December 21, 2018 — Gwinnett Daily Post

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Vol. 48, No. 199

Board of Education fetes retiring members

Theme schools named after McClure, Seckinger

BY CURT YEOMANS

will be uttered around the district for years to come.

It would be hard to not say their names when there Gwinnett County Board will be new theme schools of Education members named for both men, after Robert McClure and Dan all.

Seckinger were feted as they McClure and Seckinger’s prepared to leave the board colleagues on the school after nearly a quarter-century board voted Thursday night on Thursday, but their names to name the schools for the

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pair. The new Meadowcreek Cluster Health and Science Theme School will be named for McClure and a new Mill Creek Cluster theme school will be named for Seckinger.

Both men were somewhat taken aback after they found out about the honor.

“It’s just profoundly hum-

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Blair, Knudsen sworn into Board of Education on history-making night ............6A

bling, and I’m very grateful and totally speechless,” McClure said.

Seckinger said, “Words See RETIRING, Page 6A

Gwinnett County Board of Education member Robert McClure is pictured during a celebration that was held Thursday in the school board’s meeting chambers to honor his and fellow board member Dan Seckinger’s 24 years on the Gwinnett County Board of Education. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

Officials are ‘optimistic’ about merger Gwinnett Health System, Northside Hospital await decision from FTC

BY ANDY MILLER Georgia Health News

The mysterious delay in the merger between Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System is continuing, month after month. But Gwinnett Health System officials remain “optimistic” about the eventual merger.

The mega-deal, once forecast to close in 2016, is still in the hands of the Federal Trade Commission, which must approve the transaction. The potential deal was originally announced in 2015, with a projected completion date of early the following year.

Once completed, it would create a mega-system across the northern suburbs of Atlanta into populous Gwinnett County.

Gwinnett Health System is the parent company of Gwinnett Medical Center, which operates hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth. If the Northside deal is consummated, the resulting system would employ 16,000 people, making it one of the biggest employers in the region — something Gwinnett Medical Center spokeswoman Beth Hardy said the hospital is “optimistic” about.

“Gwinnett Medical Center remains extremely optimistic about the merger,” Hardy said. “We are confident that we will be able to get the job done and are pleased with what this partnership would mean to the north metro community.”

The state attorney general’s office approved the proposed deal in mid-November 2017. Afterward, Northside said the combined system could start running See MERGER, Page 6A

The overall length of time that the Northside-Gwinnett merger has taken — since 2015 — has left many experts puzzled, industry insiders say. (File Photo)

Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Janice Buice, right, holds Dallas’ hand as the girl points to various stuffed animals at Walmart on Wednesday night. The 27th annual Cops and Kids Christmas shopping event served nearly 170 children this year. (Staff Photos: Isabel Hughes)

Christmases made

Cops and Kids shopping event serves nearly 170

BY ISABEL HUGHES

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isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

“I like that one,” Dallas said to Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Janice Buice, who was holding the little girl’s hand.

As Buice crouched down to look where Dallas was pointing, the girl’s eyes wandered to another, bigger stuffed animal several feet away, which belonged to a pile of plush cats and dogs stacked haphazardly along Walmart’s toy aisle.

“There are many others,” Buice said to Dallas, who suddenly couldn’t make up her mind as to what toy she wanted.

Fanned out across Buford’s Hamilton Mill Road Walmart on Wednesday night, dozens of law enforcement officers, children and their parents repeated the Buice-Dallas scene as part

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos from the event.

nett College’s Deputy Chief of Police and FOP trustee Carlos Llorens.

“The whole goal behind it is to (give) these children the opportunity to shop with a police officer,” Llorens said. “A lot of them, because of the situation they’re in with (the Division of Family and Children Services) and things like that, it creates this situation where the only Lawrenceville Police Department Officer Chris Carey shops time they get to actually deal with Eric Willey, left, and Cameron Patterson, center, at Walmart with a police officer is on an on Wednesday night. The 27th annual Cops and Kids Christmas unpleasant note. We’re working to change that.” shopping event served nearly 170 children this year.

The program, which used to be called Shop with a Cop, is of the Gravitt-Everett-Davis brings together families and hosted by Fraternal Order of Lodge 66 Fraternal Order of law enforcement officers from Police’s annual Cops and Kids every end of the county for one Police lodges across Georgia Christmas shopping event. evening to benefit low-income See COPS, Page 6A Now in it 27th year, the event children, said Georgia Gwin-

Ordner Construction gives $30K donation to Family Promise

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

After a year that saw its SaltLight Center suspend operations because of fundraising struggles, Family Promise of Gwinnett County got a bit of an early Christmas on Thursday.

Ordner Construction officials presented $30,000 to Family Promise, which

works with members of the homeless community in Gwinnett to help them get back on their feet. The money was raised through Ordner’s seventh annual 5K race, which the company organizes to benefit Family Promise.

“We’re blessed to work with Family Promise,” Ordner Construction President Jeff Ordner said. “What they do is much harder than

what we do and we hope the partnership continues for a long time.”

While the total amount of the donation sounds large on its own, it’s actually bigger. Family Promise officials said they will use $20,000 from the donation as a local match to get a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of See ORDNER, Page 6A

Ordner Construction officials present a ceremonial check for $30,000 to Family Promise officials on Thursday. The amount represents the money Ordner raised for the nonprofit during the company’s seventh annual 5K race earlier this year.

(Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

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2A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Woman dragged, held at gunpoint in robbery

BY ISABEL HUGHES

to Cpl. Michele Pihera, spokeswoman for the department.

“All three suspects enA woman who works at tered the business wearing the VN Pharmacy in Normasks and gloves,” Pihera cross was dragged around said. “Two suspects jumped the store while having a gun the counter, and one suspect pointed at her head during a kicked in the employee recent, mid-afternoon robaccess door. The female bery, police said. employee who was sitting The Gwinnett County behind the counter was Police Department’s grabbed and dragged to the Robbery Unit is trying to back room.” identify three suspects in The employee was forced the armed robbery, which to open the safe, after which occurred at about 2 p.m. the suspects stole “a large on Dec. 7 at 4782 Jimmy amount of medications” and Carter Blvd., according her purse. They then fled. isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

The getaway car is described as a black, newer model Ford Taurus with what police believe to be a fake license plate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit crimestoppersatlanta. org.

Tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case by referencing case number 18-113470.

Police are looking for three armed robbery suspects who held an employee at gunpoint during the crime. (Special Photo)

Georgia hit harder by flu than any other state

BY ANDY MILLER

TIPS TO AVOID SPREADING THE FLU

Georgia Health News

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

A heavy construction equipment manufacturer announced this week that it is opening a new parts distribution center next to its North American headquarters in Suwanee.

Doosan Infracore North America LLC said its new facility will have 100,000 square feet of space and

ALL

serve dealers and customers across the U.S. and Canada.

About 40,000 stock-keeping units, which can be used to service Doosan construction equipment, will be stocked at the distribution center, which will be managed by DHL Supply Chain.

“Doosan is committed to being a top-five construction equipment brand in North America, and this new parts distribution center

illustrates our promise to support our dealers and our customers with parts availability and prompt delivery,” Doosan Infracore North America LLC CEO Edward Song said in a statement .

“We can significantly reduce shipping costs and we can provide less than twoday delivery on a majority of our genuine Doosan parts delivered from our dedicated warehouse.”

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• Stay home from work or school if you’re sick.

help guard against the flu.

• Cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue, or cough or • If you’re not sick, stay away from people who are. sneeze into the crook of the elbow or arm.

• Wash your hands thor• Avoid touching your face. oughly and frequently to • If your doctor prescribes antivirals, take them.

and metro Atlanta areas have seen many children with flu.

The data on disease prevalence come after an especially brutal flu season a year ago.

Last winter’s flu season was the deadliest in at least four decades, the CDC said, with an estimated 80,000 deaths in the nation.

In Georgia, there were 155 confirmed influenzaassociated deaths reported last flu season, the state Department of Public Health said. That figure may be lower than the actual number because not everyone who dies has been tested for flu, the state agency said. And Public Health added that it may not have been notified of all deaths. Of the reported Georgia deaths, 109 were among people 65 or older.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months old or older.

Among Public Health

recommendations: • Stay home from work or school if you’re sick, so you don’t spread the flu. Before returning to school or work, flu sufferers should be free of fever (without the use of a fever reducer) for at least 24 hours.

• If your doctor prescribes antivirals, take them.

• If you’re not sick, stay away from people who are.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to help guard against the flu.

If soap and water are not accessible, the next best thing is to use alcoholbased sanitizing gels.

• Cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu.

Use a tissue, or cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow or arm.

• Avoid touching your face, as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.

Nonprofits receive grants from Delta Community Credit Union

BY CURT YEOMANS

Fund grant awards.

Delta Community Credit Union announced the grant winners this Christmas came a little past week, and a total of early for four Gwinnearly $15,000 is going nett County nonprofits to Street Grace, Good that were among the Samaritan Health Center recipients of 2019 Delta of Gwinnett, Hudgens Community Philanthropic Center for Art and Learn-

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Suwanee to see Doosan distribution center open

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Doosan Infracore North America LLC officials cut a ribbon to officially open their new parts distribution center in Suwanee. The facility will serve Doosan equipment dealers and customers in the U.S. and Canada. (Photo: Doosan Infracore North America LLC)

The most recent CDC national data showed Georgia had the highest level of flu activity in the United States.

The state’s level of influenza-like illness was reported as “High’’ in the report of the week ending Dec. 8. That was the most activity for any state, according to the agency’s map.

There have been four flu-associated deaths in the state since the beginning of disease tracking Sept. 30, the Georgia Department of Public Health said. One of those who died was a child, and the other three were 65 or older.

Metro Atlanta has seen 159 flu hospitalizations over the tracking period.

“Flu activity has been high in Georgia for the past three weeks,’’ Nancy Nydam, a Public Health spokeswoman, said Wednesday. “We are (and have been) above the national baseline, so there is plenty of flu circulating in Georgia.’’

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta said Wednesday that it’s seeing an increase in flu and respiratory cases resulting in high patient volumes.

The Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics said that pediatricians in the Savannah

ing and Revved Up Kids through the grant program.

There were 24 grant winners across the metro Atlanta area, and together they received a total of $100,000 in grant funding through the awards program, according to the credit union.

“We know that investment in the physical and financial well-being of people who live in the areas we serve results in stronger individuals, families and, ultimately, communities,” Delta Community CEO Hank Halter said in a statement.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to invest in these organizations which share our commitment to both help families manage their money optimally and improve the physical and financial health of young people.”

The breakdown of grant funding heading to Gwinnett County-based groups includes: • A $7,500 grant for Street Grace.

• A $3,000 grant for the Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett.

• A $1,000 grant for the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning.

• A $3,450 grant for Revved Up Kids.

perspectives

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence

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2018

PAGE 3 A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Withdrawal from Syria a risky mistake

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s abrupt decision to pull American troops from Syria is riskier than it looks. It ends a low-cost, highimpact mission and creates a vacuum that will be filled by one of a series of bad actors — Iran, Russia, Turkey, Islamic extremists, the Syrian regime — take your pick, they’re all dangerous for American interests in the Middle East.

Trump’s withdrawal from northeast Syria will end a campaign that was never really seen or understood by the American people. It was a small-footprint, low-visibility war carried out by U.S. Special Operations forces, in partnership with a Kurdish-led militia.

Because most Americans didn’t watch the conflict on television, they didn’t appreciate the unlikely fact that it was successful. It destroyed the Islamic State; it stabilized northeast Syria; it blocked Iranian expansion; it checked Russian hegemony; it gave the U.S. some bargaining David leverage for an eventual Ignatius political settlement in Syria.

But none of that evidently mattered in the end to Trump. He was elected to end wars in the Middle East, even successful ones. On this, as so many issues, he was determined to fulfill his campaign promises, consequences be damned.

His Syria decision was opposed, near as I can tell, by the Pentagon, the State Department and key regional allies. Trump did it anyway.

This decision scares me partly because I’ve seen with my own eyes the hard-won gains we may be giving up, in visits to the secret bases where this war was waged. It’s hard to describe the competence of American troops in Syria without sounding corny. Suffice it to say that they found a way to project American power with maximum damage to the enemy and minimum cost for America.

We can grant some of Trump’s larger points, even as we assess the potential costs of his decision. Every war must end, as strategist Fred Ikle once remarked about Vietnam, and the war against the Islamic State had all-but-ended.

As the terrorist threat receded, so did the legal rationale for deploying American troops — the overstretched “authorization to use military force” against terrorists passed on Sept. 14, 2001.

The White House shouldn’t be faulted, either, for stressing that America’s national military strategy now focuses on the threat of great-power competitors, Russia and China, rather than terrorists. U.S. strategy became lopsided after 9/11, misallocating resources, and now it’s time for a rebalancing. I get all that.

And finally, analysts who’ve followed Syria knew that at some point, the U.S. would have to retreat from its all-in support for the Syrian Kurdish militia that fought so bravely, to the last man and woman, to liberate eastern Syria from the torture chamber of the Islamic State. The Kurds want a mini-state east of the Euphrates, but as special envoy Jim Jeffrey said this week at the Atlantic Council, “we do not have permanent relationships with sub-state entities.”

America was going to have to break the Kurds’ hearts eventually (as we seem to with so many of our brave allies). But not now, not when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was threatening an invasion, trying to jawbone America into abandoning its allies. This kind of bullying shouldn’t work against a superpower.

But sadly, it just did, with lasting cost to American credibility.

Senior administration officials try to put the best face on Trump’s mistaken decision. “This will be a measured, step-by-step withdrawal,” says one. “It will be conditions-based, with the timeline moving left or right depending on force protection and other factors.” That’s what you’re supposed to say about a pullout, but I doubt it will convince many people in Tehran, Moscow or Ankara.

What’s truly distressing is that until Trump’s sudden turnabout, the United States had something of a virtuous cycle going in the region.

Not only was the Islamic State almost extinguished, but U.S. power was creating conditions for future stability. The new Iraqi government was eager to be a partner; Iran was realizing it had overreached in Syria; Sunni Arab allies such as Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates wanted to help contain Turkish power and create a more stable Syrian state.

Trump aborted this positive momentum. He ceded power in northern Syria to Turkey and its proxies, which have made a ruinous mess everywhere in Syria they’ve tried to control. He abandoned a Syrian Kurdish ally that had imagined that sacrificing lives at America’s request would count for something. It didn’t.

Trump’s Syrian legacy: He has proved even more irresolute than his predecessor, Barack Obama. How does that feel, Mr. President?

David Ignatius can be reached via Twitter: @IgnatiusPost.

Early look at Arizona’s ’20 race WASHINGTON — As resumes go, it’s hard to fathom a better fit to fill John McCain’s Senate seat than the nation’s first female Air Force pilot to fly in combat — Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey apparently thought so, too. On Tuesday, he selected McSally to fill the seat until 2020, when a special election will be held to fill the remaining two years of McCain’s term.

Assuming she wins and wants to run for re-election in 2022, McSally could conceivably spend the better part of the next four years running for the seat she’ll occupy effective Jan. 3, when she’s due to be sworn in.

If your head is swiveling, it may be because it was just last month that McSally lost an election bid for the Senate, when she was aiming to replace retiring Republican Sen. Jeff Flake. Hold on. Sen. Jon Kyl, whom Ducey appointed in September to fill McCain’s seat, announced last week that he’d only stay until the end of the year, giving someone else a chance to be in place for 2020.

Thus, McSally, who lost last month in a close race to Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, will become her midterm opponent’s Senate colleague. McSally’s eventual rise hasn’t been without pitfalls, including opposition earlier this year from McCain’s family. McSally, who ran against Sinema on a pro-

pointment was strictly a political calculation — she was considered the most likely to hold the seat against future challengers — even Ducey was initially hesitant. He and his team reportedly were upset

by McSally’s post-election analysis, in which she blamed Kathleen her loss on external factors Parker rather than internal, strategic mistakes.

President Trump platform (deHo-hum. Blah-blah-blah. spite previously criticizing the Such nit-pickery is important president), apparently insulted if you’re a political operative the family and McCain’s or a talk-show host, but most memory by failing to acnormal people are more inknowledge him when touting terested in politicians’ human legislation that was actually aspect — their stories and named for him — the John experiences — and what they S. McCain National Defense bring to the table.

Authorization Act for Fiscal McSally brings quite a lot, Year 2019. It was perceived including that rarest of qualias a low blow, seemingly ties in this town — humility. contrived to mimic Trump, In person, she is almost bashwho also withheld McCain’s ful. At a recent social event we name from mention during both attended, which included comments when he signed the a request for each person to act into law. introduce themselves with a Upon Ducey’s recomfew autobiographical notes, mendation, McSally recently McSally’s introduction was met with Cindy McCain and the shortest. “I’m a pilot and I apologized for her oversight. like dogs,” she said.

McCain reportedly accepted Indeed, she does, as many her apology. will recall from her November Other Arizonans may not concession video, recorded be so forgiving, though these with McSally seated on would largely be Democrats her couch with her rescue who just rejected her for the golden retriever, Boomer, who office she’ll hold. But nearly seemed most interested in 48 percent of voters preferred climbing on McSally’s lap. If McSally and, besides, the gov- Boomer didn’t steal all hearts, ernor is required by state law she certainly consolidated the to select someone belonging canine vote. to the same party as the person In other words, McSally whose seat has been vacated. is the antithesis of the stereoAlthough McSally’s aptypical fighter pilot as a cocky

male sporting a Top Gun attitude. This despite having been first in her class at the Air War College, serving 26 years in the Air Force — including six deployments to Afghanistan — and retiring as a full colonel.

Seriously, folks, what more do you want in a senator?

If she has signaled too close an alignment with Trump, she can’t be accused of abandoning her principles. She’s a conservative, to be sure, and her voting record in the House reflects this. McSally voted favorably for Trump issues 97 percent of the time, compared with Sinema’s 63 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight, which calculates such things.

Further, I suspect you’ll find few Republican veterans seeking office who would criticize the commander in chief. One notable exception, of course, was McCain — a maverick to the last.

He was sui generis and his seat would be hard for anyone to fill. But then, there aren’t many McSallys out there either. With her, the Senate gets a fearless, scrappy, humble public servant, one of eight Republican woman in the Senate and the 25th in history, who also just happens to be single. Needless to say, any potential suitors must love dogs.

Kathleen Parker received the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2010. Her email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com.

Mueller probe could become Dem disaster WASHINGTON — All of Washington is focused on the political peril President Trump faces from Robert Mueller’s investigation. But the Mueller probe could very well turn out to be a disaster, not for Trump, but for the Democrats.

The special counsel was appointed to investigate whether Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia to win the 2016 presidential election.

If Mueller finds incontrovertible evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, then the president will be — and should be — removed from office. But it is also possible that Mueller will not find evidence that Trump conspired with Russia, and that Mueller or federal prosecutors in New York’s Southern District will find evidence for some other charge unrelated to a conspiracy with Russia — such as Trump’s hush-money payments to alleged former mistresses or crimes related to Trump’s family business.

That would be a nightmare scenario for Democrats, for three reasons. First, their base would demand that the new Democratic House majority impeach Trump, even if the charges have nothing to do with Russia. The “resistance” does not care about Russia; it cares about getting rid of Trump, and any pretext will do. The pressure from the

the 1990s. At the same point in his presidency, after Republicans won the House in 1994, Clinton’s approval was stuck in the low 40s — only a few points better than Trump today. But two years later, after House Republicans approved articles of impeachment, Marc Clinton’s approval rating Thiessen soared to 73 percent. Despite incontrovertible evidence that grassroots to impeach the Clinton had sexual relations president would be hard, if with a White House intern not impossible, for the new and lied about it under oath, Democratic majority in the Clinton left office with the House to resist. highest Gallup approval rating Second, such an effort to of any president since Harry remove Trump from office Truman. If Democrats want would fail. Even if House to give Trump’s approval a Democrats managed to pass similar boost, there is no better articles of impeachment, there way to do it than to impeach is zero chance that two-thirds him for something unrelated of the Senate would vote to to a criminal conspiracy with convict Trump for paying Russia. hush money to an adult-film Impeachment would not star and a Playboy playmate or only raise Trump’s approval for pre-presidential financial with the very suburban voters improprieties. And AmeriDemocrats just peeled away cans — who rightly thought from the GOP in the 2018 the purpose of the Mueller midterms, but it would also probe was to find out if Trump energize his base as never becommitted treason by working fore. Trump’s supporters knew with Russia to steal the elecabout his affairs and shady tion — would see Democrats business dealings in 2016. engaged in a pointless effort They knew about the “Access to remove the president over Hollywood” tape, where he completely unrelated allegabragged about grabbing womtions. en by their private parts. They Third, such a failed imknew he boasted about ogling peachment effort would back- Miss Universe contestants as fire on Democrats just as the they were getting dressed and impeachment of Bill Clinton publicly fat-shamed a Miss backfired on Republicans in Universe winner for gaining

weight. They knew about the evidence that students were ripped off by the for-profit Trump University (which was not actually a university).

They knew that he has been credibly accused of using his charity, the Trump Foundation, to self-deal, including using $258,000 from its coffers to settle legal disputes. They knew about the bankruptcy of his Atlantic City casinos and the allegations that he failed to pay workers and contractors.

They knew all this — and voted for him anyway.

Impeaching him over prepresidential conduct unrelated to Russia would be seen by Trump voters as an effort to invalidate their votes. It would be received in Trump country as nothing short of an attempted coup. That could provoke a massive backlash. Just as the Democrats’ campaign to destroy Brett Kavanaugh cost them the chance to take back the Senate in 2018, a campaign to impeach Trump could very well cost them the chance to take back the presidency in 2020.

In other words, Democrats hoping that the Mueller probe will be Trump’s undoing could find it is their own undoing instead.

Marc Thiessen is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush.

4A • Friday, December 21, 2018 To Your Good Health

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today

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Keith Roach

Aspirin’s usefulness depends on individual DEAR DR. ROACH: Like many men, I have been taking 81-mg aspirin for decades. I recently saw a report indicating that not only is it not helpful, but that it actually can increase the risk of internal bleeding and the likelihood of death from cancer. What is your advice on continuing to take the aspirin?

— T.M. ANSWER: Aspirin has been used for 50 years or more to prevent heart attacks. Several studies in the 1980s and 1990s confirmed that aspirin is effective at preventing the first heart attack in men at average or high risk for heart disease.

One trial was so persuasive that it was stopped early, as it was deemed unethical to allow the men on placebo to continue without being offered aspirin. The Women’s Health Study in 2001 showed that aspirin reduces risk of stroke in women.

However, aspirin has a well-known risk: It can cause bleeding, especially of the stomach and GI tract, but inside the brain as well.

