GwinnettForum | Number 22.06 | Jan. 20, 2023
TOP WINNER of the Philadelphia Winn DAR chapter Outstanding Teacher in American History Award is Lloyd Williams, left, shown with Denise Phillips, chair of the committee making the award. For more details, see Notable below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: More logic, better decisions, need from our governments
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Conditions in no-war zones in Ukraine continue to be terrible
SPOTLIGHT: Walton Gas
FEEDBACK: Conspiracy theories are around us; help combat these ideas
UPCOMING: Duluth marketing agency wins contract for restaurant chain
NOTABLE: Berkmar teacher wins DAR chapter top American history award
OBITUARIES: Dale Eugene Thurman
RECOMMENDED: The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Small town of Ludowici named for tile factory once there
MYSTERY PHOTO: Check out this beautiful photo from the mountains area
CALENDAR: Writer’s Workshop at Norcross Branch Library on January 21
More logic, better decisions, need from our governments
“You can’t just continue down the path to keep spending and adding to the debt.”– House Speaker Kevin McCarthy .
By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. | When I was a Georgia county commissioner, I was chair of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s tax committee. As chairman of a BOC, using cost/benefit analysis, I also got my board to lower annual local tax increases from 10 percent annually to 1 percent. When I got off the BOC, taxes went right back up.
As a fiscal conservative, I agree 100 percent with McCarthy’s statement. But I don’t agree with the methodology he proposes to use to achieve that end—the debt ceiling. Specifically, in the strange world of Washington, the debt limit must be raised to pay off past debt, money we already owe—not future obligations.
But McCarthy’s position is (my wording) –- “Let’s welch on our debts. That will serve ‘them’ right!”
Really? We, the American public, are the ‘them.’ And we will all suffer tremendously because the credit rating of the USA will go way down, crashing our economy. It will be more expensive for corporations, small businesses, and individuals to prosper and to finance everything and anything.
That is the main reason that the GOP raised the debt ceiling on three separate occasions under Trump. And the GOP leadership in the House and Senate gladly went along with raising the debt ceiling every time.
From a fiscal standpoint, the only realistic solution is for Congress to demand that:
- A cost-benefit analysis be completed for every major appropriations bill; and
- A cost-benefit analysis be used by Congressmen as their primary guide in voting;
- And then for Congress to realistically balance the budget every year.
We are overspending both of these domestically and in regard to national defense. Stop the partisan rhetoric! Either cut back or raise taxes, or both. There is no magic here. There is no other way to even out revenues and expenditures in order to balance the budget.
But the GOP and the Democrats are both unwilling to cut expenditures in a pragmatic manner. Our military budget keeps going up under both parties. There is pork buried in numerous bills. It takes hard work and lots of guts to pull such bills. And lots of irrational decisions continue on the national level.
For example, the United States’ national health care expenditures ($11,945 per capita) are double or triple that of many other nations that have full coverage for all citizens. And our healthcare status is worse. Private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid inefficiencies, are a big part of the reason. Why can’t we insure healthcare like other wealthy nations? For instance, Canada is $5,370 per capita or France is $5,564. The answer is that Big Pharma and the insurance industry are buying off both parties.
As for Georgia, we should also use cost-benefit analysis. Gov. Brian Kemp should be commended for not wasting money and pushing to have well-thought-out state expenditures. But he is inconsistent. For example, why is Kemp sending money back to taxpayers when we have a healthcare uninsurance rate of nearly 14 percent? And the Feds will pay 90 percent of expansion costs? This makes no sense!
We need more logic for our taxes, and better results from our governments.
Conditions in no-war zones in Ukraine continue to be terrible
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JAN. 20, 2023 | The reports we see about the war in Ukraine come to us in the warmth and safety of our home, through television, and through our social media platforms. It’s hard to imagine how terrible conditions are there. The photos and the videos are horrible. They touch our hearts. It’s been gratifying to see many people in our country reach out to help the Ukrainians.
Describing conditions in that country this week was Kristy Engel, a pediatric nurse practitioner and global consultant for Health International Ministries in the Ukraine, who is based in Atlanta. She spoke to the Gwinnett Rotary Club.
What hit us in her report was simply the depth of the problems even far away from war zones. She pointed out that Ukraine sits on the 50th geographic parallel, at about the same latitude as Winnipeg or Regina in Canada.
She described working in an improvised and unheated health clinic in a vacant school building, in weather so cold that you can see your breath when inside. “It was about 15 degrees outside, a little warmer inside. But we didn’t have electricity except for about two hours a day, and that could be in the middle of the night. So people would get up at all hours to recharge their devices, pump and heat water, flush the commodes, etc. I would dress in layers, yet I was still cold nearly all the time there. I had on gloves, but my fingertips would be so cold that I couldn’t feel much.”
