NEW for 10/3: On Plant Vogtle, new transit plan, devotion

GwinnettForum  |  Number 22.69 | Oct. 3, 2023

A GWINNETT COUNTY FIRM is a finalist for a major prize. Empire State Development has announced finalists for round five of $3 million Grow-NY Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition. Among them is the start-up Hypercell Technologies of Peachtree Corners. From left are key members of the firm, Drs. Terri Wasmoen, Alex Prokup and Bruno Jactel. See Notable below for more details. 

IN THIS EDITION

TODAY’S FOCUS: Plant Vogtle should never have been built
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Here’s what the new Gwinnett Transit Plan looks like
SPOTLIGHT: Georgia Banking Company 
ANOTHER VIEW: Devotion to each other and our nation must bind us together
FEEDBACK: Takes issue with Bernard about Bidenomics
UPCOMING: GGC recognizes outstanding faculty and staff
NOTABLE: Two Georgia colleges sign PT agreement with PCOM
RECOMMENDED: The One by John Marrs
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Civil War Heritage Trails war era in Georgia
MYSTERY PHOTO: Idyllic scene invites your identification 
CALENDAR: Snellville Commerce Club meets at noon today

TODAY’S FOCUS

Expensive Plant Vogtle should never have been built

2010 image of Plant Vogtle’s Units 1 and 2; via Wikipedia.

(Editor’s note: Patty Durand is president and founder of Cool Planet Solutions and lost a race in the 2022 election for the Georgia Public Service Commission.—eeb)

By Patty Durand

CONYERS, Ga.  |  On July 31,  Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 entered commercial operation after 14 years of construction, and Unit 4 is expected to be completed no later than March of 2024. Plant Vogtle is the only nuclear power plant under construction in the United States. 

Durand

As Plant Vogtle nears completion, there has been positive information from Georgia Power executives and Georgia Public Service commissioners citing Georgia for achievement, as though our state did something no other state could do. But the truth is, 49 other states didn’t build nuclear power because they knew it was the most expensive electricity generation that exists. They chose more affordable choices to meet their state’s energy needs. 

Georgia Power is the state’s only for-profit monopoly corporation. Monopolies have a history of customer abuse and aggressive profit-seeking, which is why they are generally illegal in the United States. When state legislatures create utility monopolies, they require close state oversight to ensure the public interest is served. The Georgia Public Service Commission (Ga PSC) is the state agency with that responsibility. The fact that the Ga PSC allowed Georgia Power to build this expensive generation source is a clear indication that the commission is in regulatory capture, an economic term that means regulators do what the utility wants instead of following their mandate. 

And what is their mandate? The Georgia legislature’s mandate to the Ga PSC is similar to all state commissions: they must set a reasonable profit for Georgia Power, and they must set just and reasonable electricity rates. Yet the Ga PSC sets Georgia Power’s profits far higher than utility industry norms – so much higher, in fact, that it pulls up the national average for the country. And when we think about just and reasonable rates, that does not and cannot include spending $35 billion building the most expensive power plant ever built on earth. 

Not only should Plant Vogtle never have been built, the fact that it was signals the need for urgent regulatory reform to return the Georgia Public Service Commission to its mission to protect Georgians from monopoly overreach. Here is more evidence for this: even without Plant Vogtle, Georgia Power has vastly overbuilt generation capacity, known as reserves. Every grid needs reserves which is electricity generation beyond what is thought to be needed. There are national guidelines for reserves that are tracked and published to ensure vital U.S. interests in electric grid stability are met. Georgia Power exceeds those guidelines nearly three-fold. Such high reserves cost Georgians billions of dollars in unnecessary expenditures, and deliver billions of dollars in profits to Georgia Power. 

These decisions – to build expensive nuclear, to build grid capacity three times above the recommended amount — are why Georgia’s utility bills rank in the top five in the nation in power cost. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. Georgia’s utility regulations must change to focus on affordability and reducing waste rather than building things for utility profit. Affordability can also be returned with better leadership on the commission. The 21st century gives us high-speed data, distributed generation, and advanced digital technologies. If we pair these capabilities with renewables and storage, and adopt programs to reduce costs that are routine elsewhere, we can have the grid of the future that Georgians deserve. 

