August 30, 2020 — Gwinnett Daily Post

A2 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com POLITICAL NOTEBOOK

McCormick announces Young Professionals Leadership Committee

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Republican 7th Congressional District candidate Rich McCormick has assembled several local businessmen and women to serve on a Young Professionals Leadership Committee that he announced this past week.

The committee will be led

by Duluth-based dentist, Dr. Eric Anderson. Other members will include: Dr. Rocco Romeo; Dr. Lattisha L. Bilbrew; Inte-

rior Contract Services CEO Stephen Weed; state Rep. David Clark; Blevins & Hong PC Partner Soo Hong; finanRich cial advisor McCormick and Gwinnett Young Professionals member Sam Heath; Killian Hill Christian School Athletic Director Ray Holden; Dereimer Design owner Matt Dereimer; LTRC Ops President Grant McGarry;

B Real Estate Services LLC owner/CEO Corell Bilbrew; former state Rep. Scott Hilton; Acreage Compass CEO Justin Hawkins; Kelley Guthrie; Marshall Orr; Kendall Chamberlain; Ben Stout; Ben Walters; and Logan Hamilton.

“I can see how the ‘free stuff’ liberals are offering young people might seem attractive.

But the reality is nothing the government provides is ‘free’ it must be paid for with the fruits of someone else’s labor,” McCormick said. “I am proud that Seventh District

Millennials understand that only free market capitalism encourages innovation, rewards hard work and offers limitless opportunity.”

Gwinnett Chamber set to host virtual commission candidates forum Gwinnett County residents will get a chance to hear from the candidates running for the three open seats on the county commission in early September.

The Gwinnett Chamber announced this past week that it will hold a candidates forum for the commission races at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8. The featured races include commission chairman, commission District 1 and commission District 3.

For the chairman’s race, Democratic nominee Nicole Love Hendrickson and Republican nominee David Post are expected to participate. For the District 1 race, Democratic nominee Kirkland Carden and Republican nominee Laurie

McClain are participating.

Meanwhile, District 3 Republican nominee Ben Archer and Democratic nominee Jasper Watkins are being promoted as participating in the forum.

The forum will be broadcast as a Zoom seminar. The link to watch the forum will be sent to residents once they register at bit.ly/31zLTZ7.

Residents who have questions for the candidates can send them to aperry@gwinnettchamber.org by 5 p.m. on Sept. 4.

Gwinnett to begin closures at Briscoe Field runway for resurfacing work

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Pilots who fly in and out of Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville will find it harder to fly to or from the airport start-

ing this week.

Gwinnett County officials said they plan to start phasing in the closure of Briscoe Field’s runway for resurfacing work on Monday. Although weather conditions will be a factor in how long the clo-

sure lasts, officials said they expect the work to continue through mid-October.

“While we are pleased to get this much-needed resurfacing underway, we do recognize the impact this has on the flying public,”

NOTICE OF CONDEMNATION TO DONROB INVESTMENTS, LP and ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: The City of Sugar Hill, Georgia seeks to acquire certain property necessary to construct a transportation and sidewalk project. Said project will realign the intersection of Level Creek Road and West Broad Street. The property to be acquired is the property commonly known as 1196 Level Creek Road, Sugar Hill, Georgia, (Gwinnett County Tax Parcel R7291 061) and is more particularly described as:

Gwinnett County Department of Transportation director Alan Chapman said.

“We are working closely with the contractor to get the work done as quickly as possible and to get the runway fully re-opened.

Airport staff also has com-

Beginning at a point located at the intersection of the south side of West Broad Street and the northwest side of Level Creek Road; Thence from said point of beginning so located South 57 degrees 09 minutes 06 seconds West a distance of 94.55 feet along the northwest side of Level Creek Road to a point; Thence North 01 degrees 14 minutes 16 seconds West for a distance of 73.71 feet to an iron pin found on the south side of West Broad Street; Thence along the south side of West Broad Street South 74 degrees 32 minutes 27 seconds East for a distance of 84.07 feet to a point and the point of beginning.

The City Council of the City of Sugar Hill, Georgia will consider a resolution to authorize the acquisition of the above referenced property by the use of the power of Eminent Domain at a meeting on September 14, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Sugar Hill City Hall located at 5039 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518. All interested parties and the general public are invited and encouraged to attend.

work is underway should move their planes by Sunday, according to county officials.

The pilots are also being urged to check the notice to airmen, also known as NOTAM, before planning flights out of the airport.

Lawrenceville city leaders considering selling city’s water distribution system to Gwinnett

By Curt Yeomans

All the tract or parcel land lying and being in Land Lot 291 of the 7 th District section of City of Sugar Hill, Gwinnett County, Georgia and being more particularly described as follows:

municated with airport tenants, so pilots are aware and able to move their aircraft as needed.”

Pilots who have planes parked at the airport and have concerns about whether they can fly out of Briscoe Field while the resurfacing

curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The Lawrenceville City Council is expected to meet next week to make a city a major decision concerning the city’s water distribution system.

The city’s leaders are going to decide whether to sell the system to Gwinnett County.

City officials said they are looking at selling the system because of its age. Their options were to raise rates to maintain it or sell it to the county, according to an announcement from the city.

“The city of Lawrenceville’s decision is based on the customers’ best interest being served through the long-term benefit of Gwinnett County’s management of the water system,” officials said in an announcement. “Gwinnett’s nationally acclaimed Department of Water Resources has a long history of proactively managing water infrastructure with an extensive and wellfunded preventative maintenance program.

“Due to the age of system, the City Council had been contemplating a significant

water rate increase for residential customers over the next several years in order to complete system upgrades.”

Lawrenceville water customers could see their bills go up, or decrease, depending on the type of service they had once the sale is completed. Residential customers are expected to see an increase in their monthly bill, but commercial customers are expected to see their monthly bill decrease.

The city will provide a onetime bill credit to water customers to cover the first year of increases in their bills.

Eighty percent of the water that Lawrenceville water customers get is purchased by the city from the county.

City officials said the county will get the municipal water system’s water mains, valves, hydrants and meters with billing systems, customer water usage data, easements and GIS data also transferred to the county.

Lawrenceville will retain ownership of its wells, storage tanks and water treatment plants, however.

“In exchange for the distribution system, Gwinnett

County will pay the city of Lawrenceville a one-time payment of $400,000 and guarantee a minimum of $13.3 (million) in repairs, replacements, rehabilitation and upgrades to the system over the next 10 years,” city officials said in their announcement. “In addition, the county will provide two properties on Ezzard Street to the city.”

The City Council will vote on the sale during a special called meeting at 11 a.m. on Monday and the Gwinnett County Water and Sewage Authority is expected to take up the proposal on the same day. The county commission is expected to vote on the proposal at its 2 p.m. business meeting on Tuesday.

If all of the parties agree to the sale, the system is expected to be transferred to the county in early December.

Lawrenceville residents are expected to receive details within the next few weeks about how the transfer will take place if the sale is approved.

Residents can find information about the city’s water department at www.lawrencevilleutilities.com/35/ Water-Resources.

CORRECTION The article, “Meeting the Need: Atlanta Community Food Bank opens new food distribution center in south Gwinnett,” which appeared in Sunday’s edition of the Daily Post — as well as a photo which ran with the story — misidentified Atlanta Community Food Bank President Kyle Waide The Daily Post regrets the error.

PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING A PROPOSED PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING A PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

REVERSE PARADE & FIREWORKS

SEPT. 5, 2020 Downtown 6-8pm ~ Reverse Parade. Drive-thru patriotic entertainment in parking lot at YearOne Muscle Car Parts, 10101 Cherry Dr., Braselton, GA (off GA 53 in Downtown Braselton).

After Dark ~ BIG Fireworks Show!!

* Park downtown to see the fireworks from the comfort of your vehicle or a socially-distant picnic. * Downtown shops & restaurants will be OPEN.

Find details about this socially-distant event. www.facebook.com/DowntownBraselton www.DowntownBraselton.com

The City of Buford Board of Commissioners today announces its intention to increase the 2020 property taxes it will levy this year by 9.33 percent over the rollback millage rate.

Each year, the county board of tax assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.

The budget to be tentatively adopted by the City of Buford Board of Commissioners requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate, therefore, before the City of Buford Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Buford City Arena, 2795 Sawnee Avenue, Buford, GA 30518, on August 3, 2020 at 7:00 PM and also at Buford City Arena, 2795 Sawnee Ave, Buford, GA 30518, on September 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM and also at 7:00 PM.

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, august 30, 2020 ♦ A3

WORLD & NATION

WORLD

Berlin police halt march protesting German government’s coronavirus response Berlin police ordered a halt to a demonstration Saturday protesting the German government’s COVID-19 response, citing the crowd’s failure to abide by social distancing guidelines.

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, including a large contingent of far-right groups and members identifying with the QAnon conspiracy platform.

Few of the demonstrators wore masks or followed social distancing guidelines as they waved flags and marched towards the Brandenburg Gate for a final rally, where about 20,000 people from Germany and other European countries were expected to gather.

Some held up placards showing German lawmakers with the word “guilty” underneath, while others waved imperialist flags usually associated with far-right group “Reichsbuerger,” or displayed tributes to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Just hours into the demonstration, Berlin police tweeted that they were dispersing the marchers.

“Unfortunately, we have no other option: We approached the leader of the demonstration and informed him that his meeting would be dissolved by the police,” police said on Twitter.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns for health reasons Shinzo Abe, the longestserving Japanese prime minister in history, has resigned, citing health reasons.

“Even though there is one year to go in my tenure and there are challenges to be met, I have decided to stand down as prime minister,” said Abe at a press conference in Tokyo on Friday, adding that he would like to apologize to the people of Japan for being unable to fulfill his duties during the coronavirus pandemic.

