GwinnettForum | Number 23.87 | Nov. 5, 2024
KEEP UP WITH THE ELECTION: Here’s a blank outline map of the states of our country. As the vote totals come in tonight and Wednesday, and you learn which candidates took a particular state, fill in that figure. So print out this map and fill in the total electoral votes, and see which candidate reaches the 270 electoral votes to become president-elect. Use the GwinnettForum prediction of electoral votes elsewhere in today’s Forum to see how many electoral votes each state has.
IN THIS EDITION
TODAY’S FOCUS: You, too, can write; author shows how to get started
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Here are tools to help you watch election returns
SPOTLIGHT: Gateway85 Community Improvement District
FEEDBACK: Keep remembering: the USA is a republic!
UPCOMING: Local DAR sponsors Wreaths Across America Day
NOTABLE: County warming stations open when 35 degrees
RECOMMENDED: The Soaring Earth y Margarita Engle
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Vaccination eliminates smallpox in Georgia
MYSTERY PHOTO: Where’s this sculpture of soaring arches?
LAGNIAPPE: Several kiosks in Gwinnett offer Covid-19 testing
CALENDAR: Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra performs Nov. 9
You, too, can write; author shows how to get started
Editor’s note: The writer is a Lawrenceville resident and author of 29 books, including After I Die: What My Executor Will Need to Know.—eeb.
By Fran Stewart
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | Most of us want to tell our stories. If one isn’t comfortable with writing, though, it can seem a daunting task to put our stories onto paper.
Stewart
Over the years that I’ve taught memoirs-writing classes, I’ve found that most people simply need a jump-start. They ask: How do I begin? What if nobody wants to read my stories? What on earth should I write about?
There are definite answers to each of those questions, and by starting gently with simple writing exercises, such as “remember a particular smell—maybe grandma’s sugar cookies or the stink of hospital cleaning agents when your tonsils were removed—and tell why that smell still lingers with you after all these years,” people find that they can ease into the telling of those stories that are so important.
Each person is like a library. Your stories may be as simple as the day the dog ate your birthday cake or as intricate as the bullying you endured when you were in grade school. Nobody else can tell your stories. Even a close family member will have different memories about the same event. The important thing is to get down on paper (or on your computer) the lessons you’ve learned over the years: put the cake in a room where you can close the door, for instance!
First, write in the way most comfortable to you. Many use computers (or typewriters), while others want to write it out, perhaps on a yellow pad. Some would rather dictate into your iPhone. (Some would rather dictate into an iPhone app, which can be converted into text which can be put into a document or sent as an email.)
So, how do I teach non-writers to write?
I guide them gently into reviewing the importance of their life stories, give them a few basic tools, and then let them have a safe space in which to begin using those new skills.
I’ll be teaching a writing session beginning tomorrow. I have an upcoming three-session class at the Lawrenceville Library that runs November 6, 13, and 20. I hope to see you there. Registration is required, and the class is filling up fast. Click to register.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Here are tools to help you watch election returns
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
NOV. 5, 2024 | Many Gwinnettians will be watching the elections tonight, and maybe into Wednesday morning, to determine who will be our next president.
Today GwinnettForum will provide you with tools to make understanding the returns more meaningful.
In addition, we will also provide you with an outline national map of the states, so that you can color in when one candidate gets a majority of votes to win the electoral vote in each state. You probably won’t start filling in the space until at least 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. from the eastern states. You will have to wait until Wednesday morning for the western states. You will also find an already-colored in state-by-state map with GwinnettForum’s prediction of how the electoral college vote will go.
Now let’s turn to the results from the last three presidential elections in Gwinnett County.
Chart One, above, shows that in the 2020 election, Joe Biden won Gwinnett, getting 58 percent of the vote, to Donald Trump’s 40 percent. While there were 150,532 more people registered in Gwinnett, the Democratic candidate, Biden, scored 75,841 more votes than Hilary Clinton got in 2016, while Republican Trump increased his vote from 2016 by only 16,411 votes.
And note that Mitt Romney got more votes in 2012 than Trump did in 2016.
More observations from this chart:
- There were 187,000 more people registered to vote in 2020 than in 2012.
