Gwinnett Daily Post — February 5, 2016

SOUTHERN CHARM, 4C

‘Savannah Sipping Society’ coming to Buford

MAKING A SPLASH Norcross’ Griffin Ramsey takes second in state diving • Sports, 1B

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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Vol. 46, No. 83

Defendant: ‘I’m too emotional’ to testify

By Joshua Sharpe

Matthew Leili, right, standing with attorney Thomas Clegg, tells the judge he won’t testify in his trial on murder charges in the death of wife Nique. (Staff Photo: Joshua Sharpe)

LEILI MURDER TRIAL

joshua.sharpe @gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — Matthew Leili likes to talk. This is well known.

His attorney has called him boisterous and opinionated. In tape after tape Leili made of arguments with his wife, he can be heard pressuring Nique to speak

to him. Around the Gwinnett County courthouse this week, many speculated that the man would take the stand and defend himself against murder charges.

On Thursday, he declined.

“I don’t think I can do it.

I’m too emotional,” Leili told Judge Randy Rich.

The defense then rested its case in the trial, which has labored on since last Wednesday and is expected to enter the closing arguments phase this morning.

Thursday’s proceedings featured the first testimony from supporters of the defendant: his father and the two daughters he had with

the victim, now 17 and 14.

The girls each told a story about one day in late June 2011, less than two weeks before their mother disappeared. They said she was hearing voices.

“She was just saying she knows what we’re saying about her and what the voices tell her,” 14-year-old

See LEILI, Page 7A

Buford hotel manager gets ‘dream’ trip Company contest yields Super Bowl 50 tickets

By Keith Farner keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com

The shock still hasn’t subsided.

Even after two weeks.

A loyal Atlanta Falcons fan who went to the University of Tennessee, Alexis Jochim has a clear rooting interest in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday. Jochim, operations manager at the Courtyard Mall of Georgia hotel in Buford, is about to live a lifelong dream when she boards a flight on Friday morning to San Francisco.

“Actually it’s been my No. 1 dream, I’m still in shock,” she said. “I still don’t believe I’m going to the Super Bowl. … That’s a dream in itself, to see Peyton Manning in a Super Bowl.”

Jochim, a Suwanee resident, and her boyfriend, Tyler Stevens, will take part in an all-expenses-paid trip after Jochim and her colleagues at the Courtyard Mall of Georgia earned the highest number of points in a guest satisfaction survey competition.

“His first reaction when I told him, he was quiet about it, he didn’t believe me,” Jochim said. “I had proof to show him.”

See SUPER BOWL, Page 7A

Tom Rice says he will not run for re-election

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

State Rep. Tom Rice threw open the race for his seat in the Legislature on Thursday when he announced he would not seek re-election after spending two decades in the Georgia General Assembly.

The Republican, who represents parts of Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake Tom Rice and Johns Creek in the state House of Representatives, plans to retire so he can focus more of his time on ministry work at his church, Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, according to a House spokeswoman.

“I have been privileged to serve the legislative needs of the citizens of Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Norcross and parts of Johns Creek since 1997,” Rice said in a statement. “During my time in the Georgia House, I am glad to have been a part of the historic change in leadership that has allowed us to maximize the chance to improve the quality of life for our citizens.

“My retirement will provide opportunity for a new generation of leaders to bring their ideas for an improved state government to prominence.”

Rice’s decision to retire means the See RICE, Page 7A

SaltLight Center Director Jeanette Bowden helps a woman who was staying at the center search for information on housing in the facility’s new resource area on Wednesday. The center rolled out extended daylight hours this week to coincide with the opening of the resource area. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

‘Back on their feet’ SaltLight extends hours to open access to extra resources

By Curt Yeomans

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Officials at the SaltLight Center in Lawrenceville have acted as a beacon in the night, offering assistance to single women and women with children who have nowhere else to turn for years.

Now they are extending that beacon into the daylight hours as well.

Family Promise of Gwinnett County, which oversees the center, helped it launch new daytime hours and a resource area this week that extend the shelter’s operations for another eight hours each day. The resource area, which includes three computer stations, gives women who come to the shelter a place to search for additional help.

“So far we’ve had somebody staying everyday to search for resources,” SaltLight Director Jeanette Bowden said. “They’ve been looking for all kinds of resources. We’ve helped them look for staffing agencies so they could gain some income, and some of them have been looking for Section Eight housing so they can move on and have a place to live.”

The new daytime hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. When combined with the existing

SaltLight Center Director Jeanette Bowden talks to a woman who was staying at the center about its new resource area, which helps people who need assistance search for it during the day. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. hours that the shelter was already operating under, it puts SaltLight close to its goal of being a 24-hour place where women who have no place to live can come for assistance.

Family Promise Executive Director Chuck Ferraro said the group wanted to expand SaltLight’s offerings so that residents who need

assistance would not have to go to multiple places to get assistance or information about community resources.

“We decided to open a resource center with a computer lab so that, instead of just hanging out here, they could help themselves get back on their feet,” he said.

See SALTLIGHT, Page 7A

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INSIDE Classified........7B

Horoscope......4A

Nation............ 5A

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

Comics............6B

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

Obituaries.......7A

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

Crossword......6B

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

Perspectives...6A

Weekend........1C

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2A • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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Southwestern Georgians turn out in Sasser for Trump

By Terry Lewis

Staff Correspondent

SASSER — There was an enthusiastic party atmosphere in Sasser on Thursday afternoon when farmers and other rural Southwest Georgians rallied in support of Donald Trump, the New York businessman who’s running for the Republican presidential nomination.

The crowd had already swelled to more than 250 by late afternoon when the “Farmers for Trump” event kicked off in earnest with an overhead salute full of Southwest Georgia flavor — four crop-dusters making a flyby over downtown around 5 p.m.

The atmosphere could be described as a big family reunion type event on

Julie Fisk of Newton and her granddaughter, Clara Lee of Dawson, pose with a life-size cutout of Donald Trump, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

A rally for Trump was conducted in Sasser on Thursday evening. (Staff Photo: Terry Lewis)

Main Street, which was blocked off from U.S. Highway 82 to Dawson Street. Music and the aroma of barbecue were in

the air. There were a handful of vendors, and Trump emblazoned T-shirts and caps were being given out. The candidate wasn’t

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present, but a number of ralliers took an opportunity to get their pictures made with a life-size photo cutout of Trump.

In interviews, those who showed up to support Trump cited his business acumen and his assertive personality as reasons why they thought he was the best candidate in the field.

“I support Trump because I think he would make a good president of the United States,” Tim Sinerly of Sasser said. “He might turn things around for us.”

Blake Vann, also of Sasser, was one of the farmers who came out to show his support. While Trump’s outspokenness has earned him some criticism on the campaign trail, Vann said he liked

the fact that he says what he thinks.

“We’ve got a small farm where we raise cattle,” Vann said. “I like Trump.

He’s outspoken, says what he feels.

“I think he’d make a good president. He doesn’t let people intimidate him, and that’s what we need in this country.”

Greg Kader of Lee County, who works at the Marine base in Albany, said he went to Macon to see Trump at a rally at the coliseum there. For him, Trump’s independence is appealing.

“He’s not beholden to anybody,” Kader said.

“He’s his own man. His policies may seem hard, but I think they will help America. We need to get a little tougher.”

Steve Collins of Albany said he thinks Trump has the ability to negotiate with other nations from a position of strength.

“We sold our souls to the Chinese,” he said, “but Donald Trump knows how to play Chinese checkers and he knows how to win.”

Harry Thompson of Moultrie said Trump speaks for more people than his critics might realize. He also thinks it’s a good idea for someone who has business savvy to be occupying the Oval Office.

“I support Trump because he speaks what a lot of people are thinking,” Thompson said. “I hope he can carry it to Washington, D.C., because he’s a good businessman and that’s what we need.”

$4K in smokes swiped from Stone Mountain gas station

By Joshua Sharpe joshua.sharpe @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County police are actively seeking a pair of Stone Mountainarea cigarette thieves.

The robbers knocked over a Murphy USA gas station, swiping about 70 cartons worth some $4,000, on Jan. 13, police announced Thursday.

At 9 p.m., two perpetrators walked into an exterior storage room where an employee was taking cigarette inventory. One of them pushed the victim into the corner of the room and told her not to look at him, police said.

He was 5-foot-9 with freckles.

Both robbers began loading cigarettes into

Gwinnett police say this person was on of the robbers who knocked over a Murphy USA gas station in Stone Mountain. (Special Photo)

plastic bags.

“During the robbery, the suspects told the victim they would kill her if she looked at them,” said Cpl. Deon Washington, spokesman for the police department. “The suspects loaded the plastic bags into a black Dodge Dart.”

The car displayed Georgia tag, PHZ1835, which belongs to a stolen vehicle.

Before fleeing the

scene, the victim was told to stay in the storage room for 10 minutes.

Anyone with information can contact 770513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 3A

Report: Woman’s murder followed night club dispute

By Joshua Sharpe

for three hours while they were clubbing in Atlanta early Saturday; A report released by Jones Lawrenceville police hadn’t reveals new details in been let the death of 28-year-old in and, Chelsea Rebecca Jones, the report who was stabbed with a said, the pocket knife. five other Jennifer Anita Smith It quotes friends saying women Jones had been angry at didn’t them for leaving her in a bring her a jacket or ciga2015 Dodge Journey SUV rettes. joshua.sharpe @gwinnettdailypost.com

When they arrived at one of the women’s parents’ house on Hurricane Shoals Road, Jones, who was seated in the third row, reportedly began jumping around in the second row of the SUV. She soon fell out to the ground outside the SUV. Absent from the report is exactly how in the apparent commotion the 28-year-old was stabbed in the pelvic area. Police

have arrested and charged Jennifer Anita Smith, 27, who police said was Jones’ friend and roommate, with murder and assault.

When officers arrived, Jones lay in the grass with a “large amount” of blood surrounding her body, her eyes partially open. Some of the friends had apparently been trying to stop the bleeding with paper towels, police said.

She was still alive when emergency medical workers arrived but was pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center.

Three of the women remained on the scene with the victim. Two others walked away, including Smith, the report said. The other woman was found walking back toward the scene; Smith later contacted police and went to the station.

Smith, who jail records indicate is a fast food worker, is being held without bond at the Gwinnett County jail. Previously, she pleaded guilty to family violence battery in 2010, court records show.

She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next Thursday.

Jones’ death was the first murder in 2016 in the city.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit named a ‘Door of Mercy’ by pope

By Beth Sexton

drone filming the event to be reminded that these are indeed modern times.

Despite celebrating the While times have church that has Jesus’ changed, the church’s apostle Simon Peter as its message of mercy has not. first pope and gathering in a The Monastery of the Holy place drenched in a history Spirit welcomed hundreds that began during World of worshipers this week to a War II, one only had to look ceremony designating it as heavenward and see the a Door of Mercy, only one Staff Correspondent

of seven sites in Georgia honored and chosen as such by the Atlanta Archdiocese and Pope Francis.

“It was awesome and beautiful,” said Br. Callistus Crichlow, a monk at the Trappist monastery in Conyers. “… People kept pouring in.”

An estimated 800 wor-

shipers from across the state came to Conyers to celebrate as Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory opened the Holy Door of Mercy at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit Tuesday. Decorated with live flowers and greenery, the doors are symbolic in what Pope Francis has designated a Year of Mercy.

The pope asked all dioceses around the world to designate a Door of Mercy at their cathedral, or other special church or shrine during what has been named the Holy Year of Mercy.

“If God limited himself to only justice, he would cease to be God and would instead be like human beings who ask merely that the law be respected,” the pope wrote in “The Face of Mercy,” a document calling the special Holy Year to begin Dec. 8, 2015.

The pope said he proclaimed the Year of Mercy because “it is the favorable time to heal wounds.” “(It is) a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and touch their hands with the signs of the closeness to God and a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation,” he added.

In proclaiming the Holy Year of Mercy, the pope said that nothing in the church’s preaching or witness should be lacking in mercy.

“How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness or God,” the pope stated in the document. “May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the kingdom of God is already present in our midst.”

Pope Francis said that preaching mercy is not the same as ignoring sin or withholding correction, but rather invites repentance and conversion. He also said realizing they have been treated with mercy by God should oblige Christians to treat others with mercy.

“At times, how hard it seems to forgive,” the pope said. “And yet pardon is the instrument placed into our fragile hands to attain seren-

A procession at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit on Tuesday afternoon makes its way to the entrance of the Abbey Church, where the door to the church was designated as a Door of Mercy. (Staff Photos: Sue Ann Kuhn-Smith)

ity of heart …”

Brothers living at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit spent weeks preparing for the big event. Crichlow said he kept telling his fellow monks to expect around 500 visitors, but was elated when 800 worshipers turned out to celebrate.

“It meant a lot to our people,” he said. “… Pope Francis knows people’s hearts, and this will bring people much closer to their relationship with God. We recognize the mercy of the Father. As you leave, you take with you that mercy and share it. Feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, visiting the prisons — to give of themselves takes a deeper place in one’s heart.

Mercy is big with the new pope and it’s important to share it.”

As hundreds processed into the church at the Conyers monastery last week, Crichlow said the 600-seat sanctuary was soon filled with many more men, women and children standing or sitting on the floor to hear the blessing offered by the archbishop.

The rite of the Opening of the Door of Mercy began with the gathering of the faithful at the Gate House parking lot close to the church. The archbishop led the group with an introduction, prayer and exhortation.

The procession followed from that point leading to the Abbey Church doors.

This liturgical rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of Mercy continued with the blessing of the doors. Upon entering the Door of Mercy, the archbishop led the worshipers in the remembrance of baptism and renewal of

vows.

The afternoon ceremony was followed by the Divine Office of Vespers for the Feast of the Presentation.

The evening liturgy was a special celebration of thanksgiving for the “Gift of Consecrated Life” which was celebrated by the brothers, sisters, priests and consecrated women serving the Archdiocese of Atlanta who were in attendance.

Many Catholics from local churches attended the event, as well as those from churches in Athens, North Georgia, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Jonesboro and other towns, in addition to a large number of Spanishspeaking worshipers and a sizable group of Vietnamese Catholics, according to Crichlow.

In 1944, a total of 21 Trappist monks left Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky and traveled to rural Georgia where they founded the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. They took 15 years to build the Abbey Church, a massive concrete structure that stands among the many other buildings the monks have built on the monastery grounds since.

By being chosen as a Door of Mercy, the monastery now becomes a special place of pilgrimage for people from many different backgrounds all year long.

“We are looking forward to it,” Crichlow said of those who will visit the monastery. “We are looking forward to being such a part of their spiritual journey.”

Beth Slaughter Sexton is a freelance writer based in Walton County. Contact her at bethslaughtersexton@ gmail.com.

4A • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

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Keith Roach

Goal is to balance risk, benefits DEAR DR. ROACH: Is Lyrica a safe type of medication for fibromyalgia? I am worried about side effects and interactions with other medicines.

— L.M. ANSWER: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder whose hallmark symptoms include disordered sleep, pain and fatigue. Treatment can include, among other strategies, careful attention to sleep and exercise, and often medication.

Antidepressants such as amitriptyline are first-line treatments, since they may change the way the body perceives pain, which, in turn, may be the underlying cause of fibromyalgia.

However, these medicines have many side effects that limit their effectiveness. There are various other treatments that have been evaluated, including pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalin was shown in a 2010 review of multiple studies to be effective at helping improve pain, sleep quality and quality of life.

All medicines have side effects, and the most common for pregabalin are foot swelling, dizziness and feeling sleepy. Most of the known drug interactions tend to worsen the side effects of sleepiness and dizziness. However, when considering the other medications used for fibromyalgia and their attendant side effects, pregabalin is considered relatively safe. The goal is always to balance out the benefits and the risks, and only you and your doctor can decide whether the fibromyalgia symptoms are worth a trial.

DEAR DR. ROACH: For no reason I can find, one side of my lips or my tongue will swell, or sometimes both lips or my whole tongue. If I take an antihistamine like Benadryl, the swelling will go down. I watch what I eat and haven’t found a singular food that causes it.

— N.M. ANSWER: Swelling of the lips and tongue is an important symptom that needs urgent evaluation.

The most worrisome cause is angioedema (meaning swelling from blood vessels), which can be related to medications, especially the blood pressure agents the ACE inhibitors, but it also can be a hereditary type.

Antihistamines are sometimes used to prevent the swelling, but a thorough evaluation needs to be done first.

Your regular doctor is the place to start, but an expert in allergy and immunology is likely to have more experience and may be necessary.

TO READERS: Questions about breast cancer and its treatment are found in the booklet on that subject. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Roach Book No. 1101, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

HOROSCOPES

WEATHER WATCH

54

30

27

34

28

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

The solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period.

MAJOR

Lake

10:09 a.m.-12:09 p.m........................ ..................... 10:36 p.m.-12:36 a.m.

MINOR

4:49-5:49 a.m.............3:28-4:28 p.m.

POLLEN COUNTS Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

23

29

23

LAKE LEVELS

Full Yesterday

Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona (840.0) ........ 828.32

Lanier

(1071.0) ....... 1071.73

Blackshear (237.0) .........236.74

Nottely

(1779.0) .......1766.00

Blue Ridge (1690.0) ....... 1674.47

Oconee

(435.0) ........ 434.88

Burton

(1865.0) .......1864.81

Seminole (77.50)........... 78.91

Carters

(1072.0) ....... 1074.05

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) ....... 1921.28

Thurmond (330.0) ........ 328.47

(339.8) ........ 339.32

Harding

(521.0) ........ 520.43

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) .........658.17

Walter F. George (188.0)....188.59

(891.5) ........ 889.39

Jackson

(530.0) ........ 526.41

West Point (635.0) ......... 627.95

TODAY IN HISTORY

LOTTERY Thursday Cash 3 Midday: 9-3-5 Cash 4 Midday: 6-8-4-8 Ga. 5 Midday: 9-0-8-8-7 Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 8-0-6 Cash 3 Evening: 5-7-4 Cash 4 Midday: 3-5-0-6 Cash 4 Evening: 0-1-1-4 Ga. 5 Midday: 6-0-3-4-2 Ga. 5 Evening: 6-4-9-3-1 Fantasy 5: 5-9-10-26-31 Powerball: 26-28-31-60-67, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3x

Today is the 36th day of 2016 and the 46th day of winter.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1917, Congress overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s veto in passing the Immigration Act of 1917, banning persons from an “Asiatic Barred Zone” from entering the country.

In 1919, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and D.W. Griffith launched United Artists.

In 1988, Panamanian military leader Manuel Noriega was indicted in Florida on charges of bribery and drug trafficking.

In 1994, white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of the murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers 31 years earlier, in 1963.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965), politician/ diplomat; William S. Burroughs (1914-

1997), author; Red Buttons (19192006), actor/comedian; Hank Aaron (1934- ), baseball player; Michael Mann (1943- ), filmmaker; Christopher Guest (1948- ), actor/filmmaker; Laura Linney (1964- ), actress; Roberto Alomar (1968- ), baseball player; Sara Evans (1971- ), singer-songwriter; Christiano Ronaldo (1985- ), soccer player.

TODAY’S FACT: United Artists cofounder Charlie Chaplin, who directed, produced, scored and starred in most of his own films, re-shot one scene in “City Lights,” featuring his famous “Little Tramp” character, 342 times.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1972, Bob Douglas, “the Father of Black Professional Basketball,” became the first African-American elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

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Why is the help in the family cabin?

DEAR AMY: I have an interesting ethical — or perhaps a moral — dilemma.

We spend significant time at a cabin we own and our longtime gardener and maid have keys to our home. The gardener also has keys to our cars.

When my wife and I returned to the cabin recently, I found two containers of a sexual lubricant on the kitchen counter. My assumption is that one of them used our home for a tryst and forgot to remove this evidence. The gardener and maid are both married.

The bottles remain in plain sight on the kitchen counter and neither has claimed them or mentioned them.

I am reluctant to ask either of them because it might point to the other as being unfaithful and would expose them as having used our home for nonwork-related purposes.

They do know each other slightly. Either could lie if I ask. Basically, because of my suspicion I am going to worry about their trustworthiness until I resolve whose it is and how it got into our home.

We have grown, unmarried kids. They have their own homes. I asked our son if these items belonged to him and he chuckled and said no. Now he knows (by deduction) that I suspect hanky-panky from one of the employees. My wife wants me to drop it.

What do you think I should do?

— Concerned Homeowner

DEAR AMY: I am in a longtime non-romantic relationship with a man.

Neither of us has a romantic partner or is dating at the moment, and we go out to dinner frequently.

Unfortunately, he seems clueless about what most people consider good table manners.

Amy Dickinson I am not a social snob, but his eating habits create DEAR CONCERNED: an uncomfortable dinIn addition to your ing experience for me.

“Downton”-esque theory Additionally, I don’t feel that either the maid or the comfortable having him gardener is getting it on in accompany me to certain your cabin, there are many events, such as my upcomother possibilities, includ- ing college reunion or ing the idea that either of family gatherings where I them (or both) is using know others would notice your cabin for trysts with and judge him. their own spouse — or If he knew that a few with each other. Or their simple changes in the cousins, kids, neighbors or way he eats would be anyone else now has access advantageous to him soto the keys and is using cially, I believe he would try to make the changes, your cabin — and, possibut I can’t be the one to bly, your car. bring it up. I don’t want Remove the sexual, to hurt his feelings or moral, ethical component insult him. Do you have from this and you are left suggestions? with evidence that you — Sensitive Diner have a security breach. You DEAR DINER: You and your wife should point don’t mention what your this out to each of your employees (separately and friend does that is so obprivately), ask them if they jectionable, but if you are close friends, you should know anything about it, and expect them to answer be able to offer feedback in an honest way and he in the negative. should be able to handle it.

I suggest you review You could start by askwhether you keep any ing your friend, “We eat valuables in the cabin, investigate installing a secu- together so often — can I offer you some feedback rity system, double-check about table manners?” Also your insurance coverage give him this helpful book: and — possibly — install a camera you can monitor “A Gentleman at the Table: A Concise, Contemporary remotely.

Ask Amy

Gwinnett Daily Post

Guide to Table Manners”

by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis (2004, Thomas Nelson). The first page lists commonsense rules all polite people should follow at the table.

DEAR AMY: In response to “Academically Challenged,” the college freshman with cerebral palsy: Please suggest the student check out the support services offered by the college. Many colleges have an office dedicated to helping students with a wide variety of physical and mental health challenges succeed. The transition to college is difficult for most students.

This student is not stupid — but courageous.

Connecting with college services and other students who may be in similar situations will give this student the confidence to cope with school and the parents’ concerns.

— Karen, a College Academic Adviser DEAR KAREN: I hope my suggestion that she visit her academic adviser provides Challenged with resources offered by her school.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or “like” her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson’s memoir, “The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them” (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.

Stay focused on what’s important to you. A disciplined approach to work, family and making changes will bring you the happiness you are searching for. If you implement innovative strategies, positive returns and recognition will result.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Get into tiptop shape. Invest in yourself and be disciplined in your quest to be the best you can be. Bring about positive change and strive for perfection.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — It’s a good day to check out new possibilities. If you offer help, you will be granted favors in return.

Go beyond the call of duty. Make love a priority and plan a romantic evening for two.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Slow down and take your time. Haste will make waste and could lead to feuds that will set you back personally or professionally. Focus on personal changes that will help you be your best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Make your voice heard. The more you interact with others, the further ahead you will be.

Sharing your feelings and showing interest in what’s going on around you will also encourage love and romance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Take care of business before someone complains that you are not doing your share.

Bring about the changes necessary to ensure that you don’t lose ground or the respect of someone influential.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Maintain a positive attitude and be willing to discuss how you would like to see the future unfold. Your desire to please loved ones will bring substantial returns.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don’t let uncertainty dominate your mind. Size up your situation and bring about change. An educational journey will bring you closer to your lifelong dream. Don’t fold under pressure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Avoid interference by staying ahead of your opponents. If you play to win, you will make it clear who is in charge. The outcome will be in your favor.

Love is highlighted.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) — Formulate a plan that will ensure your safety. Work quietly, perfecting what is important to you. Your time will come, and you want to be fully prepared.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — A partnership is in your best interest.

If you choose someone who is very different from you, what you both bring to the table will result in something very special.

Romance is featured.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep your life simple and steer clear of obsessive situations that can only lead to discomfort and discord.

Time is on your side, so take a break.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Stand up and be counted. What you have to contribute will make a difference and raise your profile.

Make plans to celebrate your victory with a loved one.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 5A

gwinnettdailypost.com

WORLD Brazil Zika cases raise concern of spread beyond mosquitoes

world&nation

Remaining Ore. activists indicted

By Shelby Sebens Reuters

PORTLAND, Ore. — Four anti-government activBRASILIA — Authori- ists still occupying a U.S. ties in Brazil, where a Zika wildlife refuge in Oregon outbreak has been linked have been indicted, along to severe birth defects, on with 12 others previously arThursday disclosed two rested on charges of impedcases of transmission tied ing federal officers during a to blood transfusions, add- month-long armed standoff ing to concerns over the at the compound. spread of the virus.

The indictment, filed in The virus, spreading federal court in Oregon and quickly across Latin Amer- unsealed on Thursday, suica and the Caribbean, is persedes an earlier criminal usually transmitted by the complaint that charged probite of a mosquito. test leader Ammon Bundy Marcelo Addas Carvand others with impeding alho, the doctor who is the by “force, intimidation, director of the blood center and threats” officers and at the University of Campi- employees of the U.S. Fish nas near Sao Paulo, said and Wildlife Service in the genetic testing confirmed performance of their duties. that a man who received Attorneys for the defena blood transfusion using dants were not immediately blood donated by another available for comment. man infected with Zika The occupation began in March 2015 became on Jan. 2, when Bundy, infected with the virus, his brother Ryan and other although he did not develop followers took over buildsymptoms. ings at the Malheur National Carvalho said another Wildlife Refuge in remote man, who had suffered eastern Oregon in the latest gunshot wounds, also flare-up of a decades-old became infected with Zika conflict over federal control after receiving multiple of millions of acres in the blood transfusions that West. included blood donated by The three-page indictment an infected person in April says the defendants bran2015. dished firearms and refused to leave the refuge, threatening violence against anybody

Army chief: Iran to strengthen missile program

ANKARA — Iran will continue to develop its missile program and it should not be considered a threat to neighboring and friendly countries, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the head of the army as saying on Thursday.

Under a deal reached between Iran and six major powers in 2015, most international sanctions imposed on Iran due to its nuclear program were lifted last month. However, sanctions imposed on its missile program were not lifted.

According to a July 20 United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing the deal, Iran is still “called upon” to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years.

Alaskey, voice of Looney Tunes, dies at age 63

LOS ANGELES — Joe Alaskey, who voiced Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Sylvester the Cat, among other legendary cartoon characters, died on Wednesday of cancer, according to multiple reports.

He was 63.

Alaskey’s spokesperson, K.P. Lynne, shared the news on the actor’s Facebook page, writing, “Never doubt that Joe loved each and every one of you. Your comments and posts always made his day and brought joy to his heart and life.”

Alaskey replaced Mel Anti-militia demonstrator Andrew Snyder carries a sign during a protest outside the Blanc as the voice of Bugs Harney County Courthouse in Burns, Ore., on Monday. (Reuters/Jim Urquhart) Bunny and Daffy Duck after his death in 1989, who attempted to remove where a spokesman for the refused to leave the refuge. assuming the Warner them. group, Robert “LaVoy” A judge has cited the Bros. characters during the It also says the protesters Finicum, was shot to death. continuing standoff as a recruited others in person A 12th member of the group major obstacle to the release 2000s, including in the film and over social media to turned himself in to police in of at least some of those who “Looney Tunes: Back in Action.” He has also given join their ranks beginning in Arizona. remain in custody. An atNovember, and, in OctoTwo of those arrested torney for arrested protester voice to other Looney Tunes animated characters, includber, warned the sheriff of have since been released Jason Patrick, named in the ing Tweety and Sylvester.

Harney County in the nearby on condition that they wear indictment, referred to the He served as the primary town of Burns of “extreme electronic tracking devices holdouts as “four idiots” at voice for Plucky Duck on civil unrest” if their demands while awaiting trial, leaving odds with his client’s aims.

