July 21, 2017 — Gwinnett Daily Post

INDIANA-BOUND Parkview’s Marshall chooses Hoosiers for college football • Sports, 1B

‘NEW ADAPTATION,’ 4C

‘Hunchback’ comes to Aurora Theatre

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

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Vol. 47, No. 158

Stabbing survivor recounts incident

Mother accused in family slaying still claims innocence scream as she stabbed her father and four siblings to death cailin.obrien earlier this month. @gwinnettdailypost.com Before turning the knife EDITOR’S NOTE: This reon 9-year-old Diana, Isabel port contains graphic material Martinez told the little girl that and may be disturbing to some. she “was going to the sky to Diana Romero reported see Jesus,” according to a child that her mother didn’t cry or welfare report obtained by the

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

Isabel Martinez

Daily Post.

Diana reportedly cried and said she “didn’t want to go and see Jesus.”

The report, compiled by Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, See STABBING, Page 7A

Nine-year-old Diana Romero is the lone survivor in a stabbing attack that left her father and four siblings dead. Romero was taken in serious condition to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she has been steadily improving. Romero’s mother, Isabel Martinez, is accused in the murders. (Special Photo)

Police name suspect in shooting of 2 near Snellville

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN cailin.obrien@gwinnettdailypost.com

Fifth-grade teacher Missy Renz looks over a book with Addison Green on Thursday at the end of a literacy and writing camp at Ivy Creek Elementary. About 130 students attended the 14th annual Mill Creek Cluster Student Literacy Institute to learn about the craft of writing. (Staff Photos: Keith Farner)

Camp helps kids create and shows participants that

Gwinnett County police are looking for an 18-year-old man who they say shot a 14-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man in the Snellville area Thursday.

Gwinnett County police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera said warrants were taken out for Trevaughn McBrier on aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charges.

McBrier and his alleged victims, Andre Devost, 30, and Lashaud Smith, 14, live on Highpoint Court, Pihera said. She said Devost and Smith are Trevaughn McBrier expected to survive. “(McBrier) has not yet been captured and is still considered armed and dangerous,” Pihera said.

Pihera said GCPD got a call about the shooting from Eastside Medical Center in Lawrenceville about 11:19 a.m. Two people

See SHOOTING, Page 6A

‘writing isn’t a chore’ Local schools display gains

BY KEITH FARNER

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

BUFORD — As parents arrived Thursday morning to pick up their children from a literacy camp at Ivy Creek Elementary, there were several thumbs-ups to teachers while students gave hugs and posed for cellphone pictures.

Addison Thayer, a rising fourth-grader, attended the 14th annual Mill Creek Cluster Student Literacy Institute where about 130 students ages 6 through 15 learned from seven teachers about the craft of writing without the burden of a test prompt.

“I didn’t know I was going to write this much, and make a book,” Addison said, moments after a hug with teacher Lynn Worley. Addison’s book is titled “The New Kid” and is about how two kids respond to a bully.

The camp is based on the Gwinnett County Writing Institute, a way to get children back to loving literacy, said Samantha Carr, a teacher at Ivy Creek who helped organize the event.

“Now everything is based, especially with the Georgia Milestones, on that writing component,” Carr said. “So we want to teach children that it’s important to not always write formulaic writing. You’re not always writing for a test. You’re writing because you love it and you’re interested in it. …

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Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for video footage from the scene of the shooting.

on Milestones

BY KEITH FARNER keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com

Pictured from left are Fernando Cordero, teacher Lynn Worley and Addison Thayer. Cordero and Thayer participated in the 14th annual Mill Creek Cluster Student Literacy Institute at Ivy Creek Elementary to learn about the craft of writing.

Writing isn’t a chore; writing is fun, and the more you love something, the better you’ll be at it.”

Carr said in her six years with the event, more students have become more proficient in writing. She figures that’s because more of them are writing every day.

“So they’re coming with a greater background knowledge,” she said. “What they bring to camp is a lot more than they did five or six years ago.”

But Carr added that students almost don’t know how to react when they’re not given a prompt.

“It’s a little daunting, I think, for them to have that freedom,” she said.

With less than three weeks left in the summer before school begins, Carr said the camp comes at a good time.

The students have had about a month and a half off, and then have another two weeks of break before the first day of school on Aug. 7.

Marsus Lupu’s daughter, Andrea, attended the camp for a second straight year and the mother said having the experience at school, outside of the school year, is a great opportunity to refresh before classes begin.

“Sometimes it’s a smaller group than their regular classes,” she said. “So they can focus on exchanging information, exchanging processes.

Because some kids will get ideas one way, and others (will get them) another (way).”

Gwinnett high school students showed the most improvement on statewide tests released Thursday, while local middle school students saw their scores drop in multiple grades, partly because of more difficult tests.

The Georgia Department of Education released the latest school district and local school scores for the 2016-17 testing cycle of the Georgia Milestones, the statewide assessment system. It was given to students in third grade through high school. Individual student reports will be given to students Gwinnett County Public Schools as the school year begins Aug. 7.

Some of the largest gains in GCPS were in ninth-grade literature and composition, where 62 percent of students scored proficient and distinguished, up from 50 percent in 2016. The same category across the state improved to 53 percent, from 41 percent last year.

Georgia Milestones was rolled out in the 2014-15 school year. State officials describe the testing system as one comprehensive program, which includes open-ended questions to better gauge students’ content mastery.

Overall, fewer Gwinnett County Public Schools students scored in the lowest of four categories: beginning, developing, proficient and distinguished. State officials have said these designations aim to shift the focus away from test scores alone, and instead capture the progression of student

See MILESTONES, Page 7A

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2A • FridAy, July 21, 2017 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

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Exploring possibilities linked with diverticulosis Dear Dr. roaCh: I am a 76-year-old woman in reasonably good health. Recently, I had a routine colonoscopy that resulted in the diagnosis of mild diverticulitis. The oncologist didn’t seem concerned and advised a follow-up colonoscopy in five years. Can you tell me about the cause, care and treatment of this condition?

— D.H. aNSWer: I suspect you had diverticulosis rather than diverticulitis (the two often are confused). Diverticula are small pouches in the wall of the colon. Just having them is called diverticulosis; however, they can become infected and inflamed, in which case you would have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis usually causes abdominal pain and often fever.

The oncologist isn’t concerned because these do not lead to cancer. But it’s still good to know about them, since diverticulosis puts you at risk not only for diverticulitis (usually treated with antibiotics, but recurrent severe cases may benefit from surgery), but also bleeding.

Diverticulosis is thought to arise from having high pressure in the colon. Constipation, with its attendant straining for a bowel movement, is a known cause of diverticulosis. Interestingly, higher toilets increase colon pressure during defecation, and there is a trend to make toilets lower.

A high-fiber diet tends to reduce constipation and straining, and it reduces complications of diverticulosis (and might prevent them in the first place).

Nuts and seeds, which have long been forbidden to people with this condition by their doctors, turn out to be a rare cause for an attack of diverticulitis.

Dear Dr. roaCh: I’m a 75-year-old woman.

My physical therapist recently requested that I have some X-rays of my lumbar spine and pelvic areas. The findings, among other things, came back with vascular calcifications noted. I am not familiar with the terminology. Where do I go from here? Should this be followed up, and if so, what specialty should be consulted?

— L.M. aNSWer: Vascular calcifications are, as their name states, deposits of calcium in blood vessels.

Calcium absorbs X-rays, so they show up white on the X-ray negatives and trace the pathway of the blood vessels. In the pelvis, that may mean the aorta, femoral blood vessels or other large vessels.

Calcium in blood vessels predicts internal blockages, but the correlation isn’t perfect. Still, your risk for blockages in other important blood vessels, including your heart and brain, is higher than average. You and your doctor should review any changes you might make to reduce your heart disease and stroke risk, including diet, exercise and maybe medication.

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

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

MAjOR

70

71

71

lake levels

Lake

Full

Allatoona

(840.0) ....... 840.25

Yesterday

Lake

Full

Yesterday

Lanier

(1071.0) ......1065.70

Blackshear (237.0) ........ 237.05

Nottely

(1779.0) ......1775.14

Blue Ridge (1690.0) ......1686.10

Oconee

(435.0) ....... 434.68

Burton

(1865.0) ......1865.05

Seminole

4:46-5:45 a.m............7:09-8:09 p.m.

Carters

(1072.0) ......1073.14

Sinclair

(339.8) ....... 338.78

POLLEN COUNTS

Chatuge

(1927.0) ......1924.76

Thurmond

(330.0) ....... 323.81

Harding

(521.0) ....... 520.50

Tugalo

(891.5) ....... 890.06

Hartwell

(660.0) ....... 653.68

Walter F. George (188.0) ..189.04

Jackson

(530.0) ....... 528.61

West Point (635.0) ....... 635.56

....................... 11:58 a.m.-1:58 p.m.

MINOR

Trees: None Weeds: None Grass: Moderate

(77.5) ...........76.93

today in history

lottery thursday Cash 3 Midday: 5-5-4 Cash 4 Midday: 8-8-1-1 Ga. 5 Midday: 1-0-1-0-4 Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 6-4-9 Cash 3 Evening: 2-5-4 Cash 3 Night: 9-2-4 Cash 4 Midday: 9-6-3-6 Cash 4 Evening: 0-4-7-7 Cash 4 Night: 2-5-1-5 Ga. 5 Midday: 8-3-0-6-3 Ga. 5 Evening: 4-0-2-5-3 Fantasy 5: 8-24-34-37-38 Powerball: 50-51-59-61-63, Powerball: 4, Power Play: 5X

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1861, the first Battle of Bull Run — the first major battle of the Civil War — was fought in Virginia, ending in a Confederate victory.

In 1925, Tennessee teacher John Scopes was convicted of violating the state’s law against teaching the theory of evolution.

In 1954, the French surrendered North Vietnam to Communist forces.

In 2011, NASA’s Space Shuttle Program came to an end as the shuttle Atlantis landed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), author; Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980), author/ theorist; Isaac Stern (1920-2001), violinist; Don Knotts (1924-2006), actor/comedian; Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens (1948- ), singer/songwriter;

Garry Trudeau (1948- ), cartoonist; Robin Williams (1951-2014), actor/ comedian; Brandi Chastain (1968- ), soccer player; Josh Hartnett (1978- ), actor; Juno Temple (1989- ), actress.

TODAY’S FACT: Turkish adventurer Erden Eruc completed the first solo, human-powered global circumnavigation on this day in 2012, after traveling 41,196 miles in 1,026 days.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1959, the Boston Red Sox (the last major league team to integrate) fielded their first African-American player when Pumpsie Green entered a game against the Chicago White Sox in the eighth inning.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “That is what we are supposed to do when we are at our best — make it all up — but make it up so truly that later it will happen that way.” — Ernest Hemingway

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Neighbors’ partying creates disturbance Dear amy: My wife and I recently bought a beautiful new house that we are very happy with.

We moved here in the winter and now that it’s summertime, we are all spending more time out on our decks.

Two of our new neighbors frequently have loud parties outside well past 10 p.m. It is concerning to us because we get up at 5 a.m. for work, and because my mother lives with us and her bedroom is very close to the noise.

We hesitate to say anything because we don’t want to start out on the wrong foot and create bad blood.

It was so loud until so late the other night that I wanted to call the police, but my wife asked me not to. I just can’t believe people would be so inconsiderate. How can we politely get our point across without creating warfare? Should I just put up and shut up?

— An Avid Reader Dear aviD: If your house is brand new (and not just new to you), your neighbors have never had to think about anyone living where you live.

You should start by assuming that they aren’t aware of how much the sound travels on these otherwise quiet summer nights. Consider the idea that you are simply letting them know.

Don’t use words like “warfare” or “bad blood.”

though she had just left an abusive and terrible marriage.

Now at 61 years of age, she is always complaining about the people she works with, how overwhelmed she is, how she hates working for the idiot owner, and how most of the employees Amy Dickinson don’t do anything all day.

Her dad was abusive That kind of thinking is when she was young needlessly inflaming a — always telling her situation that might be how stupid she was. Her easily handled. father has since died but The next time this she seems to hang onto happens, if you feel it is the past. safe to do so (I assume When we met 25 years it is), you should knock ago, both of us were on your neighbor’s door broke and now we are (or call them if you have very well off. She has their number), introduce everything she has always yourself and say, “Hey, wanted — and more. I it’s late and the sound often tell her how much I really carries. Could your love her, but she always group take it inside, or finds something to be could you ask your guests miserable about. to be quieter?”

She says I treat her like Check for the sound or- a queen, but she reminds dinances where you live. me of an old, cranky and Many places restrict loud sour person who always noises and music after 10 looks at the glass as half p.m. on a weekday and empty.

11 or 12 on a weekend.

I tend to be happy and If you communicate I have a sunnier disposiclearly and respecttion, but I worry about fully and your neighbors her. What can I do? repeatedly party into — Sad for my Wife the night, your next step Dear SaD: It is would be to call the common for people to get police. cynical and angry later Dear amy: Is it in life — if they have common for people to the sort of background get cynical and angry your wife has. Her early at life as they age? I experiences have enhave known my wife graved a script of sorts for more than 25 years. onto her emotions. As When I first met her she she gets older and feels was fun and happy, even more stressed, she lacks

Ask Amy

the resiliency — and the tools — to cope.

Please understand that your wife’s problems might be bigger than your love and assurances can tamp down. Tell her, “I’m worried about you. You seem so unhappy all the time. I think it might really help you to talk to a counselor.”

Dear amy: I really recognized myself in the letter from “Must Love Dogs,” the woman who had developed a strong crush (you called it a “fixation”) on a man at the dog park.

I am a perfectly rational person, and yet I had a similar experience with someone at work. I never thought I would say this, but staying away and limiting contact eventually did break the “spell,” just as you suggested.

When I look back, I don’t know what I was thinking!

— Not Crushed Dear Not CruSheD: I think this is probably more common than most people realize.

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

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

Keep personal information a secret. It’s important to look at every situation separately and to decipher the best way to move forward.

Acting in haste will work against you, especially when dealing with partnership issues. Stick to a regimented routine and implement exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Ward off others’ demands by having a tight schedule in place and an excuse not to take on someone else’s responsibilities. Stick to what you know and do best.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Stay calm, even if you face an unpredictable situation. Avoid making assumptions or taking action if you are unprepared. Use intelligence, not brawn, if you want to avoid an argument.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Work from home if possible. What you accomplish on your own will far outweigh what you will get done surrounded by others. A creative and comfortable setting will spark your imagination.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Control your emotions and your reaction when dealing with temptation or indulgence.

Learn from experience.