Most of the people she sees in the health clinics are women and children, since men between 15-65 are off in war areas. That also means the agricultural area she visited had no men to work the crops last year, and hence no income, adding to the miseries.
Engel
Consider that most Ukraine buildings use circulating water through radiators for heat. So without electricity to circulate water to the radiators, there is no heat in the building. More recently wood stoves have been used, if they have them, for heat. This creates another problem: trees cut down for stove wood were planted after the leveling of forests in World War II, adding other problems like erosion.
Another problem: trafficking of displaced youth as they crossed the borders to seek refuge. Who would have thought of this criminal behavior? Many parents have seen their youth disappear in this way.
Weather conditions in Ukraine were far different from what Engel had been used to, since she has spent many of her years in Caribbean countries, where it is seldom cold. She is trained as a pediatric nurse practitioner and holds a post-master’s certificate in international nutrition and Faith Community Nursing.
Engel served for three years in Haiti and 12 years in the Dominican Republic, where she led mobile medical clinics and relief efforts following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Currently, she is based in Atlanta because of its airport. She regularly travels to countries in need of health assessments, ongoing education, health team visits, or other forms of collaboration, such as the Ebola crisis in 2014 and the current war in Ukraine. She works through Baptist groups.
Engel leaves January 31 for another mission trip to the western Ukraine, far from the war zones, to help people displaced from the war areas, who are suffering in their own way. Ukraine is a far different country in many ways during this war from those of us in Georgia in the safety of our warm homes. Please consider helping Ukraine out.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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Conspiracy theories are around us; help combat these ideas
Editor, the Forum:
Our country is awash in dangerous conspiracy theories. Most people believe these and spread them on social media.
Here in Gwinnett, there are many people with a limited understanding of how our country works, who are playing “telephone tag,” spreading and expanding anti- democratic rumors and otherwise unbelievable Information. Word of mouth expansion of theories with no basis in fact are heard and passed on within our community.
The real danger of these conspiracy rumors are played out in inappropriate decisions made by government and businesses as well as personal decision making. I know of teachers who now are fearful of teaching “sensitive” issues. Librarians are now careful about what books to display, fearful that the latest conspiracy theory will erupt into controversy. Neighbors are avoiding each other fearful of conflict. Families are now at odds with each other because of flawed thinking.
In Gwinnett we have a unique opportunity. Most of our citizens are educated and level-headed. It is now time for us to be aware of these rumors being spread by neighbors and to show up to share the truth. We need our good citizens to speak up in board meetings, in local coffee houses, in neighborhood meetings to counter the spread of conspiracy theories. Nothing less than our democracy is on the line.
– Alan Schneiberg, Sugar Hill
Would rather that the naming of Army post be left as it was
Editor, the Forum:
Did the Confederates fight against ‘our’ country, or did they fight to defend and retain the freedoms promised in the Constitution and the structure of our republic? It was a very long time ago and the issues were complex and went far beyond what most people today see as freeing the slaves.
The healing and recovery of our post-war country was complicated and painful, dictating such legislation as the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 preventing the president from using the military as a police force.
People struggled before the war. They suffered and sacrificed through four years of it. And they worked over the next 40 years recovering and healing from it. I think we should honor this growing pain in our history by leaving it as they, who knew it best, left it.
– Joe Briggs, Suwanee
Dear Joe: Are you seriously saying that we should keep the Army posts’ and their naming for what we now see as improperly named for seriously-flawed turncoats? It took me a while to realize this. Hope you and others can come along. –eeb
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net.
Duluth marketing agency wins contract for restaurant chain
Luckie marketing agency of Duluth has been named digital agency of record for Jack’s Family Restaurants (Jack’s), effective immediately.
Founded in 1960 in Homewood, Ala., Jack’s Family Restaurants started as Jack’s Hamburgers in a walk-up hamburger stand that served burgers, fries, sodas and shakes and has now grown to more than 230 locations in four states in the South. The company has an emphasis on community involvement and charitable giving.
Luckie will be responsible for digital brand strategy, developing creative for display, social and website applications, as well as providing business intelligence to drive same-store sales and digital engagement.
Billie Jo Waara, chief marketing officer in charge of Jack’s, says: “We appreciate Luckie’s data-first approach to marketing, which is what we need as we focus on store growth and market expansion.”
