11/6: Remembering veterans; thankful on E-SPLOST

OLD-TIME YULE: Christmas over 150 years ago will be the focus on November 14 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the McDaniel Farm Park See people dressed in old costumes, celebrating the custom of the day. But don’t plan to see children getting lots of presents, for in those days, an orange or banana might have been the main present. For more details, see Upcoming below.

TODAY’S FOCUS: Many Veterans Who Served Are Still Hurting

EEB PERSPECTIVE: Big Relief Felt from E-SPLOST Voting from Small Turnout

UPCOMING: Christmas in 1860s Coming to McDaniel Park Farm in November

NOTABLE: Sidewalks and Resurfacing Coming To Parts of Gwinnett

RECOMMENDED READ: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

GEORGIA TIDBIT: Hazel Gaines First Woman in Georgia To Earn Pilot’s License

TODAY’S QUOTE: Yogi Sees Value in Little League Baseball

MYSTERY PHOTO: Three Recognize Last Edition’s Mystery Photo

LAGNIAPPE: GAC Dancers Cop State Championship for Fourth Time

Many who served are still hurting as we approach Veterans Day

By Tom Merkel, president, The IMPACT Group

NORCROSS, Ga., Nov. 6, 2015 | On Wednesday, November 11, we come together to celebrate Veterans Day. It will be a day to say “Thank You” and honor all who have served in the military — in wartime or peacetime. It’s a day to acknowledge the contributions and the sacrifices they have made so Americans can continue to enjoy our Freedom, and live in a safer world.

Merkel

But, many of our veterans and their family members do not receive the proper support they so richly deserve and earned. According to the U.S. Department of Housing Development, almost 50,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. In Gwinnett County and the immediate surrounding area, that number (when family members are included) is approximately 3,000. The IMPACT! Group is at the forefront of fighting to end homelessness among our veterans and their family members.

Our mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing quality housing solutions. As such, we are one of Gwinnett County’s largest providers of Transitional Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, Housing Counseling, and Financial Literacy.

In 2013 we began focusing our efforts on the plight of veterans that are facing some type of “Housing Challenge.” This runs the complete spectrum of those currently living in their cars, to those on the verge of losing their home because of foreclosure. Year to date in 2015, we have taken 16 homeless veterans and family members (59 total individuals) and provided them with stable housing. Mind you, this is a “Hand Up” program, not a “Hand Out.” They are required to have “skin in the game” financially and holistically.

Homelessness in our community can be a dirty word. Many like to turn their backs or have the wrong picture of just who the homeless vets are. So I offer you a quick look at just three of our clients (these are not their real names):

• Bill, an Army single vet served our country 18 years. He currently resides in a mobile home and has less than $50 a month to live on, after paying expenses and food.
• Sally, a Marine vet, served for 10 years. She suffers from PTSD and was a rape victim during her time of service. She is also a single mom with two children.
• Vicky, a Navy vet and a single mother of five children, is a domestic violence survivor. She works two jobs in order to pay for her expenses, including day care. She’s committed to making sure her children have a better life.

There are many factors that are at the root of veteran homelessness: education, affordable housing, job training and access to proper health care. Our program is designed to address those issues.

• Recently The IMPACT Group was recognized in Washington, D.C., during HUD hearings, (go to https://youtu.be/qRaisSa7eTA?t=180.)

While we greatly appreciate the recognition, what we truly need is the financial support of our own community. This Veterans Day, we ask you to considering honoring a veteran you know, or any vet and send a donation to The IMPACT! Group’s “Impact For Vets” program. www.theimpactgroup.org. Help us help those who have given so much for our freedom.

Big relief felt in E-SPLOST vote despite small turnout

By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher

NOV. 6, 2015 | Relief!

That’s what Gwinnett Countians should be feeling as the results of the 2015 E-SPLOST voting were announced. A small minority of the voters (only 7.09 percent, a record low) of Gwinnett thought enough of their county and the school system to go out and approve a one cent continuation of sales taxes for school purposes. That’s an awfully low number voting.

What made the relief special is that it had passed by such a wide majority, roughly 3-1. The vote totals were 18,838 for the proposal, and only 6,384 against. That was by 74.69 percent of those voting.

But what was really scary is that only 7.09 percent of the electorate had voted. In effect, 93 percent of the registered voters of Gwinnett didn’t give a doggone about the outcome. That’s alarming!