EEB PERSPECTIVE

Here’s what the new Gwinnett Transit Plan looks like

By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum

OCT. 3, 2023  |  After reading the Gwinnett Transit Development Plan which the county has released, we’re convinced the team producing the study did a good job, and that the plan will eventually lead to major transit improvements for Gwinnett citizens.

We therefore adopt a new plank in our Continuing Objectives for Gwinnett County, that of “Adoption of the 2023 Transit Plan for Gwinnett.”  At the same time, we remove the current transit topic, which previously read: “MARTA rail for Gwinnett from Doraville station to Gwinnett Arena,” which would have proven too expensive to build.  We now think that the new transit plan presents an overall better plan for transporting our citizens throughout Gwinnett to downtown Atlanta and to the airport. 

One thing for sure: it will take a lot of money to implement this new plan.  But property owners ought to be smiling, since the plan won’t add any more property taxes, but is anticipated to be funded entirely by an additional one cent sales tax. That means the county is planning a “pay as you go” effort. In effect, that also means that changes will come rather slowly.

With the current sales tax bringing in$ 236,257,460 in 2022, and anticipating collecting the sales tax for 30 years, plus inflation and growth,  this would mean that Gwinnett will have invested a minimum of $70 BILLION to draw from to complete this transit plan.  That’s an ambition goal, but one that is necessary to achieve, realizing that by 2050, Gwinnett will have at least 1.5 million residents. That’s only 27 years from now.

Here are the elements of the proposed plan:

  1. SHARED RIDE: This is now called Microtransit, currently operating in two zones, with additional zones added over the years. The next three zones will serve the Suwanee, Sugar Hill and Buford areas. When completed in 2033, there will be 27 zones of this type of transit. It will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
  2. COUNTY RIDE: This will also operate 18/7 and will eventually consist of 11 routes, built between 2027 and 2043. These routes are between key destinations within the county.
  3. QUICK RIDE: There will be eight of these high frequency routes with priority improvements operated within the county by 2036. The first routes will begin in 2033. There will be 15-20 minute intervals between buses, operating 12/18/7 a week. In the first 10 years, it will have 115 miles of routes.
  4. RAPID RIDE: this will operate from the Doraville transit station to the proposed Lawrenceville Transit Center, serving five stops. It will move a large number of people and be a rubber tire service of 26 miles, to begin in 2036. Think Bus Rapid Transit.
  5. AIRPORT RIDE: To begin in 2027, these two routes will serve from the I-985 Park Ride lot and also from Snellville, direct to the airport. They will have limited stops along the way. It will operate 14 hours a day, seven days a week.

This overall plan will need the approval of Gwinnett voters to get this plan moving. It is expected a vote on this plan will be on the ballot in November, 2024.

You will note that this is not an immediate fix of all transportation problems. It will take years of implementation after the plan is okayed by the citizens. But it is Gwinnett’s best bet to move people around in a better manner.

GwinnettForum supports this plan and looks forward to its approval by Gwinnetians.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Georgia Banking Company

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Georgia Banking Company (GBC) is a community bank that provides its customers with a high-tech, high-touch exceptional customer experience. We’ve built a reputation for providing excellent service and support to our customers. In addition to our community-focused approach, GBC also offers a range of high-tech banking solutions that make banking more convenient and accessible for our customers. Our online banking platform is user-friendly and provides customers with access to a range of features and services, including account management, bill payments, and fund transfers. GBC also offers mobile banking, which allows customers to access their accounts and manage their finances on the go. If you’re looking for a bank that values community, technology, and exceptional customer service, then GBC is the perfect choice. By switching to GBC, you can enjoy the convenience of high-tech banking solutions while still receiving the personal attention and support that only a community-focused bank can provide. So why wait? Make the switch to Georgia Banking Company today and start enjoying a better banking experience. GBC is The Bank of Choice – learn why at www.GeorgiaBanking.com.

  • For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.

ANOTHER VIEW

Devotion to each other and our nation must bind us together

By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga.  |  Remember the words of these two songs and ask: which song represents America: “Come together” or “Rich men north of Richmond?”