Think twice before you open a door that you closed a long time ago.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Test your skills and put your creative imagination to work. There is plenty to be discovered if you aren’t afraid to follow your heart and to do things your way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Control your spending. You may want to impress someone by showing how generous you can be, but don’t go into debt or let emotional or physical indulgence ruin your day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don’t let uncertainty prevail. Find out if the people you are dealing with have a different perspective on what you are trying to accomplish. Present what you have to offer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Limit what you can spend and what you are willing to do.

Discipline will help you gain respect as well as confidence. Personal improvements will turn out well.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Get involved in something that you enjoy doing.

The contacts you make will boost your morale and enthusiasm. Children will offer interesting insight into a situation you face.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Participate in an event that brings you joy. The contribution you make will lead to rewards and help you pursue a dream. Romance and personal growth are highlighted.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — A friend or colleague will offer sound advice. Consider your options and how you can best use his or her suggestion to avert any problems that you face.

GEMINI (May 21June 20) — Work on fixing up your space.

Consider having friends over or making changes that will lead to greater convenience or comfort.

Romance is in the stars.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Lawrenceville adopts Why Haven’t Senior rollback on millage rate Homeowners Been Told These Facts?

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BY CURT YEOMANS

of Commissioners, the is also affected by any Board of Education and exemptions they have on the City Councils. their property, such as The amount somehomestead or value offset Lawrenceville residents one has to pay in taxes exemptions. will see their city tax rate go down this year, but it may not make much of a dent in their tax bills.

City Council voted National and International earlier this month to lower its millage rate Artists from 2.025 mills to the rollback rate of 1.909. As property values rise, the county’s tax digest grows.

The rollback rate therefore is the tax rate that would generate roughly July 21 4pm to 10pm the same amount of July 22nd and July 23rd property tax revenue from the digest that the city 9am to 10pm collected last year.

Wine and Cheese “The city has rolled back the millage rate to 3146 Reps Miller Rd., Norcross, Ga 30071 effectively maintain an affordable cost of living for residents in the city,” Your Donations & Mayor Judy Jordan JohnPurchases Help Build Homes son said in a statement. ® & Hope “The Council believes that keeping a low tax structure today will create opportunity for the future.

Unclutter Your House “As the city moves to Help Build Another forward to execute capital projects, low millage now would offer flexibility for citizens to invest in these projects and maintain competitive rates along the way.”

Even though the city lowered its portion of the overall millage rate, officials warned residents that their tax bills will still be higher because county officials raised PLEASE their rate.

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It’s a well-known fact that for many senior citizens in the U.S. their home is their single biggest asset, often accounting for more than 50% of their total net worth.

Yet, according to new statistics from the mortgage industry, senior homeowners in the U.S. are now sitting on more than 6.1 trillion dollars of unused home equity.1 With people now living longer than ever before and home prices back up again, ignoring this “hidden wealth” may prove to be short sighted.

All things considered, it’s not surprising that more than a million homeowners have already used a government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or “HECM” loan to turn their home equity into extra cash for retirement.

However, today, there are still millions of eligible homeowners who could benefit from this FHA-insured loan but may simply not be aware of this “retirement secret.”

Some homeowners think HECM loans sound “too good to be true.” After all, you get the cash you need out of your home but you have no more monthly mortgage payments.

NO MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS?2 EXTRA CASH? It’s a fact: no monthly mortgage payments are required with a government-insured HECM loan;2 however the homeowners are still responsible for paying for the maintenance of their home, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and, if required, their HOA fees.

Another fact many are not aware of is that HECM reverse mortgages first took hold when President Reagan signed the FHA Reverse Mortgage Bill into law 29 years ago in order to help senior citizens remain in their homes.

Today, HECM loans are simply an effective way for homeowners 62 and older to get the extra cash they need to enjoy retirement.

Although today’s HECM loans have been improved to provide even greater financial protection for homeowners, there are still many misconceptions.

For example, a lot of people mistakenly believe the home must be paid off in full in order to qualify for a HECM loan, which is not the case. In fact, one key advantage of a HECM is that the proceeds will first be used to pay off any existing liens on the property, which frees up cash flow, a huge blessing for seniors living on a fixed income.

Unfortunately, many senior homeowners who might be better off with HECM loan don’t even

bother to get more information because of rumors they’ve heard.

That’s a shame because HECM loans are helping many senior homeowners live a better life.

In fact, a recent survey by American Advisors Group (AAG), the nation’s number one HECM lender, found that over 90% of their clients are satisfied with their loans.

While these special loans are not for everyone, they can be a real lifesaver for senior homeowners like Betty Carter, who recently took out a HECM loan with AAG so that she could finally get the extra cash she needed to fix up her house.

“With the help of AAG, I have been able to repair my home’s foundation that I had been putting off for several years, refinish the hardwood floors, paint the interior and will have the exterior painted within a few days. My house is starting to look like my home again and it feels good,” says Carter.

The cash from a HECM loan can be used for any purpose. Many people use the money to save on interest charges by paying off credit cards or other high-interest loans. Other common uses include making home improvements, paying off medical bills or helping other family members. Some people simply need the extra cash for everyday expenses while others are now using it as a “safety net” for financial emergencies.

If you’re a homeowner age 62 or older, you owe it to yourself to learn more so that you can make an informed decision.

Homeowners who are interested in learning more can request a free 2017 HECM loan Information Kit and free Educational DVD by calling American Advisors Group toll-free at 1-855-288-2564.

At no cost or obligation, the professionals at AAG can help you find out if you qualify and also answer common questions such as: 1. What’s the government’s role?

2. How much money might I get?

3. Who owns the home after I take out a HECM loan?

You may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover when you call AAG for more information today.

Source: http://reversemortgagedaily.com/2016/06/21/seniors-home-equity-grows-to-6-trillion-reverse-mortgage-opportunity. 2If you qualify and your loan is approved, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) must pay off any existing mortgage(s). With a HECM loan, no monthly mortgage payment is required. A HECM increases the principal mortgage loan amount and decreases home equity (it is a negative amortization loan). AAG works with other lenders and financial institutions that offer HECMs. To process your request for a loan, AAG may forward your contact information to such lenders for your consideration of HECM programs that they offer. Borrowers are responsible for paying property taxes and homeowner’s insurance (which may be substantial). We do not establish an escrow account for disbursements of these payments. A set-aside account can be set up to pay taxes and insurance and may be required in some cases. Borrowers must occupy home as their primary residence and pay for ongoing maintenance; otherwise the loan becomes due and payable. The loan also becomes due and payable when the last borrower, or eligible non-borrowing surviving spouse, dies, sells the home, permanently moves out, defaults on taxes or insurance payments, or does not otherwise comply with the loan terms. American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 3800 W. Chapman Ave., 3rd & 7th Floors, Orange CA, 92868. (Residential Mortgage Licensee #22849), V11082016

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FACT: In 1988, President Reagan signed an FHA bill that put HECM loans into law.

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These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. V11082016

perspectives

Todd Cline, Editor

gwinnettdailypost.com

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

Page 4 a • Friday, July 21, 2017

Health care still the topic in Washington

WASHINGTON — Focus, America, focus.

The most urgent task right now is to make sure a stake is driven through the heart of the Republican effort to gut Medicaid and balloon the ranks of the uninsured.

I know that the Russia investigations are charging ahead, with Capitol Hill appearances by members of President Trump’s inner circle scheduled for next week. I know that Trump gave an unhinged interview to The New York Times on Wednesday, bizarrely undermining his own attorney general. I know that one of the few remaining giants in Washington, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has received a tough medical diagnosis.

There will be time to digest all of that. At present, however, health care is still the main event.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the first time the GOP’s gratuitously cruel effort to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act has looked dead.

Back in March, House Speaker Paul Ryan called Eugene off a showdown vote and Robinson glumly declared, “We’re going to be living with Obamacare for the foreseeable future.” But he managed to get a revised bill passed in May, prompting President Trump to hold a sophomoric victory rally at the White House.

That bill would have caused 23 million people to lose health insurance over a decade and slashed Medicaid spending by more than $800 billion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The action then shifted to the Senate, which came up with legislation that would grow the numbers of uninsured by 22 million and cut Medicaid by $772 billion. Experts who tried to parse the details gave differing opinions on which version was more heartless.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s attempt to ram through his monstrosity collapsed in a heap last weekend, as both the far-right and moderate wings of the GOP caucus balked.

In desperation, McConnell then proposed an approach that Trump once ruled out but now eagerly embraces: Repeal the Affordable Care Act now and worry about replacing it later.

According to the CBO, taking the repeal-only route would mean 17 million more uninsured within a year and 32 million more in a decade.

Insurance premiums would soar, and in more than half the nation’s counties there would be no insurers willing to service the individual market.

Appalling.

McConnell’s gambit appeared to fail Tuesday when three GOP moderates — Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia — announced they would vote no. Their stance means McConnell lacks the votes even to open debate on repeal-only, let alone pass it. That should be the end of the story.

But it would be a mistake to take anything for granted. Senate naysayers are under tremendous pressure to give in, and the reason has nothing to do with health care. It’s pure politics.

For seven long years, since the day the Affordable Care Act was passed, Republicans have been vowing to eradicate it “root and branch,” as McConnell likes to say. And for seven long years, the GOP has reaped political benefit from that categorical promise — while giving no serious thought to what a replacement system would look like.

Obamacare, you will recall, was once Romneycare; it was fashioned after a system Mitt Romney successfully implemented when he was governor of Massachusetts. It is based on ideas originally developed at the conservative Heritage Foundation, ideas the Republican Party once liked — until President Obama embraced them.

While Obama was in office, Republicans in Congress could blithely pass repeal bills knowing the president would never sign them. Now that Trump sits in the Oval Office with pen in hand, however, repeal becomes a real possibility — as do the awful consequences.

McConnell says he will bring the bill up for a vote next week anyway. In effect, he threatens to call the opponents’ bluff. Fortunately, they do not appear to be bluffing. There is no indication that a lunch Wednesday for GOP senators at the White House — at which Trump basically threatened revenge against anyone who votes no — or a smaller gathering of senators later that evening changed any minds.

But the right-wing message machine will continue to loudly accuse no-voters of committing political treason. So it is more important than ever to remind senators that the repeal-andreplace bill is monumentally unpopular — polls last week showed its approval rating between 12 percent and 17 percent — and that the legislation’s cost would be paid in human suffering. We would return to the days when medical expenses were the leading cause of personal bankruptcy.

Keep the pressure on. The war is not yet won.

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

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Ireland’s beauty is stunning BELFAST, Ireland — “Twenty years ago we would not be comfortable driving you here,” Bryan MacMahon, an Irish historian and author, was saying as we were headed to Tralee, Derry (or Londonderry if you prefer), which is roughly 40 miles from the capital city of Northern Ireland.

Two decades ago there had been ongoing carnage with bombings and shootings which had everybody daily on edge in Belfast. Violence was so much a part of the country’s fabric that 3,600 people lost their lives with no truce ever expected to mature. However, there has been a lasting peace since Good Friday 1998, bringing about the view that if tension and conflict could be ameliorated here, why can’t the curbing of violence in Northern Ireland become a model to be emulated elsewhere?

The subject brought about recall of a comment the late Dean Rusk, former secretary of state, made about the influence of religion in world affairs. His quote went something like this: When you sit down at a conference table with everybody purporting to represent God, you have a damn tough negotiating challenge.

When there was strife in Northern Ireland in the past, visitors could still enjoy the history of Southern Ireland,

to adequately explore the island’s history which reveals a bittersweet story. There is an agony to ecstasy underpinning with history of the Irish diaspora — but for those who remained, there was the ultimate in hardscrabble living. People were so badly Loran mistreated, mainly because of Smith religion, that they would do anything to get away which is why so many Irish gave up the golf courses, which are their homeland to move to Rembrandts in turf: Balother shores — prospering lybunion, Portmarnock, and, in many cases given to Waterville, Lahinch, Royal pacesetting and pioneering County Down and Portrush achievement. It was a case of where there British Open will triumph and tragedy — tribe played two summers from umph for the many who left now. Additionally, there are to start and enjoy a new life castles, rugged coastlines, elsewhere but tragedy continIrish whisky, sheep in the ued for those left behind. meadow and tales of diaspora Getting to America and alumni whose descendants other parts of the world was now return in overwhelming made easier in that the heavy numbers to celebrate their handed English government Irish heritage. had no reluctance to allow Ireland is one of the another bundle of Catholics world’s favorite destinations, to leave; and shipbuilding with over 7 million tourists was a critical way of life coming to the country every at that time. With a sense year. Some make an annual of adventure, you might pilgrimage to the land of their find an opportunity to work forbears. The golf, the food, your way across the ocean. the weather and the hospiIt was here that the Titanic tality beckon travelers who left its slipway into the deep can easily move on to other harbor of Belfast to steam to destinations when their Irish Southhampton, England, and sojourn ends. London is only subsequently to Queenstown, an hour’s flight away, and in Ireland for on its maiden an hour and a half, you can voyage across the Atlantic. set down in Paris.

The ship’s builders, Harlan At least a fortnight is reand Wolff, wanted its captain quired if you want to attempt Edward J. Smith to set a

transatlantic record to New York as the competition for passenger traffic across the Atlantic was intensifying. After setting the ship’s course, it was full speed ahead. The captain went to bed.

There were many ships in the North Atlantic that fateful night. There had been sightings of icebergs, and many iceberg warnings had been messaged to ships in the area. Perhaps, it was a case of cavalier arrogance. The ship, because of its double plated bottom and 16 watertight compartments had the image with many as being unsinkable.

Arrogance can lead to throwing caution, in this case, to the sea. In addition, the greed of the shipbuilders only had allowed for lifeboats for 1,178 of the 2,224 passengers on board. Many who went down with the Titanic were crew and those traveling in steerage.

When the day ended, it would not be the biggest sea disaster in history, but it became the best remembered, especially in film and print.

Today the Titanic museum in Belfast is one of the most visited museums in the world.

Perhaps our empathy for the lives unnecessarily lost continues to grip our attention, a reminder that the arrogance of men often consorts with disaster — making the inevitable unnecessary.

Repeal and replace has been doomed It wasn’t quite a wickedwitch-is-dead Munchkin happy dance, but the white noise of foregone conclusions drowned out Republicans’ relatively muted regret over their failure to repeal and replace Obamacare.

It was never gonna happen.

Not no how.

Partly this is because the GOP version of reform would have first done harm to our most vulnerable citizens — the elderly, the disabled and the poor. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins cited drastic Medicaid cuts as her reason for withholding support of the so-called “Better Health Reconciliation Act.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also said he wouldn’t support the bill, because it didn’t go far enough in repealing Obamacare.