In comparing the risks and benefits, the studies showed that between 30 and 200 men need to be treated with aspirin for five years in order to prevent a heart attack, while one man in 100 or so will develop a bleed bad enough to require hospitalization or transfusion.

In the Women’s Health Study, about 500 women needed to be treated for 10 years to prevent one stroke, while one woman in 25 developed bleeding. Of course, some bleeding (such as nosebleeds or blood in the urine) does not have the same effect on quality of life as a stroke.

Three trials recently have been published questioning the effectiveness of aspirin to prevent the first heart attack (I emphasize FIRST heart attack because everyone with a history of a heart attack should be on aspirin unless there is a reason for them not to be on it, such as a prior history of bleeding). One of these trials, the ASPREE study, showed that aspirin did not reduce risk of a heart attack in people over 70, but did increase risk of bleeding.

Aspirin also increased risk of dying from cancer in this study. This was unexpected.

A review of all the previous trials showed that aspirin doesn’t increase or decrease risk of stroke in the first 10 years people take it, but after 10 years, risk of all cancer (but especially colon cancer) decreased by almost 50 percent. The ASPREE trial had follow-up for only five years.

Still, researchers have puzzled over why aspirin showed benefit in the 1980s and 1990s, but the recent trials have shown smallerthan-expected benefit (the ASCEND trial showed one fewer heart attack per 100 men over nine years) or none (the ARRIVE trial showed no improvement compared with placebo). I think the answer comes from the fact that heart disease is much less prevalent now than it was 20-30 years ago. Despite a worsening in some risk factors in the population (obesity), there is less smoking, better control of blood pressure and far more use of statin drugs, which cumulatively act to reduce heart attack and stroke risk. Aspirin will thus have less benefit to a population, but the same risk of bleeding, meaning the risk/ benefit ratio is less favorable.

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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

....................... 11:34 a.m.-1:34 p.m.

Minor

6:12-7:12 a.m.............4:50-5:50 p.m.

pollen counts Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 4-9-1 Cash 3 Evening: 9-1-5 Cash 3 Night: 8-0-2 Cash 4 Midday: 8-0-8-9 Cash 4 Evening: 2-5-1-7 Cash 4 Night: 5-4-6-0 Ga. 5 Midday: 2-4-4-5-2 Ga. 5 Evening: 9-2-7-5-2 Fantasy 5: 1-6-26-37-39

50

47

lake levels Full Yesterday Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona..............(840.0)......826.69 Lanier..................(1071.0)....1070.18 Blackshear............(237.0)......235.56 Nottely................(1779.0).... 1761.33 Blue Ridge.........(1690.0)....1670.27 Oconee................(435.0)......434.34 Burton................(1865.0)....1860.29 Seminole.................(77.5)........79.71 Carters............... (1072.0).... 1074.17 Sinclair.................(339.8)......338.48 Chatuge..............(1927.0)....1918.57 Thurmond............(330.0)......326.76 Harding.................(521.0)......520.73 Tugalo....................(891.5)......888.26 Hartwell................(660.0)......660.31 Walter F. George.. (188.0)......188.21 Jackson................(530.0)......529.12 West Point............(635.0)......628.79

today in history

Lottery Thursday Cash 3 Midday: 8-5-1 Cash 4 Midday: 5-7-0-2 Ga. 5 Midday: 2-1-3-7-3

Lake

44

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1620, the Pilgrims went ashore at Plymouth Rock, setting foot on North America for the first time.

In 1913, the New York World newspaper published Arthur Wynne’s “WordCross Puzzle,” the first crossword puzzle.

In 1937, Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the first featurelength animated film, premiered.

In 2013, the Walt Disney Company completed its $4.06 billion purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), British prime minister; Josh Gibson (1911-1947), baseball player; Joe Paterno (1926-2012), football coach; Jane Fonda (1937- ), actress; Frank Zappa (1940-1993), musician; Samuel L. Jackson (1948- ), actor; Chris Evert (1954- ), tennis player; Ray Romano (1957- ), actor/comedian; Florence

Griffith Joyner (1959-1998), Olympic track athlete; Kiefer Sutherland (1966- ), actor; Julie Delpy (1969- ), actress/filmmaker.

TODAY’S FACT: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” derided by Hollywood insiders as “Disney’s Folly” while it was in production, cost Disney Studios an estimated $1.5 million to create. Walt Disney mortgaged his home to help cover the unanticipated expenses.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 2010, the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team won its 89th consecutive game, setting a new Division I record for consecutive wins.

TODAY’S NUMBER: 41 — adult male Pilgrims on the Mayflower who signed the Mayflower Compact before disembarking on Plymouth Rock.

TODAY’S MOON: Between first quarter moon (Dec. 15) and full moon (Dec. 22).

reader’s guide

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We only redeliver on Sunday.

All other delivery days that are missed, we will have this paper delivered with the next day paper delivery at the request of the customer.

Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence

2018

Husband needs to call a family meeting Dear Amy: My wife and I have been married for 25 years. In most respects we continue to have a very solid relationship.

We enjoy talking and doing things together, and we have a lot in common.

We have been semiretired for 10 years. We spend a lot of time together.

If there is one challenge that never seems to resolve itself, however, it is my wife’s claims that I have either not listened to her, or that I have misinterpreted something she says.

She stores away every instance of my “failures” in this area, so that each time I miss or forget something she has said, she becomes frustrated and upset.

These miscommunications usually involve minor issues relating to house maintenance, shopping and scheduling. This happens every few weeks.

In my view, considering how much time we spend together, these episodes are not serious enough to evoke her building frustration, which then spills over.

I have apologized often, but have also told her that I am human and am going to forget things on occasion or misinterpret what she says.

She invariably says that these situations are examples of a lack of respect for her.

I feel I am under a microscope and that she

And before you two part, look her in the eyes and say, “Honey, I’m flawed. I make mistakes. But I appreciate you.” Does she deserve this response? Maybe not. But do it anyway.

Leading with a loving reaction should disarm, charm, and inspire her to behave differently.

Amy Dickinson Dear Amy: For the past 10 years I have had a is growing intolerant to difficult relationship with the point that it poses a my younger brother, who threat to the marriage. lives in Germany. Things She insists that there is no got very bad when I found other underlying grievance out he had molested his involved. daughter for most of her I would like to try to teen years. improve things before He vehemently denied recommending marriage this accusation. My niece counseling. Any advice? is not physically or emo— Caring Husband tionally strong enough to Dear Caring: bring her father to justice, Holding onto grievances is and now my brother has no a terrible habit, in part be- relationship with her at all. cause your wife’s feelings He also wouldn’t let and outbursts then become me see our mother at her the focus of your comhouse. My mother became munication. If she wants very afraid of him when you to continue to work he began to run her life, so on controlling or changin the end we could only ing your own habits, she spend time together by should work on her own. going to a restaurant. She You two should have passed away five years regular family meetings ago. where you review houseI received an email hold matters. Even though from my brother, saying you see one another all the he wants to try “one more time, sitting down with time” to have a relationintention will be good for ship since our family has your relationship. become very small, and Always close these we are getting old. He says meetings the way a good we should just forget about journalist closes an impor- “the little differences.” tant interview: “Is there I don’t even know this anything important we guy anymore. He has never haven’t discussed? Is there been part of my life, and anything more you’d like has never visited me in the to tell me?”

U.S. in the 40 years I’ve

Ask Amy

lived here.

I feel like I will be betraying my niece if I have a relationship with him; I think he is a monster and should be behind bars.

I have not replied to his email and am waiting to hear what you have to say.

— Wondering Dear Wondering: Responding to a “bid” is not the same as having a relationship. I think you should respond very briefly and simply and see what he wants, and why. This could be the opportunity to you to very honestly tell him what you think of him.

You have the right to confront him over these “little differences,” which don’t sound little at all.

Dear Amy: “Wayward Dad” described his anguish over his distant relationship with his son and grandchildren, who lived 3,000 miles away.

My husband and I dealt with this by leaving our town and our friends, picking up and moving to be near our family.

We treasure our closeness to the kids, and now travel great distances to see our pals.

— Works for Us Dear Works: A great solution.

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.

Sign up to get Gwinnett Daily Post breaking news alerts and daily newsletters at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletters.

This could be a tough time for you if you don’t make hard choices and follow through with what you know in your heart is the best thing to do.

Welcome change with open arms and pursue your dreams without letting others interfere with your plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Ask yourself emotional questions and be honest about your feelings and expectations. It’s up to you to bring about positive change.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Stand your ground and make choices based on what you can afford and what you feel comfortable doing. A promise you make to someone should be based on what’s doable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Time spent at home with your family or friends will encourage you to make a lifestyle change. Recognize the things that will enhance your life, and make the right choices.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Communication, travel and dealings with people you don’t always see eye-toeye with will lead to an unwanted predicament.

Don’t overreact; just go about your business.

Change begins within.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You are best off doing your own thing, getting your personal papers up to date and forgoing a debate with someone who could influence your future.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — If you care about someone, now’s the time to let him or her know. You don’t have to buy an elaborate gift; you can just share your feelings and time. Romance is in the stars.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You’ll be given the wrong information or directions. Don’t be too trusting or willing to let someone use emotional manipulation to get you to do his or her dirty work.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Getting together with a friend or colleague will lead to an interesting idea that will tempt you to get involved in something unusual.

Don’t give all your secrets away or make a commitment without more information.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — An opportunity will change your direction and life. Get the facts before you share your plans with loved ones.

The choices you make won’t please everyone, but this time you have to please yourself first.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Calm down to deter others from overreacting. Take a stand when it comes to indulgent behavior. Be the mature one in your group and avoid trouble.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Getting together with peers, relatives or people who have chosen a different path than you have will tweak your intelligence and give you reason to consider making a lifestyle change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — A kind gesture will help you seal a deal or understand how you can improve an important relationship. A personal change will make you stand out and will bring a positive response.

Friday, December 21, 2018 • 5A

gwinnettdailypost.com

world&nation world Dem. Republic of Congo’s presidential election delayed

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s election to replace President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country for nearly 18 years, has been delayed by a week to Dec. 30, the country’s electoral commission announced Thursday.

Sunday’s long-awaited vote, which has been postponed repeatedly since 2016, was again pushed back amid political turmoil and one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in history.

Commissioners blamed a blaze that engulfed a warehouse housing electoral materials in the capital, Kinshasa, earlier this month, incinerating thousands of voting machines — 80 percent of the city’s stock.

An opposition coalition that has objected to the use of voting machines called for an investigation into the fire. The coalition, led by presidential candidate Martin Fayulu, alleges the machines could aid vote-rigging.

Putin warns of new nuclear arms race Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday addressed concerns about the growing risks of a new nuclear arms race as he held his annual televised news conference in Moscow.

“The danger of the situation escalating is being downplayed,” he said in response to a question about fears of nuclear war.

Putin expressed the hope that humankind would have enough common sense “not to go to extremes.” He also warned that the lowering of thresholds relating to nuclear capability “could really lead us to catastrophe.”

Russia has criticized the U.S. over the Trump administration’s plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, saying it risks the breakdown of international arms-control agreements.

Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of a U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria, Putin agreed with Trump’s assessment that ISIS had largely been defeated in Syria.

government shutdown

Trump dumps funding bill

By Kevin Liptak and Allie Malloy CNN

A holiday government shutdown appeared more likely on Thursday after President Donald Trump informed House Republicans he would refuse to accept a stop-gap measure — already passed by the Senate — that doesn’t include funds for his long-promised border wall.

What was once a deal to avoid a Christmas partial shutdown was torpedoed Thursday by conservatives and Trump, who unleashed fury at another agreement that stops short of providing the $5 billion the president has demanded for the border.

It was a closing burst of wrath in the final days of the Republican-majority House.

If Trump cannot secure the money he is demanding for the wall now, it’s unlikely he will see a spending bill that meets his requirement for at least two years as Democrats assume control.

The uncertainty sent lawmakers scrambling to devise a solution that could keep funds flowing to some government agencies after today’s deadline. It’s not clear if there are enough votes in the House for a bill that would include the $5 billion in border wall funding; in the Senate, where

Woman: I was Woody Allen’s teen lover and I have no regrets

A woman who says she was Woody Allen’s secret young lover decades ago has no regrets, although she now sees the relationship in a different light from when she was a teenager.

Christina Engelhardt said she met Allen, who was 41 at the time, in 1976, when she was 16 years old, at famed New York City celebrity hangout Elaine’s.

An aspiring model and New Jersey high school student at the time, she President Donald Trump changed course Thursday on a deal to avoid a partial shut- said their relationship down of the federal government over funding for his border wall project. (Photo: CNN) became sexual after she turned 17, the legal age of any measure will require about border security — following Office of Budget consent in New York. CNN has reached out to Allen 60 votes to clear procedural stopping the flow of drugs, and Management guideand his representatives for hurdles, there are almost stopping human trafficking lines on notifying federal comment but has not gotcertainly not enough votes. and stopping terrorism. We employees whether they’ll ten a response.

Stewing at the White protect nations all over the be furloughed in case of a “I don’t have anything House, Trump ranted on world, but Democrats are government shutdown, a negative toward him; he Twitter that he’d been down unwilling to protect our na- senior administration told meant a lot to me. He a similar road earlier this tion. We urgently need fund- CNN’s Jim Acosta. didn’t hurt or help me,” year, only to find himself ing for border security, and “Prudent management Engelhardt told CNN. again in the same position. that includes a wall,” White requires that agencies be Engelhardt said the His press secretary said he House press secretary Sarah prepared for the possibility relationship lasted from wouldn’t move forward Sanders said following the of a lapse. OMB guidance 1976 to 1984, when she without the billions in fund- White House meeting. states that two business moved from New York to ing for “steel slats or a wall.”

Stocks, already traddays before a potential Los Angeles. She became He summoned House Re- ing lower because of the lapse, agencies need to an actress and now works publicans — who thought Federal Reserve’s Wednes- notify employees of their for a production company they’d struck a deal to avert day decision to raise its work and pay status under and reads tarot cards. a shutdown — for noontime benchmark interest rate, a lapse — that is, if they talks at the White House. were sharply down as the are furloughed or excepted.

“President Trump just met scramble in Washington ap- Agencies were directed by ‘To All The Boys with Republican members peared to be leading toward OMB to start that notifiI’ve Loved Before’ of the House. Not surprisa shutdown. cation this morning,” the getting a sequel ingly, they all feel strongly The White House is official said.

nation

Strawn, had been with the sheriff’s office since 1991 and retired in 2017, Chronister said. He was hired back this summer in a temporary role as a school security deputy, the sheriff said, after county officials announced a plan to provide armed security at all elementary schools in the wake of February’s mass school shooting in Parkland.

Dow sinks below 23K; oil in free fall Fear is taking over Wall Street.

The Dow dropped 464 points, or 2 percent, on Thursday. The index closed below 23,000 for the first time since October 2017.

The Nasdaq lost 1.6 percent and only narrowly avoided closing in its first bear market since the Great Recession. The S&P 500 declined 1.6 percent.

And U.S. oil prices are in free fall, ending below $46 a barrel for the first time since August 2017.

The latest wave of selling shows how worried investors have become about the eventual demise of the economic expansion. Those jitters were exacerbated by concerns that the Federal Reserve is making a mistake by continuing to raise interest rates.

people

The closing numbers are displayed after the closing bell of the Dow Industrial Average at the New York Stock Exchange this week in New York. (Photo: CNN)

update.

Deputy Terry Strawn had harmed his family at one home. He harmed another family member at a different location. And he was going to kill himself.

A supervisor immeMattis quits, says diately joined the line to views not ‘aligned’ try and calm him down, and three other deputies with president’s located Strawn outside a Defense Secretary James high school in Plant City N. Korea won’t Mattis resigned Thursday, a near Tampa, Sheriff Chad denuclearize until day after President Donald Chronister said WednesTrump’s plans to withdraw day. Despite efforts to U.S. eliminates Asylum seekers troops from Syria became convince him otherwise, ‘nuclear threat’ to stay in Mexico public. the deputy killed himself in North Korea will not “Because you have the front of his colleagues, the while immigration relinquish its nuclear to U.S. proceeds right to have a Secretary of sheriff said. weapons until the U.S. Defense whose views are The disturbing situation Homeland Security Seceliminates its own “nuclear better aligned with yours on ended with the deaths of retary Kirstjen Nielsen anthreat,” according to a these and other subjects, I the deputy’s wife, daughter commentary published by nounced Thursday that the believe it is right for me to and granddaughter, the United States has told Mex- step down from my posistate-run Korean Central deputy’s suicide and the ico that individuals entering tion,” Mattis wrote in his News Agency. sheriff’s call for police “The proper definition the U.S. illegally or entering letter. everywhere to take issues of denuclearization of without proper documentaTrump first announced of mental health more serithe Korean Peninsula is tion and seek asylum will Mattis’ departure in a tweet. ously. completely eliminating the be sent to Mexico to wait “We have to change the American nuclear threat to for the duration of their U.S. Fla. deputy hired culture,” Chronister said.

North Korea before elimi- immigration proceedings.

“We have to make sure nating our nuclear capabilAccording to the Depart- as school security everyone knows that it’s ity,” the commentary says. ment of Homeland Security, kills 3 family OK to ask for help. It’s The U.S. and North individuals entering illegally members, self not a sign of weakness to Korea are deadlocked in or without proper documensay, ‘Listen, I’m having a A Florida deputy came negotiations over how tation “trying to enter the difficult time, I’m having Pyongyang will denuclear- U.S. to claim asylum will no on the Hillsborough Coun- a hard time, I need some ize in return for the easing longer be released into our ty Sheriff’s Office main help.’” of sanctions. radio line early Wednesday country, where they often The deputy, later — From wire reports disappear before a court to deliver a horrifying identified as 58-year-old can determine their claim’s merits.”

They will instead “be processed by DHS and given a ‘Notice to Appear’ for their immigration court hearing.”

Former Senate intel staffer gets 2 months’ prison for lying to FBI A federal judge sentenced former Senate Intelligence Committee staffer James Wolfe to two months prison Thursday, following a guilty plea in October for lying to the FBI about media contacts.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson also fined Wolfe $7,500. She is allowing him to self-surrender to prison and will recommend minimum security in Cumberland, Md. “It saddens me to stand here before you today. …

I’m not sure it’s possible to feel any lower than I do right at this moment,” Wolfe said in court before he was sentenced. “I am sorry. I am beyond embarrassed. I am beyond humiliated. I am beyond mortified.”

Wolfe had been arrested and indicted this summer for lying to the FBI about media contacts during an investigation into unlawful disclosure of classified information. After Wolfe’s arrest, President Donald Trump claimed that law enforcement had “caught a leaker.”

— From wire reports

Get ready to fall in love all over again.

“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” is getting a sequel.

The film’s stars Lana Condor and Noah Centineo announced the news Wednesday via a cute video on Instagram in which Condor mused on what to get Centineo for Christmas.

“I am so excited,” she said. “It’s officially official.

We are making the ‘To All the Boys’ sequel!”

“Bring on the sequel,” Centineo said. “We are so excited.”

The Netflix original film follows the story of a girl whose secret letters written to boys she has loved are mysteriously mailed out.

It’s based on the novel of the same name by Jenny Han and is part of a trilogy.

Paris Hilton plans to keep 20-carat engagement ring

Paris Hilton got engaged on a snowy mountaintop in January, and though it didn’t work out, she said she’s keeping the ice.

The heiress-turnedreality star and entrepreneur recently appeared on Jenny McCarthy’s Sirius XM show and talked about the fate of her 20-carat pear-shaped engagement ring that reportedly cost $2 million.

“The person who we got it from got millions and millions of dollars of free publicity,” Hilton said. “I love how social media has basically become a new form of money. Yeah, it’s pretty sick.”

Hilton announced last month that she and modelactor Chris Zylka had split.

— From wire reports

Ohio bank staff called cops on a black man trying to cash paycheck

By Andrea Diaz and Amanda Watts CNN

An African-American man who couldn’t cash his paycheck at a Huntington bank in Brooklyn, Ohio, says the staff was “judging” him.

Paul McCowns, 30, told CNN affiliate WOIO he recently got a new job and was trying to cash his first paycheck earlier this month, but the tellers wouldn’t

Must read cash the check, which was just over $1,000.

Although McCowns didn’t specify he was being racially profiled, social media has picked up the hashtag #BankingWhileBlack upon hearing about the incident. The hashtag is very similar to those seen in the past, such as #BarbecuingWhileBlack, #Babysitting-

WhileBlack and #CampaigningWhileBlack, which were coined after a white person called the police on black people while they were seen doing day-to-day activities.

As he was leaving the bank emptyhanded, McCowns was met by Brooklyn Police, handcuffed and placed in the back of a cruiser. When McCowns asked what was happening, the officer said the bank’s teller had called 911.

“I have a customer here — he’s not our customer, actually.

He’s trying to cash a check, and the check is fraudulent. It does not match our records,” a bank employee says on a recording of the 911 call obtained by CNN. McCowns doesn’t bank with Huntington, and its staff was not able to reach his employer at first, but he followed bank protocol and provided the tellers with two forms of identification and a fingerprint. The bank still

declined to cash his check.

“It was highly embarrassing, highly embarrassing,” McCowns told WOIO. “The person who made that phone call — that manager, that teller — whoever made that phone call, I feel as though they were judging.”

The Brooklyn Police Department said in a statement that McCowns was released once officers reached his employer and “confirmed with the account holder the check was valid.”

6A • Friday, December 21, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Blair, Knudsen sworn into Board of Education on history-making night

By Curt Yeomans

curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

As Everton Blair was sworn in and became the first AfricanAmerican member of Gwinnett County’s school board on Thursday, he admitted that while he felt the weight of history, he was also trying to wrap his mind around what was happening.

Nearly 10 years ago, he was walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma as he graduated Everton Blair from Shiloh High School. Now he was being sworn in as a member of the board that oversees the school district he was a student in not too long ago — and he was making history at Steve Knudsen the same time.

“It was a little bit of a blur but also really awe striking,” he said. “The entire time I was up there, I was pinching myself (and wondering) ‘Is this really happening? Am I really here?’ and simultaneously I was trying not to fumble over the words that were being recited to me.”

Blair and Steve Knudsen were sworn in Thursday night to their new seats on the Gwinnett County Board of Education, surrounded by family and supporters who filled the board’s meeting room to see the two men take their oaths of office.

They are the first new school board members in several years.

Blair will fill the District 4 seat that retiring board member Robert

•From Page 1A

McClure is vacating while Knudsen will fill the District II seat that retiring board member Dan Seckinger is leaving.

