gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ wednesday, march 25, 2020 ♦ A3
WORLD & NATION
WORLD
China to lift lockdown on city that was pandemic ground zero China has announced it will lift the lockdown on Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, on April 8, marking a significant milestone in its battle against the deadly outbreak. The date comes more than two months after the city was first sealed off from the outside world, in an unprecedented bid to contain the fast spreading virus. The easing of travel restrictions follows a significant reduction in new infections in Hubei, with new cases dropping to zero for five consecutive days from March 19 — down from thousands of daily new cases at the height of the epidemic in February. On Tuesday, the province reported one new case in Wuhan, a doctor at the Hubei General Hospital. The province has accounted for the majority of infections and deaths in China, with 67,801 cases and 3,160 fatalities reported as of Monday.
India with population of 1.3 billion orders ‘complete’ lockdown Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a “complete” lockdown for India’s 1.3 billion people on Tuesday, warning that “many families will be destroyed forever” if the country didn’t get to grips with its coronavirus outbreak in the next three weeks. Modi said the lockdown would start at midnight local time, would last for a minimum of 21 days, and would apply to all of India’s 36 states and territories. Only essential services will be operational. These include water, electricity, health services, fire services, groceries and municipal services. All shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, markets and places of worship will be closed and interstate buses and metros will be suspended. Construction activity will also be on a halt during this period. Modi said if the outbreak was not dealt with properly it could set the country back decades.
Brits to use contactless payments for bigger purchases The contactless limit for instore spending will increase from $35 to $52 in the United Kingdom as retailers work to reduce physical contact in shops during the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world. Contactless payment involves tapping debit and credit cards on card readers, eliminating the need to enter a PIN code. The new payment limit will be operational in some shops across the United Kingdom from April 1, the British Retail Consortium said in a statement Tuesday, adding that raising the contactless spending limit would “reduce the need for physical contact.” There is still a lot not known about the virus, but it appears to survive for at least several hours on surfaces, according to the World Health Organization. Earlier this month, South Korea’s central bank said it would quarantine incoming cash from local banks for two weeks to ensure the notes are not carrying the virus, according to Reuters.
Despite warnings, Trump wants US ‘just raring to go’ by Easter By Kevin Liptak and Maegan Vazquez CNN
President Donald Trump says he wants the nation “opened up and just raring to go by Easter” — a date just more than two weeks away that few health experts believe will be sufficient in containing the spread of coronavirus. Speaking during a Fox News town hall on Tuesday, Trump reiterated he was eager to see the nation return to normal soon, even as doctors warn the nation will see a massive spike in cases if Americans return to crowded workplaces or events. “I give it two weeks,” Trump said earlier in the town hall, suggesting he was ready to phase out his 15-day self-isolating guidelines when they expire. “I guess by Monday or Tuesday, it’s about two weeks. We will assess at that time and give it more time if we need a little more time. We have to open this country up.” But Trump said Monday that the health experts on his task force do not necessarily agree with his hope for a quick return to their jobs to boost the economy. Some Republicans on Capitol Hill, including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, are also sounding the alarm. “There will be no normally functioning economy if our
NATION
Should domestic air travel be grounded? Domestic air travel in the United States has virtually come to a halt, but thousands of planes are still flying. How long does it makes sense to keep doing that? Figures from the Transportation Security Administration show that only 331,000 people passed through TSA checkpoints Monday, a drop of more than 2 million passengers, or 86%, compared to the same Monday a year ago. That’s not surprising with 16 states, comprising 43% of the U.S. population, issuing orders that people should stay home whenever possible. Health professionals are saying that people should not gather in groups of 10 people or more or engage in any nonessential travel. The Trump administration clearly does not want to order such a shutdown, especially as it negotiates a possible bailout of the airline industry. Grounding all flights could actually be an economic benefit for airlines, which are undoubtedly losing money on every single flight. They are flying planes with only 20% to 30% of seats filled, far below the level needed to break even.
Huge discounts on spring wardrobes are coming Retailers have too much clothing and no ability to sell it all. The T-shirts, jackets, sneakers and jeans they were gearing up to push out for the spring shopping season now sit in darkened stores and warehouses during the
evan Vucci/ap
President Donald Trump speaks during a Fox News Channel virtual town hall on Tuesday at the White House in Washington. hospitals are overwhelmed and thousands of Americans of all ages, including our doctors and nurses, lay dying because we have failed to do what’s necessary to stop the virus,” Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican, tweeted Tuesday. Trump’s new Easter goal — to have the country back to normal by Sunday, April 12 — came hours after the New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the state is expecting a height of coronavirus infections to come in two to three weeks. In a separate Fox News interview later Tuesday, the president provided a little more
reasoning behind his timeline. “So, I think Easter Sunday, and you’ll have packed churches all over our country. I think it would be a beautiful time. And it’s just about the timeline that I think is right,” he said. The administration’s social distancing guidelines recommend against gatherings of more than 10 people, and many places of worship have adapted with online services. Trump did concede he wasn’t sure if that timing — just 19 days from now — would work. “It gives us more chance to work on what we’re doing, and I’m not sure that’s going to be the day, but I would love to
aim it right at Easter Sunday, so we’re open for church service and services generally on Easter Sunday,” he said. “That would be a beautiful thing.” Dr. Deborah Birx, who serves as the White House coronavirus coordinator, was asked during the town hall whether she thinks an Easter deadline is realistic. “A lot of what we’ve done is tackle this epidemic the way people said we should have tackled the flu in 1918,” Birx responded, adding that the president has asked the task force to use these two weeks “to get all the data from around the country.”