“Tiny Toon Adventures” were unmet, among other 10 of the former protesters, The indictment contains acts of intimidation. including the Bundys, still in the same charges as those in and Yosemite Sam on “Who The Bundy brothers and custody. the criminal complaint filed Framed Roger Rabbit?” nine others were arrested Their immediate fate has last month but avoids the last week in Oregon, most of been clouded by the four need for prosecutors to seek Jonas Cuaron them during a confrontation holdouts among the group, a judge’s determination that with FBI and state police who joined the protest after sufficient evidence exists to set to helm new Zorro reboot ‘Z’ on a snow-covered roadside it started but have so far proceed to trial.

NATION Anti-abortion activist behind video offered probation

HOUSTON — An antiabortion activist indicted for using a fake driver’s license ID to aid secret filming inside Planned Parenthood facilities turned himself in to authorities in Houston on Thursday and was offered a probation deal, prosecutors said.

David Daleiden, indicted in January by a Houstonarea grand jury, appeared at Harris County District Court on a charge of tampering with a governmental record, which can bring up to 20 years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for trying to procure fetal tissue.

Daleiden leads the California-based Center for Medical Progress that Russia, Turkey released the secretly filmed trade accusations videos used to accuse the over Syrian war women’s health group of trading in aborted fetal tisBEIRUT/MOSCOW/ sue.

LONDON — Russia said He was offered a probaon Thursday it suspected tion deal in which, if he Turkey was preparing a keeps a clean record for military incursion into Syr- a certain period of time, ia, as a Syrian army source charges would be dropped, said Aleppo would soon be prosecutors said. encircled by government Daleiden’s lawyers said forces with Russian air he planned to reject the deal support. and is seeking an apology Turkey in turn accused from prosecutors.

Moscow of trying to divert attention from its own Shkreli insults “crimes” in Syria, and said Congress after Aleppo was threatened with a “siege of starvarefusing to testify tion”. It said Turkey had the right to take any meaFormer Turing Pharmasures to protect its security. ceuticals Chief Executive In another sign of the Officer Martin Shkreli on spreading international Thursday called members of ramifications of the fivethe U.S. Congress “imbeyear-old Syrian war, Saudi ciles” on Twitter, moments Arabia said it was ready after he refused to testify to participate in ground before a House of Represenoperations against Islamic tatives committee on why State in Syria if the U.S.his company raised the price led alliance decided to of a lifesaving medicine by launch them.

5,000 percent.

— From wire reports “Hard to accept that

PEOPLE

Anti-abortion activist David Daleiden speaks at a news conference outside a court in Houston on Thursday. Daleiden, leader of the California-based Center for Medical Progress, which released the secretly filmed videos used to accuse Planned Parenthood of trading in aborted fetal tissue, appeared at a Houston court and was offered a probation deal on charges including using a fake government document, prosecutors said. (Reuters/Ruthy Munoz)

interview. “Based on recent reports and the cases we are seeing, it seems like we’re in a heightened environment.”

Over the past year, the Justice Department has brought charges against domestic extremist suspects accused of attempting to bomb U.S. military bases, kill police officers and fire bomb a school and other buildings in a predominantly Muslim town in New York state.

But federal prosecutors tackling domestic extremists still lack an important legal tool they have used extensively in dozens of prosecutions against Islamic State-inspired suspects: a law that prohibits supporting designated terrorist groups.

Carlin and other Justice Department officials declined to say if they would ask Congress for a comparable domestic extremist statute, or comment on what other changes they might pursue to toughen the fight against anti-government extremists.

and three other manufacturers built over a five-year period worldwide, widening an air bag safety crisis.Continental Automotive, a unit of Germany-based Continental AG, told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that electronic systems built from 2006 through 2010 and used in 5 million vehicles may fail and Dogs shot by air bags may not deploy in a Okla. shelter crash or may inadvertently deploy without warning. igniting uproar Continental spokeswoman OKLAHOMA CITY Mary Arraf said Thursday — An animal shelter in an the recall involved between Oklahoma town that has 1.5 million and 2 million vehicles in the United States. euthanized dogs by shooting them is under intense criticism by residents, and the U.S. looks to mayor said on Thursday the combat domestic practice is rare but would be stopped while the shelter is extremists investigated.

WASHINGTON — The Residents of Bristow, a U.S. Justice Department is town of about 4,200 people considering legal changes southwest of Tulsa, have to combat what it sees as a accused the animal shelter of rising threat from domestic fatally shooting at least three Continental: 5M anti-government extremists, dogs in the past week and vehicles may have senior officials told Reuters, have petitioned the mayor to even as it steps up efforts to end the practise. faulty air bags stop Islamic State-inspired “We are not going to WASHINGTON/ attacks at home. shoot dogs anymore and we DETROIT — ContinenExtremist groups motivat- will try to work with local tal Automotive Systems ed by a range of U.S.-born vets to help us,” Bristow said Thursday it supplied philosophies present a “clear Mayor Leonard Washington potentially defective air bag and present danger,” John said. “Shooting dogs is not control units to 5 million Carlin, the Justice Departa common practice, and this vehicles used by Honda, Fiat ment’s chief of national was a rare situation.”

Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, security, told Reuters in an — From wire reports these imbeciles represent the people in our government,” said Shkreli, using his @MartinShkreli Twitter handle.

Earlier, Shkreli invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions from lawmakers about drug price increases he engineered, such as hiking the price of 62-year-old Daraprim to $750 a pill from $13.50.

During the hearing, Shkreli, whose youth and attitude have prompted some critics to label him “Pharmabro,” responded to questions by laughing, twirling a pencil and yawning.

After his appearance, he tweeted: “I had prior counsel produce a memo on facial expressions during congressional testimony if anyone wants to see it. Interesting precedence.”

LOS ANGELES — “Gravity” co-scribe Jonas Cuaron is following his award-winning border thriller “Desierto” with “Z,” a reboot of “Zorro.”

Lantica Media and Sobini Films will co-produce the action thriller, set to begin principal photography in the summer at Lantica Media’s Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, a stateof-the-art studio facility in the Dominican Republic.

Pantelion Films will handle international sales, which kick off at the European Film Market in Berlin this month.

Cuaron will be writing his own vision of legendary masked vigilante, Zorro, but it will be set in the near future, said Sobini Films CEO Mark Amin. While the script is still being written, Amin projects a mid-range budget no less than $30 million but no more than $100 million.

DGA awards first-time filmmakers

LOS ANGELES — Five first-time feature filmmakers discovered they’d been nominated for a prestigious new Directors Guild of America award they didn’t even know existed.

“I was surprised,” says “Son of Saul” director Laszlo Nemes. “I didn’t expect the call. I didn’t know about the category. It’s a big deal, I guess.”

The DGA’s latest award, which recognizes the directorial achievement of a first-time feature director, includes one woman, Marielle Heller, among the nominees.

“The DGA is making a major effort to reach out to young filmmakers and make the union accessible to indie filmmakers and first-time filmmakers — and women,” says “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” director and recently minted DGA member.

— From wire reports

Italian court clears groping boss because of immature sense of humor Reuters PALERMO, Italy — An Italian man accused of groping female colleagues is not guilty of sexual harassment because he was driven by an immature sense of humor rather than a desire for sexual gratification, a court in Sicily ruled.

The ruling drew condemnation in a country where the national statistics bureau says around a third of women between 16 and 70

MUST READ years old have suffered physical or sexual violence.

A junior colleague accused the 65-year-old of touching her sexually. A second woman said he treated her “as if I were a little girl … as if he were giving me a light slap on the behind,” according to a document explaining the reasons for the ruling.

The court in Palermo said it was proven he had behaved as the women alleged but acquitted him nonetheless.

The judges said the contact was not “lascivious” and the boss, who was described as being “severe” in his workplace dealings, was not touching his staff for sexual pleasure.

“Objectively, it was brought on by an immature and inappropriate sense of humor, mixed in with a

veiled abuse of power and an albeit improper way of establishing hierarchical relationships in the office.”

Commentators and a labor union lambasted the ruling.

“The Palermo court’s sentence is worthy of lawmakers in Saudi Arabia,” well-known commentator Massimo Gramellini wrote in a front-page opinion piece in La Stampa newspaper.

“The august assembly seems to suggest that the women who were

felt up caused the real offense.”

The UIL labor union’s Sicilian branch said it was “amazed and puzzled” by the decision. In a statement published by a local newspaper, union representatives said: “(The ruling) ignores the sensitivity and dignity of the working women and at the same time unfathomably permits the sexual violence, which was perpetrated even if on a small scale.”

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 6 A • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

Candidates slash, bash WASHINGTON — Heading into New Hampshire, the race for the nomination of the once-genteel Republican Party seems to have entered a kind of Mad Max phase.

It is no surprise that Donald Trump is doing his best to create political mayhem. Trump was uncharacteristically subdued Monday night when he underperformed in Iowa, getting beaten by Ted Cruz and barely holding on to second place. But within 24 hours he was back in form, slashing and burning with abandon.

Trump seized on Ben Carson’s complaint that Cruz’s representatives at the Iowa caucuses had cheated, falsely leading Carson supporters to believe that their candidate was pulling out of the race; the message was that if they wanted their votes to count, they should cast them for Cruz. Trump thundered on Twitter that the “state of Iowa” should nullify the results Eugene and order a do-over Robinson — never mind that it is the Iowa Republican Party, not the state government, that runs the caucuses.

“Oh that voter fraud, you know, these politicians are brutal,” Trump said at a rally. “They are a bunch of dishonest cookies, I want to tell you.”

Cruz accused his rival of throwing a “Trumper-tantrum” — Cruz’s wordplay is never quite as sparkling as he seems to think — and his campaign maintained it was guilty of nothing except the practice of big-league politics.

The dispute doesn’t amount to much, except in this one sense: Trump played it safe in the days before Iowa, even skipping a debate, but now he seems back to the hot-mess flamboyance that brought him this far. Polls show him with a 20-point lead in New Hampshire over all comers, according to the Real Clear Politics average. He needs to win big to remain the favorite for the nomination.

Cruz is riding high, of course, and can even dream of sneaking into second place in Tuesday’s primary. But New Hampshire is unfriendly turf for him. Besides being the place where Trump hopes to get his mojo back, it is the state where the lagging establishment candidates — Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, John Kasich — have to do well. If they don’t, donors and endorsers may begin to coalesce around Marco Rubio, the only establishment hopeful who performed better in Iowa than the polls had predicted.

Indeed, such movement began Thursday when Rick Santorum, who didn’t survive Iowa, gave Rubio his endorsement. Unhappily, however, Santorum struggled mightily when pressed by “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough to name one thing Rubio has accomplished in the Senate. After much hemming and hawing, Santorum acknowledged that “there isn’t a whole lot” but protested that the question was unfair, since no one has accomplished much of anything in the Senate in recent years.

It is Christie, though, who has been sharpest — some would say “most vicious” — in attacking Rubio since the Iowa vote. Christie’s campaign is running out of money and time, and he seems to have decided to leave it all on the field in New Hampshire.

“This isn’t a student council election, everybody. This is an election for president of the United States,” Christie said Tuesday, in an attack aimed at Rubio. “Let’s get the boy out of the bubble, and let’s see if he’s ready to play next week in New Hampshire. I’m ready to play.”

The boy-in-the-bubble charge was only the beginning. Christie later said that Rubio “acts like the king of England,” called him “the master of the drive-by town hall,” accused him of being overly scripted and claimed he “just doesn’t have any experience.”

Bush is taking a more indirect approach. As we have seen in the debates, he is not exactly a master of the frontal assault. But he has been cheering Christie on, calling him “a great campaigner … a good friend … an effective governor.” And the Bush campaign bought a full-page ad in the Union Leader, New Hampshire’s biggest-circulation newspaper, in which eight leading Florida Republicans charged that Rubio “is not the best choice to serve as commander in chief.”

With all the slashing and bashing on the Republican side, the Democratic race in New Hampshire almost seems reduced to undercard status — unless, of course, there is a surprise.

If Bernie Sanders — from next-door Vermont — wins the primary handily, as polls predict, nothing much changes. He and Hillary Clinton seem likely to wage a long battle of attrition.

For Republicans, however, New Hampshire is political life or death. Ronald Reagan’s “Eleventh Commandment” — not speaking ill of a fellow Republican — is being honored more in the breach than in the observance.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.

Learning the stories of your friends Your friends don’t always meet up with you with a biographical sketch in the vest pocket of their sport coat. But if you take the time to discourse with them about their past, you may find something illuminating and interesting, evidence that there is a story everywhere you look and with everybody you meet.

Over the years, there have been many social encounters with Reese Lanier, but I had never taken time to venture into his past. I had found him interesting, knowledgeable and entertaining, but knew little of his personal life. There were a couple of quail hunts on his farm in Carroll Country.

We had taken in a Super Bowl with our sons along with a close friend and his son.

There were dinners here and there and cursory interacting at the mountain house of a mutual friend. I knew that he was a Georgia graduate and that he had married an Athens girl, Mimsie Roberts. But I didn’t know about his friendship with the renowned golfer Arnold Palmer and that his parents had died in an airline disaster in Paris.

That was the 1962 accident which took the lives of 120 people, including many of Atlanta’s cultural and civic leaders — all art aficionados.

Known as the Orly Field crash, it left shock waves that

“Every morning when I woke up,” Reese says, “it hurt.

After a while when you are stricken with a tragedy like that, reality hits you in the face. I knew that my parents were never coming home, and I had to get on with my life.

I went to Georgia, graduated Loran and then began work with the Smith family business.”

The family business, Lanier still reverberate in northside Business Products, was very Atlanta. It was a chartered Air successful, but was overshadFrance flight in the early days owed by firms like IBM, Sony, of transatlantic jet travel, the Dictaphone and Norelco. passengers returning home At the time, Reese thought from an art tour of Europe.

Lanier needed a spokesman Mayor Ivan Allen subsequent- whose name and identity ly flew to Paris to represent would connect with the public his beloved city at a time of consciousness. sadness that would not subside In the early 1970s, Lanier’s for months. Aubrey Morris advertising budget was conof WSB went along and filed fined to radio. The company somber reports for days. spokespersons were actors For Reese, whose great, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. great, great uncle of French Reese, who began work with descent was Georgia’s poet the company after graduating Laureate Sidney Lanier, from Georgia, was given the the accident came at a most responsibility of advertising. poignant moment. He had He thought Lanier ought to graduated from Northside make a splash that would High School the day before resonate in the business world the airline disaster and was which meant ending the prepared to lobby his dad, relationship with Stiller and upon returning from Paris, to Meara, a well-known comedy enter the University of Georteam. gia. His father wanted Reese Reese had given it considto follow in his footsteps and erable thought and got the enroll at Vanderbilt. Suddenly company hierarchy’s attention and regrettably there was no when he suggested Lanier hire issue about which campus he golfer Arnold Palmer as its would choose. spokesman. Initially, he had

no idea how to contact the golfing great, but soon was in touch with Arnold’s agent Mark McCormack. Before you could say “fore,” Reese was accompanying Arnie to a commercial taping one Sunday morning, simulating Arnold hitting a powerful drive down Wall Street.

One day, he picked up Arnie at the airport and was driving him to a location in Atlanta. Reese mentioned that he had to stop by Muse’s, Atlanta’s fashionable men’s store, to pick up a suit of clothes. When they arrived at Muse’s, Arnie said, “Let me go in and get it.”

Entering the exclusive men’s store, Arnold asked for the owner, Gene Morris. With the staff and salesmen giddy with shock and excitement, Palmer was told, “Mr. Morris is at lunch.” When the proprietor returned and learned what happened, he always remembered the episode “…as the one day in my life I should have skipped lunch.”

With Reese Lanier, there were more lunches with Arnold Palmer than he could count, a reminder that big things can only happen when you think big. And get this, he saved the company $40,000 by firing Stiller and Meara. His dad would have been proud of his Georgia education after making those deals.

Lawmakers consider move to reduce health care costs As we move through presidential primary season, a new poll released by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that the cost of health care and health insurance among the top concerns of registered voters.

Falling only behind terrorism and the economy, the rising cost of health care is very much on the minds of voters across the country. That’s certainly the case here in Georgia as we approach the SEC Presidential primary on March 1.

Voters want solutions to one of most expensive items in the family budget and on the corporate balance sheet. While Washington may have failed to provide a solution with the Affordable Care Act, Georgia lawmakers are offering a bold plan to reduce health care costs during the 2016 legislative session.

A proposal before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee chaired by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) would repeal the state’s broken medical malpractice system and replace it with a streamlined, no-blame administrative model. A similar bill is anticipated in the Georgia House.

Under this model, physicians would no longer need practice wasteful, defensive medicine.

After 40 years as a hospital administrator, I can say that one of the primary drivers of

miums, copays and other out of pocket expenses.

While other attempts at healthcare cost reduction have chipped around the edges, this bold move would save our state significant dollars in health care – nearly $7 billion over a decade for taxpayers in Charles state-funded health plans such Evan as Medicaid and between $15 and $31 billion in private plans. rising costs can be linked to a Florida, Tennessee, Maine doctor’s pen. and Montana are considering Despite efforts at cost consimilar proposals. tainment, wasteful defensive Under the proposed Pamedicine is a common practice tients’ Compensation System and occurs when physicians (PCS), patients who have been order unnecessary tests, proce- injured by a physician would dures and medications to avoid no longer take their case to being sued. court. Instead, they would file It is almost impossible to a claim before an administrareduce costs when doctors tive panel of health care exbelieve they must protect perts and an administrative law themselves with expensive and judge. If the PCS found that a unnecessary CT scans, blood medical injury had occurred, work, referrals to specialists, the patient would be quickly X-rays or MRIs. In 2012, a compensated, which is unlike survey of Georgia physicians our current legal system that conducted by Oppenhiem takes years and compensates Research found 82 percent of very few injured patients. doctors admitted to practicing Patients would be compendefensive medicine. sated in an amount similar BioScience Valuation, a to what they would receive health care economics firm, after years in the legal system. reports defensive medicine This no-blame, administrative cost $487 billion in the United model would eliminate the adStates in 2015. In Georgia, versarial relationship between defensive medicine runs about patient and doctor and allow $14 billion annually in wasted physicians to acknowledge health care costs — something their errors without fear of we all pay for in escalating pre- litigation.

During my 40 years of leading hospitals, I can say that the majority of physicians I met have been sued — many under frivolous circumstances. As a result, doctors have changed their behavior to practice wasteful defensive medicine to protect themselves.

Since the 1980s, we in the healthcare field have lamented soaring costs. In recent years as consumers have had to share more of the burden, they too have come to terms with the unsustainable price of health care with significant premium hikes, copays and deductibles.

Adopting a PCS model in Georgia would do more to reduce health care expenses than any policy change I have seen in my career. It would make Georgia a national leader in doing what Washington has failed to do: make health care affordable, its medical liability system expedient, predictable and healthier for taxpayers, patients and doctors.

Charles R. Evans is president of International Health Services Group and is vice chairman of the non-profit Patients for Fair Compensation.

He retired President of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Eastern Group and held senior hospital executive positions in Indiana, Florida and North Carolina.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

SaltLight

•From Page 1A

said she had been searching for months to find Bowden added, “We information on where she give them a packet with could find job readiness some information about programs and permanent different resources that are housing. available when they arAt times, it’s been a rive, but this allows them struggle as she moved to have time to search on from family member to their own as well.” family member and across The shelter has 11 beds, state lines. Sometimes, and Ferraro said that she’s had to start over Bowden extends invitafrom scratch. tions to people who need “It’s been a very humthe assistance, which is bling experience,” she why it doesn’t advertise said. “I’ve found, since I its location. A person who came here, though, that I needs SaltLight’s help, have been helped trementhough, can call Bowden dously with the informaat 770-885-2947. tion I’ve been searching One woman, who asked for months to find … This that her name not be used is a much-needed organibecause of her situation, zation, and we need more spent Wednesday morning places like this.” and afternoon browsing Ferraro said that’s just through the websites of one example of the ways different state and local people have been taking agencies to see what she advantage of the center. needed to do to get help.

“Monday, somebody Her goal is get back to a was here doing their taxes, point where she doesn’t and that allowed them to have to rely on places like get a rapid refund to help SaltLight, or on family them find a temporary members, to have a place place to stay,” he said. to sleep at night.

The group is currently “A lot of times, people looking for volunteers to who need places like this staff the center in the late don’t just need housing,” afternoon to help round she said. “You need infor- out the few hours of the mation about job readiday that the center is not ness programs, housing, open. Ferraro said there transportation services. It are volunteers who can could be medical inforwork some of those hours, mation that you need, or but there are still some it could be information gaps, so they are waiting about a food bank.” to fill in all of the slots She praised Family before they extend their Promise and SaltLight beacon of help further. for opening the resource “Eventually, we want to center to help the people go to 24 hours, but we’re who use its services. She not there just yet,” he said.

obituaries

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

JEFFERSON

Perry Burgess Perry Lynn Burgess, age 56, of Jefferson passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

LAWRENCEVILLE

John Curry John Raymond Curry, age 66, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on February 4, 2016. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

SUGAR HILL

Brenda Dudley Brenda Gail Yancey Dudley, age 62, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on February 3, 2016. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

LOGANVILLE

Clifford Moye Clifford Lamar Moye, age 84 of Loganville, passed away on February 1, 2016. Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 670 Tom Brewer Road, Loganville, GA 30052. 770-466-1544. www.stewartfh.com.

HOSCHTON

Andrew Smith Andrew “Drew” Michael Smith, age 32 of Hoschton, GA, passed away February 1, 2016. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

SaltLight Center volunteer Candita Johnson, pictured above, gets out plates to prepare the center for evening meals on Wednesday.

The center extended its hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and opened a new resource center, as part of an expansion of its services this week. At left, a “HOPE” panel and several copies of the Bible sit on a nightstand in the faith-based SaltLight Center in Lawrenceville. (Staff Photos: Curt Yeomans)

Leili

•From Page 1A

his granddaughters in saying that the husband and Rebecca said, adding that wife had only occasional her mother never explained fights. The state argues the what she meant. fights were regular — and Matthew, 6-foot-5, wearevidenced by the numerous ing a salmon-colored polo tapes Matthew recorded of shirt, smiled occasionally as them. he watched the girls testify.

Matthias recalled a fight He’s had regular talks with in the hours before his them over the phone since daughter-in-law was last he arrived at the county jail seen. There was screaming, in March. With his guidance, he said, though he didn’t rethe girls released videos call it waking the daughters. on YouTube purporting to Matthew called his father, show that the state had no who had been staying at the evidence he was behind house, into the bedroom. the murder, and that their Matthias said he took the Matthias Leili testifies Thursday on behalf of his son, Matmother’s side of the family thew, in the murder trial over Matthew’s wife Nique’s 2011 opportunity to tell Nique he couldn’t be trusted. felt she hadn’t been welcomdeath near Lawrenceville. (Staff Photo: Joshua Sharpe) Prosecutor Lisa Jones, ing to him. a deputy chief assistant been suspicious of Matthew them reported contention in On the stand, the man district attorney, suggested from very early on after the marriage. began to stumble over his when questioning the eldest Nique disappeared. The vicAmanda and Rebecca said words. Then he repeated daughter, Amanda, that tim’s eldest daughter from a their parents had a loving something his son told poMatthew had instructed her previous relationship, Alex relationship. lice while the wife was still not to talk to the mother’s Peters, has testified that she “My mom would sit in missing: family. used to hear her mother tell- my dad’s lap in the of“She did something that Amanda disputed that: ing Matthew to get off her fice and they’d watch TV really threw me for a loop,” “We made our own decision over and over in the night. and have coffee together,” Matthias said. “She tore off we don’t like that side of the Nique’s family has Amanda said. her top and says, ‘Come on, family.” consistently said Nique had Matthias Leili, Matthew’s let’s ‘F’ like a family.’”

That side of the family has no mental issues. Several of 74-year-old father, joined Prosecutor Frank Clark,

Rice

•From Page 1A

•From Page 1A

Norcross area will lose both of its representatives in the House after the current legislative session ends this spring. Rep. Hugh Floyd, a Democrat, announced last year that he too would retire and open the door for a younger generation to step into his seat.

Officially, both men will remain legislators until the end of the calendar year, which is the official expiration date on their terms. It’s been 13 years since Norcross voters had to pick a new representative to serve them in the state House.

Rice referred to the Bible and quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1 to further explain his decision to retire from the legislature.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun,” Rice said in his statement.

Rice is the chairman of the motor vehicles committee and also sits on the Higher Education Committee’s Appropriations Subcommittee, and on the Rules and Ways and Means committees.

Since the trip was announced, the couple also bought brand-new Denver Broncos jerseys.

After Jochim had been a season-ticket holder of the Atlanta Falcons for years, the couple met in section 318 at a game.

When she first became a season ticketholder, Jochim said she couldn’t afford the seats, but God’s grace put her in 318, where she bumped into a crazy Falcons fan. After two years, Stevens asked her out.

While Stevens was surprised about the tickets, Jochim said she found out during a would-be surprise inspection from a regional vice president that turned into an announcement for the contest winner.

More than 900 hotels participated, and Jochim said there was motivation among employees at her location to have their name mentioned in a survey from a guest that indicated something about the hotel’s service and that the employee they dealt with was memorable.

an assistant district attorney, pressed the witness on what happened that night. Clark pointed out that Matthew said under oath in March that there was no screaming, though Matthew and Matthias both said in 2011 that there had been screaming.

What Matthias said, in a 2011 affidavit, was that Nique was screaming at “an ear-piercing level, making threats,” Clark said.

Threats toward whom?

Clark asked.

Matthias said he didn’t remember.

Clark brought up another incident, in which the defendant recorded an argument with Nique. Matthew locked Nique in his office, telling her she couldn’t leave until they discussed their marriage.

Clark asked, if someone were to tell him that his son did that, would he believe it?

“Why would they say that?” Matthias responded.

“I have no clue. Why would he do that?”

Super Bowl Alexis Jochim and her boyfriend, Tyler Stevens, longtime Atlanta Falcons fans, will travel to San Francisco for an all-expensespaid trip to the Super Bowl on Friday morning.

Jochim won a nationwide guest satisfaction competition through the Courtyard Mall of Georgia hotel, where she is the operations manager. (Special Photo)

“It’s been a great feeling for me to have everybody’s support,” Jochim said. “They’d think people would be upset that they didn’t get chosen, but that’s not the way at our property.”

The trip technically went to Jochim’s boss, Julie Muriuki, the hotel’s general manager. But knowing Jochim’s love of football, Muriuki gave the trip to her. As a token of appreciation, Jochim said she passed on the $1,000 spending money

earmarked for the winner back to Muriuki.

The timing of the trip comes after Jochim and Stevens recently celebrated their anniversary, and his birthday is next week.

“Amazing, crazy timing for everything,” Jochim said.

As part of the trip, the couple is set to attend a VIP party with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, former 49ers quarterback Steve Young and Rich Eisen of NFL Network. Jochim plans to

sneak in a Dallas Cowboys jersey to get an autograph from Romo for her sister, a huge Cowboys fan. The trip also includes attending the NFL Honors show, an awards ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien to recognize the NFL’s best players.

During the weekend, they will stay at the Marriott at Fisherman’s Wharf.

“The way that they put it all together is truly an amazing trip,” Jochim said.

8A • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

Data breach affects thousands in Georgia

By Andy Miller

insurance exchange, and 15 Medicare members, the state insurance A health insurer’s department said Wednesdata breach has affected day.

148,334 Georgians on The state Department Medicaid or PeachCare of Community Health for Kids, state officials said Centene will notify said. all affected individuals That total includes and offer free credit and current and former health care monitoring.

Medicaid and PeachCare Last week, Centene members from 2009 to announced it was hunting 2015. for six missing computer The breach occurred hard drives. when health insurer Cen“While we don’t tene lost computer hard believe this informadrives containing about tion has been used 950,000 individuals’ inappropriately, out of personal data, including abundance of caution name, address, date of and in transparency, we birth, Social Security and are disclosing an ongomember ID numbers, and ing search for the hard health information. drives,” Michael NeiCentene, based in dorff, CEO of Centene, St. Louis, is the parsaid in a statement Jan. ent company of Peach 26.

State Health Plan, which Neidorff said the currently covers about drives were being used in 380,000 members of a data project that sought Medicaid and PeachCare to use lab test results to in Georgia. improve members’ health Also affected by the outcomes. breach were 1,113 indiData breaches in health viduals covered by Peach care are not uncommon State in Georgia’s health in the United States.