John Gardner, president and CEO of Luckie, adds: “Helping multi-unit businesses grow sales and engagement is a sweet spot for us. We also love partnering with other businesses that have long histories in Birmingham and the South – this is true alignment for both of our brands.”
Berkmar teacher wins DAR chapter top American history award
A teacher at Berkmar High School has been named winner of the Outstanding Teacher in American History Award by the Philadelphia Winn chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Lawrenceville.
Lloyd Williams, left in the photo, gets a certificate and monetary award and a challenge coin that states the DAR objectives from Denise Williams, chair of the committee that made the award.
Mr. Williams has taught at Berkmar High School for 16 years, represented his school in the “American History” grant, which led to his leading workshops and presentations to other teachers of history. He personally developed much of the material for several electives in the Social Studies field including Contemporary and Controversial Issues as well as Ethnic Studies, all in an effort to provide a meaningful experience for his students that will carry them into adulthood as lifelong learners.
Mr. Williams, lives in Snellville with his wife, Kristi (also a teacher at Berkmar) and their son, Lloyd Jr.). He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters in education. As a boy, he spent summers with his great grandfather on his farm in eastern Georgia where he developed his love for learning, especially history.
His colleagues stress what an interactive and innovative approach Lloyd uses to engage his students, as well as his generosity to fellow teachers, sharing the content he has created for student treasure hunts and the means to understand events such as the American Revolution, the War of 1812, Westward Expansion as well as many more current and important events that make up our American history.
Mr. Williams will now be considered as a candidate for the DAR State award, which will be announced in February.
Youth cartoonists wanted to submit their work
GwinnettForum is looking to encourage cartooning by Gwinnett youth. If you know of any students who can draw well, and can dream up outlandish and funny ideas in a cartoon format, they should submit three of their drawings. The sample cartoons to determine those selected should be submitted in a 11 by 8.5 in black pen and ink format by email, to be sent to elliott@brack.net. More than one cartoonist might be selected, anticipating that GwinnettForum would show one cartoon in each edition.
Deadline for submission will be Feb. 14, 2023. GwinnettForum will compensate the winner who can produce cartoons on a regular basis.
As an example of what’s wanted here is one cartoon, the first cartoon drawn when 11 years old by Bill McLemore, when he was living in San Antonio, Tex. in 1948. He once won a National Newspaper Association first place award, and has drawn cartoons his entire life. He is retired now and lives in Tucker, Ga.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Dale Eugene Thurman
Dale Eugene Thurman, age 78, of Hiawassee, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Dale was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Worth and Norene (Henson) Thurman in Marietta, Ga. on July 14, 1944.
Thurman
He attended Young Harris College and served in the United States Air Force. Dale started his work career at his father’s Western Auto store where all the locals went for their bicycles, guns and to have their cars serviced. He continued ownership with his father and wife for a family total of 35 years.
He was a member of the Lions Club which led him to working events at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. He was the full time manager position of this Fair for 12 years. Dale worked briefly with the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Ala. and then served as the manager of Gwinnett County Fairgrounds for 27 years. After working in fair management since the 1980s, Dale retired November 1, 2022 and returned home full time to Hiawassee.
He and his wife Beatrice (Bryson) were married 55 years and have two daughters, Leslie Kelley and Dawn Wright; grandchildren, Connor and Erin Kelley; step grandchildren, a step great-grandchild and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Norene Thurman; brother, Glynn Thurman; and sister, Maxine Nichols.
Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2023 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home in Hiawassee. The funeral will be Friday, January 20 at 2 p.m. at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, with burial in Laurel Hills Cemetery.
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
From Lee Klaer, Duluth: The recently published book by British journalist, Jonathan Freedland, is the true story of Rudolf Vrba, who in 1944 became the first Jew ever known to break out of Auschwitz and make his way to freedom and tell what he saw in the death camps. He did it to expose the truth of the death camp and to warn about the end of the railroad line. It is unbelievable how little the outside world knew of the Holocaust some five years into World War II. Most of Vrba’s intended recipients declined to read his stomach-churning report. The forensically-detailed report eventually reached Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and the Pope, but nothing was done. Thousands of Hungarian Jews were sent to the death chambers that could have been saved — if only the report would have been acted on by leaders of the day!
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Send to: elliott@brack.net
Small town of Ludowici named for tile factory once there
The small town of Ludowici, incorporated in 1905, remains the only incorporated municipality in rural Long County, located in east Georgia. It was designated the county seat in 1920, when Long County was created from the western portion of Liberty County. Located between Hinesville and Jesup, Ludowici is accessible by U.S. Highways 25, 84, and 301.