When two more GOP senators — Mike Lee of Utah and Jerry Moran of Kansas — defected Monday night, the deal was undone. Lee said the bill failed to repeal all of the Obamacare taxes. He also said the bill didn’t go far enough in lowering premiums for middle-class families or in loosening costly regulations.

Thus, the weeks-long tornado of hot tempers and chill winds culminated Tuesday morning when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell realized he didn’t have enough votes.

Health care is such a mind-numbing boondoggle that one must take frequent

Firstly, because the vast majority of Americans are fundamentally opposed to allowing others to suffer. And secondly, sort of, the ACA affects one-sixth of the U.S. economy. How does one untangle a knot of 20 million strings? Why not just Kathleen repeal and replace California Parker and call it a day? It would be easier. breaks from thinking about The fact is, Obamacare it. Therefore, let us pause was never perfect nor should for a moment to applaud the anyone have expected it to be. relatively unknown L. Frank Today, we have a health care Baum (1856-1919), author system in pitiful disrepair, as of “The Wonderful Wizard of insurance companies opt out Oz.” Neither the passage of of exchanges, premiums contime nor the contempt usually tinue to climb, and healthy, bred by familiarity seems young people forgo insurto dim the popularity or the ance premiums that would seemingly eternal applicahave subsidized coverage for tions of his masterwork. In unhealthy, older Americans my experience as a columnist, and the less fortunate.

I’ve found few issues, characTherein lies the crux of ters or moments — whether the least solvable problem writing about Bill Clinton’s inherent in such a gargansteamy White House encoun- tuan, multifaceted overhaul: ters or McConnell’s bland It denies, emphatically, the ruminations on regret — that nature part of being human, don’t benefit from Baum’s which is in constant tension contextual frameworks. with government-mandated There. Now to yawninsurance coverage. The ceninspiring health care reform in tral question is: How do you all its failed foregone-ness. make it both cost-effective as During almost a decade well as fair? of writing sporadically about Many Americans simply health care in its various don’t see the fairness in a iterations, I’ve interviewed system that requires them dozens of people from a mix to pay high premiums for of related fields — medical, others’ poor health, some of business, legislative and powhich is, let’s face it, earned. litical. Not once have I found Not deserved, but sometimes a single person who thought resulting from poor lifestyle the GOP could pull off a choices. Why, indeed, should repeal and replace. Why? a single, childless 30-year-old

male who runs three miles a day, eats rationally, doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs, be saddled with insurance premiums to cover pregnancy, abortion, alcoholism, addiction, or an abundance of health consequences resulting from obesity and inertia?

For that matter, why should women have to subsidize men’s sexual dysfunction curatives when, by the way, men don’t have to pony up for women’s corresponding, postmenopausal, medically appropriate intercessions? Here you see one of the finer-print dilemmas. We’d rather force nuns to concede tacit approval of abortion than insist that insurance subsidies be tied to healthy behaviors.

I’m sorry if this sounds heartless; the brain calls it reality. No wonder Obamacare was so difficult to craft and a replacement equally so. There are simply too many moving parts to make the sucker float — and too many reasons to not sink it.

Since McConnell’s repealonly idea seemed doomed Tuesday afternoon after GOP Sens. Collins, Shelley Moore Capito and Lisa Murkowski said they oppose immediate repeal, perhaps, finally, Republicans and Democrats can snap on their wizard hats and cobble something workable together. After all, it’s the only thing they haven’t tried yet.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com.

gwinnettdailypost.com

world EU to Britain: Please get your act together Britain needs to figure out its Brexit plan. Quickly.

The second round of Brexit talks concluded Thursday with a demand from the European Union that Britain clarify its position on key issues.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said more details were needed on how Britain hoped to settle its financial obligations to the bloc and deal with the border between Northern Ireland (part of the U.K.) and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state.

Barnier also warned of a “fundamental divergence” on the question of how to secure the rights of millions of citizens who have settled in Britain or Europe.

The EU has made clear that significant progress must be made on all three issues before talks begin on Britain’s top concern: The future of its trading relationship with its biggest export market.

Man from India’s lowest caste elected president A relatively unknown political operator and member of India’s lowest Dalit caste has been elected as the country’s 14th president.

Ram Nath Kovind, who until recently was governor of the eastern state of Bihar, won an overwhelming majority to beat opposition Congress party candidate, Meira Kumar, a former parliament speaker and also a member of the Dalit community.

Kovind secured 2,930 votes in a secret nationwide ballot involving near to 5,000 lawmakers from the central parliament and state legislatures. Kumar received 1,844 votes.

The election of 71-yearold Kovind, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, is widely viewed as part of a strategy

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to widen support among India’s 200 millionstrong Dalit community.

Kovind is the second Dalit to become Indian president, after K. R. Narayanan, in office from 1997 to 2002.

world&nation Comments on Sessions create rift

Trump interview with NY Times ‘chilling’ in West Wing

By Jeff Zeleny and Dan Merica CNN

For President Donald Trump, loyalty in Washington is a one-way street.

Trump’s trashing of several of his administration’s top justice officials in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, including Attorney General Jeff Sessions, is causing deep alarm inside the West Wing, leading some to worry that their loyalty to Trump might not be reciprocated from the man in the Oval Office.

There’s also a general sense of bewilderment as to why Trump gave the interview. Health care was the focus of the day. He actually got engaged — to what effect we don’t yet know — but then this.

“It’s chilling,” one White House official said.

Conversations with the official and one top Republican in frequent contact with the West Wing show a president who has long been angry with Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the Russia probe, but rather than subsiding and moving on as Trump sometimes does, the anger has grown into a passionate rage.

“No one was more loyal than Sessions. No one,” a

nation McCain tweets thanks, says he’ll ‘be back soon’ Sen. John McCain tweeted his thanks to his supporters Thursday morning following news of his cancer diagnosis.

“I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support — unfortunately for my sparring partners in Congress, I’ll be back soon, so stand-by!” McCain tweeted.

News of the senator’s brain cancer broke Wednesday night after lab tests from his surgery Friday confirmed the presence of glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive tumor that forms in the tissue of the brain and spinal cord.

The Arizona senator has received an outpouring of support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, family, friends and political giants.

Washington Post: CIA no longer arming rebels Musk says he has fighting Assad ‘verbal approval’ U.S. President Donald to build hyperloop Trump has ordered the CIA in Northeast to discontinue a program of arming and training anti-Assad rebels in Syria, according to a report in the Washington Post which cites unnamed U.S. officials.

The move is seen as controversial, given Russia’s opposition to the rebels and Moscow’s strong support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“It’s a strategic mistake…. (support for the rebels) was a pressure point on Assad and a pressure point on the Iranians ... and the Russians,” according to Bob Baer, CNN Intelligence and security analyst and former CIA operative.

— From wire reports

Friday, July 21, 2017 • 5A

Elon Musk — the serial entrepreneur who heads Tesla, SpaceX and now The Boring Company — says he “just received verbal (government) approval” to build a new underground hyperloop network that can shuttle commuters between New York and Washington in 29 minutes.

He made the announcement on Twitter, declaring his new super-fast transportation network will also have stops in Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as “up to a dozen or more entry/exit elevators in each city.”

The announcement sparked many questions:

people Linkin Park lead singer found dead

Chester Bennington, the lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park, was found dead Thursday according to a spokesman for the LA County Coroner. He was 41.

The coroner’s office was called out to a home in Palos Verdes Estates shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday. Authorities said they were treating the case as a possible suicide.

Bennington’s band found success in 2000 with their album “Hybrid Theory” with Bennington’s heartfelt vocals leading the way.

That voice, it turned out, Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he plans to continue in his job despite Presi- was fueled by anguish. dent Donald Trump’s comments that he’d have picked someone else had he known Bennington was open Sessions would recuse himself from the Justice Department’s Russia investigation. about his troubled life, (Photo: CNN) including an introduction to smoking pot after his White House official said, “very unfair” to him. loyalty, demanding it from parents divorced when he speaking confidentially to “Sessions,” Trump told those who work for him. was 11, which escalated to avoid drawing the presiThe New York Times, Trump has written extencocaine and methamphetdent’s ire. “should have never recused sively about the trait in his The thinking goes: If this himself and if he was going books, as well, touting it as amine use.

He also suffered sexual kind of thing could happen to recuse himself he should the most critical quality as a abuse as a child, he said. to Sessions, it could happen have told me before he took person can have. to anyone. One official the job and I would have But as Trump has eased described the President’s picked somebody else.” into life in the White House, Lena Dunham blasting of Sessions as only He added: “How do you his demands for loyalty joins ‘AHS’ for intensifying the already take a job and then recuse have proven to be unrelow morale inside the West yourself? If he would have quited, most recently shown next season Wing. recused himself before by how he lashed out at SesLena Dunham will be one Trump faulted Sessions the job, I would have said, sions, one of his earliest and of the girls to watch in the for accepting his offer to be ‘Thanks, Jeff, but I’m not most dedicated supporters. next season of “American attorney general and then going to take you.’ It’s Sessions declined to hit Horror Story.” recusing himself shortly extremely unfair — and back at Trump during a The show’s creator, Ryan thereafter due to undisthat’s a mild word — to the press briefing Thursday, Murphy, tweeted Wednesday closed contacts he had with president.” telling reporters that he Russian officials during the The comments are a “plan(s) to continue to do so on night that Dunham will be joining the FX anthology campaign. The President stunning rebuke from as long as that is appropriin season 7, which will air said those actions were a president who craves ate.” this fall.

“Thrilled that my talented Trump Jr. and Paul Manafort friend Lena Dunham is if they do not appear before joining the AMERICAN his committee for a schedHORROR STORY family,” uled appearance next week. Murphy wrote. “Always wanted to work together, and Trump Jr. and Manafort now we r!” have been scheduled to Dunham, who is fresh off testify before the Senate judiciary committee on July her stint as star and show creator of the HBO series 26, the panel announced “Girls,” joins a cast that Wednesday, but neither Manafort or Trump Jr. have includes Sarah Paulson, Billie Lourd, Billy Eichner and publicly confirmed if they Cheyenne Jackson.

Sen. John McCain questions Attorney General Jeff Ses- will appear.

The top Democrat on the sions during an open hearing conducted by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on June 13. McCain committee, Sen. Dianne Ryan Seacrest was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor after surgery Feinstein of California, rereturning to host to remove a blood clot. (Photo: CNN) iterated the subpoena threat as well.

‘American Idol’ Musk didn’t say what govtimeline of events.

The panel also unaniRyan Seacrest is returning ernment official gave him a Seeking to allay public mously approved Chris to the show that launched “verbal” OK for the project, concern, Baltimore PoWray as the next FBI him into stardom. and it’s not clear that anyone lice Commissioner Kevin director on Thursday. The Kelly Ripa announced on would have the ability to Davis called the video “a nomination next goes to the Thursday’s “Live with Kelly sign off on such a project serious allegation of police full Senate for a vote. and Ryan” that Seacrest will single handedly, much less misconduct,” saying, “Our be returning as the host of verbally. Moreover, acquirinvestigation will ultimately LePage says he the “American Idol” reboot. ing all the state and local determine what happened, it might change The announcement comes permits necessary to build a will identify if any criminal after seemingly months his mind and hyperloop would undoubtmisconduct took place, any of negotiations between edly be a complex, time administrative procedures run for Senate Seacrest and ABC, which is consuming task. were violated, and we’re Maine Gov. Paul LePage bringing the popular singing determined to get to the botsays he might change his competition back on the air tom of it.”

Body camera mind and run for Senate. after Fox canceled it in 2016.

The video, recorded on video allegedly “It’s genuinely hard to put The Republican governor police body-worn cameras, had explored a 2018 Senate into words what ‘American shows officer shows the officer placing a planting evidence plastic bag into a food can, run against independent Sen. Idol’ means to me,” Seacrest then partially hiding it under Angus King but announced said in a statement. “I’m so New video casts a glaring a piece of debris. Thirty grateful for the show and all in May that he had decided light on Baltimore police the career and life oppornot to enter the race. seconds later the audio practices as the department However, in a radio inter- tunities it’s allowed me to begins, and the officer says, and city grapple with a view Thursday, LePage said experience.”

“I’m going to check here. distrustful public and record- Hold on,” as his colleagues “It’s been an incredible he could change his mind setting violent crime. journey from day one,” laugh. The officer then gives if the campaign of RepubThe video reportedly a cursory look at other items lican state Sen. Eric Brakey he added. “To be asked to shows what happened during in the debris-strewn lot and return this year, at my new doesn’t gain traction. what might otherwise have “I’m going to watch what home at DisneyABC, is an appears to stumble onto the been a typical drug bust honor, if not a bit surreal. I Eric Brakey’s doing, and if drugs in the can. on January 24. Released believe ABC is the perfect he doesn’t start resonating by the Office of the Public home for ‘Idol,’ and I’ve pretty quick, there’s a posGrassley says Defender, the video purports every confidence the show’s sibility I might change my subpoena will be to show a Baltimore police legions of fans will love it -mind,” LePage told Maine officer planting evidence at especially ‘Idol’’s best tradiused on Trump Jr., radio station WGAN. the scene of a drug arrest. tions of showcasing heartManafort if needed “But it’s not even about The Baltimore Police warming stories, remarkable the job, it’s about getting Senate judiciary commit- somebody in Washington Department has launched talent discovery, and, best tee Chairman Chuck Grass- that would represent the state of all, making dreams come an investigation and held a ley threatened Thursday news conference releasing true.” of Maine,” LePage said.

— From wire reports other videos while offering a to subpoena both Donald — From wire reports

Black judge removes state flag with Confederate emblem from court

By Doug Criss CNN

Carlos Moore made history this week when he took to the bench as the first African-American municipal judge in Clarksdale, Miss.

Then he made a ruckus.

On his first day on the job, Moore ordered officials to remove the Mississippi state flag from his courtroom, because that flag contains the Confederate emblem in its upper left corner.

WATN-TV in Memphis.

Another factor in Moore’s decision was the fact that a lot of the “It was such a great feeling people who will stand before him to see the police officer drag the in court will be African-Ameridespicable flag from the courtcans. room during open court. Great first “Most of the people that appear day!” the judge posted on Facebefore me will be African-Ameribook on Monday. can, and they need to feel that the In Moore’s eyes, the Missiscourtroom is gonna be a place they sippi state flag doesn’t stand for can get justice,” he said. “That flag justice and instead shows the state does not stand for justice.” supports the Confederacy’s legacy It isn’t the first time Moore has of slavery, he told CNN affiliate fought the flag. He filed a federal

Must read

lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop the state from flying the flag and to rule that its design is unconstitutional. But U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves tossed the suit out last year.

