December 24, 2017 — Gwinnett Daily Post

HELPING HANDS, 1C

Nonprofit crafts outfits for newborns across state

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Gwinnett Daily Post SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

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Vol. 48, No. 44

‘All of us want to help’

Owner of Blaxican to provide meal for single mothers

BY ISABEL HUGHES isabel.hughes@gwinnettdailypost.com

All aglow

The manger scene is pictured at the Duluth Christmas House. (Photos: Anthony Stalcup)

BY TREVOR MCNABOE

MORE ONLINE

trevor.mcnaboe @gwinnettdailypost.com

What began as a childhood passion for Tammie Hernandez to hang Christmas decorations has evolved into a spectacle for Gwinnett County residents.

Hernandez, a Duluth resident, enjoyed holidays as a time to spend with family, however, Christmas was her favorite.

“My birthday is on Christmas Eve, and my family would get together every year,” Hernandez said. “I get the decorating gene from my grandmother.

Christmas House in Duluth lights up the community

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos from the display.

She would go to the extreme with lights.”

Decorating the house began as a way to cope with her grandmother’s death in 2015.

She began to collect holiday items in summer 2016 in preparation for a big display.

She said most of the shopping she did came from thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales.

“This is what 10 pounds of macaroni looks like,” said Will Turner, picking up the first of two bags that occupied a 20-pound box of elbow pasta.

“There’s 20 pounds of Monterey cheese, 15 pounds of cheddar, 5 pounds of MORE ONLINE Velveeta, Visit gwinnettdailypost.com and you for photos of the Turners. have some eggs right there,” he said, pointing to his overflowing cart. “And of course, several pounds of butter.”

Every so often, Turner paused to rearrange his groceries, stacking and restacking boxes of lettuce, cheese, tortillas and a 25-pound bag of Domino sugar.

Instead of shopping for toys and other gifts like hundreds of others across the nation on the Thursday before Christmas — that shopping came later in the day — Turner was at Restaurant Depot, an industrial-sized grocery store for restaurant owners that carries

See MEAL, Page 6A

Tammie Hernandez, with help from her 14-year-old son, Levi, left, and family friend, 14-year-old Diego Morales, right, turned the front See LIGHTS, Page 6A yard of Hernandez’s Duluth home into a Christmas light spectacular.

Last-minute holiday shoppers hit area malls

BY TREVOR MCNABOE

trevor.mcnaboe@gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County shoppers flocked to retail outlets this weekend for a chance to pick up last minute gifts for Christmas. While many people have already taken advantage of shopping deals and holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday, others opted to take their chances and deal with the crowds.

At Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, Christmas music played throughout the building to complement the murmur of guests. Each visitor had a unique reason to be there, whether it be frantic shopping or just enjoying the holiday activities and spending time out of the house.

Michelle Ramos said the reason for her last minute shopping is because of

Will Turner, left, owner of Blaxican, reads a grocery list with his son, Ranen, right.

(Staff Photo: Isabel Hughes)

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT For the opinion page, comics, crossword puzzles and more, see the expanded A section.

Mall employees set up tables to help guests wrap their gifts. (Staff Photo: Trevor

See SHOPPING, Page 6A McNaboe)

gwinnettdailypost.com

INSIDE Crossword ...13A

Lottery........... 4A

Perspectives,12A

Comics.........13A

Horoscope .....4A

Nation ........... 8B

Sports ............1B

Community ....1C

Local ............. 2A

Obituaries ......5A

Weather .........4A

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Classified .....14A

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Send us engagements, wedding, births or anniversaries under “Submit your news” on the home page.

2A • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

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Family Promise of Gwinnett County Inc. staff members pose with Atlanta Falcons players, back row from left, Brooks Reed, Sean Weatherspoon and De’Vondre Campbell during a pizza party the athletes held in Duluth on Tuesday for families who have received assistance from Family Promise’s Homeless Recovery Program. (Special Photo)

‘Doing our part’

Trio of Falcons host pizza party for families struggling with homelessness tion’s Homeless Recovery Program throughout the curt.yeomans year. @gwinnettdailypost.com “Interacting with the Local families who have players provided an opporstruggled with homelessness tunity to see these guys as this year got an early Christ- more than just the Atlanta mas in Duluth from a trio of Falcons who they watch on Atlanta Falcons players.

Sundays, but as role models The Falcons’ Sean that they can converse with Weatherspoon, De’Vondre and relate,” Family Promise Campbell and Brooks Reed Executive Director Matthew hosted a pizza party and Elder said. “The faces of our meet-and-greet for seven families lit up the moment families Tuesday at The the players walked into the Catholic Church of St. room, and I think this is an Monica. Family Promise experience they will relish of Gwinnett County Inc. for a long time.” officials said the families The families for to hang who attended the party have out with Weatherspoon, participated in the organiza- Campbell and Reed, who

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posed for pictures, signed autographs and handed out gifts to the members of each family. Family Promise officials said the players also offered mentorship to the families.

“My friends and I were encouraged by the work of the organization and enjoyed interacting with the kids,” Weatherspoon said in a statement released

by Family Promise. “We believe that these families need a little help and somebody who believes in them.

We are simply doing our part by ensuring the families know that they are not forgotten over the holidays.”

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Sunday, december 24, 2017 • 3a

Photos with Santa are a family tradition

By IsaBel HugHes

MoRe onlIne

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos with Santa.

The line of people waiting to take photos with Santa moved quickly, barely backing up onto the Mall of Georgia’s roped-off floor.

Three days before Christmas, busy shoppers hustled by, most ignoring the flash of bulbs as children of all ages climbed on St. Nick’s lap.

Two of those children — Alex and Maddox Rodvill — smiled as they walked onto the photo set, years of practice under their belts.

The elder Rodvill, Alex, has been doing this for the last 11 years, said his mother, Kristyn Rodvill. And while it’s now an annual tradition for him and his brother, it didn’t begin that way.

with Santa, so this is just us continuing on.”

Palacios looked at her son, then turned to Derek.

“This was all your idea,” she said. “You’re such a Christmas person.”

Smiling, the family — as well as dozens Above left, Maddox Rodvill, left, and his brother, Alex, right, pose for their photo with Santa, an 11-year tradition for of others — made their photo selection and went Alex. Above right, Adrian Rye smiles during his first photo with Santa. (Staff Photos: Isabel Hughes) on their way, pushing “This has been a tradi- and then (Maddox) was of four continued toward Adrian’s first photo with through the holiday tion since he was 2, and born and we just kept the green carpet, their Santa, and his parents, crowds. now he’s 13,” Kristyn on.” turn next. especially his father, Until the photo set said. “I think we acciHer husband, Derrick, Another family — were excited. closes at 6 p.m. today, dented our way into the smiled cheekily, interDerek and Adrian Rye “Everything went the smiles will continue tradition, though. We jecting, “Then the grand- and Stephany Palacios — smoothly — (Adrian) and the Rodvills and were here doing Buildparents started coming hunched over the comput- didn’t cry, the line was Ryes will have photos to a-Bear with (Alex) one down and it became like er, looking at the photos quick and it wasn’t too look at until next year.

Then they’ll be back, and year, and we did the a military operation. It they had just taken. busy,” Derek Rye said.

Christmas with Santa Santa Claus thing and we really is.”

Unlike the Rodvills, “(Growing up,) I had a continued it every year, Laughing, the family this was 14-month-old tradition of taking photos will once again begin.

Suwanee man is arrested in elderly exploitation case From staFF reports

Gwinnett County children, from left, Jennifer Assamoah, Madeline Jones and Jordan Jones were chosen to receive free orthodontic treatment from the Georgia School of orthodontics’ new clinic and campus in Duluth. The kids were picked through the school’s Smiles for Gwinnett contest program. (Special Photo)

Ga. School of Orthodontics opens new campus, clinic

By Curt yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

The Georgia School of Orthodontics recently opened a new clinic in Duluth, and to celebrate the new facility, officials announced three Gwinnett County children who won a contest to receive free orthodontic treatment.

The clinic opened in the Gwinnett Commerce Center at 3700 Crestwood

Parkway Suite 180 on Dec. 12. During the opening ceremony, Jennifer Assamoah, 10, Madeline Jones, 13, and Jordan Jones, 12, were recognized as winners of the Smiles for Gwinnett competition program.

The 9,000-square-foot facility is the school’s second clinic — joining an existing facility in Atlanta — and it will also serve as a campus for the school.

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county access to high quality orthodontic care at a lower price point at the Georgia School of Orthodontics,” Georgia School of Orthodontics program director Dr. Ricky Harrell said in a statement. “Every child and adult deserves to feel confident in their smile, and the new state-ofthe-art clinic at GSO will make that dream obtainable for every family in our community.”

Officials have said the new campus will allow them to expand the school’s orthodontic and dentofacial orthpedic specialty education programs, as well as its orthodontic services which use up-todate technology.

In addition to recognizing the three children, the school handed out $500 a piece to Camp Creek Elementary School, Grayson High School, Kanoheda Elementary School and Arcado Elementary School for the largest numbers of nominations in the Smiles for Gwinnett contest program.

RUSSIAN BALLET PRESENTS

SLEEPING BEAUTY

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S U N DAY JANUARY 7

FOX T H E AT R E

Act; neglect to a disabled adult, elder person or A Suwanee man was resident; exploitation and arrested Friday afternoon intimidation of disabled for his involvement in ex- adult, elder person or ploiting disabled/elderly resident; and operating an persons. unlicensed personal care Harold Louis Hunt, home.

56, was taken into cusHunt’s arrest followed tody at his residence on an investigation into the Streamwood Ivy Trail exploitation of disabled in Suwanee after being and elderly adults by charged by the DoughMichelle Oliver. Olierty County Grand Jury ver, 39, was arrested in in a 17-count indictment. September and 14 perHunt was indicted for sons were rescued from violation of the Rackher unlicensed personal eteer Influenced and care homes in Dougherty, Corrupt Organizations Monroe and Bibb coun-

ties. Both Oliver and Hunt have been charged with depriving the residents of healthcare, shelter and necessary sustenance. The two were also financially exploiting the individuals by Hunt acting as the payee for Social Security benefits and then directing the funds to Oliver’s account.

The investigation is still active and more charges are expected.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the GBI office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080.

Atlanta-based company buys apartments in Duluth area

By Curt yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

An apartment complex near Gwinnett Place Mall got new owners this week and is expected to receive a $5 million facelift in the new year.

Atlanta-based Pollack Shores Real Estate Group purchased Menlo Creek on Satellite Boulevard with plans to rename it Howell House in honor of a founding father of nearby Duluth, Evan Howell. The apartment complex opened 10 years years ago and has 372 residences spread across 12 buildings, according to Pollack Shores representatives.

The complex is located about two miles south of the mall and Pollack Shores officials said the nearby retail and trails helped make it an attractive purchase.

“Menlo Creek offers several natural destination advantages that will help drive demand in the years ahead,” Pollack Shores President Steven Shores said in a statement. “We’re pleased to expand our foot-

one of the buildings in the Menlo Creek apartment complex near Gwinnett Place Mall is shown in this photo.

Atlanta-based Pollack Shores Real estate Group llC bought the complex this past week and plans to begin a $5 million renovation in January. (Special Photo)

print in Gwinnett County, and will continue to target investment opportunities that align with our longterm growth strategy across the Sunbelt.”

The multi-million renovation of the 444,216-square-foot complex is expected to begin in January. Pollack Shores officials said new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, new kitchen floors and hardware, backsplashes and custom kitchen fixtures will be

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA ADOPTION OF 2018 BUDGET The public is hereby notified that the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners intends to adopt a Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 during the commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 2:00pm in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

A copy of the proposed Budget may be inspected during regular office hours (8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday) in the office of the Department of Financial Services, located on the second floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The 2018 Proposed Budget may also be viewed online at www.gwinnettcounty.com

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installed in each apartment during the renovation.

The new owners also plan to make some landscaping improvements and do work on the exteriors of the buildings.

The complex’s location puts it near an area that officials in the county government as well as the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District are looking to rejuvenate. The Venture Drive Redevelopment Overlay District, which is designed to encourage denser redevelopment, is one mile north of the complex.

Pollack Shores officials also pointed to other nearby amenities, including the Infinite Energy Center, which is further north on Satellite Boulevard, and Studio Movie Grill, which is on the southern edge of the Venture Drive overlay district.

“Menlo Creek is a strong value-add asset that checks all the boxes for accessibility and convenience, and continues to trend upward thanks to a healthy and diverse local economy,” Pollack Shores Vice President of Acquisitions Brendan Whalen said in a statement.

“We look forward to executing our capital improvement plan that will deliver a superior quality of life for residents.”

4A • SundAy, december 24, 2017 To Your Good Health

Diagnosis can be hard as symptoms may overlap Dear Dr. rOaCH: I am a 47-year-old woman, and I’ve dealt with inherited major depressive disorder since my teens. Drug treatment has always given me moderate relief. Two years ago, I described to my new doctor my lifelong tendency to have shifting moods (best in the mornings, worst in the evenings) and my difficulty staying focused. He added a daily dose of Lamictal to my already-prescribed Pristiq.

Since then, I’ve felt, simply put, “normal” for the first time in my life. My moods are far more stable, and I can concentrate on whatever I want without extreme effort. Absentmindedness is no longer a problem.

I couldn’t believe my relief, and I asked him where this drug had been all this time.

He smiled and quietly asked me whether anyone in my family had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. I was shocked. I come from a stable and intelligent family of high achievers. I am not supposed to have what many consider a “learning disability,” but now I believe that had I been medicated, I’d have had a much easier, happier life to date. I’m sure my ancestors would have as well.

In short, I am asking you to convey to your readers that they should never stigmatize ADHD like I did, because its symptoms are easily masked within mood disorders, and one problem can worsen the other. Just ask to be screened. It may really help. Thanks for spreading the word.

— J.M.W. ansWer: Making diagnoses in psychiatry can be difficult. There isn’t a lab test or imaging study to confirm the diagnosis, and the symptoms people notice can overlap among several different conditions, treatment for which can vary widely.

For instance, people with symptoms of depression (such as depressed mood and little interest in pleasurable activities) may have an obvious diagnosis: major depression. However, they may instead have bipolar disease type 2. To make this diagnosis, there must have been at least one episode where a person had “hypomania”: a period of symptoms including increased energy, elevated mood and little need for sleep, lasting at least four days. This may not be recalled by the patient, and the diagnosis can go unmade. This is important because the treatments are different.

I mention bipolar 2 because lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a treatment for bipolar disease. It acts as a mood stabilizer. It also sometimes is used in people with ADHD, as it helps with the side effects of stimulants.

I honestly don’t have enough information to say whether you have ADHD, bipolar disease, both or neither. There are diagnostic criteria and a screening test that can be done for ADHD (see https://add.org/adhdtest).

I should add that many people, both those with ADHD and those with bipolar disease, perform at extremely high levels. I have had people write to me that they feel successful partly because of, rather than in spite of, their ADHD.

HOrOscOpes

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SOLUNAR TABLES The Gwinnett Daily Post (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 10860096) is published Wednesday, Friday and Sunday by SCNI, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Periodical postage paid at Lawrenceville, GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.

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

Lake

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lake levels Full Yesterday Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona .............(840.0) ........827.3 Lanier .................(1071.0) .....1065.8 Blackshear ...........(237.0) .......236.6 Nottely ...............(1779.0) .....1762.0

5:13-7:13 a.m............5:35-7:35 p.m.

Blue Ridge ........(1690.0) .....1669.3 Oconee ...............(435.0) .......434.8

11:49 a.m.-12:49 p.m. ...................... ..................... 11:26 p.m.-12:26 a.m.

Burton ...............(1865.0) .....1858.4 Seminole ................(77.5) ..........77.0

MINOR

POLLEN COUNTS Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Carters .............. (1072.0) .....1073.2 Sinclair ................(339.8) .......338.8 Chatuge .............(1927.0) ......1917.6 Thurmond ...........(330.0) ....... 321.3 Harding ................(521.0) .......520.5 Tugalo...................(891.5) .......888.2 Hartwell ...............(660.0) ....... 651.6 Walter F. George . (188.0) .......188.3 Jackson ...............(530.0) .......529.1 West Point...........(635.0) .......629.0

today in history

lottery saturday Cash 3 Midday: 5-0-5 Cash 4 Midday: 3-7-7-9 Ga. 5 Midday: 2-0-5-3-4 friday Cash 3 Midday: 6-3-3 Cash 3 Evening: 9-1-9 Cash 3 Night: 7-9-2 Cash 4 Midday: 8-9-9-5 Cash 4 Evening: 0-9-0-1 Cash 4 Night: 6-8-8-1 Ga. 5 Midday: 0-3-3-7-2 Ga. 5 Evening: 7-1-3-5-7 Fantasy 5: 18-22-26-41-42 Mega Millions: 1-20-30-33-42, Mega Ball: 16 Megaplier: 4X

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1943, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed supreme allied commander.

In 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans to orbit the moon.

In 1973, Congress passed legislation allowing residents of Washington, D.C., to elect a mayor and council with limited authority.

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush pardoned former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and five others associated with the Iran-Contra scandal.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Kit Carson (1809-1868), Army scout/frontiersman; Matthew Arnold (1822-1888), poet/critic; Howard Hughes (1905-1976), businessman/aviator/film producer; Ava Gardner (1922-1990), actress; Mary Higgins Clark (1927- ), author; Robert Joffrey (1930-1988), dancer/choreographer; Kate Spade (1962- ), fashion designer;

Ricky Martin (1971- ), singer/actor; Stephenie Meyer (1973- ), author; Ryan Seacrest (1974- ), TV/radio personality.

TODAY’S FACT: Kit Carson left his apprenticeship as a saddle and harness maker to join a wagon train headed west when he was 15 years old.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1950, the Cleveland Browns won the NFL championship by defeating the Los Angeles Rams, 30-28, when Lou “The Toe” Groza kicked a field goal with 20 seconds left.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Yes: in the sea of life enisl’d, / With echoing straits between us thrown, / Dotting the shoreless watery wild, / We mortal millions live alone.” — Matthew Arnold, “ Morality” TODAY’S NUMBER: 34 — years after his death in 1976 that the estimated $2 billion estate of Howard Hughes, who died without a valid will, was settled.

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Husband’s death brings grief, disappointment Dear amy: My husband died about four years ago. He died very suddenly two days before his 50th birthday from a very aggressive form of blood cancer. It was a shock to everyone, and very tragic.

At that time, my older sister and my mom were in Korea, my younger brother in Hong Kong and my younger sister was local but pregnant. No one came to be with me.

A couple of months after his death, we had a memorial service. It was beautiful. However, none of my immediate family attended. I had accepted this, because of the distance — and my local sister’s pregnancy.

Now, however, I can’t understand why they couldn’t have sent at least one person to be there for me. My mom visits from Korea to help my younger sister with her children.

Why couldn’t she come for me?

Shouldn’t they have been there for me without me asking for it?

My children are doing well. My older son (age 25) has been loving and supportive toward his 11-year-old sister. My husband’s side of the family has been supportive, and I have a wonderful relationship with my mother-in-law. We are financially fine. I am happy with my part-time work.

However, after almost four years, these feelings

you needed and wanted them might clarify their role in your life.

Your feelings are valid.

You should express yourself. What you shouldn’t do is attach any particular expectation to how they might react, or necessarily expect them to behave differently.

Amy Dickinson Dear amy: I am a college sophomore. I retoward my family have cently ended a friendship started to surface and I with a girl I used to be don’t know how to deal close to. We have many with it. mutual friends.

— Resentful After having a realizaDear resentful: tion that she hadn’t been Your husband’s family treating me well for the is loving and supportentirety of our relationive. Their warmth might ship, “Mary” and I had have triggered questions a long discussion that I for you about your own hoped would settle our family. differences, but instead It might help you to re- it turned into a heated lease your feelings if you discussion that left me in express yourself to your tears for days. She said I family members. You was the worst person she can say to your mother, had ever met and vowed “Mom, I want you to to talk about me behind know that I wish you had my back to our friends so come to be with me durthat they would realize ing the toughest time of how worthless I am. my life. I miss you and I wrote a long letter I needed you.” She may (six pages typed) to Mary offer up an excuse, or detailing how terrible her she may say, “Oh, you’re words made me feel and right, and I’m so sorry.” reiterated the problems I’m not sure why a that I had with her bepregnancy would keep havior. I feel that I need your local sister away some sort of closure with from you during this her. tragic period, or why no Thankfully, our mutual family members could friends haven’t abancome to be with you for a doned me. I know that I memorial service that was should leave well enough planned well in advance. alone and not send this Some people have no letter, but I am still hurt conception of how vital and angry. their presence is until you I really want to send tell them. Learning that this letter. What do you

Ask Amy

think?

— Hurt Dear Hurt: Don’t give fuel to a bully.

Understand that “Mary” could take your heartfelt letter, show it to people, post it on social media, distort it and then use it to bully you. Don’t send it.

There is a saying: “Living well is the best revenge.” You will get “closure” by being strong, kind, reliable and basically being the best version of you. Seal this letter in an envelope and put it in your desk.

Dear amy: “Trying to be Kind” was trying to figure out how to financially help her cleaning lady, who would be short of cash when any emergency arose. Thank you for suggesting that Trying should budget a dollar amount per year toward this assistance. Many people are hurting, and a little bit can go a long way.

— Been There Dear Been tHere: “Trying” was already being kind, and all I did was to encourage her to continue.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. 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.

Consider what you have done in the past and what you still want to accomplish. Set your goals and be willing to rid yourself of anything that might stand in your way.

Relive past mistakes to ensure that you avoid going down a similar path.

Make calculated choices.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Mix the old with the new. Visiting old friends or getting together with relatives you don’t see often will give you insight into new trends and what you should aspire to be and do.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Emotional disappointment is apparent. Try not to be obviously crestfallen if someone lets you down.

It’s a busy time of year, and patience will be required. Make personal growth a priority.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Listen to what a friend or relative has to say, but don’t believe everything you hear. Commit to doing what’s best for you. A gift or financial gain will make your day.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Making plans with someone special will brighten your day.

Don’t be discouraged by the cost and energy it will take to reach your goal. Discipline, desire and love will bring good results.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Open up about the way you feel and what you want. Make a promise to someone you love.

A change in your personal life and living arrangements is encouraged.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Don’t be gullible.

Ask questions if something doesn’t feel right.

It’s best to know where you stand before you make a commitment to someone you aren’t sure you want to be with.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Say little, but do a lot. Your contribution should be one of action, not of promises. Socializing, shopping or doing something you’ve never done before looks inviting.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make subtle changes that will help reduce your overhead. A unique plan may grab your attention, but don’t believe everything you hear. Indulging in excess and taking on too much are discouraged.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Keep the peace when dealing with friends and relatives. Ignore remarks or comments made by opinionated individuals. A positive attitude will serve you far better than getting into a debate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Be careful not to let anyone put limitations on you. Problems with older individuals or someone who doesn’t share your opinions will surface if you aren’t diplomatic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Protect your home and family from theft or anyone who is liable to take advantage of you. Don’t fear being different or offering something unique to someone you love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Socialize, shop or make personal changes that will leave you feeling good about the way you look and how you present yourself.

Romance is in the stars.

Sunday, december 24, 2017 • 5a

gwinnettdailypost.com

Local group serves families of fallen law enforcement officers

By IsaBel HugHes

Care for Cops Chairman Dave Post smiles as he talks about his organization.

(Staff Photo: Isabel Hughes)

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

A Lawrenceville home is damaged after a fire that started in a car spread to the residence early Friday morning. (Photo: Gwinnett Fire Department)

House fire displaces Lawrenceville family said Justin Wilson, a spokesman for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services. “The A Lawrenceville fam- fire quickly spread to the ily has been displaced attic and broke through due to a vehicle fire that the roof over the garage. spread to their home Firefighters deployed early Friday morning. attack hose lines and Around 2:15 a.m., commenced an aggresfirefighters responded sive interior attack. The to a residence, located blaze was brought under in the 400 block of control with heavy fire Thornbush Trace in damage to the garage Lawrenceville, after and attic space and the receiving reports of a second floor of the home residential fire. has moderate smoke and The 911 caller, a heat damage.” mother of three, said she The woman is credited “heard a loud noise and with helping save her investigated to find (her) children after she ran car on fire in front of the back inside to evacuate garage,” officials said. them, Wilson said.

As she remained on the He said the home’s line with dispatch, she smoke alarms did not acsaid the blaze “extended tivate due to the location to the residence and of the fire. everyone was out of the While no civilian home.” injuries were reported, “Crews arrived on a firefighter sustained a scene and found a minor injury, though it vehicle fire that had ex- did not require transport tended into the attached to the hospital. garage of the residence,” According to the fire

By IsaBel HugHes

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

investigator, the fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle in the driveway and spread to the home. The blaze was under control by 3 a.m.

The family of five — three children and two adults — have been contacted by the Red Cross, which will provide them with assistance due to the displacement.

Wilson said it is especially important around this time to be aware of the possibility for fire.

“Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety, especially during the busy holiday season,” he said. “Be sure to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly and check and maintain home heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace and space heater.”

Sitting at a table in Sugarloaf County Club’s clubhouse, a grim look crosses Dave Post’s face as he remembers this time last year.

Previously relaxed, he tenses slightly, saying that 52 or so weeks earlier, he was writing checks for the families of two south Georgia police officers who were shot and killed when responding to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in Americus — a city located about 140 miles south of Atlanta.

“These guys grew up together; they were best friends,” Post said. “They were responding to a noise call, and one of them went to the front of the house and the other went to the back of the house and the (suspect) had a gun in the back of his pants and shot both of them in the head. The guy who died first was administering first aid to his best friend, who died the next day. The one who died the (following) day was supposed to get married and the one who died first was supposed to be his best man. That one just kind of stuck with me.”

While all law enforcement officer deaths strike a chord with Post, the murders of Officers Nicholas Smarr and Jody Smith, and the other men and women who are killed annually in the line of duty especially affect Post, commander of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office’s reserve deputy division and chairman of Care for Cops, a nonprofit providing aid to families of fallen officers.

The organization, which Post helped found in 1999, along with several other members of the Metro Atlanta Crime Commission, is

obituaries

John “David” Beard John “David” Beard, after an extended illness, entered peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 21 with his devoted wife of 52 years, Janice Smith Beard, by his side.

He was proceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Beard Rounds, parents: Mildred and Billy Beard; brother, Nathan Beard. He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Leslie and Max Kent, son in law, Dean Rounds, grandchildren: Caroline Ruth, John David Ruth, Janna Kent and Jax Kent. Also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Philip and Sylvia Beard, Frank Beard, Deborah Holley, Becky Weeks, Donald and Judy Smith, Dorothy and Jerry Kemp, Carl Smith, Bill and Pat Wortham and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

After 30 years of home building, David retired as Vice President of John Cowart Homes. Enjoying the woods and outdoors, David was an avid turkey and deer hunter and achieved five consecutive grand slams and two double grand slams.

David was a faithful friend and generous to those in need. His kindness will be missed by all. Flowers will be accepted, but donations to the Salvation Army in David’s name will be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 26, from 4 to 8 PM at Flanigan Funeral Home. The f

funeral will be Wednesday December 27 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Buford, GA. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770)932-1133.

Norcross, GA

Ethel Maae Bennett (Ward) Age 67 will have a visitation and memorial service Saturday Jan 6 at 11:00 am Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel Sugar Hill, GA

TomAllene “Tommie” Henley TomAllene Rose Henley, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2017 at the Benton House in Sugar Hill, Ga. She was born September 21, 1922 in Eupora, MS to Walter Tom and Johnnie Allen Rose. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother and only sibling, Walter Rex Rose.

Tommie, as she was known by all who loved her, was a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women and held a

Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia and an Education Specialist Degree from Mississippi State University. She was a dedicated educator for years who loved her profession and was a source of encouragement and guidance to many who were fortunate enough to be her students. Tommie enjoyed a prolific career as a teacher and counselor at Buford High School before moving into higher education at Gainesville Junior College as a faculty member and guidance counselor until her retirement in 1988.

She was married to the late Richard Gregory Henley in 1946 and was a loving mother to her three children. Tommie is survived by her children, daughter, Patricia Rose Carmichael and her husband Elden of St. Simons Island, GA, daughter, Janet Elizabeth Hutson and her husband Herb of Savannah, GA, and son, Richard Gregory Henley, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Atlanta, GA. Her grandchildren are Katherine Renee Connolly, Lori Dee Quigley, Traci Lynn Carmichael, Jay Elden Carmichael, Michael Bradley Hutson, Benjamin Allen Henley, and Katherine Jane Henley. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Jonathon

on their shoulder knocking on their front door saying (the officer was killed).

It’s just very traumatic and unexpected.”

Often, in addition to that trauma comes financial stress, now that one person’s income is no longer available. And while officers do receive pensions and other means to support their family should they be killed, the money usually takes some time to directly reach the family.

That’s where Care for Cops comes in.

“As soon as we find out and verify it’s a line of duty death, we send a check out,” Post said. “A lot of times, the surviving spouse or whoever will get the check before the funeral. (Without Care for Cops,) they may have to wait weeks, and with kids in school, mortgages, it’s just one less stress to worry about.”

Post said while he doesn’t keep in touch with many of the families Care for Cops serves, knowing he and his fellow board members helped at least a small bit is what keeps him going.

“I think the thing I enjoy most is not what I can see or touch, it’s what I know,” he said. “I know when we send money to these families it’s a huge burden off their backs for at least a short period of time. That’s probably the most enjoyable part.”

S For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Carmichael and Katherine Elizabeth Connolly as well as several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Buford First United Methodist Church 285 E. Main St. in Buford, GA with Rev. Jim Buckman and Rev. DeDe Leetch officiating.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 am with the services following at 11:00 am. A reception will be held after the services in the Fellowship Hall.

There will be a private burial in Mountain View Park Cemetery in Marietta, GA on December 28, 2017.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Buford First United Methodist Church, Mother’s unwavering source of spiritual comfort and strength through the years.

The family would also like to acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude for the loving support of so many of her Church and neighborhood friends.

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Tommie at hamiltonmillchapel. com

Peter, in 1953, and settled in the Chicago area for almost 40 years. The family moved to Florida in 1968.

James I. McKinnon, Sr., She worked as an electronage 69, of Buford passed ics assembler for Bendix/ away December 22, 2017. AlliedSignal/Honeywell Flanigan Funeral Home, for many years and enBuford, GA. joyed knitting, crocheting, and camping, among other Buford, GA Maria Arlene Mison interests. Lena is preceded in death by her husband Maria A. Mison, age 55, Peter J Wessels. They of Buford passed away De- were married for 57 years. cember 12, 2017. Flanigan Lena is survived by her Funeral Home, Buford, three children Virginia M GA. Hollifield, Carol L Shields, and Peter J Wessels Jr; her Suwanee, GA grandchildren Tyler Eugenio A. Peruchini four G Hollifield, Cassandra J Eugenio A. Peruchini, Shields, Jessica L Shields, age 65, of Suwanee passed and Kelsey A Wessels; and away December 18, 2017. two great grandchildren, Flanigan Funeral Home, Cara and Erik Hollifield.

Buford, GA. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Mary Nicholson, GA van Daal. The cremation Mary Natalie Seney service was at Flanigan FuMary Natalie Seney, age neral Home on December 11, 2017. In lieu of flow76, of Nicholson passed ers, the family requests away December 9, 2017. that memorial donations Flanigan Funeral Home, be given to The Humane Buford, GA. Society of Jackson County, Braselton, GA Jefferson, Georgia.

Buford, GA

James Irvin McKinnon, Sr.

Lena Jacoba Wessels

Lena Jacoba Wessels, 89, of Braselton, Georgia, passed away on December 10, 2017, after a prolonged illness. Lena was born in The Hague, Netherlands, on February 28, 1928, and graduated from school in sGravenhage, Netherlands.

She came to America with her husband and first born,

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intended to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of Georgia officers who are killed in the line of duty.

Since its founding, Care for Cops has helped 61 families, a number Post said will inevitably continue to grow.

Included in that number are Smarr and Smith’s families, both of whose funerals Post said he attended.

“People don’t get it — they just really don’t understand that when everybody else is running away from danger, if you’re wearing a badge, you’re going right at it,” he said. “Even if you’re off-duty, if you see something or someone getting hurt, you (act). You’re on duty 24 hours a day, and I don’t think people really have an appreciation for the difficulty of being in law enforcement today.”

And that difficulty extends to officers’ families and friends, too, Post said, which is why the organization was created in the first place.

“You can’t hardly imagine it,” he said. “Say a guy — it’s not always men who get killed, there have been some women — but say he kisses his two or three kids goodbye in the morning, kisses his wife and he’s expected to come home for dinner. Instead, they have somebody with some stars

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GDP - SUN - 12/24/17

6A • SundAy, december 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Firefighters: Unattended candle sparks caused fire From StaFF reportS Firefighters believe an unattended candle started a fire at a home in Lawrenceville early Saturday morning.

Crews responded just after midnight to a report of a house fire in the 1300 block of Fairview Trail in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The caller to 9-1-1 reported smoke and flames coming from the back of the house.

According to Gwinnett Fire Cpt. Tommy Rutledge, crews arrived to find an active fire in the bedroom on the back corner of a single-story,

wood-frame house on a crawlspace.

“Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines and immediately entered the home to control the flames and conduct a primary search,” Rutledge said. “Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the fire and successfully contained it to the room of origin.”

He said the blaze caused heavy damage to the bedroom and sent extensive smoke and heat throughout the rest of the house.