PEOPLE
Town helps little girl celebrate socially distant birthday Call it a case of being social distant but not distantly social. Elizabeth Gurekovich of Berlin, Connecticut, said her daughter Charlotte’s eighth birthday was the best one yet, despite social distancing for the coronavirus. Gurekovich said the town came together to help with the celebration. “We put signs on the yard that said, ‘Beep, it’s Charlotte’s eighth birthday,’” she said. “We had hundreds of cars drive by and beep. “Random neighbors we’ve never met dropped off balloons and small gifts for her. Family came and made signs with silly ‘skits.’ People waved and blew kisses from the other side of the window. Friends drove by with ‘happy birthday’ signs hanging out their car windows,” she said. Berlin police even drove by Charlotte’s home with lights and sirens. “This town made her birthday the most incredible day and as a mom this is all you ever hope for your kids,” Gurekovich said.
Brooks’, Yearwood’s home concert crashes Facebook Live
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed in a Facebook Live concert Monday night that drew so many fans it crashed the site multiple times. The country couple drew 3.4 million viewers to the concert they called “Inside Studio G,” which fans were forced to reload when it was overwhelmed several times by the high traffic. As Yearwood sang “Amazing Grace,” Brooks tearfully told the audience “We’re all in this together,” in reference to social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak, adding “I need this worse than anybody.” After taking requests from fans, the two performed a cover of “Shallow,” the Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga duet from 2018 film “A Star Is Born.” They also covered mandel ngan/aFp/getty images the Leonard Cohen classic, A flight crew member walks in a terminal of Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, “Hallelujah” and “Golden Rings,” a song performed on March 17. by another country couple, coronavirus crisis. Though Banner did not pro- the influx of patients suffering Tammy Wynette and George Demand for discretionary vide additional details, NBC from the highly contagious vi- Jones. items has come to a screech- News spoke to the wife, who rus. Ford said it will work with ing halt as customers focus said they learned of chloro- 3M to produce a new kind of ‘The Middle’ singer, on stocking up on the basics quine’s connection to corona- Powered Air-Purifying Respihusband welcome they need to survive. virus during a President Don- rator for healthcare workers, first child Retailers made decisions ald Trump news conference, while also helping to increase months ago about what to which “was on a lot actually.” production of 3M’s current Oh baby, why don’t you buy from their suppliers, Trump has touted chloroquine respirator device. just meet your parents in when the economy was strong as a possible treatment for COthe middle. and consumer spending was VID-19. It is approved by the University let more Country singer Maren Morprojected to be robust. They Food and Drug Administrathan 1,000 students ris and her husband Ryan could not have imagined tion for treating malaria, lupus that they would be grossly and rheumatoid arthritis, but return during outbreak Hurd have welcomed their first child, a son. overestimating demand. the FDA has not approved it The couple announced the At a time when countless to treat the coronavirus. birth Monday on her verified universities have sent stuMan dies after taking dents home, one university Instagram account. Ford working with 3M, form of chloroquine “Hayes Andrew Hurd. is reopening its doors. GE to make respirators More than 1,000 students 3/23/20. Love of our lives,” used in aquariums returned to Liberty University, she wrote in the caption of and ventilators A Phoenix-area man is dead a private evangelical Chris- a series of photos showing and his wife is under critical Ford announced Tuesday that tian university, in Lynchburg, her, Hurd and the baby on care after the two took chlo- it’s working with 3M and GE Virginia, a spokesperson con- the day their son was born. roquine phosphate in an ap- Healthcare to produce medi- firmed to CNN on Tuesday. The award-winning country parent attempt to self-medi- cal equipment and protective Liberty University President star scored a major crossover cate for the novel coronavirus, gear for healthcare workers to Jerry Falwell Jr. and other pop hit in 2018 with producaccording to hospital system help address shortages in the leaders discussed whether er Zedd titled “The Middle.” Banner Health. fight against the coronavirus. to extend spring break and Hurd, a singer-songwriter It does not appear they took Healthcare workers around “risk students having a lon- who has written hits for counthe pharmaceutical version of the country have expressed ger time to become exposed try artists like Blake Shelton the drug, but rather “an addi- concern about difficulties in to the virus,” the school said and Luke Bryan, shared some tive commonly used at aquari- attaining enough critical sup- in a statement. It decided it of the same images on his ums to clean fish tanks,” Ban- plies, such as masks, gloves was safer to bring the stu- official Instagram account. ner Health said in a statement. and ventilators, to deal with dents back to campus. The couple married in 2018.
NASA’s Curiosity rover shares new selfie and climbs steep hill on Mars By Ashley Strickland CNN
NASA’s Curiosity rover just conquered a major milestone on Mars — and it took a selfie to celebrate the feat. Curiosity recently finished a record-setting climb by rolling up its steepest hill to date. It’s called Greenheugh Pediment and the challenging hill created a 31-degree tilt for the rover. Previously, the only other rover to experience more of a
MUST READ tilt was the Opportunity rover’s 32-degree record set in 2016. About 11 feet before the rover reached the broad rock sheet atop the hill, it stopped to mark the moment by taking a 360-degree panorama. The rover’s cameras captured 86 images to make the panoramic selfie. The selfie also showcases a hole Curiosity drilled in the bedrock, nicknamed “Hutton.” The images were taken
on February 26. Curiosity finished the climb on March 6 after undertaking three different drives to get there. Cameras are key to every aspect of Curiosity’s mission. Without the images collected by the rover’s Mastcam — as well as the black-and-white Navcams for navigation beneath them — the rover would sit still on Mars. This is because Curiosity isn’t autonomous. Instead, teams on Earth send commands to
the rover. And without images, the drivers wouldn’t be able to tell Curiosity where to go. Curiosity doesn’t move unless it’s safe to proceed. Streams and lakes likely filled Gale Crater billions of years ago, which is why NASA landed the rover there in 2012. Scientists want to know if ancient Mars once supported microbial life. And each day spent on Mars, and every image returned, could be the key to making that discovery.
nasa/Jpl-caltech/msss
This selfie was taken by NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover on Feb. 26. The crumbling rock layer at the top of the image is “the Greenheugh Pediment,” which Curiosity climbed soon after taking the image.