 One, from many decades ago, is about acceptance of differences. The other is a modern country hit that screams class conflict. 

Recently I was at a men’s group presentation and saw a fine but little-known movie entitled Devotion. The theme of the movie is brotherhood, which is appropriate, given the group.  

Although it is a Baptist-affiliated group, and I am not a religious person or a Christian, but they have always made me feel very welcome. And although we may differ politically…my assumption given that they are almost all white, older men who tend to be conservative, yet our discussions are always civil.  

The movie is based on a real story, as detailed in a 2015 book entitled Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice. In any case, although it does not have a well-known star cast, Devotion is a great flick. And the movie shows humanity as it really is, not just how it is supposed to be.  

The key protagonists are two Korean War Navy pilots, Ensign Jesse Brown (a black man, a rarity for a pilot back then) and Lt. Tom Hudner, a rather typical all-American white guy. The movie was realistic, showing the racism that existed in the military at the time. Further, Brown and Hudner were real folks, heroes who fought a bloody war against invading North Korean and Chinese troops.   

However, the movie did not portray either man as a saint. They were both flawed human beings, as we all are. But in the final analysis, the men came to respect one another and became true friends.  

In the later part of the movie, Brown’s plane goes down over North Korea. Hudner tries to rescue him but is unsuccessful. Hudner ends up getting the Medal of Honor from President Truman. But Brown’s remains have never been recovered.  

As the group discussed the movie, it became clear that Devotion meant very different things to different people in the room. I can only express what it meant to me.  

I viewed the name of the film as meaning devotion to our nation, to humanity as a whole and to the equality of all men/women. In a nation that has been so divided for the last half dozen years, and will be for the foreseeable future, it is important to keep in mind that we as Americans have more things that bind us together than drive us apart.  

As Hudner and Brown learned, we must judge each person based on their actions, not on the group that they are born into. All people are not racist. Most white people, especially younger folks, are becoming much more accepting of cultural differences in our population and diversity. All black people are not anti-police, despite what right wing social media constantly portrays.  Not just African Americans, but all of us want police to ensure that neighborhoods are safe. But we also want police that are well trained and not likely to violently overreact when they see a non-white person possibly committing a misdemeanor.  

The bottom line is that we are all Americans and must learn to love and respect one another. We must resist those who seek to drive us apart for their own political or financial gain. Devotion to each other and our great nation must bind us together.  

FEEDBACK

Takes issue with Bernard about Bidenomics

Editor, the Forum:

It was with some interest that I read Jack Bernard’s flowery missive in your 8/8 Gwinnett Forum newsletter suggesting that, with little data, Bidenomics is working. To be blunt, the data from the federal government belie that theorem. 

Where Mr. Bernard and I agree is that Trump blew up the spend. Even though this occurred during Covid when people were in a dither, we now see the ramifications (bloated budget, Covid relief efforts rife w/fraud, etc.) In the rearview, I think we all would’ve done things differently. (e.g., the science was about 90% wrong but…)

Nonetheless, to suggest Bidenomics is working is to court fiscal disaster and to witness unicorns flatulating rainbows.

A simple review of the government supplied data elements above (the  percent based on YoY change – percent change are not whole numbers):

  • Removing the Covid recovery year (2021) GDP growth has been anemic (my dog could’ve grown GDP in 2021).
  • Unemployment under Trump was about what it is under Biden. Again, Covid 2020 being the outlier. 
  • Inflation is up and this past August it rose again. Because we have inflation less than 8 percent does not make 3.7 percent a good number! (Recent increases are now inextricably baked into what we pay for goods and services.)
  • Gas prices, prime interest rates, and Debt to GDP are all up under the current admin.
  • Mr. Bernard pointed out that the economy added 187K (“non-farm”) jobs last month. My facile understanding of econ is that we need to generate 250K+ monthly to have sustained growth and a robust economy. To add, the unemployment rate is low. But, what Mr. Bernard failed to point out is that it increased last month.

Why can’t we noodle what has happened under Biden?