Knudsen said he feels like he has “super big shoes to fill” from McClure and Seckinger, who each sat on the school board for 24 years and were feted before the swearing in ceremony. He said he’s looking forward to serving his district.

“I’m just looking forward to keeping on the path of excellence and learning as much as I can and finding where I can add value,” Knudsen said.

Knudsen also said he and Blair have been busy learning the ropes and going to training to prepare for joining the board since they were elected to office.

“It’s been a whilwind,” he said.

“We’ve had orientations. We’ve had trainings. There’s a lot to it and it’s not to be taken lightly.”

For Blair, the realization that he was now a board member had not quite settled in even after he took the oath of office. He expects it won’t truly set in until he sits down for his first board meeting in January.

But the trully surreal experience will come at the end of the spring semester, when he’s on the stage at Shiloh’s graduation ceremony, speaking to students and shaking their hands as they walk across the stage.

Ten years ago, he was the senior class president and salutatorian for Shiloh’s Class of 2009. Now he’ll be there as the school’s representative on the Gwinnett County Board of Education.

“I would have never believed (in 2009 that) in 10 years, I would be doing that in the capacity of a board member but that’s really incredible and exciting,” Blair said.

•From Page 1A can’t describe it. It’s enormously humbling. … I feel so unworthy but also so blessed.”

Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks announced the school namings during celebration honoring the 24-year school board careers of McClure and Seckinger before the board meeting.

In making the announcement, Willbanks claimed to not have clairvoyance about how the board would vote, but he simultaneously urged the other board members to approve it.

“You know what to do,” Wilbanks told board members Carol Boyce, Mary Kay Murphy and Louise Radloff as he flashed a sly smile.

The celebration summed up the careers of both McClure and Seckinger, who were both first elected to the board in 1994.

Wilbanks, Boyce, Murphy, Radloff, Gwinnett Chamber President Dan Kaufman, Parkview High School Principal David Smith and Mill Creek High School Principal Jason Lane spoke at the event.

The celebration also included videos of McClure and Seckinger reflecting on their time on the school board. There were also performances by ensembles of choral and orchestral students from schools across McClure’s and Seckinger’s districts.

During their time on the school board, Gwinnett County Public Schools went through extensive growth as the number of students enrolled in what is now Georgia’s largest school district rose as the county’s population experienced a boom.

“I’m proud of the way we adjusted to the growth, and I’m proud that we’ve built a system that has some accountability for what is taught,” McClure said.

In the 1990s, the Board of Education tackled superintendent changes that led first to the hiring of an interim superinten-

Merger

called the development a “huge move’’ for Northside. in early 2018.

The area has favorable demoBut the overall length of time graphics, with large numbers that the Northside-Gwinnett of young people and women in merger has taken — since their childbearing years, Smith 2015 — has left many experts said. It also touches geographipuzzled. cally on the Emory and PiedThree years for a deal to mont markets, he added. proceed from discussions to The population growth in closing is an unusual amount downtown Atlanta is not the of time, said Craig Savage, a only driver of the Northside consultant for CMBC Advisors move, said Chris Kane, a in North Carolina. consultant with Progressive The wait may be due to a Healthcare. “Broader branding backlog and staffing shortconsiderations and visibility ages at the FTC, or perhaps with employers enter into the the agency has requested more equation,’’ Kane said. information about the deal, SavBut Northside hasn’t been age said. Experts also say there sitting idly by, waiting for the may be more FTC scrutiny of FTC to act on the Gwinnett health care mergers over antimerger. competition concerns.

The powerful Sandy SpringsIt would continue the acqui- based hospital system has sition trend that has reshaped developed a new medical office the state’s hospital market, with building in Midtown Atlanta — giant systems of Emory, Wellinvading prime territory long Star and Piedmont expanding dominated by Emory Healththeir portfolios. care and Piedmont Healthcare.

Hospitals have pursued Most of the new building is consolidation to lower costs occupied by Northside mediand increase their leverage in cal providers. And the system negotiations with health insurhas filed for state permission to ers over pay rates for medical build an outpatient surgery censervices. Insurers, though, say ter on the top level of the new such deals actually raise prices Northside Medical Midtown for medical services. building.

In the Midtown development, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Northside actually sold the new and WellStar Atlanta Medical building to Physicians Realty Center are officially challengTrust in September for $83 mil- ing Northside’s certificate-oflion. But Northside providers need application for the surgery currently occupy most of the center, Northside says. space.

Among other moves, NorthDave Smith, a consultant side recently bought a 2.1-acre for Kearny Street Consulting, parking lot next to the Medi-

cal Center MARTA station.

The purchase “supports our Sandy Springs campus growth strategy, particularly in this area where development is so strong,’’ Lee Echols, a spokesman for Northside, said Thursday. “At this time, we have no specific plans for the property.”

Earlier this year, Northside advanced further into Hall County, on the northeastern edge of metro Atlanta. It moved to acquire Gainesville’s Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic, the Gainesville Times reported.

Northside also launched a sports medicine network in August after fighting to block — so far successfully — an Alpharetta venture for a sports medicine center. Northside said its new network offers injury prevention, athletic training, physical therapy and sports performance services, orthopedic surgery and diagnostic imaging.

And the health system has challenged a Georgia Court of Appeals ruling in a longrunning Georgia Open Records case. The Georgia Supreme Court last year reversed lower court decisions that barred access to Northside’s financial records, and the appeals court in October buttressed the high court’s action.

Northside operates hospitals in Canton and Cumming as well as its flagship hospital in Sandy Springs, which it says delivers more babies than any other U.S. hospital. It’s also among the state’s top providers of surgical services.

obituaries

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Duluth

Katy Reichenbach (Vazquez) Katy Reichenbach, age 95, of Duluth, GA, passed away December 17, 2018. A Mass Service will be Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St Monica Catholic Church. A reception will follow immediately after the service. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home. Katy was very

active in her Tree of Life prayer group for over 20 years at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She loved to cook, especially for her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Reichenbach and her parents, Encarnacion and Victoria Vazquez. Katy is survived by her sons, Michael Reichenbach, Mark Reichenbach(Andrea); daughter, Linda Bramlett (Chuck); brother, Herbie Vazquez; sister, Victoria Horton; grandchildren, Carl Shoemaker, Rachel Reichenbach, Garret

Retiring

Reichenbach; multiple nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Monica Catholic Church, 1700 Buford Hwy., NW, Duluth, GA 30097. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements by: Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 449-5757.

Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks presented a glass vase to retiring school board member Dan Seckinger during a celebration that was held Thursday in the school board’s meeting chambers to honor his and fellow board member Robert McClure’s 24 years on the Gwinnett County Board of Education. McClure and Seckinger both chose to retire rather than seek another term on the school board, and will leave office at the end of the year. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

dent, followed by the hiring of Wilbanks.

Seckinger said he was proud of all of the work the district has accomplished over the last 24 years, and therefore he said it isn’t easy to single out a particular accomplishment to highlight.

He also said the other board members and the district’s staff deserve credit as well for any accomplishments the district has achieved while he and McClure were on the board.

“I’m blessed to have been a part of that team,” he said. “I was just a cog in the wheel, but when I look back, I’ll miss the people here.”

While McClure and Seckinger were on the board, the district earned some highprofile accolades. That includes winning two Broad Prizes for education — the system was a finalist a total of three times.

The school board was also recently named the Georgia School Boards Association’s first-ever Governing Team of the Year.

•From Page 1A

Cops

and throughout the nation.

Gwinnett’s event draws law enforcement from all of the county’s city and college police departments, as well as the county agencies: the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Gwinnett County Department of Corrections.

Georgia State Patrol troopers also participate in the event annually, which served 59 families or about 169 children this year — up about 25 children from last year’s event.

“It’s pretty awesome and we love it,” Llorens said. “I think, at first, kids are like anybody — they’re nervous at first and not sure what to think, because nobody likes to have a police officer pull behind them — but it’s the same for kids because all the stuff that we wear and everything creates kind of a mystique of who and what we are. But being able to shop with (us) and talk to (us), they find out we’re just like their dad or mom, we just have a job that puts us in a different type of position.”

Seven-year-old Adrian Alvarado found that out last year at his first Cops and Kids Christmas, his mother, Jessica Alvarado, said Wednesday.

“Seeing (Adrian) happy makes me happy, and the fact that cops are doing this is (good) for the community,” Alvarado said.

“So many people see (police) as negative, but (this event) is good because he sees that cops aren’t

•From Page 1A

“This school system, this county, the entire state has been better off because we had the service of Robert McClure and Dan Seckinger on the Gwinnett County Board of Education,” Wilbanks said. “Not only have they been great board members, they did it with integrity, along with the three other members of the board.

“I really don’t know five other people that have done more for public education than these fine people in the last 24 years.”

Murphy recalled the way in which McClure and Seckinger conducted themselves as board members. She was first elected to the board two years after McClure and Seckinger, in 1996.

“Over these 24 years, I found each of you to be gentlemen of your word, leaders of total integrity and devoted advocates for public education,” Murphy said.

“Tonight is about both of you, Mr. McClure and Mr. Seckinger, and we are gathered to praise you for your service to all of the students in our school system.”

bad. Other things that (Adrian) sees at school or hears on the news probably (say) different, but he sees that they are good.”

The event doesn’t only benefit the 7-year-old, though; it also eases the financial stress on his mother during the Christmas season.

“I was a single mom for a while, and having three kids now, it’s definitely a blessing to come here and get stuff for them,” Alvarado said. “We have a (monetary) limit, but (Adrian) doesn’t know that.”

This year’s limit was $140 per child, meaning that Wednesday evening’s event cost the FOP lodge more than $20,000. The funds come from donations, partnerships with local businesses and other collections throughout the year.

“In all the years that I’ve done it, you see good and bad, because I think there are people that have taken advantage of these programs,” Llorens said. “But overall, for the majority of them, they’re in need — they’re truly in need.”

That need — and knowing the event helps children and their families during the holidays — is one of the reasons so many officers participate.

“I feel like we’ve almost got too many cops, which is a good thing,” Lawrenceville Police Department Officer Chris Carey said Wednesday. “Walking around and seeing the kids, especially the itty-bitty little kids, and seeing the smiles on their faces — that’s absolutely the best part, right there. I’d come back tomorrow and do it again if (I could).”

Ordner

Center suspended operations for now, Family Northeast Georgia. That Promise has continued to effectively means that the offer its Homeless Redonation translates to a covery Program which is total of $50,000 in funding designed to help homefor Family Promise. less families get back on That is a big boost for their feet. Twenty-seven the organization, which families are currently in shut the SaltLight Center the Homeless Recovery — its shelter for homeless Program, moving from one people — in September local church to the next on because of a drop-off in a weekly basis. donations. Family Promise “Donations are assisting Board Member Sarah Jack- the 27 families that we are son said the organization currently serving and we has raised about $90,000 will take in more families in donations since then, but so just because we have 27 she also said the organiza- now, that doesn’t mean we tion is in continual need of won’t have 29 by January,” donations.

Jackson said.

Although the SaltLight And that is one of the

reasons why Ordner said the work Family Promise does is important to the community, and why the company has been keen to partner with the organization.

“A while ago, I visited their building and I got to see firsthand the amazing work they are doing and how much more difficult it is,” Ordner said. “You know, raising money is relatively easy, but using that money and spending time with these folks and helping families get back on their feet — and to see it actually happen and success stories was phenomenal.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett native named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 list

BY CHRIS STARRS

of 2019 30 Under 30 list, which recognized some 600 young innovators, entrepreAlthough she’s rapidly neurs and risk-takers “who making a name for herself are putting a new twist on among the movers and what it means to be a leader shakers in New York City, for the next generation.”

Dacula native Erin Aberna“We were so excited,” thy maintains her home state Abernathy said of learning identity with her cellphone she and Pulido had been number. honored. “We had no idea “This has been my num- who was making the list ber since I had a cellphone until the morning of. I think — a long, long time,” said they announced it around Abernathy, who, with her 7:30 a.m., so we were both, partner Stephanie Pulido of course, checking the (also a Georgia native), site to see if we happened owns and operates Out Of to make it, and when our Office Media in Manhattan. photo popped up, we were “It’s funny. Whenever we so excited and came into call people from our cells the office about 8 a.m. just for business, it’s kind of like to celebrate a little bit. It a ‘Oh, I thought you guys was an exciting and surreal were based in New York moment.”

City’ thing. But I don’t want Out Of Office Media, to give up the number. which Abernathy and Pulido “It’s a funny talking point, co-founded in 2015, began too, because a lot of people as a collaborative commufrom Georgia or the South nity for female millennial recognize the number. It’s bloggers and influencers to kind of like a funny connec- meet, share information and tion point, talking to people make friends. The company from all over the country.” has a network of more than In mid-November, 5,000 micro-influencers Abernathy and Pulido were and its website, My Life named to the Forbes Class Out, has a monthly reach of

nity in the big city.

“We were in the same sorority and lived in the house together, and that’s how we became really close friends,” said Abernathy, who graduated from UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2013. “We had no idea, and we never had any intention of starting a company, especially when we were in college.”

But when the two best friends relocated to New

York to work other jobs, they established a lifestyle blog and worked together in their off hours to share information on the best that the Big Apple has to offer.

After meeting other bloggers and building relationships, they began organizing get-togethers and decided to start Out Of Office because there was nothing else like it in town.

“The idea for the company came about organically when we started a lifestyle blog together,” Abernathy said. “Our events went from 5 to 10 girls to 50 in a matter of two months; it happened pretty quickly.

“We were still working our full-time jobs, and brands started to catch on and were reaching out saying they saw our community of influencers and wanted to see how to get involved.

That was kind of the point where we knew with our backgrounds in marketing, PR, advertising and sales and we knew there was a way to monetize this. That’s when we really started developing what this company

could eventually look like.”

Pulido, who hails from Marietta, earned her degree from UGA’s Terry College of Business. She and Abernathy began Out Of Office in their Manhattan apartment and now have an office in the city’s Financial District.

While Abernathy and Pulido now have a wellestablished media company, Abernathy was adamant that Out Of Office won’t grow too big too quickly.

“In the foreseeable future, we can see ourselves continuing to exponentially grow our community, so we’re really focused on building our website and our readership and just increasing that female millennial community,” Abernathy said. “As we continue to do that, other opportunities — whether it being bringing on more brand clients or advertisers or partners — that’s a good stepping stone to building that up.”

For more information on Out Of Office, visit www. outofofficemedia.com and www.mylifeooo.com.

“Anybody that goes to Israel and spends any amount of time there will tell you Lawrenceville author the same thing: The difJedwin Smith has numerous ference between what you critical writing credits on his see on the news and what’s resume. He earned countless really going on is night and awards as a sports writer and day,” he said. was a finalist for the Pulitzer The book was originally Prize for work he did covergoing to be about the fight ing the war in Lebanon. His for Israeli independence. novel “Fatal Treasure” was Smith had corresponded optioned for a movie, and his with the Prime Minister heart-wrenching book “Our Ehud Olmert’s office and Brother’s Keeper” chronicles made plans, but those were the events that led to the scuttled when Olmert was death of his younger brother arrested and convicted. during the Vietnam War. That corresponded with the But when Smith is most election of Barack Obama, effusive when he talks about and Smith was told that any his latest book, “I Am Israel: book had to lean its sympaLions and Lambs of the thies toward the Muslims Land.” who lived in the area. Then, He said, “It’s the best Jedwin Smith’s latest book “I Am Israel” tells stories to make it worse, Smith thing I’ve ever written.” about the men and women who Smith and his wife, was diagnosed with bladJune, met when they spent 100 days in Israel. (Photo: der cancer and spent more That’s no small task for a Stan Awtrey) guy who has more certifithan three years fighting the cates and awards than he has disease.

Palestinians and Christians walls. straight down the middle, That was it for Smith.

“I Am Israel” is a book — share their sometimesallowing the subjects to tell Until his wife made a lifethat tells stories about the heartbreaking stories with things in their own words. changing announcement to men and women whom Smith, who crafts them into He doesn’t write about gen- him in December 2016.

Smith and his wife, June, readable, relatable chapters. erals or big shots, focusing “She said, ‘The Lord told met when they spent 100 It is especially notable instead on the average man me we’re going to Israel and days in Israel. The stories of that Smith doesn’t take sides or woman who lives in the you’re going to write that these people — Jews, Arabs, in the debate. He plays it region. book,’” Smith said.

Before long, some church friends and supporters had raised the funds needed and the Smiths soon found themselves living in an Arab village about 6 miles west of Jerusalem. Over the next 100 days, he met a series of people who were instrumental in telling the story of life in Israel.

It began with an incidental meeting with a man who turned out to be Phillip Haney, a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He made several introductions and became a close friend of the Smiths.

But many of the stories arose through providence.

There would be a knock at the door or a tap on the shoulder and a previously unknown person would volunteer their help.

“There always seemed like there would be a knock at the door and it would be a complete stranger,” Smith said. “They’d say, ‘You don’t know me, but I’m supposed to be in your book.’ It’s remarkable how it turned out. Complete strang-

ers ended up telling me their story.”

And what stories they are. There’s an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who tells her story for the first time. There’s the inspiring story of a Turkish Christian pastor to whom Smith was drawn while hot, sweaty — and fighting off aggressive cats — in a service on the Mount of Olives. There are the Wheelchair Angels, who create custom wheelchairs for Palestinians and Arabs with disabilities.

After reading “I Am Israel,” you will be better able to understand what life in the country is really like.

Smith said he had been changed by the trip, transformed from the cynical exMarine to a person who sees more through eyes of faith.

And he would go back in a minute.

“I fell in love with Israel,” he said.

You can tell by the stories he tells.

“I Am Israel” is published

by Blue Room Books. It is available ($24.95) on Amazon.

Unit “routinely talk to homeowners, parents, employees, associations and children” and “would enjoy comGwinnett police are ofing to your next function, fering community members whether at home or at work free crime prevention classes in unincorporated Gwinnett with the hopes of better County,” a news release said. educating the public about At least 10 participants safety and crime issues. must attend for an officer to Officers with the Gwinconduct the training. Topics nett County Police Departinclude alarm awareness, ment’s Crime Prevention business/personal/senior

citizen/child safety, sexual assault prevention, gang/ drug awareness for teens and parents, firearm safety for adults, personal safety and much more.

Those interested in hosting a class are asked to contact the department’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Cpl. Eric Rooks at William.

Rooks@gwinnettcounty. com or 770-513-5119.

Staff Correspondent

Dacula native Erin Abernathy, right, and Stephanie Pulido of Marietta were recently named to the Forbes Class of 2019 30 Under 30 list for their work with Out Of Office Media, which operates out of Manhattan. (Special Photo)

about 500,000.

Their client list includes Dunkin’ Donuts, Three Olives Vodka, AT&T, Baskin Robbins, Four Roses Bourbon and Kendra Scott jewelers, among many others.

When Abernathy, who graduated from Mill Creek High in 2009, and Pulido met while attending the University of Georgia, they had no clue at the time that they would one day form a company that would help shape culture and commu-

Lawrenceville author writes about Israel in new book

BY STAN AWTREY Staff Correspondent

Gwinnett police offering crime prevention classes

BY ISABEL HUGHES

isabel.hughes@gwinnettdailypost.com

From

The Gwinnett Daily Post OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED Christmas Eve 12/24 Christmas Day 12/25 & New Years Day 1/1/19

Christmas Day & New Years Class/Legal Deadlines - 2018 Publication Wed 12/26/18 Wed 1/2/19

Deadline Tues 12/18 3:00 PM Thurs 12/27 3:00 PM

WANTED IN GWINNETT For the week of Dec. 17 Juan Hurtado Wanted For: Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sodomy, Rape and more

Alfonso Hidalgo

578761-1

Wanted For: Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault

Moises Alejandro ArellanoCatalan

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Wanted For: Rape and Sexual Battery Against Child Under 16

Leonardo Ramos Wanted For: Kidnapping, Battery and Probation Violation

Marco Antonio Cruz Wanted For: Felony Murder, Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault Terrence Lamar Jones Wanted For: Kidnapping, Battery, Simple Battery and Child Cruelty Second Degree

8A • Friday, December 21, 2018

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sports

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SECTION B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Grayson’s large class of 13 sign Wednesday EARLY SIGNING DAY NOTEBOOK

From Staff Reports Early signing day put into perspective the caliber of talent in Grayson High School football’s 2019 graduating class.

Grayson’s 36 points scored per game and 15 points allowed during the 2018 season are one thing, but a massive 13-man early signing class, all but one going on to Division I programs, illustrates a football

culture at the Loganvillebased school that rivals few in the country.

It’s the second year of the NCAA’s early signing period, and Wednesday marked the beginning of that period for Division I and II football in the 2018-19 recruiting calendar. The “regular” signing period will open Feb. 6.

Four of the five Power

Five college football conferences were represented at Grayson’s early signing ceremony on Wednesday. Four Rams signed to Atlantic Coast Conference programs, three to the Southeastern Conference, two to the Big Ten and one to the Big 12. Defensive lineman Hayden Gilford and outside linebacker Kenny Edwards joined the Division

I Championship ranks at Alabama A&M, and quarterback J’Kori Jones still has his sights set on a Division I college as he signed with Butler Community College.

Defensive lineman Kevin Harris was not part of the signing ceremony since he was attending a showcase in Mexico, but he announced Grayson offensive lineman Wanya Morris signed with

Tennessee on Wednesday at Grayson High School.

See SIGN, Page 4B (Staff Photo: Taylor Denman)

Mill Creek cheer coach dies at 37

By Will Hammock will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com

Peachtree Ridge players react and celebrate after winning the Gwinnett County Girls Flag Football Championship on Thursday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photos: Dale Zanine)

One Lion leap...

Peachtree Ridge’s championship only the beginning for girls flag football in Gwinnett

By David Friedlander david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

ATLANTA — Thursday was a night filled with firsts with the inaugural Gwinnett County Public Schools Girls Flag Football League championship.

History will note Peachtree Ridge as the initial league champion after wins of 18-7 over Grayson in its semifinal game and 20-0 over North Gwinnett in the championship game.

“There’s nothing like making history,” said Peachtree Ridge quarterback Monique Thames, who accounted for all three of the Lions’ (14-5-2) touchdowns in the semifinal win over Grayson and ran for two more scores and threw for another in the title game win over North.

teams are hoping for is that the event, hosted and assisted by the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is that the event will be only the beginning of something much bigger.

“The long-term goal, the whole reason we started this program is because we want girls flag football to be an officially sanctioned Georgia High School Association sport,” Falcons vice president for community relations Chris Millman said. “We (the Falcons) want to help do our Peachtree Ridge fans react and celebrate after winning the part in getting girls athletGwinnett County Girls Flag Football Championship onThursics bigger and better in our day night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. state.”