A4 ♦ Wednesday, March 25, 2020 ♦ gWinnettdailypost.coM COLUMNIST I KEITH ROACH
WEATHER WATCH
Carcinoid syndrome should be treated by a specialist
D
EAR DR. ROACH: Can you please give more insight into carcinoid syndrome? In particular, I’d like to know its symptoms and how it gets diagnosed and treated? What kind of a doctor would one see with that diagnosis? Roach — S.B. ANSWER: A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor of the digestive tract or lungs. In the gastrointestinal tract, these tumors are now referred to just as neuroendocrine tumors. They can produce substances that in some situations can cause carcinoid syndrome. This usually presents with flushing and diarrhea. Symptoms are most common with carcinoid tumors of the lung or when the neuroendocrine tumor has spread. The liver normally inactivates these substances, so it is when the disease has spread to the liver that people become symptomatic. The blood from lung carcinoid tumors does not go directly to the liver, which is why lung carcinoid tumors may cause carcinoid syndrome without liver involvement. Still, more than 90% of people with carcinoid syndrome have metastatic disease — cancer that has spread to distant locations. The diagnosis can be made by a combination of urine tests looking for the commonly produced substances, such as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), and by anatomic tests such as scans or endoscopy. In the past, neuroendocrine tumors were considered benign, but a better understanding of these tumors has led them to be classified as cancers and treated aggressively. Oncologists with special expertise in gastrointestinal cancers are the ideal specialists to see for treatment. Treatment may be surgical — for example, to remove metastatic disease to the liver — or medical, such as octreotide, which inhibits release of the substances which cause flushing and diarrhea, and significantly improves symptoms in 80% or more of people with carcinoid syndrome. DEAR DR. ROACH: During a hospital stay in which I was admitted for a urinary tract infection and possible sepsis, a CT scan without contrast noted an abdominal nodule that the radiologist said “may represent a reactive prominent lymph node.” In numerous tests — including two upper GI series, an MRI and two additional CT scans with contrast — nothing abnormal appeared. Now my gastroenterologist wants to order an EGD/EUS even though I am hesitant because he is not sure what we are looking for. I have no symptoms and am concerned that this is just another test to waste my money. — D.L. ANSWER: Incidental findings in modern advanced scanning are routine, and enlarged lymph nodes — a place where immune and inflammatory cells gather — are among the most common of these. Many or most of these will be what the radiologist suspected. The term “reactive” is used to mean the lymph node becomes enlarged, often due to infection. Any serious infection may cause enlargement of the lymph nodes. A very few of these will turn out to be more serious, and we worry most about cancer. The size, position and, above all, progression of the lymph node help determine whether it is benign (such as a reactive node) or malignant (due to cancer).
TODAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
20%
10%
10%
20%
10%
40%
69 55
20%
73 50
82 61
80 60
the solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period. MAJOR 2:26-4:26 a.m.............2:46-4:46 p.m.
MINOR 8:29-9:29 a.m........... 9:07-10:07 p.m.
POLLEN COUNTS trees: low Weeds: low grass: Moderate
LOTTERY
72 49
62 48
67 49
LAKE LEVELS
SOLUNAR TABLES the gwinnett daily post (Upsp 921-980, issn 1086-0096) is published Wednesday, Friday and sunday by scni, 725 old norcross road, lawrenceville, ga 30045. periodical postage paid at lawrenceville, ga 30044. postMaster: send address changes to gwinnett daily post, p.o. Box 603, lawrenceville, ga 30046-0603.
HOROSCOPES
Lake Full Yesterday allatoona ............(840.0) .....835.31 Blackshear ......... (237.0) .... 236.96 Blue ridge........(1690.0) ..... 1677.5 Burton..............(1865.0) .. 1863.75 carters.............(1072.0) ...1073.14 chatuge ........... (1927.0) .. 1920.94 harding .............. (521.0) .... 520.53 hartwell .............(660.0) .....661.02 Jackson..............(530.0) .... 529.54
Lake Full Yesterday lanier............... (1071.0) ...1072.39 nottely..............(1779.0) ...1768.28 oconee ..............(435.0) .... 435.02 seminole...............(77.5) ...... 78.02 sinclair ...............(339.8) ...... 338.7 thurmond ..........(330.0) .... 330.06 tugalo ................ (891.5) .... 890.35 Walter F. george.(188.0) .......188.9 West point..........(635.0) .....631.35
TODAY IN HISTORY
Tuesday cash 3 Midday: 2-3-7 cash 4 Midday: 2-8-6-5 ga. 5 Midday: 2-4-0-4-6 Monday cash 3 Midday: 9-7-6 cash 3 evening: 6-0-7 cash 3 night: 8-1-5 cash 4 Midday: 5--5-8-2 cash 4 evening: 2-7-3-8 cash 4 night: 4-1-0-0 ga. 5 Midday: 1-3-7-7-3 ga. 5 evening: 5-8-1-5-1 Fantasy 5: 12-14-19-21-32 Jumbo Bucks: 5-13-14-22-23-32
TODAY’S HISTORY: in 1634, the first english colonists arrived at st. clement’s island in Maryland to establish the settlement of st. Mary’s. in 1807, the British parliament passed the slave trade act, abolishing the slave trade in the British empire. in 1965, a 50-mile civil rights march led by Martin luther King Jr., which began four days earlier in selma, alabama, ended in Montgomery. in 1994, the United states withdrew its last troops from somalia. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Bela Bartok (1881-1945), composer; howard cosell (1918-1995), journalist/sportscaster; Flannery o’connor (1925-1964), author; Jim lovell (1928- ), astronaut; gloria steinem (1934- ), writer/activist; aretha Franklin (1942-2018), singer-songwriter;
elton John (1947- ), singer-songwriter/ musician; sarah Jessica parker (1965- ), actress; sheryl swoopes (1971- ), basketball player; Wladimir Klitschko (1976- ), boxer; danica patrick (1982- ), race car driver; ryan lewis (1988- ), rapper/producer. TODAY’S FACT: percy Bysshe shelley was expelled from the University of oxford on this day in 1811 for publishing a pamphlet in favor of atheism. TODAY’S SPORTS: in 1958, sugar ray robinson defeated carmen Basilio in a rematch, regaining the middleweight title and becoming the first boxer to win a title five times. TODAY’S QUOTE: “Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to never was there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it.” -- Flannery o’connor, “Wise Blood”
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2018
COLUMNIST I AMY DICKINSON
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Twentysomething struggles with work-life balance