Mississippi is the last state with a flag that contains the Confederate battle emblem.

In 2001, Mississippi residents voted to keep the flag’s current design.

Renewed calls to change it surged in 2015 after the mas-

sacre of nine African-Americans at a church in Charleston, S.C., brought the issue back into the spotlight. Shooter Dylann Roof apparently revered the flag as a symbol of white supremacy.

In October 2015, the University of Mississippi removed the state flag from its campus. Some Mississippi cities have voted or issued executive orders to remove the state flag from city property since the Charleston shooting. Others have voted to keep it flying.

6A • FridAy, July 21, 2017

who appeared to have been shot had just arrived at the hospital. They’d been driven in a private car.

“That’s when the staff at Eastside Medical called the Gwinnett County Police Department,” Pihera said.

“Whenever somebody arrives with a gunshot wound, that’s when they have to contact their local law enforcement

Shooting agency.”

Devost had been shot in the face and was flown from Eastside Medical to Grady Memorial. He is reportedly in stable condition. The boy had been shot in the back, but his injuries weren’t life-threatening. He has also been taken to Grady.

Before he was taken to Grady, Smith told Gwinnett police he’d been shot at 3292 Highpoint Court in a neigh-

borhood near Highpoint Road in Snellville. When police got to the scene, they found evidence of the shooting, including an abandoned car found in front of the house.

Police also found a car a few houses down with blood streaked across its left passenger-side. Somebody had written what appears to say “I love you mom” in blood on the roof of the car.

That car belongs to Naikiya

Yeamen, who lives in the neighborhood.

“I actually was walking out of my house and I was about to go to work and all out of the sudden I saw a bunch of crime scene tape and they told me I couldn’t use my car right now,” she said. “There’s blood all over it.”

Yeaman said she didn’t hear any gunshots or notice anything strange before she tried to take her car to work.

obituaries

Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on SatEdwin Adams, Jr. urday, prior to the service Patrolman Edwin Adams, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Jr., age 89, of Cumming, at the funeral home. Joseph GA passed away on July is preceded in death by 14, 2017. Arrangements his father, Joseph RonBy: Junior E. Flanigan of ald Bradford, Sr. and his Flanigan Funeral Home grandmother Nell Elliott. and Crematory, Buford, He is survived by his husGA (770) 932-1133. band of 15 years, Johnnie Davis Bradford; mother, Patricia Elliott Bradford; brother, Darrell Bradford (Ginger); sister Veronica FLOWERY BRANCH Nicholson; nephew, Kody William Bender, Jr. Bradford; and nieces, Mr. William John Bender, Lindsay Caldwell and Chelsea Caldwell. On-line Jr., age 68, of Flowery condolences can be made Branch passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at www.crowellbrothers. at his residence, surround- com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral ed by his family.

Homes and Crematory, Funeral Services will be Norcross/Peachtree Cor2:00 p.m., Saturday, July ners, Georgia. 770-44822, 2017 in the Chapel 5757. In lieu of flowers, of Memorial Park South the family has asked that Funeral Home. The family donations be made to the will receive friends 12:00 Amanda Riley Foundation – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Memorial Park at amandarileyfoundation. org.

South Funeral Home.

Mr. Bender was born SNELLVILLE October 2, 1948 to the late Laurie Cerretani William & Anna Bender, Laurie Cerretani, age 64, Sr. in Hackensack, New passed away on July 19, Jersey. He was an Army 2017 in Snellville, GeorVietnam Veteran, a memgia after a stubborn fight ber of the VFW and was against breast cancer. Lauemployed by Hampton rie was born on October 8, Inn and Suites in Flowery 1952 in Binghamton, New Branch, where he was a York to Lawrence and MaBuilding Engineer.

Mr. Bender is survived by ria Cerretani. She enrolled at Binghamton University his wife, Linda Bender of Flowery Branch; children, in 1970, but her interest in art history and a love of Ian & Wendy Clayton all things Italian led her of Buford, Geralyn & to continue her studies in Michael McKinlay of Italy. When she returned Burlington, Washington, to the U.S., she worked Monica & George Nickin the hospitality indusels of Flowery Branch, try and became the first and Alaina & Christopher female Food & Beverage Harris of Braselton; 14 Director for Hyatt Hograndchildren; 2 greattels. She took a break to grandchildren; and sister, Lois Dellapietro of Clifton, raise her three daughters and then worked in the New Jersey. He was Gwinnett County Public preceded in death by his Schools system until her parents; and sons, Vaughn retirement in 2016. Laurie Bender and Stephen leaves behind her daughCropanese. ters Maria Cerretani, Elise In lieu of flowers, donaRuss, and Julia Watkins. tions may be made to the Laurie is also survived by Disabled American Vether partner John LaFleur, erans Charitable Service sons-in-law John Russ and Trust, PO Box 14301, Will Watkins, grandson Cincinnati, Ohio 452500301, www.DAV.org or the John Lawrence Watkins, and granddaughter Laurie Hall County Humane SoMarie Russ. In lieu of ciety, 845 W Ridge Road, flowers, donations can Gainesville, GA 30501, be made to LoveItaly, a (770) 532-6617.

Memorial Park South Fu- non-profit organization dedicated to preserving neral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Italy’s cultural heritage.

Georgia 30542 is in charge Arrangements by: Tim Stewart Funeral Home: of arrangements. Send 2246 Wisteria Dr. Snellon-line condolences to ville, GA 30078. Please www.memorialparkfunerleave online condolences alhomes.com. Memorial at www.stewartfh.com Park South Funeral Home CUMMING

Buddy Conort Buddy Conort, age 66, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on July 20, 2017.

Arrangements by: Tim Stewart Funeral Home 300 Simonton Road S.W. Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

770-962-3100. Please leave online condolences at stewartfh.com.

JEFFERSON

Martha Cooper Mrs. Martha Ann “Marty” Benson Cooper, age 75 of Jefferson, Georgia who entered into rest Wednesday, July 19, 2017.

SNELLVILLE

Jose Diaz Jose Eduardo Diaz, age 56 of Snellville, GA passed away July 17, 2017. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville GA, 30046 770-277-4550.

world. She married in 1977 to her much-loved husband and raised two children in Peachtree Corners. She was active in volunteering at her children’s schools and extracurricular activities. She had expertise in sewing, gardening and cooking.

She was a graceful golfer and tennis player. She and her husband are world travelers, making several trips to Italy, France, Spain and Croatia. She enjoyed volunteer work and was a member of the Norcross Garden Club. She enjoyed socializing with her “Dinner Club” friends and playing bridge. She is survived by her husband, Herb Gilbreath, two children, Julie Gilbreath and Drew Gilbreath, his wife Molly Banich Gilbreath, and grandson-Graham Gilbreath, who are all located within the Atlanta area.

She also leaves two brothers M. Dennis Holmes and his wife Sharyn Collins Holmes of Marietta, GA, and Mark Holmes and his wife Peggy Holmes of Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves behind her sister-inlaw Patricia Gilbreath of Decatur, GA, her nephews; Dennis Holmes of Atlanta, GA and Michael Moretz of Dacula, GA, and niece Kellie Holmes of Charleston, SC. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday July 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church. An inurnment will take place at a later date at Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday July 21, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Peachtree Corners Chapel of Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. On-line condolences may be made at www.crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory. 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.

BUFORD

Denise Harrington Denise Little Harrington, age 66, of Buford, GA passed away on July 18, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Linda Gilbreath

Keith Bennett JEFFERSON

Faye Chatham Mrs. Faye Roberts Chatham, age 82, of Jefferson, who passed away on July 19, 2017.

DACULA

DULUTH

Joseph Bradford, Jr.

Joseph Ronald Bradford, Jr., age 53 of Duluth, GA passed away Monday, July 17, 2017. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Peachtree Corners Chapel of Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory with Rev. Paul Turner officiating. Burial will take place following the service at Peachtree

LAWRENCEVILLE

Valla Jo Clifton Valla Jo Clifton, age 89, of Dacula, GA, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Dr. Matthew Cawthorn will

Linda Holmes Gilbreath, 69 years of age and a resident of the Peachtree Corners area, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2017.

She was the daughter of Colonel Merrill Dennis Holmes and Evelyn Miller Holmes, born in 1947 in Alexandria, VA. She grew up in several locations while her father served in the military including the Philippines, Hawaii, Montgomery, AL and Warner Robbins, GA. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a Home Economics major. She had careers in the insurance business with Fireman’s Fund, where she met her husband, Herb Gilbreath, and worked for Delta Airlines for 8 years as a flight attendant, which allowed her to travel the

occurred. What we do think right now is that the suspect and both of the victims all knew one another.”

McBrier is described as a light-skinned black male with facial hair and a short afro. He was wearing a white shirt, camo shorts and white sneakers.

Anybody with information on this case should contact GCPD detectives at 770-5135300.

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

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BUFORD

Keith Bennett, age 57, of Buford, GA passed away on July 19, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

officiate. The Family will receive friends Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 2:003:00 pm at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Flowers accepted or contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 691 Benson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643; American Cancer Society; Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory University. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Earl Clifton. She is survived by her children, Marcia Finucane, Aurora, CO, Andrea Clifton (Donald Matthews), Dacula, GA, Mark Clifton (Kim Clifton), Brick, NJ, David Clifton (Tamara Clifton), Dunedin, FL; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister in-law, Lois Wood (Lynn Wood), Smyrna, GA. Jo was born in Douglas, GA, and had lived in the Atlanta area the past 50 years.

Jo was retired from teaching with the Gwinnett County School System.

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

She’s lived in the area for about three years and said she wouldn’t expect this kind of violence. Other neighbors described the neighborhood as “quiet,” although a few said they can occasionally smell marijuana.

Pihera said the shooting doesn’t appear to have been random.

“We don’t have the exact motivation for this crime,” she said. “We don’t know why it

LILBURN

Mary Jones Mary Louise Jones, age 97 of Lilburn, GA passed away July 18, 2017. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville GA, 30046 770-277-4550.

DULUTH

Barbara Magnuson Barbara Ruth Magnuson, age 88 of Duluth, went home to be with the Lord July 18, 2017. Mrs. Magnuson was born in Chicago, IL; lived for many years in Louisville, KY and Fair Play, SC; and was a loving wife, mother and Nana. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Herbert E. Magnuson; daughters, Daryl Begley (Kent) of Duluth, Diane Conely (John) of Chickamauga, GA and Jeanne Magnuson of Clarksville, IN; grandchildren Jay Begley (Sara), David Begley (Katie), Kelly Conely, Katie Conely and Jennifer Wilkerson; five great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl W. “Pete” Sweiberg and Ruth Laveson Sweiberg and daughter Barbara Joy. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Duluth First United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday July 23, 2017 at Duluth First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends Sunday 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church.

Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Duluth Chapel, 770-476-2535.

BALDWIN

James McCoy James E. McCoy, age 75, of Baldwin, GA passed away on July 19, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

SUGAR HILL

Margie McGill Margie Robinson McGill, age 40, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away on July 17, 2017. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

SNELLVILLE

Mary Rider Mary Ann Rider, age 31, of Snellville, GA, passed away on July 17, 2017.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

SNELLVILLE

Paul Rider Paul G. Rider, age 32, of Snellville, GA, passed away on July 18, 2017.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Florence Stone Florence Carolyn Rehwinkel Stone, age 84, born November 3, 1932 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Arbor Terrance at Hamilton Mill in Dacula, GA. Carolyn attended Florida State University and married Robert Stone, Sr., the family later settled in Lawrenceville, GA. Carolyn retired from Gwinnett Medical Center but continued to work there as a volunteer due to her love of people. She attended the 1st United Methodist Church for 46 years.

She is survived by two children, Robert Stone, Jr. and wife, Judy and Donna Morton and husband, Richard; grandchildren, Carla, Mitchell, Eric, Derrick and Jennifer; 8 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the 1st United Methodist Church, 395 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Odell Thrasher Odell Thrasher, age 90, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on July 19, 2017. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

DULUTH

Solomon Waters Solomon Waters, 79, of Duluth, GA died July 20, 2017. Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Duluth Chapel, 770-476-2535.

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Vidyawattee Kuldip Vidyawattee Kuldip, age 56 of Norcross, GA passed away July 19, 2017. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville GA, 30046 770-277-4550.

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gwinnettdailypost.com

AG Carr talks to Chamber about his office’s functions

BY CURT YEOMANS

chamber President Dan Kaufman. curt.yeomans “It is just fun being back @gwinnettdailypost.com with my friends in (GwinWednesday marked nett) economic developsomething of a reunion for ment and at the chamber,” Georgia Attorney General Carr said. “I was very, Chris Carr and the Gwinvery fortunate to be on nett County Chamber of the economic developCommerce. ment team for three years, Although Carr is now and (Kaufman) was kind the state’s top prosecutor, enough to mention the he was previously GeorNo. 1 state in the nation in gia’s economic developwhich to do business recment commissioner. That ognition that we’ve gotten meant that he used to now for four years in row, work often with Gwinnett and let me tell you why.

County government and “We didn’t get it because education and business of me. We got it because of leaders on efforts to attract everybody in this room, benew businesses and jobs to cause we have a governor the county. that put us in the position Carr met up with the to be successful and we chamber again this week as had legislators that got it the featured speaker at the and that put us in a position business group’s monthly where whenever we needed ON TOPIC meeting at the something, they’d work 1818 Club in Duluth, with with us.”

Martin Romero, far left, is pictured with his five children. Romero and four of his children were killed in a July 6 stabbing incident.

Daughter Diana Romero, 9, is the lone survivor of the stabbing. (Special Photo)

Despite the familiarity and their past history, Carr was not at the chamber meeting to talk about economic development. He instead visited the group to talk about what his office does, whether it involves litigation, criminal, policy or business-related issues.

The chamber appearance was actually Carr’s second visit to Gwinnett in less than two months to address a group. He previously visited the Gwinnett County Bar Association in late May. “One of the things that I have found in the eight months that I have been attorney general is this,” Carr said. “Most people know there is an attorney general, and are pretty sure we have an office somewhere. But beyond that it gets a little fuzzy about what we do.”

includes interviews with both Romero and Martinez detailing with often heart-breaking clarity what happened in the RomeroMartinez home early in the morning July 6.

Martinez has been accused of stabbing her husband and five children that morning. Then, she reportedly called the police herself.

By the time Gwinnett County police arrived on the scene, Martin Romero, 33, and children Isabela Martinez, 10, Dacota Romero, 7, Martin Romero Jr., 4, and Axel Romero, 2, were all dead. Only Diana survived. She was taken in serious condition to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she’s been steadily improving ever since.