Georgia Health News

Forbes magazine, citing the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights, reported recently that there were 253 health care breaches in 2015 that affected 500 people or more, with a combined loss of more than 112 million records.

The biggest health data breach last year involved Anthem, the parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, which affected nearly 80 million people nationally.

All Georgia members — nearly 3 million — were potentially affected by the hacking incident, Blue Cross said at the time.

But a Blue Cross spokeswoman said Tuesday that no Georgia members’ information was compromised from that breach.

Centene, which focuses on the Medicaid program’s managed care business, has more than 4.8 million members in 23 states.

Runners race through George Pierce Park while taking part in a weekly run in this 2012 file photo.

County commissioners approved a contract on Tuesday to build a new gymnasium, which will include an indoor track, at the park.

(File Photo)

Commissioners approve $3.2M gymnasium for George Pierce

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County officials are planning to up George Pierce Park’s game, so to speak.

Commissioners approved a $3.2 million contract with Headley Construction Co. on Tuesday to build an 18,212-squarefoot gymnasium at the park, which is located at 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee. The gymnasium will be built as an exten-

sion of the park’s Community Recreation Center and feature a full-sized basketball court and an elevated indoor track.

“This new gym will greatly enhance youth sports programming for youth athletic associations in northern Gwinnett,” Commissioner Jace Brooks said in a statement.

It will join other amenities at the 304-acre park, including a football field, five soccer fields, nine baseball and softball fields

and more than three miles of trails. Officials said the indoor track will be the second of its kind in the county, joining a similar facility at Lucky Shoals Park in Norcross.

“This project is a great use of the voter-approved SPLOST and supports the recreational needs of our community, particularly seniors who are looking forward to using the elevated indoor walking track,” Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said in a statement.

Saturdays, and from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The store opened on Thursday, but the company announced it will do a ribbon cutting ceremony with Gwinnett Chamber officials to formally kick business off at 9 a.m. on Feb. 12. Officials will also hand out $50 gift cards to that first 100 customers the stop by the 84,000-squarefoot store the next day.

The company brought 25 new jobs to the Snellville area.

BUSINESS BRIEFS BioLife opens new $7M center in Centerville Plasma donation company BioLife Plasma Services is opening a new collection center in the Centerville community, which is expected to create 50 new jobs in the county, the company announced in concert with state and local officials on Thursday.

BioLife, which is a subsidiary of Baxalta US Inc., made a $7 million capital investment to build the 15,000-square-foot center at 3440 Centervill Highway. It includes a free, supervised playroom and wireless internet.

“BioLife is pleased to build a new center in (the) Gwinnett community, and we appreciate the support of residents who donate their plasma that is used in lifesaving therapies for patients,” Center Manager Michael Owens said in a statement released through the Gwinnett Chamber’s Economic Development arm.

“The opening of this location is in an effort to better serve patients who rely on the lifesaving therapies processed from donated human plasma.”

The center will help BioLife fulfill its work to collect plasma that can be used for tissue sealing, blood volume replacement or to create treatments for hemophilia and immune disorders.

Chamber economic development Senior VicePresident Nick Masino said the addition is part of a budding community of medical companies that work with blood.

“We are proud to support the Georgia Life Science Ecosystem that has a balanced health care and life science ecosystem including Hematology companies like BioLife,” Masino said in a statement. “It is exciting to call Gwinnett home to such strong Hematology companies including ADMA Biologics and Qualtex Laboratories.”

Gwinnett County Commissioner Tommy Hunter also expressed excitement about the facility, explaining that he was “thrilled” to see BioLife choose the county as an expansion site.

“This company has been an excellent addition to Georgia’s progressive network,” Hunter said in a

statement. “We look forward to seeing this partnership grow.”

United Controls executive picked to speak at forum The Electric Power Research Institute has picked Norcross-based United Controls International’s Business Development Engineering Manager, Jim Garrison, to speak at its Procurement Forum in Texas later this month.

The international gathering of utilities and vendors who provide services to the nuclear industry will take place from Feb. 16-18 in San Antonio. Attendees will participate in formal presentations, discussions on best practices in procurement engineering and network with each other.

Garrison is expected to make a presentation entitled “Dedication vs.

Manufacturing and Control under Appendix B without Dedication” on how UCI makes safety-related items for the nuclear industry.

“It’s an honor to be presenting this year and sharing the services UCI provides for the nuclear industry,” Garrison said in a statement. “We hope our presentation will convey UCI’s commitment to quality and reliability.”

welcome its newest store, Garrett Popcorn Shops, at 4:30 p.m. today when the snack chain opens its newest location.

The store is the gourmet popcorn chain’s second location in Georgia. It will mark the occasion with a visit by Atlanta Falcons Fullback Patrick DiMarco, the team’s cheerleaders and its mascot, from 5 to 7 p.m. They will pose for photos and interact with fans, and customers can get a special Falcons-themed One-Gallon Tin of its Garrett Mix for $19.49.

The store will be open from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on its opening day, and officials from the company, Simon Malls and the city of Buford are expected to cut the ribbon to formally open it at 4:30 p.m.

hand out free tokens to customers that allow them to get a free drink to share with a friend. Customers are also encouraged to take pictures of themselves at the store and share it on social media with the hashtag #BubbleologyUSA. Bubbleology, which is located on the upper level Center Court, will be open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through

At Home sets Snellville ribbon cutting Feb. 12 At Home officials will celebrate the opening of their new store at 2420 Wisteria Drive in Snellville next week with a ribbon cutting and giveaways.

Bubbleology also opening at Mall of Georgia

Something is brewing — or in this case, bubbling — at the Mall of Georgia.

Bubble tea company Bubbleology will open its new location at the mall, which will also be its first location in Georgia, at 10 a.m. on Saturday with free bubble teas for the first 100 customers, and drawings to win an Apple Watch, iPad or Simon gift Garrett Popcorn card for anyone who gets a free tea or buys one.

Shops opens Drawing winners will be announced on Monday Mall of Georgia on Bubbleology’s social location today media pages.

The Mall of Georgia will The company will also

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 9A

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health&wellness

Snellville hosting drive BOC approves remounting for bone marrow donors ambulances on new chassis

By Curt Yeomans

By Curt Yeomans curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Natasha Troike is like a lot of girls who are transitioning from childhood into her teenage years.

The 11-year-old likes making jewelry, drawing, playing soccer, going to the beach and taking care of the pets, which range from chickens Natasha to guinea Troike pigs.

She’s recently taken to drawing pictures of a new cat that her family got. Her dream is to go snorkeling in Bora Bora so she can see the fish that swim off of its coast.

Unlike the typical preteen, however, Troike has spent the last year living in isolation away from many of the things that she loves because aplastic anemia has compromised her immune system. At one point, she needed daily blood transfusions to stay alive, according to her aunt, Tisha Hadaway, who lives in Snellville.

She is one of 14,000 people who need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Her aunt is now turning to the Gwinnett County community to see if she can find a bone marrow match.

“She lives in Maryland, right near the leading doctors in this field, and actually her parents already did a bone marrow drive up there but they couldn’t find a match, so I’m going to give it a shot down here,” Hadaway said.

Hadaway is already getting some local support from several elected officials in Snellville and Lilburn who are expected to attend a bone marrow donor drive, which will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday at the D House, across the street from Grace Fellowship Church at 1400 Dogwood Road in Snellville.

The drive is about more

than helping Natasha, though. It’s proving to be an opportunity for Hadaway and a blood marrow donor group that she is working with, Delete Blood Cancer, to raise awareness in the community about the need for bone marrow donors to join a registry of people who could be a match with someone in need of a transplant.

Everyone tested at this weekend’s donor drive will be added to the registry, which means they could help anyone in the world who needs a transplant.

Bone marrow transplants can help cure a person who is suffering from one of more than 70 blood diseases, including aplastic anemia and blood cancer, according to officials at Delete Blood Cancer.

Seventy percent of people who need a bone marrow transplant don’t have a match and have to go on a wait list, the group said.

“This drive is a call to action to get registered,” Delete Blood Cancer donor recruitment coordinator Kimberly Duncan said. “We’re looking for people who are between 18 and 55 who are in generally good health to be tested as a possible donor.”

Bone marrow produces the red and white blood cells, as well as the blood platelets that are used throughout the body to make it function.

Blood diseases disrupt the body’s ability to get that blood, but it can be treated through a bone marrow transplant, Duncan said.

In Natasha’s case, her immune system attacked the bone marrow because of the aplastic anemia and she wasn’t able to produce blood cells or platelets, according to Hadaway. That led to the need for the daily blood transfusions.

“We’ve almost lost her three times,” her aunt said.

The catch is that matches need to be found, and that isn’t as

simple as finding someone with the same blood type. There are thousands of tissue type characteristics that are looked at to determine if someone is a match for someone on the transplant wait list. Eight characteristics must be in common between a donor and a patient to make a match.

The international registry of donors exists to help make finding that match possible.

Anyone who comes to the drive to volunteer as a bone marrow donor on Saturday will be asked to fill out some paperwork and have the inside of their cheek swabbed.

The DNA from the swab will be used to determine if they are a match for anyone on the national transplant wait list.

“It’s about a five- to eight-minute process,” Duncan said.

Anyone who is outside of the target age range, or does not feel able to be a bone marrow donor, is asked to consider a financial donation, either at the drive or through Delete Blood Cancer’s website, deletebloodcancer.org. Anyone who would like to register as a donor but can’t attend the drive can also register through the website, officials said.

Although Hadaway hopes to find a match for her niece at the drive, she said the family would also be happy if they found a match for any of the thousands of people on the national transplant waiting list.

“We want to get as many people registered as possible because it will heighten the chances of getting a match for (Natasha) or one of the 14,000 other people who need a bone marrow transplant,” Hadaway said. “Natasha knows several of these other people who need a transplant, and she’s always saying, ‘I hope they get a match.’”

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County officials are planning to remount eight ambulances on new chassis to extend their lifespans and give them the latest equipment to save lives.

County commissioners approved Tuesday the SPLOST-funded plan, which is expected to save the county $323,000, to refurbish the ambulancesy.

The total cost of the contract with Life Line Emergency Vehicles is $1.55 million, with the money coming from both the 2009 and 2014 SPLOST funds.

“If you’ll remember, several years ago we standardized our modular boxes on our ambulances in order to remount them on new chassis,” Fire Chief Casey Snyder told commissioners. “This agenda

A Gwinnett County fire department ambulance sits outside a fire station. The department will have eight of its ambulances remounted on new chassis and refurbished to extend their lifespans and the lifetime warranties. (Special Photo)

item is the first of those units.”

The county made similar moves in the past on a pair of projects that saw existing ladders remounted onto new fire trucks for the county at a savings of $135,000.

Essentially, the Life Line compartment modules for

HEALTH BRIEFS Free concussion forum in Duluth set for Saturday Gwinnett Medical Center officials and the Georgia Concussion Coalition will highlight the dangers of concussions in sports and what could be done about the issue during a free community forum on Saturday.

The forum will include speeches from athletes and a panel discussion that includes doctors from The Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, and several other health experts, attorneys, Georgia Concussion Coalition representatives and youth athletics officials.

“This is a great opportunity for stakeholders across the region to gather together and talk very openly and honestly about how this silent epidemic is effecting our communities,” Georgia Concussion Coalition Director Paige Havens said in a state-

Gwinnett Medical Center officials are partnering with the Georgia Concussion Coalition to host a free concussion forum at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth on Saturday. (File Photo)

ment. “This will help us better understand the issues we face, the resources available, and the gaps we need to work together to address.

“This is rare opportunity for us to have such depth of expertise in one room that will answer our direct questions.”

Issues that will be discussed during the forum include what needs to be done in the first minutes after a traumatic blow to the head, the long-range

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effects of concussions, and the resources available to families, coaches and teachers to help athletes recovering from injuries.

The event will last from 9 a.m. until noon at the Infinite Energy Forum, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, in Duluth.

Anyone interested in attending the forum is asked to RSVP by calling Candace Morgan at 678312-6002 or emailing her at camorgan@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Belk promotes heart health throughout Feb.

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the ambulances will be removed from their current chassis and placed on the new ones while the interiors will be refurbished with up-to-date technology and equipment. The lifetime warranties on the ambulances will be extended as a result, according to county officials.

Shoppers can fight heart disease while getting the latest fashions this month at Belk locations across the country, including three in Gwinnett County.

The retail chain kicked off its “Our Heart To Yours” campaign on last Sunday, and it will continue until Feb. 29. As part of the kickoff, customers can receive three 20 percent off coupons for donating at least $1 to the American Heart Association through Saturday.

The campaign is being held to highlight the fact that February is American Heart Month.

“Belk is pleased to partner with the American Heart Association again this year in their fight against heart disease,” company spokeswoman Jessica Graham said in a statement. “It’s the leading killer of women in America, and our company-wide campaign strives to educate customers and associates on the importance of leading healthier lifestyles.

“Our goal is to create awareness and provide heart health education throughout our footprint.”

Belk’s Gwinnett locations include 2059 Scenic Highway, Suite 110, in Snellville; 3333 Buford Drive in Buford, and 5165 Peachtree Parkway in Norcross, according to the company’s website.

10A • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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Enter For Your Chance to Win A Trip for 2 to the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival!

Package includes round-trip air transportation for two from Atlanta to Fort Walton, FL, Three nights’ accommodations at ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals (checking in on Friday, April 29, 2016, checking out on Monday, May 2, 2016), ticket package to the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and a four-day rental car!

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ENTER ONLINE AT CONTEST CENTRAL on gwinnettdailypost.com or send completed entry (only entries completely filled out will be eligible) to GDP/South Walton Beaches Wine & Food P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Name ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email_______________________________________________________________________________________ I agree to contest rules (required)

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Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 21 years old or older to enter. Sponsors and their families are not eligible. All entries must be completely filled out to be eligible. Trip winner is responsible for any and all taxes and/or liabilities associated with the value of the trip package which is estimated at $3,060 and which must be claimed as income in the 2016 tax year. The Gwinnett Daily Post is required by law to furnish a federal form 1099 to the Internal revenue Service and this form will state the $3,060 value of the trip package. Winner’s acceptance of prize also grants permission to publish the winning entry information in future Gwinnett Daily Post publications.

Once winner is notified, they have three days to accept the trip. If confirmation of acceptance is not made, a new winner will be drawn. Winner must be able to take the trip during the above dates. If not, another winner will be notified. Grand prize is not exchangeable for other dates or cash value.

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SECTION B • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

FANTASTIC FINISH Ramsey hits final dive to take 2nd

By Tim Morse

Staff Correspondent

Columbus and Rome will be the host cities when the Georgia High School Association moves its state baseball finals to neutral sites beginning in 2017, the Georgia Dugout Preview Magazine reported this week.

Golden Park in Columbus as well as State Mutual Stadium will serve as host sites, according to GHSA associate director Ernie Yabrough, who chairs the Baseball Committee.

“In our first year moving forward, we are going with two different sites using both minor league ball parks,” Yarbrough said.

“One concept that Dr. Gary Phillips and I hold is that the teams advancing will determine who will play where based on geography.”

State Mutual Stadium is home to the Rome Braves, the Atlanta Braves’ Class A affiliate, and can seat 5,105. Golden Park was the former home of the Columbus Catfish, a Class A South Atlantic League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. However, Golden Park hasn’t fielded a minor league team since the Catfish moved after the 2006 season. The stadium capacity is 5,000.

The Class AAA Gwinnett Braves’ home, Coolray Field, also would be an appealing option for the finals, but it wasn’t selected by the GHSA. Coolray Field seats more than 10,000 fans.

“The Columbus Sports Council is honored to be selected as a host site for the 2017 GHSA State Baseball Championships,” said Columbus Sports

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

ATLANTA — Down to his last dive, Norcross’ senior Griffin Ramsey knew exactly what was needed.

Collins Hill freshman Peter Smithson threw down a 52-point finale, leaving Ramsey, one of the last to go in the round, with a 46-point gap in order to finish second at Thursday’s Class AAAAAA state championships at Georgia Tech.

Ramsey ripped it, scoring over 49 points in his final high school dive and avenging a loss to Smithson at the county meet.

“I was so nervous going into the last dive,” Ramsey said grinning. “It was frightening, because I knew I had to stick it or I was getting third.

“Which I’d be fine with, but the higher the place the better, of course. And Peter beat me at county, so I wanted to beat him in state.”

Colquitt County’s Parker Hardigree ran away with the title for the second straight year with 511.30 points.

Ramsey was second to Hardigree once again as a senior. And he was more than happy with it.

“I feel great. I feel great,”said Ramsey, who won state as a sophomore. “This is the best I could have done. This is what I was aiming for.

I knew unless Parker messed up on two of his dives, there was no way I was getting first. He took it. Easily.”

Ramsey racked up 467.35 points. Smithson was just over three points behind with 464.00 to finish on the podium in his first season of high school diving.

“I was chasing Peter,” Ramsey said. “Parker was just at a level. I knew that was going to happen.

It’s hard to catch up to Parker. He’s such a good diver. You’re fighting for second.”

There was some jock-

Norcross’ Griffin Ramsey competes in Thursday’s state diving championships at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

eying around at the top for the first three rounds before Hardigree scored a whopping 110.85 points in two dives and moved from third to first where he would remain for the rest of the meet.

Walton’s Josh Getty, who led until Hardigree took over the top spot, sat second until after the final cut and had narrowed the gap to 13 points with three dives left. But

his ninth dive, a huge 3.0 degree of difficulty, Getty couldn’t complete the final somersault.

He landed on his back and took an incomplete, which opened the door for Smithson and Ramsey to duke it out for runnerup honors.

Smithson led Ramsey by .45 of a point going into the 10th round and on a 3.0 dive scored mostly 4’s. Ramsey’s dive

wasn’t as difficult, but he soared on it and sliced cleanly into the water on the entry to overtake Smithson.

Both of their final dives were a 2.6, leaving the playing field level for the deciding effort.

Ramsey didn’t realize it was the same degree of difficulty for the 11th dive until later.

“Last dive wins it,” Ramsey said with another

grin. “That’s cool.

“He did really well.

He’s really good at twisting. His front 1 1/2 double twist is amazing.

It scared me when he did it.”

Ramsey looked just as collected stepping on the board for his final dive as he was for the other 10.

“I try not to show too much,” he said.

See RAMSEY, Page 4B

Wesleyan’s Gardner claims third straight title

By Christine Troyke

“I started off and was really nerATLANTA — Feeling vous, kind the pressure, the two-time of psyched defending state champ myself out isolated herself between and had a Abby Gardner few bad dives.

Abby Gardner sat, dives,” wrapped in a towel with Gardner said. “Then Jonaher headphones on, praythan (Nye, the Wolves’ ing. diving coach) and every“Honestly, just praying body was cheering me that I could do my best and on and helped lift up my that everyone else would, spirits. I just focused on too,” Gardner said. “Just to one dive at a time and it help us all perform to the turned out pretty great.” best of our abilities.”

Gardner ended up winAfter a rocky start, the ning with 527.80 points, Wesleyan junior did what ahead of Marist’s Eleveryone expected her lie Crump (514.45) and to do — she won a third Wesleyan teammate Kate straight Class AAAAAMcCahan (477.95).

A state title Thursday at “What was really Georgia Tech. But this one surprising is Ellie Crump, came down to the last dive with Marist, her last dive and Gardner battled nerves was one I didn’t even think most of the way. she was going to do,” Nye

christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Coolray Field not selected for finals

said. “So when I saw it, I thought, ‘Wow, that was great. But Abby is really going to have to pull it through.’

“So for what she did, winning by 13 or so points … it was neck-and-neck the whole time. Ellie was up the majority of the time.

So the last two rounds are where Abby made up a lot of ground.”

Support from Nye and her year-round coach, Amanda Miller, along with teammates helped Gardner stay focused on one dive at a time.

“My back 1 1/2 I did pretty terribly on,” Gardner said with a slight chuckle.

“The dive after, that’s when they started telling me, ‘OK, just calm down, do your best. ‘” Having McCahan right there with her helped as well.

“Obviously we’re cheering each other on because we’re on the same team, but since we’re in the same group for year-round, it’s really exciting because I know she’s been working so hard,” Gardner said.

“It’s the first time she’s podiumed, so seeing her success really motivated me to keep pushing.”

McCahan, also a junior, grabbed third, just ahead of Sequoyah’s Rachel Renner with a career-best point total.

“I was pretty nervous when I got here, but we’ve been practicing a lot and I was feeling pretty confident in most of my dives,” McCahan said. “Most of my dives were going pretty well. Then I got to my second to last dive, a front 1 1/2 with two twists, and I’ve never competed with it before so I was really

See BASEBALL, Page 4B

PREP HOOPS

Region hoops pictures clear-cut

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

nervous about that.

“But I’ve been practicing it a lot so it was just remembering my coaching and trying to do it the best I could. It was good. It was probably one of the better ones I did.”

Having Gardner and fellow junior McCahan go 1-3 helped earn the Wolves 53 big points on the first day of the meet.

“They both dove really well,” Wesleyan head swimming coach Kevin Kadzis said. “It came right down to the wire. Abby had to do very well on her last dive to pull ahead and win. She did just that.

“Her degree of difficulty at the end of the meet was enough to put her over the top. It was great.”

Gardner won her first two state titles by margins

Considering how competitive they’ve been, there is surprisingly little mystery involved in the boys and girls races in Gwinnett’s two Class AAAAAA regions heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Norcross’ boys and Archer’s girls have already locked down the regular season championships in Regions 7-AAAAAA and 8-AAAAAA, respectively, and will carry the top seeds into next week’s region tournaments.

The race for the 8-AAAAAA boys regular season title and top tournament seed will clear up considerably tonight when Berkmar travel to Shiloh for a 7:30 p.m. tip.

A Berkmar victory would clinch the outright region title for the Patriots (17-7, 12-3), while Shiloh (18-5, 11-3) would secure

See GARDNER, Page 4B

See HOOPS, Page 4B

2B • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

ondeck Prep Schedule

Today

BASKETBALL

5:30 p.m. — Wesleyan at Pace 6 p.m. — Athens Christian at Providence 6 p.m. — Berkmar at Shiloh 6 p.m. — Central at Parkview 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Peachtree Ridge 6 p.m. — Dacula at Archer 6 p.m. — Grayson at South 6 p.m. — Meadowcreek at Duluth 6 p.m. — Mill Creek at North 6 p.m. — Mountain View at Norcross 7 p.m. — Discovery at Apalachee 7 p.m. — Lanier at Flowery Branch 7 p.m. — White Co. at Buford 7:30 p.m. — GAC boys at BEST 7:30 p.m. — Lakeview at Hebron

SWIMMING & DIVING

9 a.m. — State dive meet at Georgia Tech

WRESTLING

• Class AAAA east state sectionals 5 p.m. — Class AAAAAA west state sectionals at Lowndes Saturday

BASKETBALL

2 p.m. — Norcross at Meadowcreek 3:30 p.m. — Brookwood at Parkview 6 p.m. — Shiloh at South Gwinnett

SWIMMING & DIVING

9 a.m. — State dive meet at Georgia Tech

WRESTLING

9 a.m. — Class AA state sectionals at GAC 9 a.m. — Class AAAA east state sectionals 9 a.m. — Class AAAAAA east state sectionals at Mill Creek 9 a.m. — Class AAAAAA west state sectionals at Lowndes

The Home Teams

Gladiators

Swarm

Hawks

Tech men

Georgia men

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Florida Brampton at Orlando 7:35 p.m.

Sat, 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM 97.7-FM

at Calgary Buffalo Off Sun, 9 p.m.

Feb. 14, 2:05 p.m.

FOX Sports GO FOX Sports GO

Indiana at Orlando Orlando 7 p.m.

Sun, 1 p.m.

Mon, 8 p.m.

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

Off

Off

Miami Wake Forest Sun, 1 p.m.

Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

ESPNU/93.7-FM WATL/93.7-FM Auburn at Kentucky Sun, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 9 p.m.

SECN/750-AM ESPN/750-AM

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett boys, girls teams hoping to recapture state swim team titles

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

After many years of domination by Gwinnett teams throughout the 2000s, the boys division of the largest classification of the GHSA’s Class State Swimming and Diving Championships has seen teams from elsewhere at the top of the team podium the past two seasons.

The two teams that battled it out for the county championships less than two weeks ago — Brookwood and Collins Hill — hope to do so once again when this year’s state meet commences today at 6 p.m. with the preliminary heats.

Only this time, they’re both hoping to be the first team to bring the team title back to Gwinnett since Parkview did it in 2012.

And coaches from both schools believe the competition should be as tight as it was for the county meet on Jan. 26, when the Broncos edged the Eagles by a mere 2 1/2 points.

“It should be pretty close between us and Collins Hill,” Brookwood coach Greg Puckett said. “It’s just a matter of who goes out and performs and does well enough in the prelims to score quality points in the finals.”

Indeed, both teams

Today

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

5 p.m. — Columbia at Yale FS1

NBA

7 p.m. — Indiana at Atlanta FSSE/ESPN 9:30 p.m. — San Antonio at Dallas ESPN

SOCCER

10:30 p.m. — International Friendly: United States vs Canada FS1

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 8 p.m. — Providence at Xavier FS1 Saturday

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon — Boston College at Louisville MyATL Noon — Kansas at Texas Christian ESPN Noon — Cincinnati at Memphis ESPN2 Noon — Marquette at Xavier FS1 Noon — Florida State at Wake Forest FSSO 12:30 p.m. — Davidson at Duquesne NBCSP 2 p.m. — Michigan State at Michigan CBS 2 p.m. — North Carolina State at Duke ESPN 2 p.m. — Iowa State at Oklahoma State ESPN2 2 p.m. — DePaul at Creighton FSSE 2:30 p.m. — Villanova at Providence FS1 2:30 p.m. — Delaware at William & Mary NBCSP 4 p.m. — Florida at Kentucky CBS 4 p.m. — Purdue at Maryland ESPN 4 p.m. — Stanford at California ESPN2 4 p.m. — Clemson at Virginia Tech FSSO 4:30 p.m. — Arizona at Washington FOX 4:30 p.m. — Butler at St. John’s FSSE 5 p.m. — Western Kentucky at Texas-El Paso FS1 6 p.m. — Mississippi State at LSU ESPN2 7 p.m. — North Carolina at Notre Dame ESPN 8 p.m. — Baylor at West Virginia ESPN2 10 p.m. — Wichita State at Illinois State ESPN2 Midnight — Gonzaga at Pepperdine ESPN2

GOLF

3 p.m. — PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open, Third Round. From TPC Scottsdale. NBC

MOTORCYLE RACING

9 p.m. — Monster Energy Supercross: Glendale FSSO

NBA

9 p.m. — Oklahoma City at Golden State ESPN

SOCCER

7:40 a.m. — English Premier League: Manchester City FC vs Leicester City FC NBCSP 9:30 a.m. — Bundesliga: Hertha BSC Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund. FS1 9:55 a.m. — English Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Watford FC NBCSP 10 a.m. — English Premier League: Liverpool FC vs Sunderland AFC USA 12:30 p.m. — English Premier League: Southampton FC vs West Ham United FC NBC

Feedback • Will Hammock, Sports Editor: will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com • Christine Troyke, Staff Writer: christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com • David Friedlander, Staff Writer: david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com • Paul Thomas, Staff Writer: paul.thomas@gwinnettdailypost.com • Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent: scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com • To report scores, call 770-339-5850

On the web

For more sports coverage, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com and www.gwinnettprepsports.com.

will be counting on good enough performances in the preliminaries to provide plenty of depth in several individual and relay events in Saturday’s finals.

From Brookwood’s perspective, two key events will be the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 backstroke, with the Broncos hoping to send three different swimmers to the finals in each.

The trio of Alex Taylor, Marci Barta and Keegan Walsh lead the Broncos’ charge in the 200 IM, while Walsh, Aidan Stoffle and Grayson Beckham are the three hopefuls in the 100 back.

The 100 back will also a be an event to watch for Collins Hill, particularly senior Taylor Delk, whose

endurance will be tested once again by swimming in the 500 freestyle, followed by the 100 back just two events later.