EAR AMY: My boyfriend and I are in our early 20s. We have been in a long-distance relationship for 18 months. He is my first major love and relationship. Now our current (yet tentative) plan is to move in together after my Ph.D. is done and his business settles. He is very supportive and I’m happy being with him. However, I’m not sure if I’m ready. I’ve lost myself as I put so much energy, time and effort to our relationship, instead of investing in myself. I became emotional and I’m not as productive or disciplined as I was. I don’t know how to balance myself, as this is my first relationship. I’m not sure if a relationship is good for me or I’m ready to be in one. I want to focus and invest in myself without his influence because I’m scared of losing myself even more. My boyfriend wants to be supportive, but we are both so clueless. Should we break up, or find a balance? Is there a way to be in a relationship and still be your most productive/career-driven self in your 20s? — Unsure DEAR UNSURE: Regardless of the plans you two have made, you should dial in to that feeling in your gut. Your early-20s is a time of emo-
tional development rent area where people and exploration, and pay as much as twoin that sense, your conthirds of their income cern about this demfor housing. onstrates that you are I decided to rent right on track. out two bedrooms. The ideal — for you, My renters each have for your guy, and for their own area in the everyone — is to find Dickinson house, as do I. My tena healthy balance, in ants are my adult chilyour life and relationships. It is dren. All expenses are split not unusual to feel like you’ve equally, as are household du“lost” yourself when you first ties as defined in our tenant fall in love. It’s called “falling” contract. for a reason. That sensation We respect each other’s of tumbling through space is privacy. thrilling, but it is frightenThe advantages of this aring, too. And yes, obsessively rangement allow for each feeding one relationship will of us to pay far less than we curtail your own personal and would living on our own. career progress. Remember, We all get to live in a wellthe primary relationship in maintained, nice home in a your life will always be the part of the country we love. one you have with yourself. We take care of each other’s You should choose to live pets when someone is away. wherever your Ph.D. takes We live with people we you, in order to build a ca- know and trust. reer in your field, and no — So far, this is working well given how you are feeling, for us. you should not cohabit until — Lea, in Santa Cruz, CA you are absolutely certain. DEAR LEA: This arrangeIf you move to his city, rent- ment sounds ideal. I agree ing a room in a group house with you that the North Amer(instead of cohabiting) might ican concept of rugged indibe a good idea for you. vidualism may have created DEAR AMY: Why is there a stigma about adults living a stigma about living with with their folks, but this same your parents? concept also allows you to In many cultures around ignore the stigma, and live the world multi-generational as you please. households are considered DEAR AMY: Your advice the norm. No stigma exists. to “Hair Today, Gone TomorMy home is in a very high row” was off base.
This girls’ volleyball coach had insisted that she shave her arm pits and legs. She wears a “uniform,” as in, the coach wants his team to look “uniform.” If this young woman wants to play volleyball that badly, then she should follow the coaches’ rules. Sure, there is gender discrimination in the world, but this smacks of too much micro-feedback, and to call it discrimination goes way too far. Instead of supporting the coach and his idea of how to be proud of his team, you rule in favor of a young teenager who now learns that she can go over his head to the school administrator for stupid stuff. — Margie DEAR MARGIE: In my mind, demanding that this young athlete shave her body is the essence of “micro-feedback.” As I said in my response, unless male volleyball players are also asked to shave, I think this girl should be left alone. You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.
look for solutions. taking on too much or letting others take advantage of you will lead to disappointment and disgruntlement. size up your situation and make plans that will help you engineer a way to move from a difficult spot to a place that excites you. ARIES (March 21-april 19) — you’ll get further if you are kind. someone may irritate you, but if you respond with a positive attitude and sound suggestions, you will avoid a senseless argument. TAURUS (april 20-May 20) — Make calls, do research and close deals. don’t rely on someone else to take care of your affairs. if you want to change, make it happen. take responsibility for your life and happiness. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — refuse to give in to someone pressuring you. avoid being taken for granted. don’t let frustration and anger mount because you are trying to accommodate everyone. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — your memory won’t let you down. the lessons of experience, coupled with a unique approach to getting things done, will help you excel. a romantic gesture will brighten your day. LEO (July 23-aug. 22) — don’t limit what you can do by taking on responsibilities that don’t belong to you. choose how you spend your time and use your talents carefully. learn from experience. VIRGO (aug. 23-sept. 22) — a last-minute change of plans will lead to an unexpected gain. Join forces with someone who has as much to offer as you. don’t ignore a professional opportunity. LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) — Use your imagination, finetune your ideas and make your move. think big, but don’t go overbudget. Be willing to bargain for what you want. SCORPIO (oct. 24-nov. 22) — an attitude adjustment will give you the boost you need. someone who wants to team up with you will point out a talent or skill you didn’t realize you possess. SAGITTARIUS (nov. 23dec. 21) — Be aware of false advertising. not everyone will be honest or honor their promises. stick close to home and to the people you know you can trust. CAPRICORN (dec. 22Jan. 19) — don’t act on an assumption, or you will end up paying the price. if you connect with people who share your mindset, you’ll be able to bring about change that will make a difference. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — dig up an old project and give it a face-lift. approaching an old idea with a fresh attitude will lead to a prosperous venture. someone who falls outside your age range will provide insight. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — acceptance will be the key to getting ahead. size up what’s going on around you and use whatever you can to your advantage. it’s time to take the lead.