The attack on her family seemed to come out of nowhere, according to what Diana told DFCS officials from her hospital bed on July 10. She said everybody in the house was asleep when Martinez slipped into the kitchen and grabbed a knife.

She reportedly stabbed Axel first. Then, she moved on to Isabela. Diana said her father was still asleep when Martinez turned the knife on her.

At some point, Martinez brought Diana into the room where her father was sleeping to “wake him up and show him what happened.” Martin tried to stop his wife. “(Diana) stated that (her father) went into the living room to try to get help, but when he was walking to the door, (Martinez) cut him, too,” according to the report.

After that, Diana said her mother went into the room where Martin Jr., who has been referred to as Dillian in other reports, was sleeping. She reportedly stabbed him and carried him into the bedroom where Diana was laying before stabbing him again.

Then, Diana said her mother cut herself and called the police.

Diana reportedly cried as she recounted her mother’s

Police seek Tucker robbery suspect wearing rosary beads FROM STAFF REPORTS

ployee and demanded all the money,” Pihera said. “The Gwinnett County police clerk removed the money are looking for a man who drawer and placed it on the robbed a Metro PCS at counter.” gunpoint in unincorporated The suspect threatened Tucker on Monday afterto shoot the clerk if he “did noon. anything crazy.” Then, the A 5-foot-7 black man man grabbed the cash, threw walked into the store on the store’s phone on the floor Lawrenceville Highway just and left. He was last seen after 2 p.m. He was wearing walking in the direction of a white, short-sleeved shirt, Jimmy Carter Boulevard. dark colored jogging pants, a Anybody with informaNew England Patriots base- tion in this case should ball cap and rosary beads. contact GCPD detectives at The man told the clerk he 770-513-5300. Tipsters can needed to pay the balance on also remain anonymous by his account, GCPD Cpl. Mi- contacting Crime Stoppers at chele Pihera said. But as he 404-577-8477 or by visiting walked toward the counter, www.crimestoppersatlanta. he pulled a handgun from org. his waistband.

Crime Stoppers tipsters “He pointed it at the emcould receive up to $2,000

Gwinnett County police are trying to identify this man who allegedly robbed a Tucker Metro PCS at gunpoint Wednesday. (Photo: Gwinnett County Police Department)

for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Gwinnett Medical Center gives tourniquet kits to public facilities FROM STAFF REPORTS

Tourniquet kits give ordinary people the ability to Gwinnett Medical Center provide treatment to people recently donated tourniquet facing bleeding emergencies. kits to Georgia Gwinnett “As a busy trauma center College, Infinite Energy in metropolitan Atlanta Center and Coolray Field. and north Georgia, we see The donations are part of cases where tourniquets can GMC’s participation in the and do save lives,” Trauma Stop the Bleed campaign, Program Manager Gina an initiative launched by the Solomon said. “While we White House in 2015 that is never want to see anyone meant to cultivate grassroots suffer an injury, we know efforts that “encourage byaccidents happen and hope standers to become trained, by equipping the college and equipped and empowered to the arenas, we can help enhelp in bleeding emergencies sure more positive outcomes before professional help arfor trauma patients.” rives,” according to a GMC GMC gave kits to GGC, press release.

Infinite Energy and Coolray

because they’re the county’s most prominent public facilities, visited by thousands of people each year, according to the release.

“With nearly 12,000 students and more than 1,000 faculty and staff, our institution is one of the fastest growing colleges in the Southeast,” said Buck Buchanan, director of emergency management at Georgia Gwinnett College.

“That growth places increasing importance on our ability to address emergency situations, and the tourniquet kits from GMC fill one vital area of need.”

challenged by the increased rigor of the Milestones, learning.

Gwinnett is seeing more Jonathan Patterson, asstudents scoring in the top sociate superintendent for three levels. Assessment is a Curriculum and Instructional key element in the teaching Support with GCPS, said in and learning process and I a press release that he and commend our teachers for his colleagues in the district the outstanding job they do would review the results in the classroom each and to figure out how to help every day.” schools improve their scores.

State School Superinten“We are pleased that in dent Richard Woods said this third year of this assess- increased scores in areas like ment that we continue to see third-grade English/language measured improvement,” he arts and math, and Amerisaid. “Even as students are can Literature, “affirms that

we’re on the right path as we focus on foundational skills and early literacy and numeracy, both of which equip students for success in the later grades.”

“Of course, we still have work to do,” Woods said in a statement. “Three years ago, we asked our teachers and students to clear a much higher bar when Georgia introduced its new assessment system. We are making progress and that progress will continue as we refine our focus on the services

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In fourth-grade English/ language arts, Gwinnett students improved from 45 percent proficient and distinguished to 51 percent. They outpaced the state in that area by 10 percent. But fifthgrade scores dropped from 50 percent proficient and distinguished to 46 percent. The state also saw decreases in this category from 41 percent to 38 percent. The percentage of Gwinnett students scoring below grade level in reading dropped from 27 percent to 23 percent.

Eighth-grade ELA dipped from 56 percent proficient and distinguished to 52 percent. The percentage of

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Gwinnett students scoring below grade level in reading dropped from 17 percent to 14 percent.

The number of Gwinnett middle school students who took the physical science end-of-course test increased by nearly 2,000, and scores in the proficient and distinguished categories remained at 52 percent. State scores in that subject increased from 34 percent to 39 percent.

High school math continues to be difficult for many students.

Less than half of students — 47 percent — who took Algebra I in GCPS scored proficient and distinguished, up from 45 percent the previous year. Statewide scores dropped from 36 percent in

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alleged crime. But that same day, miles away in Gwinnett County jail, Martinez denied to a DFCS representative that she stabbed anybody.

She said one of her husband’s friends came into the home and stabbed the children and her husband before cutting her on the wrist. Martinez said she believes investigators will eventually find evidence of the man in the house, but she didn’t name him. “(Martinez) stated the friend took advantage of her because he knew she was going through things with her father and she couldn’t stop the friend,” according to the report.

Neighbors previously told media outlets that Martinez’s father died about 20 days before the stabbings. One neighbor, Rafael Ramirez, said she had been “acting bizarre” and experiencing hallucinations since that time.

Martinez’s mental state has been a source of questions over the past few weeks. In a bizarre firstappearance hearing July 7, Martinez denied legal representation and played to the news cameras in the court room, flashing the occasional thumbs-up.

By July 10, a judge had appointed Attorney Robert Greenwald to represent Martinez, despite her insistence that she didn’t need him. Greenwald said the court appointed him “out of an abundance of caution.”

He filed to have a psychological evaluation performed on Martinez.

Glimpses into Martinez’s mind made their way into the DFCS report, too.

The DFCS worker speaking to Martinez wrote in her report that the mother was “acting as if she was not aware her family is deceased” during their conversation, though Martinez maintained that she did understand her family had been stabbed.

Just before the murder, the Romero-Martinez family had taken a trip together to Savannah where Martinez reportedly didn’t feel comfortable. “(She) stated while in Savannah she asked (Mar-

tin) to bring her back home because she felt a devil-like spirit,” according to the DFCS report.

Martinez also said the waves at the beach tried to take away her children.

If Martinez was experiencing erratic thoughts just before the stabbing, her family didn’t notice. Diana told DFCS she had fun in Savannah. She loved playing in the ocean. She said her mother seemed normal during the trip and when the family got back home.

Diana’s aunts, uncles and cousins from her father’s side of the family told DFCS they had “no knowledge of anything taking place with the mother which would result like this.”

Martinez and her husband came under DFCS scrutiny once before when one of their daughters reported in the fall of 2015 that her father had beaten her with a shoe and a phone charger when she wouldn’t go to sleep at night. Both parents admitted to hitting the children on their bottoms with belts to discipline them.

But DFCS closed the case in November 2015.

The children were considered safe. There was no indication of the brutal slaying to come.

If there’s a silver lining for Diana in this tragedy, it’s that she’s alive and surrounded by family and friends ready to help. At least three members from Martin’s side of the family have offered to take the little girl into their homes.

An employee for local nonprofit Path Project also offered to take Diana in if her family couldn’t.

Still, Diana will have a long road to physical and mental recovery. She’s lost the siblings who doubled as her best friends, according to the DFCS report.

The five reportedly played outside or watched television together nearly every day. “(Diana) stated her friends never came to her house and she never went to her friend’s house,” according to the report. “(The siblings) only played outside together.”

Milestones

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Stabbing

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2016 to 35 percent in 2017.

In the geometry EOC test, 42 percent of GCPS students scored in the top two levels compared to 38 percent in analytic geometry in 2016.

But they improved in biology in Gwinnett and across the state. Fifty-five percent of GCPS biology students scored proficient and distinguished, up from 51 percent, while the state change was up 2 percent to 45 percent.

There is an asterisk to note in eighth-grade science where just 16 percent of students scored proficient and distinguished, up three points from last year. The majority of eighth-graders now take the high school physical science EOC in place of the eighth grade science end of grade test.

It was a similar story for eighth-graders in math, where the majority of Gwinnett students take the algebra EOC in place of the eighth grade math EOG and those results are not included in this calculation. That’s one way to explain why Gwinnett saw a decrease in the percentage of eighth graders at the proficient and distinguished levels, from 31 percent to 23 percent.

8A • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Senior living development OK’d

BY KEITH FARNER

Athens Highway at Crestview Drive, was recently apkeith.farner proved by Mayor Tom Witts @gwinnettdailypost.com and City Council.

A unique senior housing The project by Ridgedevelopment is coming to cliff LLC calls for medical Snellville, and it’s expected buildings, 225 independent to combine senior housing living units, 55 assisted livoptions with retail and resing units, 24 memory care taurant space, officials said. units and 85 single-family The 24.73-acre developtownhomes for those 55 and ment project, located at 1672 older.

PREVIEW DAY

“This is a win for the city of Snellville,” Planning and Development Director Jason Thompson said. “... We have identified a need for senior housing and this will do just that.”

Dubbed “The Villas @ Crestview,” the campus will include two parks, a community center and recreation space.

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SECTION B • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

Parkview’s Marshall picks Hoosiers Indiana gets commitment from receiver

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Parkview senior Miles Marshall made up his mind nearly a month ago.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver felt like Indiana Parkview’s Miles Marshall (23) eludes Norcross defender University was the place Malik Mays (14) and picks up a first down in last season’s for him.

He just had to wait until game at Parkview. (Photo: Craig Cappy)

his mother, Pam Marshall, could make a trip to Bloomington, Ind., to see the campus for herself and sign off on the commitment. They both were able to visit Indiana on Thursday and Marshall verbally committed to play football for the Hoosiers.

“It was just a good fit for me academically, they have a great business program that I want to get into and it fits me football-wise, playing in the Big Ten,” he said. “The scheme that they’re going to run next

year, and in the years to come, really fits me as a player.”

After a productive junior season, Marshall’s recruitment picked up steam. He led the Panthers in receiving with 46 catches for 753 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He averaged 16.4 yards per catch.

Indiana was one of several schools to extend offers to him in the spring.

He also seriously considered Purdue, Iowa State, Vanderbilt and Navy.

“It’s been pretty hectic,”

he said of his recruitment.

“A lot of people wish they were in my position, so I don’t take it for granted. I made sure I took my time and I’m pretty sure I made the right decision.”

This summer Marshall has focused on working his way back to full strength after tearing his tricep while playing for Parkview’s basketball team.

“Just really getting me back to where I was before

See MARSHALL, Page 4B

Dacula building up O-line for playmakers

By Collin Huguley Staff Correspondent

For years, the offensive identity of the Dacula football team has come on the ground.

Led by all-county running back Tre McMillan, who averaged over seven yards per carry last season as a junior, the Falcons expect to have a daunting ground attack once again. But the big boys up front have some work to do.

Dacula lost five starters from last year’s offensive line, led by Valdosta State signee Dez Ikpa, and will be looking to find some fresh blood to lead the way for McMillan, and the rest of the Falcon backfield, up front.

“It is an open competition (on the offensive line),” Dacula head coach Tommy Jones said. “We’ve probably got eight, nine or 10 kids that are all competing for spots on our offensive line.

Obviously, that is the area that we’ve got to grow the most and the fastest in.”

A former offensive lineman himself, Jones understands the importance of the big men up front.

In a run-heavy attack that will feature Will Stovall and standout defensive back Jalen Perry, who will spend some time in the slot on offense, also getting touches, Dacula’s head man is confident that he and his staff will find the right combination.

“We lost five starters on the line and those guys are never easy to replace,” Jones said. “But we know that (offensive line) Coach Ken Czar has been doing this for a long time and does an excellent

Meadowcreek quarterback Quincy Bonner passes during GAC’s 7-on-7 passing tournament on Thursday in Norcross. (Staff Photo: Paul Thomas)

Compete in the heat

GAC hosts one last summer passing tournament

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@ gwinnettdailypost.com

NORCROSS — With the start of school and fall practices fast approaching, Greater Atlanta Christian and Meadowcreek took advantage of the opportunity to compete in one last

See DACULA, Page 4B

summer passing tournament Thursday in the Spartans’ annual 7-on-7 tournament.

GAC and Meadowcreek were each eliminated in the semifinals of the tournament, as Clarke Central defeated defending champions Woodward Academy 22-19 in the final. Clarke

went undefeated on the day.

The Spartans went 2-2 in pool play and eliminated Kings Ridge in the first playoff game, while the Mustangs, who were also 2-2 in pool play, took out Athens Academy. The Spartans’ day was ended 26-18 by Clarke, after

falling behind 17-0 early in the game. Meadowcreek’s day was ended 28-18 by Woodward as the Mustangs couldn’t come up with that final stop.

“It’s always good to get competition,” GAC head coach Tim Hardy said.

See PASSING, Page 4B

Lions on hunt for new offensive weapons

By David Friedlander

“I’m proud of the guys,” the former six-time NFL Pro Bowler with the Indianapolis Colts and still part-time Of the numerous Gwinnett ESPN commentator said. “It’s County schools that underpretty much the same stuff, went coaching changes during and we’re all still together. We the offseason, Hebron Chriswant to build on the continuity tian will probably have the of that and going to the (Class easiest transition with former A (Private) state) playoffs for offensive coordinator Jeff the first time (last year).

Saturday taking over for Kevin “I’m pleased with the effort Shaffer. and general attendance. (The

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Dacula running back Tre McMillan (6) runs out of the reach of Lanier’s Tyler Taylor (8) during a game last season in Dacula. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

players) have definitely put the time in.”

While the coaching staff and offensive and defensive schemes have remain largely the same or similar, that doesn’t mean the Lions haven’t been plenty busy this summer.

Saturday and his staff have spent quite a bit of time this summer looking new personnel to fill some important vacancies that will be crucial

if the Lions are to return to he postseason in 2017.