Thames and Peachtree “Even though it’s not (yet) a finals). We’re the first to win Ridge did their part in their (GHSA-sponsored varsity) the trophy. It means a lot to two wins Thursday. sport, we’re the first four be the first.”

After the semifinal win teams (Peachtree Ridge, What all the players, over Grayson, the senior North, Grayson and Collins coaches, parents, students Hill) here (in the semis and and fans of all of Gwinnett’s See FLAG, Page 4B

Ashley Taube, the cheerleading coach who inspired the Mill Creek community for years with her fight against cancer, died from the disease Thursday. She was 37.

Taube taught at Mill Creek High School since it opened in 2004, continuing as a part-time math teacher despite her serious health issues, and remained the Hawks’ competition cheer coach throughout that time. Her final cheer team won the Class AAAAAAA co-ed state championship, the program’s fourth state title in the last 11 seasons, last month.

The Mill Creek cluster rallied behind Taube since her cancer fight began in 2012, when doctors found a neuroendocrine tumor in her pancreas. News of her death spread around lunchtime Thursday when students were released after the last day of exams before winter break.

It was emotional time for the staff at Mill Creek because of their love for Taube and her husband Mike, the Hawks’ head athletic trainer and a teacher at the high school. The Taubes have two sons, Fischer, 7, and Baker, 4.

“Ashley Taube was a wonderful person and her impact on this school and community goes far beyond the classroom and cheerleading mats,” Mill Creek See TAUBE, Page 4B

Above, Ashley Taube talks with students and former students at Mill Creek High School where she was honored between games against North Gwinnett High School. Taube battled neuroendocrine cancer that started in her pancreas since 2012, and suffered cardiac arrest in October. She died Thursday at 37 years old.

(Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

Brookwood grad Moore looks back on his career

By David Friedlander

A former two-sport star at Brookwood, Moore first tried his hand at minor league baseball after being Like a lot of senior coldrafted by the Boston Red lege football players, Nick Sox out of high school in Moore finds himself in a 2011 before coming to bit of a reflective mood as Georgia to fulfill another the final game of his colathletic dream: to walk on lege career approaches. with the Bulldogs.

But with that final Four years later, the contest looming — in this 6-foot-3, 250-pound case, a date in the 2019 senior has a lot of happy Sugar Bowl against Texas memories to look back on New Year’s Day at the on, including being on the Superdome in New Orleans field for some of the most — the Brookwood grad significant moments in and current Georgia long Georgia’s football program snapper has a lot more to in recent years, including reflect on than the average two straight SEC Chamsenior. pionship games and last Then again, he has never season’s national champifit the mold of the average onship game. college football player.

But his happiest memodavid.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

ries of the last four years go beyond anything that happened on the field.

“My career here at Georgia? Probably just the relationships I’ve built throughout my time here,” Moore said. “I came in, I was 22. Now I’m leaving and I’m 26. I’ve met a lot of different people from a lot of different backgrounds, and we all share the bond of playing football. I’m trying to use that as a starting point. We started to form some pretty tight relationships and friendships that will probably last a lot longer than football.

“Obviously, playing at Sanford Stadium in front of all the fans was awe-

some. It was just a really cool experience. Playing football is very special, especially at Georgia. As far as football, going to the (national) championship (game last January), winning the (2017) SEC Championship, playing all the big games the last couple of years. Those are memories I’ll cherish, but I think most important is going to be the relationships.”

In some cases, those relationships were already in place before he came to Georgia, which made his transition to the college football world a lot easier than it would be for most freshman.

See MOORE, Page 4B

Georgia’s Nick Moore, a Brookwood grad, is seen prior to the SEC Championship game Dec. 1 in Atlanta. (Staff Photo: Jason Braverman)

ondeck 2B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Prep Schedule BASKETBALL

Today

• Central girls in Beach Bash Christmas Tournament in Panama City, Fla. • Collins Hill girls, Duluth boys, Central boys in WarLodge Invitational at Sequoyah • Discovery boys in Rockdale Christmas Classic • Grayson girls in Georgia Vinyl and Thread Tournament at South Paulding • Storm Classic at Providence • Longhorn Classic at Lanier • Peachtree Ridge boys in Savannah River Shootout at Riverview PAC • Lambert Christmas Tournament 11:30 a.m. — Wesleyan girls and South Cobb at Sequoyah Noon — Hebron boys and Stratford Academy at First Presbyterian Day 1:30 p.m. — Hebron girls and Tatnall Square at First Presbyterian Day 5:30 p.m. — Norcross girls at Holy Innocents’ 6 p.m. — Banks Co. at Buford

SWIMMING AND DIVING

7:20 p.m. — Parkview, Peachtree Ridge and Shiloh at West Gwinnett

WRESTLING

• Buford in Kansas City Stampede at Hale Arena, Mo. • Grayson, Wesleyan in Hurricane Duals at Monroe Area 9 a.m. — Mill Creek in Smoky Mountain Duals in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

9 a.m. — Quad Meet at Mountain View 5 p.m. — Dacula, Archer in Eric Hill Memorial tournament at Loganville Saturday

BASKETBALL

• Central boys and Westwood, S.C. at East Jackson • Central girls in Beach Bash Christmas Tournament in Panama City, Fla. • Collins Hill girls in WarLodge Invitational at Sequoyah • Discovery boys in Rockdale Christmas Classic • Grayson girls in Georgia Vinyl and Thread Tournament at South Paulding • Peachtree Ridge boys in Savannah River Shootout at Riverview PAC • Peachtree Ridge girls in Lambert Christmas Tournament 3:30 p.m. — Alexander at Norcross 4:30 p.m. — Buford at Archer

WRESTLING

• Buford in Kansas City Stampede at Hale Arena, Mo. 9 a.m. — Dacula, Archer in Eric Hill Memorial tournament at Loganville 9 a.m. — Discovery at Lassiter 9 a.m. — Kyle Maynard Duals at Collins Hill 9 a.m. — Mill Creek in Smoky Mountain Duals

The Home Teams

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Falcons

at New York at Detroit Indiana 7:30 p.m.

Sun, 4 p.m.

Wed, 7:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

Jacksonville Florida Norfolk 7:35 p.m.

Thu, 7:35 p.m. Fri, 7:35 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM 97.7-FM

at Carolina at Tampa Bay Off Sun, 1 p.m.

Dec. 30, 1 p.m.

FOX/92.9-FM FOX/92.9-FM

Georgia

Texas^ Off Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m.

ESPN/95.5-FM

Hawks

Gladiators

Tech

Minnesota# Off Mon, 5:15 p.m.

ESPN/93.7-FM FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South ^Sugar Bowl, New Orleans; #Quick Lane Bowl, Detroit

On TV Today

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

1 p.m. — Central Arkansas at Oklahoma State. FSSE 6:30 p.m. — UC Irvine at Butler. FS1 7 p.m. — Oregon at Baylor. ESPN2 7 p.m. — Coe at Creighton. FSSO 9 p.m. — Providence at Texas. ESPN2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

12:30 p.m. — Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl -- Florida International vs Toledo. ESPN 4 p.m. — Famous Idaho Potato Bowl -- BYU vs Western Michigan. ESPN

NBA

7:30 p.m. — Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks. FSSE 8 p.m. — Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics. ESPN 8:30 p.m. — Buffalo at Marquette. FS1 10:30 p.m. — New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN

NHL

7 p.m. — Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals.

NBCSP Saturday

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon — Wake Forest at Tennessee. ESPN2 Noon — Arkansas-Little Rock at Georgetown. FSSE Noon — South Carolina Upstate at North Carolina State.

12:30 p.m. — Connecticut vs Villanova. CBS 2 p.m. — Clemson at South Carolina. ESPN2 2 p.m. — Arkansas State at Syracuse. FSSO 3:30 p.m. — Boston College at DePaul. FS1 4 p.m. — Wichita State at VCU. ESPN2 5:15 p.m. — CBS Sports Classic — Kentucky vs North Carolina. CBS 5:30 p.m. — Seton Hall at Maryland. FS1 7 p.m. — Vanderbilt vs Kansas State. ESPN2 9 p.m. — Kansas at Arizona State. ESPN2 10 p.m. — Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic -- San Diego vs Washington State. FS1 10 p.m. — UC Irvine at Butler. FSSO

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Noon — Jared Birmingham Bowl -- Memphis vs Wake Forest. ESPN 3:30 p.m. — Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl -Army vs Houston. ESPN 7 p.m. — Dollar General Bowl -- Buffalo vs Troy. ESPN 10:30 p.m. — SoFi Hawaii Bowl -- Hawaii vs Louisiana Tech. ESPN

NHL

7 p.m. — Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes.

FSSO

gwinnettdailypost.com GWINNETT GRADS

Buford’s Ozment off to strong start

By Will Hammock

strengths, weaknesses and differences,” she said. “I had been playing with everyone back home for years, so I Tory Ozment’s adjustknew them so well basketments to Michigan State ball-wise. With a new team, weren’t limited to basketI have to learn them to be ball. successful.”

“Definitely the weather is Ozment gets a break from way different,” the Buford basketball and the cold this grad said. week with a holiday trip By mid-December, she home. She arrives Friday already saw cold temperaand is in town through Dec. tures, and some snow. She 26. grew accustomed to the After that, it’s back to climate change quickly, but work with Michigan State, figured she had a steeper which is 9-1 entering a learning curve with the Thursday night game with women’s basketball proFlorida Atlantic. The Spargram. tans open Big Ten play Dec. The freshman has pro30 at home against Iowa. gressed better than expected “Right now, we’re taking in her first college season, one game at a time and though. She has played when we get back from a vital role as the SparChristmas, we have Iowa, tans have fought through a really big matchup,” Ozinjuries, scoring 13 or ment said. “In the Big Ten, more points in four straight it’s anyone’s game. Our goal games recently. is to get back to playing for “Honestly, just coming those Big Ten championin I just wanted to learn,” ships and get back into the Ozment said. “We have tournament.”

Shay Colley, a redshirt junior, she’s on the Canadian BASKETBALL National Team. I wanted to come in and learn as much Jones posts big game, as I could and do what I can earns all-tourney honors to contribute.”

Brookwood grad N’dea Ozment’s breakthrough Jones played a big role in game came against Virginia Texas A and M’s 76-70 win in the ACC/Big Ten Chalover eighth-ranked Oregon lenge. She scored a careerState last weekend, giving high 19 points (on 6 of 7 the Aggies the championshooting) in a 91-66 victory, ship in the Maui Jim Maui following up 15 points in the Classic in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Spartans’ previous game, a The 6-foot-2 sophomore win over Kennesaw State in grabbed 20 rebounds, the the Cancun Challenge. third-highest total in school The 6-foot-1 guard/forhistory, and also had eight ward then had 16 points and points and two steals in four assists against Texas earning all-tournament Southern, and 13 points and honors. She grabbed 13 six assists against Oakland, defensive boards and seven finishing off the four straight on the offensive end. games in double figures. She Jones averages 7.8 points now averages 8.2 points. and 10.1 rebounds this “Basketball-wise, I’m season. She averaged 9.5 restill learning everyone’s bounds, second on the team, will.hammock @gwinnettdailypost.com

Buford grad Tory Ozment is in the middle of a big freshman season at Michigan State. (Photo: Matt Mitchell, MSU Athletic Communications)

as a freshman.

win over Dodge City.

Campbell named FOOTBALL freshman All-American Mill Creek grad Matthew Montgomery an Campbell was named to the All-American HERO Sports Freshman AllFormer Norcross standAmerican Team this week. out Monty Montgomery, Campbell averaged 44.4 a freshman linebacker at yards on 51 punts this Hutchinson Community year as a freshman at The College (Kan.), was named Citadel. His punting average a first-team All-American is second-best in school this week by the National history, trailing only Greg Junior College Athletic As- Davis’ 44.6-yard average in sociation.

1986 and ranks fifth nationThe 5-foot-11, 218-pound ally. He led the Southern outside linebacker and Conference with 16 punts strong safety prospect com- over 50 yards and had 22 mitted to Arkansas State last punts downed inside the 20week. He had 78 tackles, 6 yard line.

1/2 sacks, three interceptions Gwinnett Grads spotlights and three forced fumbles achievements of past Gwinthis season. He was named nett standouts on the college National Junior College level. Coaches and parents Athletic Association Defen- are urged to send suggessive Player of the Week in tions via email to will.hamOctober after scoring two mock@gwinnettdailypost. defensive touchdowns in a com.

Heyward among Pro Bowl picks

Former Lion joins Falcons Jones, Mack in Orlando From Staff Reports The NFL announced the AFC and NFC All-Stars for the 2019 Pro Bowl on Tuesday night, and the selections included two Atlanta Falcons and one Gwinnett County product.

Wide receiver Julio Jones and center Alex Mack were the Falcons’ two selections to the Pro Bowl, while the Pittsburgh Steelers’ picks included Peachtree Ridge grad Cameron Heyward.

It’s the second straight Pro Bowl selection for Hey-

ward.

The Pro Bowl kicks off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, televised live on ESPN. The Pro Bowl players were determined by the votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counted one-third toward determining the 86 Pro Bowl selections. Two additional “need” players will be chosen by each head coach and must be long snappers.

The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star

teams.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler Jim Kelly, Pro Football Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler Emmitt Smith, Pro Football Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher and nine-time Pro Bowler Demarcus Ware will serve as 2019 Pro Bowl Legends Captains.

Kelly (offense) and Ware (defense) will lead the AFC, while Smith (offense) and Urlacher (defense) will lead the NFC. The four Legends Captains, who were

collectively selected to 30 Pro Bowls, will serve as mentors for the Pro Bowl players and be present on the sidelines on gameday.

The 2019 Pro Bowl coaching staffs will be from the losing teams in the AFC and NFC Divisional playoffs with the best regularseason records.

Under terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each player on the winning Pro Bowl team receives $67,000, while each player on the losing squad earns $34,000.

2019 PRO BOWL PLAYERS BY POSITION AFC OFFENSE (21) QUARTERBACKS (3) Tom Brady, New England Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers RUNNING BACKS (3) James Conner, Pittsburgh Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers Phillip Lindsay, Denver FULLBACK (1) Anthony Sherman, Kansas City TIGHT ENDS (2) Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Travis Kelce, Kansas City WIDE RECEIVERS (4) Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Tyreek Hill, Kansas City DeAndre Hopkins, Houston TACKLES (3) Eric Fisher, Kansas City Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Alejandro Villanueva, Pittsburgh GUARDS (3) David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Marshal Yanda, Baltimore CENTERS (2) Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Mike Pouncey, Los Angeles Chargers DEFENSE (18) DEFENSIVE ENDS (3) Myles Garrett, Cleveland Melvin Ingram, Los Angeles Chargers J.J. Watt, Houston INSIDE/MIDDLE LINEBACKERS (2) Benardrick McKinney, Houston C.J. Mosley, Baltimore CORNERBACKS (4) Stephon Gilmore, New England Xavien Howard, Miami Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Denzel Ward, Cleveland

INTERIOR LINEMEN (3) Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (3) Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Dee Ford, Kansas City Von Miller, Denver FREE SAFETIES (2) Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers Eric Weddle, Baltimore STRONG SAFETY (1) Jamal Adams, New York Jets SPECIALISTS (4) PUNTER (1) Brett Kern, Tennessee RETURN SPECIALIST (1) Andre Roberts, New York Jets PLACEKICKER (1) Jason Myers, New York Jets SPECIAL TEAMER (1) Adrian Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers NFC OFFENSE (21) QUARTERBACKS (3) Drew Brees, New Orleans Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay TIGHT ENDS (2) Zach Ertz, Philadelphia George Kittle, San Francisco TACKLES (3) Terron Armstead, New Orleans Tyron Smith, Dallas Trent Williams, Washington WIDE RECEIVERS (4) Davante Adams, Green Bay Julio Jones, Atlanta Adam Thielen, Minnesota Michael Thomas, New Orleans GUARDS (3) Brandon Brooks, Philadelphia Zack Martin, Dallas Trai Turner, Carolina

RUNNING BACKS (3) Saquon Barkley, New York Giants Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams CENTERS (2) Alex Mack, Atlanta Max Unger, New Orleans FULLBACK (1) Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco DEFENSE (18) DEFENSIVE ENDS (3) Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Demarcus Lawrence, Dallas INSIDE/MIDDLE LINEBACKERS (2) Luke Kuechly, Carolina Bobby Wagner, Seattle CORNERBACKS (4) Kyle Fuller, Chicago Byron Jones, Dallas Patrick Peterson, Arizona Darius Slay, Detroit INTERIOR LINEMEN (3) Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams Akiem Hicks, Chicago OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (3) Anthony Barr, Minnesota Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Khalil Mack, Chicago FREE SAFETIES (2) Eddie Jackson, Chicago Harrison Smith, Minnesota STRONG SAFETY (1) Landon Collins, New York Giants SPECIALISTS (4) PUNTER (1) Michael Dickson, Seattle RETURN SPECIALIST (1) Tarik Cohen, Chicago PLACEKICKER (1) Aldrick Rosas, New York Giants SPECIAL TEAMER (1) Cory Littleton, Los Angeles Rams

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 3B

gwinnettdailypost.com

Georgia Force longtime League suspends Pats head coach steps down WR Gordon indefinitely NFL NOTEBOOK

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke @gwinnettdailypost.com

Field Level Media The NFL on Thursday officially suspended New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon, hours after Gordon announced that he planned to step away from football to address his mental health.

Gordon has been returned to the Reserve/ Commissioner Suspended list indefinitely for violating terms of his reinstatement from a yearlong ban for substance abuse. The 27-year-old was suspended the entire 2015 season and has been banned a total of 56 games in his career, all for drug violations.

Gordon announced his decision on social media: “I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level. I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health. I would like to thank Coach Belichick, Mr. Kraft, as well as countless others within the Patriots organization for their continued support. I want to thank my fans for their support as well as I continue down the path of getting back to 100 (percent).”

The Patriots expressed support in a statement: “We support Josh Gordon in his continued efforts to focus on his health. His attempt to do so is a private matter, which we intend to respect.”

• Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy plans to be on the field Sunday against the New England Patriots.

“I’ll be out there,” McCoy told reporters following practice.

McCoy was inactive for last week’s 14-13 win against Detroit with a hamstring injury.

• Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen expects to play Saturday against Baltimore, according to ESPN. Los Angeles coach Anthony Lynn said Wednesday that Allen, who left last Thursday’s game against Kansas City with a hip pointer, would likely be a game-time decision. Running back Melvin Gordon (knee) is also expected to return to

Miami Dolphins free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon (10) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Photo: Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports)

the lineup.

• Carolina placed linebacker Shaq Thompson (shoulder) on injured reserve and called up rookie quarterback Kyle Allen from the practice squad to take his spot on the 53-man roster.

Allen will back up Collins Hill grad Taylor Heinicke, starting this week against Atlanta in place of Cam Newton, whose season is over with an ailing shoulder.

Thompson, 24, played in every game — starting 11 — for the Panthers this season, finishing with 87 tackles (second on the team), 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

• New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is encouraging the NFL to expand game-day rosters in order to protect players.

“The 46-man roster on game day … will be soon dated. I think that’s gotta change,” said Payton, whose team finished Monday night’s win over Carolina with only five healthy offensive linemen.

“If we’re interested in health and safety — and it sounds like we are; at least that’s something we talk about a lot — that number should be higher.

And that’ll affect the overall roster size. And that might cost a little bit more money, but that’s the price.”

Under current rules, the league requires teams to deactivate seven of their 53 players on game day.

It is supposed to ensure competitive balance, evening the scales if one team has more injuries than another.

• The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to award for-

mer New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian.

The award will recognize Gleason’s efforts in raising money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011, would be the first NFL player given the honor.

The U.S. Senate unanimously endorsed Gleason for the honor in June, and President Donald J. Trump is expected to sign the bill in 2019, according to NFL.com.

• Thieves reportedly stole $5,000 worth of toys and bikes collected by Green Bay defensive tackle Kenny Clark, but the unknown Grinches couldn’t crush his community’s Christmas spirit.

Clark’s second-annual toy drive proceeded as scheduled in his hometown of San Bernardino, Calif., thanks to some generous last-minute donations.

• Former NFL player Dorial Green-Beckham was arrested in Missouri and faces charges of felony drug possession and resisting arrest after he was caught with nearly a pound of marijuana, Greene County police said.

Green-Beckham, 25, is being held without bond.

Formal charges are pending.

• Rapper and six-time Grammy nominee Travis Scott will perform with headliner Maroon 5 during the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in Atlanta, TMZ and Rolling Stone reported.

ATLANTA GLADIATORS

Goalie Boner shuts out rival Icemen, ends losing streak

By Ken Chrzanowski

whose shot was blocked by Staff Correspondent Jacksonville goalie Mikhail Berdin.

DULUTH — The AtThe Icemen had a pair lanta Gladiators erupted for of quality scoring chances three second-period goals in the period. With five en route to a 4-0 win over minutes left, Atlanta’s Jesse the Jacksonville Icemen Gabrielle was stripped of on Thursday at the Infinite the puck at center ice by Energy Arena. Goalie Sean Jacksonville’s Cameron Boner stopped 28 shots to Critchlow. Critchlow moved earn the shutout and his in and fed a cross-ice pass first win of the season in his to Garret Hunt. Hunt’s seventh start. one-timer was blocked on a Atlanta (6-14-5-1), win- pad save by the Gladiators’ less in its last 10 games, the netminder. past seven by one goal put Just before the buzzer to to rest these streaks against end the period, Boner again Jacksonville (16-11-1-0). stopped Hunt. This time, the The Gladiators and Icemen’s captain moved in Iceman battled through on a breakaway, but Boner a scoreless first period. made a glove save as the Atlanta had the only two horn sounded. power plays in the first 20 The decisive second minutes but was unable to period remained scoreless convert on either chance. until the Gladiators discovThe Gladiators outshot ered a weakness of Berdin. their third-place visitors The Jacksonville goalie from the South Division was beaten three times to 9-7 and each team had the glove hand. The first quality scoring chances. occurred at 7:05 as Derek Midway through the period, Nesbitt took a pass from Atlanta’s Brett McKenzie Jared Ross and driving to centered a pass from behind the right corner, beat Berdin the net to Justin MacDonald to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

A little over three minutes later, Jack Stander scored his first goal of the season. Moving in from the right, Stander elected to skate left toward the center and shoot right for the goal.

MacDonald notched an assist on the play.

At 13:48 left in the second period, Nesbitt centered the puck to Zach Malatesta for a three-goal advantage.

Nick Bligh also picked up an assist on the play.