The year 2016 saw the highest turnout of voters, 77 percent. But in the other two years, the turning was 75 percent (2012) and 72 percent (2020.)- We also know that in 2024, we have 663,451 registered in Gwinnett, which is 81,984 more than in 2020. Whew!
We have two more charts to share with you.
Chart Two, above at right, shows the percentage of the presidential votes in Gwinnett. The Republican Party has fallen off significantly in presidential votes in Gwinnett since 2012, when that reached 58 percent, and was down to only 40 percent of the vote in 2020.
Chart Three, at right, details the actual number of votes the two parties received. While both party’s vote totals have gone up, the Republicans in 2020 were up only about three percent over 2012 (from about 153,000 to 155,000), while the Democrats found a big increase in 2012 (about 140,000 votes ) to the 2020 total of about 100,000 more, or 240,000! Yes, 2020 showed that in both local offices, and in the presidential votes, Gwinnett was heavily Democratic.
So, let’s turn to prediction. We’ll show you what we think will happen, and you might like to try your hand at predicting which candidate will win the individual state’s electoral vote.
Here’s a graphic of how we predict the election.
Finally at the top of the Forum is that blank map for you to fill in with your own predictions. Good luck to you in wishing you luck in this prediction.
Seems to us like every four years, the presidential campaign is no longer just a regular routine presidential election, but is becoming ever so more downright mean. Granted, it’s always been a hard ball matter, but never have we seen it so vicious as in 2024.
Perhaps part of the answer is because Georgia is now a battleground state, and we are flooded in every media with hard-core advertising, even interrupting our cherished football games. Though not a player in social media, we hear these political advertisements are also bombarding these areas.
For sure, we will be more relaxed and happy without the constant blast of those political advertisements.
May your candidate win!
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Gateway85 CID
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Gateway85 Community Improvement District is a self-taxing district that includes just over 800 commercial property owners with a property value of over $1.7 billion. Gateway85 includes the southwestern part of Gwinnett County including properties along Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Buford Highway, Indian Trail Road, and Beaver Ruin Road.
Gateway85 is one of five CIDs to be created in Gwinnett County and is one of the largest CIDs in the state. The community is an economic powerhouse that helps fuel the regional economy. More than 3,000 businesses employing roughly 47,400 people call Gateway85 home. The jobs in the district account for almost 16 percent of Gwinnett County’s total employment. Gateway85 provides $27.5 billion in economic output for the County and $36.4 billion economic output for Georgia.
Gateway85’s mission is to improve property values through increased security, decreased traffic congestion, and general improvements to the curb appeal and infrastructure of the area. In September, 2024, Gateway85 will help to launch a new micro transit system in conjunction with the City of Norcross and Gwinnett County to provide on-demand shuttle service from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, designed to help more than 36,000 area residents. Gateway85 CID’s office is located at 6305 Crescent Drive, Norcross, Ga. 30071. For more information visit https://www.gateway85.com/ or call Emory Morsberger at 770-409-8100.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Keep remembering: the USA is a republic!
Editor, the Forum:
Thanks as always for your article regarding sound institutions and good leadership. One note which is worth repeating over and over. The United States of America is not a democracy. It is a constitutional, representative republic.
Thank you for letting me make this point. It’s critical that the citizens of this great nation know and understand the difference.
– Randy Brunson, 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.
Local DAR sponsors Wreaths Across America Day
More than two million volunteers and supporters gather each year to honor our veterans buried at cemeteries nationwide and abroad on National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America, a 501c3 organization headquartered in Maine, has over 4,600 participating locations with the mission to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
On Saturday, December 14, the Philadelphia Winn Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be hosting two ceremonies in Lawrenceville. The first ceremony will be held at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, 87 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville at 11 a.m. The second ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Gwinnett Memorial Park, 925 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville.
Participants will include the Button Gwinnett Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the Elisha Winn Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), and the award-winning Georgia Society SAR Color Guard and Militia (GSSAR), JROTC Army Cadets from Discovery High School and Grayson High School, as well as additional local community organizations.
To sponsor a wreath online ($17 each), go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ga0265p and select the cemetery location to receive your fresh balsam wreath. To arrive in time for the 2024 ceremonies, the sponsored wreaths should be ordered no later than December 3. (Wreaths ordered after December 3 will be shipped for the 2025 ceremony.)