But Eagles co-coach Paul Callis is confident that Delk will be able to come through, along with several other individuals, such as Andrew Winton, who won the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke at the county meet, as well as young divers Peter Smithson and Benjamin Parker, who were in action Thursday.

And while acknowledging another duel with Brookwood is very possible for the state team title, he says the Eagles need to keep their focus aimed at their own performances.

“We just need to be focused on what we can

Hungarian Chris Barta working on English, Brookwood state swim title

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSS = FOX Sports South

On TV

Collins Hill’s Taylor Delk competes in the boys 500-yard freestyle during this year’s Gwinnett County Swimming Championships at West Gwinnett Aquatic Center in Norcross. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

do and not pay attention to anyone else’s roster,” Callis said. “We just need to try to put up a big number and see what happens.”

Meanwhile in the girls division, Gwinnett teams are trying put an end to a drought that is just as big as the boys’, but in reality is even larger.

Brookwood was the last county school to bring home a state girls championship in the largest classification in 2012, the same year Parkview’s boys won, though before that the last team title by a Gwinnett girls team was Brookwood in 2004.

Fresh off their county title, the Broncos seem the county’s best hope of bringing back another firstplace trophy, but to do so, they must unseat three-time defending state champion Lambert.

Puckett knows that won’t be an easy task, even with a strong set of relay teams, as well as individual contenders like freestyler Maddy Cohen, plus Devan Sweeney in the butterfly and Erin Scott in the breaststroke.

“We’ll see,” Puckett said. “(Lambert will) still have good depth like they did last year. We’ll probably have more higher finishes, but it’s a matter of whether we have enough depth to match them. We’re hungry, though.”

When SwimAtlanta coach Chris Davis addresses his top group of swimmers at practices, his words flow quickly and his longtime swimmers decipher them with no trouble.

It isn’t quite as Marci Barta simple for one of his newest swimmers, who is still learning English.

Marci Barta, in the U.S. since early January through an international exchange program, occasionally gives puzzled looks when Davis shouts out practice instructions, though his understanding of the coach, and English, improve daily. The young swimmer from Hungary also has received great revues for his dedication to the sport, though his fellow swimmers and coaches have only worked with him for a month. “(Barta’s) very hard-working,” Davis said. “He has a really good stroke, a great attitude. He really seems to like it and have fun with it.

He has fun at practice with the kids. He has fun racing with the kids. He has the attitude kids have who you see doing the sport for a long time.”

Barta found his way to the U.S. through a Hungarian connection — SwimAtlanta standout and Brookwood senior Alex Taylor’s mother is from Hungary. Taylor hasn’t visited Hungary recently, but recalls swimming there on visits when he was younger.

He trained with the club where Barta swims back then, now he’s returning the favor as a host family for the top European swimmer.

“It’s a little different having another child in the house,” a laughing Taylor said.

Swimming in the U.S., both in high school and with one of the country’s most well-known clubs at SwimAtlanta, is a bonus for Barta. His reasons for spending a semester abroad center

JANUARY SWIM HONORS The Gwinnett County Public Schools Swimming and Diving Booster Club recently selected its swimmers and divers for the month of January. Each GCPS school had one boy and one girl named to the list.

Archer: Alec Young, Kyra Cortel-Fraser Berkmar: Christopher Nguyen, Diane Lin Brookwood: Andrew Huenniger, Devan Sweeney Central Gwinnett: Renz Mallari, Geraleigh Holter Collins Hill: Cameron Ogden, Kate Blanchard Dacula: Tyler Stevens, Isabelle Dittamo Discovery: Anna Findlay, Danny Gutierrez Duluth: Richard Rettig, Molly Botting Grayson: Noah Wilson, Anna Calaicone Lanier: Wyatt Penland, Zoie Gardner Meadowcreek: Oscar Ordonez, Karen Lucero-Diaz Mill Creek: Kevin Khadem, Ambria D’Alonzo Mountain View: Hayden Brown, Abby Hulsey Norcross: Jack Einig, Maggie O’Leary North Gwinnett: Andrew Corn, Megan Jones Peachtree Ridge: Kyle Adams, Riha Moss Parkview: Alex Norcini, Zoe Walker Shiloh: Stephen Black, Alice Koschella South Gwinnett: Andrew McFarland, Brianna Grenard

around his future plans — he wants to attend college in the U.S. He has no choice but to improve his English, which he has studied for just two years, and the academic transition has gone smoothly for the most part.

“School is good. I’m on A level,” said Barta, whose only past visit to the U.S. was a vacation to California and New York two years ago. “Literature is (tough).”

The Taylors also connected Barta with SwimAtlanta to keep his training at a high level like it is in Hungary — he won the 400 individual medley at last year’s European Youth Olympic Festival.

The training is a bit different for Barta, who always swam events in meters until he got to the U.S. He also gets pushed at practices more at SwimAtlanta, with its top-level talent like Taylor, who has signed with Kentucky.

“At home I don’t have that,” Barta said. “We have little girls and boys (at practices). At home, I’m biggest.”

Despite that difference, it was apparent fairly quickly that Barta would fit in with SwimAtlanta’s most elite group.

“When Alex’s mother called, she said they had an exchange student coming and if it would be okay if he swam with our (top) group,” Davis said. “I just asked

what kind of swimmer he was and they gave me times.

I thought, ‘Lord, if those are right he’s a really good swimmer.’”

Davis hasn’t been disappointed, and neither have the coaches at Brookwood. They already have seen the impact of their new sophomore, who moves back to Hungary in late May or early June.

Barta scored critical points last month at the Gwinnett County Swimming and Diving Championships and helped the Broncos squeak out a 2 1/2-point victory over rival Collins Hill. He was runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.06 seconds) and third in the 50 freestyle (21.40), and also swam on two county champion relays, the meet-record setting 200 medley relay (1:34.54) and the 200 free relay (1:27.97). “(Barta’s) a good swimmer and he’s really diverse,” Taylor said. “He can swim pretty much everything. …

For us, it’s great. It helps us out a lot.”

The newcomer figures to be an even bigger factor at this week’s state meet, which rewards top individual and relay finishes more than overall team depth (like the county meet). He will play a big role in two of the Broncos’ state championship-hopeful relays, and will likely vie for top points in both his individual events.

He hasn’t quite grasped the importance of the state

meet at Georgia Tech, but his new Brookwood teammates are working on that.

“This is the most important meet and we should win and break records,” Barta said of what the Broncos have told him.

Barta’s late addition to the Brookwood lineup has rankled some opposing teams, but he was approved by the Georgia High School Association. Its rules grant foreign exchange students one calendar year of immediate eligibility if they come to the U.S. via an approved program for the appropriate reasons — not specifically for athletic purposes. GHSA executive director Gary Phillips said exchange students compete in GHSA events pretty regularly in a variety of sports.

The experience already has been a major benefit for Barta, especially with his understanding of the English language.

“He’s getting better, a lot better,” Taylor said.

Davis also has helped open a possible collegiate option in the U.S. for Barta, whose dream school is the University of California, Berkeley. Davis is friends with Cal head coach Dave Durden — they were roommates and assistant coaches in the past for U.S. Swimming events — and gave Durden’s contact info to Barta. Barta quickly sent an email to touch base with Durden. “(Barta) was pretty pumped,” Davis said. “I think he was going, ‘What a small world.’”

Given Barta’s youth and his swimming success already, Davis wouldn’t be surprised to see the youngster achieve his major goal.

“I want to go to college (in the U.S.) with a scholarship for swimming,” Barta said.

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gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 3B

Getting to Know… Whit Ferguson Whit Ferguson is a Class of 2000 graduate of Collins Hill, where he played football, basketball and ran track for the Eagles, helping them to their first football playoff victory on 1999. He was an All-County selection at receiver.

Ferguson is now a managing director for MassMutual Financial Group in Dunwoody and the president of the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. He talked about those duties, that playoff win and more with staff writer Paul Thomas in this week’s edition of “Getting to Know …”.

PT: I guess we’ll start with what you’re doing now for a living.

WF: So the day job is managing director for MassMutual Financial Group. We provide financial and insurance products and services to clients.

Started in this business right out of college — I went to Georgia College and State University, now Georgia College, in Milledgevile — and got into this business and just kind of worked my way up and am now in a management role. We have about 100 financial advisors here and I’m a partner and we’re just having fun.

PT: Tell me a little bit about your role with the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. You’re the president now, correct?

WF: I am. I took over the presidency this year.

It’s one of the oldest touchdown clubs in the country, it’s been around since 1938. It has evolved over time like many of the groups and about three years ago experienced a bit of a renaissance and had

Collins Hill grad Whit Ferguson is the president of the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. He is pictured in his office at MassMutual Financial Group in Dunwoody. (Staff Photo: Paul Thomas)

kind of a youth movement, which is great and what every organization needs. So I got invited to come check it out and get involved and the next thing I know I’m serving as president this year, which I’m really honored to do.

The touchdown club’s mission now has shifted not only from recognizing outstanding achievements and student-athletes — and football performances — but moving also more towards helping provide resources for these kids when their football playing days are over and helping them to become the future business and community leaders that they can be.

PT: Is that your favorite part of the touchdown club? Helping the kids find that path?

WF: Definitely. That’s what attracted me most to it. Obviously I’m a big football fan and really enjoy that, but also you

read so many stories about guys that when their playing days are over it doesn’t always end well. I think if we can take a lot of the principles and other attributes that are developed by the game of football and help teach them how to apply those to life then we can get a lot of success stories from that.

that size is not always common. A lot of specialization and you’re getting a lot of encouragement from coaches to focus on your sport year-round, but there was a handful of us that played together. I was there from 1997 to 2000.

PT: What positions did you play?

WF: I was a wide PT: What other organi- receiver and I played some zations are you involved free safety and did some in? punt and kickoff returns.

WF: I’m a past presiIn basketball I was a dent of the Atlanta Asguard, so I played point sociation of Insurance guard and shooting guard and Financial Advisers my senior year. In track, I and serve on the Finance ran the 4x400, the 300-meCommittee and Board of ter hurdles and the long Trustees at Peachtree Road jump.

United Methodist Church.

PT: Did you ever conPT: When were you at sider playing in college?

Collins Hill, what sports WF: I got recruited did you play? some, and mostly in WF: I played football, football. When it came basketball and ran track. down to it, most of the D-I There was a handful of us schools it probably wasn’t that played three sports, going to be an option, at which typically at schools least from a scholarship

Coaches select All-Region football team From Staff Reports

SECOND TEAM Offense The football coaches QB Darion Hammons, from Region 7-AAAAAA Meadowcreek; RB Malik recently selected their allStaples, Peachtree Ridge; region teams, honoring the RB Marquez Jackson, best from the 2015 high Peachtree Ridge; WR Conschool season. nor Heyward, Peachtree The all-region selections Ridge; WR Braxton Richare as follows: burg, Mill Creek; WR Justin Macaulay, Collins Hill; FIRST TEAM OL Philip Davis, Norcross; Offense OL Jared Gee, Mountain • QB Cameron Turley, Mill View; OL Donald Boone, Creek Duluth; OL Alex Mollette, • RB Jeremy Lewis, ColNorth Gwinnett; OL Diri lins Hill Ibeawuchi, Meadowcreek; • RB Nick Harris, MounKR Jamarious Craft, MeadMill Creek’s Cameron Turley (16), shown during last owcreek; K Manny Herrera, tain View year’s Corky Kell Classic win over Brookwood at the Meadowcreek • WR Canyon Slade, ColGeorgia Dome, was named first-team all-region by the lins Hill Defense 7-AAAAAA coaches. (Staff Photo: David Welker) • WR Jalen Virgil, MounDL Jalen Pinkney, Nortain View • K Cole Hanna, Norcross Creek cross; DL Peyton Moore, • WR Christian Sutton, • KR/PR Chase Turner, • LB Matthew Andryusky, Mill Creek; DL Matt Bell, Peachtree Ridge Mill Creek North Gwinnett Peachtree Ridge; DL Drew • WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, • Athlete of the year: Nigel • LB Breon Dixon, Jordan, North Gwinnett; North Gwinnett Warrior, Peachtree Ridge Peachtree Ridge DL Dixon Yellott, North • TE Cam Brown, Defense • LB Chris Allen, Norcross Gwinnett; LB Monty MontPeachtree Ridge • DL Tomon Fox, Collins • DB DeAngelo Gibbs, gomery, Norcross; LB Brett • OL Tyler Fannin, Mill Hill Peachtree Ridge Shepherd, Collins Hill; LB Creek • DL Robert Beal, Nor• DB Kendrec Grady, Kam Jones, Peachtree Ridge; • OL Jack Franklin, Mill cross Norcross LB Aaron Anderson, Mill Creek • DL Emmanuel Belmar, • DB Kishawn Miller, Mill Creek; LB Cordell Creigh• OL Michael Faulkner, Collins Hill Creek ton, Duluth; DB Da’Meon Collins Hill • DL Tyler Vernon, Mill • DB Jarett Cole, Norcross Williams, Norcross; DB • OL Robbie Bell, Mill Creek • DB Chad Clay, Peachtree Kaiden Smith, Mountain Creek • DL K’maron Patterson, Ridge View; DB Marcus Webster, • OL Jonathan Husbands, Mountain View • P Jake Camarda, NorDuluth; DB Delon Smith, Collins Hill • LB Robert Snyder, Colcross North Gwinnett: DB Jordan • K Brenton King, Mill lins Hill • P Terrance Newborn, Bertrand, Collins Hill; P Creek • LB Sidney Otiwu, Mill Meadowcreek Micah Bull, Mill Creek

Surgery will keep Stewart out of Daytona

The Sports Xchange When the NASCAR Sprint Cup season begins later this month, Tony Stewart will not be among the drivers in the field for the Daytona 500.

The three-time NASCAR champion will miss the start of the 2016 season — his final one as a driver — after suffering a fractured vertebra in a non-racing accident on Sunday and undergoing back surgery on Wednesday.

Stewart is expected back behind the wheel after a full recovery, but there is no timetable for his return. An

lot from him — and all of my coaches. Still keep in touch with some of them.

The Collins Hill community, it was just such a great place to grow up and go through. All the support from the parents, the coaches, the community — I imagine it’s like that at every school — but it just felt like Collins Hill had it in spades. I still keep in touch with so many people, both my age PT: Seems like the and funny enough parents right decision. of my friends I see if not WF: I think so. You always kind of wonder and more, as much as I see my friends just out and about. you always miss it. I’m It’s cool. still involved in basketball leagues and football PT: Do you have a I think I’ve gotten a little family of your own now? too old. It goes quickly.

WF: Yeah, I’m married.

Nicole is my wife and PT: Do you have a favorite memory from we’re expecting our first the Collins Hill days? Is child in July. We’re really there a game that every excited. now and then still catch PT: How did y’all yourself reminiscing on? meet?

WF: Yeah. Our senior WF: We met at Georgia year we beat Walton (16College. She holds this 13) for the first playoff over me, because she won victory ever in Collins a state championship in Hill’s history. So that high school. She went certainly is something to Heritage and won a that sticks out, was being a part of that and that his- softball championship. So she claims she’s the better tory. So definitely being a part of that was special. athlete in the house and We went up to Walton and hopefully the kids get her genes because she’s got a beat them and that was a big deal, because we were state championship ring. such a young school. To PT: Where are your participate in state in all favorite places to eat? three sports was really WF: I’m a big foodie. I cool in high school. To get hit up a lot by people be able to run at the state track meet my junior year, like, “Where should I go play in the basketball and for this, where should I go football state playoffs, that for that?” Bones is a place that I frequent. We eat was really neat. all over. Favorite type of food is probably Mexican.

PT: Who was the I go up and down Buford coach when you were Highway. Probably three there?

WF: It was Coach Alan times a week we’ll just go find something weird on Fahring, who sadly is no longer with us. I learned a Buford Highway. standpoint, so I just decided I had never really been just a student and I really just kind wanted to focus on that. I went to Georgia College with about 20-plus people from Collins Hill, so there was a big group of us that kind of went down there together and it was a great chance to just kind of move on to the next chapter of my life.

interim driver has yet to be named.

Stewart-Haas Racing called Stewart’s injury a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra. After attending the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Saturday, Stewart suffered the back injury in all-terrain vehicle accident in the dunes near the Arizona/ California border on Sunday.

He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before flying to Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday evening and being admitted to a hospital there.

On Wednesday, he underwent surgery.

Stewart’s team emphasized that the driver was awake and alert throughout the evaluation process after the accident and was able to move all his extremities.

The 44-year-old Stewart was to have competed in the Feb. 13 Sprint Unlimited non-points exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway. Now, he will miss that race and the season-opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points race, the Daytona 500, on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. on FOX. Winning that event for the first time was at the top of Stewart’s bucket list. This

was to have been Stewart’s last run in the Great American Race. At the end of the 2016 season, he will turn over the seat of the No. 14 Chevy to Clint Bowyer.

A burst fracture similar to Stewart’s, described in medical language as a “traumatic spinal injury,” is characterized as more serious than the type of compression fracture of the spine that Denny Hamlin suffered at Auto Club Speedway in 2013.

Hamlin avoided surgery, missed four races and used a relief driver at Talladega before returning to full-time action.

IN BRIEF Gladiators sign Shawn Bates to professional try-out contract DULUTH — The Atlanta Gladiators signed forward Shawn Bates of the SPHL’s Columbus Cottonmouths to a professional try-out contract, the club announced on Thursday.

Bates, 26, leads all skaters on the Columbus Cottonmouths in points with 28 in 31 SPHL games played this season. The second-year pro began his professional career last year for the Cottonmouths where the forward finished third on Columbus with 43 points in 49 contests.

A product of the NCAA’s Merrimack College, the Vermilion, Alberta native registered 46 points in 103 games for the Warriors over his four-year career. Bates’ best season at Merrimack came in 2012-13 when the 5-foot-10, 175-pound center earned eight goals and ten assists in 32 games as a junior.

Bates joined the Gladiators Thursday in preparation for this weekend’s home games on Infinite Energy Arena Ice, today at 7:35 p.m. vs. Florida and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. vs. Brampton.

High School ‘Throwdown Games’ set for G-Braves’ Coolray Field

LAWRENCEVILLE — Some of the best high school baseball teams in Gwinnett County will take to the diamond at Coolray Field for the Georgia High School Throwdown Games event later this month.

The Gwinnett Braves announced the lineup for the showcase, which will feature seven games involving 14 Gwinnett teams over three days from Feb. 25-27.

Shiloh and Duluth will lead off the event at 4 p.m. Feb. 25, followed by Grayson vs. Lanier at 7 p.m.

The next day, Central Gwinnett will meet Peachtree Ridge kick off another doubleheader at 4 p.m., with Dacula and Norcross meeting in the nightcap the 7 p.m.

The event wraps up Saturday, Feb. 27 with a tripleheader, beginning with Archer vs. Mountain View at 1 p.m., followed by Brookwood vs. Mill Creek at 4 p.m. and wrapping up with Collins Hill taking on defending Class AAAAAA state champion and national champion Parkview at 7 p.m.

Coolray Field will also host seven more high school games over the course of the season, including match-ups involving Discovery (vs. Rockdale County on Feb. 20), defending Class A (Private) runner-up Hebron Christian (vs. Pinecrest Academy on Feb. 23) and Class AAAA state champion Buford (vs. West Forsyth on March 19).

Tickets will be available for the Feb. 25-27 “Throwdown Games” as part of a three-day pass for $25, on sale at the Coolray Field Ticket Office beginning Monday. Tickets will be also available at the Coolray Field Ticket Office on the day of the games. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets with ID are $5 for the day.

— From staff reports

4B • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

Norcross freshmen girls go undefeated From Staff Reports

win over Grayson behind 22 points from tournament The Norcross freshmen MVP Avery Bache and 12 capped an undefeated girls points from Tionna Carter. basketball season with a Those two are joined Gwinnett County ninthon the Norcross roster grade championship this

by Paris Wideman, Jani week.

Martin, Arriana Johnson, First-year teacher and Morgan Noil, Nyasia coach Laura Higgason Beckles, Michaela Davis, coached the Blue Devils Jaelyn Fowler and Meg to a championship game Willis.

BASKETBALL STANDINGS 7-AAAAAA BOYS

Region Overall Norcross 12-0 21-2 Collins Hill 10-3 21-3 Peachtree Ridge 9-4 15-8 Duluth 9-4 15-9 Mountain View 4-9 13-11 Mill Creek 4-9 12-12 Meadowcreek 2-10 7-16 North 1-12 6-18 GIRLS

Region Overall Collins Hill 12-1 21-2 Norcross 11-1 19-4 Mountain View 8-5 13-11 Mill Creek 7-6 11-13 Duluth 7-6 10-14 North 4-9 10-14 Peachtree Ridge 2-11 7-17 Meadowcreek 0-12 4-19 8-AAAAAA BOYS

Region Overall Berkmar 12-3 17-7 Shiloh 11-3 17-5 Dacula 11-4 18-6 Grayson 9-6 8-6 Brookwood 9-6 17-7 Central 6-9 11-12 Archer 4-11 9-15 Parkview 3-11 9-14 South 1-13 5-17 GIRLS

Region Overall Archer 15-0 21-3 Parkview 12-2 16-7 Grayson 10-5 19-5 Brookwood 11-4 16-7 Dacula 6-9 11-12 South 6-8 11-12 Berkmar 4-11 7-17 Shiloh 2-12 7-16 Central 0-15 3-20

•From Page 1B

Baseball

the spectators.

“A lot of administrators Council interim director we heard from sometimes Merri C. Sherman. “We were overwhelmed at the look forward to welcomamount of work in order to ing the teams and fans to put these championships our beautiful city.” on. We believe it’s going Baseball and lacrosse to be a better experience are the only two sports for the kids as far as getthat don’t hold their state ting to play in a minor championships at neutral league park as well as for sites. That will change in the administrators. We be2017. The GHSA is addlieve it will be a win-win ing a new classification experience for everyone.

— Class AAAAAAA — But as you know, anytime which will give the state you have change, people eight state championships are going to bow-up about after the public and private it.” school split in Class A. Yarbrough pointed Four championship series out that qualifying teams will be played at each site. won’t automatically know “I think it is something their destination. positive for the sport,” “For example, if you said Georgia Dugout Club have a team from Cobb executive secretary HarCounty in 7A playing vey Cochran. “Any time a team from Gwinnett we can do something to County, then they will increase exposure for the play their championship sport, I believe it benefits in Rome,” Yarbrough said. everybody. I really believe “Then if you have teams the kids will think (playfrom Middle Georgia in ing in a minor league say Class 5A playing a park) will be something team from South Georspecial.” gia, then they will go to The format will be one Columbus.” game per classification The new format will per day at each site. The have the high school second game of the series baseball season ending on will be played the follow- Memorial Day weekend ing day with Game 3’s, if next year, a week earlier needed, on the third day. than the traditional format.

The championships are During the past two years, scheduled for May 25-27, Class A championships 2017. have concluded a week The change to neutral earlier than the remaining sites has been met with re- classes. sistance from many baseOne side note is that ball coaches. However, baseball championships Yarbrough noted that with sometimes conflict with the popularity of the sport, graduations. Yarbrough attendance at championsaid the calendar year ships outgrew the size of would be set in advance so most high school facilities. school systems could work “With high school to avoid conflicts. championships on cam“You get into April and pus, the baseball fields May and you have things are not adequate enough like proms and graduain regards to spectators, tions,” he said. “Those concessions and a number things are very important, of other things,” he said. but hopefully setting “The facilities are just not the dates early will help big enough. We’ve had schools schedule those championships where 100 things around the champito 200 people couldn’t get onships.” in, and in some places, Yarbrough said ticket they some were five-deep prices haven’t been deteralong the fences. In those mined but that participatcases, safety was becoming schools would split ing an issue in regards to gate profits evenly.

gwinnettdailypost.com •From Page 1B at least a tie for championship with a win.

The Generals would then have an opportunity to claim the title outright with a win Saturday at South Gwinnett, though they would still own the region’s top seed on potential tiebreakers over Berkmar, and possibly Dacula.

Perhaps the most intrigue lies in the Region 7-AAAAAA girls race, where Collins Hill (21-2, 12-1) and Norcross (19-4, 11-1) remained embroiled in a battle for the top spot.

The Eagles, who have made a remarkable turnaround in Brian Harmon’s first season as head coach after finishing 11-15 last season, can clinch a share of the title when they close out their regular season tonight at neighborhood rival Peachtree Ridge.

The Blue Devils, meanwhile, need to win tonight at home against Mountain View and again at Meadowcreek on Saturday in a make-up of the weatherpostponed game from Jan. 22 to capture their share of the title.

The two teams split their regular season series, which would require a tiebreaker at Sunday’s region meeting to determine the top tournament seed.

Tucker’s tally growing Dacula’s Kevon Tucker has never had much trouble scoring throughout his career, but the 6-foot-4 senior wing’s recent outburst has left him in elite company in the history of both the Falcons’ program and the county.

Tucker first became the school’s all-time leading scorer with an 18-point effort in a win over Grayson on Jan. 30, passing previous career record holder Melvin Jackson, who was in the crowd as part of Dacula’s Hall of Fame night.

Since then, the Wofford signee has scored 41 points over his last three games to vault him past the Norcross duo of Gani Lawal and Jodie Meeks into third place on Gwinnett County

•From Page 1B

Hoops FANS CHOICE BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK Who: Kenyon Jackson School: Grayson Class: Freshman Position: Forward Height: 6-foot-5 Highlights: Had 17 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in a 78-58 win over Parkview Coach Geoffrey Pierce’s take: “You don’t find too many freshmen like Kenyon Jackson. He’s an A/B student and has been a high-impact player from Day 1 this season. He came in and earned a starting spot the first week of tryouts. The fact that he’s averaging almost 10 rebounds and 4 blocks per game as a freshman in one of the toughest regions in the state says a lot about his game and his heart. He’s been one of our most consistent players this year and he is giving us a presence on the glass and on defense that we were missing last season. I truly believe that he can be one of the best players in the state as long as he continues to put in work and add to his game in the offseason. The sky is the limit for him.”

FANS CHOICE GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK Who: Rachel Dobbs School: Buford Class: Junior Position: Guard Height: 5-foot-6 Highlights: Scored 24 points on eight 3-pointers in a 70-24 win over Stephens County, and also had 18 points on six 3-pointers in a 69-29 win over Madison County Coach Gene Durden’s take: “Rachel is a great example of what we want in one of our players. She is dedicated, hard-working and brings all the intangibles as a player. Our whole program loves her.”

Public Schools’ all-time career scoring list with 1,947.

If the Falcons (18-6, 11-4) can fight through what figures to be a rugged Region 8-AAAAAA tournament to earn one of the region’s four state tournament berths, Tucker could have a chance to not only become just the third GCPS player to reach 2,000 points, but also possibly catch Meadowcreek’s Chris Allen, who stands second all-time with 2,159 points.

South Gwinnett grad, and current Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams holds the county record with a commanding total of 3,390 points.

Leifson moving on up North Gwinnett guard Colby Leifson is also closing in on school and county milestones after this past week.

It certainly belied the nerves he admitted to afterward, but didn’t keep him from a tremendous finish.

Ramsey’s runner-up honors capped a good day for Norcross diving.

Lyle Hoge, who was runner-up at the county meet, equaled her best score and finished seventh with 383.00 points for the Blue Devils.

Hoge, a gymnast, just took up diving halfway through last season and was ninth as a sophomore at state.

She was ninth again heading into the final round Thursday and jumped up two spots by taking a chance on a difficult finale.

“Usually I put an easy dive last, but I decided to put that one last just in case this time,” Hoge said with a smile. “So I’m definitely glad I put that dive last.

Boys Top 10 1. Norcross 21-2 2. Shiloh 17-5 3. Berkmar 17-7 4. Collins Hill 21-3 5. Dacula 18-6 6. P’tree Ridge 15-8 7. Brookwood 17-7 8. Grayson 18-6 9. Duluth 15-9 10. Wesleyan 15-9 Girls Top 10 1. Archer 21-3 2. Wesleyan 21-3 3. Norcross 19-4 4. Collins Hill 21-2 5. Buford 19-4 6. Parkview 16-7 7. Grayson 19-5 8. Brookwood 16-7 9. GAC 13-8 10. Mountain View 13-1

with at least two games left this season.

Berkmar’s Tony Akins is the GCPS single-season 3-point record holder with 121 during the 1997-98 campaign.