In the third period, Atlanta was able to kill a Jacksonville power play as Gladiators forward Bo Brauer was sent off for tripping. With five minutes to play, the Icemen, facing a three goal deficit pulled Berdin for an extra attacker. The Gladiators defense held and when Tyler Deresky banked a pass off the boards it sprung Jesse Gabrielle toward the empty net. Gabrielle buried the goal and Jacksonvilles hopes for a comeback with the score at 17:13.

Atlanta faces Jacksonville again, today, at 7:35 p.m.

Scott Willis, the Georgia Force home-school coach, has stepped down.

Willis started the program in 2004 and helped lead it to a national championship in 2017.

He’ll coach one more time in an all-American game Jan. 5 in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

“Since 2015, I had deliberated stepping down, but having started the program and the ministry component it has, it was hard to pull away,” Willis said Tuesday. “The biggest thing for me was the ministry to young men.

“You’ve heard people say, ‘You know when it’s time.’ Through prayer and discussions, I realized it was time to step away. I have a peace about it.”

Willis graduated from Peachtree High School in Dunwoody, where he played for legendary coaches T. McFerrin and Dave Hunter. He went on to a college career at Appalachian State University. In fact, it was Willis’ father who lured the two coaches to Georgia.

Willis has been a coach in this state for 26 years, and he coached the Force for 14 of its 15 years. The lone season Willis wasn’t involved with the highly successful program was 2009, when he was lured away to coach at Lakeview Academy.

Under Willis’ leadership, either as the head coach or athletic director, the Force have won at least eight games every season, including 2018, when they played in the GICAA. It was the first time in Georgia history that a home-school team played in a state sanc-

Georgia Force head coach Scott Willis (left, in hat) is stepping down as the head coach of the Gwinnett-based, home-school football program he started in 2004. (Photo: Beth Willis)

tioned league and was one of Willis’ goals for the program.

“Obviously the concern was that I would struggle with (leaving), and I’m sure I will, but I think it’s the right time and there are people in place that will carry it on,” Willis said.

It’s been a winding road.

Willis never planned on being the program’s head coach. An email went out in 2003 about the possibility of starting a football team for home-schooled kids in Gwinnett. At the time, there were two players and no place to play or practice. Willis replied to the email, intending to put a lifetime of knowledge to use.

“I never said I’d coach,” Willis said with a laugh. “I said I’d help out.”

He came home one day and his wife said the Force (at that point still unnamed) had a head coach “and it sounds a lot like you.” Willis took it as a sign that he was meant to lead the new program. One of the first players Willis coached on the team was Blake Coughlin, whose mom sent out the initial email. Coughlin joined the Force coaching staff last

year.

“The goal is hopefully that he takes over the program (in the near future),” Willis said. “The kids love him. He wasn’t our best player, but he always played hard and he gave his heart (to the program).”

Willis led the program from 2003-08, seeing it go from 25 players for eight-man football the first year to triple the size and 11-man football just three years later. He returned as an interim coach in 2010 and then was named athletic director in 2011. He became head coach again in 2016 and the team was runner-up in the national championship polling. The next year, the Force were ranked No. 1 in the NHFA and NHFCS polls with an 11-1 record.

As successful as the Force have been on the field, it’s the other side of things that has always been most important for Willis — and why he stayed for so long.

“It’s the ministry,” Willis said. “God led me to start that program. (Over the years) more and more people have figured out who we are.”

PREP ROUNDUP

Latney’s 25 points lead Hawks boys in comeback

By Scott Smith scott.smith @gwinnettdailypost.com

JEFFERSON — Mill Creek trailed by as many as 14 in the first half against Jefferson on Thursday night but rallied to go home with a 66-61 win.

Kendall Latney sparked the comeback with a gamehigh 25 points, getting 18 of those in the second half, while Jack Kostell followed with 10 points.

The win improved Mill Creek to 6-5.

BOYS BASKETBALL BOYS HOOPS Duluth 55, Brookwood 44 SNELLVILLE — Duluth rode a strong defensive effort to a 55-44 win at Brookwood on Thursday night.

Three Wildcats (7-6) scored in double digits, led by 20 points from Trent Gordon. Jonathan Bell followed with 13 points, while Devin Evans scored 12.

Discovery 71, Lanier 45 CONYERS — Discovery (11-3) knocked off Lanier thanks to 21 points from Leslie Nkereuwem and two more double-digit performances on Thursday night at the Rockdale County High School showcase.

Hasahnn Reynolds and London Riley each had 11 points and

Nduka Ogwu added nine points for the Titans.

South 62, Mountain View 48 SUWANEE — South Gwinnett topped Mountain View 62-48 on Thursday night in the Lambert Christmas Classic.

Mountain View (9-4) had two players score in double figures, getting 13 points from Noah Scales and 12 points from Cam Rowland, while Nahiem Alleyne finished with seven points.

Mountain View plays again at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night against St. Francis.

Parkview 62, Apalachee 46 LILBURN — Parkview topped visiting Apalachee 62-46 on Thursday night in a non-region game.

Antoine Thompson had 10 points and three steals to lead Parkview (7-5), while Seth Cushenberry added nine points and six rebounds. C.J. Daniels and Derrick Brown also helped with nine points each.

GIRLS BASKETBALL GIRLS HOOPS Brookwood 58, Duluth 47 SNELLVILLE — KiKi Adams of Brookwood narrowly missed a triple-double with 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds on Thursday night in leading the Broncos to 58-47 win at home over Duluth.

Brookwood also received 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals from Mariah Callaway and 12 points from Selma Kulo.

Parkview 50, Apalachee 41 LILBURN — Parkview posted

its fourth straight win on Thursday night by topping Apalachee 50-41 at home in a non-region game.

Sacha Washington scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead Parkview (7-4), while Damaris Gaines added 14 points.

Apalachee (4-6) was led by a game-high 25 points from Nakia Hooks.

Grayson 66, South Paulding 18 ROCKMART — Grayson improved to 10-1 on the season with a 66-18 win over South Paulding on Thursday night in the Georgia Vinyl and Thread Tournament on Rockmart High School.

Top scorers for the Rams were Nadia Howard with 15 points and Malia Grace with 12 points and eight rebounds.

Lanier 54, Walnut Grove 24 SUGAR HILL — Lanier cruised to a 54-24 win at home on Thursday night over Walnut Grove, improving the Longhorns to 10-1.

Mekala Fuller was the leading scorer with 15 points with Nala Lawrence adding 11 points.

Hebron 39, Mount de Sales 25 MACON — Hebron topped the .500 mark at 6-5 on Thursday night with a 39-25 win over Mount de Sales Academy in the First Presbyterian Day School Holiday Classic.

McKenna Taylor and Carly Heidger each scored eight points to lead Hebron, while Ella Heard scored seven points and Malia Melton finished with six points.

Hebron plays again on Friday at 1:30 p.m. against Tatnall Square.

FANS CHOICE WINTER ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Who: Kendall Bollmer School: Dacula Sport: Basketball Class: Senior Highlights: Made a school-record nine 3-pointers and scored 27 points in a 65-32 win over Peachtree Ridge Coach Jason Adams’ take: “Kendall’s ability to stretch the floor from 3-point range and her quick release have allowed her to set the single game record with 9, the single season record with 73, and now she has already tied the career record of 210 3-pointers.

With other teams always having to account for her on the floor it frees up her teammates and helps them get more opportunities to score.

However, it’s Kendall’s commitment to excellence on the court and off that truly makes her special and a pleasure to coach.”

4B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 •From Page 1B quarterback got things going in the opening possession of the championship game by methodically moving the Lions up the field before scampering in for a 26yard touchdown run, and then hitting Addison Neal for a one-point PAT pass for a 7-0 Peachtree Ridge lead.

Thames then capped the Lions’ next drive with a 6-yard scoring pass to Neal late in the half to push the lead to 13-0 by intermission, which allowed the Peachtree Ridge defense to take over in the second half.

Trinity Marshall led the way with several key stops, including a sack of North quarterback Sarah Kauffman near midfield late in the second half that put Peachtree Ridge in full control.

Thames then helped the Lions apply the knockout blow by connecting with Madison Strange with a 6-yard completion, and then hustling to take a pitch back from Strange to run the final 5 yards into the end zone for the TD with less than five minutes remaining.

Thames then hooked up with Neal again for the PAT to extend the lead to 20-0, and the Lions were able to cruise home from there to hand North (14-1-1) its only loss of the season.

The Bulldogs earned their way into the title game by coming from behind to beat Collins Hill in their semifinal game behind Lauren House’s

gwinnettdailypost.com

Flag second-half touchdown and Hannah Barber’s PAT, plus an interception

by Alexa Thomas late in the game that helped seal the victory.

For Peachtree Ridge, Thursday’s title was the culmination of a whole season in which the Lions and their coaching staff, led by co-head coaches Ashley Douglas and Patrice Allen, had to learn on the fly.

“We really didn’t know what to expect,” Douglas said. “We didn’t know how many girls would come out. We had over 60 to try out. It was then that we realized this was going to be something special. We had what we felt like was the top of the top athletes to choose from, and when we put this team together, … we ended up picking a team that has been more than just a team. They’ve been a family.”

As special as the Lions, and the whole evening, were Thursday, everybody in attendance is hopeful that there are even more special moments to come.

In accordance with the goal Millman stated of trying to move girls flag football closer to official GHSA varsity status, plans are in the works to try to expand the number of schools that field teams next year, with the Fulton, Cobb, Muscogee, Rockdale, Henry and Atlanta City public school systems having all expressed interest.

That would be just fine with Collins Hill athletics director Scarlett

Grayson linebacker Owen Pappoe signed with Auburn on Wednesday at Grayson High School. (Staff Photo: Taylor Denman)

•From Page 1B

Peachtree Ridge’s Monique Thames (4) looks on after winning the Gwinnett County Girls Flag Football Championship on Thursday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

(Photo: Dale Zanine)

Straughan, who helped spearhead the establishment of the GCPS league with Millman and Duluth athletics director Tessa Heaton over the better part of the last year.

To her, Thursday night’s event was even bigger and better than she and her co-organizers even dreamed.

“I don’t know that any of us knew in the beginning how big it was going

to be,” Straughan said.

“Chris Millman and I were talking earlier about how at that first meeting, we all sat down … and we had no idea that it would go this well.

It’s very exciting for the girls, for the communities. It’s just been a really special experience. To know that we’re the ones that have spearheaded this for the entire state is really special.”

Taube •From Page 1B principal Jason Lane said.

“Ashley will continue to be a part of this school and community through the legacy she has left.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Mike, and her family and friends.”

Taube, who graduated from Parkview High in 1999 and the University of Alabama in 2003, also was an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader from 2007-

•From Page 1B “When I got here, most of the guys who were seniors on the team were guys that I grew up with or that I knew of or I played football with,” Moore said. “Like, I played football with (former Georgia receiver) Malcolm (Mitchell) and (former tight end) Jay Rome and some of the other walk-ons on the team, and (Buford grad and former offensive lineman) Kolton Houston, and guys like that. So I knew of them from high school and most of us were the same age.

“So I came in more as — I was still a freshman on the field, but I came in more as an equal with them as far as being a mature adult and already having pre-existing friendships before Georgia.

And they kind of helped me understand what was going on. … They treated everybody pretty much the same, but with that pre-existing friendship, I think it helped out a pretty good bit.”

And as Moore pointed out, the fact that he came in older than the average freshman gave him a maturity that helped him accept the limited role he would play as a long snapper, and one who had to share time at the position.

“It definitely helped me in a positive way,” Moore said. “I was definitely more mature when I got here. I was able to handle a lot of different things better than I would have

09. She married Mike in 2009, and she raised her family in a community she loved deeply.

That community loved her back during years of excruciating treatments that included Whipple surgery, chemotherapy and a 2016 cardiac arrest at school, which led to receiving an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, a combination of pacemaker and defibrillator.

Taube Strong T-shirts are seen regularly on Mill

Creek’s campus, and the inaugural Taube Trot 5K was held in April to raise funds for her monthly trips to see a neuroendocrine specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Her positive attitude — and her regular blog posts at www.jointeamtaube. org — made it easy to get behind her.

“Everyone has their battles,” Taube told the Daily Post in 2017. “Your attitude makes a lot of dif-

ference, and I choose to be happy. I don’t want to be sad and focus on the negative. I have a husband and the boys and this community. So many things that I have are wonderful and positive and so it would be a shame to think ‘Oh poor me, I’m going through this.’ I think keeping focused on this is just my battle. I would rather it be my battle than my children’s battle. I don’t want to be grumpy, I don’t want to be sad.”

Moore had I been 18. I was pretty well-versed in the sporting world.

“I didn’t play that much my first three years here, and just remembering back to baseball days, having a good attitude and being a good teammate, it kind of helped me and kind of propelled me into this season, when I finally got my chance to play. And I felt like I did a pretty good job. I was just trying to help the team out as best I could, always trying to be a good teammate. Those are things I learned in baseball. I don’t know if I knew them coming out of high school.”

Moore did get plenty of chances to contribute to the Bulldogs’ cause, including being at the center at some of the most memorable special teams plays during Georgia’s remarkable run over the last two seasons.

“I wish,” Moore said when asked if he had made the snap of Rodrigo Blankenship’s field goal that briefly gave Georgia the lead in overtime of last season’s national title game before Alabama rallied to win. “I snapped a punt in that game, but I didn’t snap any field goals.

That was Trent Frix.

“Yeah, I’ve had a lot of (comments from fans and friends about the fake punt in the fourth quarter of this season’s SEC championship game against Alabama earlier this month).

We thought it was a good call. We’d game planned

it last year against them, game planned it again this year, and we got the look we wanted. We just didn’t execute it the way we needed to, but that’s just part of it. I wish it had gone our way, but we did the best we could. We thought it gave us the best chance to win the game.

Like (head) Coach (Kirby Smart) said, we were trying to win. … That’s just part of football.”

But while that play didn’t work out as planned, it hasn’t diminished everything the Bulldogs have accomplished, nor has it diminished any of Moore’s memories of his career.

And after playing in all 13 of Georgia’s games his senior season this fall, the Sugar Bowl won’t be the absolute end of his football career.

Moore has already accepted an invitation to play in the 2019 Senior Bowl on Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala., which will give him a chance to be seen by NFL scouts and coaches.

And while finding his way onto an NFL roster, and thus giving him a shot at a rare feat of being able to play both professional baseball and football, may seem like a long shot, it’s something he intends to give his best shot at.

“I’d love a chance to play in the NFL,” Moore said. “It would be a very unique opportunity, especially for me with my background, having played professional baseball. I think it would

be a cool thing. … I feel confident I’m capable of doing it. Long snapping is a difficult position to come into. … I’m definitely going to work for it. I’m going to do (Georgia’s) Pro Day and everything and see how it goes.

“I’m doing in the Senior Bowl, so I’ll have a pretty good opportunity there to work out with some NFL coaches. They’ll be coaching both of the teams, so I’ll have a pretty good opportunity there. As far as camps and (combines) like that, I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do. I’d love to get invited to the combine. It’s a hard things for a long snapper. They only bring one, maybe two guys. If that happens, it does, but as far as right now, I’m just focusing in on Texas (in the Sugar Bowl) and trying to be the best I can be to help the team out to win this last game in college (and) go out the right way.”

And if his shot at a pro football career doesn’t work out, he will have a degree from the University of Georgia to fall back on, as well as a memorable athletic career to look back on.

“I will graduate in May,” Moore said. “I finished my B.B.A. (degree) in finance, and then I’m working to finish my B.S. in mathematics. I have a couple of tentative job offers in the local area. As far as what I want to do, I’m still trying to figure that out. I’m confident I’ll get a job somewhere.”

Sign

via Twitter he officially signed with Alabama.

“It’s such a great day for so many families and a great day for the Grayson community that these kids will not only continue to play football, but most importantly will have their education paid for and be leaders in their communities,” Grayson head coach Christian Hunnicutt said. “I’m just unbelievably happy and overjoyed for their families.”

Center Jakai Clark, defensive lineman Tru Thompson and defensive backs Jeremiah Smith and Jalen Alexander are each headed to the ACC. Clarke signed with Miami, Thompson signed with Florida State, Smith signed with Georgia Tech and Alexander is destined for Duke.

Offensive tackle Trente Jones and running back Ronald Thompkins represented the Big Ten by signing to Michigan and Nebraska, respectively.

The three who signed with SEC affiliates included linebacker Owen Pappoe, wide receiver Kenyon Jackson and offensive lineman Wanya Morris.

Jackson is part of a Texas A&M signing class that sat at No. 3 in the recruiting class rankings at the end of early signing day.

Morris, a Tennessee signee, and Pappoe, an Auburn signee, were the county’s two top-ranked recruits. In practically any recruiting service ranking, the two are close to each other and unanimously within the top 20 national rankings.

Pappoe and Morris were part of a group of Rams that announced their college commitments at Sports and Social at The Battery Atlanta in May. Pappoe has been courted by college football coaches since he was a rising ninth-grader.

Morris is the crown jewel and only five-star prospect

in a 17-man signing class at Tennessee.

Both Morris and Pappoe plan to enroll early.

Finally, defensive back Kenyatta Watson Jr. was the lone representative of the Big 12. He is bound for Texas and was also part of the much-covered commitment circus in May. North sends two to Ivy League North Gwinnett head football coach Bill Stewart has seen plenty of his players go to college for football and a few to the Ivy League. Never, he said, has he seen two of his players in the same class head to Ivy League schools.

He sent two Bulldogs to coveted educations during Wednesday’s early signing ceremony at North Gwinnett High School. Wide receiver Garrison Manor and offensive lineman Will Hamilton were two of a five-man early signing class for North.

Manor inked with Harvard, while Hamilton signed with Columbia University.

Their teammates Tyler Goodson, Warren Burrell and Quinton Newsome also signed early. Goodson and Newsome represented the Big Ten at Iowa and Nebraska, respectively, while Burrell was the lone Southeastern Conference representative at Tennessee.

He is also the only player who will be enrolling early.

Collins Hill’s Fox joins brother at North Carolina Collins Hill senior Tomari Fox announced his commitment on December’s early National Signing Day for football, choosing the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Fox, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive end, had 71 tackles and eight sacks as a senior. He was named first-team all-county by the Touchdown Club of Gwinnett.

Fox’s older brother Tomon, also a Collins Hill grad, is a rising junior defensive end for the Tar Heels.

GWINNETT EARLY SIGNEES

BY COLLEGE Air Force LB Trent Brown, Peachtree Ridge Alabama A & M LB Kenny Edwards, Grayson LB Hayden Gilford, Grayson Auburn LB Owen Pappoe, Grayson DL Colby Wooden, Archer Butler Community College (Kans.)

QB J’Kori Jones, Grayson Clemson DB Andrew Booth, Archer DB Jalyn Phillips, Archer Coastal Carolina WR/DB K.J. Johnson, Buford Columbia OL Will Hamilton, North Gwinnett Duke DB Jalen Alexander, Grayson DL Ahmad Craig, Buford Florida DL Jaelin Humphries, Mountain View OL Riley Simonds, Buford Florida State DL Tru Thompson, Grayson Georgia Tech DB Jeremiah Smith, Grayson Harvard WR Garrison Manor, North Gwinnett Iowa RB Tyler Goodson, North Gwinnett LSU LS Quentin Skinner, Buford Mercer C Aidan Higgins, Mountain View Miami (Fla.) C Jakai Clark, Grayson

DL Jalar Holley, Buford Michigan DL Christopher Hinton, GAC OT Trente Jones, Grayson DB Jalen Perry, Dacula Mississippi Valley State OL Mauriohn Underwood, Lanier Nebraska DB Quinton Newsome, North Gwinnett RB Ronald Thompkins, Grayson North Carolina DL Tomari Fox, Collins Hill Ohio State OL Harry Miller, Buford Ole Miss OL Reece McIntyre, Buford Temple TE/DE Jacoby Sharpe, Lanier Tennessee DB Warren Burrell, North Gwinnett OT Wanya Morris, Grayson Tennessee Tech DB Jamaal Singleton, Buford Texas RB Derrian Brown, Buford DB Kenyatta Watson, Grayson Texas A & M QB Zach Calzada, Lanier WR Kenyon Jackson, Grayson Virginia OL Jonathan Leech, Mill Creek West Virginia LB Jared Bartlett, Collins Hill DB Nick Fortune, Central Gwinnett Wofford LB Jack Scroggs, Buford

gwinnettdailypost.com gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • B5 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 5B

IN BRIEF Former Grayson DB Hayes lands at Central Florida as grad transfer

accounted for all but three of Central’s offensive TDs in 10 games.

Former Grayson defensive back Jordan Hayes, a graduate transfer from Duke, signed with the Central Florida football program Wednesday.

Hayes made 97 career tackles in his Duke career.

Thompson signs with Ohio State after leaving South Carolina

Buford resident Skylar Thompson has signed with the Ohio State University women’s golf program.

Thompson is a transfer from South Carolina, where she played this fall in four tournaments. She tied for 29th at the Annika Intercollegiate and tied for 29th at Landfall Tradition for the Gamecocks, finishing the fall with a 74.75 scoring average in 12 rounds.

Central’s Williams to transfer from Miami

Former Central Gwinnett quarterback Jarren Williams plans to transfer from the University of Miami (Fla.), according to a report from 247sports.com.

Williams played in one football game this season for the Hurricanes, allowing him to take a redshirt this season and play four years elsewhere. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder is a former four-star recruit and U.S. Army All-American who was a longtime Kentucky commitment before flipping to Miami.

As a Central senior, Williams completed 214 of 348 passes (61.5 percent) for 3,015 yards and 28 touchdowns. He threw just four interceptions. He also rushed 115 times for 554 yards and 10 more scores. His importance to the Black Knights was evident by this statistic — the Daily Post Super Six selection

E

Norcross’ Tardy named GSGA’s top golfer Norcross grad Bailey Tardy was named the Georgia State Golf Association Women’s Player of the Year this week.

Tardy’s 2018 season included a wire-to-wire victory in the Georgia Women’s State Amateur Championship. She shot 8-under 208, eight strokes ahead of the runner-up, in the win.

Green brothers to host clinic in Duluth

Red Stitches Baseball will host its Hitting and Infielders Clinic on Jan. 12 with brothers Nick and Kevin Green, former pro baseball players and Duluth grads. Nick, who played eight MLB seasons, now works Atlanta Braves broadcasts.

The clinic is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Fieldhouse, located at 2370 Buford Highway in Duluth. Cost is $150 and limited to 12 middle-school and high-school players.

For more information or to register, contact Lou Llerandi at redStitches2014@gmail.com.

Banfield, Bart chosen for Atlanta 400 awards

Gwinnett County will be represented well at the Atlanta 400 Baseball Fan Club’s 53rd annual winter banquet and fundraiser next month.