- For any questions about the wreath program, please contact Philadelphia Winn DAR Chapter Regent, Randi Minor at (770) 882-8108, email RandiMD@gmail.com, or Honorary Regent Lynn Jacques at (678) 332-9852, email LynnJacques55@gmail.com.
County warming stations open when 35 degrees
Now open, Gwinnett County will have warming stations on nights when temperatures drop to 35 degrees or below. These stations provide temporary, overnight relief for residents who are exposed to long-term frigid temperatures.
The warming stations will be available from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., providing a warm place to rest and receive a meal for those in need.
Community Services Deputy Director Regina Miller says: “Gwinnett County’s warming stations are a vital resource for those facing extremely cold nights without shelter. By opening these spaces, we’re offering a safe, warm environment for our residents who need it most. This initiative reflects our commitment to caring for our community, ensuring everyone has a place to find comfort during the harsh winter weather.”
EMC Foundation grants $50,000 to local charities
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $143,700 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $50,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $20,000 to Nothing But the Truth, Inc., Dacula, to purchase food for its Weekend Food Program, which serves children in need in Barrow and Gwinnett counties.
- $15,000 to The Block Community Outreach, Inc., Sugar Hill, to purchase fresh produce and shelf-stable foods for its Weekend Food Program for children in need in Gwinnett County.
- $15,000 to Buford First United Methodist Church for its Sack Kids Hunger relief program that provides weekend food bags for children in need in Gwinnett and Hall counties.
The Soaring Earth, by Margarita Engle
By Susan J. Harris, Stone Mountain: The Soaring Earth: A Companion Memoir to Enchanted Air, is a beautifully written poetic record of Margarita Engle’s growth during her late teenage years. During this time period, she straddles two worlds; her gorgeous life in Cuba and the land of dreams in Los Angeles. Margarita longs for travel and independence but she must first complete high school and possibly an advanced education. When America becomes embroiled in the Vietnam War, her priorities take a huge hit. She attempts to find her way via different relationships and by making the most of her talents and interests. Margarita grapples with different philosophies about peace, freedom of expression and environmental rights. Education is her anchor during these turbulent years, which she comes through with a clear direction of her role in the world. The poetic format of this memoir brings with it an immediacy that will captivate 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.
Robert McLemore (Bob) Rule
Robert “Bob-Bo” Mclemore Rule, aka “Mr. Yo-Yo”, age 88, peacefully took his final checkered flag on October 29th 2024. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts and memories of his family and friends.
Rule
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 10, at 2 p.m. at the Duluth chapel of Bill Head Funeral Home.
Born on June 12, 1936 in Nashville Tenn., he was the only child of the late Georgia “Nana” Dulong and Robert Rule. It didn’t take long for Bob-Bo to start a life on the road that would become an epic adventure.
His journey started to take shape in 1942 when he moved to Detroit, Mich. to start school. According to his in-progress book, “I Never Had an Honest Job In My Life,” his working career started at the age of 6 working a paper route with a buddy, even though it is still unclear if he was ever paid.
Throwing papers had to take a back seat in 1948 when the true Bob-Bo legacy began –– the day he picked up his first yo-yo. What started as an after-school “babysitter/toy” gave birth to one of the greatest yo-yo players ever. After a year of practice, he entered his first contest. He always said if we wanted something bad enough, it was in our hands. 1952 was the start of his career with Duncan Yo-Yo’s. They brought him on a part-time basis until 1955 when he was promoted to a Traveling Professional Yo-Yo Man –– a badge of honor only second to being a father and husband. He traveled the southeast for the next seven years going town to town, school to school, setting up yo-yo contests. Most of the time he was run off by “officials” because the Yo-Yo Man was looked down upon in those times. He described it like a drug dealer today.
September of 1962 would start the next chapter of his story… what he thought was a normal trip to Kentucky. He walked into Fairmeade Pharmacy to meet his contact for the next contest. It was then that he first saw Kathy Morris, an insurance saleswoman during the day and a pharmacy lunch counter worker on the weekends. In what could only be described as a fairytale story, Bob-Bo and Kathy were married six weeks later.