The departure of Gwinnett rushing leader B.J. Riley, who transferred to Stockbridge after running for 1,146 yards and six touchdowns as a junior last year, and team receiving leader Donnovan Moorer, who left for Peachtree Ridge after catching 41 passes for See HEBRON, Page 4B

Parkview, MLS standout Moore bringing camp home Other endeavors have kept Jason Moore busy since he retired from professional soccer, but his main focus for the better part of a decade has involved the sport he loves.

The former Parkview star has settled in the Boston area, making that his hub since he finished his Major League Soccer playing career in 2003 with the New England Revolution. He started the Moore Soccer Academy six years ago, working fulltime with

Will Hammock young soccer players.

“A lot of kids are playing these days and they get pulled in different directions,” Moore said. “If you

can maximize their time on the field and give them a good experience overall, keep them engaged in the game, that will keep them coming back.”

That’s been the mission of the Moore Soccer Academy, which expands its reach into Gwinnett next month.

Moore will host a threeday skills camp at Bethesda Park with the newly dubbed Steamers Futbol Club, formerly known as Georgia Futbol Club. The name, part

of rebranding by Georgia FC, is a return to the roots of Gwinnett soccer.

A prominent club in the 1980s and 1990s, called the Steamers, produced loads of talented players and teams during its era, funneling both boys and girls to state championship high school teams at Brookwood and Parkview.

Two of the most prominent Steamers were from Parkview, two-time U.S. World Cup player Josh Wolff and Moore.

Moore was a key player for U.S. Youth National Teams as a teenager, tallied 16 assists in two seasons at Virginia and was the No. 1 overall selection in the 1999 Major League Soccer draft. With all of Gwinnett’s talent over the years, Moore is still one of only two locals to go No. 1 overall in a major sports draft — the other is Maya Moore (no relation) in the 2011 WNBA draft.

He made 95 appearances during an MLS

career that included stints with the team that drafted him, D.C. United, along with the Colorado Rapids, the Chicago Fire and the Revolution. He eventually returned to the sport in a coaching role, one he has embraced.

The 39-year-old is particularly excited to have a camp back in Gwinnett, where he only gets to visit once or twice a year these days.

See HAMMOCK, Page 4B

2B • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Royal Americans

Banfield, Sharpe make final trials for Spieth, Koepka, Kuchar seize lead at British Open Reed, Kevin Chappell U.S. team B S H and Phil Mickelson, all y

From Staff Reports

CARY, N.C. — Two Gwinnett County rising seniors have made the final trials for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team, the organization announced earlier this month.

Brookwood’s Will Banfield and Mill Creek’s Will Davis Banfield Sharpe were among the 40 players from around the nation to be selected based on Davis their perSharpe formances at the 2017 Tournament of Stars, the primary identification event for the 18U National Team, three weeks ago at the national training center in Cary, N.C. Both players will participate in the final national team trials, which begin Aug. 19 in Minneapolis, with the final 20-team roster being announced on Aug. 24.

The 2017 18U National Team will play in a series of four exhibition games against Iowa Western Community College, the Minnesota Blizzard and Madison College from August 26-29, before traveling to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, for the 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup. Banfield, a 6-foot, 200-pound catcher, was a first-team All-County selection by the Daily Post after hitting .409, with seven home runs, 33 RBIs, nine doubles, a 1.194 OPS and 30 runs scored for the Broncos as a junior this past spring.

Sharpe, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman, was also a Daily Post first-team All-County selection after hitting .362 with five homers, 34 RBIs, nine doubles, four triples, a 1.106 OPS, 31 runs scored and four stolen bases, and posted a 7-2 record on the mound with a 1.33 ERA, 75 strikeouts and two complete games in 58 innings for the Hawks.

teve

abel

The Sports Xchange

If there was ever a time the daunting course at Royal Birkdale was “gettable,” it was on Thursday, when bright sunshine, putting surfaces softened by rain, and moderate wind — especially in the afternoon — allowed for some low scores for the world’s best golfers.

Americans Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar took advantage of the relatively benign conditions while forging 5-under par 65s to assume the lead after the first round at the 146th Open Championship, being contested at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.

That was just two shots off the all-time Open record at Royal Birkdale.

Paul Casey of England and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa were a stroke back and tied for fourth after shooting 66s.

Ian Poulter and Richard Bland of England, Americans Justin Thomas and Charley Hoffman, Austin Connelly of Canada and Rafael Cabrera-Bello of Spain are tied for sixth after 67s.

Stuart Manley of Wales, Alex Noren of Sweden, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Sung-Hoon Kang of South Korea, Martin Laird and Richie Ramsay of Scotland, Ernie Els of South Africa, Joost Luiten of the Netherlands joined five Americans — James Hahn, David Lipsky, Daniel Berger, Bubba Watson and Kevin Na — another shot in arrears after firing 68s.

Defending champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden, Jason Day, Marc Leishman and Adam Scott of Australia, Andrew “Beef” Johnston and Matthew Fitzpatrick of England and Jon Rahm of Spain were another stroke back at 69.

There were no rounds without a bogey in the 72 holes of competition the last time the Open was played at Royal Birkdale in 2008, but Spieth made sure that didn’t happen again with a rousing performance on Thursday.

of whom are in a pack of golfers at 73, eight shots off the leader’s pace.

Former Open champions John Daly and Darren Clarke finished with a 74 and 75, respectively, while Zach Johnson, the Open winner in 2015, struggled to a 75.

Notes: Heavy rain and strong winds are in the forecast for today’s second round. Temperatures will hover in the low 60s and sustained winds of 15-25 mph are expected with gusts as high as 40 mph. There is a 90 percent chance of precipitation, according to the BBC. ... Phil Mickelson had a birdie-less Matt Kuchar hits from a green side bunker on the 17th hole during the first round of the round on Thursday, the British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. (Photo: Thomas J. Russo-USA Today Sports) first time that’s happened to him since 1999 in the manding 16th. first round at Carnoustie, fairway or on the grass.

Spieth’s bogeyless efHe needed just 21 putts And that’s the big thing.”

18 years ago…England’s fort in the morning wave on his round despite findPaul Casey turns 40 on Kuchar, who has never on the demanding course ing only nine of the 18 Friday a day after shootwon a major championfeatured five birdies and greens in regulation. ing 66. “Apparently life ship, played in the aftera knee-knocking, eighth“I’d say I hit five or six noon wave and reeled off begins at 40 so maybe foot putt for par on the drivers today,” Koepka that’s a good omen for four birdies in his first par-4 16th. Spieth, the me,” he said. ... The R&A said. “The wind was blow- six holes before making 2015, U.S. Open chamthe turn at 5-under 29. He took a look a potential pion, found just five of 14 ing pretty good and I’m not trying to overpower parred the entire back nine rules violation by Jon fairways in the heatherRahm of Spain when he to claim a piece of the lined course but still hit 15 this golf course. If you moved a long strand of lead. of the 18 greens in regula- get holes downwind like grass while in the rough 18 or No. 8 or 17, too, Rickie Fowler, world tion to lead the morning you kind of play the hole No. 1 Dustin Johnson, and on the 17th hole, but dewave in that stat along backwards, which to me is Rory McIlroy of Northern cided Rahm’s ball had not with fellow American moved. He faced a potenlinks golf.

Ireland finished with 71s.

Russell Henley.

“Off the tee you’re Royal Birkdale claimed tial two-shot penalty if it “It was a really good had. ... Charley Hoffman trying to avoid all the its share of victims as start — everything was holed his approach out bunkers or if it’s got a lot well, namely two-time strong,” Spieth said of the rough on the par-4 of bunkers, you’re just Open Champion Padraig afterward. “I’d give it a first hole for an eagle, Harrington of Ireland, ‘nine’ across the board for trying to put one of them in play. You just try to take current Masters champion the very first two ever everything — tee balls, recorded at Birkdale’s the best chance you have Sergio Garcia of Spain, ball-striking, short game daunting opening hole. of putting the ball in the and Americans Patrick and putting — so things are in check. It’s just about keeping it consistent.

“But I couldn’t have done much better today. I missed three greens, but one of them I was putting from the fringe. So essentially missed two greens in some 15-mile-an-hour winds. This course has a lot of crosswinds, so it’s tough to judge how far the DISCOUNTS AT THIS STORE ONLY: ball is going to fly depend• 1200 SCENIC HWY ing on what shot you play.

So that speaks a lot to the ball-striking of the day.”

Koepka, this season’s U.S. Open champ, had four birdies on his card while playing in the morning wave and added an eagle out of the bunker on the par-5 17th to offset his only bogey on the de-

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ondeck The Home Teams

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

at L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Dodgers 10:10 p.m.

Sat, 9:10 p.m.

Sun, 4:10 p.m.

FSSO/93.7-FM FSSO/93.7-FM FSSO/93.7-FM

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Sat, 6:05 p.m.

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FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South

On TV CYCLING

Today

8 a.m. — Tour de France Stage 19. From Embrun to Salon de Provence. NBCSP

GOLF

1:30 a.m. — British Open, second round. From Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. GOLF 3 p.m. — U.S. Junior Amateur: Semifinals. From Flint Hills National Golf Club, in Andover, Kan. FS1

MLB

10 p.m. — Atlanta at Los Angeles Dodgers FSSO

SOCCER

7 p.m. — MLS Atlanta United at Orlando City ESPN

TRACK & FIELD

2 p.m. — IAAF Diamond League: Monaco. From Monaco, Monte Carlo NBCSP

AUTO RACING

Saturday

12:30 p.m. — NASCAR XFINITY Series: Lilly Diabetes 250, Qualifying. From Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NBCSP 3:30 p.m. — NASCAR XFINITY Series: Lilly Diabetes 250. From Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NBCSP 6 p.m. — NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series: Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400, Qualifying. From Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NBCSP

CYCLING

8 a.m. — Tour de France Stage 20. From Marseille to Marseille. NBCSP

GOLF

7 a.m. — British Open Third Round. From Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. NBC 2 p.m. — U.S. Junior Amateur: Championship. From Flint Hills National Golf Club, in Andover, Kan. FS1

MLB

4 p.m. — St. Louis at Chicago Cubs FS1 7 p.m. — Texas at Tampa Bay FS1 9 p.m. — Atlanta at Los Angeles Dodgers FSSO

SOCCER

3:30 p.m. — NWSL Orlando Pride at Chicago Red Stars LIFE 4 p.m. — MLS New York Red Bulls at Minnesota United FC ESPN 6 p.m. — Champions Cup 2017 Juventus vs FC Barcelona ESPN 8 p.m. — Champions Cup Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur FC ESPN2 10 p.m. — CONCACAF Gold Cup Costa Rica vs United States. First semifinal. FS1

WNBA

3:30 p.m. — All-Star Game: East vs. West. From Seattle. ABC

Sports Calendar

GOLF

Aug. 4: Global Marketing Concepts and Eagle 7 will host the GMC Golf Tournament at Stone Mountain Golf Club to benefit the Shiloh High football program and the John and JeJuan Stewart Foundation. Sponsorships and playing spots are available. For more information, go to www. gmcgolfclassics.com.

Aug. 28: The Mill Creek Cluster Education Foundation will host its second annual golf classic at Hamilton Mill Golf Club.

The event raises money for all schools in the cluster — Mill Creek High School, Jones and Osborne middle schools and Duncan Creek, Fort Daniel, Harmony, Ivy Creek and Puckett’s Mill elementary schools. Cost is $125 per player and sponsorships also are available.

For more information, email 2moons@bellsouth.net.

LACROSSE

Through July: Gwinnett Lacrosse Academy is running an early fall developmental indoor lacrosse league for boys and girls, first through ninth grade on Sundays in August and September at Silverbacks Sports Arena in Suwanee.

Each session will have stick

work prior to the game.

Go to www.gwinnettlacrosseacademy.com for information.

July 30: Gwinnett Lacrosse Academy is running a speed camp on July 30 at Silverbacks Sports Arena in Suwanee. Mike Spino, a doctor of sports science, has worked with worldclass athletes to improve their running speed and endurance. Open to boys and girls in sixth through 12th grades. Go to www. gwinnettlacrosseacademy. com for information.

SOCCER

Aug. 4-6: Moore Soccer Academy, led by former Parkview and Major League Soccer player Jason Moore, will host a three-day skills camp with Steamers FC at Bethesda Park. Under-8 to Under-12 sessions are from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4, 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 5 and 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at a cost of $150. Under-13 to Under-19 sessions are from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5 and 2:30 to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at a cost of $200. For registration or more information, contact Kenny Costello at 678-6516533 or UGA0529@yahoo. com.

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

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FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • 3B

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Getting To Know ... Aaron Wilkens Having grown up in California and played in college at Michigan before bringing his coaching career to Georgia just over six years ago, new Norcross baseball coach Aaron Wilkens has had a lot of experiences in the sport, and life in general, literally across the country. He recently spoke with staff writer David Friedlander about those experiences, how baseball compares to the different regions around the country and a variety of other subjects DF: You’re from California originally, right?

Whereabouts?

Aaron Wilkens is the new boys basketball head coach at Norcross. (Staff Photo: David Friedlander) AW: The San Diego area. which hasn’t been a lot, I’ll Norcross played when DF: I know the chance give kudos to Mike Power you brought your Northto play college baseball view team here for a at Roswell. That was my at Michigan brought you first stop in Georgia, and playoff series two years east, but what brought he taught me what it takes ago. That team definitely you to Georgia? to keep up a nice field. He played with pace.