“The blaze appears accidental and was sparked by a candle that

was burning unattended on a nightstand in the bedroom. The candle is believed to have ignited nearby combustibles,” Rutledge said.

The occupants were home at the time and were already outside when fire trucks arrived.

There were no injuries reported. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist two adults displaced by the damage.

“Candles should be kept away from combustible materials like curtains, lampshades, bedding and other ignitable furnishings,” Rutledge said.

Will Turner reads a grocery list. (Staff Photo: Isabel Hughes)

•From Page 1A

Crowds packed stores at Sugarloaf Mills Mall on Saturday. (Staff Photo: Trevor McNaboe)

•From Page 1A

Shopping

presents.

Paige Amoss said she how busy it has been at has slowly been getting work. her gifts together but re“It’s the busiest time alized she didn’t have evof the year, and I really erything needed. Because haven’t had time to go of her work schedule, she out,” Ramos said. was forced to go during She said the key to last the weekend. minute shopping is look“It’s not fun fighting ing for quick grab-and-go the crowds, but if you kind of gifts. know exactly what you’re Others use the last few getting, it makes things a days before Christmas as lot easier,” Amoss said. a way to finish up their Signs all around the

the rent we owe God for our blessings,’ is why everything a restaurateur I’m (doing this). Even could possibly need. with the food truck, I The reason for so have a policy that all much cheese, pasta and the tips we make on the half a dozen other types truck go toward buying of groceries? Turner was food for the homeless. I planning a Christmas believe that the more you Eve dinner for 35 women have, the more you owe; and children at his rethat’s just a mindset I’ve cently opened Peachtree always had.”

Corners restaurant, the In addition to serving Blaxican. holiday classics at the Having successfully dinner — Turner bought operated the Blaxican four turkeys, several food truck for the last hams, a few large cans seven years, in Novemof cranberry sauce and ber, Turner opened his other traditional Christfirst stationary restaumas foods — each child rant, and it proved a will receive a present or success. two to make their ChristWith sales soaring, mas special.

Turner said he wanted to The mothers won’t be deviate from his normal left out either, Turner Christmas volunteer said, with each one rework, which is usually ceiving a gift certificate cooking and serving to use as she pleases. meals at an Atlanta soup “It’s a way for me kitchen or homeless and my family to give shelter, and host a dinback to them and theirs,” ner for others in need: Turner said, “and of single mothers and their course spread holiday children. cheer.”

“I’m the product of Turner received cheer a single-mother famhimself at Restaurant ily and was raised by Depot, with management single mom primarily, taking $75 off his $400so single mothers have plus bill after hearing always been near and what he was doing. dear to my heart,” he Smiling, Turner said. “That, coupled with couldn’t say thank you my grandma, who would enough, even at times always say, ‘Charity is when the store’s employ-

ees were not in earshot.

“That’s just great, that’s awesome,” he said, “and all I had to do was ask. A lot of people don’t help because they don’t know how to, but deep down inside, I think all of us want to help somebody do something.”

Ranen Turner smiled at his father as he handed him a 7-pound, 5-ounce can of cranberry sauce.

“I think it’s really great (what he’s doing,)” the younger Turner said.

“For me, it sets a good example to see stuff like that, and it’s pretty unique. We’ve gone down to Atlanta and fed the homeless in Atlanta before he got his restaurant, but now that he has his restaurant, it’s cool that he can invite people in and help them. Hopefully next year, we can do it bigger and better.”

The elder Turner smiled back at his son, agreeing.

“It’s one thing cooking food and giving it out at a soup kitchen,” he said. “But I think this is different, and the women are going to get the full restaurant experience.

We want them to feel like they’re special, because they are.”

Lights

•From Page 1A “It was amazing last year,” Hernandez said.

“People would stop by and take pictures. Just talking to people out there was such an awesome experience.”

Hernandez made it a goal to top the display from last year and began collecting even more items starting in early March.

She drove 23 hours roundtrip to Cincinnati, then made a trip to Baton Rouge, La., and hit Mobile, Ala., to gather Christmas decorations. The size of the display wasn’t the only thing that changed from last year to this year.

“Normally when people have a large Christmas display, they will collect donations and give it to a nonprofit organization,” Hernandez said.

Her initial plan was to collect money for Planned PEThood of Georgia, an animal hospital in Duluth.

Upon finding out that Jada Chavez, a 12-year-old girl, was going through another bout of cancer, she decided the proceeds would go to the Chavez family. Chavez was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in her mouth in 2015. She was scheduled to have reconstructive chin surgery when it was found out that she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in February.

The connection between the Hernandez family and the Chavez family is one that was struck up by sons playing on the same Duluth rec baseball team for a few

mall pointed out sales to try and entice customers to purchase goods before the end of the year.

“I have been out looking for a refrigerator and figured there would be some on sale,” said Chris Stewart.

Whether it be the chase of a sale, the stress of getting late gift or procrastination, last minute holiday shopping is here to stay.

Meal

Tammie Hernandez is asking for donations to do a walk-through tour of the lights on display at her home, above and top right, with the proceeds going to 12-year-old Jada Chavez.

(Photos: Anthony Stalcup) Chavez, bottom right, poses with Santa Claus on opening night of the Christmas display. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. (Special Photo)

years.

“I became friends with Mandy, Jada’s mother, and have been just following their story on Facebook,” Hernandez said. “They’ve had a tough time.”

Her motivation for helping the Chavez family dates back to a personal experience she had in 1982 at the age of 12.

Her brother was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and passed away that year after Thanksgiving.

“Some of the local churches bought our Christmas and helped us during that time,” Hernandez said.

“I’ve always had it in my mind that one day I would be able to give back. This is my chance.”

Hernandez began setting up the holiday display this year beginning Nov. 1 in

lieu of the Thanksgiving night opening. Each day she said she would spend anywhere from 10 to 12 hours each day setting up lights and decorations.

Word has gotten around mainly through word of mouth with Hernandez posting about it on Facebook and making a page dedicated to the house that has gained more than a thousand likes this year.

“We’ve been bombarded with people volunteering on Saturday nights,” Hernandez said.

Along with the activity of viewing all the different themed displays, children have the chance to go on a scavenger hunt, write letters to Santa, and write get well wishes to Jada and stick it on an angel tree.

Hernandez said they

have raised more than $2,000 this year for Chavez to help the family. Each week the power bill for Duluth Christmas House is about $125 more expensive than usual due to all the lights.

Currently, Chavez struggles with her body having rejected a bone marrow transplant she received earlier this year.

Every Wednesday she visits Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Egelston for what her mother has described as maintenance for her body.

In addition to raising money for the Chavez family, she has also helped 15 needy families with Christmas Tree donations.

Next year, she is setting a goal of giving away 50 trees as well as improving the Christmas display.

“I’m going to focus on Christmas trees and decorations for needy families next year,” Hernandez said.

“If Jada and her still need help this time next year, we will help.”

With many light shows

and options out there, one of the best ones could be nestled in a Duluth subdivision.

“We’ve started a tradition, so of course we’ll be back next year,” Hernandez said.

519872-1

gwinnettdailypost.com

Sunday, december 24, 2017 • 7a

8A • SundAy, december 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

SWEETEN THE SEASON We offer a variety of platters for your holiday festivities. publix.com/order

520191-1

Please place orders at least 24 hours in advance.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 9A

gwinnettdailypost.com

sunday spotlight A call to teaching

CROSSWORD PUZZLES

COMICS

13A

OPINION PAGE 12A

13A

GSMST’s Schepens changed career paths, earned master’s after being drawn to tutoring

BY TREVOR MCNABOE

more and jumped into a management position where he would be leading and delegating tasks as a Gwinnett School of Mathemat- Development Manager. ics, Science and Technology “I really wanted to help people teacher Ben Schepens was lookout and when I did it made me feel ing to make a difference. For like I was making a difference,” more than two decades, Schepens Schepens said. “It took me awhile had made a career working in to see a pattern of how I felt, but the computer software field, but I knew I needed to find somedespite his success, something was thing that would allow me to help missing. people.”

“When I would go home most In 2015, Schepens enrolled days after work it was just an in an online master’s program average day,” Schepens said. “But in computer science at his alma when I was mentoring and tutormater after 21 years away from ing people at the company about school. software, I found myself to be in a He said his decision to go back better mood.” to school then instead of after For the first ten years, he apcompleting his undergraduate plied his computer engineering course work made things both degree from Georgia Tech in easier and harder.

1994 as a software engineer and “I would have been more research engineer. It was at that See SCHEPENS, Page 11A point that he began to yearn for

516208-1

trevor.mcnaboe@gwinnettdailypost.com

GSMST teacher Ben Schepens and his wife, are pictured, at Ben’s graduation earlier this year.

Schepens received his master’s degree in computer science. (Special Photo)

10A • SundAy, december 24, 2017

Community Calendar prints periodically and as space permits. Send items for the Community Calendar to calendar@gwinnettdailypost.com or the Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA, 30046.

Please include event name, time and date, location, with address, phone number, and cost. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.

Dec. 24

Holiday photos with Santa will be available Dec. 24 at the Von Maur Court at the Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive N.E. in Buford.

To reserve a time and avoid the line, visit simonsanta. com. For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/ mall-of-georgia.

Holiday photos with Santa will be available Dec. 24 at the Food Court at Sugarloaf Mills, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.

For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/sugarloaf-mills.

Jan. 6

Prototype Prime is hosting a book talk and signing for A.J. Tata’s new book “Direct Fire” starting at 7 p.m. Jan. 6. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Prototype Prime is located at 147 Technology Parkway in Peachtree Corners. For more information, visit ajtata.com.

Jan. 15

The MLK Day Parade will begin at the Gwinnett Justice Administration building at 11 a.m. and end at Moore Middle School at 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 15. The Gwinnett Justice and Administration building is located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit www. gwinnettmlkparade.com.

Jan. 18

Emmaus Church is hosting a event for individuals and families to learn about becoming a foster or adoptive family from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Emmaus Church is located at 75 Maddox Road, 200, in Buford.

For more information, visit

gwinnettdailypost.com

Community Calendar www.emmausbible.com or call 678-866-3332.

Jan. 20

Christ the King Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall is hosting Carmen Agra Deedy and John Mccutcheon for a Musical Children’s Performance starting at 4 p.m. Jan. 20. The event is free and open to the public. Books and CDs will be availible for purchase and signing. The church is located at 5575 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners. For more information, visit www.ctklutheran.org.

Jan. 25

Gwinnett County Public Library’s Mountain Park Branch is hosting a Resume and Interview Coaching Workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25. The event is free and open to the public.

The library is located at 1210 Pounds Road in Lilburn. For more information, visit www. gwinnettpl.org.

Jan. 27

Prototype Prime is hosting a book talk and signing for Brad Taylor’s new book “Operator Down” from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27. The event is free and open to the public.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Prototype Prime is located at 147 Technology Parkway in Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/bradtaylor-american-author-tickets-41212054364.

Jan. 28

Gwinnett County Public Library’s Lilburn Branch is hosting a foreclosure prevention bilingual workshop starting at 2 p.m. Jan. 28.

Reservations to events@ gwinnettpl.org are requested for this event. The event will be presented in English and Spanish. The library is located at 4817 Church St. in Lilburn. For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl. org.

Jan. 30

Gwinnett County Public Library’s Lilburn Branch is hosting a developmental disabilities resource fair starting at 11 a.m. Jan. 30.

odist Church. Those interested are asked to arrive early, dress appropriately and bring business cards. First United Methodist Church can be found at 395 W. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.

The Gwinnett County Ongoing The Southeastern Railway Parks and Recreation is sponsoring Writer’s Groups Museum will host the third from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. every annual Festival of Trees Monday. The groups will through Dec. 31. The event, meet at the Pinckneyville sponsored by the Duluth Park Community Recreation Historical Society, will be Center, which is located at open during the museum’s 4650 Peachtree Industrial normal hours. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults Blvd. in Berkeley Lake. For and $7 for children ages 2 to more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

12. The museum is located There will be badminton at 3595 Buford Highway in Duluth. For more information, being played from 5 to 8 p.m. visit www.train-museum.org. every Friday. These badminton nights will take place The 25th annual Magiat Best Friend Park, which cal Nights of Lights will is located at 6224 Jimmy be open from 5 to 10 p.m.

Carter Blvd. in Norcross. For through Jan. 3 at Lanier more information, visit gwinIslands, 7000 Lanier Islands nettcounty.com.

Parkway in Buford. AdmisThe Atlanta Hobby sion is $45 per vehicle when Robot Club will meet from purchased at the gate and 10 a.m. to noon the third Sat$35 per vehicle when pururday of every month. The chased in advance online. club meetings will take place For more information, visit at Pinckneyville Community www.lanierislands.com.

Recreation Center, which is Stone Mountain Park is located at 4650 Peachtree hosting its Stone Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Berkeley Christmas on selected Lake. For more information, dates through Jan. 3. The visit gwinnettcounty.com. park is located at U.S. There will be Northeast Highway 78 East in Stone Mountain. For more informa- Georgia Civil War Round tion, visit stonemountainpark. Table meetings starting at 3 p.m. the second Sunday com. of each month. The meetThe Ice Rink @ Sugar ings will take place at the Hill will be open selected Gwinnett History Museum, dates through Feb. 17. which is located at 455 S. Admission is $12 for adults Perry St. in Lawrenceville. and $10 for children. The For more information, visit ice rink is located at 5039 gwinnettcounty.org.

W. Broad St. in Sugar Hill.

Gwinnett County Public For more information, visit Library’s Buford Branch is icerinkatsugarhill.com.

Snow Mountain at Stone hosting a Veterans Roundtable starting at 1 p.m. every Mountain Park will be open second Wednesday of each select dates through Feb. month. The round tables 25. For tickets and more information, visit stonemoun- will have experts on Veterans resources. The library tainpark.com. is located at 2100 Buford The Lawrenceville Employment Assistance Highway in Buford. For more Program is offering monthly information, email cwalker@ networking meetings the first ging.org or visit www.gwinWednesday of every month nettpl.org. from 7 to 9 p.m. Career and There will be Gwinnoters job seekers can find this meetings starting at 2 p.m. event in room 300 of Gibson the fourth Sunday of every Hall in the First United Meth- month. The meetings will Learn about services that can be provided for those with developmental disabilities. The library is located at 4817 Church St. in Lilburn.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org.

take place at the Gwinnett History Museum, which is located at 455 S. Perry St. in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

HOOKED: Teen Volunteer Club, a service volunteer club, will meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month. The club will meet at the Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, which is located at 2750 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

McDaniel Marchers, a walking club, meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday and Saturday of each month. The club will meet at the McDaniel Farm Park, which is located at 3251 McDaniel Road in Duluth. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

The city of Buford is hosting games of Mah Jongg from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at Bogan Park, 2723 N. Bogan Road in Buford. For more information, call 678-457-3772.

Tannery Row Ale House hosts their very own trivia nights every Tuesday starting at 8 p.m. Tannery Row Ale House is located at 554 W. Main St. in Buford. For more information, visit tanneryrowalehouse.com.

The Eastside Hospital will host the Tiny Stitches Snellville Workshop on the second Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is located at 2160 Fountain Drive in Snellville and will be held at South Campus in Room H2U. For more information, visit tinystitches.org.

Tannery Row Ale House presents Family Movie Night every Monday, and kids eat free with an adult purchase. The event is located at 554 W. Main St. in Building E in Buford. For more information, visit tanneryrowalehouse.com.

Chef’s Pantry presents a Kids’ Cooking Class from 4 to 5 p.m. every Thursday and from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Classes will be led by a professional chef and children

ages 8 and up are allowed to attend. The cost is $30 per class and $100 for four. The event will be located at 3939 Atlanta Highway, Suite 105 in Loganville. For more information, call 770-466-9550 to register.

The Southeastern Railways Museum presents their Space Craft Preschool Program on the second Thursday of each month.

The event is located at 3595 Peachtree Road in Duluth.

For more information, visit train-museum.org.

The Smoky Springs Retirement Residence hosts The Greater Hall County Chapter of Georgia Council of the Blind on every second Saturday of each month. The meetings take place at 940 S. Enota Drive in Gainesville. For more information, contact Lana Carder at 770-945-5603.

Stone Mountain Park hosts Dinosaur Explore at Stone Mountain Park through select dates in December. The cost will include the daily adventure pass and a $15 parking permit. The event will be held at U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www. stonemountainpark.com.

If you’re interested in helping others, you can have the chance as an Abbey Hospice volunteer.

Abbey Hospice is looking for volunteers from helping in the office to visiting members of the community.

Abbey Hospice is located at 215 Azalea Court in Social Circle. For more information, visit abbeyhospice.com or contact Rachael Overstreet at 770-464-5858.

Lanier Islands will hold their Wine Cruise every Sunday at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. The 3-hour cruise will give guests the chance to taste various wines and talk to expert winemakers along the cruise.

Lanier Islands is located at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. For more information, visit lanierislands.com.

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett’s Republican representatives in D.C. celebrate tax bill passage

Schepens

•From Page 9A aware on how school was structured and worked had I immediately gone back,” Schepens said. “At the same time I wasn’t as strong in life and learned more about myself and gained a lot of confidence over the years.”

The challenge for him was the online aspect of the degree and how required students to work alone.

“I’m a sociable person and like the interaction that comes in a classroom,” Schepens said.

“Being online, it was like hitting a brick wall going 120 miles per hour.”

Earlier this year, he completed the program, deciding it was time to change career paths.

At a young age, Schepens had a desire to understand how computers worked, pouring over any book he could get his hands on to learn more about the growing field. In August, he began his first semester as a computer science teacher at GSMST, a former charter school turned special public, to teach high schoolers the importance of computers.

“Computers nowadays are like life and water.

They’re ubiquitous. You have to have a basic technical understanding to exist and effectively work in the world,” Schepens said.

With the desire to help students at GSMST and more than two decades of real world experience, the issue for Schepens wasn’t teaching the content, but rather putting it all into a lesson plan.

“It’s just all about trying to find the best way to give the information to students.

Some students get a topic more quickly than others,”

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 11A

After the House of Representatives had to do a mulligan on the GOP tax plan this week, Gwinnett’s Republican representatives in Congress cheered the plan’s eventual passage.

Republicans have touted the bill as the largest tax reform since Ronald Reagan was president. The House had passed one version of the bill Wednesday, but was forced to vote again Thursday after Democrats and Senate officials pointed out procedural issues.

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall said the bill’s eventual passage “marks tremendous progress and is the fulfillment of a comRob Woodall mitment One of Ben Schepens’ hobbies is restoring vintage armade to cade games. (Special Photo) the American people.”

“As a long time adSchepens said. “It’s really won’t always be the smart- vocate for the FairTax, a juggling act between est in the room,” Schepens which I believe is the challenging the high fliers said. “Success is not being truest form of fundaand ensuring everyone gets the brightest in the room: mental tax reform, I’m the lesson.”

It’s about trying and trying pleased to see many of its GSMST is a highly again.” principles of simplicity, competitive school, with a While it has been a transparency, and comtotal of 375 students across learning experience for petitiveness incorporated the county being selected Schepens this first semesinto H.R. 1,” Woodall through a random lottery ter, it has been one that he said in a statement after to attend the school. has no regrets about. the House vote Thursday.

“Children here are “Every day I come to “The Tax Cuts and Jobs driven hard, lot of pressure work I love it here. It’s Act reduces individual and high achieving. They hard and I’m tired, but I rates, empowers our busilearn that you’re successful love it, and at some point nesses and job creators even when you’re not at in the day the kids will to be more competitive the top. The kids learn they make me laugh.” at home and abroad, and sets the invaluable precedent that consensus on big ideas is not only attainable, but also replicable, and I look forward to building on this consensus as we take on new legislative challenges next year.”

Rep. Jody Hice said Congress had created a “competitive and fair tax system” that future generations would benefit from.

“For Americans, this significant tax rewrite will create economic opportunity and keep more

We Honor

All Veterans

Political Notebook

arguments by saying the standard deduction and child tax credit available Hank to taxpayJohnson ers would double.

Curt Yeomans He also said individual money in the pockets of income hardworking families and tax rates individuals,” Hice said in would be a statereduced. ment. “It Johnny “On the will also Isakson personal encourage American side, you really can’t argue with doubling the busistandard deduction,” nesses to keep their Isakson said. “You can’t argue with the doubling jobs and Jody of the child tax credit. revenue Hice here, and You can’t argue with simplifying the tax process our job itself and the filing of creators will once taxes. You can’t really argue with all this because again you know it’s better for be comthe American people and petitive their pocketbook in the internashort run, while in the tionally.”

David long run, it’s better for Sen. Perdue their children and their David grandchildren.”

Perdue said it made the The Senate voted to nation competitive again. pass the tax plan in be“This is a historic tween the House votes. achievement,” Perdue said. “There is no denyUpcoming ing the stimulative impact • State Senate Minorthe corporate tax cut will ity Leader Steve Henson, have on our economy.

The best thing we can do state House Minority Leader Bob Trammell for Americans who go and former Sixth Conto work every day and gressional District candipunch a time card is to date Jon Ossoff will host put U.S. businesses and a pre-legislative session workers back on a level playing field with the rest fundraiser reception to support state Rep. Sam of the world. We have Park, D-Lawrenceville, delivered.” from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 4 The plan hasn’t been at Einsteins, 1077 Juniper universally popular, though. Critics of the tax St. in Atlanta. Anyone interested in attending can plan have argued that it RSVP at act.myngp.com/ would hurt the middle class while benefiting the Forms/52004777 86892077824. Donor levupper class in the long els are $50 for students, run. $100 for young profesAt the beginning of sionals, $250 for supthe week, before either porters, $500 for friends, chamber voted on the bill, Rep. Hank Johnson, $1,000 for sponsors and $2,500 for hosts.

D-Ga., called it “the Political Notebook apRepublican tax scam” in pears in the Wednesday a Facebook post. and Sunday editions of Sen. Johnny Isakson’s the Gwinnett Daily Post. office countered those

We are proud to provide honorable burials for homeless veterans who otherwise might not receive recognition for their service. If you served our country, we will serve you, no matter what.

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perspectives

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Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Page 12 a • Sunday, december 24, 2017

The best Christmas present Unless you are spending this time of year at a spiritual retreat cut off from TV, newspapers or internet service, you cannot escape the blaring music and the marketers attempting to sell you something they promise will bring you happiness and peace.

The many definitions of peace seem inadequate at this or any other time of year.

In Washington, D.C., there is a modern-looking building housing the headquarters for the United States Institute for Peace. Established by Congress in 1984, USIP’s mission is “to promote national security and global stability by reducing violent conflicts abroad.”

How is that working out?

Wikipedia has compiled statistics and Cal a map of Thomas armed conflicts around the world.

While the colors are attractive, what they represent is not.

Then there are instances of terrorism and mass shootings in major cities, not to mention conflict in homes, which result in alienation and sometimes divorce, creating a different kind of casualty for children.

The Person Christmas is supposed to be about offers a different kind of peace from what the world offers and is unable to deliver: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Jesus of Nazareth is speaking to his followers and promising them contentment in a troubled and conflicted world. Not being afraid is a type of peace, isn’t it? We fear not being able to make enough money to pay bills, we fear losing a job or we are fearful of the road taken by a rebellious child.

There is also the ultimate fear — what lies beyond the grave? Answering that question can provide the ultimate peace, if one is certain of his or her destination.

People who work at the Institute for Peace undoubtedly have the best of motives. Preventing, or ending, conflict in the world is a worthy goal. Ending one conflict, though, doesn’t produce peace. Sometimes warring tribes rekindle conflicts. The Middle East is an ongoing war of words with the constant threat of another war. Then there is North Korea and Iran and their threats to peace.

In Washington, political conflict is ongoing with both parties focused on achieving power, but having gained it, neither seems capable of doing much that benefits the country, preferring instead to put politics ahead of public service.

In the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire,” Ian Charleson, who plays the Scottish runner Eric Liddell, is shown speaking to a crowd. He likens faith to a race: “You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me.

But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It’s hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape, especially if you’ve got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner’s burnt.

Maybe you haven’t got a job. So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life’s realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way.

And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.

Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”

That’s where real peace is found, at Christmas, or anytime. It is the ultimate gift.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.

I wish I had been there, in Bethlehem These words are dedicated to the memory of my friend, the late Otis Brumby Jr., publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal.

He encouraged me to run this column each Christmas season.

It is also dedicated to those who believe.

I wish I had been there. In Bethlehem.

I wish I had witnessed the birth of the baby Jesus in a lowly manger. Was it really as cold that night as it is sometimes depicted on our Christmas cards, or was it as cool and comfortable an evening as it is predicted to be this year in Bethlehem?

I wish I could have seen firsthand Mary’s face as she looked lovingly at her new baby, and that I could have asked her if she knew her life and ours would be changed forever. Did she really understand what God had wrought? And Joseph. Poor, simple Joseph. What must have been going through his mind?

He was in Bethlehem only because he was required to register for the census in his hometown as decreed by Caesar Augustus.

Did he have any idea what he had gotten himself into?

I wish I could have seen the star that guided people to the manger. Like everyone else that

must have been quite an event in Bethlehem to have three kings from the East appear to pay homage to the little baby and to present him with gifts of gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Why those three particular gifts?

I am sure the gold had some practical application and frankDick incense probably helped sweetYarbrough en the air around the stables, but myrrh? Did anyone see the irony evening, I am sure I would have in the fact that myrrh would be been stupefied and afraid, even one of the spices that would be though the angels said not to offered to Jesus at his crucifixbe. I think even hearing from ion to dull the pain of the nails a bunch of angels would have and the crown of thorns and scared me. later would be used to prepare I wish I could have observed his body for burial? Was this a the shepherds as they came sign of things to come? God’s pouring into Bethlehem from ways are mysterious. the hills where they had been I wish I could have talked to tending their flocks, headed for the other people in Bethlehem the manger to see for themselves who were there to register for what the angels had proclaimed the census along with Mary and to them. What did this roughJoseph and to try and explain to hewn bunch think when they them that a child had been born saw that little baby? The Bible in their midst that would change says they went back and told the course of history. I am not others what they had seen. I sure they would have believed wish I could have heard what me if I could have even gotten they said about what they had them to listen. Anyway, they seen. Shepherding was probably probably had no interest in what never the same for them after was going on in town. They just that night. wanted to get out of Bethlehem I wish I could have been there and back home so that they when the Magi arrived. That could get on with their routine

lives.

I wish I could figure out what has happened to us Christians since that fateful night in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago.

Where is our awe? Where is our reverence? Where is our wonderment? Why have we allowed the birth of our Savior to morph into cocktail parties, Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays and gaudy light displays? Why did we permit this sacred event to be high-jacked by retailers who make money off of our holy day, but don’t allow the term “Merry Christmas” to be uttered, printed or acknowledged lest someone be offended? And we go along with it as though it doesn’t matter? Shame on us.

This is why I wish I had been there. I wish we all had been there together. In Bethlehem.

With Mary and Joseph and the babe. With the shepherds.

With the angels. With the Magi.

Maybe if we had witnessed these things for ourselves, then we would understand how special Christmas really is.

You can reach Dick Yarbrough at dick@dickyarbrough. com; at P.O. Box 725373, Atlanta, Georgia 31139 or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/dickyarb.

Congress fails us on health coverage Health insurance in this country is a racket.

Congress, who created much of the mess with their underhanded clandestine deals when they created the “Affordable” Care Act, should be summarily dismissed for not having done anything about the mess in the past year — and jailed. In fact, if Congress were evaluated and paid on performance, like state legislatures want to pay teachers, Congress would owe us all so much money that we could afford to pay, out of pocket, for any malady that might come our way.

I have battled Stage 4 cancer for six years now and honestly and truly have no complaints whatsoever about my coverage.

I was a school teacher for 38 years and have insurance that I purchase through the state merit health care system. While premiums have gone up steadily over the past eight years and coverage has gone down, I have still had most of my bills paid in a timely manner and have managed to stay out of the poor house.

Some of my friends have not been so fortunate. Many of their employers have dropped their subsidized coverages in favor of the so-called exchanges, and my friends, who work hard to earn a living, have been forced to pay astronomical amounts for substandard coverage with exorbitantly high deductibles. Thanks

Darrell Huckaby for that hope and change.

But that is not what has smoke coming out of my ears in anger today. The way the insurance companies conduct business is what has me incensed. It is criminal, but it is what you get when there is no competition for services within an industry. Let me tell you what we have been dealing with this week.

My father-in-law has Parkinson’s disease. It is a hateful, despicable disease that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. About 10 days ago his hand became numb and he couldn’t use it. We took him to our local hospital and after a day transferred him to Emory Health Care Center for more advanced neurological treatment. The combination of his Parkinson’s and being in a strange environment where there is little difference between night and day brought about a form of “hospital dementia” that they tell me is common in these situations. He was a little out of it for a while.

But then he adjusted to his en-

vironment, and after a few days things were much better. Happy story so far, and his health care professionals have been wonderful. The problem was that he had lost a lot of strength while lying in the hospital bed.

His doctor, who has studied diligently to become a neurologist, and who has practiced for a very long time and is an expert in his field, prescribed acute rehabilitation for my wife’s father. The doctor believed that if he could be moved to a facility and receive three or more hours of rehabilitation each day, after a couple of weeks he could go home and my mother-in-law could continue to care for him as she has for the past 62 years.

It sounded good to us and we were ready to go. Except we could not move him until the insurance company approved it.

The doctor, an expert in his field who had been with the patient every day for a week, prescribed it. An insurance company bureaucrat got the final say.

Of course that final say was “no.” Corrana, the customer “service” representative for the State Merit United Health Medicare Advantage program, said that he didn’t qualify. I didn’t catch the name of the medical school from which Corrana graduated. She read right from a script and advised us to put him in a nursing home and that he could have an hour a day of therapy. That’s what Corrana

said we should do. Yes, I was livid.

I called my congressman, who is Hank Johnson. The polite young man at Hank’s office said that they normally only handle problems for people who use the exchanges. I am not making this up. That’s what he told me. He did recover, however, from his original faux pas and told me that if we filled out a request and a privacy release that they had another group that would look into it. To be perfectly fair, he emailed us the form right away.

We filled it out and returned it, and that was that. Days have passed, and all we have heard is crickets. I guess Hank Johnson is afraid that if we put too many patients in acute rehabilitation the facility might just tip over.

I also bet that if Hank Johnson needs acute rehab, he gets it.

We were “allowed” to appeal. The appeal was overturned, supposedly by a doctor who works for the insurance company. That doctor has never examined or even seen my father-in-law. Meanwhile, as of this writing, we sit at the bedside of our loved one, as Christmas approaches, wondering what to do to help him.

I’m pretty sure Congress is in recess. Merry Christmas.

Darrell Huckaby is an author in Rockdale County. Email him at dhuck008@gmail.com.

A14 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Peachtree Corners City Council will hold a public hearing at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, Georgia beginning at 7:00 PM on January 16, 2018 to consider the following: PH2017-014. Structures Excluded from Height Limitations. Consideration of an amendment to the zoning code to allow for additional architectural features of religious buildings to be excepted from standard height limitations.

KYM CHERECK, CITY CLERK CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS 928-525206, 12/24 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Peachtree Corners Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, Georgia beginning at 7:00 PM on January 9, 2018 to consider the following: SUP2017-001. Montessori Day Care. Request to approve a special use permit for a day care at 5688 Peachtree Parkway, Dist. 6, Land Lot 285, Peachtree Corners, GA. This item will also be considered by the City of Peachtree Corners City Council at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, beginning at 7:00PM on January 16, 2018 and a public hearing will be held beginning at 7:00PM on February 20, 2018.

KYM CHERECK, CITY CLERK CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS 928-525207, 12/24

MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 12/21/17 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE The following vehicle, advertised to O.C.G.A.Code Section 40-11-12, is being stored at 4431 Buford Hwy, Norcross, Ga. 30071. 770263-8483.

This vehicle is being deemed abandoned and will be auctioned or disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner and or lien holder.

The Vehicle was impounded from 1938 Valley View Rd Snellville Ga. On 11/11/17, at the request of the property owner or manager.

1977 Jeep CJ5 VIN# JBF93EH006351 TAG# 412RE GA 928-525120, 12/24,31

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on Jan 10th, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 3942 Stone Mountain Hwy 78 Snellville, Georgia 30039 770.891.1688 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

Unit 104 jada smith Household items Unit 550 Eugene Gilbert household furniture Unit 140 Stacy R. Walton furniture, household goods Unit 160 Deshanavi Murray household items Unit 441 Shanice Vereen Household items Unit 638 Demoyne Lane 3 bedroom house, living room set, etc.

Unit 624 Edward Muldrow Household Goods Unit 151 Damaris McDonald household goods Unit 742 Miyawna Harris household goods Unit 681 Yvette Grissett dresser, bed, night stands, boxes Unit 130 Kenyatta Newsome twin bed/studio Unit 233 Debra Ellis boxes Unit 320 Cheryl Williams household goods Unit 667 Erin Savage Bedroom suite, TV’s, dining room furniture, corner, shelf, etc.