Abe suffers from colitis, a non-curable inflammatory bowel disease, which was also a factor in his sudden resignation as prime minister in 2007, ending his first term after just over a year in office.

Tour de France officials grapple with staging the world’s toughest bike race in a pandemic It’s set to be a Tour de France like no other.

Watched on television by millions across the world, the annual race is deeply embedded in French culture as it weaves its way across countryside, mountains, towns and cities before concluding on Paris’ Champs-Elysées.

The Tour is normally held during July, but the global pandemic caused the Aug. 29 start. The pandemic and a recent spike in new infections in France has also left organizers with a real logistical challenge in how best to stage the 23-day race.

To ensure the race is completed, teams will be expelled from the 2020 event if at least two riders or members of staff show strong symptoms or test positive.

— From wire reports

After rough stretch, Trump campaign hoping for post-convention bounce

By Kevin Liptak and Kaitlan Collins CNN

Standing mask-less last week at the counter of Arcaro & Genell Takeaway Kitchen in Old Forge, Pennsylvania — “Pizza Capital of the World” — President Donald Trump found himself, for the first time in a long time, in the role of retail politician.

“Why did you want to come here?” someone asked.

“Because they have great pizza,” the president replied, lifting open a box top and holding the pie aloft.

The world-altering circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic have also altered the world of Trump’s campaign. His poll numbers sank to historic lows. The charging economy that once formed the centerpiece of his reelection argument has stalled.

And the arenas where his fans jammed shoulder-toshoulder stand vacant.

It’s why Trump, who for most of his presidency has avoided interacting with voters on their turf, found himself posing with a box of steaming hot pizza on the day Joe Biden officially became the Democratic nominee.

“You look forward to the day it comes down?” he asked the pizzeria’s manager when he noticed the plexiglass barrier separating staff from customers — a COVID-era requirement in Pennsylva-

evan Vucci/ap

President Donald Trump speaks from the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday, the fourth day of the Republican National Convention. nia and many other states for businesses to reopen.

“Me too.”

If this week’s Republican National Convention offered a view of Trump’s presidency that buffed away the flaws — an alternate world where crowds gathered without masks and the pandemic was mostly referenced in the past tense — the coming days and weeks will amount to a return to Earth. Trump remains a candidate still trailing in polls, confronting a virulent pandemic and struggling to offer rationale for a second term.

The reality started setting in less than 24 hours

after Trump spoke: his fireworks and opera-capped acceptance speech garnered a smaller television audience than Biden’s by more than 2 million viewers.

The next critical campaign juncture comes in a month, when Trump will face Biden for their first televised debate in Cleveland. While aides have already begun preparing the President for the showdown, it remains an open question whether he’ll adhere to their strategy — or, like four years ago, tell advisers he’s relying on instinct.

Looking at a daunting electoral map showing Trump

NATION

As Laura heads east, hundreds of thousands left with no power ahead of hot weekend In one coastal Louisiana community, the power may be out for months after Hurricane Laura lashed the state with violent winds and heavy rain earlier this week.

Across the Mid-South, the storm has left more than half a million people without power, according to poweroutage.us.

That’s especially dangerous for communities in parts of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas that are still reeling from the storm’s damage and under a heat advisory for this weekend.

Temperatures in areas across the three states are slated to reach the mid-90s Saturday but could feel close to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, according to CNN meteorologist Tyler Mauldin.

Laura, now a post-tropical cyclone, is moving east towards the Mid-Atlantic states with winds of about 25 mph. Although it’s weakened significantly since landfall, severe weather threats remain, including rain, strong winds and isolated tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

The death toll Saturday was 13, authorities said.

Louisiana officials have confirmed 10 storm-related deaths. Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Twitter that five of those were from the use of portable generators indoors.

Edward reported earlier that at least four died due to falling trees.

david J. phillip/ap

Floodwaters cover the street under downed utility wires Friday in Cameron, Louisiana, after Hurricane Laura moved through the area Thursday.

In Port Arthur, Texas, three people died from carbon monoxide poisoning, a county official told CNN on Friday.

Former officer in George Floyd killing asks judge to dismiss charges against him Former Minneapolis police officer fficer Derek Chauvin has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges against him in the death of George Floyd.

In court papers Friday, Chauvin’s attorney says there is not probable cause to support charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd’s killing sparked protests against systemic racism and police brutality around the world.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said Friday that Floyd’s killing was so cruel that they want stricter sentences than recommended by state guidelines if Chauvin and the three other officers involved are found guilty.

Floyd died on May 25 af-

ter Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost eight minutes. Three other former officers are charged with aiding and abetting seconddegree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

All four officers were fired.

Prosecutors filed a notice that they will be asking for an “upward sentencing departure” in the cases of Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Kiernan Lane and Tou Thao.

Fires set at Portland police union building as protests continue Fires were set outside a Portland police union building early Saturday morning, according to police, as demonstrations in the city over racial injustice stretched into their third month.

Protesters gathered just after 12:01 a.m. Saturday at the Portland Police Association building, which has been the site of numerous demonstrations in recent weeks, a statement from the Portland Police Bureau said.

trailing Biden in several states he won handily in 2016, Trump’s advisers are hoping a post-convention bounce will erode Biden’s steady lead and make the race more competitive heading into the fall. Trump was in a jubilant mood Friday after his speech, according to three people who spoke with him.

But Trump is entering the final stretch of the campaign in an historically bad place.

A CNN poll of polls average heading into the national political conventions found 51% of registered voters nationwide backed Biden while 42% supported Trump.

Multiple dumpsters were wheeled into the road and at least one was lit on fire, the statement said. Demonstrators then put debris “against the front door of the building, appeared to spray accelerant on it, and lit it on fire.”

Protesters were ordered to disperse so that police could extinguish the fire, PPB said.

As they approached, protesters threw objects, including rocks, at officers, police said.

Some officers suffered “minor injuries.” Police used “crowd control munitions” but did not use tear gas, according to the PPB statement.

Multiple arrests were made, police said, and an arson investigator responded to the scene.

2 Russian aircraft make ‘unsafe’ intercept of US Air Force B-52 bomber Two Russian aircraft made an “unsafe, unprofessional” intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber on Friday over the Black Sea and in international waters, according to a statement from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs.

The Russia pilots crossed within 100 feet of the nose of the B-52 multiple times and also caused turbulence to the B-52 restricting its ability to maneuver, according to the statement.

“Actions like these increase the potential for midair collisions, are unnecessary, and inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, in the statement.

— From wire reports

PEOPLE

‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman dies at 43 Actor Chadwick Boseman, who brought the movie “Black Panther” to life with his charismatic intensity and regal performance, has died.

Boseman has battled colon cancer since 2016 and died at home with his family and wife by his side, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account. He was 43.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you so many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement said.

“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”

With his role as King T’Challa in the boundarybreaking film “Black Panther,” he became a global icon and an inspiring symbol of Black power. That role was the “honor of (Boseman’s) career,” the statement said.

A South Carolina native, Boseman graduated in 2000 from Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C. While there, he also attended the British American Drama Academy at Oxford in 1998.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of alumnus Chadwick Boseman who passed away this evening. His incredible talent will forever be immortalized through his characters and through his own personal journey from student to superhero! Rest in Power, Chadwick!” University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement.

Boseman’s breakout performance came in 2013 when he played Jackie Robinson in the film “42.” Boseman’s passing was announced the day Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson Day, an annual commemoration delayed by several months due to the pandemic.

“His transcendent performance in ‘42’ will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come,” Major League Baseball tweeted Friday about the actor.

Boseman made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2016 as T’Challa/Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War.” Black Panther then got his own standalone movie that released in 2018, which broke box office records. Marvel Studios president had previously announced the second movie of the “Black Panther” saga would debut in theaters in May 2022.

MTV VMA performances will take place outside due to pandemic Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards will be unlike the any of the event’s previous shows.

Although the broadcast will go on despite the coronavirus pandemic, producers have made major adjustments for health precautions.

The backdrop for this year’s show will be New York City, featuring performances set outside, with limited or no live audiences.

Keke Palmer is set to host.

— From wire reports

Bright satellites in the thousands could impact future space discoveries

By Ashley Strickland CNN

Large constellations of bright satellites in low-Earth orbit will “fundamentally change” astronomy that relies on groundbased telescopes — and could even change the appearance of our night sky as viewed from Earth, according to a new report.

This cluttering of the sky includes satellite constellations currently orbiting Earth, like SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, and thousands of potential upcoming satellite constella-

MUST READ tions that could be launched in the future. It’s estimated that 107,000 low-Earth orbit satellites are scheduled to be launched in the next decade.

The astronomy community grew concerned about these manmade constellations after SpaceX’s initial launch of 60 Starlink communication satellites on a single rocket in May 2019.

Prior to launch, SpaceX had suggested that the satellites would be just barely visible,

according to the American Astronomical Society. Within days of the launch, it was clear to astronomers and stargazers alike that the metal satellites, which reflected the light of the sun, appeared as bright as astronomical constellations in the night sky.

In fact, the formation of satellites orbiting Earth and their unique “strands of pearls” appearance actually led to people reporting UFO sightings because they didn’t realize satellites could be so visible in our night sky, the AAS says.

One of the goals of these constellations of LEOsats, as low-Earth orbit satellites are known, is to help provide communication in remote areas.

“I think it’s commendable and very impressive engineering to spread the information and opportunities made possible by internet access,” said Megan Donahue, president of the American Astronomical Society, in a statement. “But I, like many astronomers, am very worried about the future of these new bright satellites.”

noiRlab / nsF / auRa / p. marenfeld

Large constellations of bright satellites in low-Earth orbit will “fundamentally change” astronomy that relies on groundbased telescopes — and could even change the appearance of our night sky as viewed from Earth, according to a new report. In this photo, an artist’s illustration of constellation satellites in low Earth orbits is seen.