One reason the total voting was so low is that the referendum came on a year when there was no other issue on the Gwinnett ballot, an off-election year. We question the idea of proposing such a measure in a non-election year, since anything can happen when there is a low turnout. Since this was a five year referendum in 2015, the next E-SPLOST vote should be in 2020, during a regular voting cycle when more people should turn out. Sometimes it’s hard, but as the old principle goes, “Trust the people, always trust the people.” We were concerned that the county could be blind-sided by the small turnout, and that the proposition might lose.

The 2015 vote should also be remembered as a year when there was little organized opposition to the E-SPLOST proposal. We understand that one group in the county, the Tea Party, was against the idea. Gwinnett has been blessed with little solid Tea Party anti-establishment activity. The Tea Party has never gained ground here.

When you are pleased at near-misses, about all anyone can say is “Thank you, Lord.” Apparently a Golden Angel was watching over people on some occasions.

Gwinnett found its Golden Angel in the 18,838 people who went to the polls to vote to continue collecting one cent for schools on Tuesday.

* * * *

Gwinnett’s never turned down a E-SPLOST proposal. The voting in previous years:

Year                 Approved        Yes                  No                   Percent Voting

1997                70.72%            30,344            12,565            17.17%

2001                78.73%            27,121            7,327              13.58%

2006                66.35%            100,288           50,851             47.88%

2011                60.5%              30,398           20,297             13.77%

2015                74.69%            18,838            6,384              7.09%

* * * * *

HIGH AND LOW precincts in the E-SPLOST vote:

The highest turnouts were in Duncans C (Hamilton Mill UMC), 85.96%; Cates M (Craig Elementary School), 84.46%; Suwanee B (George Pierce Park), (82.90%); Goodwins H (Peachtree Road Baptist Church), 84.48%; and Cates G (Cannon UMC, $82.44%.

Lowest turnouts were Pinckneyville O Atlanta Chinese Christian Church), 57.57%; Pinckneyville S (St. Patrick’s Catholic Church), 59.74%; Pinckneyville I (Beaver Ridge Elementary), 61.36%; Rockbridge D (Evanagel Community Church), 61.90%; and Berkshire B (Lucky Shoals Community Center), 12.10%.

* * * * *

ELECTIONS in Gwinnett are expected to be costly, because of the high registration and large number of precincts. Elections Supervisor Lynn Ledford tells us that Tuesday’s single-issue referendum cost between $500,000 and $600,000. That’s another reason not to have single issues before the public.

Hayes Family Dealerships

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Hayes Family Dealerships with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC. Mike, Tim and Ted Hayes of Lawrenceville and Gainesville with Terry Hayes of Baldwin and Stan Roberts of Toccoa invite you into their showrooms to look over their line-up of automobiles and trucks. Hayes has been in the automotive business for over 40 years, and is North Georgia’s oldest family-owned dealerships. The family is the winner of the 2002 Georgia Family Business of the Year Award.

• Check their web sites at: hayeschrysler.com or www.hayeschevrolet.com or www.hayesgmcars.com.
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Let off some steam

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Enjoy a Christmas from the 1860s at McDaniel Farm on Nov. 14

Step back in time and experience Christmas during the 1860s through a living history demonstration. Join Union and Confederate soldiers on the front lines and on the home front at the annual Holiday on the Home Front at McDaniel Farm on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Costumed re-enactors will bring the 1860s to life at the annual Holiday on the Home Front at McDaniel Farm. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 14.

The program will take guests back in time to 1862 at McDaniel Farm as Daniel and A.W. McDaniel are on furlough from the Civil War to spend Christmas with the family. Visitors will engage in a drill with soldiers, visit their camp sites, participate in bayonet practice and be regaled with stories from a Confederate sailor.

Guests will hear talented field musicians play period music and provide a bugle call demonstration. They will also learn how families prepared for the holiday on the home front, view textile demonstrations and enjoy the sounds of the season with special music from the Gwinnoters, a local dulcimer group. Guests can also make traditional holiday ornaments for their tree, discover the art of blacksmithing and enjoy a festive hayride around the historic farm.

Program fees for Holiday on the Home Front are $8 per person. Children two and under and EHC members are free.  Guests can pre-register online at www.gwinnettEHC.org or pay at the gate the day of the event.

Event parking is available on-site. Snacks and hot cider will be available for purchase. McDaniel Farm is located at 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.

• For more information about this event and the History and Culture Program of the Environmental and Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.