  • A horrendous withdrawal from Afghanistan;
  • Loads of cash to Ukraine (to what end?);
  • Just freed up $6B in Iranian money;
  • Traded a terrorist with the Russians for an athlete who brought a forbidden substance into Russia; and
  • We have a president who can not ambulate, let alone structure a coherent sentence. That alone is frightening.

While I appreciate Mr. Bernard’s rose-colored-glasses approach, the facts don’t bolster the optimism. I also find it curious that those who disagree with the current Administration are somehow MAGA people or dolts, or both. Mr. Bernard’s obvious political biases/leanings cloud and minimize what might’ve been an interesting jumping off point for a thoughtful assessment. 

Jeff Gorke, 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:  elliott@brack.net.

UPCOMING

GGC recognizes outstanding faculty and staff

Rahaf

Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) outstanding faculty and staff were honored at its annual fall recognition ceremony recently. The college recognized six faculty and two staff members for embodying its four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity.

Rahaf Barakat, an associate professor of information technology in the School of Science and Technology, received the 2022-23 Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. Recipients of this award are nominated by students. Barakat came to the U.S. at a young age “seeking a better life and future.” She said she was drawn to the IT field for several reasons, but first and foremost was her deep-rooted love for technology.

Since joining GGC in 2015, Barakat received GGC’s Top Claw Award and in 2017, was nominated for the school’s Outstanding Faculty Student Engagement Award. Additionally, the Women in Technology organization included her among its “Fearless Women in Technology.” Barakat said GGC’s diversity and status as an access institution initially attracted her to the school.

The other award winners included:

Dr. David Weiss, a part-time English faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Faculty Part-Time Teaching Award. 

Dr. David Kirschner, associate professor of sociology and human services and chair of the Cultural Studies Department in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award..

Dr. Sairam Tangirala, associate professor of physics in the School of Science and Technology,  received the Outstanding Faculty Creativity and Scholarship Award. 

Dr. Cynthia Woodbridge, professor of chemistry in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Service Award..

Dr. Binh Tran, associate professor of information technology in the School of Science and Technology, was given the Outstanding Faculty Student Engagement Award. 

Anessa Griffin, budget and program coordinator for the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Staff Award for supporting more than 205 full-time faculty in obtaining equipment, instruments and other supplies needed to implement high-impact teaching practices

Kathija Jamaloodeen, program coordinator for the School of Health Sciences, also received the Outstanding Staff Award for coordinating the nursing and health science programs.

NOTABLE

Two Georgia college sign PT agreement with PCOM

Two Georgia colleges recently inked an agreement for local students interested in becoming physical therapists (PT). Both Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) of Lawrenceville and Young Harris College (YHC) in the Georgia mountains, have agreed to terms to help prospective PT students at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia (PCOM Georgia) in Suwanee.

Lauren Tapp, chair of the department of exercise science and physical education at GGC, says that the partnership is significant because it will provide our exercise science students with a guided pathway to matriculate into a physical therapy program, while also providing PCOM Georgia’s physical therapy program with students who are well-prepared for graduate study.

Drew Van Horn, president of Young Harris College, says:  “This agreement with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is a great moment here at Young Harris College. Partnering with a reputable institution like PCOM Georgia allows us to offer educational opportunities to students in the physical therapy field. This partnership expands our ability to offer more options for students in this region interested in this field of medicine.”

Ruth M. Maher, professor and chair of the PCOM Georgia physical therapy department, says: “With a significant national shortage of physical therapists, the affiliation agreement between PCOM Georgia’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and these two colleges couldn’t be timelier.” 

She adds: “The agreement pathway will provide high-quality educational and experiential opportunities for students from both institutions who are interested in pursuing a career as physical therapists. The benefit for PCOM Georgia is that the agreement will enhance our program’s ability to meet the needs of our communities, while potentially improving diversity within the healthcare workforce.” 

Gwinnett firm finalist for $3 million prize from N.Y. state

A Gwinnett County start-up firm is among 20 worldwide companies competing for $3 million in prize money. Empire State Development Announces Finalists for Round Five of $3 million Grow-NY Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition.

