment in matters large and small, here we are, with Musk at his side. Trump has set the bar incredibly low and (to his credit) exceeded those imperceptible standards at nearly every turn, in a negative way.
Wonder how any of his 75 million voters are already having buyers’ remorse? So sad that those of us who didn’t vote for him, will endure four years of his diabolical behavior.
– Howard Hoffman, Berkeley Lake
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Fire Services gets grant for equipment replacement
Gwinnett County is receiving critical funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to enhance its public safety resources. UASI will provide more than $336,000 in federal support for Gwinnett Police and Fire and Emergency Services.
Funding includes equipping the police bomb squad with two F-350 trucks that replace older vehicles from 2011 and 2014 and providing essential drone accessories that include battery packs and protective gear to enhance the capabilities of both police and fire departments during extended flight missions.
Recently county commissioners also awarded a nearly $3 million design/build contract to Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc. of Charleston, Tenn. for the replacement of the aging East Jones Bridge Road bridge over the Chattahoochee River tributary. This 67-year-old bridge will be replaced with a new structure featuring pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the bridge, providing both vehicular and pedestrian safety. The replacement project is funded by the 2023 SPLOST program.
GGC student aid center will open on Dec. 2
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) will open its Student Aid Completion Center on Monday, December 2 to help current and future students start or complete their application.
From April through August, over 600 students stopped in the center to ask questions and get help with their student aid application. During that time, delays in the release of the U.S. Department of Education’s new, streamlined aid form created challenges for students and the colleges alike.
The GGC aid center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The center is located on campus in the Student Center, Room 2161. It will reopen after the Yule break January 6, 2025.
- For more information, visit the financial aid webpage, call 678-407-5701 or email ggcfinancialaid@ggc.edu
Globetrotters’ president inspires GGC students
Dawkins
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students spent an afternoon learning from one of the entertainment industry’s leaders in the field: Keith Dawkins. He is president of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, based in Peachtree Corners.
Presented by the GGC Marketing Club, Dawkins shared his journey in the field and how it has evolved over the years.
“When I think about my 32 years in this space, I came to realize that nothing stays the same. It’s a dynamic, changing landscape, and you have to be up for that ride, that journey, or you’ll get left behind,” he said. “With all the new platforms and types of content, you have new ways to reach people.”
Dr. Amy Fehl, assistant professor of marketing, says that Hawkins’ presentation brought many key marketing themes to life.
The Harlem Globetrotters’ iconic brand deeply touches consumers who interact with it, she says. Hawkins highlighted the importance of an emotional connection with customers, and explained that it starts with a deep understanding of one’s brand and how that brand draws people in.
“He elaborated on how once you understand what your brand stands for, you can better understand who you are trying to reach – specifically the different groups of consumers and what about the brand touched them,” Fehl sys. “Once you know who you are trying to reach, then you can delve into where they are and how to best connect with them using multiple touchpoints. Students saw key marketing concepts in action – brand equity, market segmentation and promotional strategy.”
Fehl added that Dawkins was able to connect with the students by sharing the many twists and turns his career has taken over the years.
“He taught me that it’s okay to switch job positions and to venture out to different careers,” said GGC student Kaitlyn King. “He also taught me it is important to know your audience and know how/where to find them.”
For GGC student Zachary Nelson, one of the things he learned is that the business world is creative. “Career advice from this event would be to prioritize every opportunity that comes your way,” he said.
Juliana Aragon, a GGC student, enjoyed hearing about his career path and that career changes are good.
“I liked how he wasn’t scared to pursue a different career until he got to where he is now,” she said. “He started as a reporter and then was offered the chance to work at Nickelodeon and he went for it without hesitation.”
For GGC student Paul Abraham, listening to Dawkins talk helped him see the importance of a strong work ethic and determination.
“I learned that the sky is the limit if you’re willing to put in the work,” he said. “One can’t relax or power down once they’ve achieved heights in the business world, there has to be a constant effort to both maintain the current height or even climb higher. Otherwise, we succumb to competition.”
For Dawkins, the opportunity to spend time with students is an opportunity to share his story and encourage them to pursue their career goals.
“I try to remind people I was once a student, and I was in the same shoes they’re in,” he said. “I hope I’ve inspired them.”
Dawkins says the next big project is the 100-year anniversary of the Globetrotters. The Globetrotters were founded in 1926.