Unit 399B India Cutler 2 couches, 1 3 seater and one sofa 3 small plastic tout dressers and 4 ft table with 4 chairs/ washer Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

929-524739, 12/24,31 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on January 10, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 3220 Centerville Hwy Snellville, Georgia 30039 770.680.3520 The personal goods stored t

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

K1000 – Cameron Moorhead – Microwave, Bags, Boxes, Space Heater F1182 – Allen Taylor – Boxes, Totes, Hand Tools, Golf Clubs N115 – Thomas Colley – Bed, Couch, Bags, Boxes, Totes N116 – Thomas Colley – Bed, Chair, Dresser, Entertainment Center, Bags, Boxes, Exercise Equipment, Tools, Totes, Pictures M113 – Elizabeth Heath – TV, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Book Shelves I108 – Beverly Armstead Covington – Printer, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Movies, Sewing Machine, Bird Cages F1253 – Xavier Hogue – Bed, Dresser, Bags, Boxes, Totes J111 – Kelvin Sellers – Couch, Mattress, Microwave, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Toys, Hand Tools, Power Tools L123 – Donnell Lewis – Armoire, Dresser, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Hand Tools, Lawn Mower E102 – Joe Wimby – Bed, Chair, Couch, TV, Bags, Boxes, Totes, J127 – Denise Ellis – Chair, Printer, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Toys, Hand Tools, Drums, Records, CD’s F1000 – Teikiah Roberts – Chair, Couch, Dining Set, Dresser, Mattress, Table, Bags, Boxes, Totes, Exercise Equipment, Chest Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

929-524744, 12/24,31

1N4BA41E54C903312 2004 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D14L869157 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1G3GM11Y8JP313447 2008 Pontiac G6 1G2ZH57N184193038 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2CKDL63F466129749 2005 Saturn VUE 5GZCZ53425S819875 2010 Suzuki Kizashi JS2RE9A31A6101591 2005 Toyota Sienna 5TDZA23C05S291416 2008 Toyota Corolla 1NXBR32E68Z972582 1998 Toyota Rav4 JT3HP10V3W7097442 2008 Volkswagen Eos WVWBA71F48V019649 929-525122, 12/24,31,1/5

Notice is hereby given that Extra Space Storage will sell at public auction at the storage facility listed below, to satisfy the lien of the owner, personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated: 5151 Annistown Rd Stone Mountain GA. 30087 770.469.5363 JANUARY 10TH. 2018 @ 12:00PM Unit 108 Louis White Misc Household Items Unit 309 DeNiece Davis Household Items Unit 520B Brittany Rucker Household Furniture Unit 506 Anita Howard Household Furniture Unit 185 John Carraby Storing furniture and boxes Unit 213 Jamel Murphy Storing tools and lift disassemble and 2 bedroom misc home items Unit 382 LaTay Mays Full bed mattress and boxes TV. Unit 357 Pamela McKinney Household Goods Unit 562 Tamara Wooten Household goods, sofa, table, clothes Unit 549 Giselle Browne Household goods, toys,bed Unit 131 Ernest L. Jones Books and Furniture Unit 197 Williams Pannell IV Storing a sectional couch and double bed and little coffee table Unit 307 Latunya Holmes Storing a couch, loves seat, couple tables, bed and boxes Unit 507B Ashley Taylor One bedroom apartment washer dryer Unit 188 Sabrina Ross House goods Unit 101 Sylvia Jean Mcbride Household ggods and furniture Unit 391 Kelli Lane Household Itmes Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property 929-524747, 12/24,31 MCCULLOUGH TOWING AUCTION LIST 785 BROGDON RD. SUWANEE, GA 30024 770-263-8483 findautoauctions.com towatl.com SATURDAY, JANUARY 6TH 2018@ 1:00PM 2002 Audi A6 WAULD64B82N071112 2007 Audi A4 WAUAF78EX7A072367 2006 BMW 750i WBAHL83526DT02517 2005 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZT54825F142326 1997 Chevrolet S-10 1GCCS1441V8173996 2005 Chevrolet Equinox 2CNDL13FX56159746 2007 Chrysler Sebring 1C3LC66M17N589482 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan 1D4GP24R56B573183 2007 Ford Fusion 3FAHP06Z87R124697 2000 Ford F-150 1FTZF1720YNA65559 1998 Ford Expedition 1FMPU18L0WLC48985 2003 GMC Envoy 1GKDT13S732386201 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4GS48K96C186886 1999 Lexus RX 300 JT6HF10U1X0017644 2005 Lincoln Town Car 1LNHM81W95Y640849 2005 Lincoln LS 1LNHM86S35Y616570 2006 Mazda Mazda6 1YVHP84D265M02912 2004 Nissan Maxima 1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding at 98 Hurricane Shoals Lawrenceville, GA 30046 on 01/09/2018 at 11:00 AM for the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 98 Hurricane Shoals Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770) 680-3688 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

1237 Brenda Duckett household items 1150 M a t t h e w Thomas household items 0510 Frances Polhill house hold items 1154 John Brooks Brooks House hold items and business supplies CC237 Hector Negron clothing and suitcases 1209 Shane Powell Jr household items Remove 0623 Claudia Evelyn Ruiz Household Goods 0442 Staci Knott totes CC341 Mary Waymon household items CC065 Patricia Howard Lazurick Queen bed, dresser, desk, kitchen table, small items Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

929-521604, 12/24,31 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on Jan 9th, 2018 at 12:00 PM at the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 530 Athens Hwy Loganville, Georgia 30052 470.233.1499 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

Unit B140 Wendell English household goods Unit D109 Shonda Smith household items Unit B185 Charles Horne household items Unit C327 dwight gregory Household Goods Unit B189 Erik Adams Washer, dryer,2 beds, dinning table Unit C338 Karen Poston Household Goods Unit A151 Julie Walton Furniture, boxes Unit A167 Terri Alexander Househols items Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

929-524795, 12/24,31

APPLIANCES

FIREWOOD

FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

FIREWOOD

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 ETCHISON RD

Seasoned Oak & Hickory.

Delivery or Pick Up. Call For Prices.

770-962-8744

SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD 4x8 Rack $125.

Delivered & Stacked.

Lawrenceville/Buford area. 678-997-5675.

Proceeds for funding Helping Hands Missionary Trips.

MAINE COON MIX CAT: Young adult female, beautiful, spayed, vaccines, sweet personality. 770-365-7998

VEHICLES CHEVROLET IMPALA LT, 2013, 47,000 MILES Remote start, On Star, moon roof, flex fuel, Michelin, elderly owner. $8,995. 770-616-7399 DODGE WORK VAN, RAM 2500, 1995, 1 owner, like new, custom cabinets, loaded, V8, AC, heat, customized seats. $2,295. 678-620-6792

JEEP WRANGLER, SPORT 4.0, 1998 Red With Black Top, Lift Kit, New Tires, Many Extras. Looks & Drives Great! $7450.

770-519-3438 CAMPERS/RVS CHATEAU CITATION, 32’ FT., 2007, 1 slide out, sleeps 6, fridge, stove, pantry, lots of storage. $59,000.

770-788-9556 Cell 770-601-7194

MONROE, GA 30656 JIM DAWS RD

Hiring Hiring C CDL DL Class Class A Drivers Drivers Jefferson, J eff fferson, GA GA ACREAGE PRICE REDUCTION! Great 32.53+/- acre tract zoned A2, perfect for livestock, farming, hunting, or build your dream home.

Property has a 20 foot easement for access.

Motivated Sellers, Bring All Offers! $211,445 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

Home Home daily! daily!

No No touch touch freight freight

8 855-4Benore 55-4Benore

D Drop/hook rop/hook E xcellent b Excellent benefits enefits

www.benorelogistics.com www.benorelogistics.com

MONROE, GA FORRESTER CEMETERY ROAD

5 ACRES WALNUT GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT Beautiful 5 acre wooded lot that shares a portion of shared pond. County water is available. What a scenic place to build your dream home or vacation home in one of the most desirable school districts. $85,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4433 BEAVER TREE STREET

SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 BIRD LANE

2 STORY On Full Finished Basement.

5 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths $229,900 EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

APPLIANCES

ALL OAK FIREWOOD FOR SALE $120 “Heaping Truckload�, Stacked, Gwinnett Area.

404-805-1783

MAKE OFFER! Beautiful 2.68 Acre Wooded Tract of Land.

200 feet of road frontage.

Not divisible.

Per planning and development mobile homes are permitted.

No metal type storage container structures are not permitted on parcel. $65,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

ADOPT A PET

MONROE, GA 30656

FIREWOOD

$2,100 $ 2,100 SIGN-ON S IGN-ON BONUS BONUS

PETS/LIVESTOCK

1155 Jim Daws Rd. DRYER/WASHER $125 ea.; Super Capacity $175 ea.

Front Loader Set $450 & up; Regular Refrig. & Ranges $175 & up; SXS Refrig. $300 & up.

Dishwasher $100 & up. Different colors.

Del/1 yr warr.

Tim 404-205-2222

Need change?

N eed a c hange?

Join Benore J oin tthe he B enore ffamily! amily!

524656 1 524656-1

PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

ACREAGE Older 4 Sided Brick Ranch Home On Wooded 39+ Acre Parcel.

Family rm w/fireplace, formal dining room, spacious kitchen, laundry area, full bath and large bedrooms!

2 creeks cross the property in back. +/-1012 feet of road frontage. $242,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

BROOKWOOD SCHOOLS 1.03 Acre Wooded Zoned RS180.

Lot located in older established Snellville neighborhood in Brookwood Elementary School district. Water, sewer, gas and electric available but no connected at property.

No disclosure.

Owner purchased as investment property.

Zoned RS180. $36,500 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

Please Recycle This Newspaper

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • A15

GWINNETT COUNTY REAL EST ESTATE STTAATE Homes For For Sale | R Rentals entals | Land | R Remodeling emodeling | Financing | Home me Ser Services

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LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

FULL TIME

PLUMBERS

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LAKE OCONEE Beautiful shaded lake lot with hardwoods and seawall with great views of Lake Oconee.

Approximately 120 ft water frontage.

Old mobile home used to sit on this property so septic is in place.

What a scenic place to build your dream home or vacation home. $240,000.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE DULUTH, GA

BURIAL LOTS FOR SALE

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 ATLANTA HWY

• SPACES 1, 2 • GARDEN APOSTLES • LOT 48B • 1 UNLINED VAULT

SUITE 800 1,479 Sq. Ft. $2300 per month $548 per month CAM

APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

HELPERS w/2 yrs. exp. with established company.

Starting at $17/hr.

Apply In Person

COMMERCIAL SPACE 4665 Suite 100 & 800

At White Chapel Memorial Gardens

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

PLUMBERS for Residential Roughing and Finishing.

Starting at $24/hr.

9am - 4 pm 2218 Old Covington Hwy., Conyers

SUITE 100 1,319 Sq. Ft. $1648 per month & $492 per month CAM

$2,495.00 678-749-9036

NOW HIRING!

Both end units and have GREAT visibility on busy Hwy 78 in Loganville, GA Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

One on Singleton Road & One on Law’ville-Suwanee Road! 2BR & 3BR, 2BA, Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Off Street Parking.

Starting @ $950/mo.

B.C. PROPERTIES 770-446-1550 770-995-8828 MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Rent Starting at $100/ week. Large Lots.

770-513-3151

FULL TIME GIS ANALYST GIS Analyst is needed in Duluth, GA. Apply: http://www.geonamic. com/careers/ Information Technology Project Manager: (Peachtree Corners, GA opening) Responsible for E-commerce planning & development, IT Dept. management, business technology research. Email resume referencing Job code# BGI11302017ITPM to Lindsey@uscabinetdepot.com at BGI GROUP INC.

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IInn the GGwinnett winnett Count CCounty ountty ar area, rea, ea, the lo local cal REAL REALTOR® TOR® Board Boarrd iss the NNor Northeast ortheast AAtlanta tlanta Metr Metro roo Asso Association ciation of REALTORS® REALTORS® Located e aatt 2145 DDuluth uluth Highway Highway (Suite (Suitte B), Duluth Duluth luth GA GA 30097 and on the w web eb aatt www.namar.org. www.namarr.or . rg.

(NAMAR). Located

NOW HIRING

Are you tired of working as a Temporary Employee?

Are you tired of not getting regular pay raises for your performance?

Do you want benefits, including medical insurance for you and your family?

If so, then Cottrell, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of car-hauling equipment wants you. Cottrell is increasing our production level and will need approximately 100 new employees.

Cottrell does not use Temporary Employment Agencies. You will be hired as a fulltime employee. After 90 days, you will be eligible to purchase medical insurance and other benefits.

After you have worked at Cottrell for 5 years, you pay nothing for your medical/dental insurance, Cottrell pays 100% of your insurance premium.

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

FOREST REMODELING, INC. •Finished Basements •Bathroom Remodeling •Kitchen Remodeling •Custom Cabinets •Room Additions •Garages/Carports •Screened Porches •Custom Decks •Siding All Types Call John

770-962-2071 Credit Cards Accepted

BRIAN’S TREE & HANDYMAN SERVICES • Total Tree Removal • Plant Trees • Plant Shrubs • Shrub Removal • Bobcat Work • Dump Truck Work • Grass Planting • Gutters • Storm Drains • Pressure Washing • Painting • Roofing Repairs • Wood Repairs • Driveway Repairs 7 DAYS A WEEK Senior Citizen Discount - Insured 20 years Experience

678-654-8329

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL Expert Take Downs √ 20Years Experience √ Insured √ Free Estimates √ Stump Grinding

POWER WASHING

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSES STARTING AT $89 • Roof Cleaning • Black streaks removed from roof • Mold & Mildew removed from homes • Drives-WalkwaysPatios-Decks cleaned/sealed • Gutters cleaned

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

CV CARTAGE, LLC

STORAGE TRAILERS AVAILABLE • $200 per Month • 53 Foot Dry & Clean • Free Pick Up & Delivery • Local Shuttles Available

CALL 404-630-5880

For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

404.886.3587 Established 1989

Bucket Truck Summer Seasoned

Oak 1/2 Cord - $100 1 Cord - $190

Delivered & Dumped LICENSED

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

Once you get hired, you are eligible for a $0.25 per hour pay raise every 30 – 45 days until you reach the top of your pay scale. If you are interested, we are currently taking applications for the following positions: •Mig Welder •Aluminum Welder •CNC Machinist •Painters •Sand Blasters •Robot Operators •Hydraulic Installers •CNC Brake Operators •CNC Saw Operators •Industrial Maintenance Technicians •Warehouse Inspectors Please apply in person at Cottrell, Inc., 2125 Candler Road, Gainesville, GA 30507, email your resume to jobapps@ cottrelltrailers.com or apply on-line at our website, www.

Cottrelltrailers.com and click the “Join Our Team” link.

65% of readers who spend $150 per week on groceries read a Daily or Sunday Newspaper

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Why now: eating mayy mean mor moree frfrequent grocery stores Wh hy no w: AAnn emphasis on ea ting frfresh, esh, healthy healthy foods foods ma equent trips ttoo gr ocery st ores and farmers markets, architecture markets, but it ccould ould also change the ar chitecture of our kkitchens. itchens. PPortland, ortland, OOre.–based re.–based designer Robin Rigby manyy of her higherhigher-end clients want store Rigby Fisher Fisher says says man end clien ts w ant a rrefrigerator-only efrigerator-only ccolumn olumn ttoo st ore their frfresh esh drawer separate pantry auxiliaryy kkitchen. ffoods, oods, installing a freezer freezer or freezer freezer dr awer in a separ ate pan try or auxiliar itchen. TThe he ccontainer-gardening ontainer-gardening industry thatt of often self-watering industry is vying vying ffor or counter counter space space with compact compact growing growing kkits its tha ftten fea ffeature eature self -watering ccapabilities apabilities and grow moree rrequests steam thatt ccook grow lights. lights. FFisher isher is also getting mor equests ffor or st eam oovens vens tha ook and rreheat eheat ffoods oods without stripping notes thatt these oovens have steeper them of kkey ey nutrients, nutrients, though she not es tha vens ccan an ccost ost $4,000 and ha ve a st eeper learning ccurve urve ones.. HHomeowners want than cconventional onventional ones omeowners also w ant to to be able ttoo use their kkitchen itchen ccomfortably, omfortably, which means having heights thatt w work family,, ample ligh lightt ffor safee ha ving different diffffer erent or vvariable ariable ccounter ounter heigh ts tha ork ffor oor each member of the family or saf pr prepping, epping, easy easy-to-clean -to-clean countertops, countertops, and flooring tha that’s t’s sof softer cork. ftter underfoot, underfoot, such as cork.

FULL TIME

SERVICES CONYERS•APPROX. 3000 S. F. OF OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE. Ready for build-out in Conyers. Connected to a thriving medical practice with ample parking & easy access off & on I-20 & Hwy 138. Call Kenneth, 770-922-9222

KKitchens itchens TThat ha Do More Than Just Look Pretty

CHRIS IST STTMA MAS A D DEA EA AD DLLIIN NE ES

PUBLICATION DATE

DEADLINE

A16 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

IT’S CHRISTMASTIME !

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DOWN 1. Police alerts: abbr.

2. Winter garment 3. Singer Paul 4. Keeping blond hair blond 5. TV!s “__ Boss?”

6. “Yoo-__!”; attentiongetting shout 7. Dark fluids 8. Thwart 9. Least restricted 10. Man of the cloth 11. Ending for ball or bass 12. Criteria: abbr.

13. Sticky strip 14. 1981 film “I!m Dancing As Fast __” 15. Mecca resident 16. Mixer speed 17. Elderly 23. Swamp dangers, for short 24. Stitched joinings 1

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Mournful poem Major and Minor Of a region “When you wish upon __...” __ with; support in an argument Common metal Bookish fellow Brings upon oneself Light bulb!s place Hold on to Juicy fruit Lift up Refuge Mineral deposits Raised level land 76ers or 49ers Yearns Fooled Steeple Hotel offering Women!s magazines Largest mammal Drive back Blazing Ham producer?

Still in one piece Asian capital In a __; feeling blah Use a knife Oil producer Smooths Slight bit of coloring O!Hara!s home

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88. Whitney and others 89. Cincinnati __ 91. Insist you!re the owner of 93. Frequent flyer!s opposite 97. Sipper!s need 99. Pink slip issuer 101. __ that; miscellany 102. Unflinching 105. Renter 106. Rejectors of revealed religion 107. __ over; pondered 108. Sprightly 109. Like beer 112. At any time 113. MC 114. “__ boy!”

116. Way of walking 117. Within: pref.

119. Excellent report card 120. Strong wind 121. “Cómo __?”; friendly inquiry 124. Nourished 125. The truth, in Chinese

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© Puzzle Features Syndicate

A G I L E

E V E R

W H A L E

S T A B

I R O N

S I D E

C O A T

A P B S

A D N Y K E C A I R N O N G C E S R M D E D S U R A P E E P D E C L L S A T F I R O M A A W M Y

T E N A N T E L L E S

I I O O A F L A M E

W H H O O O S T A H R E E A L

I F F C N O R H K I E S A S L E E P S A L I S T M A N O S I C C T N U K E S R E A P S T M I N R O I S E A R A H H A N O F N D M I D S E R E A B E I T F O R S T E D T A D Y S

G A I T U N T O R N A S T A R O O N

ACROSS 1. Military sch.

5. Brief smell 10. __ Rica 15. Swirling pool 18. Small horse 19. Great respect 20. As __ Hades 21. Month: abbr.

22. 12/24 activity 26. Ending for cult or fail 27. Elevator alternative 28. Rest 29. Isolated 31. __ bene 33. Casa room 35. Eagle!s nest 36. 12/24 activity 43. Vexation 44. “__ evil, hear...”

45. Stringed instrument 46. Search engine 50. Campus bldg.

52. IRA, for one 54. Of a military branch 56. Fly high 57. Finished 59. Gospel writer & his namesakes 61. Janet and family 63. Ending for treat or advert 64. Take to court 66. Gather crops 67. Wildebeest 68. Family member, for short 69. 12/24 activity 76. Pronoun 77. Leprechaun 78. Ms. Barrett 79. R-V center 80. Touch lightly 81. Lunch spots 84. “You can!t have your cake and __ too” 86. Response to a knock 90. __ Guinness 92. Isaac!s mother 94. Western Indian 95. Leafy vegetable 96. Clapper!s locations 98. “__ La Mancha” 100. Lets a flat 103. __ of; free from 104. 12/24 activity 108. Zealous 110. Dry 111. Part of a vowel list 112. Braggart!s problem 115. Jacket color 118. Stored fodder 122. By way of 123. 12/24 activity

by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

S T A T A S D P I E S E C L U A E R S O N G S A R Y A V A L S E N O S G N U T E G I F A S T U I T E N P I K E N T S I G H T M E I O U E S I L N T A C L T A N E O O D D

It’s Christmastime!

A A A A

G U S T E L I S

T A R A

O A S I S

H O I S T

P U R E E

S A U D I

E S T A R E D S O R E S A G E D

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Matthew Hill BROOKWOOD • SENIOR

Dynamic Hill plays role of utility man for Brookwood

By Will Hammock

2,185 all-purpose yards and earning the Daily Post’s offensive player of the year honor.

One of the most prolific “Offensively, he’s a offenses in Brookwood receiver by trade, so he history saw a major impact spent the bulk of the time from Matthew Hill, with or at receiver and we wanted without the football in his him to be a vertical threat,” hands.

Jones said of Hill. “We The senior was a dynam- wanted people to be able to ic wide receiver and runrespect him by pulling guys ning back, in addition to his out of the box to have to kickoff returns, punt returns double-cover him and play and spot work on defense, honest in the secondary. I but his mere presence afthink Dante would be the fected how opposing teams first one to admit, it was approached the Broncos. because defenses had to Foes kept a close eye on respect D that more people Hill when he was at wide had to open up the box.” receiver, which opened up Opposing coaches’ fears the interior running game, of Hill were clearest to and they spent most of the the average football fan season sending kickoffs and on special teams. He was punts away from him. back to receive kickoffs all season, but he only returned That power run game eight because teams chose was vital to Brookwood not to kick to him. One that — Dante Black rushed for did, Tift County, paid for it 1,927 yards and 32 touchwhen he opened the second downs — and Hill played half with a 97-yard kickoff a big role there, too. The return TD that sparked the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder Broncos to a quarterfinal rushed 76 times for 695 yards and four touchdowns, victory.

“I like everything about averaging 9.1 yards per (special teams),” Hill said. carry.

“Every time I see a hole, I Hill — known as “D,” try to get to it. If I get to it, his middle initial, by his you know you messed up.” teammates and coaches Punting away from Hill — also had 52 catches for Versatile Matthew Hill is a playmaker for Brookwood as a wide receiver, running back, kick returner and defensive 879 yards (16.7 per catch) back. (Photo: Kyle Hess) See HILL, Page 4B and seven TDs, amassing will.hammock @gwinnettdailypost.com

MORE INSIDE: • Complete Daily Post All-county football teams. 4B • Carrera guides Meadowcreek to historic season. 5B • Final 2017 statistical leaders. 5B

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jayden McDonald NORTH GWINNETT • SENIOR

McDonald channels aggression into standout season

By David Friedlander

lift, and it showed on the field.

“I knew I had something to prove. Everybody SUWANEE — It’s never was doubting about how taken much to convince I couldn’t do this or how Jayden McDonald to play I couldn’t do that. I just football with a sense of agblocked all that out and gression. worked and just played with After all, the North Gwin- a chip on my shoulder all nett linebacker’s entire high season.” school career has been based That chip on McDonald’s on him playing every snap in shoulder paid off in a big attack mode. way for himself, and for But after being ruled North, in 2017. ineligible a year ago by the The 6-foot-1, 213-pound GHSA following his transfer senior was a major force from Peachtree Ridge, and in the Bulldogs earning then relegated to junior var- the program’s first state sity play, it’s easy to underchampionship, leading the stand why the Daily Post’s team with 93 total tackles, Defensive Player of the Year including 12 tackles for loss, approached his return to and 12 1/2 sacks, to go along varsity play for the Bulldogs with four interceptions, three this fall with an extra sense caused fumbles, two fumble of purpose. recoveries and three quarter“Last year, finding out back hurries.

I couldn’t play devastated And it didn’t take long for me,” McDonald said. “I was first-year coach Bill Stewart depressed at one point. … to see the potential for someI saw my friends going out thing special from McDonthere on Friday nights, so ald after he took the North I kept telling myself, ‘I’m Gwinnett coaching job prior going to work to try to help to spring practice. myself improve for next “I think me coming in year and be the best on the new, at the end of the day, I field for my team.’ It was my probably coached him difmain priority to work hard, ferent than he was coached

david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

before,” Stewart said. “So at the end of the day, he kind of had to understand what my expectations were going into this (season). So spring was a time when — in winter, we did the workouts, but spring practice was when he definitely started making strides.

“You could definitely see the potential that he had as far as the playmaking ability and everything. It was just a matter of him getting comfortable with everything we were doing.”

Perhaps McDonald’s comfort level with Stewart, even in his first season being coached by him, stems from the latter sharing the same kind of attack-first attitude to defense that he exhibits.

And he says that comfort level carried over to his defensive teammates.

“Playing in any sport, or in football whether its high school, college or the NFL, you’re going to have coaching changes,” McDonald said. “You’ve got to be able to deal with it and move on because stuff happens. You’ve just got to See MCDONALD, Page 4B

North Gwinnett linebacker Jayden McDonald is the Daily Post’s defensive player of the year. (Photo: David Friedlander)

2B • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

UGA defense prepping for Mayfield, OU offense From Staff Reports

a great personality. On the field, it speaks for itself Heisman Trophy winner what he does, he just won Baker Mayfield is public the Heisman, and he’s a enemy No. 1 for a lot of good guy off the field as football fans, and probably well.” will be for Georgia BullSmith, the Butkus Award dog football fans heading winner as the nation’s top into the upcoming College linebacker, is the centerFootball Playoff semifinals. piece of the UGA defense The Oklahoma quarcharged with slowing down terback’s amazing perMayfield in the Jan. 1 formances have been showdown. He is coming overshadowed at times by off maybe his best game of his antics, like planting a the season, earning MVP Sooners flag at midfield at honors in the Bulldogs’ Ohio State after a Sep28-7 win over Auburn in tember victory or getting the Southeastern Conferdisciplined (he didn’t play ence Championship Game. the first series and couldn’t He had a career-high 13 serve as captain on Senior tackles, recovered two fumDay) for a highly pubbles and added a sack in licized crotch grab and that victory, but Auburn’s profanity-laden tirade in offense is far from the jugthe Iowa State win. gernaut that Oklahoma’s Outsiders have vilified dangerous attack has been Mayfield, but Georgia line- this season. The Sooners backer Roquan Smith saw rank second nationally in a different side of him on scoring at nearly 45 points the college football awards per game. circuit.

And it all starts with “He’s a phenomenal guy Mayfield, who has thrown off the field, when I met for 4,340 yards and 41 him in Atlanta, first-class touchdowns to just five guy,” Smith said. “He takes interceptions. He completes everything light, and has 71 percent of his passes.

guys don’t know, he’s not the stature, but he’s done all year some plays similar to Baker. If we’re tackling him live, that would probably be different because he’s not as strong as Baker, but he does a great job of scrambling, adding time to plays. He can give us at least a good picture, not the real picture.”

There’s another issue with Oklahoma’s offense, too. It isn’t one dimensional, despite all of Mayfield’s gaudy passing stats.

The unit averages 215.9 rushing yards behind a massive offensive front headlined by Peachtree Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws over TCU defensive end Mat Boesen Ridge grad Orlando Brown, (9) during the Big 12 Championship on Dec. 2 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Kevin Jairaj- an Outland Trophy finalist, USA Today Sports) at tackle.

“That’s tough. They’re “I definitely think it’s well with Oklahoma and throws from all the angles. really big up front,” Smart going to be a huge chalMayfield, but Georgia, on It’s not just the scrambling. said of Oklahoma’s rushing success. “People don’t lenge stopping him, and paper, should fare better It’s the fact that when you they have a lot of other than most. The Bulldogs get to him, you sometimes talk about the size of their offensive linemen. They’re weapons on the offensive are third nationally in scor- still can’t get him down. humongous, they lean on side of the ball, too,” Smith ing defense.

He’s strong. He’s built in you, they wear you down, said. “It will definitely be a But they know the task the lower body like a runthey go up-tempo, they huge challenge, but we’re ahead is a major one. ning back. It’s like having go really good pace and definitely looking forward “Yeah, he’s really elite,” a wildcat quarterback that they do run the ball. … to it.”

Georgia head coach Kirby can throw it really good.

They do a tremendous job.

Few defenses match up Smart said of Mayfield. “It His release and finding (Head coach Lincoln Riley) goes up in that category guys open has really been always has. I remember beyond (former Texas amazing. watching East Carolina, A&M quarterback and “It creates a lot of dyVISIT THE MEN’S DEPARTMENT OR MEN’S FRAGRANCE DEPARTMENT AT he really does a great job.

Heisman Trophy winner) namic for us. We’re very Johnny Manziel when it fortunate to have a quarter- You really do have to stop the run and they have great comes to creativity with the back like Stetson Bennett, backs with which to do it.” ball. He can make all the who I know a lot of you

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 3B

Prep Schedule BASKETBALL

Tuesday

1 p.m. — North boys and Chapel Hill at Tucker

The Home Teams

Falcons

Hawks

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING at New Orleans Carolina 1 p.m.

Dec. 31, 1 p.m.

Fox/92.9-FM Fox/92.9-FM

Off

TBD

Washington at Toronto Wed, 7:30 p.m. Fri, 7:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

vs. Oklahoma* Off Jan. 1, 5 p.m.

ESPN/750-AM

TBD

Off

Florida Wed, 7:05 p.m.

South Carolina Fri, 7:35 p.m.

GSU hoops

Off

at South Alabama at Troy Fri, 8 p.m.

Dec. 31, 4:15p.m.

88.5-FM 88.5-FM

UGA hoops

Off

at Kentucky Mississippi Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Jan. 3, 6:30 p.m.

SECN/750-AM SECN/750-AM

Tech hoops

Off

Coppin State at Notre Dame Wed, 9 p.m.

Sat, 2 p.m.

ACCN/93.7-FM ESPNU/93.7-FM

UGA football

Gladiators

Today

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

8:30 p.m. — Hawaii Bowl — Fresno State vs Houston.

ESPN

NFL

1 p.m. — Atlanta at New Orleans. FOX 4 p.m. — Jacksonville at San Francisco. CBS 4:25 p.m. — Seattle at Dallas. FOX

NBA

Monday

Noon — Philadelphia at New York. ESPN 3 p.m. — Cleveland at Golden State. ABC 5:30 p.m. — Washington at Boston. ABC 8 p.m. — Houston at Oklahoma City. ABC

NFL

4:20 p.m. — Pittsburgh at Houston. NBC 8:15 p.m. — Oakland at Philadelphia. ESPN Tuesday

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

1:30 p.m. — Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl — Utah vs West Virginia. ESPN 5:15 p.m. — Quick Lane Bowl — Duke vs Northern Illinois. ESPN 9 p.m. — Cactus Bowl — Kansas State vs UCLA. ESPN

SOCCER

7:25 a.m. — Premier League Soccer Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Southampton FC. NBCSP 9:55 a.m. — Premier League Soccer Manchester United FC vs Burnley FC. NBCSP

USF tops Texas Tech with TD in final seconds The Sports Xchange

catches for 187 yards.

Texas Tech threatened BIRMINGHAM, again late in the half but Ala. — Quinton Flowa promising drive ended ers’ record-setting career when USF safety Jaymon ended with the dynamic Thomas intercepted a South Florida quarterback tipped pass in the end zone providing big play after and returned it to the 18big play. It also ended with yard line. him hoisting the BirmingThe Bulls managed to ham Bowl trophy after his tie the score with just un26-yard touchdown pass der a minute left on a twoto Tyre McCants provided play drive that was set up the game-winning points by a shanked 15-yard punt with 16 seconds left in a

by Texas Tech’s Dominic thrilling 38-34 victory over Panazzolo. The Bulls covTexas Tech. ered the 25 yards in two The winning touchdown plays with the touchdown came 1:15 after Texas Tech coming on a 21-yard pass quarterback Nic Shimonek from Quinton Flowers to gave the Red Raiders a McCants.

34-31 lead with a 25-yard Texas Tech took advanscoring toss to T.J. Vasher. tage of a turnover on the It was that kind of second opening possession of the half. second half to retake the Flowers finished with lead. Flowers fumbled on 417 yards in total offense the second play of the third and accounted for five quarter and DeMarcus touchdowns. Shimonek Fields recovered at the 27threw for 416 yards and yard line. Six plays later, three touchdowns.

Shimonek found Dylan Texas Tech (6-7) conCantrell for a 3-yard scortrolled a large portion of ing toss to give the Red the first half, outgaining Raiders a 17-10 lead. the Bulls, 249-130, but the It didn’t take long for teams went into halftime USF (10-2) to answer. The tied at 10.

Bulls moved 91 yards on The teams traded field the ensuing possession goals on each opening with Flowers capping off drive. Texas Tech took the march with a 17-yard a 10-3 lead late in the scoring toss to Darnell first quarter on a 5-yard Salomon. Texas Tech had strike from Shimonek to a third-down pass interferKeke Coutre, who had six ence call that extended the first-half catches for 97 drive two plays before the yards and finished with 11 touchdown.

time. Curran said during his chances in life don’t come specialist Justin Adams said. speech that he sometimes neatly wrapped,” Curran “It helps out a lot with so offered his bed to aunts and said. “They come with many volunteers coming in uncles. persistence, failure and and sharing a meal. They ATLANTA — The Curran’s football career adversity, and at the same absolutely love it and they holiday season is a time to is well-chronicled in his time you have the mindset of can get some good food.” share with friends, family children’s books: always an persistence and just continue The event was organized and loved ones. At Covenant undersized and overlooked pushing forward.”

by Graham’s Showcase House Georgia on Friday football player at linebacker, Curran’s message seemed Academy, which hosts night, Brookwood graduate a position reserved for to stick with some of the basketball camps for kids in and former University of wide-shouldered and sturdy teenagers, who spent time Atlanta and surrounding suburbs. Graham, who is playing Georgia football standout athletes. But Curran’s words after dinner taking photos basketball in Israel and was Rennie Curran and volunwere crafted to sympathize with Curran and playing unable to attend the dinner, teers with Peachtree Ridge with the sometimes desperbasketball with Showcase and Curran teamed up. graduate Zach Graham’s ate situations that Covenant Academy volunteers in the “(Graham) really reached Showcase Academy tried to House’s youth fled from, and gymnasium. out to me and I didn’t know spread some holiday cheer reassure them that the future “The youth definitely what to expect,” Curran said. by serving dinner to sheltered is what they chose to make enjoy it, (spending time) “I said, ‘Yeah, I’d love to teens. out of their present situations. with a former NFL player,” serve.’”