Brookwood grad Will Banfield, a Miami Marlins prospect, was selected for the club’s Metro Atlanta High School Player of the Year Award, and Buford grad Joey Bart, a San Francisco Giants prospect, was named as the Jason Varitek Most Outstanding Scholar Athlete in Georgia Award after an exceptional career at Georgia Tech.

— From staff reports

Collins Hill QB Heinicke to make first NFL start From Staff Reports

Carolina Panthers quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s first NFL start looks to be a special one.

With news breaking Wednesday that a shoulder injury will sideline Cam Newton the remainder of the NFL season, Heinicke jumps into Carolina’s starting quarterback role.

The Collins Hill grad’s debut is Sunday, when the Panthers host his hometown team, the Atlanta Falcons.

Heinicke took the first team snaps Wednesday, and league sources confirmed to multiple outlets that Newton is done for the season. The 2015 NFL MVP has struggled with a sore throwing shoulder this season.

Heinicke, 25, has attempted only five passes in his four NFL seasons.

He played two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and one with the Houston Texans before signing with Carolina prior to this season.

GWINNETT DAILY POST ADVERTISING DEADLINES LINERS: Pub. Date: Wednesday Deadline: Monday 3 pm Friday Thursday 3 pm Sunday Friday 11:30 am DISPLAY AD: Pub. Date: Wednesday Deadline: Friday 3 pm Friday Tuesday 3 pm Sunday Wednesday 3 pm

J

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 PROBATE COURT DISCHARGE CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP NO: PWUP 18-17 240 Longview Drive Culvert Replacement Location: 240 Longview Drive–Norcross, GA, 30071 Proposals for the 240 Longview Drive Culvert Replacement Project will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 by 9:00am. Any proposals received after the designated closing time will be returned unopened.

This project addresses a culvert replacement at 240 Longview Drive, Norcross, Georgia, Gwinnett County.

This project encompasses removal of a double-barrel 40LF 54” CMP culvert with rubble headwall and replaced with two 54” diameter, 40LF concrete culverts and a poured-in-place concrete headwall. This work will include demolition and replacement of approximately 130’ of concrete residential driveway. The culvert conveys a flowing stream, and the contractor shall provide an erosion control plan for approval prior to beginning work. All work and materials shall be in compliance with GDOT specifications. Slopes shall be properly prepared and sodded at the end of construction.

Please see full details at the following link: http:// www.norcrossga.net/bids. aspx?bidID=93 An original and one (1) paper copy a total of two (2) plus 1 copy of the proposal on CD in PDF or other electronic format of the proposal shall be submitted in sealed envelopes/packages addressed to Mary Beth Bender, Public Works, Utilities & Parks, City of Norcross and marked 240 Longview Drive Culvert Replacement–PWUP 18-17.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set of such documents from the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks Office, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Telephone (678) 4212069 or copies of the RFP NO: PWUP 18-17 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Melissa Zeigler at melissa.zeigler@norcrossga.net.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: PWUP 18-17 requirements.

Proposers may not withdraw their proposal for a period of ninety (90) days from the date set for the opening thereof.

902-580192, 12/21

CORPORATIONS “NOTICE OF INTENT TO VOLUNTARILY DISSOLVE A CORPORATION. Notice is given that a notice of intent to dissolve PEYVERY, INC., a Georgia corporation with its registered office at 3210 Sweet Basil Lane, Loganville, GA, 30052, has been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code.”

907-579957, 12/21,26

PROBATE COURT DISCHARGE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA IN RE: ESTATE OF JEAN MILDRED MCKEE, ESTATE NO. 16-E-001019 DECEASED NOTICE [For Discharge from Office and all Liability] IN RE: Petition for Discharge of Personal Representative TO: ALL BENEFICIARIES UNDER SAID WILL OF DECEDENT, ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN This is to notify you to file objection, if there is any, to the above-referenced Petition, in this Court on or before DECEMBER 31, 2018.

BE NOTIFIED FURTHER: All objections to the Petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections. All objections should be sworn to before a notary public or before a Probate Court Clerk, and filing fees must be tendered with your objections, unless you qualify to file as an indigent party. Contact Probate Court personnel for the required amount of filing fees.

If any objections are filed, a hearing will be scheduled at a later date. If no objections are filed, the Petition may be granted without a hearing.

PUB: 12/21 Christopher A. Ballar, Judge of the Probate Court 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-822-8350 By: Lois White, Clerk of the Probate Court 927-580096, 12/21

PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF DULUTH, GEORGIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Notice is hereby given to the public that the City of Duluth City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency, will be considering an assignment of a TAD Development Agreement from TRG Duluth Village, LLC (aka as TRG Duluth) to USPA District at Duluth, LLC. The assignment will be considered at a meeting before the City Council at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096 on January 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Information about the assignment may be obtained from the City Manager’s Office, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or by calling 770-497-5231. Email information is available by contacting James Riker at jriker@duluthga.net ********************* PLEASE NOTE: This and other city meetings may be audio and/or videotaped for broadcast, transcription and/or archival purposes. As set forth in the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA) of 1992, the City of Duluth government does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to or treatment of employment in its programs or activities, and complies with the requirements contained in section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Any requests for reasonable accommodations required by individuals to fully participate in any open meeting, program, or activity of the City of Duluth government should be made seven days prior to the event.

Inquiries should be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Planning Department, located at 3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA. 30096, telephone (770) 476-1790.

928-580099, 12/21 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VIN: 1G1PF5SC1C7408030 License No. E26HBC NJ Tag Color: Red Body Style: 4 Door Abandoned on December 7, 2018 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above vehicle is presently located at 3140 Main St W, Snellville GA 30078; phone (770) 985-6696 in possession of CR Collision & Paint Shop LLC. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The vehicle is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia law.

928-580049, 12/21,28

PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE Notice of Abandoned Vehicle. The following motor vehicle advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A CODE SECTION 40-11-2. Being stored: 737 Eastwood Rise, Stone Mountain GA 30087 1994 Mercedes Benz E 320 VIN# WDBEA32E9RC141088 This vehicle is being deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by legal owner or lein holder by (date) 12/21/2018.

928-578671, 12/14,21 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 8 STEVE DRIVE DORALVILLE GA 30340 (Yr/Make) 2014 HONDA 4S VIN# 5 K B R L5890EB803934 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 6-23-2016.

928-580226, 12/21,28 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 1420 BAKER ST GRIFFIN GA 30223 (Yr/Make) 2003 FORD EXPLORER VIN# 1FMZU63KX3UA94246 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 6-23-2016.

928-580109, 12/21,1/2 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 1420 BAKER ST GRIFFIN GA 30223 (Yr/Make) 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA VIN# 2G1WB58K289282028 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 6-23-2016.

928-580106, 12/21,1/2 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 8 STEVE DRIVE DORALVILLE GA 30340 (Yr/Make) 2014 HONDA 4S VIN# 5KBRL5890EB803934 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 6-23-2016.

928-580107, 12/21,1/2

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash

by CubeSmart, 3313 Stone Mountain Hwy Snellville, GA 30078 to satisfy a lien on January 10, 2019 at approx.

2:00PM at www.storagetreasures.com Cube 3020, Kathleen Blaess Cube B111, Kathleen Blaess Cube 1221, Chelsea Blake Cube B130, Daniel S Woodley Cube C151, KaRon Jones Cube J108, Donna Newman Cube 3042, Donna Newman Cube G115, Jewell Toussaint Cube H106, Jewell Toussaint Cube E111, Christopher Pitts Cube M145, John Myers Cube M125, John Myers Cube B141, Teryn Oliver Cube 2006-36, Natalie Florance Cube F134, Monique Mangham 929-579595, 12/21,28

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart #698, 3495 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024, to satisfy a lien on January 10th, 2019 at approx. 2:00PM at www. storagetreasures.com: # 132- Christopher Barrows # 324-Trina E Braxton # 371- Tashia Foster # 1027- Alex Jutis # 1116- Kay Jackson # 1142- Crystal Pierce # 3031-174 Keith Mitchell 929-579587, 12/21,28 MCCULLOUGH TOWING AUCTION LIST 785 BROGDON RD. SUWANEE, GA 30024 770-263-8483 SATURDAY, JANUARY 5TH 2019@ 1:00PM 2001 BMW X5 WBAFB33501LH20783 2002 BMW 745i WBAGL63412DP51740 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 1G1AK55F877202118 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZC5EB8A4132688 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 1GNFC13J97R373613 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 1GNET16S246204949 2003 Chevrolet S-10 1GCCS19X238236572 1999 Chevrolet Blazer 1GNCS13W4X2247959 1994 Chevrolet C1500 2GCEC19K1R1278303 1996 Chevrolet Camaro RS 2G1FP22K4T2158918 2008 Dodge Charger 2B3KA43GX8H317234 2007 Ford E-150 1FTNE14W37DA12092 1999 Ford Mustang 1FAFP42X7XF104389 2003 Ford Expedition 1FMRU15W83LB35384 2005 Ford Mustang 1ZVFT80N955117093 2003 Ford Explorer 1FMZU73K13ZA87470 2004 GMC Envoy XL 1GKES16S946198549 2012 Honda Civic 19XFB2F85CE016350 2003 Honda Odyssey 5FNRL18973B137417 1999 Honda Accord 1HGCG665XXA027453 2004 Hyundai Tiburon KMHHN65F94U153085 2004 Lincoln Town Car 1LNHM83WX4Y609993 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 4M2ZU66W75ZJ10521 2009 Nissan Sentra 3N1AB61E69L633133 2005 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D25C389058 2001 Toyota Corolla 1NXBR12E71Z431454 2002 Toyota Camry Solara 2T1CE22P92C004786 2004 Toyota Camry JTDBE30K340254840 2007 Toyota Camry 4T1BE46K37U177411 2002 Volkswagen Passat WVWRH63B72P346833 929-579125, 12/14,21,28 NOTICE Scotty’s Thrifty Storage– Duluth shall conduct a public sale on the following spaces at 3280 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096 Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Unit D20 Mark Nelson Unit is said to contain 2 drawer file cabinets, Small opened safe, Men’s shoes, Sit Up Bar, Personal Items, Kitchen Items, Ukulele, Sony Cassette Tapes, Antique Replica radio for cassette tapes.

929-578987, 12/14,21 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart #6929, 5985 South Norcross Tucker Road, Norcross, GA 30093, to satisfy a lien 01/09/2019 at approx. 2:30 PM.at www. storagetreasures.com.

Name Unit # Mercedes Durden A032 Tonya Johnson A045 Dennis Romero B117 Trumaine D Green C052 Jose Manuel Gallegos Rivera C058 Universal Service Associates,Inc C074 Wayne D Johnson C074 Jillena Valdez D092 Jenny E Fernandez E013 929-579593, 12/21,28

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE In accordance with Georgia Law Chapter 40-11-5 the following vehicles have been deemed abandoned and will be sold at a public sale on 1-11-19 @ 10:30 Said Vehicles are located at: 422 WEST PIKE STREET LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046 VIN# 1N4AL21E18N540141 08 NISSAN ALTIMA Sale will be held at 11:30 on 1-11-19 Location: 719 PIKE STREET LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30046 VIN# 3C4PDCAB9HT582585 2017 DODGE JOURNEY VIN# 1N4AL2AP0CC190510 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA Sale will be held: 10:00 on 1-10-19 Location: 4796 HWY 78 LILBURN, GA 30047 VIN # 1FDAW56F8YEC78313 2000 FORD F550 VIN# 1FUJA6CK48DZ07994 08 FREIGHTLINER CL120 Sale will be held 1:00 on 1-11-19 Location: 1-85 @ JIMMY CARTER BLVD NORCROSS, GA 30091 VIN# 5PVNE8JN8B4S50002 2011 HINO 258 Sale will be held 2:00 on 1-11-19 Location: 485 MITCHELL ROAD NORCROSS, GA 30071 VIN# 1HGCG22582A0337030 02 HONDA ACCORD VIN# JTEGF21A530104631 2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Sale will be held 4:00 on 1-11-19 Location: 3580 BUFORD HWY #A DULUTH, GA 30096 ANY QUESTIONS CALL PEGGY 770-330-7695 929-580036, 12/21,28

#4 NO VIN (T#1203896) Yamaha Motorcycle – Bike #8 NO VIN (T#1203895) 2011 JinLun JL250P Sport Motorcycle LJ5PBA161B1040046 2002 Honda Accord 1HGCG56742A092609 1999 Buick Century 2G4WS52M9X1565570 2001 Ford Expedition 1FMEU15W51LA04831 2007 Nissan Altima 1N4AL21E67C143888 2001 Toyota 4Runner JT3GN86RX10198953 1997 Ford Explorer 1FMDU34E5VUB11586 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7HA18K26J246486 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 1GNEC13R3VJ390596 2000 Ford Explorer Sport 1FMYU60EXYUA99335 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 3VWSE69M72M146007 2002 Buick Century 2G4WS52J821215426 2004 Ford Explorer 1FMZU72K44UB98689 2005 Hyundai Accent KMHCG35C35U331938 2005 Chrysler Sebring 1C3EL55R15N614555 1998 Honda Accord 1HGCG2250WA008570 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1GCEK19T14E153529 2007 Nissan Murano JN8AZ08W87W655733 2004 Chrysler Pacifica 2C8GM68484R546875 2005 Volvo XC90 YV1CZ852951202021 2009 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WB57K991198225 2005 Pontiac G6 1G2ZG528X54146140 2003 Acura TL 19UUA569X3A076195 2005 Ford Expedition 1FMPU17505LA11897 2007 Chevrolet Aveo KL1TD566X7B125782 2004 Dodge Intrepid 2B3HD46R74H619878 1998 Ford Expedition 1FMRU18W0WLA95088 2001 Ford F-150 2FTRX17WX1CA94272 1999 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D2XT808904 1993 Chevrolet K1500 1GCEK14Z1PZ145570 2010 Chevrolet Aveo KL1TD5DE8AB118069 2002 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11DX2C164365 2008 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WB58KX81210332 1997 Cadillac Deville 1G6KE54Y2VU300407 2007 Dodge Caliber 1B3HB48B97D113606 2005 Infiniti G35 JNKCV54E95M421716 2011 Honda Civic 19XFA1F58BE006641 2004 Ford Expedition 1FMRU15W44LA23361 2004 Acura RSX JH4DC54884S003596 2005 FORD F-150 1FTRX12WX5NB56907 2013 Kia Optima 5XXGN4A79DG117485 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 3VW2K7AJ4EM234498 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1G1PC5SB6D7204843 2016 Kia Rio KNADM4A30G6603363 2012 Dodge Avenger 1C3CDZCB3CN208730 1991 Home-Made Boat Trailer T245888 2011 Toyota Camry 4T1BF3EK6BU613962 2008 Dodge Charger 2B3KA43R28H194501 2006 Infiniti M35x JNKAY01F46M262118 2012 Ford Focus 1FAHP3M26CL150747 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 WDBJF65J01B376628 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1GNEC16Z13J108481 2004 Toyota Sienna 5TDZA23C34S153870 2008 Nissan Altima 1N4AL21E88N519674 2011 Dodge Charger 2B3CL3CG2BH534583 2001 Ford Expedition 1FMRU15L21LB64284 2006 Mercury Milan 3MEFM07Z26R651849 2005 BMW 330i WBAEV53485KM39751 2004 Chrysler Concorde 2C3HD36M54H673391 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WP552X71189918 2003 Mitsubishi Galant 4A3AA46G83E060254 2008 Toyota Camry Solara 4T1CE30P28U766549 2006 Acura 3.2TL 19UUA66236A050664 1994 Honda Accord 1HGCD5547RA020653 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit WVWBS71K97W227691 2

WVWBS71K97W227691 2004 BMW 325i WBAEV33494KL63394 1998 Ford Expedition 1FMPU18L8WLB15987 1999 Volvo C70 YV1NC56D6XJ003021 2002 Honda CR-V JHLRD78862C063042 929-578988, 12/14,21,28

PUBLIC AUCTION Pleasantdale Storage of Doraville shall conduct an online auction on www. selfstorageauctions.com to conclude at Saturday, December 29th, 2018 at 12:00pm Unit #A56 – Latoya Harris– Unit said to contain: Table.

Red Bar Stool. Rolling Rack.

Luggage. 6 Boxes/Totes.

Desktop Tower. 5X10 unit.

Unit #B61 – Cory Thrash– Unit said to contain: King bed frame. King Mattress & Box spring. Leather recliner.

Large Flat screen. Xbox. 3 computers. 5 plus boxes.

10X5 unit.

Unit #141 – Charles Nunn– Unit said to contain: 2 Fans.

Industrial shelving. Utility cabinet. Work table. Wood windows.

Miscellaneous items. 10X20 unit.

929-579183, 12/14,21 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 214 MCARTHUR ST, LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30046 (Yr/Make) 2001 FORD LGT CONTNL VIN# 1FTRW07L81KB38137 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/19/2018.

929-579031, 12/14,21 PUBLIC AUCTION THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON DECEMBER 29, 2018. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 29 DICIEMBRE 2018 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com Yamaha Motorcycle – Bike #

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BY PUBLICATION STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT MILWAUKEE COUNTY PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 18-CV-008306 The Honorable Stephanie G. Rothstein Case Code 30404 (Foreclosure of Mortgage) The amount claimed exceeds $10,000.00 Selene Finance LP 9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77042-4546 Plaintiff, vs.

Allen Richardson 574 Haralson Dr SW Lilburn, GA 30047-5377 Jane Doe Richardson 574 Haralson Dr SW Lilburn, GA 30047-5377 Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago 200 E Randolph St Chicago, IL 60681-1600 Educators Credit Union 1400 Newman Rd Mount Pleasant, WI 534062805 The United States of America acting by and through the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development c/o US Attorney 517 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 & c/o US Attorney General 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Rm B-103 Washington, DC 205300001 City of Milwaukee 200 E Wells St Milwaukee, WI 53202-3515 Defendants.

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as a defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within 40 days after December 21, 2018 you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is 901 N. Ninth Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1425 and to Gray & Associates, L.L.P., plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 16345 West Glendale Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151-2841.

You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this _______________ day of December, 2018.

Gray & Associates, L.L.P. Attorneys for Plaintiff By:__ Ian J. Thomson State Bar No. 1076280 Case No. 18-CV-008306 16345 West Glendale Drive New Berlin, WI 531512841 (414) 224-1987 Gray & Associates, L.L.P. is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

If you have previously received a discharge in a chapter 7 bankruptcy case, this communication should not be construed as an attempt to hold you personally liable for the debt.

930-579437, 12/21,28,1/4

ZONINGS GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. GWINNETT COUNTY JUSTICE AND ADMINISTRATION CENTER AUDITORIUM 75 LANGLEY DRIVE LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA 30046 The following Rezoning, Change-in-Conditions, Special Use Permit and other items of business, located within Unincorporated Gwinnett County, are scheduled for public hearings as stated above. Site plans, legal descriptions, and other information are available in the office of the Planning Division, 446 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

RZR2017-00011, Applicant: Home South Communities, LLC c/o Mahaffey Pickens Tucker, LLP, Owner: John T. Lamb, Rezoning of Tax Parcel No. R7136 001, RA-200 to OSC; Single-Family Subdivision, 2400 Block of Sunny Hill Road and 2500 Block of Morgan Road, 86.15 Acres. District 4/Heard RZR2018-00022, Applicant: GCIP SIX, LLC, c/o Mahaffey Pickens Tucker, LLP, Owner: GCIP SIX, LLC, Rezoning of Tax Parcel Nos. R5127 090 and R5128 002, R-100 to OSC; Single-Family Subdivision, 3900 Block of Lake Carlton Road, 55.23 Acres. District 3/Hunter RZR2018-00038, Applicant: Harborstone Properties, LLC, Owner: Harborstone Properties, LLC, Rezoning of Tax Parcel Nos. R2003 985 and 986, RA-200 to R-100; Single-Family Residences, 3800 Block of Bailey Road and 100 Block of West Union Grove Circle, 3.53 Acres. District 3/Hunter RZR2018-00039, Applicant: Harborstone Properties, LLC, Owner: Harborstone Properties, LLC, Rezoning of Tax Parcel No. R2003 094, RA-200 to R-100; SingleFamily Residences, 3700 Block of Bailey Road and 100 Block of West Union Grove Circle, 4.66 Acres. District 3/ Hunter RZR2018-00040, Applicant: Blue River Development, LLC, Owner: Charline W. Phillips, Rezoning of Tax Parcel Nos. R5121 003, 017, 027, 028, 035, 039 and 043, R-100 to R-SR; Senior Oriented Residences, 18001900 Blocks of Bennett Road, 22.06 Acres. District 3/Hunter P&D BOC TBL 1-22 934-580243, 12/21

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B6 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 FULL TIME

HOUSES FOR SALE

gwinnettdailypost.com HOUSES FOR SALE

FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

LAWRENCEVILLE, 30044 438 DESIREE DR.

MONROE, GA 30656 1155 JIM DAWS RD.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT COMMERCIAL RENTALS LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 ATLANTA HWY SUITE 200

CITY OF STATHAM CITY CLERK The City of Statham is accepting applications for City Clerk.

Provides professional and confidential administrative support to the City Administrator, Mayor, City Council, and other members of city management as required, Prepares records such as agendas, notices, minutes, and resolutions for meetings, and distributes materials in accordance with the law.

This position requires strong communication skills; as well as organizational and project skills. coordination Requires the ability to work well with all levels of management, staff, and the public.

Benefits include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plan. All applicants being considered for employment shall be required to pass a drug and/or alcohol screening test prior to being hired.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and emeligibility ployment of all persons hired to work in the United States. Applications are available at City Hall, 327 Jefferson St., (770-725-5455) or online at www.cityof statham.com. Email applicacompleted tions to m.chang@ cit yofstatham.com.

Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., December 21, 2018. The City of Statham is an equal opportunity employer.

1178 Reddy Farm Rd, Grayson GA 30017 $310,000 FMLS Listing #6099316 Masterful design 4 side BRICKS with private DECK and PATIO invites comfort and exudes modern elegance.

With 4 bedroom, 2 and half baths, generous living space and stylish finishes, you’ll enjoy a perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining.

Beautiful cherry HARDfloors and WOOD plenty of natural light.

Other special highlights include a charming electric FIREPLACE, recessed lighting and ceiling fans, tons of storage space, cable wiring, INTERCOM in all rooms and complete walk in closet in master bedroom. This single owner home is ready for the next owners!!!

Zoya Bardai VirtualPropertiesRe alty.com 2750 Premiere Pkwy.