Principles, by Ray Dalio
From Randy Brunson, Suwanee: Through Principles and some of his other books, Ray Dalio takes a look at history and the world. He attempts to explain the themes which will govern our future. And I like his comments about his early life, as articulated in Principles. I don’t necessarily agree with his observations about governing themes, primary among them is global warming. It was just 50 years ago, during the last disruptive cycle, that so-called scientists were warning about the coming ice age. All this fear-mongering reminds me of economists, who have accurately predicted 47 of the last three recessions. And finally, Dalio is one of the smartest people I have ever read. If you read his stuff, bring your brain cells.
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Newly found: Big trove of art in “Encyclopedia”
Pine needle basket.
Today, let’s go off into another medium and give you a special treat for Thanksgiving. We just located a new aspect of the online Georgia Encyclopedia that we did not realize was a part of this valuable resource. It’s a wonderful trove of beautiful art!
Click the link below to see a collection of examples of Georgia art in the Encyclopedia. Altogether, there are 516 examples of distinct art from around Georgia, with the art’s title and artist listed. There are paintings, tapestry, jugs, weavings, carvings, sculpture, vases, jewelry, iron work, even original toys. It is a stunning collection. Take time now to visit or come back later. It is amazing. But be sure you see it.
Look at, for example, a Pine Needle Basket with lid, which is Number 118, by Norma Brunbeck. That’s just one element. You can also see art by Howard Finster, and Harriet Tubman, among others for instance. Be sure to take time for this. You are going to be amazed at the talent that is shown in this Georgia art.
- Go to this link for the state art collection.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Sometimes, you just want to sit down and rest
Apparently on a night mission, this person in the Mystery Photo is taking a rest. See if you can determine where this statue is placed, and why. Send your ideas to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex. spotted the recent Mystery Photo, which came from Rick Krause of Lilburn. Allan wrote: “Today’s photo is of the Pioneer’s Palace, located in the wealthy neighborhood of Vista Alegre in Santiago De Cuba, the capital of Cuba’s southeastern Santiago de Cuba Province. Known also as the Bacardi Mansion, the palace was once home to the Bacardi family, descendants of Don Facundo Bacardí Masó (1813–1886), founder of the Bacardi Rum Distillery in 1862. The house was commissioned by Jose “Pepín” Bosch in 1898–1994. Bosch initially supported Fidel Castro’s revolution against the Batista regime but later fled Cuba after the government seized Bacardi’s assets in 1960. Bosch relocated Bacardi’s operations to the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, and The Bahamas, successfully securing the company’s trademarks and yeast strain.
“Today, the Pioneer’s Palace functions as a school and social center where children learn about Cuban history and receive vocational training in fields like electronics, music, and veterinary services.”
Also recognizing the photo were Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Stewart Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.; and George Graf of Palmyra, Va.
- 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.
Gwinnett Courthouse Lighting of the Tree is Thursday
Historic Gwinnett Courthouse Lighting of the Tree will be Thursday, Thanksgiving night, November 28, from 5:30 p.m., with activities continuing until 8 p.m. around the Lawrenceville Square. Santa will light the tree then will receive visitors in his living room inside the Courthouse. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the decorated Courthouse. There will be kids’ activities, s’mores, live entertainment, voting on gingerbread houses and more! Vendors wanted.
Understanding Medicare will be the subject of a talk on December 5 at the Centerville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library at 11 a.m. Get unbiased guidance from a Certified Medicare Counselor about costs and coverage, comparing options, and enrolling in plans.
Author Talk with Kimberly Brock will be held December 5 at 7 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. The author will discuss her newest historical fiction novel, The Fabled Earth. Books will be available for sale and signing.
The Cravin’ Bacon Walk on December 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. is a great way to explore Downtown Braselton, finish up holiday shopping or just have a fun night on the town with friends. Squealer Tickets are $35 a person and include a map of through stops where walkers will pick up a bacon treat from each participating business. In addition to receiving the bacon bites at each trough stop, VIP tickets include special access to our bourbon tasting rooms where they will get samples from some of the finest distilleries around. (Purchasers must be at least 16 years of age to participate.)
The Nutcracker will be the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s 42nd annual production on December 13-15, and December 19-22 at the Gas South Theatre in Duluth. Be captivated as Drosselmeyer’s magic ushers in an army of mice at the stroke of midnight and the Christmas tree and Clara’s beloved nutcracker spring to life. Travel with Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they set out on a wonder- filled journey to battle the Mouse King and travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and Kingdom of the Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. For tickets, visit this link.
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