More for the Millennium Club In addition to those record chases, at least three more boys players reached their own personal milestones over the past two weeks by reaching the 1,000-point mark for their careers.

Norcross junior Rayshaun Hammonds was the first to do so after scoring 14 points in the Blue Devils’ overtime win against Peachtree Ridge on Jan. 26.

Dacula’s Derek St. Hilaire then reached his 1,000th point the next night with a 17-point effort in the Falcons’ win over Central Gwinnett.

Finally, Archer’s Darrion Taylor became the newest member of the county’s Millennium Club in the Tigers’ loss to Berkmar on Saturday.

That same evening, Taylor passed his coach, Lecoeurve, on GCPS’ list with his 169th career 3-pointer. The 5-7 senior has since raised his total to 187, tying him for fifth place on the county’s alltime list with Norcross’ Jones.

Gardner

much pressure doesn’t help you dive. I did not dive of 32 and 21 points, remy best on every dive. But spectively. It’s not just the having everybody here pressure of being the twohelped. If I was by myself, time defending champ. It’s no coaches, no teammates also that she is following cheering me on, I totally in the footsteps of another would have screwed it up.”

Wesleyan great, Lauren She chuckled.

Hall, who won four straight “Yeah,” she said. “They and holds the all-time state kept me sane.” record of 537.65 points.

Her last dive, a front 1 Even starting slowly and 1/2 full twist, is a go-to fighting to stay calm, Gard- dive and at the end for a ner was only 10 points off reason.

Hall’s mark.

“I was just hoping that “I was under pressure, I could do it,” Gardner more than normal,” she said. “I knew I had to do it said. “Which is weird. well.”

Definitely being under that She surfaced to wild

•From Page 1B

The 6-foot-1 senior passed his current coach Matt Garner for third place on North’s all-time single-season 3-pointer list during the Bulldogs’ win at Hampton last Saturday.

Since then, Leifson has added seven more 3-pointers over his last two games to pass Brian Taylor for second on the school list.

Having connected on 87 shots from behind the 3-point arc this season, he is just four behind current school record holder and current Archer head coach Joel Lecoeurve, who hit 91 3-pointers during the 199798 season.

That number would also match Lecoeurve for fourth place on GCPS’ single season list, with third-place Denzail Jones of Norcross (93) and second-place Billy Humphrey of Dacula (94) within reach of Leifson

POWER RANKINGS

cheers.

“So I felt good,” she said. “I didn’t know if I was going to make it so when they started cheering, I turned around (to look at the scoreboard).”

Then she could finally breathe easy.

“To do what Abby has done is incredible,” Nye said. “It’s a lot of pressure.

But she’s a competitor and does well with the pressure. She missed her back 1 1/2 with like 5s. She could get 8s on that any day of the week.

“I just told her to relax and dive the way she al-

ways dives.”

Diving is a close-knit world and even opposing coaches praise Gardner’s ability — she also swims anchor leg for Wesleyan relays — and humbleness.

“Abby was her usual excellent self,” Kadzis said.

“It was a little closer (this year) because the other divers are so good. It’s a field of great divers and as good as Abby is, she’s not going to just walk in and win. She’s going to have to earn it.”

GAC’s Tony Stewart was 10th with 405.90 points in the boys A-AAAAA meet.

Ramsey “I wanted to get a better score than last time. I ended up getting the same score, which is crazy, but I’m definitely happy with that. I did a few really good dives and had a few off ones. Overall, I’m really happy with how I did.”

County champ and Hoge’s good friend, Ambria D’alonzo of Mill Creek, came on strong down the stretch to earn a top-10 finish.

“She failed a dive at the very beginning and she made a comeback,” said Hoge, who recruited D’alonzo from the gymnastics ranks. “I’m so proud of her. I really wanted her to do well at this meet because she’s worked so hard all season.”

Gwinnett divers finished 10th (D’alonzo, 363.25), 11th (South Gwinnett’s Markiyah Davis, 358.75) and 12th (Dacula’s Lauren Henderson, 339.30).

Colquitt County’s Kelli- Norcross’ Lyle Hoge competes in Thursday’s state diving ann Howell took home the championships at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. (Photo: Kyle Hess) title with 435.05 points.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

Panthers OC Mike Shula making a name for himself

By Tom LaMarre

there when Miami lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3 in Super Bowl VI in 1971.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Don Shula led the DolThe biggest football name phins to two more Super with a role in Super Bowl Bowls, but they lost to the 50 might not be Manning Redskins 27-17 in Super or even Elway.

Bowl XVII in 1983, and Pacing the sidelines for to the San Francisco 49ers the Carolina Panthers will 38-16 two years later in be offensive coordinator Super Bowl XIX. He also Mike Shula, son of Hall took the Baltimore Colts to of Fame coach Don Shula, Super Bowl III, but was on who guided the Miami the wrong side of perhaps Dolphins to victories in the most historic game, losSuper Bowls VII and VIII ing to Joe Namath and the in 1972 and 1973.

New York Jets 16-7.

Don Shula, 86, has “The early ones that he watched the Panthers on won, just little things, not television all season, but he much about the game, but will be at Levi’s Stadium in just being in the stands neighboring Santa Clara on with my mom and my Sunday to watch Carolina brothers and sisters,” said play the Denver Broncos.

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula (left) arrives to the stadium prior to Mike Shula, 50. “It’s funny, “He’s excited,” Mike the NFC Championship football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona the first one against Dallas Shula said. “He’s a dad Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. (Photo: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports) when I was 6, I remember first. He and Mary Anne sitting in the upper deck (Don Shula’s second wife) phins are the only team in the games that I can, and “When there’s a Shula and it was so cold. It was in the Super Bowl era to com- hopefully (the Panthers) are very happy for us. It with them, that’s a different New Orleans. I can rememplete a perfect season, finhas been fun this year. will be there (undefeated) story. I can’t say I’m pullber getting a hot dog, and it Each and every year, as you ishing off a 17-0 campaign at the end of the year,” Don ing against the Panthers. I was ice cold. guys know, when there is a with a 14-7 victory over Shula said before the loss might not say I’m pulling “The ones that he got to the Washington Redskins team that is heading down to Atlanta. for them, but I’m certainly later on when I was in high at Los Angeles Memorial the road and they haven’t “That would make me not pulling against them. school, just how exciting it Coliseum. lost, they start getting him proud. I would be so proud. I wish Michael the best, was getting there because Members of that Miami I would want him to do as more interviews and more and hopefully he’ll wait I knew more about what it quotes, and we always kind team pop champagne corks good or more, that’s what and maybe be a Dolphins meant then as I was in high every time a team that of chuckle because (the it’s all about. … I’m so coach when he decides to school and then in college, threatens their record final- proud of Mike — such a 1972 Dolphins) are in the go undefeated.” how hard it was to get there ly loses, and this season it paper more. great young guy.”

Added quarterback Bob and then how tough it was “Well, this year it was was the Panthers, who were Said fullback Larry Griese: “I’m all for Mike after the loss.” fun because we were the 14-0 before being knocked Csonka: “Obviously we’re Shula.”

Mike Shula has been team doing it. We were the off by the Atlanta Falcons paying a great deal of atMike Shula was 7 with the Panthers since team keeping those guys in 20-13 on Dec. 27. tention to (the Panthers) — years old when his father 2011, when he was hired the paper. He has always This time, the 1970s all of us. It’s kind of a split coached the Dolphins to as quarterbacks coach, and been extremely supportive Dolphins had a different decision. If it was just the their first Super Bowl title was promoted to offensive and one of our biggest mindset, starting with their Panthers, of course, I’d be and remembers celebratcoordinator in 2013. fans.” coach. opposed. I wouldn’t want ing with his family when Obviously, he played a Don Shula’s 1972 Dol“I enjoy watching all to see them do that. it was over. He also was key role in the developThe Sports Xchange

Broncos face tough call at QB in 2016

By Jeff Reynolds

The Sports Xchange

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

— Brock Osweiler was responsible for the Denver Broncos reaching the playoffs, but his position for Super Bowl 50 is backup quarterback.

With Peyton Manning felled by a torn plantar fascia plate, Osweiler got the call to start only his 13th game since graduating high school and his first in the NFL after three years as Manning’s backup. His limited experience was not a detriment.

“Before his first start, at Chicago (Nov. 22), coach (Gary) Kubiak had him speak to the team,” wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said of the Broncos’ ritual of having a player deliver a message the night before games. “He stood up with confidence and told us, ‘Don’t worry about me. I’m ready.’”

It might be only one more game before Osweiler becomes the franchise quarterback.

He can become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 9, and Denver undoubtedly will keep him close while Manning, 39, determines his own future.

It’s expected Manning will not be back for the final year of a contract that

Basketball National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto.................. 33...16..... .673....... — Boston................... 29.. 22..... .569.........5 New York............... 23.. 28..... .451....... 11 Brooklyn................ 12.. 38..... .240.... 21.5 Philadelphia............ 7.. 42..... .143.......26 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Atlanta................... 29.. 22..... .569....... — Miami.................... 28.. 22..... .560.........5 Charlotte............... 24.. 25..... .490.........4 Washington........... 21.. 26..... .447.........6 Orlando................. 21.. 27..... .438......6.5 Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland.............. 35...13..... .729....... — Chicago................. 27.. 21..... .562.........8 Indiana.................. 26.. 23..... .531......9.5 Detroit................... 26.. 24..... .520....... 10 Milwaukee............. 20.. 31..... .392.... 16.5 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio........... 41.... 8..... .837....... — Memphis............... 29.. 20..... .592....... 12 Dallas.................... 28.. 24..... .538.... 14.5 Houston................. 26.. 25..... .510....... 16 New Orleans......... 18.. 30..... .375....22.5 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City...... 38...13..... .745....... — Portland................ 24.. 26..... .480.... 13.5 Utah...................... 23.. 25..... .479.... 13.5 Denver.................. 19.. 31..... .380.... 18.5 Minnesota............. 15.. 36..... .294.......23 Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State......... 45.... 4..... .918....... — L.A. Clippers.......... 32...17..... .653....... 13 Sacramento........... 21.. 28..... .429.......24 Phoenix................. 14.. 36..... .280.... 31.5 L.A. Lakers............ 10.. 41..... .196.......36

could pay him $19 million.

After the AFC Championship win over the Patriots last month, NFL Films cameras caught Manning telling New England coach Bill Belichick “This might be my last rodeo, so it’s been a real pleasure.”

Manning said four days later that he couldn’t “confirm or deny” what he told Belichick.

It was evident Thursday at the Santa Clara Marriott that the majority of Manning’s teammates expect this to be Osweiler’s team in 2016.

Kubiak, who was once John Elway’s backup and came to Denver as an eighth-round pick in 1983, the same draft in which Elway was the No. 1 overall pick, said Osweiler’s time behind Manning was a godsend.

“The biggest thing I’d say for Brock is that nowadays in the National Football League, when guys are drafted high, they don’t get the luxury Brock has had. Brock has had a chance to grow up under a Hall of Famer and be coached extremely well and has a chance to come up, I don’t want to say the right way, but the way a lot of guys were able to come up through the years many years ago,” Kubiak said.

“I think he’s benefited from that, being around

Peyton (Manning) on a daily basis, as a worker, in the meetings, as a pro, so I think he’s benefited from that.”

Manning, of course, did not want credit for Osweiler’s development, and it was the veteran who delivered Denver’s biggest wins of the season — Week 17 in relief of Osweiler, the victory that clinched home-field advantage for the Broncos and two playoff wins by a total of nine points. Osweiler had a higher passer rating (86.4 to 67.9), more touchdown passes (10 to 9), a higher completion percentage (61.8 to 59.8) and 11 fewer interceptions (Manning threw 17).

The past, and the future beyond Sunday, are not topics that Osweiler wants to discuss. You can almost hear his pro mentor in responses on free agency and his spot with the Broncos going forward.

“I’m just thankful and happy that when my number was called this season that I was able to step in and just help my team win some football games,” Osweiler said. “When free agency comes up in the offseason, we’ll address stuff like that. We’ll address it after the season.”

Osweiler’s value could become a sticking point.

Several teams will be in

the market for quarterbacks as is annual ritual in the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers could be among the teams ready to dial Osweiler if he somehow reaches the open market.

The decision could ultimately be Manning’s.

If he surprises the team and decides to play next season, it would almost assuredly need to be at a reduced salary. The Broncos have priorities to address elsewhere, including potential free agent Von Miller. If Manning walks away Sunday night as most expect, then the Broncos can climb one step in the decision-making process and determine Osweiler’s worth.

Osweiler started only 12 games in college but was able to win four of his six starts in the NFL, dropping a three-point game at Oakland and 34-27 at Pittsburgh in a game the Broncos led 27-13 at halftime. Manning is a believer.

“Well, Brock went out there and just flat did it,” Manning said. “Like I said, easily could’ve gone 6-0 as a starter. I knew he was real comfortable in this offense, I think that helped, but he went out there and just flat did it.”

ment of quarterback Cam Newton, who has matured into the premier young star in the NFL in his fourth season at the age of 26, leading the Panthers on this 17-1 ride.

“I have been around a lot of quarterbacks and coached a lot of quarterbacks, and I think just physicality is the biggest thing he brings to the table,” said Mike Shula, a former quarterback at Alabama who played one season in the NFL with the 1987 Jacksonville Jaguars and coached for four other NFL teams, including the Dolphins in 1991-92 (on his father’s staff) and 200002. He was head coach at Alabama in 2003-06. “(Newton’s) ability to run the football, which a lot of quarterbacks have, but I think the fact that he is so big and he is a physical runner almost like a running back, whereas a lot of quarterbacks that, in my experience, have tried to run the football and done it successfully in college but not at the pro level, the biggest reason is their size.

“It’s not just his ability to run the football. He has a great feel for the game.

He has a fast mind. He sees things extremely well on game day. He does a great job utilizing the personnel that we have around him.”

Newton has quickly made himself a household name, but Mike Shula already had one.

PREP ROUNDUP

Collins Hill sweeps From Staff Reports LAWRENCEVILLE — Steven Heizler, Sebastian Nunez and Alex Padvorac won in singles Thursday as Collins Hill blanked Archer 5-0 at Rhodes Jordan.

The Eagles (1-1) also got a win from Andrew Bell and Duncan McGilvray at No. 1 doubles and Ross Hastings and Timothy Schwarzer at No. 2 doubles.

BOYS TENNIS BOYS TENNIS

Peachtree Ridge 5, Wesleyan 0 PEACHTREE CORNERS — The Peachtree Ridge boys swept Wesleyan at home on Thursday 5-0.

The Lions got singles victories from No. 1 Niki Makarenko, No. 2 Taylor Galloway and No. 3 Mark Anthony-Goulbourne.

Doubles tandems Colin Greeff and Anthony Wilcox and Jalem Morris and Justin Lee were victorious as well.

Amanda Gautreaux, Jamie Lunceford and Nicole Wang earned singles victories for the Eagles.

Bre Sterling and Drew Banta won in doubles, as did the team of Courtney Popplenton and Kathleen Metzger.

North Gwinnett 5, Lanier 0 SUWANEE — North Gwinnett won its seasonopening match 5-0 over visiting Lanier without dropping a set on Thursday.

Jada Tijani, Vanessa Eusebio and Brianna Olps won in singles. Hanna Etelalahti and Lillian Zhang won at No. 1 doubles and Daphne Betancourt and Maria Herrera won at No. 2 doubles.

Wesleyan 4, Peachtree Ridge 1 PEACHTREE CORNERS — The Wesleyan girls opened the season with a 4-1 win at home over Peachtree Ridge on Thursday.

The Wolves (1-0) got GIRLS singles victories at No. 1 GIRLS TENNIS TENNIS from Sophia Strickland, Collins Hill 5, Archer 0 No. 2 from Lauren Alexander and No. 3 from ElizaLAWRENCEVILLE beth Bruehl. No. 1 doubles — Collins Hill evened its season record at 1-1 Thurs- tandem Harrison Feininger and Makena Renz also day with a 5-0 shutout of came out on top.

Archer.

SPORTS AT A GLANCE Wednesday’s Games Charlotte 106, Cleveland 97 Atlanta 124, Philadelphia 86 Boston 102, Detroit 95 Indiana 114, Brooklyn 100 Golden State 134, Washington 121 Oklahoma City 117, Orlando 114 Miami 93, Dallas 90 San Antonio 110, New Orleans 97 Utah 85, Denver 81 Chicago 107, Sacramento 102 Minnesota 108, L.A. Clippers 102 Thursday’s Games New York at Detroit, late Houston at Phoenix, late L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, late Toronto at Portland, late Today’s Games Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m.

Sacramento at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Denver, 9 p.m.

Milwaukee at Utah, 9 p.m.

San Antonio at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Portland at Houston, 5 p.m.

Washington at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m.

New Orleans at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Brooklyn at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Utah at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Golden State, 9 p.m.

College Wednesday’s Games EAST Albany 79, MD Baltimore Cty 73 American U. 69, Bucknell 55 Army 84, Lafayette 81, OT Boston U 83, Navy 72 George Mason 78, Richmond 74 George Washington 79, Davidson 69

Illinois 110, Rutgers 101, 3OT Lehigh 71, Loyola-Maryland 66 Longwood 80, Campbell 79 Massachusetts Lowell 85, Hartford 83 Seton Hall 79, Marquette 62 St. Bonaventure 83, St. Joseph’s 73 Stony Brook 76, Binghamton 51 VCU 88, La Salle 70 Vermont 85, Maine 68 Villanova 83, Creighton 58 Virginia 61, Boston College 47 SOUTH Charlotte 92, No.Carolina A&T 72 Coastal Carolina 69, Presbyterian 66 Florida 87, Arkansas 83 Gardner-Webb 79, High Point 74 Miami-Florida 79, Notre Dame 70 N.C. Asheville 63, Charleston Southern 55 Texas Tech 63, Oklahoma St. 61, OT MIDWEST Illinois St. 78, Loyola-Chicago 70 Iowa 73, Penn St. 49 Kansas 77, Kansas St. 59 Maryland 70, Nebraska 65 Mississippi 76, Missouri 73 Northern Iowa 57, Evansville 54 Western Illinois 83, Nebraska Omaha 76 Wichita St. 76, Southern Illinois 55 Xavier 90, St. John’s 83 WEST Arizona 79, Washington St. 64 CSU Northridge 73, UC Riverside 71 San Jose St. 65, Fresno St. 53 UC Irvine 78, Cal Poly SLO 72, OT Washington 95, Arizona State 83, OT Thursday’s Games EAST Central Conn. St. 65, Robert Morris 60 East Tennessee St. 71, VMI 60 Fairleigh Dickinson 82, Wagner 79, OT Green Bay 85, Northern Kentucky 78 James Madison 78, Drexel 56 LIU Brooklyn 77, Mount St. Mary’s 74 NC-Wilmington 70, Hofstra 67 Quinnipiac 79, Marist 53 Sacred Heart 74, St. Francis (NY) 70 St. Francis (PA) 63, Bryant 57 Temple 83, Tulsa 79, OT

William & Mary 86, Northeastern 77 SOUTH Chattanooga 79, Wofford 63 Elon University 83, Delaware 56 Georgia St 59, Texas State 56 Middle Tennessee St. 85, Florida Atlantic 73 NC-Greensboro 75, Western Carolina 58 Tenn-Martin 86, Austin Peay 77 UAB 74, Florida International 69 Vanderbilt 77, Texas A&M 60 Towson at Charleston, late Texas-Arlington at Georgia Southern, late Louisiana-Lafayette at Appalachian St., late Furman at Samford, late Louisiana Tech at Rice, late Central Florida at Tulane, late Morehead St. at Belmont, late Western Kentucky at Texas-San Antonio, late Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee St., late Utah Valley at Texas Rio Grande Valley, late Southern Miss at North Texas, late Connecticut at Memphis, late Marshall at Texas-El Paso, late MIDWEST Wisconsin 79, Ohio St. 68 Wright St. 84, Wis.-Milwaukee 83 Detroit at Cleveland St., late Oakland at Youngstown St., late IUPU - Ft. Wayne at South Dakota, late Idaho State at North Dakota, late South Florida at Cincinnati, late Oral Roberts at North Dakota State, late Troy at Arkansas-Little Rock, late South Alabama at Arkansas St., late Minnesota at Northwestern, late Murray St. at SE Missouri St., late WEST Eastern Washington at Northern Arizona, late St. Mary’s at Brigham Young, late Weber St. at Northern Colorado, late Idaho at Southern Utah, late Colorado at Oregon, late Indiana - Purdue at Denver, late Grand Canyon at New Mexico St., late

Hawaii at UC Santa Barbara, late Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount, late UC Davis at Cal St. Fullerton, late UMKC at Cal. State - Bakersfield, late Chicago St. at Seattle, late Pacific at San Diego, late Montana at Sacramento State, late Montana St. at Portland St., late UCLA at Southern California, late Portland at Pepperdine, late Utah at Oregon St., late Today’s Games EAST Columbia (15-6) at Yale (13-5), 5 p.m.

Dartmouth (7-11) at Pennsylvania (6-11), 6 p.m.

Cornell (9-9) at Brown (6-12), 7 p.m.

Fairfield (12-10) at Monmouth-NJ (18-5), 7 p.m.

Iona (12-9) at Canisius (10-13), 7 p.m.

Rider (9-14) at Niagara (6-17), 7 p.m.

Harvard (9-11) at Princeton (12-5), 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s (8-12) at Siena (15-8), 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Central Michigan (13-9) at Akron (18-4), 8 p.m.

Hockey National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Florida...............50. 30.. 15.... 5.. 65.140.110 Tampa Bay........50. 28.. 18.... 4.. 60.133.118 Boston...............51. 27.. 18.... 6.. 60.153.137 Detroit...............50. 25.. 17.... 8.. 58.123.127 Ottawa...............51. 23.22.... 6.. 52.144.161 Montreal............52. 24.24.... 4.. 52.140.142 Buffalo...............52. 21.26.... 5.. 47.120.141 Toronto..............49. 18.22.... 9.. 45.118.137 Metropolitan Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington.......48. 35... 9.... 4...74.160.109 NY Rangers.......51. 28.. 18.... 5.. 61.148.134 NY Islanders.....48. 26.. 16.... 6.. 58.135.121

Pittsburgh..........49. 25.. 17.... 7.. 57.127.125 New Jersey.......51. 26.20.... 5.. 57.117.120 Carolina.............52. 23.21.... 8.. 54.124.139 Philadelphia......48. 22.. 18.... 8.. 52.113.129 Columbus..........52. 19.28.... 5.. 43.134.168 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago.............54. 34.. 16.... 4.. 72.149.123 Dallas................51. 32.. 14.... 5.. 69.167.136 St. Louis............53. 29.. 16.... 8.. 66.130.128 Colorado...........53. 27.23.... 3.. 57.144.144 Nashville...........51. 24.. 19.... 8.. 56.129.132 Minnesota.........51. 23.. 19.... 9.. 55.126.124 Winnipeg...........50. 22.25.... 3.. 47.129.145 Pacific Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles......50. 31.. 16.... 3.. 65.135.115 San Jose...........49. 26.. 19.... 4.. 56.144.132 Anaheim............48. 23.. 18.... 7.. 53.104.113 Arizona..............50. 24.21.... 5.. 53.133.152 Vancouver.........50. 20.. 19...11.. 51.122.139 Calgary.............49. 22.24.... 3.. 47.130.147 Edmonton..........51. 20.26.... 5.. 45.127.150 Wednesday’s Games Buffalo 4, Montreal 2 Tampa Bay 3, Detroit 1 Calgary 4, Carolina 1 Thursday’s Games Boston 3, Buffalo 2, SO NY Rangers 4, Minnesota 2 NY Islanders at Washington, late New Jersey at Toronto, late Edmonton at Ottawa, late Detroit at Florida, late San Jose at St. Louis, late Philadelphia at Nashville, late Dallas at Colorado, late Chicago at Arizona, late Columbus at Vancouver, late Anaheim at Los Angeles, late Today’s Games Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Carolina at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Columbus at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Arizona at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

0205_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 2/4/2016 3:49 PM Page B7

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • B7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP NO: PWUP 16-01 Skin Alley Compactor Enclosure 62 College Street, Norcross, GA 30071 Proposals for design/ build services for installing a compactor enclosure building at 62 College Street will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Friday, March 11, 2016 by 10:00 a.m. Any proposals received after the designated closing time will be returned unopened.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to seek service of a qualified and licensed contractor to provide design/build services to the City of Norcross.

An original and one (1) paper copy a total of two (2) plus 1 copy of the proposal on CD in PDF or other electronic format of the proposal shall be submitted in sealed envelopes/packages addressed to Mary Beth Bender, Superintedent, Public Works, Utilities & Parks, City of Norcross and marked Skin Alley Compactor Enclosure, PWUP 15-08.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set of such documents from the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks Office, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Telephone (678) 4212069 or copies of the RFP NO: PWUP 16-01 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Mary Beth Bender at mbender@norcrossga.net.

Pre-Bid meetings will be scheduled by request with the City Representative to discuss the City’s requirements under this RFP. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: PWUP 16-01 requirements.

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

902-310181, 1/29,2/5

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that this office received an application for a distilled spirits license from ATL GOM BBQ located at 1291 OLD PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 101 AND 102, SUWANEE GA 30024. Said establishment is owned by K & K ATL GOM BBQ LLC. Please submit in writing any information affecting the issuance of a license at said establishment to this office by February 17, 2016.

BRANDI EVERETT Financial Manager Gwinnett County Department of Planning & Development Licensing & Revenue Administration 446 WEST CROGAN STREET SUITE 125 LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30046 904-311536, 2/5,11

NOTICE “AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN FILED ON (DATE), WITH THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE FOR A LICENSE TO SELL ALCOHOL BY THE FOLLOWING APPLICANT AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION, TO WIT: APPLICANT/OWNER: FERDOUGHT BHUIPAN/ MOHAMMED S. ISLAM REGISTERED AGENT: SIMRA MOMTAZ USA LLC BUSINESS NAME: DISCOUNT FOODMART LOCATION: 562 Grayson Hwy Suite B, GA 30046 A DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO GRANT OR DENY SUCH A LICENSE WILL BE MADE BY THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE NO LATER THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE DATE THE FILED APPLICATION IS DETERMINED TO BE COMPLETE. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO NOTE ANY OBJECTIONS IN WRITING, THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH A LICENSE BY FILING SAID WRITTEN OBJECTIONS WITH THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCVILLE.�

904-309386, 1/27,30,2/3,5 CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS PUBLIC NOTICE APH 2015-09-028 PLACE: City of Peachtree Corners City Hall 147 Technology Pkwy Suite 200 DATE & TIME: February 16, 2016 7:00 P.M. PURPOSE: Wholesaler: Wine, Distilled Spirits & Malt Beverage APPLICANT: Goodtimes Distribution, LLC 4995 Buford Hwy, Ste 105 Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 904-311646, 2/5 CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS PUBLIC NOTICE APH 2015-09-027 PLACE: City of Peachtree Corners City Hall 147 Technology Pkwy Suite 200 DATE & TIME: February 16, 2016 7:00 P.M. PURPOSE: Consumption on Premise, Wine & Malt Beverage APPLICANT: Eastern United Inc DBA: Sushi Osawa 5270 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste 119 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 904-311647, 2/5

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS PUBLIC NOTICE APH 2015-09-016 PLACE: City of Peachtree Corners City Hall 147 Technology Pkwy Suite 200 DATE & TIME: February 16th, 2016 7:00 P.M. PURPOSE: Alcoholic Beverage License Application Retail Package Wine, Distilled Spirits & Malt Beverage APPLICANT: Tortugas Cuban Grill Group LLC 3466 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite AA Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 904-311648, 2/5

LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 13 FEBRERO 2016 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www. swsatlanta.com

PROBATE COURT DISCHARGE NOTICE (FOR DISCHARGE FROM OFFICE AND ALL LIABILITY) ESTATE NO: 08-E-001334 PROBATE COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY RE: PETITION OFKENNETH A. WILLIAMS FOR DISCHARGE AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES G. WILLIAMS, SR., DECEASED. TO: THE BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE WILL AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to notify you to file objection, if there is any, to the above referenced petition, in this Court on or before FEBRUARY 16, 2016.