Suite 200 Duluth, GA 30097 (770) 605-2680 http://zoyabardai.virtu alpropertiesrealty.com

AUBURN, GA 30011

UNDER CONTRACT HUD HOME # 105-343057 4BR/2BA Split Level Home on large, corner lot. Spacious kitchen, breakfast area, family room on main.

All bedrooms on upper level. 3 finished rooms on lower level.

FHA insured w/escrow.

EHO • $120,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

2 ACRES 2 acre parcel with 2 wells. Older brick home on the property ready for rehab or tear down for a new home site. +/- 304 ft. frontage. EHO. $55,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com MONROE, GA 30656 TRACT “A� Jim Daws Rd.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE $2,095 Per Month (CAM included).

Currently a mail package store but owner is moving.

Ample parking, adjacent to Quik Trip in Loganville, GA. EHO. Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

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1.9 ACRES 1.9 acre parcel with 2 wells. Ready for you to build your dream home +/- 253 ft. frontage.

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35 acres of raw land full of hardwoods (never timbered) Perfect home site +/- 227 ft. frontage. EHO. $262,500 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD 4x8 Rack $125.

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GWINNETT LAWRENCEVILLE World Life Church 495 S. Perry St L’ville, GA 30046 678-377-0074 Space available for Rent Sat. 11:00AM-2:00PM Sun. 3:30PM-6:30PM

WIN $3,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES! Enter to win. Take our survey at www.pulsepoll.com and tell us about your household shopping plans and media usage.

Your input will help us improve the paper and get the advertising specials you want.

VEHICLES 3 CARS FOR SALE! MOVING MUST SELL! 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, 110,000 mi. $2,400 FIRM; 2005 Cadillac Deville, 126,500 mi., $2,475 FIRM; 1999 Toyota Camry, High mileage, $975 FIRM 770-676-9931

Pleasure-Way 2003 Camper EXCEL-TD, van Ford E-350 5.4L V8, Only 20.393 original miles, 1 owner, $8500 sale price. Contact: aidaafonte@gmail.com

Honda Accord EX-L, 2008 72k miles, silver with black leather, automatic, sunroof, $2,000, dssr@netscape.com, 770-234-6657

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576424-1

8B • Friday, December 21, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

we Dive in Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY DECEMBER 21, 2018

Led by ‘Aquaman,’ left, a sea of movies awaits viewers through the holidays — Pages 5C-7C

From top left, Steve Carell in “Welcome to Marwen,” Emily Blunt in “Mary Poppins Returns,” the title hero in “Bumblebee,” and Julia Roberts in “Ben Is Back.” (Special Photos)

a look ahead

Ongoing The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill — The rink has become a tradition in Sugar Hill. Go to haidrink.com for times, prices and other information. The rink is open through Feb. 10.

Ongoing Stone Mountain Christmas — You still have time to attend before Christmas, but the attraction is also open through Jan. 2. For more information, go to stonemountainpark.com.

Ongoing License to Chill Snow Island — The attraction at Lake Lanier Islands is open through the end of February. For more information, go to lanierislands.com/margaritaville/attractions.

10 spot the

574234-1

As the year comes to an end, we take a look at the highest paid actors in Hollywood in 2018. According to thestreet.com, these are the top 10.

1. George Clooney, $239 million 2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, $124 million 3. Robert Downey Jr., $81 million 4. Chris Hemsworth, $64.5 million 5. Jackie Chan, $45.5 million 6. Will Smith, $42.5 million 7. (tie) Ashkay Kumar, $40.5 million 7. Scarlett Johnansson, $40.5 million 9. Adam Sandler, $39.5 million 10. Salman Khan, $38.5 million

2C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

dish

ON THE MENU

the

Caesar Salad: $7.95. A Caesar salad that can come with pork, chicken or brisket for an extra $2.

Beef Brisket Sandwich: $9.95.

A sandwhich made competition-style with brisket made with the owner’s special “1-1-06” rub and served with chips. The chips can be replaced with any side dish for an extra $1.

Pulled Pork Plate: $12.95. Competitionstyle pulled pork made with the owner’s special “1-106” rub and served with two sides and a piece of bread.

Combo Plates: $17 for two meats, $23 for three meats, $28 for four meats.

Comes with the diner’s choice of meats (choose from pulled pork, pulled chicken, rib tips and brisket) as well as two sides and toasted bread.

Ribs on the bone cost an extra $2.

Sampler Platter: $30. Includes all four meats, as well as two ounces of all sides, including corn casserole, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, Brunswick stew, baked beans, slaw, collard greens, potato salad and fries. Ribs on the bone cost an extra $2.

Smokin’ Gold BBQ 5364 Lawrenceville Highway Lilburn 770-466-3227 www.smokingoldbbq.com

The Brisket plate is one of the menu items available at Smokin’ Gold BBQ in Lilburn. It comes with two sides and a piece of bread. The owners focus on offering competition-style barbecue and the menu heavy features the four barbecue competition meats — pork, chicken, brisket and ribs — as a result.

(Staff Photos: Curt Yeomans)

BY CURT YEOMANS

MORE ONLINE

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

Owners: Dan and Laurie Dieterle Open Since: Oct. 19 in Lilburn (previously operated in Dahlonega from April 2008 until it moved to Lilburn) Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed on Mondays Location: Just north of Rockbridge Road and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta on Lawrenceville Highway Atmosphere: The restaurant has a modern rustic feel to it with a resanded wood floor, wood table and counter tops and a patio dining area that is designed to look like a barn from the outside.

There is a metal art flying pig made from old license plates that have been painted brown hanging on one wall. At the same time, however, there are also big screen television sets attached to the walls around the dining room so customers can watch sports or other programs while they eat.

Smokin’ Gold BBQ’s owners renovated the space when they bought the building with one goal being to make it feel brighter. Blinds were removed from the windows and ceiling fans with light fixtures attached to them were installed in the dining room, and a new coat of white paint was applied to help reflect light inside the restaurant.

“It was like a cave in here (when Smokin’ Gold BBQ’s owners bought the location) so we wanted to brighten it up a bit,” Dan Dieterle said.

There are dining booths lining the walls of the dining room as well, but

a notable feature of the dining area is a high top lunch counter that cuts through the center of about half of the room.

There is a smaller high top table and chairs to fill the space between the end of the lunch counter and the door to the patio area.

At each table, or spread out on the counter, are metal buckets that have an assortment of sauces so customers can choose which ones to add to their barbecue.

The Dieterles used to participate in barbecue competitions before they went into the restaurant business and some of the trophies they won can be see on shelves along the walls.

Menu: The couple uses the same recipes that they used during their competitive barbecue days and they stick to the four basic types of meat evaluated in competitions: pork, brisket, ribs and chicken.

“What we do is we give you a great barbecue product off the grill and then let you choose your own sauce,” Dan Dieterle said. “There’s a variety (of sauces). You have a Carolina mustard, you have vinegar base, you have a Kansas City Savory and spicy version of that and then you have a habanero.”

The pork and brisket get a tasty flavor from Dieterle’s special “1-1-06” rub, so-named because he came up with the recipe on Jan. 1, 2006. It includes some paprika, multiple types of dried peppers and a unique chopped ingredient whose identity Dieterle said he rarely shares with other

20% OFF YOUR CHECK

Sunday thru Thursday Dine-In Only

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Smokin’ Gold BBQ opened at its current location on Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn in October. It was previously located in Dahlonega for 10 years. The layout of the dining room at Smokin’ Gold BBQ includes booths, a lunch counter and one high table with chairs.

people.

There is one type of meat that comes with a sauce already when it’s brought to the table. That is the ribs, which has a sweet and spicy finishing sauce that is put on the ribs before they are served.

Dieterle said a popular item is the brisket burnt ends which are only available on Fridays. Perhaps not too surprisingly, he also said Fridays are the restaurant’s busiest days of the week.

“A brisket’s got two parts,” Dieterle said.

“It’s got a flat that’s very, very lean, and then it has another part, they call it the fat cap that’s got a

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lot of meat and a lot of The chips that come marbling. When we slice with the sandwiches can it down the middle, we be replaced with any remove the fat cap, rub other side item for an it, we put it back on the extra $1. smoker for 10 hours and There are also combo all of the meat runs down plates which range from and leaves just the meat $17 for two meats, and product behind … increase in price with “That’s burnt ends.” three or four meats. The The prices for sandlargest combo is the samwiches, which come with pler platter, which costs chips, range from $8.95 $30 and includes all four for pulled pork or pulled meats as well as 2 ounces chicken sandwiches to of each side dish. $9.95 for beef brisket or The side dish menu rib tip sandwiches. While includes Laurie Dieterle’s the price for barbecue corn casserole, as well as plates, which includes white cheddar macaroni the meat, two sides and and cheese, potato salad, a piece of bread, range collard greens, slaw, from $12.95 pulled pork Brunswick stew, baked and chicken plates to beans and fries.

1 12/12/18 10:40 AM $18.95 for mst19_GDP_print a rib plate. eighth_2.pdf Iced tea, Powerade and

soft drinks cost $2.80 while draft beers (Dust Bunny IPA, Yuengling and Bud Light) cost $3.50 and 16 ounce bottled beers (Budweiser Light, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra) cost $4.

Something You May Not Know: The name “Smokin’ Gold” is a reference to Dahlonega, where the restaurant was originally established and located for its first 10 years until the Dieterles, who live in Lawrenceville, relocated it to Lilburn. Dahlonega is known for the early 19th century gold rush in the town and Dan Dieterle said the restaurant’s name is a nod to that history.

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 3C

arts&entertainment

Gwinnett arts leaders reflect on successful 2018 Gwinnett County is rich in arts organizations, mostly nonprofit, and all of them deep in talent and commitment. Below are reflections from arts leaders in Gwinnett inspired by a successful 2018.

Denise Brinson of Suwanee is a major force for the arts in her hometown.

“I love new events that feel like they have belonged forever,” she said.

“That happened this year with our Summer Porch Jam on July 21 on the evening of the summer solstice in our Old Town area. Music groups from around the city took their turn on about a dozen literal ‘front porches,’ food trucks fed the strolling masses, drumlines popped up, and kids grabbed a bucket and drumstick and pounded-away. It was successful on so many levels — we can’t wait to bring it back, add some porches, and make some memories.”

Art Week in Duluth is a successful initiative created by the city.

Art Beat

Holley Calmes “Art Week was a huge success this year,” Mayor Nancy Harris said. “Citizens were able to participate in activities ranging from a community art project, musical performances in Parsons Alley, to hosting the third annual Plein Air Festival in downtown Duluth. We had 65 painters painting Duluth.”

Photographer Mary Buck highlights another successful Duluth event, saying “Duluth Fine Arts League celebrated its 10th birthday this past June, and we highlighted this occasion by throwing a fun, traditional birthday party.

We played kid games like hula-hoops and coin toss,

Heather Statham sings onstage at Suwanee’s Burnette Rogers Pavilion along with her band, ThunderGypsy, which opened and closed the city’s inaugural Summer Porch Jam festival on July 21. (Staff Photo: Isabel Hughes)

enjoyed delicious food and auctioned off amazing prizes! That event was also amazing for us because thanks to the money raised that evening, we were able to provide more scholarships for our high school students pursuing the arts.

A true win-win!”

Suwanee’s Royal Dance

Academy defines success as having a great atmosphere in which to create.

“I love all that we do for our community, and 2018 was a spectacular year,” Sarah Haslock Johnson said. “This is year 10 for us, an amazing celebratory year. I think I have the most amazing team

Children’s Museum of Atlanta set to continue with family free days in 2019

BY ISABEL HUGHES

day will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning,” The Children’s Musesaid Jane Turner, execuum of Atlanta will again tive director of Children’s give attendees free access Museum of Atlanta. to resources and experi“Through the generosences that promote learn- ity of our presenting ing through the power of sponsors PNC Foundaplay with its family free tion and The Coca-Cola days, which were recent- Foundation as well as our ly announced. supporting sponsor CareMade possible by Source, we’ll be closer to the support of the PNC fulfilling the museum’s Foundation and The mission to change the Coca-Cola Foundation, world by sparking every the admission-free events child’s imagination, sense aim to reach more than of discovery and learn7,200 children and their ing, through the power of caregivers who might play.” not otherwise be able to Family free days will visit the museum due to include three two-andeconomic challenges. a-half-hour sessions per The first family free day to maximize attenisabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

dance, visitor experience and impact; extended after-school and afterwork hours designed to reach 1,800 guests each day; themed content, such as literacy, STEM, healthy living, social and emotional skills presented in a festival-like atmosphere; full access to the museum; and more.

“This new series of family free days offers a great opportunity for thousands of visitors to come out and enjoy the Children Museum of Atlanta’s fun programs and interactive exhibits for free,” said Eddie Meyers, PNC regional president for Georgia. “By making quality early learning programs accessible to

all families, regardless of income, the museum is extending the tremendous benefits of learning through play to our entire community.”

In addition to the first February date, family free days will take place in the spring, summer and fall.

For more information or to register, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

3D MOVIES TO THE MAX

Now playing through Jan. 10

FernbankMuseum.org | @FernbankMuseum

Who’s on stage?

Read Weekend every Friday.

573118-5

575800-2

Now playing through May 2

of teachers that I have the pleasure of working with every day. They come together without fail to make each of our events run like clockwork.”

Vickie Johnson of ECHO Gallery in Suwanee agrees that people make the difference.

“ECHO Gallery and

Artist Colony started out as just a couple of artists and blossomed into a group of 14 artists in 2018,” she said. “We display in various locations in the county, have a monthly get-together for the community, and have painted an outside mural on the wall and graffitied the dumpster.”

On the stage, Live Arts Theatre found success in a special project.

“My most significant event of 2018 was The August Wilson Century Project,” Becca Parker said.

“It was small, but we were able to connect so many people in our community and to embark on a truly unique journey together.”

These wonderful individuals and groups represent many more people championing the arts in Gwinnett every day of the year. Here’s to 2019.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts.

Email her at hcalmes@ mindspring.com.

Legoland to hold annual Noon Year’s Eve event

BY ISABEL HUGHES

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

Atlanta’s Legoland is inviting families to celebrate the arrival of 2019 a few hours early during its annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31 The event, which will include a balloon drop at noon with a countdown displayed on screens

throughout the attraction, will give attendees complimentary New Year’s Eve trinkets.

As the celebration continues, Lego-lovers can also take part in the 2019 group build that will be displayed all year long, as well as take pictures with fan-favorite Lego character Bertie.

For more information, visit atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

4C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

arts&entertainment

‘I really began to love it’

Dacula girl stars in Lifetime movie; pursues acting career

BY TREVOR MCNABOE Staff Correspondent

If you watched Lifetime Channel’s “Terror in the Woods” you might have recognized sixth-grader Skylar Morgan Jones, who appeared on television screens across the country in October.

Skylar, a former student at Puckett’s Mill Elementary School in Dacula, is now homeschooled by her mother Tara Jones to help her pursue an acting career.

“My mom used to be an actress and she still is,” Skylar said. “Her agent asked me when I was 5 if it would be something I’d be interested in and I really began to love it.”

“Terror in the Woods” is based on the true story of a stabbing of a 12-year-old by two of her friends because they believe in the Suzerain, a clawed monster who lures children to his palace in the forest.

While the television movie setting is in a small town in Wisc., when two 12-year-old Georgia, the actual events oc- girls stabbed their friend to curred in 2014 in Waukesha, appease the Slenderman.

The 25th annual Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lake Lanier Islands with seven miles of light displays.

Tickets are $49 to $59 for cars that seat one to 10 passengers. For more information, visit www.lanierislands. com.

License to Chill Snow Island is making its debut this year at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Daily admission rates are $24.99 to $39.99 For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com.

Snow Mountain returns to Stone Mountain again this year. Tickets range from $34.95 to $79.95. For

Skylar Morgan Jones, left, poses for a photo on the set of “Terror in the Woods” with Angela Kinsey.

Jones is a sixthgrader from Dacula who is pursuing a career in acting.

(Special Photo)

Typically, Skylar enjoys doing projects in the comedy and thriller genre, having already

appeared in CW’s “Dynasty” and “Vampire Diaries” — both shot in Atlanta. However, this role stood out to her because of everyday issues it brought up.

“When I first got the audition and booked the role I started understanding how real something like this is,” Skylar said. “A lot of people don’t understand what happened and how it easily could’ve been avoided because there were signs that were there and ignored.”

The movie plot is about two girls, Rachel and Kaitlyn, and their obssesion with their favorite internet spooky story, the Suzerain. During the movie, their parents brush it off as a harmless story, but the girls believed the Suzerain was real and would hurt their families unless they performed a blood sacrifice.

The girls in the movie settle on Skylar’s character Emily and stab her in the woods with a pair of scissors.

As a police investigation is conducted, issues about the

use of the internet and mental health are brought to the forefront.

“I really hope that people take away from this that it is real and happened,” Skylar said. “It’s upsetting that people with mental health issues are left out. They’re human, too, and we need to help them out.”

As a young actress breaking into the industry, Skylar said she looks up to Lucille Ball, and Jennifer Lawrence, who most notably starred in the “Hunger Games” films.

“I really like watching ‘The Hunger Games’ and it’s one of my favorite movies,” Skylar said. “It really just depends on if my younger sister is in the room or not.”

Filming for the movie was an enjoyable experience for her as she bonded with her cast mates.

“We shot for five weeks going between eight to 10 hours,” Skylar said. “Honestly I lost track of time most days just because I was having such a good time. I wish I still could be on that set.”

Things to do around Gwinnett County to celebrate the season more information, visit www. stonemountainpark.com.

The Duluth Historical Society will host the fourth annual Festival of Trees at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Admission is included with a ticket to the train museum. The exhibit

will be open until the end of the year. For more information, visit www.train-museum. org.

Sugarloaf Mills will host Illuminate, a Chinese lantern festival and acrobat show, on Wednesday through Sunday evenings through

Jan. 1. Weekday tickets are $14.95 for adults and children. Weekend and holiday tickets are $18.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and under are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit illuminategeorgia.com.

Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.

Snellville City Hall’s third annual Snellville Festival of Trees will finish up today at Snellville City Hall. Vote for your favorite tree by donating money, canned or dried food,

or toys. Each item placed under the tree will count as a vote. All money and food items will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, and toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program.

The Rink at Mall of Georgia is open through Jan. 6. Tickets are $2 to $5.

For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/mallof-georgia.

The ice skating rink in Sugar Hill will be open through Feb. 10. Tickets are $12, with a $2 discount for children ages 8 and under.

For more information, visit www.haidrink.com.

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deer Games • Dec. 22: Santa’s Missing Mail • Dec. 28-29: Dan Mengini feat. Jenny Jennings • Jan. 10 to Feb. 10: A Doll’s House, Part 2 • Jan. 19: CP: Beat Bugs • Feb. 8 to March 4: Rabbit Summer • March 7 to April 7: Men with Money • March 22 to April 14: Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End • April 5-28: MicroTeatro • May 2 to June 2: Native Gardens

770-813-7500 HUDGENS CENTER www.infiniteenergycenter.com FOR THE ARTS • Dec. 21: Emmanuel ChristGwinnett Center, mas Cantata 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, • March 8-10: Cinderella Suite 300, Duluth • May 17-19: The Little Mer770-623-6002 maid www.thehudgens.org • Through Jan. 27: 7th KUDZU ART ZONE annual Hudgens Juried Mem116 Carlyle St., Norcross ber’s Exhibition 770-840-9844 • May 22 to July 28: smART www.kudzuartzone.org Honors Program Exhibition: • Through Jan. 25: Good Culture Shock Things in Small Packages Exhibition INFINITE ENERGY THEATER NEW DAWN THEATER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Mall Corners, Duluth

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3650-A Satellite Blvd., Duluth 678-887-5015 www. newdawntheatercompany. com • Through Dec. 23: A Candle in the Window PLAYER’S GUILD @ SUGAR HILL Events held around Sugar Hill City Hall 5039 W. Broad St. 678-541-6132 www.pgatsh.com • Jan. 11-26: The Odd Couple • March 8-23: Goodbye Charlie • June 14-30: Never Too Late

www.atlantahistorycenter. com • Ongoing: Magic Mondays • Ongoing: Homeschool Days • Ongoing: Cherokee Garden Library Lectures • Dec. 21: Candlelight Nights • Through Dec. 31: Native Lands: Indians and Georgia • Through Dec. 31: NUEVOlution: Latinos and the New South • Through Dec. 31: Seeking Eden • Through June 17: Barbecue Nation

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ALLIANCE THEATRE 2800 Cobb Galleria 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Parkway, Atlanta Atlanta 770-916-2800 404-733-4650 www.cobbenergycentre.com www.alliancetheatre.org • Jan. 23: Scott Bradlee’s • Through Dec. 24: A Postmodern Jukebox Christmas Carol • Jan. 24: Chinese Acrobats • Jan. 15 to Feb. 17: Ever of Hebei After: A Musical for the Ages • Feb. 2-10: Dead Man • Jan. 15 to Feb. 17: La Walking Tortuga and the Hare • Feb. 15-23: La Sylphide • Feb. 16 to March 10: • Feb. 21-24: Beauty & The Goodnight, Tyler Beast • March 9 to April 7: • March 2-10: Eugene Gimme Please!

Onegin • March 9 to April 14: The • March 16: Jeff Foxworthy Wizard of Oz • March 22-24: Look Don’t • March 20 to April 14: AnTouch gry, Raucous, and Shame• April 5-14: Shen Yun lessly Gorgeous • April 27 to May 5: La • April 5-28: Approval Junkie Traviata • May 1-26: Ride the Cyclone FOX THEATRE • June 7 to July 15: Winnie660 Peachtree St. N.E., the-Pooh Atlanta 404-881-2100 ATLANTA BOTANICAL foxtheatre.org GARDEN • Through Dec. 24: The 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Nutcracker Atlanta 404-876-5859 FERNBANK MUSEUM OF www.atlantabg.org NATURAL HISTORY • Through Jan. 6: Garden 767 Clifton Road N.E., Lights, Holiday Nights Atlanta • Through Jan. 6: Ride-On 404-929-6300 Train www.fernbankmuseum.org • Through Jan. 6: Holiday • Ongoing: Tadpole Tales Model Train Show • Ongoing: Fernbank after • March 3: Vanilla Sunday Dark • Ongoing: Salsa Night ATLANTA HISTORY • Ongoing: Fernbank Forest CENTER Night Walk 130 W. Paces Ferry Road • Through Jan. 6: Nature’s N.W., Atlanta Superheroes: Life at the 404-814-4000 Limits ATLANTA ATLANTA

gwinnettdailypost.com

MUCH TOO MUCH

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 5C

movies

Graham McTavish stars as King Atlan in “Aquaman.”