Among the 20 is Hypercell Technologies of Peachtree Corners. The company provides rapid point-of-care diagnostics for the food chain, ensuring early identification and management of biological contaminants from production to transformation with increased speed and accuracy.  The principals in the firm include, from left, Dr. Terry Wasmoen, Dr. Alex Prokup and Dr. Bruno Jactel.

Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) announced the 20 finalists selected to take part in year five of Grow-NY, a food and agriculture business competition focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage, and agriculture innovation cluster in upstate New York. The competition is funded through New York state’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative and administered by CREA. Winning companies will be required to make a positive economic impact in the Grow-NY region, which comprises 22 counties located in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the southern tier regions. 

A second Georgia firm, MycoLogic of Kennesaw, is also a finalist in the competition.

It is developing a comprehensive solution for starting or expanding specialty mushroom cultivation businesses. They provide hardware and software for the semi-autonomous cultivation of specialty mushrooms, as well as biological support and consultation.  

Local authors win award for documenting history

GGC history professor Michael Gagnon has been notified that the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council has voted to present the 2023 Award for Excellence in Documenting Georgia’s History to him and co-editor Matt Hild for publication of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and the Transformation of the American South, 1818-2018. The award will be officially presented to the co-editors October 26 at a location yet to be determined.

RECOMMENDED

The One by John Marrs

From Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill:  Imagine a world in which you are matched up with the one and only person you’re destined to spend your life with – all because of the discovery of a gene that identifies your soul mate. In this world, a company called ‘Match Your DNA’ pairs you with a complete stranger who has, or eventually will have, a life-long attraction to you. But the couples ‘matched’ are not matched because of their interests, ethnicity, cultural or religious similarities. What could possibly go wrong? This book is an imaginative, clever look at the world of adult dating and is a change from what I normally read. Is it farfetched? Of course. Is it literary? No. But if you’re in the mood for a roller coaster of a ride, this fast-paced, page turner may captivate you. There are surprises (and a few trainwrecks) everywhere you look. I read it in one afternoon.

  • 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 

GEORGIA TIDBIT

Civil War Heritage Trails war era in Georgia

The impact of the Civil War (1861-65) on Georgia was greater than that of any other event before or since. Some 11,000 Georgians were killed between 1861 and 1865, and more than 460,000 enslaved African Americans were emancipated by the war’s end. 

The nonprofit organization Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails (GCWHT) chronicles the Civil War era through historic driving routes and interpretive markers, patterned after Virginia’s “heritage tourism” initiative. GCWHT, a tax-exempt corporation founded in 1999 and led by volunteers from throughout the state, works to raise public awareness of existing preservation opportunities while providing scenic and cultural benefits to those who follow its trails.

Another goal of GCWHT is to stimulate economic development in Georgia. With funds awarded by the federal government under the Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-first Century, and with the support of scores of local communities, GCWHT has erected highway directional signs and a series of interpretive markers at many locations along or near some of the routes used by the Union and Confederate armies. Trails bypass interstate highways, instead leading visitors through rural counties. Communities along or near each trail benefit from this increased tourism.

The content of every marker is thoroughly checked by representatives of the National Park Service, the Georgia Park Service, academics, and local historians; documentation for all content is required. GCWHT markers include a map, photographs, and/or Civil War–era drawings. Most are installed adjacent to existing public parking; GCWHT coordinates with the Georgia Department of Transportation and with local jurisdictions and landowners to build adequate parking if none is nearby.

GCWHT divides the state into six distinct “trail regions,” each representing a geographical area and/or a significant event from the Civil War period. Because the Atlanta campaign and the March to the Sea were the two major Civil War events in Georgia, these trails were created first. Interpretive markers feature not only military campaigns but also such nonmilitary topics as the roles of women and African Americans, hospitals, churches, railroads, and many other social and political subjects from the era. Each marker is linked along a trail route to national and state parks, museums, and other Civil War heritage attractions.

MYSTERY PHOTO

Idyllic scene invites your identification 

This mystery photo for today is an idyllic scene, what with the large building, a peaceful river and one paddler enjoying the area. See if you can pinpoint where this photograph was taken, and then send your idea to elliottt@brack.net, including your home town.