AW: Well, basically, I AW: Yeah, that was is very meticulous about came to Georgia after col- his field, which he should actually something I hadn’t lege because I wanted the encountered (in an oppobe, and it shows. downtown lifestyle. I went nent) to that extent. It was back to San Diego with impressive. (Former Blue DF: Let’s kind of my wife and found out, or switch gears here. Since Devils) Coach (Reggie) rather, I was reintroduced Stancil used the players he you mentioned Mike to how expensive everyhad and the athletes he had Power, who are some of thing is. So once my wife to his advantage. He was your other coaching ingot a pretty good position fluences — not only with full bore all the time. Even at Mizuno, we decided to baseball, but coaching in if it bit him in the butt, move out here because we general? he’d bounce back. Obviwanted to buy a house at ously they were successful AW: Not to be (a) clisome point in our lives. ché, but my dad taught me with the Final Four run. a lot. I (played) travel ball DF: What did you DF: Something we from when I was 9 years know about metro talked about when you old. That was at the very Atlanta at the time? Did were first hired is contibeginning of travel ball. anything surprise you nuity. It’s been kind of a My dad was my coach, about it? unique situation in which as well as Dana Blalock AW: I’ve always been (with the San Diego Stars). two previous coaches a connoisseur of high (Stancil and Jonathan I learned a lot from Dana school athletics. It’s always Blalock’s brother, Sam Wyman) have gotten intrigued me, even before I Blalock. He’s a legendopportunities to move was in high school, going on that were too good ary coach from Rancho Bernardo (High School) in for them to pass up and to games with my dad. I San Diego. He has close to with an interim coach knew Atlanta had a lot of 1,000 victories and just re- (Nick Drescher) last year, successful programs. The tired. Dana’s son is (Texas you’re the fourth difone thing that did shock Rangers’ former two-time ferent coach in as many me when I got here was really just how nice the fa- All-Star infielder) Hank years in a solid program. cilities were. In California, Blalock. So I grew up So far, how has it been with Hank Blalock playthat was all I knew, and trying to get established they were nice, but around ing, with him. … In high and organized on the school, I was privileged to heels of all that? here, a lot of these high school fields are better than be a four-year starter on AW: The thing that’s varsity and I had two very great about Norcross is all the collegiate fields in the different coaches. That was aspects of the school are Midwest. good for me in terms of covered, whether it be arts becoming a coach because or academics or athletics.

DF: Do you think that’s because of the bet- I learned what I liked and There’s a lot of help athwhat I did not like about ter weather year-round letically. Football’s helped each of the different styles. out a lot with the weight of just how well the programs maintain their training — the strength and DF: What style of base- conditioning coach (Ryan) fields around here? Or ball do you prefer? maybe both?

Tarantino. I’ve just been AW: I like to put our AW: They take better slowly acclimating, finding care of them. There’s a lot players in the best posiout the culture, what I like, of money put into it. A lot tion to win a game, which what I want to impleis using their strengths. I of good coaching around ment. But yeah, there has like to put pace in baseball been some turnover in the here, too. because there’s the misbaseball (coaching staff) conception about baseball the last couple of years, DF: OK, so I’ve got being a slow sport. It is, to ask you, what’s the but the value of Norcross but once that ball is in play, has shown in how long the best field you’ve seen since you’ve been here in it’s as quick a game as any other coaches have been other. So in practice, we Georgia? here. try to play at pace. We try AW: Oh, man, you’re to play clean reps. That’s putting me on the spot DF: Since you bring one of the main things. (laughs). I’m a little bit that up, a lot of people in limited (having been here recent years have decried DF: So you really had only six years), but of the the increased specializato enjoy the type of ball people I’ve worked for, tion among sports from

high school athletes and fewer multi-sport athletes. Was it that way back in California back in your days there?

AW: California, it was definitely the same and may be (moreso) just because the weather is so moderate year-round.

There’s absolutely no excuse not to be playing baseball. With that being said, one of my biggest regrets was after my sophomore year of high school specializing. I wish I’d have kept with a secondary sport, such as basketball.

DF: So basketball was your secondary sport?

AW: Yes, that was my secondary sport.

DF: Now I have seen in the last couple of years a bit of reversal in that trend. I’ve noticed a few more multi-sport athletes. Have you noticed that a little bit at Norcross?

AW: Just observationally, a lot of schools have one main sport.

But Norcross has three or four sports that are nationally-renowned or state-renowned, whatever it may be. For instance, on our baseball team, we have the top (football) kickers in the nation in (Jake) Camarda and possibly a second scholarship kicker in (Cole) Hanna.

DF: You also mentioned the weather in California. I guess that was a huge thing you had to get used to when you moved here — the humidity.

AW: Heat was something I was used to. In California, the weather can change 35 degrees within four miles driving inland.

But yeah, the humidity is something to get used to. But I think going to a school like Michigan (being) from California caused me to adapt to that environment. Basically, weather is something that’s never been a problem with me.

DF: Finally, in your first few months on the job here, what have you found to be the biggest challenges, and have there been any pleasant surprises?

AW: One of the toughest things is getting the job right before the summer starts and everybody kind of splits off. But it has allowed me to figure out what they’ve done (as a program) in the past and figure out what I want to keep and what I want to try to change and just get a fresh start once the school years starts in the next couple of weeks and really get the ball rolling.

IN BRIEF

Wesleyan’s West commits to play basketball at Furman

Wesleyan senior Sutton West has committed to play basketball at Furman University.

She is the daughter of Dan West and Holly Mattingly.

West was a starter for this year’s state championship basketball team and also won state championships in soccer and track. West is the second Wesleyan player to pick Furman, joining Holli Wilkins, Wesleyan class of 2012 and Furman class of 2016.

increased participation from female athletes,” said National Wrestling Hall of Fame executive director Lee Roy Smith in a press release. “We all feel that it is time for our female wrestlers to be awarded the same opportunities as male wrestlers, and having regular national rankings is a positive step towards making that happen.”

Duluth-based AAU girls team wins national championship

An AAU girls team based in Duluth won the United State Basketball Association’s seventh-grade national championship tournament last weekend in Charleston, Shipp qualifies for U.S. Amateur S.C. Greater Atlanta Christian grad Ben Shipp qualified for The Team Attack USA-Aqua roster is: Annaclaire the U.S. Amateur on Wednesday.

Yearick (seventh grade, Gwinnett Prep), Ciera Hall The sophomore at N.C. State was just one shot back (sixth grade, GAC), Shannon Niles (seventh grade, of Georgia Tech’s Luke Schniederjans at the Capital City Snellville Middle), Nyla Williams (seventh grade, Bay Club-Crabapple qualifier in Roswell. Shipp shot 66-67 Creek Middle), Chae Harris (seventh grade, Shiloh for a two-round total of 7-under.

Middle), Kelli Finkley (seventh grade, Grace Snell The 2017 U.S. Amateur Championship will be held Middle), Jayla Cook (seventh grade), Sierra Burns (sixth Aug. 14-20 at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Pali- grade), Akhaila Horne (seventh grade, Couch Middle) sades, Calif. and Cathy Alben (seventh grade, Snellville Middle).

Shipp finished sixth at the Dogwood Invitational earlier this month with a low-round 64 on the final day.

Collins Hill’s Tiyahna Askew nationally ranked in wrestling

Collins Hill freshman Tiyahna Askew is ranked nationally in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, USA Wrestling and FlowWrestling’s inaugural national rankings for high school girls.

Askew is ranked No. 5 nationally in the 144-pound category.

“One of the best ways to grow our sport is through

Rescheduled All-Star baseball game set for Monday at Coolray Field

The Gwinnett vs. Cobb All-Star Baseball game, which was postponed by rain last month, has been rescheduled for Monday.

Teams made up of some of the top underclassmen from both counties will square off at Coolray Field, with first pitch set for 7 p.m.

Admission will be a $5 donation to the P4 Foundation to help children and their families while fighting cancer.

— From staff reports

4B • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

gwinnettdailypost.com

Archer grad Fleeman shines at Atlanta Motor Speedway

By Micah Lillard Staff Correspondent

HAMPTON — Walking into the garage at Atlanta Motor Speedway sporting denim shorts and flip-flops, 21-year-old Archer grad Amber Fleeman isn’t your typical race car driver in the Thursday Thunder Legends Series.

One minute, she’s an aspiring engineer, bustling across campus between classes at Georgia Tech.

The next minute, she’s racing on AMS’s quartermile “Thunder Ring,” in a firesuit and helmet behind the wheel of her No. 98 Legends car against the best drivers from around the region. As one of just a handful of women in the program and not one to do much boasting, many are stunned to learn what Fleeman in her free time.

“I get that all the time,” she said. “Actually, I usually don’t tell many people at school. It’s just not something that comes up in normal conversation. Georgia Tech actually did an article on me several years ago, and lots of professors and students found out, and it kind of went viral for a little bit. Everybody was like, ‘Whoa, this girl is a race car driver?’

“When you see me at school, it doesn’t really match to what you see at the racetrack.”

Dacula native and Archer grad Amber Fleeman picked up her first Thursday Thunder victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway recently. Fleeman is a Georgia Tech student and has been a racecar driver since she was 9. (Photo: Erica Kowalski)

But Fleeman has been a race car driver since she was just 9 years old, thanks in large part to her father, Russell. Her dad is a decorated pro late model driver and currently in Thursday Thunder’s Racing Radios Pro Division.

In a male-dominated sport, she has kept pace with her peers every step of the way. From go-karts, to Bandoleros and right up to Legends, her navy-blue car and neon-colored numbers have been a mainstay on race tracks across Georgia.

At some point along the way, her competitive rac-

ing turned from weekend hobby into future career ambitions where Fleeman can fully immerse herself into the world of racing and the science of race cars. Now a college student in one of the country’s premier technical institutions and with graduation on the horizon, the reality of a career in racing is becoming more and more real by the day.

“I’m majoring in mechanical engineering, so hopefully when I get out, I’ll go straight into engineering within the racing industry,” Fleeman said. “That’s the

goal at this point.”

Of course, with racing in her blood from a young age, a budding career in the industry won’t keep her from getting behind the wheel herself. Even as she prepares for her final year at college, Fleeman always finds time to wrench on her car and make it to the track in time to do the thing she loves.

“It’s different (being a full-time college student and race car driver),” she said. “During the summer, it’s not so bad, because I’m racing all the time and taking a break from school.

Passing •From Page 1B

all performances of his team in the tournament.

“Competition sort of Quarterback Quincy Bonpushes you to the edge, ner had a solid day, and so that shows you some he was also happy with good stuff and some play of Triston Harris and stuff you need to work Quevella Calhoun. on. To me the journey of Last year the Mustangs every year is the process also competed in GAC’s of trying to build your tournament and Carrera team to be their absolute wasn’t as pleased with best. Not surprising that how they performed. on July 20 we’ve got “The difference is last work to do. That’s true of year we came here and everybody. I was thankit was really bad. We ful for the competition, just didn’t perform well, stuff you can’t simulate in didn’t have a good day practice just going against at all. Today we comyourself. We’ve got a lot peted,” he said. “We had of work to do in different our issues, but we fought elements of the game and through those issues, we we’ll get to work.” recovered from them.

Hardy said he wanted We started off bad, but to see his players be more came back and won some competitive overall in games and battled and their effort than they were fought. That’s the thing on Thursday, in addiI’m trying to teach this tion to some schematic team, how you battle, how improvements. Overall he you fight. There’s going was pleased with the day to be adversity during his team had, with sopho- the game, ‘How are you more Josh Rose playing going to react and what quarterback. are you going to do when Meadowcreek head it happens?’ So we’re coach Jason Carrera was always going to face also happy with the over- adversity.”

Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback Josh Rose looks to pass during GAC’s 7-on-7 passing tournament on Thursday in Norcross. (Staff Photo: Paul Thomas)

Marshall •From Page 1B

Ridge transfer Fred Payton at quarterback. last year,” he said of his Washington will summer focus. “When I lead the defense, where tore my tricep, I pretty Marshall said he may much took three months play corner on occaoff. So I’m working on sion, as they battle for a my strength, my tricep third-straight state playoff and just getting back to appearance. where I was physically.”

“I think we’re going Marshall feels good to be really good, conabout the Panthers’ prostending for a state title,” pects this fall. Offensively Marshall said. “We’ve got he’ll be joined by fellow a lot pieces coming back playmakers Christian Mal- (on offense) and a lot of loy and Malik Washington, young guys on defense who will all benefit from that I think can make big the arrival of Peachtree contributions this year.”

During the school year, it’s a little more difficult.

You’ve got to juggle racing on the weekends and studying. But it’s worked out for me. I only have a year (of college) left, so not too much longer.

“The hopes are that when I get out of school, I’ll still be into racing. I’ll hopefully be doing engineering and racing. I’ll still be involved, it may just not be in the same way that I’m used to being in it.”

One thing that will undoubtedly make it hard to stay off the track is her recent success during the Thursday Thunder season. After nearly a decade mastering the difficult flat conditions and varying surfaces of the Thunder Ring oval at AMS, she finally has a well-deserved trip to Victory Lane.

Taking advantage of a front-row starting position for the Week 5 Semi-Pro Division feature race, Fleeman showed good entry and exit speed in the corners to stay at — or near — the front of the pack the entire way. She used a late-race pass to claim her first-ever Thursday Thunder victory.

“It was huge,” she said.

“It was eight years in the making. I’ve been trying to go for that win for eight years between Bandos and Legends cars, and it just hasn’t worked out year af-

ter year. It usually takes me until the end of the season to get my momentum rolling, and then by that point, you lose time.”

With the victory midway through the season and a couple of solid top-five finishes so far in 2017, Fleeman has positioned herself favorably for a shot at the elusive season championship. With three races to go entering tonight’s Week 8 action, she sits just 21 points off the lead in a tight Semi-Pro Division.

A bunched group of seven drivers are separated by less than 30 points.

“I think the momentum of that win will hopefully help us,” she said. “It definitely gave me a lot of confidence and momentum to roll into these last (three) races of the season.

We’ll see how it goes, but I’m hoping the momentum will be good for us.”

No matter the outcome of the 2017 racing season, Fleeman has a promising future ahead of her both behind the wheel and as a professional within the industry, and she credits the people around her for the encouragement she’s experienced thus far.

“Everyone is super supportive of it,” she said. “I put a lot of my school into my racing. A lot of my friends come to support me, so it’s a lot of fun to put those together.”

Hammock •From Page 1B “I’m looking forward to it,” Moore said. “I like coaching kids from all over, all different ages and experiences. Obviously, from a business standpoint, it’s good with an MLS team down there (in Atlanta) and it seems the market for soccer is really hot right now. I’m hoping from a timing perspective it’s good. But doing what you love and what you’re passionate about, you can be anywhere doing that and be having fun. But it will be good to reconnect with coaches and players I knew growing up.

“Some Steamers guys I grew up with who are working now with fami-

SOCCER What: Moore Soccer Academy 3-Day Camp with Steamers Futbol Club When: Aug. 4-6 Where: Bethesda Park Schedule: Under-8 to Under-12 Aug. 4 — 6 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 5 — 10 to 11 a.m.

Aug. 6 — 1 to 2 p.m.

Under-13 to Under-19 Aug. 4 — 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 5 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 6 — 2:30 to 4 p.m.

For more information: Contact Kenny Costello at 678-651-6533 or email to UGA0529@ yahoo.com

lies, we’ll try to have a get together. … The Steamers

was the youth club I grew up playing for and we were pretty successful back in the youth days. … With the new (Steamers name), I guess they thought it would be great to have Jason, a former Steamer pro player run a camp and help promote the club. … I’ve done some (soccer events) in (Los Angeles), get some stuff on the West Coast as well as the East Coast. I’ve done a few clinics in Connecticut, New Hampshire, that area. I’ve done stuff in New York. But Atlanta was always the place I wanted to come back to. My roots are here and I wanted to come back down. That’s what I had my eyes on.”