Development progressed slowly in this agricultural region until the 1840s, when the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, running from Savannah to the western sections of the state, cut through the area. Near the cotton plantation of Allen Johnston, a railroad station was built across the tracks from Johnston’s home, and a small village known as Johnston Station developed around it.
In the early 1900s the Ludowici-Celadon Roofing Tile Company of Chicago, Ill., began purchasing land along Jones Creek, a tributary of the Altamaha River, on the western side of Johnston Station. Chosen for its supply of quality ceramic clay, mild winters, and transportation facilities, the land became the site of a new “Dixie” plant for the production of ceramic roofing tiles. Under the direction of German native William Ludowici, the plant covered more than 1,100 acres and was built at a cost of about $75,000. The company employed around 100 local laborers, who produced a daily average of 10,000 tiles, each stamped “Ludowici Dixie.” “Dixie” tiles can still be found throughout Georgia and Florida on such prominent buildings as the U.S. Federal Building in Savannah and Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. (The Bona Allen Mansion in Buford is roofed with Ludowici tile.)
In 1905, when the town erected a new high school, the Ludowici family donated $1,000 toward its construction and provided the roofing tile. In honor of the family’s generosity, the citizens renamed their town Ludowici that same year. In 1914 the tile company closed the plant in Ludowici and moved its operations to a plant in New Lexington, Ohio. Traces of the old plant, known as “the factory,” still exist untouched by town expansion.
Many local residents have found employment outside of the local community at nearby paper mills and at Fort Stewart. During the mid-20th century, Ludowici attracted national attention and negative publicity for a speed trap that snared tourists on their way to and from Florida.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Check out this beautiful photo from the mountains area
How about this dramatic mountain photo! See if you can determine where and what this photo represents. Hint: it is not located in Georgia. Send your answer to elliott@brack.net and include your hometown.
Rick Krause of Lilburn immediately recognized the recent Mystery Photo: “It’s the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse on the east coast of Florida, south of Daytona and Port Orange. We stay there on occasion. We were going through photos last night and came across our photo of it.” The photo came from Lou Camerio of Lawrenceville.
Georg Graf of Palmyra, Va. gave some details of it. “The brick and granite lighthouse, built in 1887, stands just five feet short of the candy-striped beacon at Cape Hatteras, making it the second tallest lighthouse in the country. Since electricity wasn’t available at the inlet until 1932, the oil lamp had to be meticulously maintained. But sailors could count on its light every night until the Coast Guard turned it off in 1970, because of the increasing costs of maintenance. The light came back on a decade later. Nine buildings have been restored or rebuilt on the grounds, and they provide a brief glimpse into the highly disciplined life of a lighthouse keeper. Visitors are welcome to hike 203 steps up a spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse. For the effort, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the inlet and the long stretch of Daytona Beach to the north.”
Rob Ponder of Duluth reported: “There is a wonderful little restaurant nestled among several live-oaks near its base that our family has patronized many times on our visits to Daytona. Our family has walked up the 203 steps to the top many times.”
Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex. told us: “This is the third lighthouse built at this location. The first was built in 1835, and because of its poor design, was destroyed by a storm that same year. The second light at this location was built in 1835 and was destroyed during the Second Seminole War (aka Florida War). It was not until 1887 that the current structure was finally completed.” He also added: “The lighthouse saved author and journalist Stephen Crane’s (1871 – 1900) life in 1897 when he was shipwrecked far off the New Smyrna coast (after returning from a job covering the Cuban Revolution) and was able to swim to shore after spotting the small light from this lighthouse.”
Others recognizing this photo include Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Robert Foreman, Grayson; Stew Ogilvie, Lawrenceville; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Mary Green, Milton; Sara Rawlins, Lawrenceville; and Jane Bane, Buford: “It was the first lighthouse my husband and I visited together – lo, many years ago.”
Career Fair: Gwinnett County Corrections will host a career fair on Saturday, January 21, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Department seeks to fill corrections officer and senior corrections officer positions. The career fair will include a facility tour, background check, behavioral assessment and interview. Gwinnett offers benefits, paid training, educational incentives, tuition reimbursement and career advancement. The Comprehensive Correctional Complex is located at 750 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville.
Writers’ workshop on family stories: “Creating Genuine Emotion in Your Characters,” will be on Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Norcross Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library. Is 2023 the year to write your family story? Join Susan Beckham Zurenda, author of Bells for Eli,for this workshop.
Author Visit: meet television star and author Matt Paxton in Norcross on Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m., at the Norcross Cultural Arts Center. Paxton, of Hoarders TV, will discuss his book, Keep the Memories,Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life.
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