In 1965, the chance of an “off-the-road” job settled the two in Atlanta. At this time, Bob-Bo was the last professional player for Duncan. While the job offer turned out not to be real, they stayed in the Atlanta area and put down roots. Not being one to sit idle, he walked into a slot car track on the southside of Atlanta and asked for a job. This led him to open Model Car Speedway closer to home, which caught the attention of a local slot car manufacturer, Champion Slot Racing Products. The slot car chapter was somewhat short-lived but was incredibly important because of the friendships made. In July of 1967 the first little Rule, Kim (Rule) Pritchard, was born.
The next chapter of the story includes BoLINK RC Cars, and a second bundle of joy, Steve Rule. BoLINK became one of the Big 5 RC companies through the 1980’s. We lost Kathy in her fight with cancer in ‘88 and Bob-Bo became Mr. Mom to a college senior and a Momma’s boy. A long friendship with Billy and Joy Porter grew and they became a true part of the family and their daughter, Cheri (Porter) Prall, became something of a sister.
Along the way, there were many other accomplishments including Desert/Off-Road racing, 30+ years as a member of the Gwinnett Rotary Club serving as the executive secretary, being included in the Smithsonian Institute (Mr. Yo-Yo); countless television appearances including his favorites, The Smothers Brothers Show; being a member of the American Yo-Yo Association and Slot Car Racing Hall of Fame; plus the winner of the 2002 Harvey Lowe (Yo-Yo) Award; and introducing NASCAR to their first timing system.
There is one more chapter that can’t be left out, one of the most important ones. It started May 26,1998. That was his first date with Elleda Marshall, Bob-Bo’s wife for the last 25 years.
This may not be a normal obituary, but Bob-Bo did not live a normal life. He lived an extraordinary life full of adventure. Bob-Bo…Bob Rule…will be remembered as a great father, husband, friend and Yo-Yo Man!
Bob is survived by his wife, Elleda (Marshall) Rule; his daughters Kim (Charlie) Pritchard and Cheri (Brian) Prall; son Steve (Amy) Rule; daughter LeeAnne (Cris) Crapo; grandchildren Tyler Prall, Kiersten (Alex) Brown, Samantha (Daniel) Hetherington, Michaela (Tim) Jefferson, Chaz Pritchard, Kyle Rule, Rachel Maxwell, Connor Crapo and Owen Crapo; and great grandchildren McKenna Brown, and Baby Jefferson (May 2025); and rescue pup Big Boy.
In lieu of flowers, help with one of Bob’s biggest passions, rescue dogs. Make a donation to honor him to Musical Charities. This non-profit supports dog rescues through music events. Your donations will benefit the animals affected by hurricane Helene. Send to Venmo@musicalcharities.org or visit the website, www.musicalcharities.org. Checks may be mailed to Musical Charities, 425 Bruce Road, Douglasville, Ga. 30134.
Vaccination eliminates smallpox in Georgia
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. It is caused by the variola virus. In 1977 the World Health Organization declared the world free from natural smallpox. Currently, the virus is believed to exist only in high-security laboratories, although concerns that smallpox may be used as a bioterrorism weapon have been raised since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in New York City and Washington, D.C.
One of the first mentions of smallpox in Georgia was in 1738. During the colonial era the disease greatly affected the state, wiping out whole tribes of Native Americans. In 1768 the Georgia General Assembly passed a law prohibiting inoculation against smallpox for fear of spreading disease to the people not receiving vaccinations. Centuries later, the smallpox vaccination campaign successfully eliminated the disease in Georgia.
The smallpox virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluid or contaminated objects. Two types of the variola virus exist: variola major and variola minor. Variola major is the more severe and the more common form. It has a death rate of 30 percent. Variola minor is less common and much milder, with a death rate of 1 percent. Symptoms of variola major include high fever, malaise, head and body aches, vomiting, and rash, which starts off as small red dots on the tongue and mouth. The spots develop into sores, which then open and spread the disease. The rash subsequently appears on the skin and spreads to the whole body in the form of bumps. The bumps fill with opaque liquid and eventually turn into pustules. The pustules turn into scabs that fall off, which may result in scarring.
Because of emerging concerns about a potential smallpox attack, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta developed the Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines to offer direction to state and local health officials in a smallpox emergency. The CDC began providing smallpox vaccines to states in January 2003 as part of U.S. President George W. Bush’s effort to vaccinate health workers and emergency responders.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Where’s this sculpture of soaring arches?