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gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ wednesday, march 25, 2020 ♦ A7
Gwinnett County modifies park hours to enforce social distancing Ball fields, courts, playgrounds, skate parks and pavilions closed immediately; trails remain open
From staff reports Gwinnett County announced Sunday night that effective immediately all Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation park hours will be sunrise to sunset. The county also said it will close certain areas within parks “in the interest of public health” to help slow the spread of the coronavi-
rus disease known as COVID-19. The areas that will be closed include: basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, dog parks, ball fields, playgrounds, pavilions, sand volleyball courts and skate areas. Trails will remain open, but county officials ask anyone using them or other open areas of the park to practice social distancing.
County officials said they want to keep parks open “during this unprecedented time,” but issued this statement: “It has become evident that restricting access to certain areas of parks is necessary to enforce social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help slow the spread of
COVID-19.” Gwinnett County officials said they are asking residents to comply with the closures by obeying posted signage and avoiding locked or cordoned-off areas. According to a press release from the county, Parks and Recreation staff will be communicating with residents who have upcoming reservations at pavilions
or other facilities. Anyone who has booked a rental at a county facility can contact the facility to learn their options for rescheduling or receiving a refund, county officials said. All Gwinnett County parks indoor facilities, aquatic centers and pools were closed last week and remain closed. The programs hosted at these facilities have been canceled until further notice.
OBITUARIES Dacula, GA
Sharon Bostwick Bostwick - Sharon Kay Bostwick, age 66 of Dacula, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Sharon was originally from LaFollette, TN and worked as a clerk for Southern Bell. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Bolinger. Surviving are her loving husband, Paul Bostwick; daughters, Michelle Mason and Melissa Brimmo; son and daughter in law, Michael and Jessica Blaine; mother, Flora Bell Bolinger, brothers, Bo Bolinger, Gilbert Bolinger, and Terry Bolinger; nine grandchildren; numerous family and friends. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road, SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-962-3100. Please leave online condolences at .
(Doug) Sims of Lawrenceville, grandchildren, Erin Goodman (Matt) of Winder, Rachel Simonton of Macon, Mitchell Sims of Lawrenceville, and great grandchildren, Baylee and Avery Goodman of Winder, cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the many dedicated caregivers from Home Instead, Agape Hospice, along with other special friends who helped with her care. Alice will forever be remembered for her Southern delicacies, penmanship worthy of imitation, subtle sense of humor and gentle, yet strong spirit. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to the charity of your choice. Due to the current health and safety concerns, details concerning a memorial service are still pending.
Flowery Branch, GA
Tommy Jay Hodges
Lawrenceville
Alice Finley Alice Faye (McElroy) Finley of Lawrenceville, affectionately known as “Mam”, by all who knew and loved her, entered into her Heavenly home on March 23, 2020, surrounded by her closest kin at the age of 78. Alice was born on April 20, 1941 to Frank Greer McElroy Sr. and Fay Etta (Dowdy) McElroy of Grant Park. Alice is proceeded in death by her parents, and siblings, Grace Evelyn “Tunie” Milner, Frank Greer McElroy Jr., Harriet “Happy” Wood, Mary Emma “Polly” Califf, Raleigh Scarborough McElroy, and James Perry McElroy. Alice was a graduate of Hoke Smith High School in Atlanta, GA. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 precious years, Alton Ray “Bud” Finley. Alice and Bud were married on October 3, 1959, and shortly after, welcomed into the world two daughters, Lynn and Mary Ann. After high school, she worked as a Telephone Operator for Southern Bell before moving to Grayson, GA. Alice was a dedicated homemaker, instilling in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren a love for reading, walking, spontaneous travel, and above all, humility and concern for all whom she encountered. Alice was wise beyond her years, of few, yet powerful words and a keystone within her family. Alice spent her prime raising her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In her later years, Alice volunteered her time to many worthy causes, including the Nursing Home Ministry through Grayson First Baptist Church, caring for her sisters, whom she loved with her whole heart, until their passings. In addition to her husband, Alice is survived by her daughters, Melanie Lynn Simonton of Winder and Mary Ann
Tommy Jay Hodges, age 86, of Flowery Branch, GA passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Hodges, Flowery Branch; eight children, Jerry (Paula) Hodges, Larry Hodges, Debbie Hodges, Thomas (Connie) Hodges, Marie (Michael) Sosebee, Joseph (Sandy) Hodges, Joshua (Drema) Hodges; stepson, Neal Baines; twenty-three grandchildren; thirtyfive great grandchildren; brother, Floyd (Ruby) Hodges; sisters, Carol Duberly, Shirley (Jim) Sikes, Gladys Reed; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Hodges was born on August 15, 1933 in Claxton, GA. He was a veteran of the U S Army for three years from 1953 until 1956. Mr. Hodges was retired from construction work. He was a member of the Regency Church of God in Sugar Hill, and he enjoyed fishing, building cabinets, and wood working, as well as auctioneering. A memorial service is planned for March 29, 2020 at Regency Church of God with Pastor Gary Thompson and Pastor Terry Reece officiating. Interment will be at GA National Cemetery in Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors in memory of Tommy Hodges. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.