Fran Worrall, Lawrenceville, recognized “the Memphis Botanic Gardens in Memphis, Tenn. I was there a few years ago; it’s a hidden gem. The 96-acre property includes 30 specialty gardens within seven distinct zones as well as thousands of trees representing more than 180 species. A number of sculpture and art collections are also on display throughout the grounds. The bridge in this photo is part of the Japanese Garden. Named Seijaku-En (which means ‘Garden of Tranquility’), the garden was designed in 1966 by Dr. P.T. Tono of Tokyo and was later renovated by Ritchie Smith of Memphis and Professor Koichi Kawana of Santa Monica, Calif., who designed many of the Japanese gardens found across the United States. Distinctive elements in the garden include the Moongazing Pavilion, which overlooks the garden, and the Half Moon bridge (depicted), which crosses a koi-filled lake.”  The photo came from Paige Havens of Hoschton.

Others getting the identification right included Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Cindy Evans, Duluth; Allen Peel of San Antonio, Tex. and Raleigh Perry of Buford, who wrote: “This picture reminds me of the Japanese park in Memphis where I used to go to study because it was seldom visited.”

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:  elliott@brack.net and mark it as a photo submission.  Thanks.

CALENDAR

Snellville Commerce Club meets at noon today

Celebrate Hispanic Latino Heritage on Tuesday,October 3 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Plaza in Lawrenceville. It’s going to be an evening filled with riveting performances, great food, and fellowship with Gwinnett’s vibrantly connected community! Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the program will start at 7 p.m. Click here to register to attend.

Join the book launch of bestselling author Denny S. Bryce’s newest historical fiction novel, The Other Princess. This will be at the Duluth branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on October 3 at 7 p.m. She will be in conversation with fellow historical fiction author Vanessa Riley. Books will be available for sale and signing. 

Snellville Commerce Club will meet on October 3 at noon at the City Hall. Speaker will be Craig Dominey, senior film location specialist and camera ready program manager of the Georgia Film Office. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University. He worked as a scriptwriter for numerous commercials and corporate videos. Craig has also served as a contributing writer for regional websites, magazines and newspapers.

Understanding Medicare: Get unbiased guidance from a Certified Medicare Counselor about costs and coverage, comparing options, and enrolling in plans.  This will be held Wednesday, October 4, at 11 a.m. at the Grayson branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. 

Art Splash in downtown Norcross is from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday or from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday October 7-8.  Eighty artists from across the country will show off their talents with folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber art, metalwork, and of course, jewelry…lots of sparkly bling! Bring the kids for an interactive Kidz Zone with face painting, sand art and inflatable rides. For more details, visit https://www.splashfestivals.com/events-festivals/norcross-art-splash/.

Reading is FUNdamental will be presented at the Norcross branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on October 7 at 11 a.m.  Would you like to learn how to build your child’s speech, language, and emergent literacy skills while reading together? If so, this series is for you!

Put on your calendar:  The 44th Annual Elisha Winn Fair will be Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8, at the Elisha Winn House, Gwinnett’s birthplace, at 908 Dacula Road in Dacula. Enjoy a living history exhibit, good food, craft vendors, music, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning and military enactors. The fair is sponsored by the Gwinnett Historical Society.

The Snellville Historical Society will  meet on October 8 at 2 p.m. at Snellville City Hall.  The speaker will be Donna Barron. Her father was one of the last sculptors on the carving on Stone Mountain. 

Build a Successful Business workshop will be Saturday, October 12, at 7 p.m. at the Duluth branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. It is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with the essential knowledge and tools to transform their ideas into thriving ventures.

Preview Days at Georgia Gwinnett College will be October 14 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Prospective students will hear from members of the Grizzly family about programs of study, admissions, financial aid, student housing and more. Participants will be able to tour GGC’s campus and talk to student ambassadors about their experiences at GGC. The event will include food, music and fun giveaways. GGC team members will host selected breakout sessions in Spanish. Register for Preview Day at www.ggc.edu/preview.

OpenHouse at Truth’s Community Clinic will be Sunday, October 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. The clinic, now in its 20th year, provides free medical and dental services to underserved residents in our area, is located at 250 Langley Drive, Suite 1316, Lawrenceville. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

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