Check out today’s mystery, a modern sculpture, with its gleaming, soaring arches. Figure out its location, and send your answer to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Ruthy Lachman Paul of Norcross recognized the entrance gate to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England. She wrote: “Completed circa 1520 and traditionally one of Canterbury’s most photographed sights. It has many architectural details, including:
- Carvings: Intricate carvings of mythical beasts, angels, heraldic shields, and flora and fauna;
- Rose: A large rose surrounded by a procession of animals;
- Color scheme: A vibrant color scheme;
- Stone and brick: A stone four center arch, two brick faced stories, and two octagonal towers;
- Restoration: Restored in 1660; and
- Statue: a statue of Jesus.
The photo came from Lucy Brady of Suwanee.
Also recognizing it were Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Steve Oglivie, Rehobah, Ala.; Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex. and George Graf of Palmyra, Va., who wrote: “Been there. Drove my wife Diane from my Army base in Germany. After our visit to Canterbury we spent the night at a fantastic B&B in the seaside town of Whitstable. Younger and sporting a beard, when we parked and walked to the B&B, one of the women there was yelling to others that Kenny Rogers was coming to stay. Getting closer, it didn’t take much to convince me that I was not Kenny. I can’t even play an instrument or sing on key. By the way, I have the exact same photo of this gate, but mine was years before, but little to nothing has changed.”
- 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.
Several kiosks in Gwinnett offer Covid-19 testing
Here’s a new way to test to see if you have Covid. Gwinnett’s Department of Health has installed at nine sites around Gwinnett the “Testandgo” free Covid-19 testing machines.
Those wanting the test may register at the site, or online. Once at the site, the machine will guide users and dispense a test kit, which once completed and deposited into the machine, is picked up daily. Results are texted or emailed to people within 48 hours. The machine has instructions via a video to guide those being tested.
These testing kiosks are located at libraries in Auburn, Buford, Duluth, Five Forks, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Mountain Park and Norcross. Another is located at the Norcross Health Center, at 5030 Georgia Belle Court.
- To view a video of this service, go to https://register.testandgo.com/. The video links appear under the “Get Started” button. The video is available in English and Spanish.
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra performs Nov. 9
The Snellville Commerce Club will hold its annual general membership meeting on November 5 at noon at the Snellville City Hall. President Don Britt will report on the state of the organization, have a financial update and give us a glimpse of plans and activities.
Writing Your Memoirs: Learn how your experiences and life lessons can entertain and inspire others in this three-part writing workshop. It will be on November 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library.
New exhibit: opening Friday, November 8, is an exhibition of the life’s works of Kathryn Andrews Fincher at the Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning in Duluth. A VIP reception will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through January 25. There is no charge to attend the Hudgens Center.
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present Magnificent Marimba on November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. This will be the debut concert for Music Director Finalist Howard Hsu, and will also feature phenomenal guest soloist and percussionist Britton-René Collins.
Veterans Empowerment Expo is coming to the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join other veterans and their families for an informative panel discussion, access to resources, and support services that will empower them. This will be held on November 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Healthy Living Workshop is scheduled for November 9 at 11 a.m. at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join community health experts for a wellness workshop to learn more about maintaining your physical, mental, and social health.
5K Walk Run: Werfen Peachtree Corners, and the City of Peachtree Corners have partnered to host a Charity 5K Walk/Run in Technology Park on Saturday, November 9. The run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk at 9:05 a.m. in front of City Hall. The registration fees collected will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (Werfen was previously known as Immucor.) The run capacity is limited to the first 100 participants. Learn more and register here.
Nutrition for a Healthy Life: Creating Pantry Meals and Using Leftovers is scheduled to be held on November 13 at 10:30 am. at the Suwanee Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes and healthy recipes to cook. This program will have Korean translation available.
Better Cooking for a Better Environment: Demo and tasting will be held at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on November 14 at 6 p.m. Help your holiday season go smoothly. Learn how to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease while sampling holiday treats.
Author Talk with Alayne Smith is scheduled on November 15 at noon at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join author Alayne Smith as she discusses her newest mystery novel, The December Postcards, set in Lawrenceville in the 1960s. 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
- 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