A4 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com COLUMNIST I KEITH ROACH

Vitamin A may help to recover sense of smell

D

EAR DR. ROACH: My 90-year-old mother lost her sense of smell several years ago. We think it was related to a new medication. I read that vitamin A deficiency can be responsible for this, and I have reason to believe she has a real deRoach ficiency. She also has poor night vision, dry eyes and skin problems.

Her doctor nixed the idea of taking any quantity of vitamin A or beta carotene.

I am perplexed. Can you think of any reason why she shouldn’t try 5,000-10,000 IU daily for a month or two?

Would moderate kidney damage preclude vitamin A in these doses? Is there a test for deficiency?

— M.M. ANSWER: Vitamin A is important for eye, bone and skin health, and it is also necessary for a properly running immune system.

But vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is possible to get vitamin A toxicity. It’s also teratogenic at high doses — meaning, it can cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women.

Doses greater than 6,000 IU should not be taken by women who might be pregnant.

I found an article from 1962 showing that healthy people who lose their sense of smell can improve the sense by treatment with vitamin A. More recently, there have been studies looking at using vitamin A preparations directly to the nose.

So, there is some reason to believe that it might help.

There is a test for vitamin A deficiency. The blood level can be measured directly.

Vitamin A deficiency is seen most frequently in people who have medical issues with absorption, such as celiac, but especially after gastric bypass surgery.

I don’t know why her doctor is flat refusing to consider the diagnosis. Either a therapeutic trial or measuring the level seems reasonable.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have the solution to prevent intertrigo under the breast.

It is a properly fitted bra!

The breasts must be lifted by the cups, and the circumference must be snug.

A good bra is an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe.

I have 40 years of fitting women of all shapes and sizes in my lingerie shop, and have helped many women who were suffering needlessly.

— M.F.W. ANSWER: I thank M.F.W. for writing. Many women wear bras that are not fit properly, and this can lead not only to intertrigo (inflammation, often complicated by bacterial or fungal infection) but also to pain in the breast. Even the medical boards I take every 10 years have questions on breast pain and the importance of getting a properly fitted bra. There are more brands now, with many more sizes available, or a woman can get custom fitted by a boutique with expertise in fitting women, such as M.F.W.’s.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

WEATHER WATCH TODAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

40%

40%

10%

10%

20%

30%

86 72

83 71

50%

88 71

90 70

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 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

MINOR 3:54-4:54 a.m............. 6:28-7:28 p.m.

POLLEN COUNTS trees: none weeds: High grass: none

LOTTERY

89 71

85 69

87 70

LAKE LEVELS

SOLUNAR TABLES the gwinnett daily post (upSp 921-980, iSSn 1086-0096) is published wednesday, Friday and Sunday by Scni, 725 old norcross Road, lawrenceville, ga 30045. periodical postage paid at lawrenceville, ga 30044. poStmaSteR: Send address changes to gwinnett daily post, p.o. Box 603, lawrenceville, ga 30046-0603.

HOROSCOPES

Lake Full Yesterday allatoona ............(840.0) .... 840.35 Blackshear ......... (237.0) .... 236.89 Blue Ridge........(1690.0) .. 1682.65 Burton..............(1865.0) .. 1865.33 carters.............(1072.0) ...1071.50 chatuge ........... (1927.0) .. 1923.25 Harding .............. (521.0) .... 520.30 Hartwell .............(660.0) .... 659.97 Jackson..............(530.0) .... 528.63

Lake Full Yesterday lanier............... (1071.0) ... 1071.15 nottely..............(1779.0) ...1771.73 oconee ..............(435.0) .... 434.82 Seminole...............(77.5) .......77.58 Sinclair ...............(339.8) .... 338.87 thurmond ..........(330.0) .... 330.05 tugalo ................ (891.5) .....888.16 walter F. george.(188.0) ..... 187.67 west point..........(635.0) .... 635.49

TODAY IN HISTORY

Saturday cash 3 midday: 0-7-7 cash 4 midday: 6-8-6-5 ga. 5 midday: 8-0-5-4-5 Friday cash 3 midday: 1-2-8 cash 3 evening: 3-5-5 cash 3 night: 1-0-4 cash 4 midday: 0-2-7-9 cash 4 evening: 3-1-5-3 cash 4 night: 1-2-3-1 ga. 5 midday: 8-9-9-6-3 ga. 5 evening: 7-7-0-2-2 Fantasy 5: 1-7-9-31-34 mega millions: 3-9-50-53-64, mega Ball: 1 cash For life: 27-29-33-34-57, cash Ball: 4

TODAY’S HISTORY: in 1945, British forces ended Japan’s occupation of Hong Kong. in 1963, a united States-Soviet diplomatic teletype “hotline,” intended to prevent accidental war, was installed. in 1967, the u.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of thurgood marshall as the first Black Supreme court justice. in 1996, Russian and chechen leaders agreed to a ceasefire, ending the First chechen war.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: mary wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851), author; Huey long (1893-1935), politician; Shirley Booth (1898-1992), actress; Roy wilkins (1901-1981), civil rights activist; Fred macmurray (1908-1991), actor; ted williams (1918-2002), baseball player; warren Buffett (1930- ), businessman/

philanthropist; Robert crumb (1943- ), writer/illustrator; peggy lipton (1946-2019), actress; lewis Black (1948- ), comedian; Robert parish (1953- ), basketball player; cameron diaz (1972- ), actress; andy Roddick (1982- ), tennis player.

TODAY’S FACT: the number of hours americans spent online increased more than 100% between 2000 and 2018, from 9.4 hours per week to 23.6 hours per week.

TODAY’S SPORTS: in 1905, ty cobb made his major-league debut for the detroit tigers.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “president eisenhower was a fine general and a good, decent man, but if he had fought world war ii the way he fought for civil rights, we would all be speaking german now.” -- Roy wilkins

READER’S GUIDE

Gwinnett Daily Post editor – todd cline main office – 770-963-9205

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COLUMNIST I AMY DICKINSON

Engagement brings on family snark

D

EAR AMY: Recently I have become engaged to a wonderful man. We have had our share of ups and downs in our 10-year relationship.

That aside, now that we are engaged, he wants a huge wedding, while I do not. I believe a big wedding is a lot of thankless work for greedy slobs on both sides of the family.

I am estranged from my immediate family, so there would be an awkward and empty place in the proceedings where my family might be if things were different.

He knows I am estranged, (gladly so, especially from my mother, who is highly toxic), but he is still stuck on the idea of a huge wedding.

How can I explain my side without being snide or cruel?

— Don’t Want a Big Fat Wedding DEAR DON’T WANT: Well, in describing your situation to me you have been both snide and cruel, so unless you can walk back that “greedy slobs on both sides” comment, you two might have a bigger (and much more important) problem than negotiating the size of your wedding.

Given your history and the deeply cynical view you have of families in general (certainly of the two families who might take part in a wedding), I suggest that

you and your fiance meet with a couples counselor (you can do this virtually) for some in-depth coaching. In Dickinson discussing the size of your wedding, you two will be prompted to disclose other, deeper issues that you might have been suppressing — or ignoring — during your long history together.

Choosing to get married is a supremely optimistic act, worthy of celebration.

Whether your celebration is tiny or tremendous, you deserve to feel that this next step is right, perfect, and a declaration of the kind of family you want to be a part of.

DEAR AMY: A month ago, my friend “Daniel” disclosed to me that he was being abused by his boyfriend, “Edward,” another friend of mine.

I took Daniel at his word and decided to quietly discontinue my friendship with Edward. Soon after this conversation, I learned that Edward was telling people that he was the one being abused, and that Daniel was labeling him the perpetrator in order to further isolate him.

I firmly stand by the idea of believing survivors, but I don’t know how to recon-

cile that with two opposing accusations.

As if this weren’t enough, the situation has wreaked havoc on my own abuserelated PTSD. I’m not looking for you to deduce who’s telling the truth, I just have no clue how to start unpacking this.

If either Daniel or Edward asks me for further support, what should I say?

What if I reach the wrong conclusion, side with an abuser, and further harm the victim?

How would I even support a survivor facing false allegations, when others believe he’s the perpetrator?

— Accusations At Odds DEAR AT ODDS: I don’t believe it is necessary (or perhaps even possible) to tease out the absolute truth in order to respond appropriately to both men.

You should convey to both: “I’m so sorry this is happening. It is important that you two separate and that you each get individual professional help.”

In order to guard your own recovery, you might not be able to be a consistent sounding board to either man, and pointing each toward counseling will emphasize a boundary that you should maintain.

DEAR AMY: I’m glad you are suggesting online games for people to play to keep in touch with oth-

ers during this pandemic.

Please include the game Dungeons and Dragons, which has made a re-emergence in the last few years.

There are many different platforms for people to play online with other people. You can find beginner groups where an experienced game or dungeon master can help you establish your game or even lead your game. There are online videos to teach you the rules and how to play and build characters.

It’s a great way to meet new people, have a lot of fun, and use creative and strategic skills.

Many famous people have been opening up about playing Dungeons and Dragons for years. Even Dame Judi Dench has been known to play while on movie sets!

— Elanorel, High Elf Druid DEAR HIGH ELF DRUID (I’VE BEEN WAITING MY ENTIRE CAREER TO ADDRESS A LETTER THUS): Thank you so much for your suggestion. If D&D entertains Dame Judi, it should be good enough for the rest of us.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.

You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

Take control, be direct and ask for what you want. It’s up to you to take advantage of what’s available to you.

Taking swift action will keep you ahead of any competition you face. Make positive change your objective to achieve the best results.

ViRgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Verify information that comes your way. Don’t rely on others to give you the information you require. Handle legal and financial matters yourself. Put more thought into your personal life. liBRa (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take the initiative to do what’s best for you. Step away from people who lower your self-esteem and toy with your emotions. Don’t jump into something you aren’t ready for.

ScoRpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Deal with a sensitive issue before it escalates.

Pay attention to loved ones and friends you may have neglected due to your busy schedule. Romance is encouraged. Make peace when necessary.

SagittaRiuS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) — Look at the possibilities, but don’t jump into something without collecting the facts and figures. You can make home improvements as long as you stick to a budget. capRicoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A change someone makes will blindside you.

Take a step back and consider your options before you complain. An intelligent approach will ensure that you come out on top. aQuaRiuS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don’t feel that you must change to appease others. Do what’s best for you, and give others the freedom to do as they please. Focus on building confidence and expressing yourself. piSceS (Feb. 20-March 20) — Make up your mind and follow through with your plans. Let your intuition guide you to the path that best suits you. Romance will bring you closer to a loved one. aRieS (March 21-April 19) — Don’t leave anything to chance. It’s up to you to take charge and make your voice heard. Arguing won’t help, but knowledge, information and a solid plan will. tauRuS (April 20-May 20) — Your feelings will be hard to hide. Face the facts, address problems and do your best to fix what isn’t working.

Do your own thing without worrying about the actions of others. gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don’t ignore what’s going on around you. Being fully aware of what others are doing will give you the edge you need. Don’t let an emotional incident cause a rift between you and a loved one. canceR (June 21-July 22) — An unexpected turn of events will leave you scrambling to maintain order. Don’t let anger set in when balance and harmony are what’s required. Be smart and keep the peace. leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take time to rest. You need to maintain strength and avoid unnecessary health risks. Take the necessary precautions, regardless of what others do. Rethink your strategy and how you spend your time.

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

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, august 30, 2020 ♦ A5

ROWEN From A1 The Rowen Foundation, the nonprofit group formed to develop and manage Rowen, expects it will take a year-and-ahalf to two years for construction to begin at the nearly 2,000acre site. The research park will be located on state route 316 between Dacula and the Gwinnett-Barrow county line.

The development is expected to generate 18,500 jobs by 2035 and as many as 100,000 once fully built out decades from now.

“This is a multi-generational project,” Commissioner Jace Brooks said. “This will impact Gwinnett County for the next several decades and so I’m excited to see what will become of it for my children and my grandchildren.”

What is Rowen?

Rowen is, at its core, a research park, but officials are describing more as a “knowledge community” that will include residential and town square spaces as well as research and office spaces.

The 316 corridor, which is in the process of becoming limited access, was designated years ago by county leaders as a research and biomedicalfocused corridor for development. Research that takes place at Rowen will be focused on the medical, agricultural and environmental fields.

Hundreds of acres at the currently undeveloped site will remained wooded and the project is also expected to include wooded paths and green spaces.

The Rowen project has drawn comparisons from county leaders to the Research Triangle in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina as well as other major research-focused communities. It will have close access to research and educational facilities at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Emory University, Gwinnett Technical College and Georgia Gwinnett College.

But, local officials also see it as something that goes beyond even the research areas that they compare it to.

“We envision a place the world hasn’t quite experienced before but deeply needs, particularly as we take on challenges like pandemics,” Rowen Foundation board chairman Sachin Shailendra said. “A place where 100-year-old oak trees will inspire 25-year-old innovators.

Where young parents can take their children to engage with nature.

“Where diverse residents, researchers, entrepreneurs and visitors will have their professional, cultural and even entertainment needs met.”

‘A new chapter’

One theme that was repeated by local and state officials who talked about Rowen is the far reaching impact it will have on the county, as well as the state of Georgia.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson called the project a “mega site,” and both he and Gov. Brian Kemp weighed in on its potential far-reaching impact as the project was announced this past week “By planning to focus on three of our state’s historical economic drivers and areas of expertise — agriculture, the environment and medicine — Rowen has the potential to create a new chapter of discovery and innovation that will enrich the State of Georgia for many years to come,” Kemp said.

“This project holds tremendous promise as an exceptional addition to our strong economic development portfolio.”

Wilson praised Gwinnett leaders for working on the project and for coming up with a way to govern it through the non-profit.

“As a purpose-focused ‘mega site’ in the metro Atlanta region, this project offers a unique opportunity to tie the unmatched research capabilities provided by our university system to strategic industry areas where the state excels — agriculture, the environment and health sciences,” Wilson said.

Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Nick Masino

said he sees Rowen transforming Gwinnett in the future in the same way that past development, such as Technology Park and the Western Electric Plant, which is now home to OFS, served as catalysts to transform Gwinnett from a rural community to more urban community that it is now.

“It is absolutely as important in the timeline of those other developments, it’s just that we’re a much more mature community, and in the past, we were much more open to general uses (but) the county and the nonprofit foundation board is going to be very specific about what’s allowed in the park,” Masino said.

A home to innovation

News of Rowen comes as Gwinnett continues as construction continues on a new Water Tower innovation and research facility at the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources center.

Officially, the two will separate entities, but Nash didn’t rule out the possibility that their respective work will tie into each other.

“I absolutely see ways that the two could play off of each other,” she said. “We may have folks who are doing some type of research at Rowen and they have the opportunity to use use our state-of-the-art water treatment facility and our water facilities as real world examples of what is happening.”

Masino said Gwinnett has already a destination for innovation with research and development in areas such as telecommunications and genetics already taking place at businesses located in the county. Part of that, he said, is due to STEM educational programs at K-12 schools such as the Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technolog, the Paul Duke STEM High School and the McClure Health Sciences High School.

“Rowen and The Water Tower will just accelerate what we’re already strong at,” Masino said.

“We will, in 10 years, be more of a household name in innovation than we already are.”

In the works for years

Rowen is not an idea that was cooked up recently.

County Commissioner Tommy Hunter said he and Nash discussed the idea of a project like Rowen as far back 2013, but Commissioner Jace Brooks said he felt it’s something county officials have dreamed about for decades.

“It’s exciting to finally have gotten here to this point from 2013,” Hunter said. “It’s something that we hoped for that we could pull off because of what it could do for us in the future for our children and our grandchildren to have the opportunities to find work and the opportunity, at this one spot, to not have to leave Gwinnett County to be able to take their innovative minds and use them to better everyone around.”

Other commissioners shared Hunter’s and Nash’s enthusiasm for the project.

“I’m excited about this project and the research opportunities and the future technologies that are going to be able to come out of this project and this research center, and to be able to connect all of our universities and colleges and the great minds that we have here in Georgia to really create the next generation of technology and innovation here in Gwinnett,” Commissioner Ben Ku said.

Commissioner Marlene Fosque said she is ecstatic about the project.

“When we think about the future and we think about 3040 years down the line and the impact that we will make with this project, I’ve already been practicing MAE — MAE meaning medical, agricultural and environmental — already looking at the focuses and what we’re going to be doing with the biomedical research and the technology and the innovation,” Fosque said.

“And, really it’s not just about Gwinnett County. It’s about impacting lives, changing generations, thinking about how, when we have the COVID — who knows, we may have a medical facility that will come up with an answer for whatever illness may be out there just because of what we will be doing (at Rowen).”

SUPPLIES From A1 so we started this backpack program and we partnered with (Shoe Carnival) about five years ago.”

Due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus disease pandemic, families were assigned times to come by and pick out their book bags.

The families were told to drive up and the kids were allowed to get out and pick out a bag with help from a volunteer. Bags were sorted by age and gender.

Those steps minimized the number of people who staff photos: curt yeomans were there at any given time. Lawrenceville youths Jakhi and Symphony Meacham show off book bags they received Each kid got a book bag of at a book bag and school supply distribution event hosted by the Fraternal Order of their choice that was filled with Police Gwinnett Lodge 66 at the Shoe Carnival in Lawrenceville on Saturday. supplies including notebook paper, pencils, glue, rulers, markers and even — in a sign of the times — a bottle of hand sanitizer. They also each got a gift card for $30 off a pair of shoes at Shoe Carnival. Parents who took their children inside the store on Saturday to buy shoes got another 30% discount on the price they paid.

They also received coupons for children’s glasses.

“We usually shop with them,” Llorens said. “We’re usually involved (with them as they buy shoes), but because of the COVID, we’re just giving them gift cards and letting them shop on above: Cars line up to their own.” receive school supplies Richardson said she con- at a distribution event sidered the book bags, sup- hosted by the Fraternal plies and coupons from the Order of Police GwinFraternal Order of Police to nett Lodge 66 for chilbe a blessing.

“It means a lot because dren in need. Right: I’m a mother on a fixed in- Fraternal Order of Pocome, and I’m a single mom lice Gwinnett Lodge 66 at that, so it helps a whole handed out school suplot because between bills and plies including markers, having to get them stuff, I glue, notebooks, penmight be short (on money),” cils and handsanatizer she said. to children in need.

RETURN From A1 The school system is planning to bring some additional grade levels back to school next week and all grade levels are expected to be back — with the exception of students who opted for digital learning — by Sept. 9.

“The students seemed to be glad to be back in school, I think for the most part teachers were glad to be back,” Wilbanks said. “I know they were glad to see students and I’m not aware of any real hitches that happened (Wednesday).”

The district has been providing COVID-19 case reports, with a breakdown of suspected cases, positive cases and close contacts by school, at bit.ly/3b1MeqP. The most recent report released Wednesday showed school-level numbers as of Tuesday, the day before students began returning to class.

Wilbanks said there are steps being taken to disinfect schools to limit the chances of COVID-19 being spread among students.

These steps include custodians doing deep cleans where they wipe down surfaces twice a day, teachers being given bottled sprays to disinfect classrooms and wipe down desks between classes, students and educators wearing masks or face shields, hallways being one-way where possible.