Lawreneville
REST ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 AT EAST SHADOWLAWN CEMETERY IN LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. SHE WAS A GRADUATE OF INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX IN 1956. SHE MARRIED ROBERT NEAL LOTSPEICH ON MARCH 5, 1957 AND LIVED IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX UNTIL MOVING TO LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. IN 1974. SHE WORKED AT BERKMAR HIGH SCHOOL AS A MEDIA CLERK FOR 26 YEARS. SHE ENJOYED LIFE, HER CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. SHE WAS A LONG TIME VOLUNTEER AT ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAWRENCEVILLE. CHRISTINE IS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER HUSBAND, ROBERT NEAL LOTSPEICH, SR., SON, ROBERT NEAL LOTSPEICH, JR. AND HER PARENTS CHRIS AND ELSIE RACHAL. CHRISTINE IS SURVIVED BY HER CHILDREN, CHRISSIE SHORES, SAMUEL LOTSPEICH, PATTI LOTSPEICH AND THOMAS, WIFE, ROBYN LOTSPEICH, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW CATHY LOTSPEICH. ALSO GRANDCHILDREN LAUREN, HUSBAND BEN HEDGES, KEVIN SHORES, MADALYN, HUSBAND REUBEN ATKINSON, AUSTIN LOTSPEICH, ROBBY LOTSPEICH, CHRISTI LOTSPEICH, ERIN LOTSPEICH, ANDREW (AJ) LOTSPEICH, JOHN LOTSPEICH AND HANNAH LOTSPEICH, GREAT GRANDCHILDREN GRACE, AVERY AND COLIN HEDGES, BLAKE EDWARDS, KYLEIGH AND BRADY SHORES, AND PORTER AND MURPHY ATKINSON, SISTERIN-LAW DOROTHY WILLIAMS, NEPHEW SEAN WILLIAMS AND NIECE KRISTIN DE ALEJANDRO, AND THE FAMILY DOG, HUMPHREY. THERE WILL BE A ROSARY HELD AT ST MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT 10:30 AM. THERE WILL BE A FAMILY VIEWING AT WAGES AND SONS ON LAWRENCEVILLE HWY. AND IMMEDIATE BURIAL TO FOLLOW. THERE WILL BE A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT A LATER DATE. THE FAMILY ASKS THAT IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS BE MADE TO ST MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH AT 85 GLOSTER RD. NW, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA.
CHRISTINE PATRICIA LOTSPEICH CHRISTINE PATRICIA LOTSPEICH, BORN DECEMBER 14, 1938 IN DALLAS, TX. PASSED ON MARCH 20, 2020, WILL BE LAID TO
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Mary Helen “Mel” Matuszak (Eaton) Mary Helen (“Mel”) Matuszak passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020, surrounded by her family. Mel was born Mary Helen Eaton in Claremore, Oklahoma on December 1, 1936 to Margaret and George Eaton. A long-time resident of Harper, Kansas, Mel attended Kansas State University and was a charter member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority there and won the national Miss College Football beauty contest in Berkeley, California. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1959 and shortly thereafter married the love of her life, Don Matuszak. Mel chronicled her life in her third book, “Don’t Write My Name In Ink–A Moving Story,” detailing the travels and adventures living around the country. An English teacher, speech therapist, realtor, scout leader, author and most important, a loving wife and mother, she had a profound impact on all the lives she touched. Mel was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty Ann and leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Don Matuszak and their two daughters, Jill Swain and Joelyn Shea and their respective families and a brother, Joel Bond Eaton. Her family would like to thank those who took care of her in the short time in hospice — in a time of grief, you made her smile. Mel was a firm believer in giving of self, and helping others in need. Her family would ask that those who know her would do the same as a tribute to the contributions she made daily. Do a good deed, send in a donation to a charity, share a smile or kind word and think of Mel Matuszak. She will be missed by so very many people.
nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Mrs. Shipley was also preceded in death by her parents, Grover John Ray and Mary Louise Shubert Ray; Grandson, Joseph Purcell; seven siblings and their wives and husbands. Mrs. Shipley was born in Clayton, Georgia (Rabun County) on March 9, 1936. She was a graduate of Science Hill High School and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University both located in Johnson City, TN. She worked for the Law Firm of McCurdy & Candler, LLC in Atlanta for 10 years as a Loan Processor in the Real Estate Division. Mrs. Shipley loved to bake and did catering for receptions, weddings, graduations, and many other functions during her 20 year career. She was a member at First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville where she and her husband, Jack enjoyed the fellowship and many friendships of the Joy Sunday School Class. Mrs. Shipley greatest joy was her family and friends. This southern lady will be deeply missed by her adoring family and friends. Due to the Coronavirus restrictions, the family will have A Private Service at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 2:30 P.M. with her son-in-law, Deacon Ron Leidenfrost serving as the Officiant. A committal service will follow at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens for family members only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joy Sunday School Class, FUMC of Lawrenceville in memory of Mrs. Jo Ann R. Shipley. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company,” 120 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770-963-2411) has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Snellville, GA
Johns Creek
sister, Patricia Baldridge and her husband, David; and sister-in-law, Susan Zielinski, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a member of Buford First Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Junior Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory in Buford, GA. Mrs. Stirsman will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery with her beloved husband. No formal service is planned. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www. flaniganfuneralhome.com.