Ex-professional football player to speak at Gwinnett Tech program

Moving from the gridiron to the restaurant business was a mark of success for Adalius Thomas, a former National Football League player who is this year’s featured speaker for Gwinnett Technical College’s INSPIRE Lecture. The 38-year-old racked up honors and accolades during his ten years as a player with the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. Thomas is now co-owner of several restaurants, including Bolt Bistro and Bar in Raleigh, N.C.

Thomas

The public is invited to join students, faculty and staff from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, when Thomas will talk about his journey from Super Bowl champion to successful restaurateur. This is the second year for the event, which is focused on developing students’ self-awareness, self-improvement and sense of self-worth.

The event will be at Gwinnett Tech’s Busbee Center, Building 700, on the Lawrenceville campus. Although reservations are not required, they are recommended because of limited seating. There is no charge to attend. To reserve a free ticket, go to http://bit.ly/1KW033v.

• For more information, contact Dean of Business and Art & Design, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, at 678-226-6829 or jwhirl@gwinnetttech.edu.

Thomas played both football and basketball at Central Coosa High School in Rockford, Ala. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a defensive end. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, Thomas was named twice to the Pro Bowl and twice to the All-Pro team. He was also a part of the winning team his first year in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2007, he signed with the New England Patriots, playing mainly as a linebacker, and returned to the championships in Super Bowl XLII. Overall, his professional football career lasted ten seasons and he made 517 tackles.

Now five years out of the limelight of professional sports, Thomas is applying the business savvy gained with his bachelor’s degree in sports management to the food industry.

Commission, DOT awards contracts for sidewalks, resurfacing

The 2014 SPLOST program will pay for new sidewalks, curb, gutter and drainage improvements on Collins Hill Road and Plunketts Road. Gwinnett commissioners have awarded a $756,238 contract for both projects to the lowest of five bidders, Omshiv Construction LLC of Lawrenceville.

The Collins Hill Road school safety project will construct a five-foot wide sidewalk on the west side of Collins Hill Road from the existing sidewalk north of University Center Lane to the Georgia Gwinnett College tennis facility at Countryside Place.

The pedestrian safety project on Plunketts Road will build sidewalks on the east side of the road from the entrance to the Environmental Heritage Center, and to the existing sidewalk at the Woodward Crossing subdivision. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2016.

* * * * *

The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced awarding of contracts for two projects in Gwinnett. Three resurfacing projects totaling $6.6 million were awarded to contractors recently. Work on Georgia Highway 8/US Highway 29 in Barrow and Gwinnett Counties from Stanley Court in Lawrenceville just into Barrow County will be done by C.W. Matthews Contracting Company of Marietta. This 7.39 mile long project will be complete by September 30, 2016 at a cost of $2,902,175.

Also in Gwinnett, Georgia Highway 13 from Old Peachtree Road/Rodgers Bridge Roads to Georgia Highway 20 will be done by E.R. Snell Contractor of Snellville. This 9.3 mile long project will be complete by September 30, 2016 at a cost of $2,599,235.

Five winners recognized at Gwinnett Parks and Recreation

Five people were recognized as award winners at the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA), District 7 banquet, in Gainesville recently.

Three volunteers from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta were given the volunteer award for providing assistance and resources to Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR) through multiple collaborations on events. Recognized were Annie Valenty, Community Outreach Liaison; Monica Griffin, Wellness Program Specialist; and Wendy Palmer, Child Wellness Manager. All are from Atlanta. The three work with multiple collaborations on events, programs and trainings and are dedicated volunteers who are making positive impacts on Gwinnett County’s residents.

The Facilities and Grounds Professional Award was presented to Darrin Bradley of Monroe for the exceptional job at Bethesda Park.

The Parks and Outdoors Professional Award was presented to Fernando Duarte of Loganville for his positive enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, and the extensive involvement in the community and parks.

• For more information on GRPA, visit grpa.org.

Madame Bovary

A novel by Gustave Flaubert

Charles Bovary is a shy, almost nondescript man who has a lackluster career as a public health official in Northern France. Lovely wife Emma discovers that her husband is dull and boring, as they relocate to a large city where she hopes to be happier. A child is born, but Emma remains unfulfilled. She becomes infatuated by young Leon and begins an unconsummated affair, with the disillusioned man leaving the town. Enter a rich landowner who seduces Emma for four years, tires of her, then breaks her heart. A visit to the opera brings her in contact with Leon, and they begin a passionate affair, which soon disintegrates. She loses herself in spending money to fill her emotional void – bankrupting her family. In her despair, she commits suicide, her grief-stricken husband dies, and their child is abandoned to a life of poverty. A cautionary tale.