BE NOTIFIED FURTHER: All objections to the petition must be in writing, setting forth the grounds of any such objections. All pleadings/objections must be signed before a notary public or before a probate court clerk, and filing fees must be tendered with your pleadings/objections, unless you qualify to file as an indigent party. Contact probate court personnel at the following address/ telephone number for the required amount of filing fees.

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

CHRISTOPHER A. BALLAR PROBATE JUDGE BY:-s- BONNIE CUSHING PROBATE CLERK/ DEPUTY CLERK 75 LANGLEY DRIVE LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046 770-822-8350 927-311644, 2/5

PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF GA. L. 1988, P. 235 (OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA ANNOTATED, SECTION 50-14-1), NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF GWINNETT COUNTY WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016, AT 4:30 P.M. AT 6500 SUGARLOAF PARKWAY, 2nd FLOOR, PAUL DUKE CONFERENCE ROOM, DULUTH, GEORGIA 30097. SUCH MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND WILL BE HELD AND CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. 928-311529, 2/5 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 40-11-2, is being stored at: 884 Gainesville Hwy, Buford GA 30518 2006 Chevy Impala 2G1WB55K069358864 2004 FORD F150 1FTRX12W04NA78765 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by 2/22/2016.

928-311387, 2/5,12 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 1320 INDIAN TRAIL RD, NORCROSS GA 30093 (Yr/Make) 2000 MERCEDES S500 (VIN#) WDBNG7551YA089609 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 02-8-2016 928-310583, 2/4,11 NOTICE OF INTENT TO INTRODUCE LOCAL LEGISLATION Notice is hereby given that there will be introduced at the Regular 2016 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia a Bill to amend an Act entitled “An Act providing a new Charter for the City of Sugar Hill, Georgia� approved April 17, 1975 (Ga. L. 1975, p. 3232), as amended, particularly by an Act enacted May 14, 2003 (Ga. L. 2003, p. 3546) and April 10, 2014 (Ga. L. 2014, p. 3618) to amend and update language related to specific powers of City of Sugar Hill including Municipal Property Ownership and for other purposes.

This 5th day of February, 2016.

Mayor and Council City of Sugar Hill, Georgia 928-311537, 2/5

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS PUBLIC AUCTION THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 13, 2016. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A

ENGINE D15B146186813 ENGINE B16A25309577 2011 Toyota Camry 4T1BF3EK6BU153086 2011 Peacesports 50cc Scooter LHJTLBBN7BB000187 1999 Chrysler Town&Country 1C4GP54L8XB864014 2006 Toyota Sienna 5TDZA22C26S488946 2006 Chrysler Sebring 1C3EL55R96N176823 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser 3A4FY48B87T631490 2000 Audi A6 WAUEH24B6YN067638 1997 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D4VT807279 *** REBUILT *** 2001 Honda Accord 1HGCG56431A095912 *** REBUILT *** 1997 Infiniti Q45 JNKBY31D5VM002748 2000 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52EXY9352771 2004 Toyota Camry 4T1BF32K64U078087 1996 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D7TT735054 1997 Ford Explorer 1FMCU24X3VUL25447 2001 Ford Explorer 1FMZU62E11ZA71031 2002 Dodge Durango 1B4HS58N12F111728 2005 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E15C874019 2004 Chrysler Sebring 1C3EL46R24N373788 2005 Chrysler 300 2C3JK53G15H689414 2003 Ford Expedition 1FMPU15L33LC49340 2000 Ford Windstar 2FMZA5048YBC86545 2003 Toyota Camry 4T1BF32K53U052661 2001 Nissan Maxima JN1CA31DX1T837838 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4A3AC84H82E096621 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS3TX92V314103964 1995 Honda Accord JHMCD565XSC040474 2001 Lexus GS 300 JT8BD69S910125664 2005 Dodge Stratus 1B3EL46T45N644375

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 165 Zonzetta Carter-Adepoju Household Goods/Furniture, 183 Anna Monroe Household Goods, Furniture 228 Timothy Weidler Household Goods, Furniture, Tools/Appliances, Office Furniture/Machines/ Equipment, Landscaping/ Construction Equipment 261 Keith Duncan Household Goods/Furniture, TV/ Stereo Equipment, Tools/ Appliances

1998 Toyota 4Runner JT3HN87R1W0182862 1998 Honda Civic 2HGEJ662XWH522171 2005 Ford Freestar 2FMZA51605BA04992 1998 Toyota Camry 4T1BG22K3WU291606 1994 Toyota Camry 4T1SK12E6RU465238 2000 Mazda Protege JM1BJ2229Y0256956 2001 Dodge Dakota 1B7GL22N81S289340 1993 Toyota Camry 4T1VK12E2PU050668 2004 Jeep Liberty 1J4GL58KX4W183140 2006 Hyundai Sonata 5NPEU46F56H071896 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WP552961114819 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 WDBLJ65G11F161909 929-311531, 2/5,12 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 40-11-2, is being stored at: South East Transportation 4138 Arcadia Industrial Circle Lilburn, GA 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VIN 5NPDH4RE7DH297160 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by 1/14/16.

929-310094, 1/29,2/5 PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 2655 Langford Rd. Norcross, Ga. 30071, 770-2420468; And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016, @ 10:00 AM. SPACE NO.; CUSTOMER NAME; INVENTORY 060 Alexis Mungin Household Goods/Furniture, TV/ Stereo Equipment

CUSTOMER SERVICE Norcross internet based business looking for customer service (phone reps and recpt.) M-F, 9am-5pm. Drug Free Workplace.

Email resume to: jobs1@domyown pestcontrol.com

340 Joseph Anderson Household Goods/ Furniture 484 Crutchfield Tamika Household Goods/Furniture Boxes 517 Julian H Stewart Household Goods/ Furniture, Account Records/Sales Samples 929-311098, 2/5,12 PUBLIC AUCTION UNCLE BOB’S STORE #413 PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 875 Marathon Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 678-242-1441; And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of AUCTION DATE: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM Space No. C u s t o m e r Name Inventory 1053 Kea West Household Goods/Furniture 2051 Danh C. Tran Household Goods/Furniture 2069 Steven Lewis Household Goods/Furniture; Tv/ Stereo Equip.; Tools/ Appliances; Office Furniture/ Machines/ Equip.; Landscaping/construction Equip.; Account Records/ sales samples.

2092 Gabriel Salee Household Goods/Furniture; Tv/ Stereo Equip.; Tools/ Appliances.

3024 Raquel Taylor Household Goods/Furniture; Tv/ Stereo Equip.; Tools/ Appliances.

3118 Adrienne Hearn Household Goods/Furniture; Tools/ Appliances.

3180 Kea West Suitcase 4019 Mario Anderson Household Goods/Furniture; Tv/ Stereo Equip.

4049 YMA Diamond Brokers Inc. Office Furniture/ Machines/ Equip.

929-311269, 2/5,12

1998 GMC Jimmy 1GKCS13W8W2559522

2003 Mitsubishi Galant 4A3AA46G73E217255

FULL TIME

298 Geoffry Beals Household Goods/Furniture

2005 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E05C858443

1999 Chrysler Sebring 3C3EL55H2XT561018

FULL TIME

NOTICE OF SALE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Date of Auction March 4, 2016 at 11:00am According to the lease by and between: Unit 122 Robert Albers Unit 410 Michelle Hicks Unit 424 Michelle Hicks Unit 446 Joyclyn Ginyard and TKG-StorageMart, DBA StorageMart #701, and its related parties, assigns and affiliates. In order to perfect the lien on the goods contained in the storage unit the manager has cut the lock on their units and upon a cursory inspection the units were found to contain Coffee Pot, brief cases, weed eater, florescent lights, saw horses, speaker, motor oil, conduit benders, chairs, boxes, rockers, grill, chests, stools, bookcase, couch, frames, rake, vacuum, fans, clothes, lamps, mixer, boxes, table, pots, pans, washer and dryer, tools, wooden cross, tv, computer monitors, golf clubs, flag, dolly cart, pedestals, drums, and many other items used in and around the home.

ITEMS WILL BE SOLD OR DISPOSED OF AT THIS SITE ON, March 4, 2016 AT 11:00 AM AT THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW TO SATISFY OWNERS LIEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE STATUTES. TERMS OF SALE ARE CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ALL GOODS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS� CONDITION. TAX MUST BE PAID OR RESALE NUMBERS FURNISHED. BUYERS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN LOCKS IF NEEDED. SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO OVERRIDE ALL BIDS. ALL ITEMS OR SPACES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON DATE OF SALE. StorageMart 701 794 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-236-9260 929-311653, 2/5,12

ZONINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Peachtree Corners Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at City Hall, 147 Technology Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, Georgia beginning at 7:00 PM on February 17, 2016 to consider the following item: V2016-003 Pinckneyville Middle School. Request Variance to Zoning Code Sec. 54-10 (a)5 and Sec. 54-15 (e), Sign Ordinance, to allow an electronic message board for property located at 5400 West Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners, Ga., in the 6th Dist., LL316, Parcel 274.

KYM CHERECK, CITY CLERK CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS CPC 2/17/16 934-311535, 2/5

DISPATCHER Local distribution company is seeking a FT Dispatcher.

Duties include the following: ¡ Coordinate/plan daily loads with available capacity to maximize customer service and productivity while minimizing expenses ¡ Assign loads to drivers and ensure compliance, safety, and on-time delivery ¡ Create and publish the daily load plan schedule. ¡ Update dispatch reports with daily activities and metrics ¡ Ensure on-time service via the driver check calls. ¡ Communicate clearly, courteously, and effectively to internal and external customers ¡ Report performance metrics and concerns to management as required ¡ Follow all required safety policies and procedures. ¡ Ability and willingness to answer calls when needed outside of work hours.

The ideal candidate must be detailed oriented, possess excellent communication skills and at least 2 years of experience.

Must be able to work in a fast paced environment. Must have a firm understanding of DOT Hours of Service regulations.

Preferred Qualifications: ¡ Bachelor Degree in Logistics/ Transportation or relevant experience ¡ Experience in truckload dispatching (a must) ¡ Advanced computer skills (MS Office, AS400, TMS, etc) ¡ Experience using load boards and backhaul planning We offer a competitive benefits package which, includes a base salary, health / dental / disability / life / accident insurance, 401K, personal days, vacation, holidays, etc. Qualified candidates please submit your resume in person at 1001 Cherry Drive Suite 300 Braselton, GA 30517 or email to HR@tran-south.com **Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to contact those applicants whose experience and background best match our requirements.**

EVENT STAFF WANTED Please visit www. gwinnettbraves.com for instructions on how to apply now.

G-Braves Job Fair and Professional Sports Catering • Tuesday February 9th - 5pm-8pm • Thursday February 11th - 5pm-8pm • Saturday February 13th - 9am-2pm @ Coolray Field.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

MEDICAL

HOUSES FOR SALE

FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052

MONROE, GA 30656

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

Willow Wood Nursing

2 Communities!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR • LPN and RN’s needed days and evening for charge nurse positions • C.N.A.’s needed days and evenings • Admission and Marketing.

Long term Admission & Marketingexp. pref. M - F, some weekends may be reqd. • Maintenance Director. Exp. in long term care & regulations pref.

M - F, some weekends may be reqd. & on call.

APPLY IN PERSON: 4595 Cantrell Rd. Flowery Branch Email Resumes to:

BACK ON MARKET! PEMCO HUD HOME #105-734948 5369 Rabbit Farm Rd. 3BR/1.5BA, Full Unfinished Basement • $121,000 INSURED W/ ESCROW • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR SALE

Software Test Engineers: QA control methodology/validations & perform manual/automated/ system testing of web client/server & data warehouse apps; Systems Analysts: Develop, document & revise system design proc., test proc., & quality standards; Software Developers: Design, develop & modify enterprise sftwr systems; Network Engineers: Design & implement comp. & info. networks; Database Administrators: Test programs or databases, correct errors, & make modifications; Systems Administrators: Maintain & administer comp. networks & rel. computing environments; IT Project Managers: Plan, direct, or coordinate IT activities for the entire project. All positions require travel/reloc. to various unanticipated client sites across USA. Min. req’mts apply to all positions. For complete job details, min. req’mts &/or to apply, mail resume to HR Mgr., Uktha Global, Inc., 4485 Tench Rd, Ste. 1521, Suwanee, GA 30024.

MONROE, GA 30655 WONDERFUL INVESTMENT! 404 E. CHURCH STREET Multi-Family Property With 2BR/2BA On One Side and 1BR/1BA On The Other Side. $139,900. EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE CONYERS, GA 30094

REDUCED! 3604 Sand Hill Dr. Imagine Your Dream Home Here & You Sitting In Your Sunroom Overlooking The 8Th Fairway Of Honey Creek Golf Course While Sipping Your Morning Coffee $22,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

COMMERCIAL LOT! 1190 W Spring St. Commercial Lot Zoned M-1 Unlimited Uses .87 Acres $475,000• EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

BEAUTIFUL LAKE LOT! 405 St. Regis Dr. Beautiful 2.76 Acre Lake Lot In The Prestigious St. Regis Neighborhood In Oxford,Ga. Heavily Wooded With Gorgeous Views Of The Lake $48,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

SOUTH CAROLINA, LAKE KEOWEE Waterfront Cottages Gated, Luxury Amenities! Lodge, Pool, Fitness Center, Boat Slips & more.

Other New & Resale Cottages From $130’s to $299’s!

1-888-663-1133 www.backwaterlanding. com Office Hours: Fri 8:30-4:00 Sat & Sun By Appointment Only

If your old stuff is collecting dust, it could be collecting cash!

classifieds 770-962-SELL

CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

COVINGTON, GA 30014

MONROE, GA 30656 2.18 ACRES LAKE WALTON ESTATES! 6219 WATERS EDGE DRIVE All Brick, Executive Home In One Of Walton County’s Exclusive, Gated Communities Sits Across From Neighborhood Amenities On 2.18 Acres FULL FINISHED BASEMENT 4BR/4.5BA $579,900 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

COVINGTON 2 Cemetery Plots (Side By Side) Section D, Lot # 391 @ Lawnwood Memorial Park, $1,895 each. 770-787-7097 REAL ESTATE FOR RENT HOUSES FOR RENT

37.13 ACRES 1155 Jim Daws Rd Great 37.132 Acre Tract Zoned A-2, With Nice Hardwoods & Pines. Perfect For Livestock, Farming, Hunting, Or Build Your Dream Home $242,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

ROOMMATE WANTED /ROOM FOR RENT LAWRENCEVILLE Room for Rent $525 / mo. Sugarloaf Mills area. Near Gwinnett Transit. Quiet neighborhood. Ideal for student & others.

678-825-2656 COMMERCIAL RENTALS ALPHARETTA, GA FOR LEASE 1000 SQ. FT. OFFICE SPACE. Off Hwy 9.

Available Feb. 1st.

(678)624-0202

LAWRENCEVILLE RECORDING STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE Office/Warehouses 1200 up to 18000 sf Mike 404-375-5438.

WANTED FOR RENT

WANTED TO RENT Single Male, 69, clean, quiet, non-smoker seeking clean, odor free room(s), or efficiency apartment with full bathroom that only I will be using and cleaning. Unrestricted kitchen and laundry machine usage - A Must. No drugs, drunks or drama. Larry, 470-248-5275. Handyman in All Construction Trades.

APPLIANCES

DRYER/WASHER $125 ea.; Super Capacity $175 ea.

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

Dishwasher $100 & up. Different colors.

Del/1 yr warr.

Tim 404-205-2222 Hotpoint Refrigerator Side by side. $350.

Kitchen-Aide flat top stove. $150. Magic Chef Built In Microwave, 2010. $150.

All beige. 678-377-5176 FURNITURE/ HOUSEHOLD GOODS

WANT TO BUY Near Mall of GA. 5BR/3.5BA, S/T, Ivy Green Subd. Fplc., dbl. gar., 3,233 sq. ft. $1700/mo. + dep.

678-227-4405

NOW HIRING

Please Email Resume to agrace@rockdalehc. com or ycolbert@ rockdalehc.com Or apply within @ 1510 Renaissance Drive NE Conyers, GA 30012

BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE Home COMMUNITY. RENT starting at $100/week.

Large Lots.

770-513-3151

GWINNETT, BUFORD

PROTECT OUR PLANET

Experienced Food Service Director, Chefs, Servers, Dietary Aides RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT

DINING ROOM SUITE, 6 chair, $400; Lots of misc. household furniture, call for pricing & details. 706-318-6794, Conyers area.

For Doctor’s Office In Gwinnett. Fax resume to: 770-962-1566 or 770-414-4091

Immediate Openings If you are interested in working for an energetic team and A fast paced environment Rockdale Healthcare Center Is Seeking Applicants for

One on Singleton Rd. & One on Law’villeSuwanee Rd.! 2BR & 3BR, 2BA, Fireplace, vaulted ceilings, off street parking.

Starting @ $900/mo.

B.C. PROPERTIES 770-446-1550 770-995-8828

OXFORD, GA 30054

MONROE, GA 30655

HOUSES FOR SALE

32.53 ACRES BRING OFFERS! JIM DAWS ROAD Great 32.53 +/Acre Tract Zoned A-2 Perfect For Livestock, Farming, Hunting, Or Build Your Dream Home. Property has a 20 Foot Easement For Access. $211,445 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

sjones@sterling-health. com

OR CALL: 770-967-2070

APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

2000 Windridge Dr, GA, 30518 Windridge Buford, Affordable 1&2 Apartments Bedroom Apartments 1 Bedroom – $460-$680 based on gross income 2 Bedroom – $515-$735 based on gross income 'PS .PSF *OGPSNBUJPO $BMM t 5%% 7

5 " 'PS %FBG BOE )FBSJOH *NQBJSFE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

I BUY golf carts, lawnmowers, and Sears Garden Tractors, running or not. Call 770-786-1255 OR Text picture to 770-361-5276.

0205_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 2/4/2016 3:49 PM Page B8

B8 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com VEHICLES

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

SERVICES

BY M.D. NANNI

The Doctor Is In

• Oak • Maple • Cherry • Walnut New Homes Repairs Refinishing Renovations

SPECIALTY WORK

• Borders • Stairways • Medallions Free Estimates Insured/Certified Michael Nanni

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONS

BY HERNANDO

FLOORING

HARDWOOD FLOORS

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

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

All Home Remodeling Projects & General Repairs Including: HVAC troubleshooting & more!

Over 25 years of exp. in all home repairs & improvements. *Licensed & Insured*

678-482-1702

hcorrales17@gmail.com

Call for a Free Estimate

Call John

770-962-2071

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

770-867-9670

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

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

M&M Lawn

Delivered & Dumped

Maintenance

LICENSED

All Types of Yard Work

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

Lawns Of

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

MIKE’S TREE SERVICE

SERENITY LAWN CARE

Experienced Tree Work 20+ Years All Phases of Tree Work

-

Tree Removal Prunning Stump Grinding Wood Chipper

References Available

Georgia

• Any Lawn Work!

If it’s in your yard, we do it!

Landscape Design using any material Trimming & debris Clean Up • Pressure Washing

Call 706-525-1881 or 904-874-1809

Free Estimate!

Made in USA

770-714-8250 770-271-7127

Lawn Care

MERCEDES 560 SL, 1986 CONVERTIBLE Low miles, super buy on investment car. Fabulous black with burgundy leather and two tops. Babied, exceptional and beautiful. Drives great- 135 MPH. Yet luxury and high quality. Drive and watch it go up in price.

Cost $48,000 new.

The best car built in the 1980’s. NADA and Hagerty Classic Car Value Guide appraises them at $20,00040,000. The best you can find and selling way under the market at only $14,700.

Call 770-882-4605

678508-

PEREZ TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPE • PRUNING • TRIMMING • CLEAN-UP √ Full Insurance √ Professional Service

2337

CALL

770-780-9786

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

NISSAN ALTIMA, 2012 Brilliant Silver, Stk#P5208 $13,998 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

Call Freddy Perez

404.886.3587

404-399-7402

Established 1989 NISSAN ALTIMA, 2014 Gun Metallic, Stk#P5240 $13,996 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

TO FIND YOUR DREAM

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

PETS/LIVESTOCK

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

All Major Credit Cards Accepted 311473-1

VEHICLES

404-670-3087

VEHICLES

gahomesource.net

VEHICLES

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS AKC Ready to go January 28. AKC German Shepherd pups-Black / Black Sable. Parents on site.

Working lines.Hannes Vom Spadener Holz.

1st shots and worming. $800. 770-316-4110 Commerce.

NISSAN MAXIMA SV, 2010 Mystic Jade, Stk#GGA82432A $14,754 800-PREOWNED FORD ESCAPE SE, 2013 Oxford White, Stk#P8100 $18,328 800-PREOWNED

LOST KITTY. REWARD! Smokey gray female Maine Coon mix, “Prissy.”Last seen on Plunketts Road, Buford Pls call 770-365-7998

CHRYSLER PACIFICA, 2006. Touring. Elderly owner. Loaded, like new, 3rd seat. 1 owner.

108k mi. $5995.

770-616-7399

FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, 2013 Sterling Grey, Stk#GGB09113A $25,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD F-150 SUPERCREW XLT, 2013 Ingot Silver, Stk#FFC45843A $28,999 800-PREOWNED

CHRYSLER 200 SEDAN, 2015 Ceramic Blue Clearcoat, Stk#670130M $17,000 877-698-5030

LOST & FOUND PETS

VEHICLES

DODGE RAM, 2004 2500 HD 4x4, 18k mi. single cab, vinyl int.

Long bed tow package, work truck. $11,000 OBO. 770-490-3265

FORD EDGE LIMITED, 2008 Cashmere, Stk#FBC28888A $13,999 800-PREOWNED

FORD ESCAPE SE, 2015 Ruby Red, Stk#P8039 $23,200 800-PREOWNED

JAGUAR XJ6, 1997 VANDEN PLAS SEDAN. 82K One owner miles. This car is the best you will ever find. It looks and drives like new. Gold with tan leather that is close to perfect. Inlaid picnic tables etc. are perfect.

You will never find another this good. Sold for over $64,000 new.

It is fabulous and only $5950.

Call 770-873-2627

JEEP LIBERTY SPORT, 2012 Bright Silver Metallic, Stk#8408A $13,200 877-698-5030

VOLVO V70, 2006 One owner wagon with only 105K miles.

Babied and beautiful, white with tan leather. Super CarFax. Desirable 2.5LT 5 cyl. engine. Looks and drives great. Selling way under the market for a car of this low miles and quality.

Only $6400.

770-882-4605 MOTORCYCLES HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE, 2013, 2 Tone, dark blue / silver, exc. cond., 1800 mi., garage kept. $10,000. Helmets incl.

770-744-8273

Find Over

VEHICLES

DOGS

CHEVROLET MALIBU SEDAN LT, 2013 Summit White, Stk#640170B $14,000 877-698-5030

TOYOTA COROLLA S, 2015 Barcelona Red, Stk#GN706950A $15,969 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

PRESSURE WASHING

√ Professional Equipment

404-670-3087

TOYOTA COROLLA LE, 2013 Classic Silver Metallic, Stk#640130M $13,000 877-698-5030

POWER WASHING

* Lawns starting at $30

304601-1

VEHICLES

LEXUS ES 350, 2014 Cerulian Blue Metallic, Stk#U40700 $33,990 770-680-1000

8,000 Column Inches of Great Buys Each Week In THE CLASSIFIEDS! • Cars

NISSAN MAXIMA, 2012 Tuscan Sun, Stk#GC414413A $16,970 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place LEXUS IS 250C, 2012 Starfire Pearl, Stk#U40739 $32,590 770-680-1000

• Boats • Motorcycles • Bicycles • Computers

If your old stuff is collecting dust, it could be collecting cash!

• Office Furniture • Home Furnishings • Appliances

FORD FOCUS SE, 2013 Sterling Gray, Stk#FKE96426A $9,999 800-PREOWNED

YOUR AUTO CONNECTION BUY OR SELL YOUR VEHICLE TODAY! 770-962-SELL

classifieds 770-962-SELL

LEXUS IS 350, 2014 Nebula Gray Pearl, Stk#U40679 $28,990 770-680-1000

• Stereo Systems • Baby Furniture • Yard Sets

BMW 3 SERIES, 2011 Black Sapphire Metallic, Stk#660105A $18,500 877-698-5030

DAIMLER DODGE DART SXT/RALLYE, 2013 Tungsten Metal, Stk#G5214959A $11,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD EDGE SEL, 2013 Ruby Red, Stk#P8062 $25,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD ESCAPE, 2014 Sterling Gray Metallic, Stk#670037A $18,200 877-698-5030

GWINNETT

FORD FUSION SE, 2015 Oxford White, Stk#P8102 $16,789 800-PREOWNED

KIA RIO LX, 2015 Clear White, Stk#FY358987A $10,969 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

NISSAN MURANO S, 2014 Tinted Bronze, Stk#P5205 $17,993 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

PUBLICATION DAY Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

DEADLINE

Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

• Travel Bargains • Real Estate

GMC TERRAIN SLE-1, 2011 Olympic White, Stk#D670137A $15,500 877-698-5030

Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 3 pm

LEXUS CT 200H, 2013 Ultra White, Stk#U40636 $21,990 770-680-1000

LEXUS ES 300H, 2013 Obsidian, Stk#G160175A $31,990 770-680-1000

DISPLAY ADS PUBLICATION DAY

NISSAN ROGUE, 2012 Super Black, Stk#P5142 $12,998 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place LEXUS RX 350, 2013 Obsidian, Stk#U40716 $36,590 770-680-1000

NISSAN ROGUE, 2013 Brilliant Silver, Stk#FC659728A $14,998 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place LEXUS RX 350, 2015 Nebula Gray Pearl, Stk#G150667L $40,990 770-680-1000

DEADLINE Friday 3 pm Monday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

• Memorabilia • Pets

LEXUS LS 460, 2012 Obsidian, Stk#U40776 $43,990 770-680-1000

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

LINERS

• Antiques & Collectibles

HONDA CIVIC SEDAN, 2012 Polished Metal Metallic, Stk#8476 $13,000 877-698-5030

LEXUS ES 350, 2012 Nebula Gray Pearl, Stk#U40738 $26,590 770-680-1000

MAZDA CX-7, 2011 Liquid Silver Metallic, Stk#650136A $13,300 877-698-5030

NISSAN SENTRA, 2012 Aspen White, Stk#P5200 $10,969 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

For results you can measure, place an ad of your own by calling

Gwinnett Daily Post 770-962-7355

MISCELLANEOUS

To place a Classified ad please call

770-962-7355

to speak with a Sales Rep. or you can place an ad online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

HONDA CIVIC SEDAN, 2015 Crystal Black Pearl, Stk#8409 $15,900 877-698-5030

LEXUS ES 350, 2013 Starfire Pearl, Stk#U40704 $31,990 770-680-1000

MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, 1997. For sale by owner - 30,500 original miles. Tan...garaged, mint condition. $3,995. 770-913-8090

NISSAN VERSA, 2014 Magnetic Gray, Stk#FN905121A $10,982 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

TOYOTA CAMRY WANTED $1000 AVAILABLE. Call 678-414-3796.

we Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2016

‘Savannah Sipping Society’ world premiere comes to Buford Community Center page 4C

10 spot the

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT SUPER BOWL 50

In celebration of the golden anniversary of the National Football League’s biggest game, here are 10 facts about Super Bowl 50 from WalletHub’s bythe-numbers-look at the big game: 1. Super Bowl 50 will be broadcast in 230 countries.

2. The average ticket price from the past five Super Bowls is $4,049.

3. At 39, Peyton Manning will be the oldest starting quarterback in Super Bowl history.

4. CBS will devote more than 11 hours of coverage to Super Bowl 50, including 7 hours of pregame programming.

5. Airspace within a 37-mile radius of Levi’s Stadium is off-limits from 2 p.m. to midnight on game day.

6. A 30-second ad during Super Bowl 50 costs more than $5 million.

7. Total expected ad spending for this year’s Super Bowl is $400 million.

8. 28 million tweets will be sent during the game.

9. 1.3 billion chicken wings will be consumed.

10. Nearly 1.5 million people will call in sick to work the Monday after the Super Bowl.

— To see all the stats from WalletHub’s “Super Bowl 50 By the Numbers,” visit www.wallethub.com.

the dish page 2C

a look ahead

Friday, Feb. 12 • Aurora Comedy Nights — Aurora Comedy Nights will feature improv comedy from award-winning Dad’s Garage Theatre Company on Feb. 12 and 13 on the main stage at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.

