Gwinnett Reads Kickoff Event Features Cherokee Music, Dance and Crafts on the Duluth Town Green

The Duluth Town Green will be the site of a colorful and entertaining display of Cherokee Indian song, dance, and art as the Gwinnett County Public Library's Gwinnett Reads kickoff event gets underway on Saturday, June 28 from noon until 4 p.m. The Duluth Historical Society is a library partner and co-sponsor of this year's kickoff activities.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Other free events include:

Tuesday July 1 at 7 p.m.
Suwanee branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Cherokee Memories
Storytelling and historical insights

Donna Delgadillo of The Plainsmen Drum and Dance Troupe shares unique stories of the Cherokee people.

Monday July 7 at 7 p.m.
Five Forks branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Native American artifacts
Presented by the president of the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association

Learn about the origins and lives of Native Americans of the Southeast through cultural artifacts.

Thursday July 10 at 7 p.m.
Collins Hill branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library
Major Ridge and the path to the Trail of Tears
Presented by the executive director of the Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge home in Rome, Georgia.

Hear the tragic story of Cherokee leader Major Ridge and the clash of cultures that led to the Trail of Tears. Discover how the government designates Indian tribal status, and learn about the current Cherokee controversy in Georgia.

Charles Frazier, bestselling author of Cold Mountain, is the featured writer at the Gwinnett Reads grand finale on July 12 at Gwinnett Center. This final Gwinnett Reads event brings everything together with Frazier reading from his latest novel Thirteen Moons, answering questions, and presenting Cherokee music, singing, and readings. He will also sign books that are available at the event in English and Cherokee. The finale's $15 admission covers food and entertainment.

Some of the proceeds will benefit the cultural preservation efforts of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, which has honored Frazier for his dedication to helping preserve their language and traditions.

All other events are FREE and open to the public. The schedule of free community events and Frazier event tickets are available at all 14 Gwinnett County Public Library branches. For more information, visit www.gwinnettreads.org or call (770) 978-5154. For complete Gwinnett County Public Library information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org

Gwinnett County Public Library lays claim to Georgia's highest book circulation numbers and ranks among the largest systems in the country. With its dynamic position of growth in the booming Atlanta region, Gwinnett County Public Library has been able to attract top authors for Gwinnett Reads, its popular adult reading program, since it began in 2003.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettreads.org or call (770) 978-5154.

Governor Perdue Asks President Bush for Major Disaster Declaration

Today Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”

The disaster declaration is requested as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) continues to work with local officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. GEMA officials estimate initial governmental response and clean up efforts will exceed $2.9 million.

The request is for Public Assistance to pay for the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings. This request also includes Individual Assistance for affected households. Approximately 1,300 homes were impacted statewide. The residents of 1,000 of those homes will need help with repair or replacement costs.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 rated tornado struck Cherokee County with a path reported to be five miles long and three-fourths to one mile wide. The tornado was a part of a line of storms that marched south through much of north and central Georgia during the evening. At least thirty-five counties reported large hail and wind damage.

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, visit www.gema.ga.gov.

Oxendine: Insured Losses From Tuesday's Storms Estimated At $6 Million, Expectd To Rise

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said insured losses from
Tuesday night’s storms in Cherokee and North Fulton Counties is estimated at $6 million, though that amount will probably rise as more damage reports come in.

“This morning (May 21, 2008) I documented damage in communities north of Atlanta that was quite extensive,” Oxendine said. “As we get more reports from insurance companies, I expect the loss amount will have to be adjusted upward.”

Oxendine reminds Georgians that they can call his Consumer Services Division at 404-
656-2070 or, outside the Metro area, 1-800-656-2298, if they have questions about a claim, or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Consumers with damaged property can take the following steps to begin the claims-filing
process:

* Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house
or car; do not delay. Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an
insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.

* Secure your property. For example, if your roof was damaged or blown off, or a tree
has punctured the roof, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect your property
from further damage. Keep receipts of materials used for repairs; your insurance company will
reimburse you for repair costs.

Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency for Cherokee County

Today(May 21, 2008) Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Cherokee County after the area was struck by a tornado, high winds and hail last night. Governor Perdue toured damaged areas in Cherokee County this afternoon.

“I am always amazed at the extensive damage caused by these storms, but we are proud to see our communities pull together as neighbors help neighbors recover from this type of situation,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “GEMA will continue to work with our local and federal partners as they assess the recovery effort.”

The executive order allows for state resources to be available to local governments for response and recovery activities, and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan. It also allows for joint local, state and federal assessment teams to survey the affected areas and allows for state resources to assist with debris removal. The executive order also enacts the state’s price gouging statute.
GEMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any necessary assistance requested by the affected county.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more emergency information and updates, contact GEMA at 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362) or visit www.gema.ga.gov.

The text of Governor Perdue’s executive order is below:

Whereas: On May 20, 2008, a severe weather system moved into the State of Georgia producing severe thunderstorms resulting in excessive rain, hail and tornadoes which caused extensive damage in Cherokee County; and

Whereas: The assistance of the government of the State of Georgia is necessary to protect the public health, preserve the public safety, keep property damage to a minimum, and restore the social and economic welfare of these counties; and

Whereas: In light of these circumstances the exercise of the authority vested n the Governor pursuant to Article 3, Section 38-3-51, of the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981, as amended, is warranted to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to preserve public health, safety and welfare, and to bring the emergency situation under control within the acknowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor.

Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered: That a State of Emergency exists in Cherokee County.

It is further

Ordered: That personnel and equipment resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in the response and recovery activities currently being undertaken in Cherokee County and that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

This 21st day of May, 2008.

Governor Sonny Perdue