Curran, a motivational “Most opportunities and Covenant House life skills speaker and author, also wanted to share a message.

“Really focusing on their vision, that’s what I want them to hold onto most,” Curran said after his speech at the youth shelter. “Not focusing on where they are now, but 10 years, 15 years down the line. The decisions and habits they have now.

What they can create if they can buy into the future version of themselves.”

Covenant House Georgia provides stable housing for homeless and trafficked youth between ages of 18 and 21, with the objective presented by of finding jobs, schools and repairing relationships with families.

While residents of Covenant dined on fried chicken, fettuccine alfredo and salad, Curran used his life story as one of perseverance. Curran’s parents, Rennie and Every Monday a different High School Athlete will be Josie Curran, immigrated featured for their contributions to their team, from Liberia before he was school and community. born. Times were tough for Curran and his family when he was young, before he moved to Gwinnett County.

While his father ran his own business, his mother was working night shifts at Grady Hospital. Meanwhile, the Brought to you each week by Curran family offered refuge to some of their relatives from Liberia from time to

By Taylor Denman

taylor.denman @gwinnettdailypost.com

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On TV

Curran, volunteers visit Covenant House

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Brookwood graduate Rennie Curran, left, and Showcase Academy volunteer Alexia Adams serve food to youth at Covenant House Georgia Friday in Atlanta. (Photo: Taylor Denman)

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4B • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

McDonald

•From Page 1B

got concussed,” Stewart said.

“So really, that’s why you be prepared for any coachsaw this midseason surge ing change, and I think we from him. Really, he didn’t handled it very well. play in the Walton game. He “I give all the credit to played the first three plays, Coach Stewart. He’s head it was a three and out. He coach, but he’s also my posi- goes in the very first play in tion coach at linebacker. So the second series and he gets in practice, he’s always on concussed. me and looking for me to hit, “From there, he doesn’t and where other teams are play the following game not blocking very well, he against Milton. Then we got tells me to attack them and him back for Hillgrove. … puts me in the best position So I felt like he played really (to attack).” well after that, but he made But as much as the attack- an impact in the Norcross first approach that is a part game — well, every big of McDonald’s make up, game, he’s made a huge and reinforced by Stewart, is impact. But his resume is his strong and has it drawbacks. senior year.”

That’s a point, he found Indeed, McDonald was out the hard way in North’s able to channel his aggresopening game of the season sive style of play without back in August against being to the point of being Walton in the Corky Kell reckless throughout the 2017 Classic. campaign, but especially in “Really, if you look at the biggest games. (this season), he started off And as tough a unit as his second series (in the North’s defense was on the opener against Walton) and whole throughout the sea-

•From Page 1B

gwinnettdailypost.com

son, there were times when McDonald seemed like a one-man wrecking crew.

Nowhere was that domination more evident than on the biggest stage during the Bulldogs’ run through the Class AAAAAAA state playoff in which he really put everything together.

Before a statewide television audience, McDonald recorded 11 tackles — tied for the team lead — with three tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass break-up during North’s 35-28 secondround win over then-No. 3 Grayson.

“Leading up to he playoffs, he had some great games. But in the playoffs, he really separated himself as the elite linebacker in the state,” Stewart said. “I think if anybody watched us, there’s not doubt he was playing like the best linebacker in the state come playoff time.

“He made so many big

plays in (the Grayson) game.

The way I look at it is, if you remember the (Baltimore) Ravens when they made their (Super Bowl) run with Ray Lewis, (McDonald) was the Ray Lewis of our state championship run. Usually you have an offensive guy that is so profound, and then you’ll have some good defensive players. But he would just have the knack to make big plays at certain times … just when the team needed it. And I think that was critical to our playoffs.”

McDonald was perhaps most critical to North’s postseason fate than in the state title game against Colquitt County.

In addition to huge overall numbers — seven total tackles, a tackle for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and a caused fumble — it was when he made his biggest impact that gave the Bulldogs an opportunity for their dramatic 19-17 win on Cameron Clark’s 38-yard

field goal with no time left on the clock.

His two huge tackles early in the fourth quarter helped North dodge a major bullet after an unlucky turnover when a punt bounced off the helmet of a Bulldogs blocker and gave Colquitt the ball near midfield.

Then later in the final frame, he caused a fumble that Josh Shuler recovered to set up the go-ahead touchdown with 5:50 left, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

“Me and my team, we told each other before the playoffs, and even at the beginning of the season, we wanted to win the state championship,” McDonald said. “I went in and worked my tail off for my team because I know that they rely on me to be a leader. I just had to be that leader in the playoffs.”

That leadership has increased what has already

been a very high profile in college recruiting circles.

He postponed signing with Rutgers, to which has been committed since the summer, during the early signing period after receiving up to 15 college offers, including recent offers from the likes of Ole Miss, Kansas State, Illinois and Minnesota.

However, McDonald says he remains committed to the Scarlet Knights and plans to take his official visit to the New Brunswick, N.J., campus next month.

That should give him plenty of time to fully appreciate what has been a special season even beyond his expectations and imagination.

“I’m still just trying to soak everything in,” McDonald said. “It’s just an amazing feeling when you know you put in the work in the offseason and and it started paying off. I just want to thank everybody for supporting us. It’s truly a blessing.”

onship and an 11-game winning streak after an 0-2 start.

“It feels good, especially from what we came from to where we ended up,” Hill said of the status of Brookwood’s program. “We definitely made an impact in the community and we shocked everybody. It feels good to know how we finished. …

I’m going to miss my teammates, the coaching staff, the community, everything about Brookwood. Brookwood’s a unique place.”

Jones knows Brookwood will miss Hill, too. He realizes more than anyone what the speedster brings to his high school.

With or without the football. During practices and games. On and off the field.

“His talent is extraordinary and he’s so versatile,”

Jones said. “He does so many things well, from the return game to receiver to running back to DB as a nickel back. But what was so extraordinary about Matthew is the energy he brings every day. He’s just such an infectious kid that exudes joy for what he does every day, a joy for the game, a love for his teammates, a love for his coaches. The best way I’ve described him is effervescent. He’s not a big vocal leader but sometimes I think the energy that you put out there and the attitude and the spirit in which you play can be as much leadership as the words that you say.

“The energy and the spirit and the selflessness that he was about, he was an incredible leader and he set the tone for our team.”

Hill

that impact is a little more uncertain that it was a few proved more difficult, which months ago. allowed him to put up 349 He committed to longreturn yards (16.6 yards per time favorite Auburn in return), including one TD. August, but he chose not “Obviously, he was going to sign during the NCAA’s to threaten to score a touch- early signing period this down every time he got the week, concerning some ball in the return game,” Tigers fans. Another set Jones said. “I would say we of Tigers, from Clemson, had a lot of success returnhave pushed hard late in the ing kicks and punts early recruiting process. Clemson in the year because people was one of his later ofdidn’t know or game plan fers, after he committed to for (Hill). … Folks became Auburn, but Hill wanted to really intentional in region consider the ACC program play kicking away from even though he’s still an him. All of the schools that Auburn commitment. have been recruiting him He plans to take Januhave been pretty clear, they ary official visits to both say the place where maybe Auburn and Clemson — he makes the most immedi- Auburn likes Hill as a wide ate impact on the next level receiver, while Clemson is on kick returns and punt likes him at safety — after returns.” he plays in the Under ArWhere he will make mour All-American Game.

Brookwood used Hill sparingly on defense for most of the season, but his role there grew as the games got more important.

He played mostly nickel back, totaling 13 tackles (10 solos), two sacks, six quarterback hurries and a caused fumble.

“I’m just going day by day (on the college decision),” Hill said. “I really wasn’t thinking about it too much the last two weeks of school because of finals and making sure my grades are right. Now that school is over, I’ll be thinking more. … It’s going to be hard (to decide) because you have a great program and another great program. It’s one of those decisions where you really have to think about it and pray that it’s the right decision.”

Hill heads to the next level content with where he and his fellow seniors have left Brookwood football.

This year’s seniors went winless on the ninth-grade team — though Hill left the Brookwood cluster for that 2014 season to attend Prince Avenue Christian — but steadily built the program back into a state-wide contender over the ensuing three seasons.

The Broncos broke through this season to reach the semifinals before falling to Colquitt County, a team they beat earlier in the season, in the state semifinals. It was a rough ending, but they still had the best Brookwood football season since the 2010 state championship run, finishing with an 11-3 record, the Region 7-AAAAAAA champi-

ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAMS

2017 GWINNETT DAILY POST ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL Offensive Player of the Year: Matthew Hill, Brookwood, Sr. Officially listed as a receiver, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior did a little bit of everything for the Broncos this season, catching 52 passes for 879 yards and seven touchdown, rushing for 695 yards and four TDs on 76 carries, returning 21 punts for 349 yards and a TD and eight kickoffs for 262 yards and a score, good for 2,185 all-purpose yards. The Auburn commit even contributed 13 tackles and two sacks on defense Defensive Player of the Year: Jayden McDonald, North Gwinnett, Sr. The 6-1, 213-pound senior was a one-man wrecking crew at times this season, recording 93 total tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, and 12 1/2 sacks, to go along with four interceptions, three caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three quarterback hurries. The Rutgers commit save his best for the Bulldogs’ run towards the program’s first state championship, with big games in a second-round playoff win over Grayson and the Class AAAAAAA state title game against Colquitt County Coach of the Year: Jason Carrera, Meadowcreek In his third season as Meadowcreek’s head coach, Carrera led the Mustangs, who had won just five games in 13 seasons prior to his arrival, to a historic season with a 7-5 record, tying the school single-season record for wins, and including the program’s first winning season since 1990 and first postseason appearance since 1989 FIRST TEAM OFFENSE QB Jarren Williams, Central Gwinnett, Sr. 214-348-4 for a Gwinnett-best 3,015 yards and 28 TDs. Signed to Miami RB Dante Black, Brookwood, Sr. 324 car., 1,927 yards, 32 TDs rushing; 14 rec., 268 yards, 4 TDs receiving RB Kyler McMichael, Greater Atlanta Christian, Sr. 128 car., 1,473 yards, 24 TDs rushing; 5 rec., 27 yards receiving. Signed with Clemson WR Malachi Carter, Mountain View, Sr. Set Gwinnett Co. public school record with 1,348 yards and 19 TDs on 72 receptions.

Signed with Georgia Tech WR Miles Marshall, Parkview, Sr. 73 rec., 1,118 yards, 15 TDs receiving. Signed with Indiana WR Khmari Thompson, Central Gwinnett, Sr. Co. best 82 receptions for 1,131 yards and 12 TDs. Signed with Missouri TE Brandon Shelnutt, Archer, Sr. 18 rec., 148 yards, 1 TD receving OL Warren Ericson, North Gwinnett, Sr. Stats unavailable. Signed with Georgia OL John Harris, Mill Creek, Sr. Graded out 88 percent on the season with 53 pancake blocks (103 for his career).

Signed with Virginia Tech OL Casey Holman, Brookwood, Sr. Graded out at 94 percent of his blocking assignments for the season with 98 knockdown blocks. Named OL of the Year by the Gwinnett TD Club. Signed with Duke OL Harry Miller, Buford, Jr. Graded out at 91 percent on the season with team-best 109 knockdown blocks. Started at all three OL spots at different points of the season OL Riley Simonds, Buford, Jr. Graded out at 93 percent on the season with 107 knockdown blocks All-purpose: Chauncey Williams, Meadowcreek, Sr. Ran for a Gwinnett-best (and school-record) 2,221 yards and 30 TDs on 279 carries.

Posted more than 2,600 all-purpose yards K Sean Henderson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Sr. Made 9 of 10 FG attempts and 70 of 74 PAT attempts; 42 of 83 kickoffs for touchbacks; Averaged 41.1 yards on 19 punts DEFENSE DL Will Choloh, Archer, Sr. 63 total tackles, 15 TFLs, 7 sacks, 16 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 1 fumble recovery. Signed with Troy DL Christopher Hinton, Greater Atlanta Christian, Jr. 39 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT; Also helped anchor Spartans’ OL DL D.J. Horne, Brookwood, Sr. 134 tackles, 37 TFLs, 13 sacks, 29 QB hurries, 2 caused fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.

Signed with Tuskegee LB Blake Carroll, Mountain View, Sr. 65 tackles, 14 TFLs, 10½ sacks, 3 INTs, 3 PBUs, 2 caused fumbles, 2 fumble rec. Also 57597, 7 TDs as an RB. Signed with Ga. State LB Chris Cotter, Brookwood, Sr. Gwinnett-best 189 tackles, 11½ TFLs, ½ sack, 12 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 caused fumble. Also 11 rec., 143 yards, 4 TDs as a TE LB Anthony Grant, Buford, Sr. Team-best 96 total tackles, 9 TFLs, 9 QB hurries, 3 sacks, 1 INT; Also ran for team-best 966 yards and 20 TDs on just 125 carries (7.7 ypc), caught 6 passes for 42 yards, 4 punt ret. for 58 yards, 6 KO ret. for 136 yards for 1,202 all-purpose yards

LB Owen Pappoe, Grayson, Jr. Through 8 games: 62 tackles, 9 TFLs, 3 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 1 caused fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 blocked punts DB Andrew Booth, Archer, Jr. 64 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 QB hurry, 4 INTs, 14 PBUs, 2 caused fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Also had 8 rec., 199 yards, TD as WR DB Taiyon Palmer, Archer, Sr. 30 tackles, 5 INTs, 6 PBUs; Also added 14 rec., 282 yards, 4 TDs as WR. Signed with Duke DB Jalen Perry, Dacula, Jr. 44 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INTs, 16 PBUs; Name DB of the Year by Gwinnett TD Club DB Kendall Williamson, Brookwood, Sr. 94 tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 INTs, 5 PBUs, 1 QB hurry, 4 INTs, 1 caused fumble, 1 fumble recovery.

Signed with Stanford P Jake Camarda, Norcross, Sr. Led Gwinnett Co. with 46.1-yard avg. on 44 punts.; 9 of 15 FG (long of 53 yards); 4 of 5 PATs. Named Specialist of the Year by the Gwinnett TD Club. Signed with Georgia SECOND TEAM OFFENSE QB Fred Payton, Parkview, Sr. RB Tyler Goodson, North Gwinnett, Jr. RB Christian Malloy, Parkview, Sr. WR Josh Downs, North Gwinnett, Soph.

WR Will Huzzie, Duluth, Sr. WR Jallah Zeze, Central Gwinnett, Sr. TE Payne Durham, Peachtree Ridge, Sr. OL Jakai Clark, Grayson, Jr. OL Collin Foster, Lanier, Sr, OL Mark Haynes, Meadowcreek, Sr. OL Trente Jones, Grayson, Jr. OL Ford Roberts, GAC, Sr. All-purpose: Tommy Rogers, Parkview, Sr. K Carlos Ayala, Mountain View, Sr. DEFENSE DL Robert Cooper, South Gwinnett, Sr. DL Justin Mascoll, South Gwinnett, Sr. DL Colby Wooden, Archer, Jr. LB Jomier Augustine, Collins Hill, Sr. LB Kameron Brown, Lanier, Jr. LB Terrion Dangerfield, Norcross, Sr. LB Shaka Heyward, Mill Creek, Sr. DB Warren Burrell, North Gwinnett, Jr. DB Jonathan Gipson, Mill Creek, Sr. DB D.J. Turner, North Gwinnett, Jr. DB Peyton Woulard, Collins Hill, Sr. P Matt Campbell, Mill Creek, Sr. THIRD TEAM OFFENSE QB Banks Ramsey, Wesleyan, Sr. RB Evan Anderson, Collins Hill, Sr. RB Christian Turner, Buford, Sr. WR Isaiah McKoy, Norcross, Sr. WR Zach Peterson, Wesleyan, Sr. WR Malik Washington, Parkview, Jr. WR Braylen Weems, Archer, Jr. OL Jonathan Adams, Parkview, Sr. OL Josh Ezeudu, Archer, Sr. OL Brandon Joseph, Central Gwinnett, Sr. OL Bradley Kopdylowski, Mountain View, Sr. OL Braelen Marshall, Parkview, Sr. All-purpose: Chandler Lewis, Hebron, Sr. K Cole Hanna, Norcross, Sr. DEFENSE DL Qu’Vella Calhoun, Meadowcreek, Sr. DL Jaelin Humphries, Mountain View, Jr. DL Nazir Sy, Norcross, Sr. LB Landen Berlin, Dacula, Sr. LB Solomon Egbe, Grayson, Sr. LB Jordan Roman, Archer, Sr. LB Herbert Winborne, Grayson, Sr. DB Jalen Alexander, Grayson, Jr. DB Marquel Broughton, Mountain View, Sr. DB Trey Morrison, Greater Atlanta Christian, Sr. DB Jack Oesterle, Discovery, Sr. P Angelo DiSpigna, Brookwood, Sr.

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 5B

2017 COACH OF THE YEAR

Carrera helps put Mustangs on Gwinnett’s map

By David Friedlander

the program since taking over as the Mustangs’ coach in 2015, guiding them to their best two-season win For most high schools, total (four) since Richard seven wins and a berth in Walker’s teams won six the first round of the state from 2001-02. football playoffs could be Despite that progress after considered a good season, the team had won but five tobut not necessarily a special tal games in 13 seasons prior one. to his arrival, even Carrera However, the 2017 camsaid he didn’t necessarily see paign was far from ordinary the Meadowcreek miracle for Meadowcreek and its that was 2017 coming. head coach Jason Carrera.

“Not really,” Carrera The Mustangs’ 7-4 record said frankly. “I knew look— which tied a singleing at our (non-Region season school record for 7-AAAAAAA) schedule wins, its first winning season that if we played really well, since 1990 and gave them we could win some of our their first postseason berth first few games. Then when since 1988 — went beyond we did, you start to gain ordinary, historic or even momentum, and you never special. know what can happen.”

One could argue that the Indeed, a convincing 32best word to describe the job 13 win over Alcovy in the Carrera did this season is season opener built plenty miraculous. of momentum, with the It was enough for the Mustangs pulling away late 49-year-old to be named as from Duluth and holding the Daily Post’s Coach of on to edge Forsyth Central the Year, even over other the following two weeks to extraordinary coaching jobs produce the first 3-0 start in done this season by Bill school history.

Stewart — who guided Even more milestones North Gwinnett to its first were to come, with wins state championship in his over Lithonia, Lakesidefirst season as coach — DeKalb and neighborhood Brookwood’s Philip Jones, rival Berkmar ballooning Parkview’s Eric Godfree their historic start to 6-0. and Archer’s Andy Dyer, to And while they would name but a few. win but one more game after Carrera had actually moving into region play, that instilled some optimism in one win — the program’s

david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

Meadowcreek’s second alltime winningest coach with 11 wins — just 10 behind leader Kevin Maloof — he knows the biggest challenge will be for the Mustangs to maintain the program by using the big season as a springboard and not letting it be just a flash in the pan.

While it won’t be easy to replace some of the key components who will graduate in the spring — like Williams, Haynes and Calhoun — Carrera is optimistic the foundation has been laid, and a new culture has been established not only among Meadowcreek’s coach Jason Carrera watches during a game against Berkmar at Berk- the Meadowcreek program, mar High School in Lawrenceville. (Photo: Will Fagan) but among the school’s community.

“Everybody always says first over Central Gwinnett ing point, but everything we of the those who accepted that if the football team does — secured the rare playoff did in the offseason set the Carrera’s challenge to keep well, the school year starts berth. stage.” working despite Meadowoff good,” Carrera said. “It As surprising as this seaBut even as much as Car- creek’s less than successful was great to see some of son was, in hindsight, Carrera and his staff motivated history. the kids get recognition. We rera said some of the signs the team and got it to col“We had some great might have been present lectively believe, he said it performances,” Carrera said. really had some great performances. … The younger long before that historic start is the work the individual “That really helped. When, kids see that recognition, and in August and September. players did on the field, and you know, Chauncey got they also see the work the “We competed well in coming together as a team, going, and we had other older guys put in to get it, 7-on-7 (camps) all sumthat was the biggest factor. performances, we knew we and they want to be like that. mer,” Carrera said. “We Performances like running could compete. And there It raises a bit of the commithad what they call a red back Chauncey Williams’ were others. For a kid like ment. zone challenge at the West school-record 2,221 yards Quincy Bonner to come in “The challenge now is to Georgia camp (in July), and and 30 touchdowns, which as a sophomore quarterback we took (Class AAAAAA was aided in no small part by with no (varsity) experience maintain it. The expectations state quarterfinalist) Mays a massive and demonstrably and take care of the football are not going to change. It to overtime and won several stronger offensive line led by and manage the game, it was really comes down to, do we have the Jimmies and other games. That was kind senior Mark Haynes, and a huge.”

Joes to compete, but I defiof when we saw the kids Gwinnett-leading 17 sacks While the big 2017 nitely think the foundation is were really competing hard. by defensive end Qu’Vella season vaulted Carrera into there.”

I can’t say that was the turn- Calhoun were just some a tie with Tom Lozano as

2017 GWINNETT COUNTY FOOTBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING Name School Games Attempts Yards TD YPG Chauncey Williams......Meadowcreek............ 9....... 223......2,010..... 29.. 223.3 Christian Malloy...........Parkview.................... 9........118......1,538.... 20.. 170.9 Dante Black.................Brookwood.................14...... 324......1,927.... 32... 137.6 Chandler Lewis............Hebron.......................11...... 222......1,403.... 20... 127.5 Kyler McMichael............GAC...........................13...... 128......1,473.... 24...113.3 Evan Anderson............Collins Hill..................11...... 166......1,207.....13.. 109.7 Uriah Leverette............Mill Creek...................12...... 184......1,264.....13.. 105.3 Tre McMillan................Dacula....................... 9........ 87........ 788....... 8...... 87.6 Tyler Goodson.............North.......................... 9....... 106....... 723.......12.... 80.3 Khiree Seabrook..........Discovery................... 9....... 131....... 750....... 3........ 75 Anthony Grant.............Buford........................13...... 125....... 966...... 20.....74.3 Ronald Thompkins..........Grayson..................... 6........ 63........ 414....... 4........ 69 Jalen Samuels.............South......................... 7........ 75........ 474....... 2...... 67.7 Derrian Brown..............Buford........................13....... 94........ 844.......11.... 64.9 Christian Turner...........Buford........................13...... 123....... 835.......10.... 64.2 Troy Allen ....................Hebron.......................11....... 87........ 701.......12.... 63.7 Alex Boglin...................GAC...........................11....... 89........ 672....... 7......61.1 Devin Crosby...............North.......................... 9........ 63........ 542....... 9..... 60.2 Larry Harper Jr............Lanier.........................11.......119....... 626....... 5..... 56.9 Tommy Rogers.............Parkview....................13....... 85........ 729.......13.... 56.1 Jarren Williams............Central.......................10.......115....... 554.......10.... 55.4 Shane Buckingham.....Dacula.......................11.......119....... 607.......13.... 55.2 Justin Wilkins...............Central....................... 8........ 74........ 426....... 1..... 53.3 Jalen Perry..................Dacula.......................12....... 46........ 637....... 7..... 53.1 Semaje Banks.............Archer........................13.......119....... 664....... 6......51.1 D.J. Irons ....................Grayson..................... 6........ 69........ 300....... 5........ 50 Demetrius West...........Parkview....................13....... 78........ 650....... 9........ 50 Keegan Strickland........Archer........................13...... 133....... 649....... 4..... 49.9 Blake Carroll................Mtn. View...................12....... 57........ 597....... 7..... 49.8 Matthew Hill.................Brookwood.................14....... 76........ 695....... 4..... 49.6 George Bielen..............Wesleyan...................11....... 73........ 537....... 5..... 48.8 Najji Germana.............Collins Hill..................11....... 93........ 536....... 5..... 48.7 Fred Payton.................Parkview....................13...... 106....... 624....... 3........ 48 Clay Harris...................Norcross....................11...... 127....... 521....... 8...... 47.4 Kevon Rouse...............Duluth........................ 9........ 95........ 426....... 5...... 47.3 Montae Bailey..............GAC...........................14....... 68........ 602....... 7........ 43 Trevon Woodson..........South......................... 7........ 61........ 310....... 3..... 44.3 Davian Criss................Mtn. View...................11....... 64........ 446....... 6..... 40.6 Cody Brown.................Parkview....................11....... 54........ 442....... 8..... 40.2 Will Stovall...................Dacula.......................12....... 96........ 472....... 0..... 39.3 Kevonte Polk................Lanier.........................11....... 85........ 428....... 5..... 38.9 Cameron Butler...........North..........................11....... 85........ 425....... 2..... 38.6 Rafael Morales............Mill Creek...................12....... 74........ 460....... 2..... 38.3 Banks Ramsey............Wesleyan...................11....... 81........ 419....... 9..... 38.1 Jonathan Halyard.........Grayson..................... 4........ 33........ 147....... 0..... 36.8 Kameryn Jackson........Norcross.................... 6........ 37........ 210....... 2........ 35 Jalen Stephens............South......................... 6........ 29........ 209....... 0..... 34.8 Jalen Johnson.............Collins Hill..................11....... 63........ 377....... 2..... 34.3 Enoch Walters..............Mtn. View...................12....... 52........ 400....... 5..... 33.3 Omar Sinclair...............Norcross.................... 6........ 44........ 191....... 1......31.8 Garrett Hangartner......Wesleyan...................10....... 39........ 317....... 5......31.7 C.J. Johnson................Mill Creek...................12....... 47........ 326....... 3...... 27.2 Corey Berry.................Wesleyan................... 7........ 36........ 159....... 2........ 25 Quincy Bonner.............Meadowcreek............ 9........ 40........ 206....... 2..... 22.9 Mikkael Reynolds.........Discovery................... 7........ 19........ 160....... 4..... 22.9 Eli Kohl ....................Brookwood.................11....... 26........ 236....... 3......21.5 RECEIVING Name School Rec Yards YPC TD Khmari Thompson.........Central...............82.......... 1,131............13.8.......... 12 Will Huzzie.....................Duluth................78.......... 1,035............13.3..........7 Miles Marshall................Parkview............73.......... 1,118............15.3........15 Malachi Carter...............Mtn. View...........72.......... 1,348............18.7........19 Zach Peterson...............Wesleyan...........60.......... 667...............11.1......... 10 Matthew Hill...................Brookwood.........52.......... 879...............16.9..........7 Josh Downs...................North..................48.......... 824...............17.2...........9 Jallah Zeze....................Central...............47.......... 697...............14.8..........9 Braylen Weems..............Archer................43.......... 507...............11.8...........8 Travion Hampton............Duluth................38.......... 665...............17.5...........6 Tommy Stewart..............Mtn. View...........37.......... 500...............13.5..........4 Mekal Fuller...................Lanier................37.......... 489...............13.2..........4 Nick Prince.....................Brookwood.........37.......... 399...............10.8...........3 Kobe Johnson................Discovery...........37.......... 261...............7.1.............0 Khiree Seabrook............Discovery...........35.......... 439...............12.5..........2 Malik Washington..........Parkview............34.......... 517...............15.2..........3 Kenny Severe................Dacula...............33.......... 593...............18.............3 Isaiah Isaac...................Buford................33.......... 428...............13.............4 Ronald Schjang.............Archer................32.......... 274...............8.6............2 Will Warbington..............Hebron...............30.......... 510...............17.............2 Jason Mitchell................Discovery...........30.......... 473...............15.8..........6 Isaiah McKoy.................Norcross............29.......... 571...............19.7..........8 Jelani Baker...................Archer................28.......... 353...............12.6..........3 Justin Wilkins.................Central...............28.......... 305...............10.9...........2 Jalen Perry....................Dacula...............27.......... 534...............19.8..........5 Austin Williams..............Mill Creek...........27.......... 412...............15.3..........6 Keelan Marion...............Mtn. View...........27.......... 363...............13.4..........4 Jake Floyd.....................GAC...................27.......... 301...............11.2...........2 Justin Daughtry..............Collins Hill..........26.......... 401...............15.4..........2 J.D. Kavel.......................Wesleyan...........26.......... 390...............15.............1 Tyler Gillis......................Buford................26.......... 383...............14.7..........8 Kameron King................Central...............26.......... 312...............12.............1 Billy Stepp......................Wesleyan...........25.......... 340...............13.6..........6 Max Burke.....................GAC...................24.......... 382...............15.9..........7 William Marshall............Parkview............23.......... 300...............13.............4 PASSING Name School Comp Att Yards TD INT Jarren Williams............Central.................214........348........3,015...... 28..... 4 Fred Payton.................Parkview..............171........263........2,477...... 26..... 7 Matt Edwards...............Mtn. View.............148........269........2,436...... 26..... 8 Angelo DiSpigna..........Brookwood...........139........208........2,079...... 19..... 5 Carter Peevy................Archer..................169........276.........2,038...... 20..... 6 Jalil El-Amin.................Duluth..................144........264........1,947...... 17... 10 Banks Ramsey............Wesleyan.............149........224........1,875...... 26....11 Aaron McLaughlin........Buford..................136........246........1,764...... 16..... 6 Jimmy Urzua................North....................102........167.........1,733...... 18..... 4 Louis Williams..............Norcross..............139........230........1,728...... 16..... 8 Zach Calzada..............Lanier...................116.........227........1,706...... 15....11 Shayne Buckingham......Dacula.................89..........178.........1,643...... 13..... 7 Josh Rose....................GAC.....................93..........167.........1,355...... 17..... 2 Alex Drazic..................Discovery.............125........253........1,336...... 8......11 Brady Longenecker.....Mill Creek.............110.........177.........1,307...... 13..... 8

Troy Allen.....................Hebron.................79..........161.........1,130...... 6....... 7 Trevon Woodson..........South...................64..........145.........1,051...... 5....... 9 D.J. Irons......................Grayson...............55..........91..........912......... 10..... 0 Jon-Michael Findlay.....Collins Hill............45..........80..........805......... 4....... 5 Jackson Hardy.............GAC.....................43..........64..........676......... 12..... 0 Quincy Bonner.............Meadowcreek......31..........85..........496......... 3....... 4 Kyle Magee..................South...................18..........26..........268......... 1....... 0 Seth Robinson.............P’tree Ridge.........15..........29..........259......... 1....... 4 Will Westmoreland.......Buford..................21..........35..........232......... 6....... 1 Cade Fortin..................North....................16..........24..........206......... 2....... 0 Andrew Van Wie...........Wesleyan.............24..........50..........205......... 0....... 1 Antwon Hunter.............South...................10..........33..........198......... 1....... 1 Donte Henry................Berkmar...............25..........54..........163......... 2....... 2