Scanners have also replaced keypads that students previously entered

photos: mcclure Health science High school/twitter

Ninth-grade students sit socially distanced in a class at the McClure Health Science High School on the first day of in-person instruction at the school on Wednesday. a student number, so students can now swipe their ID card or use an app.

Videos have also been produced by the district for schools to show students to explain changes that have taken place to reduce the chances of COVID-19 spreading.

“I think you will find we have tried to do everything that we can to mitigate the risk that people are taking,” Wilbanks said. “Now, you can’t mitigate all the risks ... and one of the things that I like to say to people is each of us has a personal responsibility to protect ourselves and we do that with a mask, social distancing, washing our hands and if (we) feel sick (then) not going to work.

“We also have a respon-

CHILDREN From A1 allegations involving sex trafficking, parental kidnapping, registered sex offender violations, drugs and weapons possession and custodial interference, the news release said.

Officials said children were located in about 20 Georgia counties including Fulton, Gwinnett, Clayton and Forsyth. They were located in a variety of settings including homes, apartment complexes and motels

A ninth-grader participates in a class assignment at the McClure Health Science High School sibility to try to protect others. Again (wearing) masks does that, social distancing does that and not shaking hands, that kind of things and I just think we’ve done a lot with sig-

where some were being trafficked for sex, according to officials.

Many of the children had been missing for several weeks, while one was missing for two years prior to recovery. Their ages ranged from 3-years-old to 17-years-old, officials said.

The Marshals have rescued more than 1,800 missing children since launching a partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2005. Nearly 300 children were recovered last year.

“It’s hard to put into words what we feel when we rescue a missing

nage, with how rooms are arranged, with how hallways are one way in some instances to mitigate that along with making the appropriate PPE supplies available.”

child, but I can tell you that this operation has impacted every single one of us out here,” said Darby Kirby, who heads up the Marshals’ Missing Child Unit. “We are working to protect them and get them the help they need.”

The two-week operation involved assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and state agencies including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office, the Division of Family and Children Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

B2 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com

Central growing with new coaching staff

By Jack Leo

Staff Correspondent

With limited summer practice time due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was especially difficult for Central Gwinnett’s new head football coach, Jason Thompson, to implement and teach his system to his new team.

However, Thompson is optimistic about the way his players have picked it up and run with it heading into the Friday, Sept. 4 home opener against Discovery on the stadium’s new artificial turf field.

Thompson, who took South Paulding from a 1-9 record to the playoffs in just two years, is happy with how quickly his new team has developed since his arrival.

“I think we’re seeing more development than we saw at South Paulding just because we’re so much more athletic,” Thompson said. “We’ve bridged the strength gap quicker. Here, even with all of this COVID-19 stuff, I just think we’ve bridged the gap so much faster. As for the football gap, we’re so far behind just because we’ve done seven-on-seven one time.”

Offensively, Thompson claims he wants to stay balanced and be able to pass and run the ball whenever needed.

“You definitely want to be able to run the football,” Thompson said. “I think if we can establish the run game, we’ll be able to loosen some things up for the passing game. I’d like to think that if we can do both, we can become a nightmare to defend.”

Thompson is also very pleased with the amount of talent he is inheriting at Central Gwinnett.

He believes his playmakers, kept healthy, can form a force to be reckoned with in the region. “(Wide receiver/defensive back) Mekhi Mews is our true speed kid and he’s a strong kid. We

definitely want to put the ball in his hands,” Thompson said. “(Running back/defensive back) Amir Taylor is very similar to Mekhi in size and athleticism. (Linebackers) Moses Pryor and Jayoland Threat are two thumpers and leaders on defense. (Guards) Cristian Salinas-Evans and Jayden Kelly are two returning on the offensive line. If we can develop these guys and stay healthy, I think we have a chance.”

While Central Gwinnett has always been good at putting points on the board, Thompson believes the biggest obstacle this year will be improving a defense that allowed an average of almost 37 points per game.

“Central Gwinnett has never been known for playing defense. That’s kind of been their Achilles heel,” Thompson said. “I wouldn’t say that it wasn’t a priority, but I just think the way they managed their offense, they didn’t have much success on defense. There’s been so much defensive emphasis this summer on things that we taught and the way we teach it that the kids are charged up about that emotion.”

With no certainty about what the season ahead will hold, Thompson and the Black Knights will simply have to continue to prepare for any possible scenario.

“If we can prepare and the season falls in line and we get 10 games and we get a whole season, I think we’re good enough to make a run and have a chance at the playoffs,” Thompson said. “With our region, you get through that gauntlet, I think you get a jump at the playoffs. Coming in brand new, we’ve had COVID-19, there’s a chance we go 2-8, as well. I would say that if I had a true goal this first year, it would be that we want to come in and be competitive and we want to be in every game in the fourth quarter with a chance to win.”

colin Hubbard

New Central Gwinnett head football coach Jason Thompson watches his team during a conditioning session this summer.

Monken discusses potential of quarterbacks, offense From staff reports

With Southeastern Conference football getting closer to reality, one of the hottest topics is the quarterback position for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Head coach Kirby Smart and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken have some interesting decisions to make at the position with transfers Jamie Newman (Wake Forest) and J.T. Daniels (Southern California) joining the quarterback room.

Monken, previously offensive coordinator for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, discussed his quarterbacks, his offense and more this week.

On where he starts when designing a new offense and combining Coach Smart’s goals and the direction he wants to go to launch his offense: Monken: “First off, being three different places the last five years there’s a number of things that we’ve done in the past, So, you start with what you’ve done recently, and then what you’ve done the last few years that you liked and want to carry over. Obviously, the games are different, the NFL compared to college football,

chamberlain Smith

Georgia offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Todd Monken during a press conference via Zoom in Athens. there’s different various or, you know, of what you want to accomplish from a tempo standpoint, from a personnel standpoint. But, we are still in the process of building that. We went through the spring and did that — then the summer and we’re continuing to work on that as we speak.”

On what he and Coach Smart envisioned UGA’s offense to look like once he joined the staff: “Scoring points and not turning it over. I know that’s really simple, but obvious-

REYNOLDS From B1 the cluster where he moved from Illinois, for the past three years. He was primarily a running back and quarterback in youth football before a transition to wide receiver his freshman season at Central.

He transferred to Grayson for his senior season in 2020, focused on getting even better and the results have been promising.

The Florida Gators recruit now stands 6-foot-2½, weighs 210 pounds — he played at 195 pounds as a junior — and is a four-star prospect in the 247Sports. com composite rankings, which have him as the No. 208 player nationally and the No. 21 player in Georgia.

“Since I’ve been at Grayson, I’ve put on more muscle,” Reynolds said.

He said he hasn’t lost any speed with the added mass.

“I feel like as a receiver, I’m big, physical, but I can also play like I’m small,” Reynolds said. “I can also pick on smaller DBs.” Reynolds had one of the best twoway seasons in the state in 2019 for Central’s state playoff team — 88 catches for 1,534 yards, both best in Gwinnett, and 14 touchdown catches, along with 61 tackles and three interceptions on defense — but wanted a change in the offseason, which is what led him to Grayson.

“I was just looking at what was best for me,” Reynolds said of the move.

“For my situation and my circumstances, it was just best for me.”

The offseason transition to a new school, despite the COVID-19 pan-

ly that’s — when we spoke about his vision of the offense, was certainly what I think every coach wants, which is take advantage of your personnel, the players that you can recruit here at the University of Georgia, doing a great job in terms of utilizing those people, putting them in the best position to be successful. Obviously, as coaches we are paid to maximize our players measurable skill sets, so that’s probably the first and foremost — the talent that we get here is finding

a way every day to develop those players, and then utilize their skill set to the best of their ability. Obviously, the most important part is moving the football and scoring points, whether that’s running the football or throwing the football. Being explosive and not turning it over — it’s a pretty simple game.”

On his assessment of the talent level in the quarterback room/what will ultimately decide who takes the starting position: “Well, I really like our guys.

We have a good number of players at that position. Starting from, you know, a couple of transfers that as we all know about, and then some young players that are on our roster. So, it’s been fun to be in the room because they all vary. They are different in terms of their personalities. They all want to be really, really good players. They all want to work at it. There is never an issue in terms of them understanding what they are trying to get accomplished, offensively. So, you know, obviously the difficulty of not having spring ball, and not going through some of those prac-

tices, there’s only so many things you can do in meetings without actually getting out there, and things they can do on their own. Right now, it’s an open competition. We’re looking at all of the players because they all have talent, and we’re excited about getting to scrimmage this Saturday and seeing where we’re at.”

On his overall impression of UGA’s receiver group, specifically from a pass-catcher standpoint: “This is a group of talented guys who have truly been a joy to work with. They’re excited about the opportunities they have in front of them, with a couple of guys leaving last year. We’re still relatively young with certain guys we’re counting on, like George (Pickens) and some of the incoming freshmen, and even some of the older guys who still have work to do as developmental players who need the reps; guys like Matt Landers, Demetris Robertson. I know (Robertson) is one of our older players, but from a developmental standpoint, players like Tommy Bush and some of our older guys will push for playing time. Kearis Jackson has been a relative surprise

in terms of his consistency and the ways he has played and developed. That’s what we’re paid to do. We’re paid to recruit really talented players and then develop them and maximize their measurable skill sets. That’s what coaching is, and utilizing what they bring to the table.”

On the running back situation and who will step up behind Zamir White and get a lot of carries: “It’s hard to say. We really haven’t had a scrimmage yet.

We’ve hit a little bit. The first day of pads was yesterday.