Buford
Donald Wayne Winkler Donald Wayne Winkler, age 78, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, March 22, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl M. and Louise Moore Winkler; sister, Millie W. Sinyard Bates. Mr. Winkler is survived by his wife, Saranel Whitlock Winkler, Buford, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Jill W. Bulger and Zach Bigham, Cumming, GA, Carla W. Porterfield and Joey Porterfield, Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Jack and Chloe Bulger, Cumming, GA, Lilli and Carter Thomas Porterfield, Cumming, GA; sister-inlaw, Marthagem Whitlock, Nashville, TN; nephew, Cory Sinyard, Cumming, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Winkler was born on October 17, 1941 in Murphy, NC. He was retired from General Motors after thirty-three years in the parts division. He was an accomplished artist, musician, played bass and harmonica. He was a member of Prospect United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, GA and a member of the U.A.W. Local 34. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Prospect United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Moeller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Footprints Building Fund at Prospect United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, GA in memory of Donald Wayne Winkler.
Jo Ann Shipley (Ray) Jo Ann Ray Shipley, age 84, of Johns Creek, formerly of Lawrenceville, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord & Savior on Monday March 23, 2020 at her daughter’s home. She was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband of 61 years, Benjamin Jackson “Jack” Shipley, III who died on June 8, 2018. She is survived by her three daughters, Cindy Shipley Leidenfrost (Ron) of Johns Creek, Jackie Shipley of Lawrenceville and Valerie Shipley Guerriere (Frank) of Woodstock; two granddaughters, Ellie Leidenfrost of Johns Creek and Rachel Little (John) of Tampa, FL; grandson, Louis Leidenfrost of Johns Creek; five great grandchildren, Michelle, Lexi, Nick, Tripp the V, and Lennon; numerous nieces, n
Maureen Stirsman Maureen Stirsman loved God and cared about people. She always said that the day of her passing would be the “happiest day of her life” as she left her earthly body and exchanged it for a completely healed one. That day arrived on March 20, 2020. She was born on August 13, 1935 in Union City, PA and was married to the love of her life, Tom, for fifty-five years. Maureen was a prayer warrior and prayed for “her boys,” her family, and anyone who needed it. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Nelson and her husband, Eric; her son, Thomas Jon Stirsman and his wife, Joyce; her grandson, Matthew Nelson and his wife, Alice; her s
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GUEST COLUMNIST|PAIGE HAVENS
Community leaders launch GwinnettCares website to help during coronavirus crisis
N
ow that we’ve been distancing for a GWINNETT CARES bit, reality is starting to hit. We are getting word of friends and family If you need help or want to volunteer that are testing positive for the coronavirus. your services during the coronavirus Many in our community are being laid off crisis, you can find more information at and don’t know how they will make ends gwinnettcares.org meet. Business owners are carefully evaluating balance sheets and trying to adapt so this pandemic doesn’t mean a permanent is top priority, so we’ll follow best practices demise for their companies. The truth is, in our action plans. For example, volunteer we will all feel the impact of COVID-19 in groups will be small and donation sites are some way. designed for easy drive-through and With each new day it’s becomdrop off. When you go to the store ing harder and harder to sit back for essentials and see a BOGO, see and passively watch it all unfold it as a great opportunity to “buy one, around us. At a time when we want GIVE one!” And of course, online to reach out and take care of each giving is 100% germ-free! other, we are asked to isolate more GwinnettCares.org is also the best and more. This is so counter to the place to direct people needing reDNA of our community. We feel sources and support. No one needs Havens helpless and are growing restless to be too proud to reach out and ask to do something. That’s why a core group for help. We are all in this together. of Gwinnett leaders have come together to We have lots of amazing nonprofits launch GwinnettCares.org. across our community that are offering GwinnettCares.org is a website generat- a wealth of resources to help see you ed out of a grassroot effort of community through. GwinnettCares.org is designed stakeholders (government, business sec- to help us work together to empower our tor, non-profits, schools, churches, etc.) to nonprofits with what they need to care streamline communication to Gwinnett’s for our own. population of a million people about how to Our community response team is workget help and how to help during COVID-19. ing daily to synchronize existing infraThe Community Foundation of Northeast structure around the county to infuse Georgia, United Way, the Gwinnett Coali- resources quickly where they are most tion for Health & Human Services, and needed for the greater good. Task forces 12Stone Church began the conversation, of community leaders and subject matbut now a multitude of organizations are ter experts are conferencing regularly to working together as a Community Response communicate needs on the front lines. Team to power it. Everyone is invited to plug in where GwinnettCares.org offers real-time, trust- you can. Help us spread the word about ed information about critical needs right GwinnettCares.org and visit the site ofhere in our community. Currently, the top ten to stay “in the know.” three needs are food and supplies, volunTogether we will care for our commuteers to lend support to our care systems, nity through COVID-19. and financial donations that will allow us to infuse financial resources into our com- Paige Havens is a marketing and community munity when big surges hit. relations consultant in Gwinnett who is The website offers specific information volunteering her expertise to help keep about what is needed and how you can help. communication strong in Gwinnett during The health and safety of everyone involved the coronavirus crisis.