Chabarri Thomas....................... South............................. 9......................... 81 Jomier Augustine....................... Collins Hill................... 10......................... 79 Jared Bartlett............................. Collins Hill................... 10......................... 78 Joseph Lopez............................Dacula......................... 12......................... 78 Michael Burrell........................... Dacula......................... 11......................... 77 Sean McDaniel.......................... Dacula......................... 11......................... 75 Kevon Blackwood...................... Central........................... 7......................... 73 Jaelin Madison........................... Norcross...................... 11......................... 73 Caleb Riley................................ Brookwood.................. 14......................... 73 Garrett Hangartner....................Wesleyan..................... 10......................... 71 Anthony Gorney......................... Brookwood.................. 14......................... 70 A.J. Harris.................................. Central........................... 8......................... 70 Jaelin Humphries....................... Mtn. View..................... 11......................... 69 Jaylen Phillips............................ Archer.......................... 13......................... 69 PUNTING Jordan Roman...........................Archer.......................... 12......................... 69 Name School Punts Yards Avg. Jack Lapenta.............................Parkview...................... 13......................... 68 Jake Camarda................ Norcross................ 44..............2,028...............46.1 Jaiev Khan.................................Dacula......................... 12......................... 67 Gianni Araujo.................. Dacula................... 1................43.......................43 Eric Walker................................ Central......................... 10......................... 67 Zach Peterson................ Wesleyan.............. 12..............496.................. 41.3 Jacob Johnson..........................Norcross...................... 11......................... 66 Justin Daughtry............... Collins Hill............. 2................80.......................40 Enyinna Nwagbara.................... Mtn. View..................... 12......................... 66 Will Marshall................... Parkview................ 3................120.....................40 Blake Carroll.............................. Mtn. View..................... 12......................... 65 Gerson Montano............. Parkview................ 6................240.....................40 Noah Duba................................ Dacula......................... 12......................... 65 Sean Henderson............. GAC...................... 19..............781.................. 41.1 Kellen Neal................................ Buford.......................... 13......................... 65 Matt Campbell................. Mill Creek.............. 37.............. 1,470...............39.7 Andrew Booth............................ Archer.......................... 13......................... 64 Christopher Linares........ Meadowcreek........ 2................78.......................39 Noble Joyner.............................. Discovery.................... 10......................... 64 Carlos Ayala.................... Mtn. View............... 40.............. 1,505............... 37.6 Tommy Rogers........................... Parkview...................... 13......................... 64 Brendan Koerner............ Collins Hill............. 41..............1,494...............36.4 O’Darion Thompson................... Lanier.......................... 11......................... 64 Max Civiletto................... GAC...................... 1................36.......................36 Will Choloh................................ Archer.......................... 13......................... 63 George Decu.................. Lanier.................... 43..............1,546..................36 Jake Ludwig...............................Lanier.......................... 11......................... 63 Alex Drazic..................... Discovery.............. 40..............1,431...............35.8 Mikey McMorris......................... Buford.......................... 13......................... 63 Will Reichert................... North..................... 11...............389..................35.4 Damian Nytko............................ Lanier.......................... 10......................... 63 Josh Rose....................... GAC...................... 1................35.......................35 Robby Fowler............................. GAC............................. 13......................... 62 Angelo DiSpigna............. Brookwood............ 30..............1,047...............34.9 Bryce Wilson.............................. Parkview...................... 13......................... 62 Carson Guy.................... Buford.................... 38..............1,323...............34.7 Blamassi Meite.......................... Discovery.................... 10......................... 61 Will Van Pamelen............ Grayson................. 17..............584..................34.4 Michael Killebrew....................... Brookwood.................. 14......................... 60 Derrick Lawrence............ South..................... 26..............889..................34.2 Quentin Skinner......................... Buford.......................... 13......................... 60 Zach Gerks..................... Dacula................... 1................34.......................34 Nazir Sy..................................... Norcross...................... 11......................... 60 Deo Brown...................... Dacula................... 37..............1,210...............32.7 Jacob Allen................................ Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 58 J.D. Chipman.................. Wesleyan.............. 6................202..................33.7 Alpha Fofana............................. South............................. 9......................... 58 Jarren Williams............... Central.................. 7................229..................32.7 Jonathan Gipson....................... Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 58 Will Huzzie...................... Duluth.................... 10..............311................... 31.1 Keylon Riles............................... Discovery...................... 9......................... 58 Brandon Gregory............ South..................... 3................93.......................31 Trey Turner.................................Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 58 Trent Brown..................... P’tree Ridge.......... 5................154..................30.8 Payne Walker............................. North........................... 11......................... 58 Jimmy Urzua................... North..................... 9................275..................30.6 Jack Griffith................................ Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 57 Grant Breyo.................... Buford.................... 1................30.......................30 Myles Jackson...........................Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 57 Cameron Clark............... North..................... 17..............510.....................30 Chris Williams............................ Central......................... 10......................... 57 Conner Dunahoo............ Hebron.................. 36..............1,066...............29.6 Colby Wooden........................... Archer.......................... 10......................... 57 Jalil El-Amin.................... Duluth.................... 4................110................... 27.5 Chandler Brown......................... Mtn. View..................... 10......................... 56 Hunter Hall...................... Brookwood............ 7................190.................. 27.1 Qu’Vella Calhoun....................... Meadowcreek................ 9......................... 56 Michael Magda............... Lanier.................... 2................54.......................27 Austin Ruiz-Velasco................... Mill Creek.................... 11......................... 56 D.J. Irons......................... Grayson................. 1................26.......................26 Knox Denning............................ North........................... 10......................... 55 Mason Ashby.................. Hebron.................. 3................72.......................24 T.C. Harrison.............................. Collins Hill................... 10......................... 55 Troy Allen........................ Hebron.................. 3................71....................23.7 Armon Williams.......................... South............................. 9......................... 55 Edgar Godinez................ Central.................. 6................116...................19.3 Evan Fleming............................. Wesleyan..................... 11......................... 54 Sam Stiles...................... Mill Creek.............. 2................33....................16.5 Demetrius West......................... Parkview...................... 13......................... 54 Jallah Zeze..................... Central.................. 18..............251..................13.9 Davin Bryant.............................. Buford.......................... 13......................... 53 Kyle Ellis.................................... GAC............................. 13......................... 53 KICKING William Simmons....................... Meadowcreek................ 7......................... 53 Name School FGM FGA XPM XPA Points Myles Webster........................... North........................... 11......................... 53 Sean Henderson......... GAC................ 9..............10........ 70........74............. 97 Carson Guy...............................Buford.......................... 13......................... 52 Cameron Clark........... North............. 14..............22........ 50....... 53............. 92 Jayden McDonald...................... North........................... 11......................... 52 Hayden Olsen............. Buford.............. 5................7........ 71....... 76............. 86 Jayden Patterson.......................Mtn. View..................... 11......................... 52 Jake Cartmill............... Brookwood...... 2................4........ 64....... 65............. 70 Nehemiah Rowe........................ Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 52 Carlos Ayala................ Mtn. View......... 5................9........ 54....... 56............. 69 Antavian Lindsey....................... Duluth............................ 9......................... 51 Mateo Rengifo............ Wesleyan......... 6................7........ 46....... 48............. 64 Brent Parker............................... Buford.......................... 13......................... 51 Alan Andrzejewski...... Mill Creek........ 5................7........ 44....... 45............. 59 Ja’Leak Perry............................. Hebron........................ 11......................... 51 Nolan McCord............. Parkview.......... 3................5........ 40....... 42............. 49 Cole Wroble............................... Mill Creek.................... 10......................... 51 Edgar Godinez............ Central............. 3................3........ 37....... 39............. 46 Malik Mays................................. Norcross...................... 11......................... 50

Rodolfo Gonzalez....... Collins Hill....... 8..............10.......... 8......... 8............. 32 Jake Camarda............ Norcross.......... 9..............15.......... 4......... 5............. 31 SACKS Cole Hanna................. Norcross.......... 3................4........ 21....... 23............. 30 Name School Sacks Dawson Newman........ South............... 5................8........ 12....... 13............. 27 Qu’Vella Calhoun................................ Meadowcreek.................................. 17 Will Van Pamelen........ Grayson........... 3................7........ 18....... 20............. 27 D.J. Horne........................................... Brookwood...................................... 13 Payton Rawson........... Dacula............. 0................0........ 26....... 27............. 26 Blake Carroll....................................... Mtn. View........................................ 9.5 Christopher Linares.... Meadowcreek.. 2................2........ 19....... 22............. 25 Victor Micah........................................ Dacula............................................... 9 George Decu.............. Lanier.............. 1................3........ 20....... 26............. 23 Shaah Cooper.................................... Dacula............................................... 8 Zach Gerks................. Dacula............. 3................7........ 13....... 16............. 22 Trevon Salter....................................... Mtn. View......................................... 7.5 Matt Campbell............. Mill Creek........ 7................8.......... 0......... 0............. 21 Payne Walker...................................... North............................................... 7.5 Marvin Jules............... Duluth.............. 1................1........ 15....... 15............. 18 Will Choloh......................................... Archer............................................... 7 Erick Turner........................................ Lanier................................................ 7 TACKLES Herbert Winborne .............................. Grayson............................................. 7 Name School Games Total Mick Reese......................................... Buford............................................ 6.5 Chris Cotter................................ Brookwood.................. 14....................... 189 Myles Webster.................................... North.............................................. 6.5 Terrion Dangerfield.................... Norcross...................... 11....................... 148 Jaden Knott......................................... Archer............................................... 6 Justin Scola............................... Brookwood.................. 14....................... 135 Justin Mascoll..................................... South................................................ 6 D.J. Horne.................................. Brookwood.................. 14....................... 134 Jayden McDonald............................... North................................................. 6 Michael Moyers.......................... Hebron........................ 10....................... 131 Emmanuel Michel............................... Archer............................................... 6 Christian Wright......................... Norcross...................... 11....................... 130 Austin Ruiz-Velsco.............................. Mill Creek.......................................... 6 Ben Markiewicz......................... Parkview...................... 13....................... 123 Colby Wooden.................................... Archer............................................... 6 Landen Berlin............................ Dacula......................... 12....................... 120 Jared Bartlett...................................... Collins Hill......................................... 5 Kareem Bessent........................ Brookwood.................. 14........................116 Addison Daniels.................................. Dacula............................................... 5 Kameron Brown......................... Lanier.......................... 10........................116 Knox Denning..................................... North................................................. 5 Malik Johnson............................ Lanier.......................... 11........................115 Shaka Heyward.................................. Mill Creek.......................................... 5 Jaren Wicker..............................Norcross...................... 11........................115 Banks Ramsey................................... Wesleyan.......................................... 5 Berechiah Austin........................ Mtn. View..................... 11........................ 111 Justin Scola........................................ Brookwood........................................ 5 Isa Washington.......................... Brookwood.................. 14........................110 Chris Smith......................................... Dacula............................................... 5 Shaah Cooper........................... Dacula......................... 12....................... 107 Jake Stewart....................................... North................................................. 5 Erick Turner...............................Lanier.......................... 11....................... 107 Marquel Broughton.................... Mtn. View..................... 12......................... 99 INTERCEPTIONS George Bielen............................ Wesleyan..................... 11......................... 98 Name School INTs Amir Berry................................. Brookwood.................. 14......................... 96 Jack Oesterle...................................... Discovery .......................................... 7 Anthony Grant........................... Buford.......................... 13......................... 96 Taiyon Palmer..................................... Archer .......................................... 5 Isaiah Rorey............................... Brookwood.................. 14......................... 96 Jacob Allen......................................... Mill Creek .......................................... 4 Trevon Salter.............................. Mtn. View..................... 12......................... 96 Andrew Booth..................................... Archer .......................................... 4 Kenneth Lowery......................... Collins Hill................... 10......................... 95 Marquel Broughton............................. Mtn. View .......................................... 4 Kendall Williamson....................Brookwood.................. 14......................... 94 Warren Burrell..................................... North .......................................... 4 Kobe Wilson............................... Parkview...................... 12......................... 93 Hunter Cole........................................ GAC .......................................... 4 Daniel O’Sullivan....................... Wesleyan..................... 11......................... 92 Jonathan Gipson................................ Mill Creek .......................................... 4 Jamison Collier.......................... Brookwood.................. 14......................... 91 Jaiev Khan.......................................... Dacula .......................................... 4 Shaka Heyward......................... Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 90 Jayden McDonald............................... North .......................................... 4 Micah Harden............................ Hebron........................ 11......................... 87 Mikey McMorris.................................. Buford .......................................... 4 Emmanuel Michel...................... Archer.......................... 13......................... 85 Colin Stein.......................................... Archer .......................................... 4 R.J. Brown................................. Mill Creek.................... 12......................... 81 Will Warbington................................... Hebron .......................................... 4 Victor Micah............................... Dacula......................... 12......................... 81 Kendall Williamson............................. Brookwood.......................................... 4

6B • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

W L T New England 11 3 0 Buffalo 8 6 0 Miami 6 8 0 N.Y. Jets 5 9 0

W L T Jacksonville 10 4 0 Tennessee 8 6 0 Houston 4 10 0 Indianapolis 3 11 0 North

W L T Pittsburgh 11 3 0 Baltimore 8 6 0 Cincinnati 5 9 0 Cleveland 0 14 0

W L T Kansas City 8 6 0 L.A. Chargers 7 7 0 Oakland 6 8 0 Denver 5 9 0

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East Pct PF PA Home Away .786 395 274 4-2-0 7-1-0 .571 264 306 6-2-0 2-4-0 .429 252 342 4-3-0 2-5-0 .357 285 342 4-3-0 1-6-0 South Pct PF PA Home Away .714 374 209 6-2-0 4-2-0 .571 296 319 5-1-0 3-5-0 .286 319 380 3-4-0 1-6-0 .214 225 368 2-5-0 1-6-0 Pct .786 .571 .357 .000 Pct .571 .500 .429 .357

PF PA 344 278 345 256 233 305 207 362 West PF PA 359 302 311 255 281 324 254 328

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NFL AFC NFC Div 8-2-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 6-4-0 2-2-0 2-2-0 5-5-0 1-3-0 2-3-0 5-5-0 0-4-0 2-3-0

Philadelphia Dallas Washington N.Y. Giants

AFC NFC Div 9-2-0 1-2-0 4-1-0 7-4-0 1-2-0 4-1-0 3-7-0 1-3-0 1-4-0 2-8-0 1-3-0 1-4-0

W L T New Orleans 10 4 0 Carolina 10 4 0 Atlanta 9 5 0 Tampa Bay 4 10 0

Home Away 5-2-0 6-1-0 4-2-0 4-4-0 3-4-0 2-5-0 0-8-0 0-6-0

AFC NFC Div 8-2-0 3-1-0 5-0-0 6-4-0 2-2-0 3-2-0 5-6-0 0-3-0 2-3-0 0-11-0 0-3-0 0-5-0

Minnesota Detroit Green Bay Chicago

W L T 11 3 0 8 6 0 7 7 0 4 10 0

Home Away 5-2-0 3-4-0 4-3-0 3-4-0 4-4-0 2-4-0 4-3-0 1-6-0

AFC NFC Div 6-4-0 2-2-0 4-1-0 4-6-0 3-1-0 2-3-0 5-6-0 1-2-0 2-3-0 4-7-0 1-2-0 2-3-0

L.A. Rams Seattle Arizona San Francisco

W L T 10 4 0 8 6 0 6 8 0 4 10 0

W L T 12 2 0 8 6 0 6 8 0 2 12 0

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East Pct PF PA Home Away .857 438 279 6-0-0 6-2-0 .571 336 311 3-4-0 5-2-0 .429 305 359 4-3-0 2-5-0 .143 228 355 1-6-0 1-6-0 South Pct PF PA Home Away .714 401 282 6-1-0 4-3-0 .714 331 286 5-2-0 5-2-0 .643 318 282 4-3-0 5-2-0 .286 285 336 3-4-0 1-6-0 North Pct PF PA Home Away .786 343 242 6-1-0 5-2-0 .571 358 339 3-4-0 5-2-0 .500 309 333 4-3-0 3-4-0 .286 234 294 2-5-0 2-5-0 West Pct PF PA Home Away .714 438 272 4-3-0 6-1-0 .571 321 294 4-3-0 4-3-0 .429 246 337 4-3-0 2-5-0 .286 253 337 2-5-0 2-5-0

AFC NFC Div 2-1-0 10-1-0 5-0-0 2-2-0 6-4-0 4-1-0 1-2-0 5-6-0 1-4-0 2-2-0 0-10-0 0-5-0 AFC NFC Div 3-1-0 7-3-0 3-1-0 4-0-0 6-4-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 8-2-0 3-1-0 2-2-0 2-8-0 0-4-0 AFC NFC Div 3-1-0 8-2-0 3-1-0 1-2-0 7-4-0 4-1-0 2-2-0 5-5-0 2-2-0 3-0-0 1-10-0 0-5-0 AFC NFC Div 3-0-0 7-4-0 4-1-0 2-2-0 6-4-0 4-1-0 3-1-0 3-7-0 2-3-0 2-1-0 2-9-0 0-5-0

Saturday’s games Indianapolis at Baltimore, late Minnesota at Green Bay, late Today’s games Detroit at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Miami at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

L.A. Chargers at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

L.A. Rams at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Denver at Washington, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Seattle at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

Monday’s games Pittsburgh at Houston, 4:30 p.m.

Oakland at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

Falcons visit Saints in key NFC South showdown The Sports Xchange NEW ORLEANS — As far as the New Orleans Saints (10-4) and the Atlanta Falcons (9-5) are concerned, the NFC playoffs start today at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

While a victory by either team will not clinch the NFC South title outright — the Carolina Panthers (10-4) have a lot to say about that — a loss would be devastating to either team’s prospect of winning the division and earning the right to host at least one playoff game.

The Saints, who have missed the playoffs by going 7-9 in each of the last three seasons, probably have not played a game of this significance since facing Seattle in the first round of the 2013 playoffs. If the Saints win and Carolina loses at home to Tampa Bay, New Orleans would clinch the NFC South by virtue of its regular-season sweep of the Panthers.

“Of course, it’s big,” said Saints quarterback Drew Brees, still stinging from an end-zone interception he threw from the Falcons’ 11-yard line inside the final two minutes of a 20-17 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta on Dec. 7. “It’s the end of the year, there’s a lot at stake.

We want to be playing our best football. It’s a divisional opponent, one we’re very familiar with, one we just played two weeks ago.

It’s all about the week of preparation and going to play and playing our best.”

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a pass in front of New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill (89) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports)

The Thursday night game in Atlanta 17 days ago had a little bit of everything for the Saints.

Ten players left the field with injuries at some point, including rookie running back Alvin Kamara, who sustained a concussion on the first series on a helmet-to-helmet tackle by linebacker Deion Jones.

A Wil Lutz field goal at the end of the first half was waved off when the officials detected the Saints’ blocking unit lining up improperly, triggering a mandatory 10-second runoff that kept New Orleans from a re-kick.

The Saints’ defense forced Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan into three turnovers, but without Kamara keeping the chains moving, the Saints offense was stuck in neutral most of the night.

To make things even more dramatic, Saints coach Sean Payton was caught giving the choke sign late in the game to Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman and was fined by the NFL earlier this week for entering the field in the final 70 seconds and complaining vociferously to the officials.

The Saints converted only 3-of-10 third downs,

and the Saints’ normally potent running game was held to 50 yards on 15 attempts.

“It doesn’t need to be said what’s at stake,” said running back Mark Ingram II, who along with Kamara was named this week to the Pro Bowl, the first tandem of tailbacks from the same team to make the Pro Bowl in 42 years. “It’s going to be heated, it’s going to be competitive, and if you’re a football player and you’re a competitor, this is what you thrive for.”

“The only thing that matters for us is preparing this week and giving us the best chance of play-

ing football the way we’re capable of,” Ryan said, referring to the importance of blocking out the distractions.

Atlanta coach Dan Quinn understands how heated the NFC South rivalry has become, but he said he does not think the game will come down to an official’s call or noncall.

“I don’t think it’s in anybody else’s hands,” Quinn said. “It’s not the refs. It’s us executing and going. The division teams know each other, so go throw your records out and go battle for it.”

The Saints had six

players named to the Pro Bowl this week — Brees, Ingram, Kamara, receiver Michael Thomas, defensive end Cam Jordan and rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore — the most since they had seven make it in 2009, their Super Bowl season.

“I think over time, generally, when you have team success, I think it allows more players to have those opportunities,” Payton said. “We’re proud of all those guys.”

The Falcons, who won five of their last six games to rebound from a 4-4 start, had two players selected to the Pro Bowl, receiver Julio Jones and center Alex Mack. Jones did not practice Wednesday because of ankle and thumb injuries but is expected to play. Also, running back Tevin Coleman returned to limited practice after missing Monday night’s 24-21 victory over Tampa Bay because of a concussion he sustained against the Saints on Dec. 7.

“As far as the (concussion) protocol goes, I just trust the guidelines that they give us,” Quinn said.

The Saints held out left guard Larry Warford and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui from practice Wednesday because of the concussion protocol.

The Saints know what’s at stake.

“This is a huge game, as far as what’s on the line,” left tackle Terron Armstead said. “Don’t let no one fool you. It’s a little extra. It’s a rivalry. It may be a little chippy.”

Panthers can clinch playoff spot against Buccaneers The Sports Xchange CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Potential distractions keep piling up for the Carolina Panthers, but they also can focus on reaching the playoffs.

A victory today afternoon in the home finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would clinch a playoff spot and keep the Panthers in contention for the NFC South title.

“We still need some things to work out in our favor, but if those things happen we are still going to take care of business,” Carolina quarterback Cam Newton said.

The Panthers (10-4) won six of their last seven games and remain tied for the divisional lead with the New Orleans Saints.

The Buccaneers (4-10) are out of playoff contention and are beat up after losing several players during a loss to Atlanta on Monday.

Cleveland at Chicago, 1 p.m. today Bears (4-10) quarterback Mitchell Trubisky gets a chance to go against his hometown team (he grew up less than an hour from Cleveland) and make them regret not drafting him. If he gets time to maneuver around the pocket and show off his arm, it could be a long day for the 0-14

Browns.

The Bears have to think more quick-hitting passes and inside zone runs in this one because of the way Cleveland blitzes.

The emphasis on offense needs to be on the quick passes, screens, short outside throws and hitting hot reads.

Seven-step setups are definitely out. Moving Trubisky in the pocket can work to stem the pass rush, but he has to have time to get his feet set this week, unlike last week.

Detroit at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. today The Lions (8-6) have followed a similar recipe to win their last two games and stay in the playoff hunt, and they’ll stick to the blueprint.

They need to force turnovers, get off to a fast start on offense and let Matthew Stafford let ‘er rip.

Stafford has more turnovers than he’d like (16), but he’s playing some of his best football and spreading the ball around to all of his receivers.

Theo Riddick has emerged as the Lions’ No. 1 running back, although they’ve de-emphasized the running game. There may be more opportunities on the ground here, especially in an outdoor game on the road where the elements could be a factor.

On defense, Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay will cover the Bengals’ (5-9) A.J. Green, as he does most top receivers, and the Lions will try to force Andy Dalton to

beat them by other means.

L.A. Rams at Tennessee, 1 p.m. today The Titans (8-6) find themselves in desperation mode with two games left, having blown winnable games against Arizona and San Francisco on the road.

They now return home to face the playoff-bound Rams (10-4) and Jaguars to finish the season, needing to win at least one to solidify a postseason berth.

The first mission for the Titans will be to slow down Todd Gurley, who has rushed for 1,187 yards and also has 54 receptions. Even if they hold Gurley in check with the league’s third-best run defense, there is still the passing game with a much-improved Jared Goff to contend with. The Rams will try to get off to an early lead, as they did against the Seahawks.

On the other side, the Rams will look to attack with a relentless pass rush.

They followed that recipe to perfection against Seattle — sacking Russell Wilson seven times.

Miami at Kansas City, 1 p.m. today The Chiefs (8-6) enter the game needing to win one of their final two to clinch the AFC West.

To do that, they’ll need to continue to rely on running back Kareem Hunt. The rookie had four 100-yard games as Kansas City won its first five games of the season. But Hunt didn’t reach that plateau again

Dallas will feed him as much as possible against a Seattle (8-6) defense that allowed 152 yards rushing and four total touchdowns to Rams running back Todd Gurley last week. Elliott is fresh after being suspended for the last six weeks. He should also open things up in the passing game for Jacksonville at San Francisco, quarterback Dak Prescott.

4:05 p.m. today With Leonard Fournette Pittsburgh at Houston, likely to return this week, 4:30 p.m. Monday the Jaguars (10-4) should Not having Antonio Brown be at full strength in their available for the first time running attack. But with this season, the Steelers Blake Bortles ranking as (11-3) will turn back into a the hottest NFL quarterteam that relies more on the back in December, the run. For a four-game stretch L.A. Chargers at N.Y. Jets, Jaguars aren’t likely to pull before Brown’s injury, the back in their passing attack. Steelers rode the hot right 1 p.m. today It leaves the Jaguars with The Chargers (7-7) have arm of Ben Roethlisberger. options against a 49ers delost just one of their past The Texans (4-10) will try fense that is only average six games. Unfortunately, to contain Bell and hope to in stopping either the run it’s the one that counted be less vulnerable against or pass. most. the pass with Brown out.

For the 49ers (4-10), why After losing their first four change a good thing? Ride games and then righting Oakland at Philadelphia, Jimmy Garoppolo between the ship to get to 7-6, the 8:30 p.m. Monday the 20s and Robbie Gould Chargers came out flat The Raiders (6-8) would inside the red zone. Unforagainst Kansas City last love to run the ball effectiveweek, losing the game and tunately for San Francisco, ly against the Eagles (12-2), that will be easier said than but that’s a tall order against control of their destiny in done against a Jacksonville a team allowing just 71.5 the AFC West. defense that has allowed The Jets’ (5-9) biggest yards per game, the best in the fewest passing yards in the NFL. Expect the Raidtask will be protecting the NFL and the secondBryce Petty, who will be ers to stick with it as long fewest field goals. making his second start at as they can before turning quarterback in place of the Derek Carr loose against a Seattle at Dallas, injured Josh McCown, from team with a plus-9 turnover 4:25 p.m. today Chargers pass-rushing duo margin.

This is basically a playoff Melvin Ingram and Joey Defensively, the Raiders game for both teams, as the have improved by tailoring Bosa. The two have comloser will be eliminated from their defense to get Khalil bined for 21.5 sacks this the picture. season for the Chargers, Mack and Bruce Irvin going Dallas’ (8-6) Ezekiel Elliott off the edge. They will load who have the No. 4 pass is the story of this game, not up on Philadelphia runners defense in the NFL. just because he is returnand attempt to pressure ing from his suspension but Nick Foles into a mistake or Denver at Washington, because he is the key to 1 p.m. today three in his second start in winning for both teams.

The Broncos (5-9) have place of Carson Wentz. over the next seven weeks as the Chiefs watched their 5-0 start turn into a 6-6 record.

Miami (6-8) quarterback Jay Cutler will have to protect the ball against the turnover-minded Chiefs.

Cutler’s 14 interceptions are tied for second most in the league.

Another factor that could work against the Dolphins: frigid temperatures. Miami lost 24-16 last week in Buffalo, where the temperature was 22 degrees. Gametime temperature at Arrowhead Stadium will be 28, according to the forecast.

won two games in a row after an eight-game losing streak ruined their season and ended their playoff hopes before December.

Washington (6-8) snapped a two-game losing streak last week against the Arizona Cardinals and has a shot at a .500 finish.

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 7B

Nichols, Mustangs hold off Sandy Creek 59-51

By David Friedlander

But DQ was able to keep his composure.”

After being in control most of the way through NORCROSS — In the first two and a half times of adversity, it’s very quarters, the composure of common for high school both Nichols and the Musbasketball teams to turn to tangs was put to a major their seniors to help pull test twice by Sandy Creek them through.

(7-2) twice — first late in Meadowcreek’s boys the third quarter after the twice needed to lean on had taken their biggest their seniors during their lead of the game at 35-18. game against Sandy Creek With Kelly and Jamir at the Hawks-Naismith Chaplin both on the bench Holiday Classic. after picking up their Those veterans, in respective third personal particular point guard De- fouls and Nichols also out quarious Nichols, helped to catch his breath, the Pathe Mustangs right the triots slowly began to inch ship after nearly letting back into the game. two double-digit leads Even when that trio slip away, and hold on for returned, Sandy Creek a 59-51 win Saturday at was relentless, with Julian Norcross High School’s Alexander hitting eight House of Blue. points — including a pair Fellow senior Amari of 3-pointers — and T.J. Kelly led Meadowcreek Bickerstaff adding a pair (9-2) with 14 points, while of free throws to cap what Nichols joined him and was a 12-2 run that began two other Mustangs in with 18 seconds left in double figures with 11 the third quarter and cut points, to go with four what had been a 14-point rebounds, four assists and Meadowcreek lead down two steals. to just 42-38 with 5:02 And it was his calming remaining. influence facing intense The Mustangs weathpressure from Sandy ered that first storm Creek’s full-court defense, thanks in no small part to and some bizarre circumNichols, who scored in stances down the stretch, transition and added a 1 of that proved to make a big 2 free throws less than a difference. minute later, and eventu“We put our guys in ally capped a 9-3 run by adverse situations in prac- feeling Cory Hightower tice — down 10 or down for a nice backdoor pass to four with a minute or two push the lead back to 51left,” Meadowcreek coach 41 with 2:54 left.

Curtis Gilleylen said. “Our But with the lead still first five or six guys, they at 10 points at 53-43, are mentally strong, and Meadowcreek faced more they’ve been through a lot adversity. of situations. Even though With an injured Sandy I would like to have Creek player being tended finished stronger, I wasn’t to, game officials order worried.

Meadowcreek’s players “(Sandy Creek) had away from the bench area, that little Mighty Mouse while allowing the Patriots guy (5-foot-7 senior guard to receive instruction from Kameron Miller), and his their coach Jon-Michael job was to just frustrate Nickerson.

(Nichols on the press).

When Gilleylen pointed (Miller) was just agitating, it out the situation to and he does a good job. the officials, he was first

david.friedlander @gwinnettdailypost.com

Archer’s Logan Smith tries to roll Buford’s Blaine Bergey in the 145-pound weight class of Saturday’s Takedown Sportswear Invitational in Buford. (Photo: Anthony Stalcup)

Buford finishes fourth at Takedown Invitational

By Ken Chrzanowski

own with 1:11 left in the match. Stonecheck was able to escape, and with BUFORD — With a 3-2 lead, the Buford a lineup missing five sophomore countered any starters, Buford was still attempts Smith made for able to manage a fourtha takedown, including place finish as hosts of the final one that fell just the Takedown Sportswear short of gaining control as Invitational on Saturday. the clock expired.

“Its that time of the “Those are two great year for illness and wrestlers right there,” injuries,” Buford coach Bengals said. “That Tom Bengals said of his should be the last time squad. “We were without they face each other all two state champions and year, but each match was a second place and third great.” place finisher in state, so In another Gwinnett to come out with a topshowdown, Archer’s five finish is a great job Logan Smith defeated by some our junior varsity Buford’s Blaine Bergey guys who stepped in.” at 145 for the title. Smith, Social Circle captured took Bergey down in the the team title with 192.5 first period and escaped points, besting Woodland in the second to build a of Cartersville (175), 3-0 lead. Smith was able North Forsyth (166.0) and to ride out the Buford the host Wolves (163). sophomore to take indiNorth Gwinnett finished vidual honors.

18th (75), Peachtree The final Gwinnett tiRidge was 30th (55) tlist was Buford’s Cooper while Berkmar was 34th Roberts who defeated (42).

Creekview’s Evan GianfaThe championship la at 170 pounds. After a match at 138 pounds scoreless first, Gianfala pitted defending state escaped in the second champions Gavin Smith period and held a 1-0 lead of Archer against Nick entering the final two Stonecheck of Buford. minutes. Roberts posted Stonecheck had won the two points for a reversal previous two meetings, and was able to keep but with familiarity, Smith Gianfala from escaping had closed the gap each for a 2-1 win and handing time they faced off. his opponent his first loss Stonecheck struck with of the season. a takedown in the first “For Cooper Roberts period for a 2-0 lead. to win that championship The score stood until the in that bracket really said third period when Smith something,” Bengals said. was able to tie the score Three other wrestlers with a takedown of his from Gwinnett made the Staff Correspondent

finals but were defeated in their championship match. Berkmar’s Arash Mohebi dropped a 9-4 decision to Tyler Post of Social Circle at 106 pounds. Mohebi took down Post for an early 2-0 lead, however, an escape and takedown gave Post a 3-2 lead after one period. Post extended his lead with another escape followed by a takedown to leave the Patriots senior down 6-2. In the third period, Mohebi scored a reversal, but Post countered with an escape and another takedown to seal the win.

In the 132 pound final, North Gwinnett’s Rex McDaniel faced off against North Paulding’s Bradley Bitting. Bitting (27-1) scored a takedown and McDaniel escaped to put the score at 2-1 after the first period. The only scoring in the second was a Bitting escape, so McDaniel trailed 3-1 entering the final two minutes.

The Bulldogs sophomore was scored two points on a reversal with 1:13 left in the match to tie the score.

Bitting, however, was able to escape and score a takedown for a 6-3 win.

Archer’s Will Choloh fell to Class AAAAA defending state champion, Seven Richards of Cass 4-1. With the score tied at one in the third period, Richards was able to turn Choloh and the three near fall points secured the win.

assessed a warning and quickly thereafter a technical foul.

Bickerstaff then hit both technical free throws, two more free throws from the foul that was called just before the stoppage, and then scored on a dunk on the ensuing possession to punctuate a six-point possession.

The 6-foot-8 junior then cashed in a Meadowcreek turnover with a driving layup to make it an 8-0 run that suddenly pulled Sandy Creek to within 53-51 with just 1:17 remaining.

Once again, Nichols helped restore order.

“We have high-intensity practices,” Nichols said.

“So I’m used to it in a game. I have to be in control for my team. We’ve been through (situations like) that before. (Gilleylen) just told us to keep our cool.”

After calling time out to avoid a five-second violation against Sandy Creek’s press, the 5-10 senior stepped to the line when Miller was assessed a technical and hit both free throws to give the Mustangs breathing room at 55-51 with 1:01 left.

Nichols then found Kelly in the low post for a layup with 43 seconds left, and then hit two more free throws with 17.5 seconds remaining to finally help the Mustangs put the game away.

Chaplin and Hightower joined both Kelly and Nichols in double figures with 11 points each, with Hightower posting a double-double with a game-high 10 rebounds and adding three assists, while Chaplin finished with seven rebounds and four assists.

Bickerstaff led Sandy Creek with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Alexander chipped in 13 points.

NCAAM TOP 25 ROUNDUP

Holiday, Wilkes lead UCLA in upset over No. 7 Kentucky

The Sports Xchange

NEW ORLEANS — Aaron Holiday and Kris Wilkes scored 20 points each as UCLA upset No. 7 Kentucky 83-75 in the second game of the CBS Sports Classic on Saturday in the Smoothie King Center.

Jaylen Hands added 14 points, Thomas Welsh had 13 and Prince Ali scored 12 for the Bruins (9-3).

Hamidou Diallo led the Wildcats (9-2) with 18 points, Wenyen Gabriel scored 16 and Kevin Knox had 15. The loss ended Kentucky’s seven-game winning streak.