Zamir I think has had a tremendous offseason, as has James Cook. Then you take into account Kenny McIntosh who came in last year and had a really good start to his career. (He is a) very versatile player who can do a lot of things running and catching the ball in the backfield, and then Kendall Milton who showed up in the spring and, like a lot of true freshmen, you’re excited to see. But, again, with that position, until you put on the pads, it’s hard to really tell.

I really like our guys. Daijun (Edwards) as well — I think those five guys are an impressive group.”

IN BRIEF demic interruption, has gone well.

“It was pretty easy to adapt, even at Central Gwinnett, people know my work ethic and stuff like that,” Reynolds said. “It was a change. Grayson had more explosive workouts, more than Central. I just had to adapt real quick. Other than that, it was very cool.”

At Grayson, Reynolds joined an already loaded Grayson offense that returned a quality offensive line, proven receivers like Jamal Haynes and Jaden Smith and Clemson-bound running back Phil Mafah. Quarterback Carlos Del Rio, also a Florida commit, transferred to Grayson in the offseason as well.

The unit’s talent is eye-popping.

“We have too many weapons to stop for any team,” Reynolds said. “We have the receivers. We have the running back, and we have the quarterback with the O-linemen. You can’t go wrong with those guys.”

Reynolds’ main role is at wide receiver, though he likely will play safety as the season progresses. His defensive role is expected to be lighter than it was at Central, but the Rams will take advantage of his talents when needed.

“Daejon is a ball guy,” Grayson head coach Adam Carter said. “His ability to locate and attack the football on each side is very impressive. Obviously he is a huge talent on offense, but his ability to control the middle of the field as a safety is really something he should get more credit for.

He recorded big stats on defense last year without playing there full-time.

He is a playmaker on both sides.”

His presence in the secondary makes a stout defense even better, and leads to high hopes for the season.

“A (state) championship is for sure the obvious goal,” Reynolds said.

Army lands commitment from Jackson Archer senior Zion Jackson committed Tuesday to the Army Black Knights football program.

The wide receiver caught 20 passes for 255 yards last season. He is the one of four seniors from Gwinnett committed to play football for the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., joining dale Zanine Wesleyan’s Tanner Bivins Grayson senior Daejon Reynolds, a and the Buford duo of Jacob Florida recruit, had one of the best two- Smith and Brandon Castro.

way seasons in the state in 2019.

After the season, he plans to work toward getting ready for Southeastern Conference play on the offensive side of the ball. The Gators think he can play in the slot and outside, he said.

“I see him being an early impact player at Florida,” Carter said. “He works extremely hard in the weight room and will physically be ready to compete early in his career. He trains really hard to be the best at his craft.

When he walks in the door at UF, people will take notice of his size and ability to go get the ball. I believe he has a chance to see playing time early.”

A future with the Gators already excites him.

“I had a good relationship with all the Florida coaches, and Gainesville is a good city,” Reynolds said of choosing Florida. “And I liked how they could develop me into the NFL and use me in the offense.”

Malone commits to North Greenville

Chapman to play for Lees-McRae Riley Chapman, a 2020 Brookwood grad, was part of the three-person recruiting class announced this week by the Lees-McRae College (N.C.) men’s volleyball program.

Chapman, a setter, has been a member of the USA Volleyball High Performance A1 Team for both indoor and beach volleyball.

He helped the C2 Club and MVP Club teams to a silver medal in the 2020 AAU Games and a gold medal in the 2019 Florida Fest, respectively.

He also was the No. 2 speaker on Brookwood’s debate team.

Collins Hill senior Aniecia Malone committed Tuesday to the North Greenville University (S.C.) women’s bas- Geaney, Howie named ketball program. runners of the week The point guard has helped the Eagles to a 61-3 record Parkview’s Emma Geaney and state runner-up finishes and Wesleyan’s Mac Howie each of the past two seasons. were named Gwinnett runners of the week Tuesday by Sanchez commits to the county’s cross country coaches.

Central Michigan Geaney placed seventh in Grayson senior Fernando the competitive Bob Blastow Sanchez committed Thurs- Invitaional with a time of 18 day to the Central Michigan minutes, 6 seconds on the University football program. three-mile course. Howie Sanchez is a 6-foot-3, won the Wildcat Country 215-pound prospect at out- Season Opener with a time side linebacker. of 16:46.

gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ sunday, august 30, 2020 ♦ B3

PERSPECTIVES

Gwinnett Daily Post www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline,

Editor and SCNI Vice President of Content todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

COLUMNIST|DICK YARBROUGH

Is there any place for love in today’s world?

R

emember the Tina Turner hit, Black Americans and white Americans “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” must be voluntarily implemented outside In the lyrics, love is referred to as the political realm” and that “the initial a “second-hand emotion.” That song goal should simply be making Blacks popped into my head as I watch what and whites more comfortable with one is happening to our country. another in a social setting.” If we get to Love has got a lot to do with it and, know each other up-close-and-personunfortunately, it seems to be a second- al, we might find out we have more in hand emotion these days — second to common than we realize. a lot of hate. We see that hate on teleSidman suggests that white churches vision, hear about it on the raand black churches pair up with dio, read about it in the newspaan agreed-upon minimum numper and watch as hate is fanned ber of congregational pairs that with irresponsible social media could meet and “discuss family postings. stories and items of mutual interHate seems to have gotten its est or concern in a less threatenimpetus from well-publicized ing and confrontational medium examples of highly questionthan protest marches.” able police tactics and spread Yarbrough I could not agree more. My into something approaching anChristian faith espouses that we archy in cities across the nation. Some love everyone. So, why don’t we? The people are demanding law enforcement answer is that churches — Black and agencies be defunded. Others wonder white — are composed of human beings how we can stop the rioting and loot- who bring their prejudices in on Sunday, ing without the police. hear a rip-roaring sermon about turnKneeling at the playing of our nation- ing the other cheek, walking the extra al anthem is seen as a heroic gesture mile, getting the mote out of our own by some and patently disrespectful by eye and then revert back to business as others. We hear that Black lives mat- usual on Monday. Sadly, I speak from ter — and they do — but many whites experience. My own. perceive that statement as a wholesale If our houses of worship aren’t willing indictment of all white people who, in to make the effort, who can? turn, wonder why no one brings up the I believe racism is a learned behavkilling fields in places like Chicago, ior. I have told the story previously of where Blacks are killing other Blacks our Birthday Bash last November where in alarming numbers. great-grandson Cameron Charles YarYet, many white people don’t seem brough and I celebrate our respective to understand or appreciate the inher- birthdays with family and friends. ent frustration of Blacks. I can’t imagAs everyone was preparing to leave, ine how I would feel today had I grown 5-year-old Hayden and 4-year-old Kayden up watching parents that I loved dearly gave each other a big hug. Hayden is having to sit in the back of the bus, be my great-granddaughter. She is white. denied service in a restaurant because Kayden is the grandson of Carla, who of the color of their skin, serving their has been an important part of our family country in war and yet being prohib- for the past year. Kayden is Black. Obviited from voting when they returned. ously, neither of them seemed aware of Many would say we are long past those their differences and just as obviously, days, others would say we have a long didn’t care. way to go.

Over the coming years, will they learn As for this day, we seem to be at an to hate and distrust each other? If so, our impasse in race relations in this country. society is going to have to teach them We aren’t talking to each other. We are that. I pray that they and their generayelling. It is only going to get worse as tion will find a better way to deal with election time nears and politicians pan- their disagreements than what I am seeder to their supporters on either side of ing today. We can’t continue down this the racial divide. path of self-destruction and survive.

What is keeping us from reaching out What’s love got to do with it? to each other? Arnie Sidman, former Everything. senior vice president at RJR Nabisco and an Atlanta tax attorney is author of You can reach Dick Yarbrough at dick@ “From Race to Renewal: It’s Not All Black dickyarbrough.com; at P.O. Box 725373, & White.” In a recent opinion piece in Atlanta, Georgia 31139; online at the Atlanta newspapers, he says, “Any dickyarbrough.com or on Facebook at www. plan to improve race relations between facebook.com/dickyarb

LOCAL COLUMNIST|DARRELL HUCKABY

The 2020 Census ... Just do it W

hen Nike launched its “Just Do growth, Medicaid and Peach Care for kids It” campaign in 1988, no one had (CHIP) who need it most, and funds deany idea what would become of voted to rural programs that help infuse such a simple phrase. In just 10 years, the the state’s largest industry of agriculture. company’s worldwide sales skyrocketed These are our hard-earned dollars and from $800 million to more than $9 bil- when we do not get counted other states lion, annually. Three words was benefit from our labor. all it took to make the difference The Census also delivers accurate of a lifetime. statistics that guide research and I often think of what it might be government planning that can trulike to make that sort of impact in ly meet the needs of the residents my hometown of Fitzgerald, and each of our local governments serve. am reminded that 2020 is a CenIt is arguably more powerful than sus year. Impact on an exponenthe vote itself, in terms of the imtial level for local and rural compact that a single citizen can have munities across Georgia can be Chris Clark on the outcome of a community’s achieved if every resident will take collective future. It is your right to two minutes to “just do it.” The Census live in this great state, your duty to vote is an opportunity for local governments and your responsibility to see that the apand nonprofits to ensure that our local tax propriate funding and support are given dollars are returned via federal funding, to each of your respective communities. for projects and essential infrastructure COVID-19 has impacted all of us, shutthat can make the same difference that ting down businesses, putting hard-workNike did in 10 years, especially in small- ing Georgians in the unemployment line, er communities where opportunity often wreaking havoc on our educational instilacks investment. tutions, affecting the manner in which we Based on Census counts, the federal interact and threatening the very essence government will distribute more than $1.5 of life and livelihood. The 2020 Census trillion. Due to an undercount in 2010, is probably the most critical step any one Georgia lost about $708 per citizen of individual can take to helping themselves our own taxes because the state receives and everyone they care about move more funding according to each person count- swiftly through recovery and into a more ed. According to the George Washington resilient future. This count is critical for a Institute for Public Policy, for every citi- New Georgia Economy, where the founzen counted, the state of Georgia receives dation is firmer, pathways are clearer, more than $2,300 per citizen from the opportunity is more ample and our state federal government. This amounts to al- has a consistently stronger climate where most $24 billion in federal funds across we can live, work, pray and play together, 55 different programs. These 55 pro- rural, and urban alike. grams include funds for school lunches Help bring critical funding to Georgia for students, financial aid to low-income through the 2020 Census. Just do it. For students pursuing higher education (Pell more information, go to census.georgia.gov. grants), community development block grants that support local economic deChris Clark is president and CEO of the velopment projects and subsequent job Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: EmAil: letters@gwinnettdailypost.com mAil: 725 Old Norcross Road Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30046

COLUMNIST|MARC THIESSEN

T

The RNC did what it needed to: Give reluctant voters permission to pick Trump

he Republican National Convention was a resounding success because it achieved what its organizers set out to do: create a permission structure that allows millions of reluctant voters to cast their ballots for President Donald Trump.