‘Aquaman’ pushes sensory overload to new depths Aquaman (PG-13) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Since starting in 2013, there have been now six releases in DC’s shared universe of comic book films that have taken in a collective $4 billion. To be sure, this is big money, but when compared to the $17 billion total amassed by the 24 Marvel flicks thus far, it’s chump change. While the per film average take for both Marvel and DC releases is about the same ($650M-$700M), the perception is that Marvel is the gold standard while DC trades in bitcoin.

Of the six DC films, only one (“Wonder Woman”) is considered by most to be very good, but then again, for the majority of people who favor both sets of films, quality is not the primary concern; it’s quantity.

None of these films are less than two hours in length, and all of them depend on steroid-driven special effects and deafening, bone-rattling audio. They are to the medium of film what an allyou-can-eat $5 buffet is to fine dining. Just when you thought “Justice League” pushed sensory overload and narrative idiocy to the limits, you will be proven wrong with “Aquaman.”

To director James Wan (“Saw”, “Insidious,” Furious 7,”) and his co-writers’ (David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall) credit, the dour self-

Above left, from left, Jason Momoa is Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard is Mera and Willem Dafoe is Vulko in “Aquaman.” Above right, Temuera Morrison, left, stars as Tom Curry, and Nicole Kidman is Atlanna in “Aquaman.” (Photos: Warner Bros. Pictures)

seriousness and relative navelgazing of the first five films has been replaced with something closer to borderline camp and self-effacing humor reminiscent of that found in “Thor: Ragnarok.” It doesn’t hurt that the title character (Jason Momoa) is involved in a “Thor”-like power struggle with a sibling (Patrick Wilson as Orm) he despises.

Perhaps recognizing all of it is rather silly, Momoa nods, winks and grins at the camera the entire time. Ripped, shredded and looking like he’d be right at home playing bass for Metallica, Momoa is the rightful “Hulk” of all superhero flicks as he doesn’t need CGI to appear imposing.

Taking the exact opposite “whatever” attitude of Momoa are Wilson, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, a mentor to the younger Arthur Curry/Aquaman and Mera (Amber Heard) the Atlantis queen-in-waiting who joins forces with Aquaman to take down Orm who is being backed by her father, King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren). The hair of

all of the principal characters plays a big collective part in the film. Aquaman sports dark, long-flowing, speed-metal locks, Orm is platinum blonde, Vulko has an ornate, Sumo wrestlerinspired man-bun while Nereus and Mera are both magenta redheads. Apart from Aquaman, who remains topless most of the time, the wardrobes suggest “Games of Thrones” by way of “Star Wars.”

If you want an idea of the color palette, imagine feeding 1,000 dolphins 100,000 Tide detergent pods, have them swim to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and prompt them to toss their cookies all at the same time. Garish doesn’t get close to the proper description of the underwater visuals or the audio.

Whenever below the surface and speaking, the human/human-like characters sound as if they’re, well … underwater. The garbled “glub-glubbing” results take on the quality of someone stepping in a deep puddle of mud cross-pollinated with the overly tweaked, synthesized-

altered voice of the average untalented female pop singer.

For a movie set in the natural world, it all plays out as terribly artificial.

Dedicated fans of the comic book might be surprised if not outright disappointed to find out that the filmmakers completely overhauled the details regarding Aquaman’s origins. Sometime in the mid ’80s, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the Queen of Atlantis, mysteriously washes up on the Maine shoreline near the home of lighthouse keeper Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison). He nurses her back to health, they fall in love and have a baby. What appears to be five or so years later — and for reasons better explained by the movie — she leaves them.

The best scene in the film by far takes place when a 10-ish Arthur, probably on a school field trip at an aquarium, is being picked on by two much larger bullies and is quasi-rescued by every creature in the tank. He now knows his calling.

Back in the modern day,

Mera shows up in Maine right after beaches the world over are strewn with litter of every sort from the Seven Seas courtesy of Orm itchin’ for fight. Wearing a green suit that appears as if it were painted on, Mera is all business and enlists Aquaman only out of desperation to battle his brother and her father. Oddly enough, the best-looking parts of the film take place with Mera and Aquaman on dry land in Sicily and traipsing through the Sahara Desert in search of some sort of MacGuffin that comes into play down the line,m and all of it is very pointless and taxing.

At 143 minutes, “Aquaman” isn’t the longest Marvel or DC title to date; it only feels like it.

Any question of a possible sequel is answered in the midclosing credits, but even if it weren’t, the $266 million taken in last week in Europe and Asia all but guarantees a followup. Don’t be at all surprised if “Aquaman” reaches $1 billion worldwide at the box office before New Year’s Day. (Warner Bros.)

‘Bumblebee’ renews faith in Transformers franchise Bumblebee (PG-13) ★★★★

though I know I’m supposed to suspend my disbelief (alien robots and all), there were a couple of plot points I couldn’t overlook. Charlie is supposed to be a state

BY CATHERINE FOOTE high dive champion. At two catherine.foote different points in the film, @gwinnettdailypost.com she is challenged to dive — After five Transformers once from a rocky cliff into movies, most of them medichoppy water (she doesn’t ocre at best, I tried not to get jump) and once from atop too excited about “Bumblea crane into choppy wabee” and instead stuck with ter filled with debris (she cautious optimism. jumps). How could she see The movie starts with clearly the depth of the waimmediate action and exploter from so high up at night sions on war-torn Cyberand manage to miss all the tron, with Optimus Prime debris? creating a distraction while Gravity also seems a the title character escapes to little wonky in the film, as Earth.

Charlie emerges uninjured I have to say I wasn’t from a flipped Dumpster, expecting a sad beginning, Left to right are Bumblebee, Hailee Steinfeld stars as Charlie and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Memo in “Bumblebee” from Memo and Charlie get mere including a scene where scratches after a large exploParamount Pictures. the audience is shown how sion involving a hideous from her family (and new Bumblebee loses his voice verbatim. mostly male cast, or as my characters — again, Angela amount of C4, and Agent stepdad), but slowly opens and one of the main charMemo (Jorge Lendeborg coworker put it, it’s a nice Burns survives several Bassett is such a good vilup to Bumblebee. Watching Jr.), who has a huge crush acters (John Cena as Agent that-should-have-killed-him departure from a “Michael lain — and girl power that her transformation is one of on Charlie, also adds just the Bay boyfest” (though he Burns) is seriously injured. moments. Any human who just feels normal instead of But my intrigue with Angela the best aspects of the film, right amount of silliness and was a producer, and Steven forced. The soundtrack is actually did manage to die Bassett voicing the Decepti- and Steinfeld shines as the romance as a reluctant side- Spielberg took the wheel as also delightfully ’80s and of- in the film exploded into con Shatter kept my tears at protagonist. As someone kick without being sappy. one of the executive produc- fers the same kind of musi- flying snot at the hands of who has lost her dad, tears bay — for the moment.

Written by Christina Hod- ers, thank goodness). But cal flair heard in “Guardians Dropkick, which was just Out of commission and made an appearance as son, Bumblebee is definitely don’t worry — John Cena unnecessarily gross. of the Galaxy.” Bumblebee forced into hiding, Bumble- Charlie thanks Bumblebee the most heartfelt of the Nitpicking aside, I loved provides a nice splash of isn’t as impressed with bee gathers dust as a VW for helping her overcome Transformers films. this movie overall. I liked it masculinity as an AutobotCharlie’s musical tastes, bug in a junkyard until grief. She said something The film doesn’t take hating government agent, spitting out Rick Astley and so much, it’ll go on my list he’s discovered by surly, along the lines of “Thank itself too seriously, mixing and Justin Theroux’s voice The Smiths cassettes, but he of movies I’ve seen in thecar savvy tomboy Charlie you for making me feel like humor and drama seamtalent makes Decepticon comes around as he finds his aters more than once, next to “Blade Runner 2049” and (Hailee Steinfeld). Grievme again,” but I was too lessly with the action. It’s Dropkick easy to hate. voice (pun intended).

“Black Panther.” ing over her father’s death, busy crying into my popcorn a welcome break from 2 The film is quietly femi“Bumblebee” falls short (Paramount Pictures) Charlie distances herself to remember what she said hours of explosions and a nist, featuring strong female of four stars because, even

6C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies Emily Blunt stars as Mary Poppins in Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns.”

(Special Photos: Disney)

PRACTICALLY

IMPERFECT ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ an unnecessary sequel in every way

promotional blitz that could rival that of a Super Bowl, “MPR” is an anything-goes musical lover’s dream. There are cute but unmemorable kids (three), an outwardly charming yet ultimately cold-blooded villain (Colin Firth, both in the

BY MICHAEL CLARK flesh and animated), down-onMovie Critic their-luck protagonist siblings, enough day-glow pastels to Your bias going in to “Mary cover Russia AND China and Poppins Returns” can be dea titular leading lady (Blunt) termined on five factors. First, who is every bit as grand as your own dedication to the the one (Julie Andrews) who Disney brand — if you believe preceded her. Actually, Blunt the Mouse can do no wrong is better than Oscar-winning (and that includes “Brother Andrews since Andrews had Bear” and “G-Force”). Two, a superior screenplay to work you think every great movie is with, and it’s much harder to worthy of a sequel, no matter look great in a bad movie than how long the time between it is a good one. them (in this case, 54 years), To be clear, “MPR” isn’t a regardless of necessity. Third, horrible film; just an underthe idea of people breaking achieving one and one that into song and dance for no rea- has nothing new to say or a son whatsoever really works reason (beyond profits) for its for you. Four, you’re quite existence. If you’ve never seen sure there is no such thing “Mary Poppins” from 1964, as a movie that is too long. you might actually love this Finally, you adore Emily Blunt movie, as you have nothing in anything. (In the interest of with which to make a comparifull disclosure, I love Blunt in son. Whatever you do, don’t everything.) dare see the first one before If you are good on at least you see the second; your two of the above five prereqdisappointment will only be uisites, you can stop reading compounded. now. Nothing following will Replacing chimney sweeper do anything to change your Dick Van Dyke (who has mind — positively or negaan 11th hour cameo here) tively. is Lin-Manuel Miranda as Arriving with a prerelease Jack, whose performance as

Mary Poppins Returns (PG) ★★★★

Emily Blunt, left, stars as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack in Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” a sequel to the 1964 “Mary Poppins.”

the title character in “Hamilton” (which he also wrote) made Broadway tickets even more expensive. Miranda and Blunt share the stage (an actual stage, mind you) on the strongest of the film’s 13 original songs (“A Cover is Not the Book”) in a sequence that mixes animation and liveaction to brilliant effect, also marking the movie’s creative and emotional zenith.

Not embarrassing themselves are Ben Winshaw as Michael and Emily Mortimer as Jane, the grown-up Banks siblings from the first installment. While Jane keeps herself busy with labor rallies during “The Great Slum” (“Great Depression”) and flirting with Jack, Michael is trying not to be foreclosed upon due to many past due payments on a loan he took out after the death of his financially adept wife.

Additional cameos from Angela Lansbury and Meryl Streep channeling a wiggedout redhead Eastern European shop-owner cousin of Mary are well intended but ultimately fall flat, and unfortunately the same can be said for the

child actors playing Michael’s vanilla-bland offspring. It’s worth mentioning that the children and everyone else never address the title character as “Mary” or “Miss (Ms.) Poppins” but rather just “Mary Poppins,” as if it were a hyphenated first name.

The entire plot of the film is dedicated to everyone trying to find a missing document proving Michael’s ownership of stock shares left to him by his parents that can allow him to keep the family home.

An event involving a famous London landmark figures into the success or failure of this mission, and sad to say, it isn’t believable in the least, even for an upbeat, Pollyanna fantasy film. Along the way, there are a dozen more instantly forgettable, poorly choreographed tunes tossed in that get nowhere near the quality of the weakest songs from the first.

Clocking in at a relatively numbing 135 minutes, “MPR” is easily a half-hour too long but — in complete fairness to director Rob Marshall and screenwriter David Magee (“Finding Neverland,” “Life of

Pi”) — the 1964 original was actually four minutes longer.

That may seem like hair-splitting, but when dealing with greatness and meh, running time is everything. Nobody ever wants “fun” to stop and everyone wishes mediocrity would end yesterday.

A man who should have been born 100 years ago, Marshall is working within a genre that peaked with “The Sound of Music” (also starring Andrews, released in 1965), and that has been dying a slow death ever since. With the Best Picture-winner “Chicago,” the woefully misunderstood “Nine” and the fantasy/fable misfire “Into the Woods” (featuring both Blunt and Streep), Marshall is keeping musicals on life support. “MPR” will likely prevent Hollywood from pulling the plug, but with a $135 million budget, it better yield respectable numbers at the box office, and that will be a tall order. Considering this is just one of more than 10 new movies being released before the end of the year, that charge will likely remain unfulfilled.

(Disney)

‘Welcome to Marwen’ is Zemeckis’ finest effort in years Welcome to Marwen (PG-13) ★★★★

Another scene shows Hogancamp watching the start of a fake porn flick featuring a performer (played by Zemeckis’ wife Leslie) for whom he has deep lust.

The problem here — at least from a marketing

BY MICHAEL CLARK viewpoint — is that the Movie Critic Hogancamp character could be viewed by some, maybe An understudy of sorts to more than a few, as a drugSteven Spielberg in his earaddicted, misogynistic lier days, Robert Zemeckis pervert. There is, of course, became his own man with much more to the character “Back to the Future” and than what floats his boat. has never looked back. A He is sympathetic and — grabber-on to the then-new thanks mostly to Carell’s “motion capture” technolobottomless, natural charm gy back in 2004, Zemeckis — likeable. has become a full-time In what is quite rare, the champion of the technoltrailer for this film doesn’t ogy, albeit with wildly Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp prepares to photograph the dolls for his fictional give away a bevy of plot uneven results. twists and does present an town in “Welcome to Marwen.” (Special Photo: Universal) “The Polar Express,” accurate depiction of the viwhile in possession of an capture wrongs, and he has beaten to within an inch of imaginary fictional village olence (both real and imagiengaging winter/holiday made a movie where the his life outside an upstate in Belgium during World nary) as well as the often plot, was so creepy in aptechnology is a component New York bar. While full of War II where he would barely there doll wardrobe. pearance it bordered on be- rather than the main attrac- too much liquid courage, be the sole male living If you’re considering seeing ing an unintentional horror tion. Equally mixing CGI Hogancamp mentioned that amongst female characters the movie as a family with flick with child characters with traditional live-action, he liked wearing women’s based on women he knew pre- or early teens, it is looking like demonic por“Marwen” is Zemeckis’ shoes, and five mouth— or wanted to know — in strongly recommended you celain dolls. The criminally finest effort in over a debreathing low-life types real life. The kink factor watch the trailer first. underrated “Beowulf” was cade, which is all the more proceeded to whale away hits full stride here, as all of The adult aspects of the a vast improvement but its impressive considering the on him, sending him into the females are dressed in, film that could keep some follow-up, “A Christmas kinky nature of some of the a coma, and in the process well, skimpy, fetish-themed people at a distance are Carol,” with Jim Carrey subplots. robbed him of his long-term outfits while brandishing also some of the same that playing close to a dozen Based on the 2010 memory. automatic weapons. At one might encourage others characters, was a supreme documentary “Marwencol,” In addition to far too point, one of the dolls is to see it, but not for the backslide.

“Marwen” tells the story of many prescription meds, topless, which in the great obvious, perhaps seedier With “Welcome to Mar- Mark Hogancamp (Steve part of Hogancamp’s scheme of things means reasons. A filmmaker who wen,” Zemeckis has righted Carell), an accomplished il- therapy included him build- little, as, well, it’s a doll, rarely takes chances and most of his past motion lustrator who, in 2000, was ing an above-small-scale, but it’s there nonetheless. generally avoids contro-

versial material, Zemeckis is straying a little past his normal comfort zone with “Marwen,” a production with equal parts reality and fantasy.

Without giving anything whatsoever away, Zemeckis and co-writer Caroline Thompson (“Edward Scissorhands,” “Corpse Bride”) include a romantic subplot featuring Leslie Mann as Nicol, which takes some welcome, interesting and unexpected turns. Still as stunning as she was in her breakout year of 1996, the frequently dismissed and highly underrated Mann has a quirky delivery that always makes her interesting to watch.

“Marwen” is a very good movie which could have been better had the filmmakers chosen to include more details of the real story present in director Jeff Malmberg’s unflinching documentary. If you like Zemeckis’ take, it will be well worth your time to seek out “Marwencol” to get the rest of the story of a man who refused to give up and rechanneled his talents through a most unexpected and cathartic vessel.

Presented in English with infrequent subtitled French and German.

(Universal)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 • 7C

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movies

‘Ben is Back’ shows Roberts NOW SHOWING should stick to supporting roles Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters. Ratings are out of 4 stars.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (PG)

Ben is Back (R) ★★★★

★★★★ Over the course of four decades, there have been a whopping eight “Spider-Man” flicks and not a single one of them has come close in spirit or sheer entertainment value as “Spider-Verse.” This production also goes far in redefining the comic book movie as we know it.

— Michael Clark

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Having appeared in exactly one halfway decent film in the last decade (“August: Osage County”), Julia Roberts is currently appearing in a much-heralded Amazon on-demand series (“Homecoming”) and hawking a fragrance in TV commercials. It’s been almost 30 years since her back-to-back Oscar-nominated turns in “Steel Magnolias” and “Pretty Woman,” which, in movie years, might as well be 100. Yes, she nabbed an Academy Award for “Erin Brokovich” in 2000, yet that, too, seems ages ago.

Roberts is now an industry nonfactor caught in the dead zone between leading lady and character actress, and “Ben is Back” might just be her final shot in the former category. In it, she plays Holly, the mother of the title character (Lucas Hedges), a drug-addicted teen who has burned many bridges and wreaked untold havoc on his family.

The movie opens with Ben arriving home just before Christmas after a stint in a halfway house or hospital (it’s never made clear) where he’s been trying to get sober. He tells Holly that his sponsor has given him his blessing to leave. While Holly gives him the benefit of the doubt, she immediately cleans out the family medicine chest and hides her jewelry. Holly might have a tainted, glass-half-full reaction, but for Ben’s sister, Ivy (Kathryn Newton), and their stepfather, Neal (Courtney B. Vance), Ben is not to be trusted.

After some tap-dancing around the elephant in the room and recognizing

Julia Roberts, left, is Holly Burns, and Lucas Hedges is Ben Burns in “Ben is Back.”

(Photo: LD Ent./Roadside Attractions)

only Holly is (slightly) on his side, Ben reluctantly volunteers to return to where he was being treated, which will allow his family a chance to enjoy a stress-free holiday. But first he wants to take care of some last-minute Christmas shopping (?!).

Up to this point, “Ben is Back” is an even weaker version of the recent only so-so “Beautiful Boy,” another downer teen-addict movie that stuck with the gnashedteeth, white-knuckle distrust/ backslide approach for the duration. Here, writer/director Peter Hedges (Lucas’ father) decides to switch gears and turns “Ben is Back” into a crime thriller. Given the life Ben has led up to now and the number of people he has used, this is not an entirely implausible option.

But the manner in which the elder Hedges chooses to propel the narrative is tantamount to an off-the-rails scavenger hunt, and every lick of it feels contrived.

Twitching the entire time, Ben is obviously looking to get a fix, but Holly never lets him out of her sight. The scene where he enters a store changing room is particularly embarrassing for both him and us. Convinced someone has passed Ben drugs, Holly searches his pockets and indeed finds contraband.

In another passage, Holly crosses paths with the doc-

tor (now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease) who got Ben addicted in the first place and proceeds to insult him with (literally) a death curse. God forbid she had anything to do with her own son taking the wrong path, and this passing of the blame is pathetic.

This pales in comparison with what follows. Without giving too much away, someone breaks into the family home, steals something dear to everyone and holds it for ransom, counting on Ben to comply with a risky request before releasing it. Anyone with even a minor working knowledge of junkie logic will find this entire subplot beyond redonkulous — and yet, it gets worse. A pit stop at a graveyard (shown in the movie poster) marks the narrative nadir of the production and completely kills any sense of disbelief.

As weak and exhausting as “Beautiful Boy” might have been, it was still somewhat rooted in reality, as it actually happened. Nothing after the first 15 minutes of “Ben is Back” works and is made all the worse by Roberts’ escalating histrionic emotional outbursts and the two Hedges’ choice of having Ben looking solemn, bummed out and crying most of the time.

The younger Hedges is

a talented actor, but if he’s not careful, he is going to end up being typecast. Apart from the recent (again very average) “Mid90s,” where he played a bullying older brother, Hedges tends to play the same morose kind of guy. From his Oscarnominated performance in “Manchester by the Sea” to “Lady Bird” to “Boy Erased” and here, there’s not much range exhibited.

Crying and looking sad isn’t easy, but neither is it all that impressive. The younger Hedges needs to alert his agent and instruct him or her to land a really dangerous villain part or a juicy comic role. This mope thing has a short shelf life, and it is getting dangerously close to its expiration date.

For Roberts, maybe it’s time to start considering accepting offers for supporting roles as wry grandmothers or eccentric women of a certain age in prestige films where she might be able to win over a new crowd completely unimpressed with her stunningly average past resume. This movie is going to make little or no money, will yield no awards consideration and only serves as a crossroads for its two leads. For Roberts, it’s time to move on; for Hedges, you need to stretch out. Don’t either of you look back.

(Roadside Attractions)

MORTAL ENGINES (PG-13)

★★★★ If you enjoy dystopian, post-apocalyptic movies with romance, thrilling chase scenes and creative technology like “The Hunger Games,” “Waterworld” or the “Divergent” series, you might think “Mortal Engines” is OK. My biggest qualm with this film is that it focuses so much on action that it leaves behind plot and character development.

— Alex Tostado

COMING SOON TO THEATERS DEC. 28 VICE (R)

An upcoming American biographical comedy-drama film staring Christian Bale as Dick Cheney written and directed by Adam McKay.

DEC. 28 ON THE BASIS OF SEX (PG-13)

The story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, played by Felicity Jones, her struggles for equal rights and what she had to overcome in order to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

COMING SOON TO OWN NIGHT SCHOOL (PG-13) JAN. 1 A man (Kevin Hart) tries to complete the high school education he never finished by studying for the GED test; Tiffany Haddish and Taran Killam also star. (PG-13)

In this fact-inspired drama, Matthew McConaughey stars as the father of a teenager (Richie Merritt) who becomes the youngest FBI informant in history.

WHAT THEY HAD (R) JAN. 8 A woman (Hilary Swank) rejoins her Chicago family as her father (Robert Forster) tries to cope with her mother’s (Blythe Danner) illness.

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WHITE BOY RICK (R) DEC. 25

2019

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