The score was tied 52-52 before Welsh’s jumper gave UCLA a lead it did not relinquish. Later, a Welsh 3-pointer started a 10-0 run that gave the Bruins a

71-59 lead midway through points, C.J. Jackson scored the half.

19 and Kaleb Wesson had Kentucky cut the deficit 12. to four points in the final three minutes but that was No. 10 West Virginia 86, as close as the Wildcats Fordham 69 got.

Daxter Miles, Jr. scored 21 No. 5 North Carolina 86, Ohio State 72 NEW ORLEANS — Joel Berry II and Theo Pinson scored 19 points each as North Carolina bounced back from its Wednesday loss to Wofford to defeat Ohio State in the first game of the CBS Sports Classic.

Cameron Johnson, playing his second game since coming back from knee surgery, scored 14 points and Jalek Felton scored 12.

Felton made 4 of 5 3-pointers and the Tar Heels (11-2) made 13 of 25.

Keita Bates-Diop led the Buckeyes (10-4) with 26

points, and Jevon Carter finished with 10 points and 12 assists to lead the Mountaineers in Morgantown, W.Va. Lamont West chipped in 15 points for the Mountaineers (11-1), who enter Big 12 play on an 11-game winning streak. Sagaba Donate also had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, helping West Virginia to a 4428 edge on the boards.

Will Tavares scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half for Fordham (5-7), which also got 16 from Joseph Chartouny.

Fordham was within 7064 with 6:15 left before the Mountaineers pulled away.

FANS CHOICE WINTER ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Who: Will Warbington School: Hebron Christian Sport: Basketball Class: Junior Highlights: Had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the Lions’ 73-47 victory over Tallulah Falls Coach Derrick Heberling’s take: “Will embodies what being a student-athlete is all about. He is a tough competitor that has a desire for the ball.”

Will Warbington

Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) protects the ball against Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) during the first half at Philips Arena. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports)

Schroder’s second-half surge leads Hawks past Mavericks The Sports Xchange

Atlanta (8-25) also got 21 points and seven rebounds ATLANTA — Guard from Ersan Ilyasova and Dennis Schroder scored 26 13 points from rookie John of his 33 points in the second Collins. half, including 10 in the final Dallas (9-25) was led by five minutes, to help the Harrison Barnes with 22 Atlanta Hawks to a 112-107 points and Nowitzki with win over the Dallas Maver18, including three 3-pointicks on Saturday at Philips ers. Jose Barea came off the Arena. bench to add 15 points and Schroder, who didn’t play 12 assists. on Friday night because of The two teams took turns an ankle injury, matched his taking the lead in the first season high with 13 field quarter. There were seven goals and was 4-for-8 on lead changes and four ties, 3-pointers. He added seven with the period ending 25assists and three rebounds 25. The second quarter was to help Atlanta break a just as close, with the largest two-game losing streak and lead by either team only sweep the season series five points. Dallas shot 55 against the Mavericks. percent from the field in the Schroder’s 3-pointer with period and enjoyed a 53-48 1:21 left in the game gave lead at halftime.

Atlanta a 110-107 lead. The Kent Bazemore, held Mavericks had a chance scoreless in the first half, to tie when Dirk Nowitscored seven points during zki missed a trey with 0:26 a 14-4 run that put Atlanta remaining. ahead 62-57. The Hawks ex-

panded the lead to 10 points, when Taurean Prince’s 3-pointer made it 75-65. But the Mavericks went on a 15-4 run and took an 80-79 lead when Dennis Smith Jr. scored on a three-point play with 6.3 seconds left.

NOTES: Atlanta had two unusual plays go against it.

Miles Plumlee had a slam dunk waved off when he held the rim with his left hand.

In the fourth quarter, Ersan Ilyasova had a defensive rebound bounce off his hands an into the basket, giving the Mavericks two points. …

Dallas G Devin Harris was able to return. He did not play in the second half of Friday’s game against Miami because of illness. … Inactives for Atlanta were C Dewayne Dedmon (left tibia), G Josh Magette, F Mike Muscala and G Tyler Dorsey.

Muscala and Dorsey are on a G League assignment.

8B • Sunday, December 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

world&nation World Tropical Storm Tembin leaves dozens dead in the Philippines

San Francisco terror attack thwarted

By Ralph Ellis CNN

A former U.S. Marine talked with an undercover FBI employee about carryTropical Storm Tembin ing out a terror attack over slammed into another the holidays at Pier 39, a set of Philippine islands busy shopping and tourlate Saturday, hours after ist area in San Francisco, unleashing devastating according to an affidavit flooding and landslides filed in US District Court in that has left dozens dead California on Friday. on the southern island of Everitt Aaron Jameson, Mindanao, authorities said. 26, of Modesto, Calif. was Officials have given arrested and charged with conflicting death tolls. The attempting to provide CEO of the Philippine Red material support to a foreign Cross said on Twitter that terrorist organization, the 156 people have died since Justice Department said in a the storm hit Friday; the news release. country’s national disaster Though there are no adrisk management council ditional known threats to the has put the death toll at 75. city, San Francisco police Tembin, also known as will be increasing their presVinta in the Philippines, ence in light of the alleged made a second landfall terror plot, acting Mayor Saturday night over BalaLondon Breed said in a bac Island, at the southern statement. The spokesperson tip of Palawan province. for the local FBI office said Forecasters warned there are no known credible residents to brace for high threats in the Bay Area. winds and heavy rain — CNN has not been able conditions similar to those to contact Jameson’s lawyer that devastated parts of for comment.

Mindanao hours earlier.

According to the Modesto Tembin initially struck Bee, his federal public deFriday, dropping more fender, Eric Kersten, said his than 5.5 inches of rain in client denied the allegation some parts of Mindanao, in the affidavit. overwhelming artificial The FBI started watching dams and sending floodJameson in September after waters from mountainous becoming aware of social areas down to communimedia activity in which he ties below. “liked” or “loved” posts about terror attacks and Fire shuts down ISIS, the affidavit said. Undercover employees of the

London Zoo; multiple animals presumed dead

An aardvark has died and four meerkats are unaccounted for and presumed dead after a blaze broke out Saturday morning at ZSL London Zoo, forcing its closure, the zoo said.

A number of zoo staff have been treated for smoke inhalation and shock, the zoo said in a statement posted to its website.

“All other animals in the vicinity are being monitored closely by our vets, but early signs suggest they have not been affected. We will continue to monitor them over the coming days,” the zoo said. “We are all naturally devastated by this, but are immensely grateful to the fire brigade, who reacted quickly to the situation to bring the fire under control.”

Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26, of Modesto, Calif. was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the Justice Department said in a news release. (Photo: CNN)

FBI posed as supporters of ISIS and contacted Jameson, the affidavit said.

Jameson met with an undercover employee Dec. 16 and told them he wanted to conduct a terror attack using weapons and explosives at Pier 39, the affidavit said.

Jameson, saying he was familiar with the layout of the site, wanted to use explosives to “funnel” people into a location where he could inflict casualties, the affidavit said. “Jameson also stated that Christmas was the perfect day to commit the attack,” the affidavit said.

The attack would be styled after the Oct. 31 attack in New York City in which a man drove a truck down a bike lane, killing eight people, the affidavit said.

Jameson said he’d just started working as a tow truck driver, which could help in the attack, the affidavit said. He expressed loyalty to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and offered to donate money and contribute his firearms skills, the affidavit said.

Jameson had served in the U.S. Marines in 2009 and attained a sharpshooter rifle

Nation

said.

A bullet pierced the wall of the mobile home where Kameron lived and lodged in his abdomen, Salazar told reporters.

Deputies discovered the wounded boy inside the home, carried him out and administered first aid, Salazar said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Miss America CEO suspended after report

Sam Haskell, chief executive officer of the Miss America Organization, was suspended on Friday after a report revealed purported emails from him, board members and others disparaging pageant contestants, the organization said in a statement.

“The Board will be conducting an in-depth investigation into alleged inappropriate communications and the nature in which they were obtained,” the statement from the Miss America Organization’s board of directors said. “In addition, the Board wishes to reaffirm our commitment to the education and empowerment of young women, supporting them Melbourne car in every way possible.” attack suspect The Huffington Post on charged with Thursday published an attempted murder exclusive report that reviewed nearly three years A driver who plowed of internal Miss America into pedestrians on a busy Organization emails prostreet in Melbourne this vided by two unidentified week was charged with 18 sources. counts of attempted murder The report detailed and one count of endanger- email exchanges in which ing life, Australian police CEO Sam Haskell, current said Saturday. president Josh Randle, The crash injured 18 Lewis Friedman — forpeople, including one merly a writer for MAO young child, outside Mel— and board members bourne’s Flinders Street Tammy Haddad and Lynn station during rush hour Weidner, wrote offensive Thursday evening. emails about former Miss While the crash was America winners, referdeliberate, there was no encing their weight or evidence of a terror link, their private sex lives. said Shane Patton, chief Haskell, in a statecommissioner of Victoria ment issued Friday night, Police. apologized for “a mistake — From wire reports of words.”

qualification. He was later discharged for fraudulent enlistment because he failed to disclose a latent asthma history, the affidavit said.

He asked the undercover agents to provide an assault rifle and explosives and sent them photos of what appeared to be Pier 39, the affidavit said. Jameson told the agent that he would be willing to write “a statement to the brothers,” the affidavit by an FBI agent said.

After several communications on Dec. 18, Jameson appeared to back out, telling an undercover agent, “I also don’t think I can do this after all. I’ve reconsidered,” the affidavit said.

On Dec. 20, authorities searched his home in Modesto and found firearms, empty magazines, ammunition and fireworks, the complaint said.

They found a will and a handwritten letter that said, “You’ve allowed Donald Trump to give Al Quds away to the Jews,” apparently a reference to the President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The letter writer, identified as Abdallah Abu Everitt Ibn Gordon Al-Amriki, goes on to say, “We have penetrated and infiltrated your disgusting country.”

During the search, Jameson talked about supporting ISIS and terrorism and said he would be happy if the attack were carried out.

Some of the MAO’s emails in question focused on Mallory Hagan — seen in this photo from Jan. 12, 2013 — who told CNN the emails made her feel “validated” because they proved her earlier complaints. (Photo: CNN)

White House denies Trump demeaned immigrants

suggesting that the Netherlands was in chaos because of Muslims.

Ambassador Pete Hoekstra lied twice to a Dutch The White House news crew about his 2015 strongly pushed back on comments, calling it “fake a report that President news.” But on Saturday, Donald Trump spoke about he admitted that he “made immigrants in a dismissive certain remarks in 2015 and and demeaning fashion dur- regret the exchange during ing a June meeting with top the Nieuwsuur interview,” administration officials. and apologized.

The denial came in “For the last 17 years, I’ve response to explosive rebeen passionate about conporting from the New York fronting the global threat of Times, which wrote that ac- terrorism,” Hoekstra said in cording to two unnamed of- a statement on Twitter. “This ficials, Trump said during a has been a long struggle. We meeting in June that people still have much to learn.” coming from Haiti “all have AIDS,” that recent Nigerian Sheriff: deputies’ immigrants would never stray bullet kills “go back to their huts” in Africa and that Afghanistan Texas 6-year-old is a terrorist haven.

Hours after Kameron White House press secretary Sarah Sanders issued a Prescott’s Christmas party at statement blasting the paper his Texas school, the 6-yearand denying that Trump had old boy was fatally shot when deputies opened fire made the comments. on a suspected car thief, the local sheriff said.

Ambassador Bexar County Sherapologizes for iff Javier Salazar called Kameron’s death Thursday 2015 remarks a “tragic accident.” No about Muslims weapon was found after The new U.S. Ambasfour deputies fired, also sador to the Netherlands killing the suspect, Amanda is apologizing for “certain Lene Jones, 30, whom they remarks” he made in 2015 believed was armed, Salazar

People McCandless, first astronaut to float untethered in space, dies

Former astronaut Bruce McCandless II, famously captured in a 1984 photo documenting the first untethered flight in space, has died, NASA said. He was 80.

McCandless flew alongside the space shuttle Challenger in a jetpackstyle craft called a Manned Maneuvering Unit, using his hands to control his movement a few meters away from the shuttle. It was the first-ever spacewalk that didn’t employ “restrictive tethers and umbilicals,” NASA said.

Crew members used a 70 mm camera to shoot the photo through windows on the shuttle’s flight deck.

“My wife (Bernice) was at mission control, and there was quite a bit of apprehension,” he wrote in 2015. “I wanted to say something similar to Neil (Armstrong) when he landed on the moon, so I said, ‘It may have been a small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me.’ That loosened the tension a bit.”

McCandless died Thursday, and NASA announced the death a day later. Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce’s family.”

MSNBC host apologizes for remarks about Halperin victims

MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski apologized Friday evening after she angered some of the women who had accused veteran journalist Mark Halperin of sexual harassment or assault with comments she made Kmart must pay earlier in the day on “Morning Joe.” $59 million in “We have been trying our best on Morning Joe to drug fraud have an honest conversation settlement about sexual harassment and sexual assault,” Brzezinski Kmart and its parent said in a statement. “The company, Sears Holding issue has hit close to home Corporation, have settled given that Mark Halperin a $59 million case over was on our show. I have allegations of prescription drug fraud made more than spent a lot of time talking to some of his accusers and to a decade ago.

Mark himself. Often I bring The settlement stems from a 2008 lawsuit brought up the issue on our show because I think it would be less

by James Garbe. Garbe, a than genuine to talk about pharmacist at a Kmart in Ohio who has since died, al- the growing number of cases leged that Kmart was charg- without recognizing that a former member of our team ing government-sponsored acted very badly. insurers more than other “In our discussion about pharmacies for the same sexual harassment this mornprescriptions, according to court documents from 2016. ing, I said some things that hurt people,” she added. “In This included offerthe case of Mark, my goal ing discounts on generic today was to start a converprescriptions to customsation about hearing from ers paying cash and using store club programs, but not the men whenever we can, disclosing those discounts to but I realize that it is not the federal government, ac- my place. It isn’t my call to make, and for that I am cording to the settlement.

As part of the agreement, truly sorry. As a victim of Kmart will pay a $32.3 mil- sexual assault, I understand that each individual’s case lion fine to the Department is different. This is up to the of Justice. Kmart admitted no wrongdoing in the settle- victims, some of whom I’ve ment, according to a release been in contact with. My hope is for all of us to come from the DOJ. together to support the brave Garbe initially filed the women who speak out and case after the government help make workplaces safer declined to intervene. His as we continue this difficult estate will receive $16.9 million as part of the settle- conversation in the months and years ahead.” ment.

— From wire reports — From wire reports

Bitcoin rebounds to above $15K after recent serious slump

By Jackie Wattles and Daniel Shane CNN

Bitcoin prices climbed back above the $15,000 mark Saturday, following a steep decline Friday when the cryptocurrency shed about a third of its value.

Bitcoin, which is known to be extremely volatile, sank below $11,000 at one point Friday, according to data from CoinDesk. com.

Must read Prices had approached $20,000 as recently as a week ago.

Amid the turbulence Friday, one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase, said buys and sells might be “temporarily offline” due to high traffic.

The price dip came on the back of a few days of bad news

for bitcoin, which has still soared by more than 1,000 percent since the start of the year.

On Thursday, a bitcoin spinoff called bitcoin cash was suspended from Coinbase after possible insider trading.

Meanwhile, the U.S.’s markets regulator halted trading in a redhot bitcoin stock.

Earlier in the week, a South Korea-based virtual currency exchange was forced to close its doors after falling victim to two

attacks by hackers in the space of a few months.

The incidents have raised questions about the reliability of cryptocurrency markets, which aren’t regulated by governments or central banks.

Friday’s plunge threatens to take the shine off what’s been an incredible year for bitcoin. This time last year, the virtual currency was worth less than $1,000.

The rally has been driven partly by the expectation that more

and more mainstream investors will begin trading it.

Earlier in December, two major U.S. financial exchanges launched trading in bitcoin futures, which will help give it more clout with big, institutional investors.

Bitcoin’s dizzying ascent has prompted a number of highprofile figures in finance and economics to sound the alarm, cautioning that the currency’s boom is simply a huge bubble.

community

Baby boon gwinnettdailypost.com

Section c • Sunday, december 24, 2017

Tiny Stitches nonprofit handcrafts outfits for newborns in Georgia

By NaNci alleN • Staff correspondent

T

hanks to the nonprofit organization Tiny Stitches, newborns who would have left the hospital wrapped in a towel or a blanket, now go home donning a handmade outfit along with a bag full of other items crafted with babies in mind.

Up to 200 talented people turn their hobbies into gifts for babies in need. By using patterns and guidelines provided on the Tiny Stitches website and supplies that are donated by corporations and private individuals, or purchased using donated money, hundreds of items are made and donated each month. Most of the volunteers do the work in their homes at their convenience.

The entire organization is volunteer run, with no paid positions. All donations remain in Georgia.

Susan Brunton, president of Tiny Stitches, says the organization could not survive without the help of its generous donors.

“We submit grant proposals to the EMCs in the areas where we deliver,” Brunton said. “Jackson EMC Foundation has been very generous to us. Jackson EMC gave us $10,000 and Hart EMC gave us $500.”

Tiny Stitches was founded by five of its current volunteers in 1998 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in February 1999.

One founding member, Debbie Vickers of Suwanee said they saw a need and decided to address it.

While volunteering for a national organization with the same mission, the founders realized they wanted their efforts to benefit their home areas.

“We thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to ask my friends to give me money to send someplace else, we want to keep it here in

Georgia,’” Vickers said.

“So Tiny Stitches was born, because if we are going to take Georgia money, we are going to put it here.”

Starting with the five founding members, the organization grew to almost 200 very quickly.

The Atlanta Sewing Center in Duluth was instrumental in helping Tiny Stitches grow. They offered up their location for business meetings and assisted in promoting the group’s efforts.

Additionally, The Gwinnett Daily Post ran a few mentions in a local column when Tiny Stitches was in its infancy.

“That was very, very helpful,” Vickers said about the publicity.

The group provides a handmade layette bag loaded with 27 items in the summer and 31 items in the winter. These items include sewn gowns, sleepers, shirts, bibs and blankets as well as knitted or crocheted blankets, booties, sweaters and caps.

The bags are delivered to hospitals and health departments in the North Georgia area to distribute to new mothers as needed.

“Some moms aren’t really prepared,” Vickers said.

But nurses know when they need to present the filled layette bag.

“They go, ‘It’s time to get you ready to go and we have this little gift for you,’” Vickers said. “And the mothers generally cry, and then the nurses cry. It’s not sad tears.”

All the items are one size in hopes of fitting the newborns for at least three months.

“The only thing we differentiate in size for are the burials,” Brunton said.

Those articles are specially made by volunteer Diana Davis of

Above, Amy Wilson, with the nonprofit organization Tiny Stitches, works alongside other volunteers to sort and pack items. Left, stored items are seen for the nonprofit organization Tiny Stitches.

(Photos: Nanci Allen)

Blueridge.

“We provide them gowns for burials,” Davis said.

“We do four different sizes.”

The gowns for burials come with some special extras.

“We provide the gown and a bonnet, and a blanket and then an envelope for the birth certificate, maybe a lock of hair, items like that,” Davis said.

These items and the loaded layette bags are delivered monthly by volunteers after they spend a day or two sorting and

packaging them for transport.

Tiny Stitches has two drop-off locations in Gwinnett. The Atlanta Sewing Center in Duluth during business hours, and Your Extra Attic in Suwanee where volunteers pack the goods for delivery on the Wednesday before each monthly business meeting.

Tiny Stitches, based in Gwinnett County, serves

Gwinnett County and other areas in North Georgia.

Business meetings are held at the Atlanta Sewing Center in Duluth and workshops are held in Alpharetta, Duluth, Gainesville, Lilburn, Marietta, Hartwell and Snellville. During the meetings and workshops, volunteers can pick up supplies and drop off their donations.

Tiny Stitches welcomes anyone who sews, knits or crochets, or would like to learn any of these skills.

Detailed information can be found on its website, tinystitches.org.

The nonprofit organization Tiny Stitches provides newborns with a handmade outfit along with a bag full of other items crafted with babies in mind, such as these knitted hats.

more oNLiNe Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for a photo gallery.

2C • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

When a Hallmark Christmas comes to our town The way it happened was like something that would happen in a Hallmark movie. Wait a minute. It was a Hallmark movie that started it all.

Because Tink works on Hallmark projects (he was one of the writers and executive producers on a Hallmark series as well as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation called “Love Locks”), we were surprised to learn that a Hallmark Christmas movie called “Christmas in Homestead” was filming in our backyard in Dahlonega,

Ronda Rich Ga., last year. (Tink has yet to be this lucky, but we are hoping. Most of his Hallmark projects shoot in Canada.)

Anyway, the people of the picturesque town of Dahlonega were all abuzz

with excitement as the set designers decorated the town with lights, trees, wreaths and snow in late October and November.

In addition to the cast, 300 locals were hired as extras. Frank Zimmerman was leaving his volunteer job at Dahlonega United Methodist Church when he was spotted by one of the people decorating in front of the church. Frank is 58 years old and has not shaved his beard since he was 23. He is now fully gray and has a twinkle in his eyes. He bears a strong resemblance to St.

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Nick himself.

There, in front of the pretty brick church with the white clapboard steeple, Frank was discovered by a set designer decorating trees with fake snow.

“Would you be interested in playing Santa Claus for a Hallmark movie?” the guy asked.

“I figured that since it was Hallmark, it would be a good, clean movie, so I said, ‘Yes,’” explained Frank, who had never in his life played Santa Claus. For 30 seconds of film, dressed in a Santa suit that someone gave him, Frank Zimmerman became Santa. But it isn’t the secular spirit of the holiday that Frank likes to share, it’s the Holy Spirit of the season that became fully evident in Frank’s “star discovery.”

Sadly, Frank’s 32-yearold daughter died unexpectedly shortly after his 30-second movie debut had been filmed. The Zimmerman family, as you can imagine, was devastated. But for Frank, it was the Hallmark job

that got him through the roughest Christmas of his life.

“Because I was in the movie, I got booked up with appearances and doing a play as Santa. I agreed to these before my daughter died. I’m a man of my word, so I honored those commitments, even though I didn’t feel like it,” Frank explained in a humble voice. “I pulled myself up by the bootstraps so I could keep going. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me be joyful and that’s exactly what He did. It turned out to be a gift to me because it got me through that time.”

Then and during the filming of the movie, Frank discovered a happiness in playing Santa. “I had so much fun dressed as Santa Claus, walking through town and being sociable. It was an amazing feeling.”

When Frank starred as Santa Claus, he didn’t know that the holiday season would have such an abrupt turn toward sorrow but, obviously, the

child born in that Bethlehem stable did because He was preparing the way to lift up Frank during the darkest time of his life.

“Because of the Hallmark movie, I played Santa and that got me through.”

“Isn’t it amazing how the Holy Spirit knows what we need before we know what we need?” I asked.

“Yes, it is,” he responded. “It definitely is.”

It’s the kind of ending that we love to expect from a Hallmark movie.

To all of you, my readers, I wish that you’ll have the sweetest kind of Hallmark Christmas as we celebrate the birth of that loving child in Bethlehem. The one who will always know what we need before we need it.

Just ask Frank Zimmerman.

Ronda Rich is a bestselling author whose latest book is “Mark My Words: A Memoir of Mama.” Visit www.rondarich.com to sign up for her free weekly newsletter.

COLLEGE NOTES Christopher Middleton of Peachtree Corners was named to Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence in Spring 2017.

Deja Hudgins of Lawrenceville, a student at McDaniel College, will perform in the Gospel Choir Concert on Dec. 10 at McDaniel College.

Christopher Roper of Lawrenceville and Alain Santos of Lawrenceville, students at Kennesaw State, were recently honored for undergraduate research within a STEM discipline at the 2017 STEM Innovators Conference in Atlanta.

The following Young Harris College students were recently inducted into the school’s first cohort of the Golden Key International Honor Society: Samuel Gaston of Lilburn (treasurer), John Ganter of Norcross and Christie Blaurock of Dacula.

The following Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets at the University of North Georgia have been ranked in the top 20 percent in the nation in this year’s U.S. Army Cadet Command National Order of Merit List: Timothy Hoell of Sugar Hill,

Kristin Kelly of Dacula, Todd Miller of Dacula and Dustin Nguyen of Snellville.

Jann V. Genson of Lawrenceville graduated from Park University’s Charleston, S.C., Air Force Base Campus with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management.

Savannah Gupton of Suwanee has earned a Master of Arts in Biology from Miami University through Project Dragonfly. Gupton, a research specialist at Emory University, joined the Global Field Program master’s in 2015 and traveled to Baja, Borneo and Guyana.

Rick Case Bikes For Kids Donates Bikes to Children in Need Underprivileged children in the Atlanta area may have been hoping to find a bike under their tree on Christmas morning, but their families may not have had the resources to make their wish a reality.

Fortunately for those families, the Rick Case Bikes for Kids program provided bicycles for several children this holiday season. The Rick Case Bikes for Kids program has been providing bikes to needy children in the community since 1982, when it was created by Rita and Rick Case of the Rick Case Automotive Group. The charity is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

“This program is a way to put smiles on thousands of children’s faces,” said Rick Case, who reports that to date, more than 100,000 bikes have been donated in Atlanta, South Florida and Cleveland since the program’s founding. “Our community really comes together to make sure the children in the area can have the best holiday season possible.”

This year’s goal was to collect 10,000 bikes, and with the help of Burkett Oil Company of Norcross, GA that goal seems attainable.

Burkett Oil Company, a marketer of Chevron Lubricants, participated in a big way by donating several bicycles for this worthy cause.

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Once collected, the bikes are distributed through local Boys & Girls Clubs and other charity organizations.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

Naked sales more popular than you think Simply having a merry A friend of mine told me she hates salespeople. As part of her job, my friend has to buy large amounts of printing products. I asked her, “How do you purchase the things you need to run your operation?” She said, “I don’t deal with the salespeople, I just work with vendors who help me.” When I asked who those were, she said, “I work with people who help me, people who represent companies I trust. They’re not salesy at all.”

For many people, sales is a dirty word. They picture a swarmy guy beckoning you into the alley as he opens his blazer revealing a coat full of fake watches. When I asked my friend what she means by “Salesy,” she described the professional equivalent: a cheesy, overly aggressive, self-absorbed person

Forget Perfect

Lisa McLeod constantly trying to close the deal with little or no regard for the customer involved.

I asked my friend if she had chosen any new vendors recently. She said, “Yes, I started working with two new reps. Their people weren’t salesy at all. They learned about my business and figured out how they could help me.”

Sales is one of the few areas where people who are

really bad at their jobs define the entire profession. Let’s be honest, we all know there is a certain percent of bad teachers, bad police officers, and bad minsters. Yet we know these are noble professions.

But when it comes to sales, the most obnoxious performers are assumed to be the norm. Fortunately, good salespeople take a different approach.

In their new book, “Naked Sales,” authors Ashley Welch and Justin Jones, describe how Sachin Rai, an account executive for Salesforce, boarded a Greyhound bus in San Francisco and took an eight-hour trip to Los Angles in order to learn everything he could about Greyhound, an account he was trying to sign.

During Rai’s eight-hour

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learning journey he talked to everyone, from ticket takers to baggage handlers to drivers to customers. He took photos; he noticed every detail. By immersing himself in the customer experience, he gleaned valuable information about how he could help Greyhound. His thorough research landed him an audience with Greyhound’s COO. Welch and Jones describe where things went from there. “The two sat down to work together to look for solutions. Eight months later, Sachin and his team were able to build this relationship across multiple channels into a $3 million global deal.”

The Greyhound immersion was part of the “Sell

by Design” process authors Welch and Jones use with sales teams to give them greater insights into customer motives. In “Naked Sales,” the authors describe how design thinking, “a creative problem solving methodology used in pursuit of innovation,” can help salespeople forge deep connections with their buyers.

As someone who works with sales teams, for me, this is the essence of sales. The guy or gal endlessly pitching products hasn’t forged a deep connection with anything but your wallet.

In a recent conversation I had with Jones and Welch, they describe their desire to help salespeople “Shed your wares, let go of your backpack of product and services, and focus on the customer.” Hence the title, “Naked Sales.”

Good salespeople know: It’s not about your pitch; it’s about the customer. If you meet someone who doesn’t understand that basic principle, resist the urge to call them salesy. They’re not.

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Hallmark Christmas Christmas traditions have always been important to our family. Unfortunately, with the kids all grown and living on the other side of the country — grandkids, too — some traditions have lost their luster.

My lovely wife Bonnie and I enjoy doing lots of things together, but it turns out making gingerbread houses isn’t one of them.

We have, however, discovered a new holiday tradition: watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Yes, I know. That confession places me in dire peril of losing my man card. Yet in a culture increasingly hostile to all that is good and wholesome, it’s encouraging to find a form of entertainment that, if occasionally a bit cheesy, is still clean and uplifting.

Besides, Bonnie and I are somewhat biased, having experienced our own Hallmark-like Christmas romance. That’s right: Our first date was in December of — well, the year isn’t important. Let’s just say it was after the moonwalk but before humankind’s secondgreatest achievement, the selfie stick.

Anyway, we were both college students working in retail, and we attended the store Christmas party together. (That gives you a clue how long ago it was: We could still openly refer to it as a “Christmas” party.)

We just went as friends, because both of us were seeing other people at the time.

Yet, as we danced, and gazed into each others’ eyes, feelings stirred that we couldn’t deny, though we tried for a while. Unfortunately for me, our tentative first kiss — at her door as I was dropping her off — was interrupted by her young

Rob Jenkins niece. (She was living with her sister at the time.)

The next time we saw each other, it was snowing at her house. So we went outside, made snow angels, and had a snowball fight. Then we went back inside for hot cocoa, and I helped her bake some Christmas cookies.

At one point, she got flour on her cheek, and I tenderly wiped it off.

Later, as I was helping her decorate the tree, she fell off the ladder right into my arms. There was an awkward moment where we almost kissed again, but then we both cleared our throats and declared we had other things to do.

That evening, we went shopping in the small-town square, as snow continued to fall and Santa sat outside, surrounded by small children. A group of carolers passed by, dressed in period costumes, and we stopped at her mom’s bakery for a pastry.

The best part, though, was the lighting of the town Christmas tree, as the mayor counted down and a little girl threw the switch, illuminating the giant fir to the delighted oohing of the crowd.

Then we miraculously discovered that we had known each other as children!

Actually, almost none of that happened, except for the first date part. And, of course, the falling in love.

But wouldn’t it make a great Hallmark movie?

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4C • Sunday, December 24, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

your community: city by city

City by City is a weekly look at the happenings in the places you call home

AUBURN Bullet journal workshop to teach organization Ever wondered, “What is a bullet journal?”

Search on Pinterest, and you’ll find hundreds of images of trackers, lists and schedules. The bullet journal is a journaling method developed

by Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer living in Brooklyn, N.Y., according to bulletjournal.com. The organizational tool is designed to help users practice mindfulness.

The Auburn Public Library is offering a bullet journal workshop to help patrons get crafty and creative as they organize their lives. The workshop is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 at the Auburn Public Library, 24 5th St. For more information, call 770-513-2925.

BARROW COUNTY Fort Yargo offers First Day Hike Fort Yargo State Park is among the hundreds of sites throughout the United States that will offer a First Day Hike.

On New Year’s Day, parks in all 50 states will be offering guided hikes as a means for people to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercise and connect with nature.

Fort Yargo State Park, located at 210 S. Broad St. in Winder, is offering a guided hike from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jan. 1 on the Lake Loop Trail.

The 6.7-mile moderate loop trail follows the shore of the Marburg watershed and will lead visitors past many of the park’s amenities, including the Old Fort and campgrounds.

The hike is free, but parking is $5. Participants should pack water and snacks. Hikers may bring dogs on leashes, but no strollers are allowed.

For more information, call 770-867-3489.

BERKELEY LAKE Tea, doll crafting session offered for moms, children Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is hosting a Mommy and Me Tea Party that will feature tea, light desserts and the opportunity to create your own doll.

The Mommy and Me Creativi-Tea will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 in the Community Room. The Community Recreation Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Berkeley Lake.

The event is suitable for children ages 5 and up. The event costs $14 for a parent and a child, plus $7 for additional children.

Register by Jan. 20 at www. gwinnettparks.com with code PVP11644 or call 678-2770920.

The event is billed as a Gwinnett Bicentennial event.

Gwinnett County will celebrate 200 years of history in 2018, and the county will commemorate this occasion with several events throughout the year.

BRASELTON Salon’s ‘Ruby’ tree wins Braselton competition Artistic Expressions Hair Salon won Braselton’s Decorated Tree Competition.

The “Ruby” tree is half woman, half tree. The top of the tree is the torso of a mannequin, and the bottom is made of pink boughs with white lights. The bottom of the tree looks like a holiday gown.

Twenty other businesses in Braselton entered the tree competition. Voting took place online on Facebook. Images of the trees are posted on Buy Local Braselton’s Facebook page.

Artistic Expressions is located at 9924 Davis St., Suite 6, in Braselton.

BUFORD Lanier Islands hosts New Year’s Eve fete Lanier Islands will welcome the new year with a fireworks display over the lake at midnight New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Eve Celebration, to take place at Peachtree Pointe Amphitheatre and Pavilion, will feature a buffet, performance by Party Nation, an open bar, dancing, party favors and shuttles to and from Legacy Lodge.

Children of overnight guests can attend the Kids NYE Party at Legacy Lodge. The kid-friendly activities include music, games, crafts and a

more from Lilburn

is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond Beast’s hideous exterior. The movie is rated PG. The Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center is located at 10 College St. N.W.