A recent poll shows that more Americans approve of Trump’s economic policies than of Trump overall. These voters, of all colors, believe the president when he said Thursday night that before the pandemic he “built the strongest economy in the history of the world” and that given a second term he will “again build the greatest economy in history, quickly returning to full employment, soaring incomes and record prosperity.”

They know it is in their economic self-interest to pull the lever for Trump.

But one of the reasons they are reluctant to do so is because virtually every day for the past

four years they have been told

by Democrats that Trump is a racist. So, Republicans set out this week to tell the untold story of Trump’s real record when it comes to the African American community.

Every night of the convention featured African American speakers who attested to Trump’s achievements for the Black community. Voters saw the president’s commitment to redemption and second chances, as he delivered a full presidential pardon for Jon Ponder, a Black man convicted of bank robbery who turned his life around and started an organization, Hope for Prisoners, that helps ex-convicts reenter society. Ponder described how Trump spoke at the organization’s graduation ceremony and “went out of his way to shake the hand of every one of those 29 graduates.”

Americans heard from Alice Johnson, a Black woman

who had her life senthe disorder engulfing tence for a first-time, many U.S. cities, because nonviolent drug of“violence and destrucfense commuted by tion are not legitimate Trump. “When Presforms of protest. They ident Trump heard do not safeguard Black about me and the inlives. They destroy them. justice of my story, President Trump unhe saw me as a per- Thiessen derstands this and has son. He had compasoffered federal help to sion. And he acted,” she said. restore order in our commu“I was once told that the only nities. . . . We need that help. way I would ever be reunit- We should accept that help. ed with my family would be We must heal before we can as a corpse. But by the grace effect change, but we cannot of God and the compassion heal amid devastation and of President Donald John chaos.”

Trump, I stand before you And it went on, night in tonight . . . and I assure you, and night out. Voters heard I’m not a ghost. I am alive, from former National Football I am well, and most impor- League players such as Hertantly I am free.” schel Walker, Jack Brewer and Americans heard from Ann Burgess Owens, and African Dorn, the wife of retired Afri- Americans serving in the adcan American police captain ministration such as Ben CarDavid Dorn, who was killed son and Ja’Ron Smith. They in St. Louis on June 2 while heard from rising GOP stars protecting a friend’s pawn- such as Daniel Cameron, the shop from looters. She said first African American attorTrump is right to stand against ney general in Kentucky his-

tory, who said that, “on criminal justice reform, Joe Biden couldn’t do it, but President Trump did. On the economy, Joe Biden couldn’t do it, but President Trump did build an economy that worked for everyone, especially minorities.”

This is a side of the president that most Americans are never shown — and so Republicans used their stage to show it. They made a sustained, four-day push for African American votes, and the votes of every American who cares about racial justice.

In his acceptance speech, Trump continued this impassioned appeal: “To bring prosperity to our forgotten inner cities, we worked hard to pass historic criminal justice reform, prison reform, opportunity zones and long-term funding of historically Black colleges and universities, and, before the China virus came in, produced the best unemployment numbers for African

Americans.” He said Democrats were no friends of the African American community.

“Last year, over 1,000 African Americans were murdered as a result of violent crime in just four Democrat-run cities,” he said. Trump vowed to continue supporting school choice and charter schools, “the ladder of opportunity for Black and Hispanic children,” and to fight to “ensure equal justice for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.” Trump also declared, “I have done more in three years for the Black community than Joe Biden has done in 47 years.

And when I’m reelected, the best is yet to come.”

It was exactly the message that reluctant Trump voters needed to hear.

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

B4 ♦ SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020 ♦ GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM

C2 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com COLUMNIST|ROB JENKINS

Give me liberty or give me … a mask?

W

hy does it seem like the by government. great “COVID Divide” Prior to 1776, the default poruns more or less litical system was statism, along ideological lines? with the monarch embodyGenerally speaking, coning the state and everyservatives want to fully one else beholden to him reopen the economy, send or her. The vast majority kids back to school, and of people existed solely as shuck the face coverings, serfs — essentially, wards while “progressives” call of the state. Occasional for endless lockdowns, variations in this pattern, Jenkins “digital learning” and mask like the Roman republic, mandates. rarely lasted long before eventuPerhaps it’s because those on ally devolving, once again, into the right tend to value freedom some form of totalitarianism. over safety and elevate individSince the early 20th century, ual responsibility over collective the grossly misnamed “progrescoercion, whereas those on the sives” have been trying mightleft do the opposite. ily to return us to that modConsider the first of those po- el. Whether calling themselves tential conflicts — freedom versus Marxists, Fascists, Communists safety. As Americans, we have a or Democratic Socialists, they long history of zealously guard- want all of us to become, once ing our personal liberties. In again, wards of the state. fact, ours was the first nation to Enter COVID-19, a scary disbe founded on the premise that ease made infinitely more frightthe individual is greater than the ening by the media’s unrelenting state, and that our rights are in- hysteria. Seldom has any crisis herent, God-given, not bestowed presented an opportunity of this

“

more importantly, though, conservatives resist because they value freedom over (dubious) safety. even if lockdowns and masks are marginally effective at mitigating the virus — and that’s debatable — at what cost? must we surrender our livelihoods, our wills, even control over our own bodies for a sense of security that may very well, in the end, prove to be merely illusory?

magnitude for progressives to engage in collective coercion — all for the sake of safety, of course.

Throughout history, tyrants have always claimed to promote the “greater good.”

Conservatives have resisted the draconian lockdown orders and dehumanizing mask mandates because, first of all, many of these policies don’t make sense. Going to church is problematic, but

mass protests (a.k.a. riots) are somehow OK? You must wear a mask to walk into a restaurant but not while sitting inside?

More importantly, though, conservatives resist because they value freedom over (dubious) safety. Even if lockdowns and masks are marginally effective at mitigating the virus — and that’s debatable — at what cost?

Must we surrender our liveli-

hoods, our wills, even control over our own bodies for a sense of security that may very well, in the end, prove to be merely illusory?

To that second question, conservatives answer roundly, “No,” because we believe not only in personal freedom but in personal responsibility. If progressives want to stay home and let the government to take care of them, fine. We’d rather go to work. If they want to wear a porous piece of cloth over their face, that’s their business. Unless forced, we opt out.

Progressives might ignore Ben Franklin’s famous admonition, but we conservatives do not: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

Rob Jenkins is a college professor.

The views expressed here are his own. You can email Rob at rob. jenkins@outlook.com.

COLUMNIST|RONDA RICH

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Memories of childhood nights

hen I was a child, in the still of the night. my bedroom was Daddy would stretch out 12 feet his arm and Mama down a short hallwould lay her head on way from my parhis shoulder as they ents’ room. talked. This I know In those days when because sometimes, windows were opened if I couldn’t sleep, I wide for the smell of would slip out of bed honeysuckle and the and take big tip-toe choir of crickets to steps in my gown tail Rich drift in, I would lie to their door and ask, in bed and listen to the “Can I talk, too?” sounds of the night. If my Daddy would chuckle. door was open a bit – and “Yes, little’un, climb up usually it was – I could hear here.”

Mama and Daddy as they I would tumble over the lay in bed, talking about solidness of his six feet and the day or discussing de- squeeze down between him cisions to be made. and Mama. There, both she I was on up in years before and I would lay on his arm I realized what a privilege and talk in the darkness that was, to have parents of the night. About what, who enjoyed conversation I can no longer remember

except that sometimes I would tell a story that I had made up and Daddy would laugh at my imagination.

“How on earth do you come up with these things?”

Mama would ask.

I’d shrug my six-yearold shoulders and say, “I don’t know. It just comes to me.”

One night I remember that I said to Daddy, “Now, you lay your head on my arm.” I was always taught to give and not just take.

He obliged but in mere minutes, my tiny arm was aching so I said, “Time to switch back.”

When I begin to drift off, Mama would nudge me, “Ronda, get up and

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go back to your own bed.”

I loved to eavesdrop (but we always called ‘easedrop’ which makes more sense anyway) on my parents.

Many are the times that I napped in the back seat of the car or on the living room floor, drifting off to the stories they told.

“You have big ears for a little girl,” Mama would say.

Yes, I did and that’s what carried me into a career of storytelling. It all started with those blissful nights when their soft conversation carried down the hall and into my room.

Daddy smoked, a habit picked up from World War II when the soldiers were given free cartons of cigarettes. It was the only thing that his strong will could not overcome.

“Somers” around 3 in the

morning, he’d wake up to have a cigarette. He’d sit on the side of the bed and, as he smoked, he talked to the good Lord. He always spent that time in prayer.

Many are the times, I slipped from my bedroom to the bathroom located between our rooms and I’d see the orange glowing embers of that cigarette.