— Karen Burnette Garner, Dacula

An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (100 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. –eeb

Raines was first woman in Georgia to earn pilot’s license

An accomplished aviator, Hazel Raines was the first woman in Georgia to earn a pilot’s license. She began her career as a stunt flyer, performing in daring aviation shows. As one of the first female pilots in the air force, Raines served as a lieutenant in World War II (1941-45) and the Korean War (1950-53).

Raines

Born in 1916 in Waynesboro, Hazel Jane Raines grew up in Macon as the youngest of three daughters. She graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon in 1936. Raines began flying shortly after her graduation, when she accepted a dare to take lessons at Herbert Smart Airport in her hometown. She then earned a private pilot’s license and a commercial license with Eastern Air Lines. Raines flew in aviation shows around Macon, gaining a reputation as one of the South’s premier stunt flyers.

Raines was born with asthma and a heart condition that would have barred her from flying under modern aviation standards. She was determined, however, not to let her medical condition or discrimination against female aviators prevent her from becoming a talented pilot.

Raines joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program in order to begin military service in World War II. She was one of only 25 women chosen in 1942 to fly with the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) as a ferry pilot. Unarmed in the dangerous skies patrolled by the German air force, the women, flying without radio contact to prevent detection, delivered planes to bomber stations and flew damaged aircraft to repair facilities.

Logging more flight hours than any other pilot in the ATA, Raines learned to fly nearly every type of aircraft. She survived her only plane crash, when the engine of her Spitfire failed. When two men raced to the plane, which had crashed on top of a home in an English village, they were shocked to find a living woman, rather than a dead man, among the wreckage.

Although she was hospitalized for two weeks and grounded for three months, Raines looked forward to returning to active duty.

Raines returned to the United States in 1943 and moved to Texas to join a new organization, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Although she no longer served in a war zone, Raines’s job was risky. She worked as a test pilot, flying recently repaired planes. She also pulled targets for army trainees participating in live ammunition practice.

The WASPs faced resistance and hostility, because many people did not want women serving in the military. Although Raines anticipated the day when the U.S. Army Air Corps would acknowledge the WASPs, the recognition did not come until 1977, long after her death. After the WASPs were disbanded in 1944, Raines trained flight students for the Brazilian air ministry.

When the Korean War began in 1950, Raines was the first female reserve pilot called into active service. After the war she acted as an adviser for the British Third Air Force and recruited pilots for the Women in the Air Force (WAF) and the Women’s Army Corps. In 1954 Raines became the staff advisor for the WAF, assisting young women with their careers as pilots.

While in London in 1956, Raines died of a heart attack at the age of 4030. In 1989 she was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame as “Georgia’s First Lady of Flight,” and in 1995 she was inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org

Just where was today’s Mystery Photo taken?

The automobiles in this edition’s Mystery Photo indicate that this photo probably was taken in the United States. But where? That’s the question. If you think you know where this photo was taken, send your answers to elliott@brack.net and be sure to include the town where you live.

Philomena Robertson of Flowery Branch was the first to identify last edition’s Mystery Photo. She wrote: “I believe this is the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, also commonly referred to as La Seu, it  is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma, Majorca, Spain.” The photo came from Tom Merkel of Berkeley Lake.

Also recognizing the photo was Ruthy Lachman Paul of Norcross: “This is in the city Palma de Mallorca, Spain and is the famous La Seu Cathedral. It is built on the base of an old mosque. The construction of this church began in 1229, but in practice only ended in 1601. The famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí called to assist the renovation plan in 1901. The cathedral is one of the many attractions in central Palma—is designed in the Gothic style and high walls which look like they come out from the sea itself. The height of 400 feet, and 180 feet wide. To visit La Seu is  quite impressive.” Also identifying the picture was Harriet Nichols of Trickum.

Greater Atlanta’s school dance team wins 4^th state competition

The Greater Atlanta Christian School Gold Dance Team won first place in the Georgia High School State Dance Championship last weekend. This was the fourth year in a row they came home State Champions in the performing arts division. The team also won second place in the POM division and second place overall dance team. Out of 13 soloists, sophomores Jada Jones took home first place and Nicole Smartt placed second overall. From left, members of the team are Maya Joglekar, Jada Jones, and Jasmine Jones, Duluth; Jena Malone, Lilburn; Rosemary Osbon, Ashley Phillips, and Nicole Smartt, Duluth; Jordan Williams, Atlanta and Aliyah Young, Stone Mountain. Greater Atlanta Christian offers a wide array of dance classes on campus in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Acro.

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