A caring community

More than 75 students helped clean up Sweetwater Park on Dec. 16. (Special Photo)

Sweetwater Middle adopts and cleans local park

to work on reclaiming this community,” Alexander trevor.mcnaboe said. @gwinnettdailypost.com The formation of both While temperatures were the Junior Beta Club and hitting freezing point in NJHS were made priorities. the early morning hours of As a requirement for the Dec. 16, droves of students organizations, students not from Sweetwater Middle only have to meet a certain School began the process level of academic success, of cleaning up Sweetwater but they also have to perPark. form community service.

Two years ago, SweetMembers of Junior water Middle School, a Beta Club have to obtain feeder school to Berkmar a cumulative grade-point High School, did not average of 3.5, while NJHS have a Junior Beta Club members must have a minior National Junior Honor mum GPA of 3.8.

Society. That all changed In order to fill their with seventh-grade teacher requirement for a service Dawn Alexander, Principal project, the idea of adoptJay Nebel and eighth-grade ing and taking care of a teacher Clarisa Renelocal park came to mind.

Kinshasa.

Within a five minute drive Alexander, the sponsor from Sweetwater Middle for Sweetwater Middle School stood a park with School NJHS, said she was the same namesake, Sweetencouraged in a meeting water Park. for Gwinnett Citizens 101 “The park was so close Academy to become more to us and it just seemed like involved in the community a perfect fit for us,” Alexanand to make changes. der said.

“I began working at this Alexander reached out school starting last year, to Gwinnett County Board and in my interview, the of Commissioners Chairprincipal said he wanted us woman Charlotte Nash

By Trevor McNaboe

midnight balloon drop. Children will be supervised by a team of Legacy Kids counselors.

The New Year’s Eve Celebration Package starts at $499 per couple, and the Kids NYE Party can be added to the package for $50 per child.

For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com or cal 770-945-8787.

DACULA Dacula Kroger launches ClickList online ordering The Kroger located at 505 Dacula Road in Dacula has launched ClickList — a service that offers customers the ease of placing orders online and picking up their groceries at a time convenient for them.

“Our hope with ClickList is to provide greater convenience and satisfaction while helping our Dacula-area customers save time during the day with their busy schedules,” said Felix Turner, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “By adding same-day ordering and pickup, our customers will be even more empowered with the personalized shopping experience they expect.”

Customers can shop for more than 40,000 items on ClickList, including fresh produce, meat and seafood, dairy and frozen products, before selecting a location and time slot most convenient to them. This includes same-day pickup. Items are delivered to the customer at the pickup location within minutes of arrival.

To get started with ClickList, visit www.Kroger.com/ ClickList, build a cart, select a pickup location and time, and then place the order. An associate will choose the items and store them in proper temperature zones until the customer arrives. Kroger will also waive the $4.95 service fee for each customer’s first three orders.

DULUTH Swarm offers Star Wars Night The Georgia Swarm will take on the Saskatchewan Rush on Jan. 6 in a galaxy far, far away — that is, the game will take place at Star Wars Night at the Infinite Energy Arena.

The Swarm is a professional indoor lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League.

Spectators who arrive early for the Jan. 6 game will receive BamStix — not exactly a light saber, but they are good for making noise.

The game kicks off at 7:05 p.m. Lower level seats start at $25. To purchase tickets, visit www.georgiaswarm.com/starwarsnight.

The Infinite Energy Arena is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

GRAYSON Grayson library offering scam prevention class The Gwinnett County Police Department Crime Prevention Unit will present a workshop on how to avoid consumer fraud and scams.

The workshop will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Grayson branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library.

The Crime Prevention Unit promotes citizen participation in the reduction and prevention of crime through education and active support. It also provides educational and safety-related programs based on community needs.

The Grayson library is located at 700 Grayson Parkway.

For more information, call 770978-5154.

LAWRENCEVILLE Mass wedding ceremony planned for Jan. 18 At 1:18 p.m. Jan. 18, a mass wedding ceremony will take place in the original courtroom

to see how they could go about adopting the park.

“They were all for it.

They told us we were the first school in Gwinnett County to adopt a park and take care of it,” Alexander said.

Beta Club sponsor, Rene-Kinshasa said the enthusiasm behind students from both clubs shows that their pride goes beyond the four walls of the school and extends into their own community.

“This has made a big impact on the students. They are starting to understand the impact of taking care of their community and environment,” Rene-Kinshasa said.

For the students that made the trip out that Saturday morning it was worth braving the cold.

“It was really good to feel a part of something,” seventh-grader Dani Osifo said. “We really took responsibility for it and cleaned it up so everyone has a chance to go there and have fun.”

Students from Junior

of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville.

After the ceremony, a wedding reception will take place in the Historic Courthouse’s Superior Court Ballroom for the newlyweds and their guests.

The reception will include a first dance, cupcakes, light refreshments and a keepsake. The reception costs $15 per person.

Couples may invite up to six guests to the ceremony and reception. Those interested in participating should call 770822-5450 to register by Jan. 5.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 W. Crogan St. in downtown Lawrenceville.

LILBURN Applications now open for Citizen’s Police Academy The city of Lilburn is accepting applications through Jan. 15 for the next cohort of the Citizen’s Police Academy, a 10-week program designed to educate and inform participants about issues that face law enforcement efforts Sessions will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15 through April 19 at the Lilburn Police Department, 76 Main St. Each week, instruction focuses on a separate area of the department. Topics include crime prevention and community-based policing, drugs, traffic enforcement and accident investigations, criminal investigations, the Use of Force Model and associated training, firearms safety and the law, and a tour of the Gwinnett County Jail.

The goal of the Lilburn Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy is not only to help local residents better understand police work in their community but to develop stronger ties between the community and the department.

Applicants must be at least 21, possess a valid Georgia driver’s license and commit to

ROTC, Junior Beta Club and NJHS all were a part of the cleanup that day. However, Alexander encourages all students to help.

Principal Nebel said the organizations have done an excellent job of bridging the gap between the school and community and allowing students to get experience outside of school.

“They’ve done a number of community service projects that have allowed our kids to extend their influence,” Nebel said. “Our goal is to take this community and empower it and try to be part of it.”

Sweetwater Middle School is required to clean up the park twice a year — once in the fall and once in the spring. However Alexander said they plan on doing more than the minimum requirements, and the school is taking pride in the park adoption.

“Sweetwater Middle is one of the best kept secrets in Gwinnett County,” Alexander said. “We’re really proud of what we’re doing here.” attending a minimum of nine of the 10 classes. Applicants should have no prior felony arrests or crimes of moral turpitude and no misdemeanor arrests within one year of the application. Preference will be given to those who work or live within the city limits of Lilburn.

For more information, visit www.cityoflilburn.com.

PEACHTREE CORNERS Author, singer to appear at North Georgia Kids Read Carmen Agra Deedy, a bestselling children’s author of nine books, and John McCutcheon, a Grammy-nominated singersongwriter of 34 albums, will appear onstage together at North Georgia Kids Read at 4 p.m. Jan. 20 at Christ the King Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

The event, sponsored by the Gwinnett County Public Library, will feature storytelling and musical performance.

Deedy, a Decatur resident, came to the United States as a refugee from Cuba in 1964.

She has spent the past 20 years writing and telling stories.

McCutcheon, a Wisconsin native, is a folksinger and instrumentalist who has mastered a dozen traditional instruments, including the hammered dulcimer.

North Georgia Kids Reads was created to promote collaboration between neighboring library systems and to bring bestselling authors to a community of 46 libraries in the region.

Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at 5575 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners. For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.

SNELLVILLE City surplus climbs to $7.8 million As the new year approaches, city officials are proud to report a general fund balance of $7.97 million, up more than $2 million from last year. These funds may be used for general operating purposes.

“We are very fortunate to have had a strong year financially in Fiscal Year 2017 throughout city government,” City Manager Butch Sanders said in a news release. “We have added substantially to our fund balance and that’s a testament to our department directors and employees.”

Last year the general fund had a general fund balance of $5.48 million.

The surplus is attributed to combined tax revenues that exceeded the budget by $257,599, a renewed local construction economy with building permits coming in over forecast by almost $80,000, and the sale of unneeded and unused city property for more than $250,000.

SUGAR HILL Registration open for Kroger Chef Junior class Participants in an upcoming Kroger Chef Junior workshop LOGANVILLE will receive their own Kroger Church hosting Chef Junior sifter to make blood drive French toast bites.

Loganville First United Kroger Chef Junior workMethodist Church is hosting shops, recommended for a blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. children ages 4 to 10, are led Friday. by a Kroger chef who guides The drive will collect blood children as they learn to create and Power Red donations.

During a blood donation, a pint a food item on their own. Workshops last about 20 minutes. of “whole blood” is collected.

The event will take place at In a Power Red donation, red the Kroger at 6001 Cumming cells are collected, but most of Highway in Sugar Hill. The cost the plasma and platelets are of the workshop is $7. returned to the donor. Donors To register, visit www. must meet specific eligibility eventbrite.com and search for requirements and have type Kroger Chef Junior — Sugar A Negative, B Negative or O Hill. blood.

Loganville First United Methodist Church is located at 221 Main St. in Loganville.

To make an appointment for the blood drive, visit www. redcrossblood.org.

NORCROSS Norcross to screen ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Movie Mondays in Norcross will take place on Tuesday this week. Organizers delayed the event a day because Christmas is Monday.

The live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” will be shown at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center.

The 2017 film, an adaptation of an 18th-century French fairy tale, features Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as Beast. The movie is about the journey of Belle, a beautiful and independent woman who

SUWANEE Christmas ‘treecycling’ collection starts Tuesday Suwanee residents may drop off their former living Christmas trees at Sims Lake Park, located at 4600 Suwanee Dam Road, from Dec. 26 through 31 for the city’s “treecycling” campaign, which is part of Keep Georgia Beautiful’s annual “Bring One for the Chipper” program.

Decorations, lights and stands should be removed from all trees prior to donating. Last year, mulch from nearly 1,200 former Christmas trees was spread in Suwanee parks.

Volunteers will be available to assist with unloading, as well as handing out sawtooth oak and catalpa seedlings (while supplies last) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 6. To volunteer, contact Nicole Schnepper at nschnepper@suwanee.com or 770-945-8996.

television

gwinnettdailypost.com

Section C • Sunday, December 24, 2017

SUNDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

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(Local Programming) Happy New Year, Charlie Brown ’ (CC) Rudolph’s Shiny New Year ’ Kevin (Probably) Saves the World “Probably” (Local Programming) Jimmy Kimmel Live ’ (Local Programming) NCIS A case of a murdered Navy lieutenant. ’ The 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors (N) ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Late Show-Colbert (Local Programming) The Flash Artifact collectors are attacked. (CC) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow “Helen Hunt” (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Lethal Weapon “Flight Risk” ’ (CC) (DVS) The Mick “The Friend” The Mick “The Visit” (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Ellen’s Game of Games ’ (CC) Better Late Than Never “Munich” (CC) (DVS) (:01) Chicago Med “Speak Your Truth” ’ (Local Programming) Tonight Show-J. Fallon (Local Programming) “The Sultan and the Saint” (2016) Premiere. ’ Secrets of Spanish Florida -- A Secrets of the Dead Special (N) ’ (CC) (Local Programming) 11 Alive News at 7PM Sister Circle ’ (CC) The X-Files Serial killer preys on fortunetellers. The X-Files “War of the Coprophages” ’ (CC) 11Alive News at 10 (N) Killer Mysteries (CC) Corrupt Crimes (CC) NOVA “Cyberwar Threat” ’ (CC) (DVS) Globe Trekker A train journey across Cuba. ’ Wild South America “Andes” Wild South America (:41) Wild South America “Penguin Shores” Rick Steves’ Europe The Game ’ (CC) The Game ’ (CC) Dateline A military man is attacked at night. (CC) CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition (N) (CC) Funny You Should Ask Seinfeld “The Couch” Rules of Engagement Intervention “Kimberly” ’ (CC) Intervention A rape victim is self-destructing. ’ Intervention “Brittany” ’ (CC) (:01) Intervention “Katie S.” ’ (CC) (:03) Intervention “Tom” ’ (CC) (5:30) ›››› “The Godfather” (1972, Drama) Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan. (CC) ›››› “The Godfather, Part II” (1974, Crime Drama) Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton. (CC) The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (CC) The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (N) (CC) The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (N) (CC) Stripped Ali and Justin embark on a experiment. Watch What Real Housewives Erin Burnett OutFront (N) (CC) Anderson Cooper 360 (N) (CC) CNN Special Report (N) (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) (:05) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) Moonshiners Mark and Digger seek redemption. Moonshiners: Outlaw Cuts “Episode 6” (N) (CC) Moonshiners “Pass the Juice” (N) ’ (CC) (:01) Tesla ’ (CC) (:01) Moonshiners “Pass the Juice” ’ (CC) (5:15) College Football Quick Lane Bowl -- Duke vs Northern Illinois. (N) Football Scoreboard College Football Cactus Bowl -- Kansas State vs UCLA. (N) (Live) (CC) SportsCenter Special (CC) E:60 E:60 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event.

SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) ›› “He’s Just Not That Into You” (2009, Romance-Comedy) Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore. (CC) ›› “The Wedding Planner” (2001, Romance-Comedy) Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey. (CC) The Story With Martha MacCallum (N) (CC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) (CC) Hannity (N) (CC) The Ingraham Angle (N) (CC) Fox News at Night (N) (CC) Chopped “Hero Chefs” (CC) Chopped Fermented milk drink kefir. (CC) Chopped Mediterranean foods; a prickly green. Chopped A flavorful wild leek in the basket. (N) Chopped Scotch eggs; fish and a black liquid.

(6:45) ››› “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase. ’ (CC) (8:55) ›› “Four Christmases” (2008) Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall. ’ (CC) The 700 Club ’ (CC) Tennis College Basketball Duquesne vs Southern Illinois. From Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. College Basketball Nevada vs San Francisco. From Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (5:00) ››‡ “The Equalizer” (2014) ’ (CC) ››› “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014, Action) Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton. ’ (CC) ››› “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014) (6:00) “Christmas Cookies” (2016) Jill Wagner. “Sharing Christmas” (2017, Drama) Ellen Hollman, Bobby Campo, Dave Koz. (CC) “Switched for Christmas” (2017, Drama) Candace Cameron Bure. (CC) Fixer Upper “The Colossal Crawford Reno” Fixer Upper An old Victorian. (CC) Fixer Upper “Austin Couple Finds Waco Charm” House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l Fixer Upper “Family Seeks Spacious Upgrade” Forged in Fire “Akrafena” ’ (CC) Forged in Fire “Knights Templar” ’ (CC) (DVS) The Curse of Oak Island “Special” (N) (CC) (:03) Hunting Hitler “Anatomy of a Manhunt” (N) (:03) The Curse of Oak Island “Special” (CC) Married at First Sight: Jamie and Doug Plus One Jamie and Doug welcome their baby girl. (CC) Married at First Sight “Holiday Game Night” (N) Married at First Sight Married at First Sight Married at First Sight: Jamie and Doug Henry Danger A criminal escapes from prison. Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Joker’s Wild Drop the Mic (N) (CC) Conan Actor Diego Luna; actor Aisha Tyler. (CC) (5:45) “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956) ››› “Madame X” (1966, Drama) Lana Turner, John Forsythe, Keir Dullea. ››› “Portrait in Black” (1960, Drama) Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn, Sandra Dee. Major Crimes “Conspiracy Theory: Part 3” (CC) Major Crimes “Conspiracy Theory: Part 4” (CC) Major Crimes Suspicion falls on a serial killer. (:01) Major Crimes “By Any Means: Part 2” (N) (:02) Major Crimes “By Any Means: Part 1” (CC) M*A*S*H (CC) M*A*S*H (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ Chrisley Knows Best Chrisley Knows Best WWE SmackDown! (N) ’ (Live) (CC) Chrisley Knows Best Chrisley Knows Best Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’

WEDNESDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

9 PM

NBA Basketball: Wizards at Celtics NBA Basketball Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder. From Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. (N) (CC) blackish ’ (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) Jimmy Kimmel Live ’ (Local Programming) The Big Bang Theory Kevin Can Wait (CC) Young Sheldon “Pilot” Man With a Plan (CC) Scorpion “Wreck the Halls” ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Late Show-Colbert (Local Programming) iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2017 ’ (CC) Whose Line Is It? (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Showtime at the Apollo “Christmas” (CC) (DVS) The Gifted “boXed in” ’ (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) NFL Football (Local Programming) Dr. Seuss’ Grinch ›› “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Children’s) Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski. ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Tonight Show-J. Fallon (Local Programming) Antiques Roadshow “Naughty or Nice” ’ (CC) Call the Midwife “Holiday Special” The midwives face a cold winter. (N) Independent Lens “Meet the Patels” Ravi Patel attempts to find a mate.

Wheel of Fortune (N) Jeopardy! (N) ’ (CC) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ’ (CC) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ’ (CC) 11Alive News at 10 (N) Brave Conquers Fear Killer Mysteries (CC) Corrupt Crimes (CC) The Doctor Blake Mysteries “Lucky Numbers” Midsomer Murders “Blood Wedding” (CC) Midsomer Murders (:39) Masterpiece Mystery! Otto and Elizabeth’s marriage. ’ (CC) (:03) Rick Steves Special: European Christmas The Game ’ (CC) The Game (CC) Dateline “Lost and Found” ’ (CC) CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition (N) (CC) Funny You Should Ask Seinfeld “The Race” Rules of Engagement (6:00) ›› “Walking Tall” (2004) The Rock. ’ ››› “The Rock” (1996, Action) Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris. ’ (CC) (:03) ›› “Walking Tall” (2004) The Rock. ’ (4:30) Rio Bravo (1959) ››› “The Cowboys” (1972, Western) John Wayne, Roscoe Lee Browne, Bruce Dern. (CC) ››› “El Dorado” (1967, Western) John Wayne, Robert Mitchum. (CC) (6:30) ››‡ “It’s Complicated” (2009, Romance-Comedy) Meryl Streep, Steve Martin. (CC) Vanderpump Rules “Back in the Saddle” (CC) RelationShep “Shepard Wives Club” (CC) ››‡ “It’s Complicated” (2009) Meryl Streep.

Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery (CC) Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery (CC) Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery (CC) Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery (CC) Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery (CC) ››› “Bad Santa” (2003, Comedy) Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly. (CC) ››› “Bad Santa” (2003, Comedy) Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly. (CC) (:05) ››› “Friends With Benefits” (2011) Garage Rehab “Blue Ribbon Automotive” (CC) Garage Rehab “Scotty’s Automotive” ’ (CC) Garage Rehab “Powersports and Abel Racing” Richard and crew go to Oklahoma. (N) ’ (CC) Garage Rehab “Garage Rehab Revisited” (CC) (6:00) SportsCenter (N) Monday Night (:15) NFL Football Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles. (N) (Live) SportsCenter College Basketball 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event.

2017 World Series of Poker Main Event.

2017 World Series of Poker Main Event. (Taped) 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event. (Taped) (6:30) ››› “Freaky Friday” (2003, Children’s) Jamie Lee Curtis. (CC) ››› “Freaky Friday” (2003, Children’s) Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon. (CC) ››› “Hairspray” (2007) John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky. (CC) The Story With Martha MacCallum (N) (CC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) (CC) Hannity (N) (CC) The Ingraham Angle (N) (CC) Fox News at Night (N) (CC) Holiday Baking Championship “Holiday Hoopla” Holiday Baking Championship (CC) Holiday Baking Championship (N) (CC) Christmas Cookie Challenge (CC) Christmas Cookie Challenge 2 (CC) (6:45) ››› “Elf” (2003, Children’s) Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart. ’ (CC) (8:50) ››› “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) Chevy Chase. ’ (CC) The 700 Club ’ (CC) World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open - Part 2. World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open - Part 3. World Poker World Poker World Poker ››‡ “Minions” (2015, Children’s) Voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm. ’ (CC) ››› “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014, Children’s) Voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler. ’ (CC) Train Dragon 2 (6:30) “Coming Home for Christmas” (2017) When Calls the Heart The renewal of Christmas spirit. (N) (CC) “A Dream of Christmas” (2016, Drama) Nikki DeLoach, Andrew Walker, Cindy Williams. (CC) Sleigh Bells Ring (CC) Beach Hunters (CC) Beach Hunters (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l American Pickers “Hydro Homestead” ’ (CC) American Pickers “No Stoner Left Unturned” American Pickers: Bonus Buys (N) ’ (CC) Pawn Stars (:33) Pawn Stars ’ (:03) Pawn Stars (CC) (:33) Pawn Stars (CC) (6:00) “A Gift Wrapped Christmas” (2015) (CC) ››‡ “The Holiday” (2006, Romance-Comedy) Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law. (CC) My Christmas Grandpa Ugly Christmas (6:00) Tiny Christmas The Thundermans (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) (6:00) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983) American Dad (N) ’ Family Guy (CC) (DVS) Family Guy (CC) (DVS) Family Guy (CC) (DVS) Tarantula “Shabzinzo” Tarantula “Pig Head” Conan Actor Bob Newhart; comic Tom Segura.

(6:00) ›››‡ “The Shop Around the Corner” ›››› “Rear Window” (1954, Suspense) James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey. (CC) ›››› “North by Northwest” (1959, Suspense) Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint. (CC) (DVS) (6:00) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983) ››› “Remember the Titans” (2000, Drama) Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Adeosun Faison. (CC) (DVS) NBA Basketball Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers. (CC) M*A*S*H (CC) M*A*S*H (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ (5:00) ›››‡ “Marvel’s the Avengers” WWE Monday Night RAW (N) ’ (Live) (CC) (:05) Modern Family ’ (:35) Modern Family ’

TUESDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

8:30

America’s Funniest Home Videos (CC) (DVS) ›››› “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) Voices of Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson. ’ (CC) Shark Tank A twist on a popular snack. ’ (Local Programming) 60 Minutes (N) ’ (CC) I Love Lucy Christmas Special ’ (CC) The Dick Van Dyke Show -- Now in-Color! Blue Bloods An ex-NYPD officer disappears. ’ (Local Programming) Christmas Eve (Local Programming) NFL Football The OT (N) (CC) The Simpsons ’ (CC) Ice Age: Christmas Family Guy ’ (CC) Bob’s Burgers ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Trolls Holiday Murray-Xmas ›››› “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946, Comedy-Drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) Christmas Eve Mass (Local Programming) Last Tango in Halifax “Holiday Special” (N) ’ Victoria on Masterpiece “Brocket Hall” ’ (CC) Victoria on Masterpiece ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Spelman-Morehouse 2017 Christmas Concert Saving Hope “Ride Hard or Go Home” ’ Rookie Blue Swarek’s training officer. ’ (CC) 11Alive News at 10PM The List (N) ’ (CC) Unexplained Unexplained Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert Christmas in Christ Chapel at Gustavus (CC) A St. Thomas Christmas: So Bright the Star ’ Celtic Thunder Christmas ’ (CC) Christmas at Concordia: Gather Us In, O Child Modern Family ’ (CC) Modern Family ’ (CC) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Major Crimes “Penalty Phase” (CC) Major Crimes A teenage girl vanishes. (CC) (5:00) ››› “The Rock” (1996) Sean Connery. ››‡ “Armageddon” (1998, Science Fiction) Bruce Willis. A NASA rep recruits an oil driller and his team of mavericks to save Earth from an oncoming asteroid. ’ (CC) (:33) Storage Wars ’ Ernest-Xmas ›› “A Christmas Carol” (1984, Children’s) George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence, Edward Woodward. (CC) ››› “Scrooged” (1988, Comedy) Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe. (CC) The Real Housewives of Atlanta (CC) The Real Housewives of Atlanta (N) (CC) ›‡ “Little Fockers” (2010, Comedy) Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. (CC) ›‡ “Little Fockers” (2010) Robert De Niro.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CC) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CC) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown “Marseille” Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown “Spain” (CC) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown “Lyon” (CC) (6:20) ›‡ “Blended” (2014, Romance-Comedy) Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. (CC) ››‡ “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: Unrated” (2006, Comedy) Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly. (CC) ››› Bad Santa (CC) Alaska: The Last Frontier “Alaska: The Last Frontier Christmas” ’ (CC) Alaska: The Last Frontier (N) ’ (CC) Alaska: The Last Frontier “Decision Time” (CC) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) SportsCenter (N) (CC) College Football Hawaii Bowl -- Fresno State vs Houston. (N) (Live) (CC) (6:00) 30 for 30 (CC) 30 for 30 The New York Knicks during their title runs in the 1970s. (CC) 30 for 30 A look back at the Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s and early 1990s. (CC) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) ››› “Hitch” (2005) Will Smith. A smooth-talking man falls for a hardened columnist while helping a shy accountant woo a beautiful heiress. (CC) ››› “Hitch” (2005, Romance-Comedy) Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James. (CC) Fox Report (N) (CC) OBJECTified (N) (CC) The Next Revolution With Steve Hilton (N) (CC) FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace (N) (CC) OBJECTified (CC) Guy’s Grocery Games (CC) Guy’s Grocery Games “Joy to the Judges” (CC) Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives “Northeast Feast” Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives “Amazing Asian” Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (CC) (6:35) ›› “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Children’s) Jim Carrey. ’ (CC) (:15) ››› “Elf” (2003, Children’s) Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart. ’ (CC) (:25) The Santa Clause World Poker World Poker UFC Main Event World Poker World Poker ›› “The Santa Clause 2” (2002, Children’s) Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell. ’ (CC) ›› “The Santa Clause 2” (2002, Children’s) Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell. ’ (CC) ›› “The Santa Clause 2” (2002) Tim Allen.

(6:00) “A December Bride” (2016, Drama) (CC) “Switched for Christmas” (2017, Drama) Candace Cameron Bure. (CC) “Finding Santa” (2017, Romance) Jodie Sweetin. (CC) “Christmas at Holly Lodge” (2017, Drama) (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) Hawaii Life (CC) Hawaii Life (CC) Island Life (CC) Island Life (CC) Beachfront Bargain Beachfront Bargain Caribbean Life (CC) Caribbean Life (CC) American Pickers “What’s Inside the Vault?” ’ American Pickers ’ (CC) (DVS) American Pickers “My Sweet Ford” (CC) (DVS) (:03) American Pickers “The $90,000 Question” (:03) American Pickers “Mikey Likes It” ’ (CC) (6:00) “Snowed Inn Christmas” (2017) (CC) ››‡ “The Holiday” (2006, Romance-Comedy) Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law. (CC) The Christmas Trap Delivering Christmas Nicky, Ricky Game Shakers ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) Surprise! Instant Xmas Carol! (CC) (DVS) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983, Children’s) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. (CC) (DVS) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983, Children’s) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. (CC) (DVS) (6:00) ›››‡ “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) ››› “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947, Fantasy) Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven. (CC) ›››‡ “The Bells of St. Mary’s” (1945, Drama) Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman. (CC) (5:45) ›››› “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983, Children’s) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. (CC) (DVS) ›››› “A Christmas Story” (1983, Children’s) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. (CC) (DVS) Reba “Encounters” ’ Reba ’ (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ (6:00) ››› “Thor” (2011, Action) Chris Hemsworth. (CC) (DVS) ›››‡ “Marvel’s the Avengers” (2012, Action) Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo. Premiere. (CC) (DVS) (:10) ›› “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”

MONDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

8 PM

7 PM

7:30

DECEMBER 27, 2017 11 PM

11:30

(Local Programming) The Goldbergs ’ Speechless (CC) (DVS) Modern Family ’ American Housewife Match Game Adam Carolla; Ana Gasteyer. (CC) (Local Programming) Jimmy Kimmel Live ’ (Local Programming) The Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special ’ (CC) SEAL Team “The Spinning Wheel” ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Late Show-Colbert (Local Programming) EA Madden NFL 18 Challenge (N) ’ (CC) Penn & Teller: Fool Us ’ (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) FOX College Pregame College Football Foster Farms Bowl -- Arizona vs Purdue. (N) ’ (Live) (Local Programming) The Wall “Prince and Chris” (N) ’ (CC) ››‡ “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” (2016) Jennifer Nettles. ’ (Local Programming) Tonight Show-J. Fallon (Local Programming) Nature Cats in the Americas. (CC) (DVS) NOVA Clues about what destroyed dinosaurs. SuperNature -- Wild Flyers Survival in the sky. (Local Programming) 11 Alive News at 7PM Sister Circle ’ (CC) Dateline “Tangled” ’ (CC) Dateline A body found in the aftermath of a fire. 11Alive News at 10 (N) Killer Mysteries (CC) Corrupt Crimes (CC) Antiques Roadshow “Kansas City” (CC) Antiques Roadshow “Scone Palace 2” ’ (CC) Rebecca A bride feels overshadowed by her husband’s first wife. (CC) Rick Steves’ Europe Secrets of Westminster ’ (CC) The Game ’ (CC) The Game ’ (CC) Dateline A mother never returns from jogging. CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition (N) (CC) Funny You Should Ask Seinfeld ’ (CC) Rules of Engagement Storage Wars ’ (CC) Storage Wars ’ (CC) Storage Wars ’ (CC) Storage Wars ’ (CC) Storage Wars Storage Wars (:01) Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour (N) ’ (CC) (:03) Storage Wars ’ (:33) Storage Wars ’ (:10) Into the Badlands (CC) (:11) Into the Badlands (CC) (:12) Into the Badlands (CC) (:13) Into the Badlands Sunny plays a game. (:14) Into the Badlands (CC) The Real Housewives of New Jersey (CC) The Real Housewives of New Jersey (CC) The Real Housewives of New Jersey (CC) The Real Housewives of New Jersey (CC) Watch What Real Housewives Erin Burnett OutFront (N) (CC) Anderson Cooper 360 (N) (CC) CNN Special Report (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) (:05) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) Homestead Rescue “Septic Bees” Owners need help cleaning up. (N) ’ (CC) Homestead Rescue “Storm Shelter Showdown” A hungry bear presents a big challenge. (N) (CC) (:01) Homestead Rescue ’ (CC) College Football New Era Pinstripe Bowl -- Iowa vs Boston College. (N) Football Scoreboard College Football Academy Sports and Outdoors Texas Bowl -- Texas vs Missouri. (N) (Live) (CC) College Basketball Eastern Michigan at Syracuse. From the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. (N) College Basketball Central Florida at Southern Methodist. From Moody Coliseum in Dallas. (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) (6:30) ›› “She’s All That” (1999) Freddie Prinze Jr.. (CC) ›› “No Strings Attached” (2011, Romance-Comedy) Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Cary Elwes. (CC) E! News (CC) The Story With Martha MacCallum (N) (CC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) (CC) Hannity (N) (CC) The Ingraham Angle (N) (CC) Fox News at Night (N) (CC) Iron Chef America (CC) Iron Chef Showdown “Battle Deep Sea Duel” Iron Chef Showdown “Battle Meaty Matchup” Iron Chef: Behind the Battle (N) (CC) Iron Chef America (CC) (6:30) ››› “Matilda” (1996) Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito. ’ (CC) ››› “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971, Children’s) Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum. ’ (CC) The 700 Club ’ (CC) UFC Fight Flashback Predators Preg NHL Hockey Nashville Predators at St. Louis Blues. From Scottrade Center in St. Louis. (N) (Live) Predators Live! Post. World Poker (6:00) ››‡ “The Wolverine” (2013, Action) Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada. ’ (CC) ››› “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014, Action) Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender. ’ (CC) (6:00) “Marry Me at Christmas” (2017) (CC) “A Rose for Christmas” (2016, Romance) Rachel Boston, Marc Bendavid, Venus Terzo. (CC) “Christmas Getaway” (2017, Romance) Bridget Regan, Travis Van Winkle. (CC) Property Brothers: Buying & Selling (CC) Property Brothers A family searches for a home. Property Brothers “Changing Direction” (CC) House Hunters (N) (CC) Hunters Int’l Property Brothers (CC) Pawn Stars Rick heads to Los Angles. ’ (CC) Vikings “The Prisoner” ’ (CC) (DVS) Vikings “The Message” Lagertha is betrayed. (:01) Knightfall Landry searches his past. (N) ’ (:02) Knightfall Landry searches his past. ’ Little Women: Atlanta “Rumor Has It” (CC) Little Women: Atlanta (N) (CC) Little Women: Atlanta “Big Little News” (N) (:02) Little Women: LA (N) (CC) (:12) Little Women: Atlanta “Big Little News” The Thundermans “Thunder in Paradise” (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House (CC) Full House (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal Conan (CC) (6:45) ››› “Cat People” (1942) (CC) (DVS) ›››‡ “The Producers” (1968) Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder. (CC) (:45) ›››‡ “The Front” (1976, Comedy-Drama) Woody Allen, Zero Mostel, Herschel Bernardi. The Angel Levine (6:00) ››‡ “Red” (2010, Action) Bruce Willis. The Librarians “And the Bleeding Crown” (N) The Librarians Baird joins Nicole on a mission. The Librarians “And the Bleeding Crown” (CC) The Librarians Baird joins Nicole on a mission.