Daddy’s elbows would be resting on his knees and his head bowed.

If he happened to hear me, he’d say quietly, “Hello, little’un” then return to prayer.

In the movie “To Kill A Mockingbird” there is a scene where Scout is lying in bed, listening as Atticus has a conversation on the front porch. Horton Foote adapted the screenplay from Harper Lee’s book.

An interviewer once asked him if that scene had come from his own childhood experiences.

He explained that his parents sat on the porch, near his bedroom, and talked every night. “I listened to them talk about everything that happened in the town.”

Horton Foote’s storytelling would win him two Oscars and much acclaim.

And for both of us, from those nights of listening in, would come the kind of memories that you can’t make up no matter what kind of storyteller you are.

Ronda Rich is the bestselling author of the new book, Let Me Tell You Something. Visit www. rondarich.com to sign up for her free weekly newsletter.

COLUMNIST|LISA MCLEOD

How to maximize potential: addressing the confidence gap

O

rganizations are filled with untapped than confident enters a meeting, saying, potential, undermined by the thousands I’m glad you’re here can mean the world of small slights that erode the confi- to them. Sitting back in judgment waitdence of anyone who doesn’t “fit in.” This is ing for them to prove themselves, erodes costly to everyone because when peotheir confidence, and it keeps you ple aren’t confident, they’re not fully from getting their best ideas. present and they don’t contribute as Even a seemingly confident exwell as they could. terior may be covering some inner It’s easy to say, “Be Confident!” Yet fears. I was 45 years old and had how confident would you feel if every already authored two books when day of your working life, someone told that CEO’s words gave me a boost. you, directly or subtly, you don’t belong If they’re the only “whatever” in the here? What if whenever you spoke in room, your words can help them front of a group people, questioned put forth their best ideas.

McLeod your credentials or paid more attention to your appearance than your content?

Set people up for success Sadly, this has often been the case for many (in advance) women, and it’s even worse for people of color.

Years ago, I adopted a technique to Why confidence erodes over time spotlight people who might not otherwise take center stage. It’s something Over time, it becomes harder and harder to anyone can do. When I do a keynote or rally yourself. Even if it’s not happening right run a training program, I interact with now, the baggage from past experiences puts the audience. It can be an opportunity you on guard. It’s like a death by a thousand for people to shine. cuts. Several years of an insult here, secondYet I consistently notice, when women guessing there, makes it hard to walk into a and people of color are in the minority, room as your best self. as they typically are in a corporate setting, they rarely speak up. You can help How you can help people show up as people feel more confident by asking for their help in advance. their best selves I’ll find someone who I think might I’ll never forget a meeting several years ago not speak up, and say, “I’m going to ask when I was presenting to an Executive team. a question about X during the session, if They were all men, and all (seemingly) Type- you’re comfortable, could you raise your A. The old drip, drip, you don’t belong here, hand to answer?” This gives them time to you’re not good enough was ignited. Yet as I think about their answer and the option entered the room, the CEO stood up, shook to say no. They almost always say yes, my hand, gave me a big smile, and said, “I’m because people don’t want the speaker to really intrigued by your work, and we’re de- experience an awkward silence. They’re lighted you’re here.” That was all it took, I helping me get all the voices into the no longer had to pretend to be confident, I room, and in the process, they can shine was confident! in front of their peers.

This is something every single one of us Helping other people feel more confican do. When someone walks into the room dent is the nice thing to do. It’s also the or joins the zoom call, it may be just another smart thing to do. When everyone feels agenda item for us, yet for them, it’s a high seen and heard, you produce better restakes situation. sults, and you have more fun.

Avoid sitting back in judgment When someone who might be feeling less

Lisa McLeod is the author of the best-sellers “Selling with Noble Purpose” and “Leading with Noble Purpose.”

C4 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com

Safety is ‘No. 1 commitment’ as Georgia’s Great Wolf Lodge re-opens during pandemic

By Todd Cline todd.cline @gwinnettdailypost.com

photo: Soliant/Facebook

Soliant’s new national headquarters in Peachtree Corners can be see in this photo from the medical staffing company’s Facebook page.

Soliant moving national HQ to Peachtree Corners The new location will bring 400 jobs with it

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

A health care staffing company is moving its national headquarters from Tucker to Peachtree Corners, and it’s bringing 400 jobs with it.

Peachtree Corners officials recently announced the move by Soliant. The company has been addressing medical staffing needs for 29 years and will move into a 58,000 square-foot space in the former Career Builder building in Technology Park Atlanta, according

to city officials.

“Central to our mission at Soliant are our values specific to innovation and curiosity,” Soliant CEO David Alexander said in a press release.

“The new headquarters will put us in close proximity to progressive tech resources while our space itself is designed to promote employee collaboration, engagement and culture.”

Soliant has a 10-year lease for its new headquarters in Peachtree Corners, which is located at 5550 Peachtree Parkway. City officials said the space includes 5G WiFi, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen as well as fitness options such as a state of the art gym that includes showers and locker rooms, an outdoor basket-

ball court, a sand volleyball court and access to the city’s multi-use trails.

Employees are being moved into the new location in phases as Soliant renovates the space. The move is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

“Our city is pleased to welcome Soliant as a new member of the Peachtree Corners business community,” Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason said.

“The city’s Technology Park is considered the metro area’s business hub for forward-looking businesses seeking to collaborate with like-minded industries. We are confident Soliant’s leaders and its 400 employees will enjoy our city and its many amenities.”

Before making a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange last week, Natasha Jenkins said she was a little wary. With a soon-to-be five-month old among her traveling party, she wasn’t sure what to expect when visiting the water park during this time of COVID-19.

But the Augusta resident said she was pleased with the steps Great Wolf Lodge has taken during the pandemic — they call it the Paw Pledge — to keep visitors safe.

“Before we came I was a little nervous,” Jenkins said.

“But they have been enforcing that you wear your mask everywhere except the pool area and they are doing a good job of keeping all the areas sanitized.

“We came here on a weekday because we thought it might be safer with less people. But now that we’re here, I think we could have come on the weekend with the way they’ve kept everything so clean.”

That’s music to the ears of General Manger Chris Lutz, who came to the LaGrange lodge a week after it shut down for three months due to the pandemic. Since he came to LaGrange in March, he has presided over training

photo: the great plains mpc

Face coverings are now required for all visitors to Great Wolf Lodge, except in the pool area. to help the staff adjust to a new way of doing business.

“It’s all about the guests and Pack Members’ (employees’) safety,” Lutz said.

“We’ve had some learning situations along the way — no doubt about it. But our guests have been very good to adhere to social distancing and wearing masks.”

For those who might forget about those things, there are plenty of reminders around the lodge. From signs on the floor denoting six-foot spaces to “heavy signage” reminding visitors under the age of 5 to wear face coverings, the message of safety comes through loud and clear.

Lutz said the capacity of the water park has been reduced to 50 percent to help with social distancing, while multiple actions have been taken around the property to ensure the safety of guests.

For instance, every other lane at the lodge’s bowling alley is blocked off and visitors can order takeout food from the resort’s app.

“Online ordering has been a hit for us with guests who are more comfortable eating in their rooms,” Lutz said.

Story Time, which is one of the lodge’s biggest events for the younger children, also has a different look.

Guests must reserve a spot for the nightly event, and then they are spaced out with proper social distancing guidelines, sitting on a sign that says “best seat in the house.”

Due to coronavirus concerns, there is no meet and greet with the characters

like Wiley Wolf after the story is completed, but the lodge tries to make up for that with a gift pack for each attendee which includes trading cards, stickers and coloring pages.

The children’s dance party now also requires a reservation. But in a nod to those who prefer to avoid the public spaces as much as possible, Story Time, the dance party and the lodge’s Yoga Tails yoga lessons for children are all broadcast over the lodge’s in-house TV channel.

All of those changes mean there has been plenty of new training needed for the staff. But Lutz, who came to LaGrange from the Wisconsin Dells, is pleased with how the Pack Members have adapted.

“They have responded very well,” Lutz said. “They are very open to having conversations with the guests.”

Lutz said there have been no major issues with guests refusing to wear face coverings. Most of the time it’s that they simply forget to put one on or bring one from their room, Lutz said.

But the Pack Members have become good at nicely offering a mask (which the lodge provides to every guest) to those who may walk by without one.

In the hospitality industry, it’s always about making sure guests have a great time. But Lutz said the pandemic has changed that a little, with the emphasis on having both a safe and fun time.

Arrow Exterminators names Norcross resident as new VP of commercial

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Norcross resident Don Miller has been promoted to become Arrow Exterminators’ Vice President of Commercial.

Miller was Arrow’s former director of commercial sales and has been with the company since 2014, and in the pest control industry for eight years. During his time with Arrow, Miller has served

as service center manager of the Southwest Georgia Commercial and Southwest Florida Commercial service Don centers in adMiller dition to serving as director of commercial sales.

In his new role, he will oversee operations in the Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas markets.

SNELLVILLE From C1 South Gwinnett area a connection to the existing trail network around Stone Mountain. This is a key connection for the future, as it links the growing Gwinnett County greenway network to the web of trails and greenways in the rest of the Atlanta Metro and beyond.”

When completed, The Grove will offer luxury multifamily residential units, a parking deck, a unique City Market with special event space, the new Elizabeth Williams Public Library and numerous dining and shopping options, the city said.

The Greenway Trail Master Plan can be viewed at https://www.snellville.org/snellville-greenway-master-plan-1

C6 ♦ Sunday, auguSt 30, 2020 ♦ gwinnettdailypoSt.com CLOSE TO HOME

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Charles M. Schulz

PICKLES Brian Crane

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same numSolution to today's Sudoku ber only once.

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today’s Answer: Victory