• Rod Man — The winner of “Last Comic Standing” season eight will perform his stand-up comedy act at Feb.12 at the Infinite Energy Theater in Duluth.

Saturday, Feb. 13 • Banks and Shane — Banks and Shane will perform a full band concert Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth.

• “Lion in Winter” — New Dawn Theater Company in Duluth will present “Lion in Winter,” written by James Goldman and directed by Sherry Ingbritsen, through Feb. 28.

Sunday, Feb. 14 • Carly Rae Jepsen — Pop singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will bring her “Gimmie Love Tour” to the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta.

Saturday, March 5 • 6:30pm - 10:00pm • Suwanee City Hall

Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and dancing at this black-tie optional event in support of the Suwanee public art initiative.

310136-1

suwaneeguesswhoscoming.com

2C • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

dish

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

the

Sugo

10305 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek 770-817-8000 www.sugorestaurant.com

Sugo in Johns Creek offers a fusion menu of Italian and Greek with dishes such as Gigande Hummus made with grilled eggplant, peppadew peppers, aged feta and smoked paprika, served with rustic bread.

(Staff Photos: Katie Morris)

By Katie Morris

where it can find sophisticated cuisine and hand-crafted • Meatball Al Sugo cocktails.

— Roasted tomatoes, “That way you don’t have caramelized onions, Open Since: 2003 to go downtown for a nice dates and tomato basil Proprieter: Federico meal,” he said. sauce. $7 Castellucci III Something You Might • Spinaci — Baby spinGeneral Manager: Not Know: From cooking ach, gorgonzola dolce, Nancy Castellucci classes to opera, Sugo hosts candied walnuts, figs, roasted marinated pepChef de Cuisine: Ricardo a variety of special events for pers, crispy applewood Soto the community. On Feb. 15, bacon and balsamic Location: Sugo is tucked students have the chance to vinaigrette. $8 away in the back corner of learn one of Sugo’s iconic • Wild Caught Salmon the Bella Palazza shopping dishes, Federico’s Braciole, — Spanish olives, maricenter at the intersection of from Mr. C himself. The nated artichokes, confit Medlock Bridge Road and Cooking with Mr. C class is tomatoes, wilted spinach Wilson Road. scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and and lemon beurre blanc.

Hours: Sugo is open from costs $45 per person. Space $23 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through is limited, so those interested • Federico’s Braciole — Pork tenderloin, Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. are encouraged to reserve a Italian sausage, dates, Friday and Saturday and spot as soon as possible. caramelized onions, closed on Sunday.

Opera lovers can enjoy Sugo in Johns Creek is a family-owned restaurant that offers patrons a warm, friendly grilled zucchini, fennel, Atmosphere: Sugo is a a four-course meal while atmosphere with a casual yet up-scale dining environment. peppers, provolone, mozfamily-run restaurant that enjoying an intimate perforzarella, pecorino-romano, offers customers a warm, family history. mance of Shakespeare’s classignature and classic cocktail The steak is then smoked roasted mushrooms, toinviting atmosphere and a Menu: Sugo offers a sic “Romeo and Juliet.” On menus as well as an extenon the Big Green Egg and mato sugo and balsamic Feb. 23, “Dinner and a Diva” casual yet up-scale dining fusion menu inspired by sive wine menu. served with gigande beans, reduction. $19 will include a performance environment. The restaurant Castelluci’s Greek and Italian One of the house special- wild mushrooms, aged feta, offers a dimly lit, romantic heritage with a slight twist of ties is the Hanger Steak, roasted red peppers and fresh by Capitol City Opera Comthroughout the meal. pany as well as a four course atmosphere for couples as chef Ricardo Soto’s Spanwhich is prepared using the arugula.

The restaurant roots run meal and glass of wine. The well as an elegant backdrop ish heritage. One of Sugo’s French culinary technique Another Sugo specialty deep in the Castellucci fam- vendors is Greek, so the cost is $75 per person and for friends and family to Sous Vide. The steak is put is the Meatball Al Sugo — ily, steming back five gengather together and enjoy a restaurant is able to purchase into a vacuum-sealed bag, made with roasted tomatoes, reservations are required. erations. The Castellucci are specialty items from Greece immersed in a water bath Sugo also offers dogmeal. caramelized onions, dates It’s common to see proud of their heritage, and friendly events on the patio, including kalamata olives, and cooked at a very precise, and tomato basil sauce — Federico Castellucci III, also family photos can be seen cooking classes with chef aged feta, extra virgin olive consistent temperature. Acwhich was featured by the know as “Mr. C” to reguadorning the walls throughSoto and more. For more oil and vinegars. cording to Soto, this allows Food Network. lars and staff, and his wife, out the restaurant. Mr. C is information, visit sugoresThe menu is separated the meat to cook evenly Soto said his main goal Nancy, warmly greeting din- happy to tell customers about into Antipasti, Insalate and taurant.com or call 770-817throughout, and the result is is to offer the community a ers and checking in on them the images and share the 8000.

Secondi — there are also a very tender, flavorful steak. “nice, complex restaurant”

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

ON THE MENU

Mushrooms the perfect match for barley in this risotto

By Tami Weiser

Barley Risotto With Fresh Chanterelles and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Some ancient grains get all the press. Quinoa, freekeh and spelt are the darlings of the food world these days, especially in the U. S. — and rightfully so, since they were ignored for millennia.

But one ancient grain seems to lag behind: barley. Plain ol’ barley never makes a Top 10 list. It needs a spunky dance partner and great choreography to be seen. Mushrooms have often been its companion for comfort food — think of all the savory mushroom-barley soups.

But wild mushrooms, exotic and even more flavorful than the cultivated variety while still just as earthy as barley, may serve as the most perfect partner of all.

During the chill of January, foraging for comfort food is often a search for simple, earthy foods — like barley and mushrooms. But these foods can also be rich and elegant, intriguing and satisfying, old and new. Sometimes all it takes is one little change to make a comfort-food dish special.

Barley and mushrooms, ancient foods Barley is no newbie to the food scene. There is no way to overstate its importance in the Fertile Crescent and the Levant (present-day Iraq and the Middle East). Wild barley was an integral part of the human diet, so much so that it became a domesticated crop. It was the basis

Cook time: 50 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes Yield: 4 servings as a meal, 6 as a starter Ingredients • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium mushroom broth • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 2 large shallots, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice • Leaves of 6 sprigs fresh thyme, minced (about 2 teaspoons, see Kitchen Tips) • 1 cup pearl barley • 2 cups Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (see Kitchen Tips) • 1 pound fresh chanterelle mushrooms, sliced, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 large fresh bay leaf • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (see Kitchen Tips) • 1 (7-ounce) package fresh baby kale, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese • 3/4 cup sour cream or crème fraiche • 1 teaspoon truffle salt (see Kitchen Tips) • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions 1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the mushroom broth to a simmer.

2. Meanwhile, in a large, deep saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the butter and heat until it melts. Add the shallots and thyme, stir to coat, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shallots are translucent and the edges are just beginning to brown. Add the barley and cook, stirring to coat, for 2 minutes.

3. Increase the heat to high, add the wine and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until it has been fully absorbed into the barley. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the mushrooms and bay leaf, and stir well.

4. Add 1/2 cup of the warm mushroom broth and cook, stirring for 4 to 5 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed. Add the salt and stir. Continue adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, and cook, stirring continuously but gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is nearly absorbed into the barley. Repeat until all the mushroom broth is

Zester Daily

for a key everyday comestible that is still popular today: beer.

In Europe by the Middle Ages, barley was the flour of poor man’s bread and the filler in Scotch broth.

It was — and remains — a common food for livestock. Notwithstanding the changes in the world

around it, domesticated barley is, in essence, a simple whole grain with plenty of nutrients. And it has countless culinary benefits.

There is a good reason why barley’s long time partner is the mushroom.

An ancient, originally wild food, mushrooms are

Barley, Chanterelle Mushroom and Pinot Noir Risotto — elegant, simple, delicious. (Special Photo: TheWeiserKitchen) used.

5. Cook for about 30 minutes more, until the barley is al dente. Add the kale, stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the leaves are completely soft. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the Gruyère cheese and sour cream.

Remove from the heat, remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with the truffle salt and pepper, and stir well. Spoon into wide, shallow bowls and serve immediately.

Kitchen Tips 1. To remove the leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme, hold the sprig (or a few) at the top with one hand, and with the other hand, grasp the stem with your thumb and forefinger and gently slide your fingers down the stem.

The leaves will be pushed against the direction they grow in and will come off easily.

2. If you don’t have low-sodium mushroom broth, you can omit this extra salt.

3. Salt to which very small pieces of dried truffle have been added is called truffle salt. It is used to add richer flavor.

fungi and are incredibly healthy — high in B and D vitamins, selenium, copper, potassium and antioxidants that appear to protect DNA at the cellular level. Some of these benefits can be found in common button mushrooms and their close cousins, baby bellas, criminis and portabellos. But

mushrooms are more than that. They are a natural flavor enhancer. All mushrooms contain glutamic acid, a version of the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Wild mushrooms, or those that were once wild and are now cultivated (called “exotic” by grow-

ers), burst with all of these benefits. No wonder wild ones have been popular across Europe, Asia, the United States and India for centuries. Each variety of wild mushroom has its individual charms. The one I used for this mushroombarley risotto is the chanterelle.

Chanterelles, a sexy and mellifluous a name for fungus, if there ever was one, evokes images of fivestar French chefs cooking up lavish, sophisticated and warming dishes. To many a chef and connoisseur, chanterelles — golden and floral, earthy and fragrant — are in the same pantheon as morels and truffles.

The wine that links all the flavors The element that can put it all together? A wine born from the same soil as those wild mushrooms.

Barley risotto style is now a restaurant mainstay. But when the mushrooms in the risotto are the prized chanterelle and the wine is Willamette Valley — what you have is dinner alchemy.

Willamette Valley, Oregon, where chanterelles have long grown wild and are now cultivated, is a well-regarded region for producing fine grapes and even finer wines. The Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Willamette Valley are characterized by robust notes of black raspberry and bogs, of vanilla and cloves.

The old cooking adage “if it grows together it goes together” is certainly true with Pacific golden chanterelles and Willamette Pinot Noir.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 3C

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‘Something of Value’ on view at Kuzdu Art Zone Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross opened its first 2016 member exhibition titled “Something of Value” on Jan. 15. The exhibition was judged by prominent Atlanta artist Phillip Carpenter and six awards were given to Kudzu member artists.

Exhibiting artists were to interpret the exhibition’s title, “Something of Value,” in various ways.

Some focused on the word “value” as a measure of merit or importance. Others considered the word as an artistic term that gauges lightness or darkness in a visual artwork. The result was an exhibition of 54 works of art.

First place award winner was David Raderstorf, an accomplished and wellknown local artist who uses multiple media techniques.

His winning painting is titled “The Old Barn Door.”

“It is the first painting I

Art Beat

Holley Calmes have done from a photograph,” Raderstorf said. “I usually paint in an abstract manner. This painting was done as a challenge from my friend Pat Dews. She handed me this photo of an old barn door and pushed me to see if I could paint realistically.”

Carpenter awarded second place to Lorraine Kimsey for her work “Carolina Color,” and third place went to Joyce English for “Self Portrait in a Purple Vest,” which was an actual double portrait showing a

Joyce English’s “Self-Portrait in a Purple Vest” received third place in Kudzu Art Zone’s Member Juried Exhibition “Something of Value.” (Special Photo)

reflection of the subject’s back.

Honorable mentions went to Lucy Brady’s “But What Can It Do?,” Debra Barnhart’s “My Father in WWII” and Karen Phillips’ “Bright Spot.”

Mr. Carpenter discussed

how he made his selections, saying, “I like work that is not overly clever. But at the same time, I like for artwork to have a mystique in that it is not immediately obvious how it was made. I need to be drawn in by the artist’s process.”

The exhibition will run through Feb. 25 at Kudzu Art Zone, located at 116 Carlyle St. in downtown Norcross. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this exhibition or about Kudzu Art Zone, call 770-840-9844 or visit www.kudzuartzone. org.

A different type of artistic opportunity awaits those who would like to send someone they love a very special type of valentine.

The Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus is offering its popular singing valentines again this year.

“This is one of our most enjoyable projects because we get to deliver a unique ‘I Love You’ message to that special sweetheart,” said David Southern, SMBC Greater Atlanta Chapter president.

“We have serenaded both men and women in

supermarkets, college and elementary classrooms, business offices, retail shops, doctor’s offices, living rooms and residential driveways,” Southern said. “The effect is most dramatic when an audience is present to witness the event.”

Singing valentines consist of two love songs sung live by the visiting barbershop quartet, a silk faux rose and a personalized Valentine’s Day card.

The cost is $50 for the basic package. Delivery can be Friday, Saturday or Sunday of Valentine’s Day weekend.

For more information, call 770-978-8053 or visit www.stonemountainchorus.org.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring. com.

BY VENUE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT GWINNETT GWINNETT AURORA THEATRE 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre.com • Jan. 29 — Feb. 21: “I and You” • Jan. 30: Aurora Children’s Playhouse “The Reluctant Dragon” by All Hands Productions • Feb. 6: Aurora Children’s Playhouse “The Jongleur of Notre Dame” by Ron Anglin, Quite a Catch • Feb. 12-13: Aurora Comedy Nights featuring Dad’s Garage Theatre HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 300, Duluth 770-623-6002 www.thehudgens.org • Jan. 12 — March 26: “Personal Politics: Artist as Witness, Memory Keeper and Social Conscience” exhibit • Jan. 12 — April 23: “Birds in Portrait: Photographs by Joel Conison” • Jan. 29, Feb. 26, March 25: Toddler Fridays • Jan. 30: Opening Reception • Feb. 6: Family Day • Ongoing: Selected works from the permanent collection on display INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com

• Feb. 18-28: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “Circus Xtreme!”

2200 Buford Highway, Buford 770-945-6762 www.bufordcommunitycenter. com • Feb. 11-28: The Savannah Sipping Society • March 17: The Jason Bishop Show • March 18: The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra • April 14 — May 1: “Moonlight and Magnolias” • June 9-26: “The Wisdom of Eve”

INFINITE ENERGY THEATER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com • Feb. 12: Rod Man KUDZU ART ZONE 116 Carlyle St., Norcross 770-840-9844 www.kudzuartzone.org • Through Feb. 25: “Something of Value” exhibit LIONHEART THEATRE 10 College St. N.W., Norcross 678-938-8518 www.lionhearttheatre.org • Feb. 4-14: “Charlotte’s Web” NEW DAWN THEATER Mall Corners, 3650-A Satellite Blvd., Duluth 678-887-5015 www.newdawntheatercompany.com • Feb. 11-14, 18-21, 25-28: “Lion in Winter” • March 4-6, 11-13: New Dawn KIDZ Production of “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” NEW LONDON THEATRE 2338 Henry Clower Blvd., Snellville 770-559-1484 www.newlondontheatre.org • Feb. 19 — March 6: “Clybourne Park” SYLVIA BEARD THEATRE Buford Community Center,

ENTER TO WIN A

TANNERY ROW ARTIST COLONY 554 W. Main St., Buford 770-856-8145 www.tanneryrowartistcolony. com • Through Feb. 12: Artist’s Studio Works • Feb. 27 — April 8: Spring Juried Art Exhibit 2016

Daze • Feb. 13: Valentines in the Garden • Feb. 20-21: Orchid Market Weekends, Camellia Show • Feb. 20, March 19, April 9: Orchid Care Clinic • Feb. 28: Vanilla Sunday: celebration of the vanilla orchid • Ongoing: Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen cooking demos every weekend • Ongoing: Science Café, second Sundays through October • Ongoing: Orchid Market, weekends • Ongoing: Garden Tours

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta 404-814-4000 www.atlantahistorycenter.com • Feb. 6: Struggles and Strides • Feb. 7, March 6: 4-H ComATLANTA ATLANTA munity Club Meeting at Atlanta History Center ALLIANCE THEATRE • Feb. 8: Magic Monday: Bee 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Mine Atlanta • Feb. 11: Aiken Lecture: Jim 404-733-4650 Wallis www.alliancetheatre.org • Feb. 25: Party With the • Through Feb. 14: “A Bucket Past at Callanwolde Fine Arts of Blessings” • Through Feb. 14: “Disgraced” Center • Feb. 13 — March 6: “Start CENTER FOR PUPPETRY Down” ARTS 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta 404-873-3391 ATLANTA BOTANICAL www.puppet.org GARDENS • Jan. 28 — March 10: 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., “SPACE!” Atlanta • Feb. 13: Valentine’s Night Out 404-876-5859 at the Center www.atlantabg.org • Feb. 23-28: “The Secret • Feb. 13 — April 10: Orchid

Garden” CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta 404-659-5437 www.childrensmuseumatlanta. org • Feb. 6-7: Meet the Holidays: Chinese New Year • Feb. 6 — May 31: Mystery of the Mayan Medallion • Ongoing: Gateway to the World exhibit • Ongoing: Step Up To Science exhibit • Ongoing: Tools for Solutions exhibit • Ongoing: Fundamentally Food exhibit • Ongoing: Let Your Creativity Flow exhibit • Ongoing: Leaping Into Learning exhibit • Ongoing: Music and Movement, arts studio • Ongoing: Eat a Georgia Rainbow, story time • Ongoing: Super Spectacular Science Show • Ongoing: The Science Wondershop COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • Feb. 5-7, 11-13: Atlanta Ballet’s “Moulin Rouge” • Feb. 10-11, 13-14: ArtsBridge — Atlanta Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty” • Feb. 19: Bill Maher

• Feb. 20: An Evening with Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett • Feb. 25: ArtsBridge — “Doktor Kaboom” FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • Feb. 2-7: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” • Feb. 10-14: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • Feb. 25: “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org • Feb. 14: Fernbank Forest Geology Walk • Feb. 15: Fernbank Forest Walk: Winter Plant Identification • Feb. 19: Fernbank Forest Arbor Day Walk • Feb. 6 — July 31: “Wild Music” • Ongoing: Tadpole Tales HIGH MUSEUM OF ART 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4400 www.high.org • Through May 15: “Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion” • Through May 22: “What Is Near: Reflections on Home” • Feb. 5: Open Studio • Feb. 6: Teen Night • Feb. 14: Family Festival To submit an event for By Venue Arts & Entertainment, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

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SAVANNAH CHARM

Southern comedy set to make world premiere in Buford

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

On Thursday evening, a group of Gwinnett theatregoers will be the first audience to join four strong Southern women drawn together by fate — and an impromptu happy hour — who embark on a journey to rediscover their zest for life.

The comedy “The Savannah Sipping Society” is set to make its world premiere Feb. 11 at the intimate Sylvia Beard Theatre. Produced

by Gypsy Theatre Company, the play will debut with an opening night gala and then play through Feb. 28 at the theater, which is located inside the Buford Community Center.

“The Savannah Sipping Society” is penned by playwriting trio Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten — also know as Jones Hope Wooten.

Specializing in comedies with Southern charm and strong female characters, the trio has authored numerous comedies including “The Dixie Swim Club,” “Dearly Beloved,” “Christmas Belles,” “The Red Velvet Cake War” and “Always a Bridesmaid.” Their plays have been produced by theater companies across the country as well as in Canada, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, England, Taiwan, Scotland and Kenya.

Their latest effort, “The Savannah Sipping Society,” centers around four unique Southern women who are all stuck in a rut. Drawn together by fate, and an unplanned happy hour, the

IF YOU GO

What: “The Savannah Sipping Society” Where: Sylvia Beard Theatre located in the Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway N.E. When: Feb. 11-28 Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $20 to $25 More Info: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com

ladies decide now’s the time to reclaim that passion for life that’s faded over the years.

Randa (Eileen Koteles) is a perfectionist and workaholic who is struggling to cope with an unexpected career derailment. After the loss of her husband and their retirement plans, Dot (Bobbie Elzey) is facing the disconcerting idea of starting over alone.

Good ol’ Texas gal Marlafaye (Judith Beasley) has come to Savannah on the heels of losing her tom cattin’ husband to a 23-year-old dental hygienist. Not only is she seeking to start a new life but also wreak revenge on her ex.

Also new to town is the fiery Jinx (Lory Cox), who offers her services as a life coach to the women; however, while she’s busy trying to get their lives back on track, she overlooks her own need for some sage advice.

Over the course of six months that are filled with misadventures and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women form a bond and find the confidence to kick-start their new lives.

Bobbie Elzey, left, stars as Dot and Judith Beasley as Marlafaye in Gypsy Theatre Company’s world presentation of “The Savannah Sipping Society.” (Special Photos)

The Gypsy Theatreproduced world premiere of “The Savannah Sipping Society” came about after the local company produced “The Dixie Swim Club,” directed by Mercury, artistic director for Gypsy Theatre Company, in 2012. The authors attended a gala event for the show and praised the production.

“We were extremely pleased with Gypsy’s production of ‘The Dixie Swim Club,’” Jones said in a news release. “Mercury’s direction of the play was exquisite, highlighting elements that we had not seen in any previous production.”

This led to the discussion of Gypsy Theatre Company debuting a Jones, Hope and Wooten comedy.

“The Savannah Sipping Society” audience members have the opportunity to meet the playwrights on

Lory Cox, left, stars as Jinx and Eileen Koteles as Randa in Gypsy Theatre Company’s world presentation of “The Savannah Sipping Society.”

Thursday, Feb. 11, during an opening night gala event.

In addition to the show, the red carpet affair includes a Q and A with Jones, Hope and Wooten immediately

following the performance, as well as complimentary pre-show hors d’oeuvres, coffee and dessert during intermission. A meet and greet with the playwrights will

follow the Q and A. There is no additional charge for the opening night gala.

For more information, visit www.bufordcommunitycenter.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 5C

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Fernbank explores ‘Sounds and Songs of Life’

By Zach Miles

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. The celebraWhat: “Wild Music: tion will include a presenSounds and Songs of Visitors who are intertation by environmental Life” exhibit ested in a mixture of music composer Stephen Wood, Where: Fernbank Muand nature can explore both and visitors may also create seum of Natural History, at Fernbank Museum’s their own musical instru767 Clifton Road N.E. in new exhibit “Wild Music: ments, play an animal Atlanta Sounds and Songs of Life.” sound matching game and When: Feb. 6 — July 31 Tickets: Museum The interactive exhibit much more. admission is $18 for explores how human music Fernbank’s “Wild Music: adults, $17 for seis inspired by the music Sounds and Songs of Life” niors, $16 for children of other living creatures Opening Day Celebration ages 3-12 and free for and aims to illustrate how is included with museum children under 2 and nature is filled with various admission, which is $18 for Fernbank members. species who create their adults, $17 for seniors, $16 More Info: www.fernown musical sounds to for children ages 3-12 and bankmuseum.org communicate. free for children under 2 “Music is a fascinatand Fernbank members. ing subject that combines different factors that help Adults have the opporsound, science, culture and make music. “Wild Music” tunity to view the “Wild nature. Visitors of all ages contains many hands-on Music” exhibit after hours The interactive exhibit “Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life,” on view at Fernbank and abilities will enjoy activities in order for visiduring Fernbank’s Martinis Museum in Atlanta through July 31, allows visitors to learn about and experiment with learning about and experitors to hear, see and feel the and IMAX event. The eve- sounds and music. (Special Photo) menting with sounds and music that surrounds them ning includes special cockmusic in this interactive each and every day. tail menus, small plates, exhibition,” Lynn Anders, The exhibit features live entertainment, dancing Fernbank Museum’s Eduspectrograms, human’s inand a chance to see a film in cation Programs Manager, spiration in music from bird Fernbank’s IMAX Theater. said in news release. “From songs, a “talking drum,” Martinis and IMAX is held recording studios to musisounds from underwater every Friday from 7 to 11 cal instruments and natural creatures, an electrolarynx, p.m. Musical entertainment sounds, the experience is a wall-mounted xylophone begins at 7:30 p.m. sure to intrigue everyone.” and more. Guests can also Fernbank Museum of Throughout the exhibit, create and play their very Natural History is located which is on view from own songs in the Jamming at 767 Clifton Road N.E. in Feb. 6 through July 31, Room.

Atlanta. For more informavisitors of all ages will have Fernbank will host an tion, visit fernbankmuseum. the chance to understand Opening Day Celebration org.

IF YOU GO

Staff Intern

Suwanee Beer Fest set to return to Town Center Park

By Katie Morris

2015 Gwinnett Daily Post Reader’s Choice Awards, Suwanee Beer Fest also offers live entertainment, Suwanee Beer Fest is set games, including cornhole to return for its sixth conand beer pong, and a home secutive year at Suwanee brew competition sponTown Center Park on Satsored by Brew Depot. urday, March 19, just days Tickets go on sale after St. Patrick’s Day. Friday, Feb. 5, at noon — The popular craft beer early bird general admisevent brings festivalgoers sion tickets are $45 and more than 300 beers from offered through Feb. 19. breweries across the coun- Regular general admistry. Voted Best Festival in sion tickets are $50 and Gwinnett in the 2014 and will be available Feb. 20

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Matthew and Roy Montelin sample some craft beer from the Ballast Point Brewery stand during the 2015 Suwanee Beer Fest at Town Center Park.

(Staff Photo: David Welker)

through March 4. General admission tickets can be purchased for $55 March 5-18 and for $60 the day of the event. The festival typically sells out, so organizers encourage those interested to pre-purchase their tickets.

VIP Tickets are available for $110 and include onehour early entry, private VIP area, exclusive beers and catered food. For more information, visit SuwaneeBeerFest.com.

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Wynn Varble to perform at Red Clay for music fest

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Local music fans can enjoy an evening of hit country tunes while supporting cancer research on Saturday night.

Georgia native Wynn Varble will perform at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth as part of the Save a Breast Music Fest benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Gwinnett County.

“The money that is raised through the American Cancer Society’s Relay

IF YOU GO What: Wynn Varble and Friends: Save a Breast Music Fest Where: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St. in Duluth.

When: Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. The doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $25 to $35 More Info: www.eddieowenpresents.com

for Life not only provides the research that is needed to find the cure, but provides many services for the

patients we serve at ACS,” said Roxanne Tigue, Community Manager for Relay for Life.

The show will kick off at 8 p.m. featuring Varble and friends Catherine Kimbro and Whitney Layne.

In 2003, Varble teamed up with Darryl Worley to release his first No. 1 song, “Have You Forgotten,” which went on to earn a Song of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association. His 2008 hit “Waitin’ On A Woman,” cowritten by Don Sampson, was also nominated for Song of the Year.

Varble’s songs have been recorded by a range of artists including Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack, Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley, Kellie Pickler, Montgomery Gentry, Jason Sellers, Gary Allan, Trace Adkins, Clint Daniels, Kevin Denney, Tracy Byrd and others. His most recent No. 1 song is “I’m A Little More Country” recorded

by Easton Corbin.

Tickets for the Save a Breast Music Fest range from $25 to $35 and are available at eddieowenpresents.com or 404-4782749.

Wynn Varble will perform Feb. 6 at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth as part of a benefit for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Gwinnett County.