M*A*S*H “The Bus” (:36) M*A*S*H (CC) (:12) Everybody Loves Raymond “Ray’s Ring” Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) ›› “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015, Romance) Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan. (CC) (DVS)

6C • Sunday, deCember 24, 2017

THURSDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

7 PM

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10:30

7:30

8 PM

8:30

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9:30

10 PM

10:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM

9:30

10 PM

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7 PM

11 PM

11:30

DECEMBER 29, 2017 11 PM

11:30

(Local Programming) Shark Tank ’ (CC) (DVS) (:01) 20/20 ’ (CC) (:01) 20/20 ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Jimmy Kimmel Live ’ (Local Programming) MacGyver “Ruler” ’ (CC) MacGyver “Screwdriver” ’ (CC) Blue Bloods “Hard Bargain” ’ (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) Late Show-Colbert (Local Programming) iHeartRadio Music Festival Night 2 ’ (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Hell’s Kitchen “Catch of the Day; It’s All Gravy” Sea creatures; a blind taste test. ’ (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit “Mood” ’ Dateline NBC (N) ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Tonight Show-J. Fallon (Local Programming) Washington Week (N) Washington Week (N) American Masters This Is Bob Hope ... ’ (CC) (Local Programming) 11 Alive News at 7PM Sister Circle ’ (CC) American Ninja Warrior ’ (Part 1 of 2) (CC) American Ninja Warrior ’ (Part 2 of 2) (CC) 11Alive News at 10 (N) Killer Mysteries (CC) Corrupt Crimes (CC) (6:00) PBA30 Specials PBA30 Specials For updates call (678) 553-9093.

PBA30 Specials For updates call (678) 553-9093.

CBS46 Surprise Squad Special Dateline “Someone Was Watching” ’ (CC) CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition (N) (CC) Funny You Should Ask The Game ’ (CC) The Game ’ (CC) (5:00) Live PD “Live PD -- 10.27.17” ’ (CC) Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol (:09) Fear the Walking Dead “Date of Death” (:09) Fear the Walking Dead “Wrath” (CC) (:09) Fear the Walking Dead “North” (CC) (:13) Fear the Walking Dead The Clarks get into a predicament. (CC) Fear the Walking Dead Married to Medicine Simone plans a surprise. Married to Medicine (CC) ›› “The Game Plan” (2007, Children’s) Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Madison Pettis, Kyra Sedgwick. (CC) ›› The Game Plan Erin Burnett OutFront (N) (CC) Anderson Cooper 360 (N) (CC) The Eighties “Video Killed the Radio Star” (CC) The Eighties “The Tech Boom” (CC) The Eighties “Greed Is Good” (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) (:05) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) Gold Rush “The Devil’s Finger” ’ (CC) Gold Rush: Pay Dirt “The Holy Grail” (N) (CC) Gold Rush “Busted and Bushfixed” ’ (CC) (:01) Gold Rush “The Legend of Dozer Dave” (:01) Gold Rush “Busted and Bushfixed” (CC) College Football Football Pregame Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic USC vs Ohio State. (N) (Live) (CC) College Basketball Teams TBA. (N) (Live) College Basketball Kansas at Texas. From the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. (N) (CC) College Basketball Washington State at UCLA. ›› “The Wedding Planner” (2001) Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey. (CC) ›‡ “Bride Wars” (2009, Comedy) Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Johnston. (CC) E! News (CC) The Story With Martha MacCallum (N) (CC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) (CC) Hannity (N) (CC) The Ingraham Angle (N) (CC) Fox News at Night (N) (CC) Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive The Grill Dads (N) (CC) Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Harry Potter-Chamber ››› “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004, Children’s) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson. ’ (CC) Beyond ’ (CC) The 700 Club ’ (CC) Hurricanes Live! Pre. NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes. From PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. (N) (Live) Hurricanes Live! Post. XTERRA Adventures Golf Life: Major Series of Putting (6:00) ››‡ “Fast & Furious 6” (2013, Action) Vin Diesel, Paul Walker. ’ (CC) ››› “Furious 7” (2015, Action) Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson. ’ (CC) (6:00) “Christmas Getaway” (2017) (CC) “Christmas Next Door” (2017, Romance) Jesse Metcalfe, Fiona Gubelmann, Jacob Blair. (CC) “My Christmas Dream” (2016, Drama) Danica McKellar, David Haydn-Jones, Deidre Hall. (CC) Lottery Dream Home Lottery Dream Home Lottery Dream Home Lottery Dream Home Lottery Dream Home Lottery Dream Home House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l Ancient Aliens “The Akashic Record” ’ (CC) Ancient Aliens: Declassified (N) ’ (CC) Bring It! Oz-inspired choreography challenge. Bring It! “Fan Chat: A Very Bring It! Holiday” (N) Bring It! Secret plans for a slumber party. (N) (:02) The Rap Game “4 Lit for Life” (N) (CC) (:12) The Rap Game To Be Announced Henry Danger “Danger Games” Dr. Minyak plans to ruin a concert. (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) Seinfeld “The Doll” ’ Seinfeld ’ (CC) ›› “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” (2008, Comedy) Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui. (CC) (DVS) ››‡ “Bruce Almighty” (2003, Comedy) Jim Carrey. (CC) (DVS) (6:00) ›››‡ “Mildred Pierce” (1945, Drama) ›››› “Jules and Jim” (1962, Drama) Jeanne Moreau, Oskar Werner, Henri Serre. ›››‡ “Apollo 13” (1995, Historical Drama) Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon. (CC) Bones A man is found dead in a well. ’ (CC) ›› “The Expendables 3” (2014, Action) Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas. (CC) (DVS) ›› “The Expendables 3” (2014, Action) Sylvester Stallone. (CC) (DVS) M*A*S*H “Hawkeye” M*A*S*H (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family “iSpy” Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’

SATURDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

DECEMBER 28, 2017

(Local Programming) To Tell the Truth ’ (CC) The $100,000 Pyramid ’ (CC) Match Game ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Jimmy Kimmel Live ’ (Local Programming) The Big Bang Theory (:31) Young Sheldon The Big Bang Theory (:31) Mom ’ (CC) S.W.A.T. A newcomer jeopardizes his career. ’ (Local Programming) Late Show-Colbert (Local Programming) iHeartRadio Music Festival Night 1 ’ (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story” (2017) Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Lil’ Kim. ’ (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Superstore (CC) (DVS) Will & Grace ’ Will & Grace ’ Great News (N) (CC) Chicago Fire Kidd is surprised to be transferred. (Local Programming) Tonight Show-J. Fallon (Local Programming) The This Old House Hour (N) ’ (CC) Call the Midwife “Holiday Special” The midwives face a cold winter. (CC) Antiques Roadshow “Naughty or Nice” ’ (CC) (Local Programming) 11 Alive News at 7PM Sister Circle ’ (CC) Law & Order: Criminal Intent “Cold Comfort” Law & Order: Criminal Intent Adolescents. (CC) 11Alive News at 10 (N) Killer Mysteries (CC) Corrupt Crimes (CC) An Evening With Gwen Ifill ’ (CC) In Their Own Words “Muhammad Ali” ’ (CC) Independent Lens Claressa “T-Rex” Shields. ’ (CC) (DVS) Summer Hill ’ Finding Your Roots “Funny Business” ’ (CC) CBS46 Better Call Harry Dateline “The Player” ’ (CC) CBS46 News at 9pm (N) Inside Edition (N) (CC) Funny You Should Ask The Game ’ (CC) The Game ’ (CC) The First 48 “M.I.A.” A welder goes missing. ’ The First 48 “Deadly Lies; Stay Down” ’ (CC) The First 48 “Runner Runner” ’ (CC) The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All (N) (CC) (:03) The First 48 “A Fighting Chance” ’ (CC) (6:58) Fear the Walking Dead “Monster” (CC) (7:59) Fear the Walking Dead (CC) Fear the Walking Dead “Ouroboros” (CC) (:01) Fear the Walking Dead (CC) (:03) Fear the Walking Dead “Captive” (CC) Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (CC) Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (CC) Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (N) (CC) Top Chef The chefs make kid-menu classics. (N) Watch What Million Dollar LA Erin Burnett OutFront (N) (CC) Anderson Cooper 360 (N) (CC) CNN Special Report (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (N) (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) (:05) South Park (CC) (:35) South Park (CC) Naked and Afraid “Ashes to Ashes” ’ (CC) Naked and Afraid “Survival School” A divemaster and a Navy Seal. (N) ’ (CC) Naked and Afraid Stranded in the Belize Jungle.

College Football: Camping World Bowl Football Scoreboard College Football Valero Alamo Bowl -- Stanford vs TCU. (N) (Live) (CC) College Basketball Tulane at Temple. From the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. (N) (Live) (CC) College Basketball Pacific at Gonzaga. From McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash. (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) (6:00) ›› “No Strings Attached” (2011) Natalie Portman. (CC) ››› “Hitch” (2005, Romance-Comedy) Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James. (CC) E! News Sofia Vergara’s marriage secrets. (N) The Story With Martha MacCallum (N) (CC) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) (CC) Hannity (N) (CC) The Ingraham Angle (N) (CC) Fox News at Night (N) (CC) Chopped Naan and blood sausages. (CC) Chopped Duck tongue in the first basket. (CC) Chopped Small plates and creative drinks. (CC) Beat Bobby Flay (N) Beat Bobby Flay (CC) Beat Bobby Flay (CC) Beat Bobby Flay (CC) (6:30) Movie Night With Karlie Kloss “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (Series Premiere) Karlie and her friends watch a film. (N) ’ (CC) Beyond (N) ’ (CC) The 700 Club ’ (CC) College Basketball Providence at St. John’s. From Carnesecca Arena in Queens, N.Y. (N) (Live) Tennis PowerShares Series: SoCal Honda Dealers Helpful Cup. College Basketball Providence at St. John’s.

(6:00) ››› “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014) Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy. ’ (CC) ›› “White House Down” (2013, Action) Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal. ’ (CC) (6:00) “The Christmas Cottage” (2017) (CC) “Enchanted Christmas” (2017, Romance) Alexa PenaVega, Carlos PenaVega, Randy Wayne. (CC) “A Gift to Remember” (2017, Romance) Peter Porte, Ali Liebert, Jennifer Koenig. (CC) Flip or Flop (CC) Flip or Flop (CC) Flip or Flop (CC) Flip or Flop (CC) Flip or Flop Fort Worth Flip or Flop Vegas House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l American Pickers A piece of space-age history. American Pickers ’ (CC) (DVS) American Pickers The guys fork over big bucks. (:03) American Pickers “Time Warp” (CC) (DVS) (:03) American Pickers “Jersey’s Jackpot” ’ Grey’s Anatomy “Blues for Sister Someone” ’ ›› “Stepmom” (1998) Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon. A New York fashion photographer contends with her boyfriend’s children and ex-wife. (CC) Married at First Sight Married at First Sight Henry Danger Infiltrating a secret villain meeting. ››› “Megamind” (2010, Children’s) Voices of Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey. ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) Seinfeld “The Sponge” Seinfeld “The Rye” ’ Seinfeld “The Caddy” Seinfeld “The Seven” The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Conan Musician “Weird Al” Yankovic. (CC) (6:00) ›› “Firecreek” (1968) James Stewart. ››› “The Dolly Sisters” (1946, Musical) Betty Grable, John Payne, June Haver. (CC) (:15) ›››‡ “Annie Get Your Gun” (1950, Musical) Betty Hutton, Howard Keel. (CC) NCIS: New Orleans A petty officer is murdered. NBA Basketball Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics. From TD Garden in Boston. (N Subject to Blackout) (Live) (CC) NBA Basketball Philadelphia 76ers at Portland Trail Blazers. (Live) (CC) M*A*S*H “Dear Peggy” M*A*S*H (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Damnation Creeley meets his master. (N) (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ’

FRIDAY EVENING ABC CBS CW FOX NBC PBS WATL WPBA WPCH A&E AMC BRAVO CNN COMD DSC ESPN ESPN2 E! TV FNC FOOD FREE FSSO FX HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK TBS TCM TNT TVLAND USA

gwinnettdailypost.com

7 PM

7:30

DECEMBER 30, 2017 11 PM

11:30

(Local Programming) The Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s life and family. Match Game Caroline Rhea; Chris D’Elia. (CC) Ten Days in the Valley “Day 8: Against Type” (Local Programming) (Local Programming) Hawaii Five-0 A murderer targets serial killers. 48 Hours ’ (CC) 48 Hours ’ (CC) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) (Local Programming) The Gifted Thunderbird searches for answers. Lethal Weapon “Let It Ride” ’ (CC) (DVS) (Local Programming) Hell’s Kitchen “Tower of Terror” ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Dateline NBC ’ (CC) Saturday Night Live (N) ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Saturday Night Live ’ (Local Programming) ACL Hall of Fame New Year’s Eve (N) ’ (CC) (Local Programming) Wheel of Fortune (CC) Jeopardy! ’ (CC) Saving Hope “Pink Clouds” ’ (CC) (DVS) Rookie Blue The squad searches for Chris’ son. 11Alive News at 10PM Sing Like a Star (N) ’ Ring of Honor Wrestling (CC) (6:00) PBA30 Specials PBA30 Specials For updates call (678) 553-9093.

PBA30 Specials For updates call (678) 553-9093.

Atlanta Eats The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory CBS46 News at 9pm (N) ››‡ “Celeste and Jesse Forever” (2012, Romance-Comedy) Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg.

(5:00) Live PD “Live PD -- 10.28.17” ’ (CC) Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Live PD: Police Patrol Fear the Walking Dead (:18) Fear the Walking Dead “La Serpiente” (:19) Fear the Walking Dead “Brother’s Keeper” (:19) Fear the Walking Dead (CC) (:20) Fear the Walking Dead “El Matadero” (CC) Fear the Walking Dead The Real Housewives of Atlanta (CC) ››› “Hitch” (2005, Romance-Comedy) Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James. (CC) ››› “Hitch” (2005, Romance-Comedy) Will Smith, Eva Mendes. (CC) CNN Newsroom With Ana Cabrera (N) (CC) CNN Special Report (CC) The Nineties “Isn’t it Ironic?” (CC) The Nineties “Terrorism Hits Home” (CC) The Nineties “New World Order” (CC) (6:55) ››› “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004) Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor. (CC) ›› “Tommy Boy” (1995, Comedy) Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy. (CC) (:05) “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (CC) Street Outlaws: Countdown to Bristol (N) (CC) Street Outlaws: Countdown to Bristol (N) (CC) Street Outlaws: Countdown to Bristol “Episode 11” (N) ’ (CC) Street Outlaws Spanish Chuck puts on a race.

Fiesta Bowl Pre/Post Studio Show (:10) Capital One Orange Bowl Capital One Orange Bowl -- Wisconsin vs Miami. (N) (Live) (CC) (:40) Postgame (N) (CC) College Basketball Texas A&M at Alabama. (N) 30 for 30 (CC) 30 for 30 SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) ››› “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006, Comedy) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Adrian Grenier. (CC) ››› “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006, Comedy) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Adrian Grenier. (CC) Fox Report (N) (CC) Watters’ World (N) (CC) Justice With Judge Jeanine (N) (CC) The Greg Gutfeld Show (N) (CC) Watters’ World (CC) Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives “Mex to the Max” Eat, Sleep, BBQ (N) Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Harry Potter ››› “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” (2010, Fantasy) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson. ’ (CC) “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” Driven Hurricanes Live! Pre. NHL Hockey Carolina Hurricanes at St. Louis Blues. From Scottrade Center in St. Louis. (N) (Live) Hurricanes Live! Post. World Poker (5:30) ›› “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014) Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci. ’ (CC) ››‡ “Jurassic World” (2015, Adventure) Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Irrfan Khan. ’ (CC) Baskets “Freaks” (CC) (6:00) “Switched for Christmas” (2017) (CC) “Royal New Year’s Eve” (2017, Romance) Premiere. (CC) 2018 Winterfest Pre. “Christmas in Evergreen” (2017, Romance) Ashley Williams, Teddy Sears, Barbara Niven. (CC) Property Brothers (CC) Property Brothers “Lakeside Dreaming” (CC) Property Brothers (CC) House Hunters Renovation (CC) House Hunters (CC) Hunters Int’l American Pickers “Scrappy Go Lucky” ’ American Pickers A stuntman in New Mexico. American Pickers “High Energy Crisis” ’ (:03) American Pickers ’ (CC) (DVS) (:03) American Pickers “Big Money Rides” (CC) (6:00) “Stalker’s Prey” (2017) Cynthia Gibb. “Web Cam Girls” (2017, Drama) Arianne Zucker, Sedona Legge, Lorynn York. Premiere. (CC) (:02) “Fatherly Obsession” (2017, Suspense) Molly McCook, Ted McGinley. Premiere. (CC) The Thundermans (CC) The Thundermans (CC) The Thundermans “Thundermans: Banished!” Full House ’ (CC) Full House ’ (CC) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Friends ’ (CC) Friends ’ (CC) Seinfeld ’ (CC) Seinfeld “The Stall” ’ The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Full Frontal Joker’s Wild (6:00) ››‡ “Follow the Boys” (1963) (CC) ›››‡ “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962, Suspense) Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh. (CC) ››› “Robin and the Seven Hoods” (1964) Frank Sinatra. (CC) (5:30) ››‡ “Red 2” (2013) Bruce Willis. ››‡ “San Andreas” (2015, Action) Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario. (CC) (DVS) ››‡ “Now You See Me” (2013) Jesse Eisenberg. (CC) (DVS) The Golden Girls (CC) The Golden Girls (CC) Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Everybody Raymond Mom ’ (CC) Mom ’ (CC) The King of Queens ’ The King of Queens ’ Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (CC) (DVS) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit “Imposter” Modern Family ’ Modern Family ’

bestbets SUNDAY

MONDAY

8 p.m. on NBC Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

10 a.m. on ABC Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration The traditional Very Merry Christmas Parade is a big part of this new special presented from the Disney company’s theme parks, with Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey as hosts and Jesse Palmer as co-host. Among the performers putting their own spins on traditional holiday tunes: 98 Degrees (of which Lachey is a member), Lea Michele, Jason Derulo, Ciara, Darius Rucker, Fifth Harmony, Fitz and the Tantrums, and “Aladdin” stage-production veterans Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs.

Small-town guy George Bailey (James Stewart) defers one big dream after another to stay home, marry a local girl (Donna Reed) and run the family business. Facing financial ruin, he’s pulled from suicidal despair by angel Clarence (Henry Travers), who shows him how terrible the world would have been if he’d never lived. Lionel Barrymore also stars in director Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, a Christmas Eve television tradition.

TUESDAY

“ It’s a Wonderful Life”

9 p.m. on CBS The 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors A yearly tradition is maintained with this celebration of five major contributors to American culture, staged at the title site in Washington, D.C. This year’s honorees are music superstars Gloria Estefan and Lionel Richie, television producer Norman

Nick Lachey Lear (“All in the Family,” among numerous other shows), hip-hop icon and “NCIS: Los Angeles” co-star LL Cool J and actressdancer-choreographer Carmen de Lavallade. Such other talents as Meryl Streep, Luke Bryan, Rob Reiner, Queen Latifah, Stevie Wonder and Rita Moreno take the stage to offer tributes.

WEDNESDAY 8 p.m. on TNT The Librarians In the new episode “And the Bleeding Crown,” Flynn (Noah Wyle) unexpectedly slips into full-blown fanboy mode when Darrington Dare, a favorite Li-

brarian hero, appears from the past to help the present-day team take down a powerful ancient enemy who has been unleashed into the modern world.

Before Dare leaves his new companions, though, he issues a dire warning that he says they ignore at their peril: There can be only one Librarian. Another new episode follow 10:01 p.m. on HIST Knightfall Landry (Tom Cullen) receives the help of a somewhat unlikely guide — a pagan, no less — as he searches his past in a new episode called “He Who Discovers His Own Self, Discovers God.” Elsewhere, Gawain (Padraic Delaney) pursues a murder investigation, and Princess Isabella (Sabrina Bartlett) suffers a cruel betrayal. Simon Merrells and Olivia Ross also star.

THURSDAY 10 p.m. on CBS S.W.A.T. Jim Street (Alex Russell) hasn’t been on the S.W.A.T. team very long, and he may not be there much longer after he tries to help his mother (guest star Sherilyn Fenn, “Twin Peaks”) —

who’s behind bars — in “Pamilya.” The resulting problems force Hondo (Shemar Moore) to make a decision about Street’s professional future.

FRIDAY 9 p.m. on LIFE Bring It! Dianna drops a bombshell in the new episode “Secrets, Lies, and Slumber Parties”: She will be taking only five Dancing Dolls at the end of the season to a National Competition.” Rittany hatches a devious scheme with Dana to throw a slumber party that doubles as a covert dance workshop, and not everyone is on their guest list. When that confidential invitation list is discovered, tempers explode.

Caitlyn to design her gown for a New Year’s ball. The prince plans to pop the question at the gala, but he and Caitlyn feel some sparks in this 2017 romance. Cheryl Ladd also stars.

9 p.m. on ABC Match Game Four contestants compete for a shot at winning $25,000 by trying to match the fill-in-the-blank answers provided by the panel of celebrities: comic Caroline Rhea, Chris D’Elia (“Undateable”), Judah Friedlander (“30 Rock”), Judy Greer (“Archer”), Mekhi Phifer (“Frequency”) and Vivica A. Fox (“Empire”). Alec Baldwin is host.

SATURDAY 8 p.m. on HALL Movie: Royal New Year’s Eve Caitlyn (Jessy Schram, “Once Upon a Time”), an aspiring fashion designer, gets a fairytale break when Prince Jeffrey (Sam Page, “House of Cards”) and Lady Isabelle (Hayley Sales, “Cedar Cove”), the woman he is expected to marry, come to town and Isabelle hires

Jessy Schram

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • 7C

RESTAURANT SCORES Restaurant Address.................................................................................Score DEC. 14 INSPECTIONS Abu Grill Mediterranean Bistro 5050 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 180, Norcross.......................100 Arby’s No. 1821 1945 Indian Trail, Norcross ......................................................100 Arena Tavern 2000 Satellite Blvd., Duluth ......................................................100 Chases Grille and Wingery 125 Lawrenceville St., Suite 400, Norcross ............................100 Chilango Taco Bar 2785 Cruse Road, Suite 6, Lawrenceville.................................99 Chili’s Grill and Bar No. 517 3520 Gwinnett Place Drive, Duluth ...........................................87 Firehouse Subs 1740 Indian Trail Road, Norcross...............................................96 I Luv Bowling 4500 Satellite Blvd., Suite 1240A, Duluth .................................95 Johnnys Sports Bar and Grill 1455 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 110, Lawrenceville...................91 McDonald’s 3226 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee .......................91 Mi La Cay Restaurant 4500 Satellite Blvd., Suite 1150, Duluth.....................................88 My Friend’s Place 6601 Sugarloaf Parkway, No. 210, Duluth.................................88 Noona 3550 W. Lawrenceville St., Suite 310, Duluth ...........................99 Pure Taqueria 3108 Main St., Duluth.................................................................96 Sai Poona Restaurant 3665 Club Drive, Suite, 104, Duluth ..........................................88 Sushi Nami Suwanee 4369 Suwanee Dam Road, Suwanee ....................................100 Thai Lotus 4825 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite E, Lawrenceville .....................87 To Dahm Gol 2442 Pleasant Hill Road, No. B-3, Duluth .................................86 Wendy’s No. 23 2385 Mall of Georgia Blvd., Buford ...........................................90 Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers No. 42 1935 Indian Trail Road, Norcross ..............................................96 DEC. 15 INSPECTIONS Sang Lok Soo 3547 Old Norcross Road, Suite B, Duluth ................................92 DEC. 18 INSPECTIONS American Deli 1825 Rockbridge Road, Suite 16A, Stone Mountain ...............91 American Deli 4060 Buford Drive, Suite D and E, Buford ..............................100 Best Dream Wings 2930 Old Norcross Road, Suite 400, Duluth ............................87 Cinco Mexican Restaurant 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Suwanee .............92 Dunkin Donuts 5870 Cumming Highway, Sugar Hill .........................................95 Italian Cuisine 5245 Langford Park Drive, Suite H, Norcross...........................80 Jang Dok Dae 2550 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 204, Duluth .............................91 Kaito Wings and Hibachi 1330 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite D1, Sugar Hill ............100 Mila’s Pupuseria 950 Indian Trail Lilburn Road, Suite 2E, Lilburn........................85

PET OF THE WEEK

Restaurant Address.................................................................................Score Murray’s In A Hurry 6659 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite A, Peachtree Corners..100 My Specialtea Shop and Kids Cafe 5514 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite A, Lilburn ........................100 Olive Garden No. 1070 3565 Mall Blvd., Duluth ..............................................................93 P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Mall of Georgia 3333 Buford Drive, No. VA03, Buford ........................................ 74 Pearls Garden BBQ 45 Satellite Blvd., Suite 3B & C, Suwanee................................86 Provino’s Italian Restaurant 3420 Buford Drive, Buford .........................................................95 Wicked Sushi and Grill 3200 Woodward Crossing Blvd., Suite B101, Buford .............100 Wow Boiling Sea 5370 U.S. Highway 78, Suite 790 and 795, Stone Mountain 100 DEC. 19 INSPECTIONS American Deli 2615 Pleasant Hill Road, No. 400, Duluth.................................91 Asian Garden 2463 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Suite 210, Dacula .......................84 Bare Bones Steakhouse 115 E. Main St., Suite C12, Buford ............................................90 Chung Dam 2550 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 401, Duluth..............................94 Curry in a Hurry 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 750, Norcross ........................91 Eastern China Taste 1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 3, Suwanee ...............100 El Coyote Feo 6034 South Norcross Tucker Road, Suite E, Norcross ............96 Green Tomato Buffet 256 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville ............................................92 Hello Smoothie 3333 Buford Drive, Unit 1073A, Buford ...................................100 Johnny’s NY Style Pizza 2023 Grayson Highway, Suite 110, Grayson.............................88 Los Reyes Mexican Grill 4195 S. Lee St., Suites F & E, Buford .......................................87 Paleteria Las Delicias 4735 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 500, Lawrenceville................100 Pho Tai 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite A-7, Duluth .............................100 Sri Krishna Vilas 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., No. 765, Norcross............................84 Taco Bell No. 30601 50 Celebration Drive, Suwanee...............................................100 View Point Health CLK Crisis Stabilization Unit 615 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville .................100 Wyndham Garden 1948 Day Drive, Duluth ..............................................................83 DEC. 20 INSPECTIONS Boulder Creek Coffee 233 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville ............................................100 Harue Food 3585 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 122, Duluth ..................87 Kabab King 5775 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 190, Norcross.........................89 Yuka Roll and Pho 1197 Old Peachtree Road, Suite A, Suwanee ..........................98

Happy Holidays &

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PROVIDERS: Dawn Eckler NP-C

Dr. Saurabh Dhawan MD, FACC

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Brad is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix who has the sweetest smile, and volunteers and staff have gotten to see his amazing, easy-going side and the happy twinkle in his eye. However, Brad has had a difficult past, spending most of his life in and out of various shelters. He requires a home without children and is looking for owners who are patient, consistent, loving and dedicated to continuing the training that we have started with him here.

Brad is nervous when meeting strangers and can sometimes be overly protective of his favorite people.

While not your typical dog, his loyalty, his heart, his intelligence, and of course that handsome smile, are what make him the most amazing dog.

We are hoping we can find him an equally amazing owner. A generous donor has sponsored Brad’s adoption fee, so he is fee-free for an approved adopter.

Brad has been neutered, disease tested, given age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, and is up to date with flea/tick prevention. A 24Petwatch microchip will be listed in the adopter’s name, and he comes with 30 days of pet insurance.

If you are interested in seeing any of the pets up for adoption, visit the Georgia SPCA, located at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, in Suwanee, or call at 678-765-2726.

Providing Top Rated Intensive and Preventive Cardiology Care Everyday.

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Dr. Salman Ashfaq MD, FACC, FSCAI

Each week the Gwinnett Daily Post will feature an animal available for adoption at the Georgia SPCA, which is located at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, Suwanee, GA 30024. The hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 until 4 p.m. You can see the rest of the adoptable cats and dogs at www.georgiaspca.org.

Please contact our office to arrange a referral today:

678-430-3110

BRASELTON/HOSCHTON: Medical Plaza 1 1515 River Place, Suite 140 Braselton, GA 30517

NEW LAWRENCEVILLE: 771 Old Norcross Road, Suite 105 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 BUFORD: 4700 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Suite 200 Buford, GA 30518 HABERSHAM/DEMOREST: 638 Historic Hwy. 441 North, Suite C Demorest, GA 30535 JOHNS CREEK/DULUTH: 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 305 Johns Creek, GA 30097

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8C • Sunday, deCember 24, 2017

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BAPS charity donates food, goods to GCPS

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Representatives from Berkmar High School, Board of Education chair Louise Radloff and members of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu Temple in Lilburn, gathered to celebrate the donation and collection of goods for the Berkmar Care Closet.

Hundreds of pounds were donated by the temple and BAPS charity, an international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

Radloff said the partnership between Gwinnett County and BAPS is just beginning.

Both Berkmar and Meadowcreek are clusters that worked together on this project that sent

Good News from Schools

Trevor McNaboe food off to children in the school system who have a need over the Christmas break.

“This is an amazing partnership and we are really pleased to have the temple on board with us,” Radloff said. “We really look forward to a great working relationship.”

One way the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple was able to collect

fully integrate French language and culture into daily instruction.

In 2015, Vedder transferred from the local school to the district level to provide additional support for world languages and DLI programs, first as an instructional coach, and then as an instructional specialist for languages and dual language immersion.

The Order des Palmes academique is a national order of the Republic of France that recognizes distinguished academics and contributors in the fields of education and culture.

The award was founded Members from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, GCPS Board member Louise Radloff by Emperor Napoleon and Berkmar High School representatives pose for a picture in front of the Berkmar in 1805 and is bestowed upon French citizens or Care Closet. (Staff Photo: Trevor McNaboe) foreign nationals who food was by encouragtemple to bring a canned “We are so excited at make major contributions to the expansion of French ing guests that toured the food item.

BAPS to be a partner in this great cause,” a repre- language and culture. sentative from BAPS said.

Meadowcreek High “There is no greater time School expands its than the holidays to help partnership with if not many, at least one Travelers child to have some meals.”

This week, MeadowGCPS foreign language creek High School announced it had become a specialist earns award partner of Travelers’ edufrom France The French Ministry of cation program, Travelers Empowering Dreams for Education awarded Virin Vedder, a Gwinnett Coun- Graduation and Employty Public Schools foreign ment. The program serves as a career pipeline to language instructional specialist, with the Palmes increase access to education for underrepresented Académiques (Order of students and prepare them Academic Palms) Silver for careers in the insurCross (Chevalier). ance and financial services Vedder’s work came to the attention of the French industry. Travelers EDGE launched in 2007 and has Consulate when its delegation visited Gwinnett’s partnerships with high schools and colleges, French Dual Language including Georgia State Immersion classrooms University. In addition at Trip Elementary and to Georgia, the program French classrooms at the serves students in Conmiddle and high school necticut, Minnesota and level. Vedder said he is Maryland. humbled by the award.

For the past three “This award reinforces years, Meadowcreek High the value of what I enjoy doing every day,” he said. School and its School of International Busi“I’m honored that I can ness have collaborated help expand knowledge with Travelers through of the French language InVEST, a program that and culture in my capacseeks to improve insurity. More importantly, this recognition spotlights ance literacy in students and attract talent to the the team members in our industry. Through this procounty, who work diligently each day to achieve gram, Travelers employees have provided more than these same goals.”

125 students with inforVedder was among a mation related to insurgroup of GCPS teachance and the many careers ers who piloted the first within the industry. The middle school Carnegie new partnership with Unit French programs Travelers EDGE complein the school district. ments the work being He went on to open Trip done with InVEST. Elementary School as an “Meadowcreek High assistant principal — a School is excited to role he filled when the enhance our partnerschool was selected to host the first GCPS French ship with Travelers and Dual Language Immersion Georgia State University,” said Tommy T. Welch, program, which began principal of Meadowwith kindergartens in creek High School. “Our 2014. Those students are top programs provide currently in third grade and are in their fourth year students with opportunities to develop the skills of the program.

Vedder says without the and knowledge needed for today’s colleges and support of many people, careers.” including Jon Valentine, This fall, two students director of foreign language, the school district’s attending Georgia State DLI program would not be University, who graduated from Meadowcreek High successful.

“This honor reflects the School, were accepted into Travelers EDGE. value GCPS places on One is studying business foreign language educamanagement with a minor tion,” Vedder said. “We in computer information are supported by parents who want their children to and the second is studyrecognize, understand, and ing finance. Each student appreciate our global com- will receive comprehenmunity and ever-shrinking sive support over the next world. We’re very grateful four years in academics, networking, finances and that the French Ministry exposure to the insurance of Education has chosen industry. to spotlight the strength “Expanding Travelers of our programs with this EDGE to Georgia is a award.”

The decision to include big step for the program and Meadowcreek High French at Trip as part School is the perfect of the DLI program was based on Vedder’s French partner,” said Tom Davis, second vice president of language proficiency and Offer good for one item at regular price only. Limit one coupon per customer per middle market at Travelhis ability to support this day. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Offer is not valid with any other coupon, discount or previous purchase. One cut or one bolt of fabric or trim ers and Travelers EDGE complex and innova"by the yard" equals one item. Online fabric & trim discount is limited to 10 yards, single cut. Excludes CRICUT® products, Gemini Machine™ Crafters Companion, liaison. “It will enhance tive new program.

As a Silhouette CAMEO® Machine, candy & snack products, gum & mints, helium tanks, gift cards, custom orders, labor, rentals or class fees. Cash Value 1/10¢. our relationship with the French-speaking adminschool and with proistrator, Vedder had the grams in the area such as singular ability to interInVEST, INROADS and view and hire exemplary French-speaking teachers The Posse Foundation, providing even more stuand to ensure that these dents with opportunities teachers had the support to succeed.” they needed to success-