COLUMNIST|DAVID CARROLL
Let’s make America hug again
J
ust a few days ago, we were com- times never seemed so good.” We were plaining about life’s little annoy- just getting used to pay raises, healthy ances. The pastor’s sermon was retirement savings, and plentiful jobs. too long. Standing in line for more than Did we take it for granted? Some of us five minutes at the checkout line, or the did, absolutely. As another old radio hit fast food place. raved, “Those were the days, my friend, Suddenly, we already miss gowe thought they’d never end.” ing to church. How nice it would Ironically, our current situabe to go to the store, or the restion leaves us longing for what we taurant with no fear. It turns out cannot have. I would love notha little socializing wasn’t so bad, ing more than to hug our medical after all. workers, our first responders, our Think back to the good old days. laid-off and hurting retail workYou know, about a month ago. We ers, and those who are ailing. Yet, would sit around and say, “I’m that is the absolute worst thing I Carroll bored. There’s nothing to do.” could do. What an awful twist of But we could go anywhere we wanted. fate. We are being deprived of what we Depending on our income, recreation need the most. options were unlimited. We could go to I’ve written before about hugging, a high school ball game, a movie, or a and forgive me if I repeat myself. I hug play. If we were able to splurge, we could my wife, of course. I hug my sons, and drive to Dollywood or Disney World, or thankfully, they hug back. Someday I fly just about anywhere. may look back on the year 2020 B.C. We turned on the TV: Should we watch (Before Covid-19) as an era in which I NCAA basketball or a Braves spring would hug my friends and co-workers training game? Better yet, which regular when they accomplished something, or season Braves game would we attend? when they just needed a little encourThe weekend in April, or the weekend in agement. I would even hug total strangMay? Oh wait, we have a wedding that ers who said nice things about my work. weekend in April. Or, we get to see our Sure, I would occasionally encounter son graduate in May. a non-hugger, and if warned ahead of Now, we sit and wait. Everything is time, I would respect their space. But I closed, called off, canceled or postponed. was reminded more than once, “The hug High school seniors who had hoped for you give someone may be the only one one more dance, one more play, or to they get.” As someone who has never smile for the camera when they received been in that position, I sympathize with their diploma, will likely miss those spe- those who are. cial moments. We look forward to the day A hug is like your arms saying everywhen life will again be gloriously routine. thing is going to be all right. It is like Just two weeks ago, I could brighten being wrapped in a warm blanket of my co-workers’ day by bringing my wife’s love. Rev. Bernie Miller of Chattanoocookies to work. She always bakes too ga pastors a church that encourages many for the two of us, and that leaves hugging. He told me, “A visiting senior a few dozen for my friends. Now, who citizen, who got a hug from one of our can be sure that “outside food” is safe? greeters, sent us a thank you note. She People who would once gobble up potato said she hadn’t been hugged since her salad left out for hours are now shying husband died.” away from an apple unless it has been As I wrote last week, this too shall thoroughly scrubbed. pass. And when it does, I look forward I could also surprise a friend at a nurs- to hugging anyone who will allow me ing home with a quick visit to catch up to do so. Heck, at this point, even a on sports. Now I can’t enter the facility handshake would be wonderful. We’re due to “social distancing.” It’s actually missing out on some special moments, physical distancing, because we have and we should never again take them other ways to be social. Unfortunately for granted. it cannot include eye-to-eye conversaStay strong, friends. Support your lotion, not for a while anyway. cal businesses. Let’s get through this, Of course, no one can predict when and make America hug again. the worst of the pandemic will be over. Weeks? Months? Years? What lessons David Carroll, a Chattanooga news anchor, is the author of Volunteer will we learn from it? As a nation, one Bama Dawg, available on his website, hopes we will learn to be better prepared in so many ways: economically, medi- ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. You may contact him at radiotv2020@yahoo.com, or 900 cally, and spiritually. Whitehall Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405. Neil Diamond famously sang, “Good
COLUMNIST|TOM PURCELL
Amid coronavirus pandemic, cyber scams a growing threat
T
he dirty rotten crooks. While the rest of the world is doing its best to sacrifice to beat an unseen biological virus, cyber scammers are trying to attack us with a variety of digital viruses. Before the start of 2020, I warned about the rapid increase in cyber attacks. The more we live our lives online, the more vulnerable we all are to email phishing attacks (fake emails), ransomware attacks (when bad guys gain illegal access to our computers and lock up our devices until we pay them a fee), scammers who pose as government representatives and many other schemes. Last July, I warned about another worrisome cyber threat: attacks on the elderly. People 80 or older are especially at risk and reported a median loss of $2,700 per scam — and there are many regrettable stories about older people who have been taken for their life savings. But in the midst of our current crisis —
as millions are working from home The asking price for the sophis— scammers are busier than ever. ticated scam? A lousy 200 bucks. First of all, the “virtual private Fear is the scammer’s most ponetworks” companies use for remote tent weapon. Scammers are pedworkers are not set up to handle dling fake coronavirus test kits the massive number of people now and cures. Some pretend to be working from home. The systems from government agencies offerrun so slowly, employees are avoiding information on the number of Purcell ing them — opening up security people afflicted with COVID-19 in gaps for the scammers to exploit. your city. Others set up fake chariSecond of all, anyone with ill intent table organizations. can become a scammer now. Even 10 Their goal? To “send emails with mayears ago, one had to be highly skilled licious attachments or links to frauduto run cyber scams, but today, any fool lent websites to trick victims into revealcan purchase and operate an off-the-shelf ing sensitive information or donating to digital scam. fraudulent charities or causes,” says the Digital Shadows, a cyber threat intel- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Seculigence firm, identified a “for-sale” email rity Agency (CISA), which is part of the scam that mimics an actual Johns Hop- Department of Homeland Security. kins Center for Systems Science and EnIt makes my blood boil to know that gineering distribution map of the coro- heartless cybercrooks are adding to the navirus’s outbreak. Click the link in the woes many are experiencing. We all need email and you will download malicious to understand that we must increase our software. ability to detect and thwart their scams
to protect ourselves and our families — in particular, our elderly family members and neighbors. There are steps we can take right now to get started. CISA’s “Stop.Think.Connect” program offers basic cyber tips that we can begin using today; tip sheets on detecting threats and protecting our computers, smartphones and other devices; and tips for protecting older Americans. And for helpful videos, look to StaySafeOnline.org’s YouTube offerings. It’s regrettable that those of us who are staying at home to limit the spread of the coronavirus are at increasing risk as we conduct our daily business on our computers. Let’s make it harder for those dirty rotten online crooks to exploit us. Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.