(Special Photo)

BY VENUE MUSIC 37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 www.buford.37main.com • Feb. 5: Mad Margritt • Feb. 6: Krotona • Feb 12: Fighting Foos, Wicked Garden, Nevermind • Feb. 13: Fan Halen 37 MAIN 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek

678-580-2329 www.johnscreek.37main.com • Feb. 5: Yacht Rock Schooner • Feb. 6: Back in Black • Feb. 12: Slippery When Wet • Feb. 13: Eddie Money 40 WATT CLUB 285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com • Feb. 5: Radiolucent, The Heap • Feb. 6: murk daddy flex,

Scooterbabe, Dead Neighbors, Meth Wax, Booty Boyz • Feb. 9: Bloodkin • Feb. 11: Drive by Truckers, Monsoon, Camped Amped Band • Feb. 12: Drive by Truckers, Will Johnson, Dave Marr • Feb. 13: Drive by Truckers, Will Johnson, Five-Eight ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta

404-733-4900 www.atlantasymphony.org • Feb. 5-6: Concertmaster David Coucheron Solos • Feb. 12-14: A Valentine’s Romance • Feb. 14: Be Mine- A Free Family Concert

EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee 678-858-5363 everettsmusicbarn.net • Feb. 6: The Edgar Loudermilk Band, Jeff Autry • Feb. 13: The 8th of January

BOWMAN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES 323 Wilcrest Drive S.W., Lawrenceville 770-979-1314 www.facebook.com/bowmanhouseconcertseries • Feb. 6: Grant Peeples and Melissa Greener

FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • Feb. 9: 2Cellos

BUCKHEAD THEATRE 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta 404-843-2825 www.thebuckheadtheatre.com • Feb 5: Graham Nash • Feb. 13: UNC Clef Hangers CENTER STAGE THEATER 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com • Feb. 12: Todd Rundgren • Feb. 13: Anders Osborne • Feb. 14-15: Bryson Tiller EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com • Feb. 5: Sam Burchfield, Jacob Deaton • Feb. 6: Rebecca Loebe, Michael Tolcher • Feb. 7: Francine Reed • Feb. 9: The Pines • Feb 10: Lolo • Feb 11: Joe McGuinness Trio • Feb 12: John McCutcheon, Patrick Davis • Feb 13: Tom Rush, Dan Baird and Homemade Sin • Feb 14: Lucy Kaplansky

$5 JERSEY NIGHT RETURNS! Saturday,

THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com/ shows/the-loft/ www.centerstage-atlanta.com • Feb. 5: R. City THE MASQUERADE 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-577-8178 www.masqueradeatlanta.com • Feb. 5: Hawthorne Heights, The Ataris, Mest, Led Zeppelin 2 • Feb. 6: Europe, Operation PEACE Mardi Gras • Feb. 8: exwhy, Narrow/Arrow • Feb. 9: Fleshgod Apocalypse • Feb. 11: Blue Healer, At The Gates • Feb. 12: Cannibal Corpse, Blaze Ya Dead Homie • Feb. 14: The Funeral Portrait PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com • Feb. 18: Bruce Springsteen RED CLAY MUSIC FOUNDRY 3116 Main St., Duluth 678-957-7283 www.eddieowenpresents.com • Feb. 5: Bob Schneider, Graham Wilkinson • Feb. 6: Save a Breast Music Fest • Feb 12-13: The Rat Pack Now • Feb 13: Banks and Shane RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 redlightcafe.com • Feb. 5: The Nix Myth Show, Model Rocket Citizen, John Kalina

• Feb. 7: Fairshake, Joshua Powell and the Great Train Robbery, Austin Zamaryka • Feb. 10: The Gordon Vernick Quartet • Feb. 11: Jon Stickley Trio, Control Burn RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727 www.rialtocenter.org • Feb. 6: Spanish Harlem Orchestra • Feb. 13: Capitol Steps • Feb. 14: The Valentine Love Concert feat. Michael Henderson SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com • Feb. 5: James Hall, Motor earth, My Fever, The Macy Todd Band, Youth Model, Dustin Price • Feb. 6: Lumbercat, Todd Prusin Experience, Mike Fiorello, John Higgins, New Schemantics, Uncle Van and The Buzzards of Fuzz, The Organ Machines • Feb. 8: John Kadlecik Band, Lawrence Trailer • Feb. 9: White Violet, Roman GianArthur, Carey Murdock, Ellie Lawrence • Feb. 10: The Waves, Five40, Oceanstone, Simo • Feb. 11: Kinky Friedman, Cranford Hollow THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 tabernacleatl.com • Feb. 10-11: Wilco • Feb. 13: LOTUS VARIETY PLAYHOUSE 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta 404-521-1786 www.variety-playhouse.com • Feb. 5: Colin Hay • Feb. 6: The Producers • Feb. 11: Randy and Mr. Lahey • Feb. 12-13: Yonder Mountain String Band • Feb. 14: Carly Rae Jepsen Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or ticketmaster.com.

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movies

‘The Finest Hours’ film fans

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

Pass: Very realistic representation of what really happens aboard a ship at sea in VERY heavy weather.

The events and reactions aboard the endangered SS Pendleton were extremely believable for me. I often felt as if I was actually aboard her myself.

Steve Kalberg, Lawrenceville

Fail: A little long with a lot more time than needed spent on character development. We get it that the “heroes,” Chris Pine and Eric Bana especially, were meek and shy. Pine was passable as the leader of the crew on the rescue boat, but Bana came across as weak and incompetent. It might have been intentional, but it actually made me resent his character.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

Fail: I don’t really have any negative comments about the film as it was well done overall.

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Pine as Bernie Webber is the main character, but Casey Affleck stood out much more than Pine as a crew member aboard the Pendleton, showing the grit and determination needed to weather the storm of circumstances the good ship was involved in. Affleck is obviously a much more seasoned actor than Pine. Ben Foster as a crew member on the rescue boat is much better than the smaller role he was given.

Any fan of disaster movies taken from actual events like “The Perfect Storm” will like this movie. Also, anyone who has ever actually been at sea during bad weather will easily relate to what the characters here had to deal with.

There is also a love interest here, typical to most Disney movies.

If this is your thing, see it on the big screen in order to really appreciate the scope of the horrific circumstances these brave sailors had to deal with. I found myself so involved that I actually ducked and dodged in my seat as the huge waves were crashing over the bow of the tiny 36/300 rescue boat.

There’s a bit of everything here, similar to other movies on similar subjects, like “The Poseidon Adventure,” that include romance, sympathy for the characters, the determination of the girl left waiting on shore — hopefully but sadly watching the open sea waiting for her lover to return — great visions of brave men fighting against mother nature raging at her worst and finally the hero’s finding the strength to confront and conquer impossible odds trying to survive. It’s a Disney flick, so it should be OK for early teens.

Chris Pine was definitely a hero as Bernie Webber, a very ethical, compliant and selfless Coast Guard worker. His concern for others and integrity shone through each scene. I also liked his more chick flick moments with his girlfriend, Miriam.

Fans of historical and true accounts would most enjoy this movie, although there is also something in it for fans of love stories, action and drama.

I would definitely see it on the big screen especially with all the huge waves and water scenes and the magnitude of the big oil tanker ships that were in jeopardy.

We saw it in 3-D which added to the effects, but it would also be solid in 2-D.

I liked this movie and also liked the additional information and pictures of the real life Coast Guard workers at the end.

Casey Affleck, as the mild-mannered and sea savvy Ray Sybert on the SS Pendleton, also did a great job as the officer and brains behind their ship’s survival tactics.

Casey Affleck (“Interstellar,” “Triple 9,” “Out of the Furnace”) played Ray Sybert, chief machinist on the troubled tanker that is torn in two at sea. Chris Pine (“Into the Woods,” “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”) played Bernie Webber who leads the Coast Guard rescue effort described as a “suicide mission.” Both quiet, good men whose acting, expression and emotions spoke volumes.

High seas adventures such as “A Perfect Storm,” “Titanic,” “In the Heart of the Sea” and “Captains Courageous.”

Wait for DVD/ Blu-ray. If this had lived up to the story’s potential, I would say go see it in the theater, but it never quite hit its stride. Redbox it.

A good and entertaining movie, just not great. Secondary acting was weak.

Not enough character depth or camaraderie. Seemed too scripted at times and slow. But enough high points to enjoy it at home on DVD.

HHHH Pass: I enjoyed this true story about the most daring Coast Guard small boat rescue in history. The acting and storm scenes were well done and you were definitely rooting for all involved to make it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week: “The Finest Hours.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Cindy Evans, Duluth

HHHH Pass: Based on an amazing true story; one of the most heroic rescues in U.S. history. Main actors were solid.

New England winter scenes/cinematography were excellent.

Fail: Slow start. Secondary actors were subpar. Film never seemed to kick into high gear or reach its potential.

Creston Mapes, Buford

HHHH ever?

A: Edith Head (8) 5. Name the last director to win the Oscar for his or her first feature film.

A: Sam Mendes for “American Beauty” (1999) Test your Now, for this week’s film knowledge with questions: Michael Clark 1. Name an Oscar winner who played multiple So, you think you’re characters in “The Godfagood at movie trivia? Evther” trilogy. ery week, we give readers 2. What male has won the opportunity to flex their the most Academy Awards movie muscles by answer- ever? ing five trivia questions 3. What song is played from our movie critic, during the last scene and Michael Clark. closing credits in “The Congratulations to last Breakfast Club?” week’s winner, Lisa Mat4. Name a professional tingly of Atlanta. sports Hall of Fame memHere are last week’s ber who appeared as themquestions again and the selves in “Ace Ventura: Pet answers: Detective.”

1. What performer has 5. In what U.S. state been directed by Quentin are the majority of movTarantino, the Coen Broth- ies based on Stephen King ers, Ridley Scott, Tony works set?

Scott, Terrence Malick, The first person (located David Fincher, Steven within the U.S.) to respond Soderbergh, Spike Jonze with all of the correct and Terry Gilliam? answers receives a prize A: Brad Pitt of an item or items (movie 2. What is the musical T-shirts, hats, posters, common bond shared by: etc.). The winner also gets “The Big Short,” “Almost their name published in Famous,” “Fast Times at the next Weekend section.

Ridgemont High,” “Ameri- Please email your answers, can Hustle,” “Argo,” along with your name to “Ocean’s Twelve,” “School clarkwriter@mindspring. of Rock” and “Singles?” com. Include “Gwinnett A: All included Led Daily Post Trivia Contest” Zeppelin songs in the subject line. In the 3. In “Pulp Fiction,” event no one answers all of what non-fictional brand the questions correctly, the of soft drink do the Frank person with the most corWhalley and Samuel L. rect answers submitted by Jackson characters con6 p.m. the Monday after the sume? contest is posted will be the A: Sprite winner. Only one winner 4. What female has won per household is eligible the most Academy Awards for each 30-day period.

DISC SPOTLIGHT

Lights, camera,

MICHAEL CLARK

questions

Bridge of Spies Blu-ray (PG-13) Disc: HHHH Movie: HHHH The fourth collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks is their best since “Saving Private Ryan” and ranks as one of the finest Cold War flicks ever produced. After capturing a Russian spy (a subtlety brilliant Mark Rylance), the U.S. government assigns tax attorney James B. Donovan (Hanks) to defend him, not knowing of Donovan’s intractable moral, ethical and legal tenacity.

The second half of the movie finds Donovan in East Berlin negotiating a prisoner swap for downed U2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers and an American student. Shot with 1950s era stock,

Spielberg’s attention to detail is, as usual, impeccable.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (2:40.1/1080p), audio: English (7.1 DTS-HD MA, 2.0), French and Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include: • 4 featurettes • Additional DVD disc and Digital HD • First edition slipcover packaging (Touchstone/DreamWorks, $39.95)

COMING SOON TO OWN • “Crimson Peak” (Feb. 9) — A relationship on an isolated English estate has its perils in Guillermo Del Toro’s melodrama; stars include Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain. (R)

(Not rated) • “The Night Before” (March 1) — Three pals (Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie) seek the biggest party they can find on Christmas Eve. (R)

• “Grandma” (Feb. 9) — Lily Tomlin has the title role as a woman who tries to help her granddaughter (Julia Garner) get needed money before the day ends. (R)

• “Childhood’s End” (March 1) — The Arthur C. Clarke story puts Earth under the control of seemingly peaceful aliens; Mike Vogel, Daisy Betts and Charles Dance star. (Not rated)

• “Black Mass” (Feb. 16) — Johnny Depp stars as Boston-mob figure James “Whitey” Bulger, an informant for an FBI agent and childhood friend (Joel Edgerton). (R) • “Steve Jobs” (Feb. 16) — Michael Fassbender portrays the Apple co-founder and CEO in director Danny Boyle and writer Aaron Sorkin’s drama. (R) • “Fargo: Year Two” (Feb. 23) — A young couple (Kirsten Dunst, Jesse

• “Room” (March 1) — A woman and her young son (Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay) are confined to a single room by a captor in this muchacclaimed drama. (R)

Plemons) is caught up in larceny in the FX series’ sophomore round; Patrick Wilson and Ted Danson also star.

• “Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series” (March 22) — The cult-classic show, about a Detroit high school circa 1980, makes its Blu-ray debut and features Seth Rogen and James Franco. (Not rated)

NOW SHOWING Recently reviewed films by movie critic Michael Clark now playing in metro area theaters.

• The Finest Hours (PG-13) — 1 ½ stars Sincere and quaint to a fault, this drab disaster drama

is based on real events taking place in New England in 1952 when two oil tankards were split in half by a powerful nor’easter. It stars the bored Chris Pine and an intense Casey Affleck.

• 45 Years (R) — 3 stars

The Oscar-nominated Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay put on an acting clinic in what is essentially a two-person play about an elderly English couple whose safe, placid lives are permanently upended after the

arrival of a letter with rippling implications.

• Dirty Grandpa (R) — 3 stars Many uptight types downright hated it but if you like sharp, hard-R rated sex comedies, this road trip flick

set in Georgia starring Robert de Niro, Zac Efron and Aubrey Plaza contains more than enough side-splitting stuff to warrant your time and cash.

• Where to Invade Next (R) — 1 ½ stars Yet another faux-documen-

tary from the bellicose Michael Moore who, having run out of easy right-wing targets, focuses his cherry-picking attention on countries in Europe that do specific things different and better than what is done in the U.S.

8C • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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movies

SPARK’S GONE Travis Shaw (Ben Walker) and Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) star in “The Choice.” (Special Photos: Lionsgate)

‘The Choice’ a romantic tale that can be tough to love The Choice 2 out of 4 stars HHHH

By Jon Gallo Movie Critic

Beware: It’s happened again.

For the seventh time in six years, a Nicholas Sparks book is coming to a theater near you. Men are cringing, knowing it’s only a matter of time before their significant others rope them into seeing yet another one of his booksturned-chick-flicks.

It’s not that Sparks’ most recent movie, “The Choice,” is above average. It’s just too predictable — just like the bestselling author’s last six books that have gone from the shelf to the screen.

It’s called “The Choice,” but let’s face it, there is truly no “choice” here. If you’re a fan of his romance novels where love conquers all, you’ll likely see “The Choice” regardless, just like fans of John Grisham and Tom Clancy flock to their films.

More than eight years after Sparks published his tale about how far a man

Travis Shaw (Ben Walker) and Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) star in “The Choice.”

will go for the woman he loves, “The Choice” hits theaters, following “The Longest Ride” in 2015, “The Best of Me” (2014), “Safe Haven” (2013), “The Lucky One” (2012) and “The Last Song” and “Dear John” in 2010. And how many of those were worth seeing at the theater?

Sparks has had 11 of his

books made into movies and only one — 2004’s “The Notebook,” which grossed more than $115 million worldwide — was memorable. The rest of his adaptations — “Message in a Bottle” (1999), “A Walk to Remember” (2002) and “Nights in Rodanthe” (2008) — weren’t great, either.

Until you look at what

they did collectively at the box office.

Sparks’ last eight books that have been turned into movies each had a budget of around $30 million, yet collectively grossed around $700 million worldwide.

The biggest winner was “The Notebook,” which made more than $115 million off a $29 million

budget, while “The Best of Me,” made about $36 million, about $10 million more than its budget.

Sparks’ books are made for low-budget films. They are character-driven love stories, making the need for computer-generated imagery and elaborate sets minimal.

That’s the case with “The Choice,” which was filmed in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Its cast doesn’t feature a big-name star, which differs from previous Sparks adaptations that have been powered by Kevin Costner, Paul Newman, Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum and Liam Hemsworth.

“The Choice” centers on Travis Shaw (Benjamin Walker of “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) and Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer of “Warm Bodies”), who spend a decade going from bickering neighbors to lovebirds. Shaw, who is a pure ladies’ man, and Holland, who plays a stubborn medical student, are mediocre together, which prevents

the film from elevating to the lofty standard set by Gosling and McAdams in “The Notebook.”

Their relationship perseveres through plenty of drama as Gabby succumbs to her longing for the handsome Travis, who decides to give up his carefree lifestyle in return. A supporting cast that includes Tom Welling (“Smallville’s” Clark Kent), Maggie Grace (the “Taken” franchise), Alexandra Daddario (“True Detective”) and Tom Wilkinson (“Shakespeare in Love”) meshes well with Walker and Holland but provides few, if any, moments that will stick with you after the movie ends.

Travis and Gabby’s relationship builds to a crescendo where their bond is put to the ultimate test, where Travis is faced with a choice: how far would he go keep the glimmer of love alive?

But at this point, only Travis can save the relationship.

As for the movie, it’s tough to love.

(Lionsgate)

‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ a mediocre take on a classic Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 2 1/2HHHH out of 4 stars

By Jon Gallo Movie Critic

Seth Grahame-Smith just won’t let Jane Austen rest in peace.

The man who pitted vampires against Abraham Lincoln has turned to the undead to breathe life into her literary classic, even though she’s been buried for nearly 200 years.

Seven years ago, Grahame-Smith took Austen’s timeless classic “Pride and

Prejudice” about lovers from different social classes in 19th century England and decided it would be cool if he had them battle blood thirsty zombies on their way to the altar. His book instantly became a bestseller, so it was only a matter of time before Hollywood would ravage Austen’s masterpiece.

Austen couldn’t have possibly imagined when she wrote “Pride and Prejudice” that more than two centuries later audiences would be watching the Bennet sisters — in cleavage-friendly dresses, no less — slice and dice their way through zombies hell-bent on bringing the

apocalypse.

But in Hollywood, nothing is sacred, not even Austen’s critically acclaimed book that sold around 20 million copies before Grahame-Smith threw in some modern zombie fiction in his parody “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” and turned the Bennets into butt-kicking beauties.

Grahame-Smith did the same thing to Abraham Lincoln. It wasn’t good enough for Honest Abe to sign the Emancipation Proclamation; he also had to kill vampires in “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter,” which GrahameSmith wrote in 2010

Bella Heathcote stars in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.” (Special Photos: Screen Gems)

before it was made into a movie that grossed $116 million at the worldwide box office two years later.

Now, Grahame-Smith and director Burr Steers have sunk their teeth into Austen, who at least gets a writing credit in the film.

But if you’ve read Austen’s original, which has become a staple in high school English classes, it’s hard to imagine Austen would have wanted zombies trying to suck the life out of the lavish parties she so meticulously described when she first put pen to paper.

But Lily James (“Downton Abbey,” “Cinderella”), who plays heroine Elizabeth Bennet, and Sam Riley (“Maleficent”), who plays her suitor, Fitzwilliam Darcy, don’t mind getting their hands a little bloody in a movie that’s just a few decapitations away from going from a PG-13 to an R rating.

It’s easy to cheer for Elizabeth and her four other sisters — Kitty (Suki Waterhouse), Jane (Bella Heathcote), Lydia (Ellie

Sam Riley and Douglas Booth star in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”

Bamber) and Mary (Millie Brady) — especially if you like pretty women in revealing clothing killing zombies. The rest of the cast, which includes Lena Headley (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), Douglas Booth (Charles Bingley), Matt Smith (William Collins) and Jack Huston (George Wickham), are above average but become invisible as soon as the zombies start stumbling onto the screen.

Regardless, James and Riley are clearly the stars in an extremely predicable film that almost makes you

feel guilty if you enjoy it, since it would be akin to watching Romeo and Juliet profess their eternal love for each other while battling werewolves.

But it doesn’t matter if you’ve read Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” or Grahame-Smith’s version of it; if you’re a fan of zombie movies, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” falls somewhere between Brad Pitt’s memorable “World War Z” and the not-so-memorable “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.”

(Screen Gems)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 • 9C

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

‘Hail, Caesar!’ a solid effort by the Coen brothers Movie Critic

Perfectly choreographed and executed, it would turn Busby Berkeley green with envy. It is as good if not better than anything Tatum did (albeit with less clothing) in the two “Magic Mike” installments.

Not given nearly enough screen time is Tilda Swinton as competing gossip columnist twin sisters who keep trying to out-scoop each other with an unconfirmed story about an embarrassing, potentially career killing event from Baird’s past. Mannix keeps both of them at arm’s

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lore it would have probably been better just to have given Brolin’s character a different name.

While the quality of the narrative is shaky and far below the Coens’ usually high standards, the movie is impeccably framed and overflows with eye-popping color. It also allowed many of their performers to go against type and everyone involved seems to have had a ball making it.

It’s certainly not the brothers’ best effort, but it’s also far from their worst.

(Universal)

Your Local Church Welcomes You

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length while promising them the moon.

It is worth mentioning that every character in the story is fictional with the exception of Mannix who was played in the film “Hollywoodland” by Bob Hoskins and in two TV movies by Barney Martin.

To go into details about the real events that involved Mannix would serve no purpose here as they have no bearing on this story and are far darker than what the Coens’ wanted. Given Mannix’s infamous place in industry

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It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Ethan and Joel Coen are the David Bowies of filmmaking. Rarely doing the same thing twice, they never stray far from their indie/art-house roots yet always seem to make their movies commercially accessible and even when they deliver something that’s not quite great, there’s always enough good stuff to warrant its existence.

Bouncier than “Barton Fink” but far more restrained than “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “Hail, Caesar!” is the Coen Brothers’ third homage to Hollywood’s late Golden Age. Set in what looks to be the early ’50s, the movie is actually an anthology of genre pictures in various states of production at the fictional Capitol Studios all overseen by Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), a high-ranking executive whose principal duty is to keep the studio’s image untarnished.

Following him over the course of a single day, the Coens show Mannix in perpetual crisis management mode; putting out one fire after another while never losing his cool and wondering if this is really what he wants to do for the rest of his life.

A devout Catholic who goes to confession at least once a day, Mannix is also unapologetic if, while carrying out his work chores, he needs to slap people around in order to get their

doesn’t work and causes the fey and flamboyant director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes) to bust a gasket or two.

Stealing the show is Channing Tatum as Burt Gurney, a song-and-dance sensation who is equal parts Gene Kelly and Francis X. Bushman. Clearly inspired by the Kelly/ Frank Sinatra musical “On the Town,” Gurney and a dozen other sailor-clad dancers turn in an extended but not overlong number that is drenched in sexual innuendo.

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By Michael Clark

attention.

Whether you agree with his methods or not, it’s hard to argue with his results.

Whether it be an ingénue posing for questionable photos, a pregnant and unwed starlet needing a quickie wedding, meeting with clerics of different churches to get their blessings — and promises of no future boycotts — Mannix gets things done with as little fuss as possible.

On this he gets thrown a big curve when Baird Whitlock (a suitably hammy George Clooney), the studio’s highest-profile A-lister is kidnapped from the set of a sword and sandal epic that recalls “”BenHur” and “Spartacus.” A loose cannon known to drink and womanize too much, Whitlock is being held for a $100,000 ransom which eventually pans out to be the weakest link in the sub-plot chain while also bearing a strong resemblance to the recent “Trumbo.”

Showing up as a gumpopping, attitude-having, free spirit-type is Scarlett Johansson as DeeAnna, the industry’s water-ballet queen clearly modeled after Esther Williams. Twice divorced and not looking for a third go-round, DeeAnna proves to be Mannix’s biggest challenge of the day.

Providing one of the arguable highlights is Alden Ehrenreich (“Blue Jasmine,” “Stoker”) as Hobie Doyle, a hayseed cowboy up-and-comer fashioned after Roy Rogers and Gene Autry but easier on the eyes. Great at action and signing, Hobie is force-fit into an overstylized production that

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Hail, Caesar!

(PG-13) 2 1/2HHHH out of 4 stars

134557

Enter For Your Chance to Win A Trip for 2 to the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival!

Enter by March 31, 2016.

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10C • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

television Colbert, Corden seek to score big CBS offers up a ‘Golden Celebration’ SUPER BOWL 50

post-Super Bowl

By Jay Bobbin Your TV Link

For the network that has the Super Bowl, there’s always excitement about drawing what’s traditionally one of the biggest audiences of any television year.

But … what does it do to hold that audience when the game is over? Different things have been tried over the years, and this time, it’ll simply be a matter of talk. Literally.

CBS broadcast the first Super Bowl, and it has the 50th edition this year — on Sunday, Feb. 7, when it will follow the NFL’s championship contest with special episodes of both of its late-night shows.

“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and “The Late Late Show With James Corden” could well have their biggest tune-ins to date, which surely is the aim, just as it has been with other post-Super Bowl efforts made in previous years.

Some of them worked nicely, with the slot being used to launch shows that went on to healthy runs, among them NBC’s “The A-Team” and “Homicide: Life on the Street” and ABC’s “The Wonder Years.” For every one of those that succeeded, though, there were others that didn’t. Remember ABC’s “Extreme,” CBS’ “Grand Slam” or NBC’s “The Last Precinct?” Not many do.

In the days when miniseries still did big business for the networks, NBC tried starting one of those after 1989’s Super Bowl, “The Brotherhood of the Rose.” The problem was that the game ran so late, staying up another two hours for the first half of a drama didn’t hold a lot of appeal for people who had to get up for work the next day … also impacting the ratings for Part 2 the next night.

In recent years, the networks typically have given the post-Super Bowl hour to a continuing series. NBC’s “The Blacklist” got it in 2015, setting up a story designed to carry viewers over to the show’s move to Thursday later that week.

CBS’ “Elementary” and Fox’s “New Girl” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” have gotten similar calls, as have such long-running shows still on the air as ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” CBS’ “Survivor” (twice) and Fox’s “The Simpsons” (also twice).

CBS would deem it very good news if Colbert and Corden got increased weeknight sampling off their extra exposure on Super Bowl night.

That’s a different game that also has big stakes, and a touchdown in that one has the potential to be even more resounding for a much longer time.

By George Dickie Your TV Link

Every year, the Super Bowl MVP has his Disney World moment.

Phil Simms was the first.

Back in 1987, after leading his New York Giants to victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, the Kentucky-born and raised quarterback was approached by a camera team and prompted to utter the nowfamous phrase, “I’m going to Disney World.”

“I just couldn’t do anything but laugh, thinking, ‘This is unbelievable,’” Simms says. “I win the Super Bowl and I’m doing a commercial, literally within five seconds after the gun went off. So, (it was) surreal, couldn’t believe I was doing it, but now I’m glad because I was the first one and it’s always a story.”

Simms will provide analysis alongside playby-play man Jim Nantz as the AFC champion Denver Broncos and NFC champion Carolina Panthers do battle in Super Bowl 50, airing Sunday, Feb. 7, on CBS from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

The network is marking what it is calling its “Golden Celebration” with a few new technological bells and whistles for the telecast, among them EyeVision 360, a replay system in 5K resolution that offers viewers a 360-degree view of the playing field; and pylon cams, which give groundlevel views of the goal lines and sidelines.

Then, of course, there is the programming itself, approximately 12 hours of it, starting out in late morning with “Super Bowl 50: Before They Were Pros,”

Jim Nantz, above left, will call the action and Phil Simms, above right, will provide analysis on CBS’ coverage of Super Bowl 50, airing Sunday, Feb. 7, from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. (Special Photo: Your TV Link)

profiling NFL players and legends and the communities that helped form them.

Then at midday it’s “Road to the Super Bowl,” a retrospective of the 2015 season. After “Phil Simms All-Iron Team: Super Bowl Edition,” “The Super Bowl Today” pregame show has James Brown, Boomer Esiason, Bill Cowher, Tony Gonzalez, Bart Scott, Ian Eagle and Greg Gumbel weighing in on the big game.

And following the game telecast in early evening, “Super Bowl Today Postgame Show” recaps the action in Super Bowl 50 as Nantz presents the Lombardi Trophy to the newly crowned Super Bowl champs.

This is Nantz’s fourth time putting the finishing touches on the NFL’s biggest day.

“You have the commis-

sioner. You have the owner.

You have the team MVP. You have the players all just kind of milling about. It’s chaotic,” Nantz says. “But you just had the chaos of coming down yourself, finishing the big broadcast and now being there to present the trophy. It’s a fun thing.

I have to say that when it ends, usually the owner and the coach, they all make their way off the platform, and then that’s my soak-itin moment.”

For Nantz, a Northern California resident who has been with CBS since 1985 and seen the network lose and then regain NFL broadcast rights, this telecast will be special.

“I really have been thinking about this since Jan. 12, 1998 (when CBS won the rights to broadcast AFC games), so it’s a big thing and it’s a real honor,” he says. “And it’s almost here and I’m fortunate enough to be a part of it.”