During his trip to Georgia, Moore also plans to

work a camp for his friend, Gavino Asteghene, at Toccoa Falls College. Asteghene runs the Atlanta Calcio Academy and organizes player tours to Italy, and Moore hopes to work with him on future international tours.

His future may include a more permanent return to Georgia, but not any time soon.

“The plan right now is to stick around (Boston) until (my daughter) Amelia graduates from high school,” Moore said. “After that, I may venture out (to Georgia) or somewhere else.”

Will Hammock can be reached via email at will. hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Hebron •From Page 1B

It’s been a process so far, one Saturday has been 417 yards as a freshman pleased with the results in 2016, will leave the Heof, though he knows there bron offense in search of is a lot of work still left if the Lions are to once again some different playmakers. compete for a postseason But Saturday is very opberth. timistic other players will “We’ve worked together step up to fill the void. as a team and set small “Obviously, B.J. was our goals,” Saturday said. best player (last year),” Saturday said. “When you lose Hebron quarterback Troy Allen (5) throws the ball against “We’re about to enter into another phase of that by a kid like that, it’s big. But Athens Academy last season. (Photo: Jim Lacey) getting into real football, Chandler Lewis and Cody and I’m very excited about Borges have jumped back skill position starter from “Guys like that, you the attitude and the effort. in the mix. And Ja’Leak a year ago in quarterback expect them to be there,” “We’re in a tough region Perry has worked hard this Troy Allen.

Saturday said of Allen. summer. All three of those The 6-foot-1, 170-pound With the summer wind- (8-A), and slow and steady is what we really need to guys could help us.” senior accounted for 1,481 ing down, Allen and a focus on. I told the guys Whichever players step yards and five TDs last handful of other experithat we have to out work into the starting lineup at season, but Saturday knows enced players will be imrunning back or receiver, it is Allen’s experience and portant figures as the Lions everybody, and the kids have really answered the the Lions will return perpoise that will most make try to welcome the new call on that.” haps their most important him a valuable asset. players into the system.

Dacula •From Page 1B

McMillan and company on the ground. job. He is working those “We know we are going guys hard and feels that he to have to be balanced and has seen some real progwe feel like we have the ress up front (during the capability to be balanced summer).” with the return of our But Jones also feels quarterback, Shayne Buckconfident in the state of his ingham,” Jones said. “He offense because of the man threw for over 1,000 yards under center. last year and at Dacula, Rising senior quarterthat is the equivalent of back Shayne Buckingham about a million. Of course, will return to lead the that is sarcasm, but we are Falcon offense and his excited about him returnexperience should provide ing.” stability to an offense The possibilities on ofundergoing major changes fense with a senior quarin the trenches. And it terback excite Jones but it should allow the Falcons does not distract him from to become more balanced the task of building up with an effective passhis offensive line to clear ing game to compliment the way for the ground

game that his made Dacula football so successful in the past.

“I feel like with a returning quarterback, we can give him the keys more than we have in the past and be a little more diverse offensively than we have been,” Jones said. “But that being said, the running game has been the hallmark of Dacula football for years and we understand that is where our bread has been buttered and we don’t want to get away from that too much either.”

Despite the uphill climb that he will have with building an offensive line from the ground up, Jones is excited with how his

team is learning and looking in summer practices so far.

While he is not in the business of making predictions for his team so early on, he is ready for his guys to bite down on their mouthpieces and shatter whatever obstacles are thrown their way.

“We have some guys coming back that have played some important roles,” Jones said. “If you’ve known me long at all you’d know that I am the world’s worst at making prognostications. We just want to roll our sleeves up and work as hard as we can. We want to enjoy the process.”

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • B5 FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

G-Braves battered by Indianapolis Freeze resigns from Ole Miss

By David Friedlander

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — Forced into a situation in which they had to stretch their beleaguered bullpen, the Gwinnett Braves ran into a buzzsaw in the form of the Indianapolis Indians in Thursday’s series opener.

The International League West Division leaders erupted for six runs in the top of the first and never looked back, getting a solid start from Pittsburgh prospect Tyler Glasnow to cruise to an 11-1 win before 2,160 fans at Coolray Field.

With Aaron Blair scratched from his scheduled start awaiting word on whether he was to fly to Los Angeles to join the Atlanta Braves, who were working on a possible trade of starter Jaime Garcia throughout Thursday, the G-Braves had to mix and match to eat up innings.

But Indianapolis punished five relief pitchers for 17 hits to extend Gwinnett’s losing streak to five straight games.

Of those hurlers, only Rhiner Cruz managed to emerge unscathed, allowing just one hit in two scoreless

score for an early 6-0 lead.

Ozzie Albies got one of those runs back to lead off the bottom of the inning when he launched a Glasnow (5-0) offering 399 feet onto the berm in rightcenter for a solo home run that pulled the G-Braves to within 6-1.

But that was the GBraves’ only real offensive highlight of the night, and the Indians answered with two more runs off Evan Phillips, aided by the rightPressed into relief duty Thursday for the Gwinnett hander’s throwing error on Braves, infielder Matt Tuiasosopo made his first career a pick-off attempt, in the pitching appearance and tossed a scoreless top of the top of the second to push ninth in Lawrenceville. (Photo: Taylor Botta) their lead to 8-1. innings. giving up hits to the first Indianapolis added on To save further overseven Indians hitters, another run on Wood’s 14th work by the bullpen, the including RBI singles from homer of the season in the G-Braves turned to veteran Elias Diaz, Danny Ortiz, fifth inning, plus a two-run first baseman/designated former G-Brave Phil Gosblast by Jordan Luplow in hitter Matt Tuiasosopo to selin and Eric Wood. the eighth. pitch the ninth, with the When Gift Ngope and Three different Indians 31-year-old right-hander Glasnow subsequently — Gosselin, Luplow and striking out two in a hitless, walked, the first nine hitters Kevin Newman — had scoreless inning. had successfully reached three hits each, with the latBut it was hardly enough base, with the only out of ter coming in his first Triple to overcome Indianapolis’ the inning to that point A game after being called early explosion, as well as being recorded when Jace up from Double A Altoona. six solid innings from Glas- Peterson’s relay cut down The two teams return now (5-0), who allowed Diaz at the plate on the to Coolray Field tonight just four hits and a run and back end of Ortiz’s hit. at 7:05 for Game 2 of the struck out 11 against five When the proverbial series, with veteran rightwalks. smoke cleared, Indianapohander Kris Medlen (1-2) David Peterson (1-3) lis had sent 11 men to the taking the mound against bore the brunt of Indianap- plate, with six of them Indianapolis righty Clay olis’ first-inning onslaught, coming back around to Holmes (7-4).

think there was even a conversation. There’s University of Missisnothing to it.” Mississippi head football coach sippi was already under Hugh Freeze abruptly a self-imposed one-year resigned, effective imbowl ban for the 2017 mediately, with Rebels season after being notified of eight new alleged assistant coach Matt NCAA rules violations Luke taking over as the in addition to 13 preinterim head coach, acexisting allegations. cording to the program Among the NCAA Thursday night.

The news comes after charges was a lack of Yahoo Sports’ Pat Forde institutional control and tweeted that, “explosive a charge against Freeze new information has put for failing to monitor his Ole Miss football coach staff.

In January 2016, the Hugh Freeze’s job in university received a immediate jeopardy. A notice of allegations decision should come involving football, soon,” roughly 30 minwomen’s basketball and utes before the university announced Freeze’s track and field from an investigation that began resignation.

Forde followed up his in 2012.

Thirteen of the allegatweet with a report that the school found at least tions were connected to football. one call from Freeze to Former University of an escort service on his school-issued cell phone. Mississippi head coach Houston Nutt filed a “I’ve got no idea, to federal lawsuit against be honest,” Freeze told Yahoo Sports of the call Ole Miss last week, claiming Freeze and athearly last year. “I was in an 813 area code and letic director Ross Bjork violated the university’s that was a 313 number, 2011 severance agreeI think that might have ment. been a misdial. I don’t The Sports Xchange

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

ADOPTIONS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA CIVIL ACTION FILE NUMBER: 17-91-10 IN RE: PETITION OF LICONA CARBAJAL LEOBARDO, STEP-PARENT FOR THE ADOPTION OF J.M.D.F. and H.S.D. MINOR CHILDREN NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION RE: Adoption of abovenamed children, born to MARICELA FRANCO AMADOR on May 26, 2005 (male child), in Fulton, Georgia, and on November 8, 2002 (female child) in Fulton, Georgia, respectively TO: NAJERA DELOYA, Miguel Angel whose last known address is 4102 Sturgeon Cir., Buford, GA 30518, Gwinnett County, and any unknown putative fathers: The above action was filed in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, on May 22, 2017. You are hereby notified that you will lose all rights to both children and will neither receive notice nor be entitled to object to the adoption of the children unless, within 30 days of receipt of this notice, you file: (1) A Petition to Legitimate the children pursuant to O.C.G.A. 19-7-22 or an acknowledgement of legitimation pursuant to O.C.G.A. 19-7-21.1; (2) Notice of filing of the petition to legitimate of acknowledgement of legitimation with the court in which this action is pending and (3) notice of filing to the person providing this notice, the attorney named below. The Petitioners attorney is Armando Rois-Mendez, 213 W. Pike St., Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. 678 625 3232.

901-498487, 7/21,26,8/2

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP NO: PWUP 17-06 Cured-in-Place Storm Pipe Relining Project VARIOUS LOCATIONS: Norcross, GA 30071 Proposals for Storm Pipe Relining will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Friday, August 11th, 2017 by 10:00am.

Any proposals received after the designated closing time will be returned unopened.

This project intends to address metal storm pipes that are in need of repair in the City of Norcross and will extend the life of the storm pipes and culverts in the following vicinities: 1. Lanier Boulevard 2. Atlantic Boulevard 3. Cochran Drive 4. Queens Court 5. Exeter Circle The storm pipes are located on the accompanying maps. The quantities and sizes are summarized on the accompanying bid sheet.

The pipes are intended to be rehabilitated in place by the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) method following the accompanying specifications.

Full details can be found at the following link: http:// www.norcrossga.net/bids. aspx?bidID=67 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, Director of Public Works, Utilities & Parks / ACM, City of Norcross and marked Cured-in-Place Storm Pipe Relining Project / PWUP 17-06.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

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 17-06 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Melissa Zeigler at melissa. zeigler@norcrossga.net.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: PWUP 17-06 requirements.

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

902-497870, 7/14,21

TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH LICENSE BY FILING SAID WRITTEN OBJECTIONS WITH THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOL LICENSE AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN FILED ON JUNE 19, 2017 WITH THE CLERK OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE FOR A LICENSE TO M A N U FA C T U R E MALT BEVERAGES

BY THE FOLLOWING APPLICANT AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION, TO WIT: APPLICANT/OWNER: 1821 BrewHouse, Inc. d/b/a Slow Pour Brewing Company REGISTERED AGENT: Jeremy Mazzawi BUSINESS NAME: 1821 BrewHouse, Inc. d/b/a Slow Pour Brewing Company LOCATION: 407 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, GA, 30046 APPLICABLE SHAREHOLDERS: Jeremy Mazzawi & John Reynolds, Jr. 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 GRANT-

9 0 4 - 4 9 7 4 2 6 , 7/19,21,26,28

JUVENILE COURT IN THE JUVENILE COURT FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA IN THE INTEREST OF: J.W. File Number: 10053 Sex: Male Age: 11 DOB: 6-28-06 Case Number: 029-17-0473 A Child Under 18 Years of Age. NOTICE OF SUMMONS TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, Jerry Barbee, legal father of the subject child; and anyone claiming to have a parental interest in the minor child named above. The mother of said child is Camela McCann (Barbee).

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the above styled action seeking an order terminating parental rights to the above listed child was filed against you in the AthensClarke County Juvenile Court on May 19, 2017, and an Order for Service by Publication was entered by the AthensClarke County Juvenile Court on July 5th, 2017.

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED AND REQUIRED to appear before the Juvenile Court of Clarke County, Georgia, located at 325 East Washington Street; Athens, Georgia, on the 29th day of August, 2017 at 9:00 o’clock, a.m. The hearing is for the purpose of determining whether or not your parental rights to the above listed child should be terminated.

A copy of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights may be obtained from the Clerk of the Juvenile Court at 325 E. Washington Street, Room 115, Athens, Georgia, 30601, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. exclusive of holidays. A free copy shall be available to the parents.

Upon request, the copy will be mailed to the requester.

The child is in the present physical custody of AthensClarke County Department of Family and Children Services.

The general nature of the allegations is that the all parental rights to the above listed child should be terminated. Said order terminating parental rights is without limit as to duration and terminates all the parents’ rights and obligations with respect to the child and all rights and obligations of the child to the parent arising from the parental relationship, including rights of inheritance. The parent is not thereafter entitled to notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child by another, nor has the parent any rights to object to the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that you lose all rights to the child and will neither receive notice nor be entitled to object to the termination of your parental rights to the above named child unless, within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this notice, you file: (1) A petition to legitimate the child pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-11-283 et seq.; and (2) Provide notice of the filing of the petition to legitimate with the Court in which this action is pending.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that while responsive pleadings are not mandatory

JUVENILE COURT

PUBLIC HEARINGS

they are permissible and you are encouraged to file with the Clerk of this court and serve upon Petitioner’s attorney, Randall H. Forester, P.O. Box 1985, Athens, Georgia, 30603, an answer or other responsive pleading within sixty (60) days of the date of the order for service by publication.

All concerned parties are informed that they are entitled to have an attorney represent them, and if a party is entitled to counsel during the proceedings, the Court will appoint counsel, at no cost if the party is unable, without undue financial hardship to employ counsel.

WITNESS THE HONORABLE Robin W. Shearer, Judge of the Juvenile Court.

This 5th day of July, 2017.

Regina Thomas Clerk, Juvenile Court Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Prepared and presented by: Randall H. Forester Special Assistant Attorney General State Bar Number: 269175 P.O. Box 1985 Athens, Ga 30603 913-496616, 7/7,14,21,28

Lawrenceville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. 928-497537, 7/14,21

PUBLIC HEARINGS ABANDONED VEHICLES: RE: Tow Dolley Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from Zoar Road and Centerville Highway located in Snellville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: Utility Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. TL094L6 COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from North Berkley Lake Road and Pleasant Hill Road located in Duluth, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: 2014 Jonway Gator Sports Scooter VIN LH1TLBBN6DB001561 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above scooter was initially removed from 1414 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, Ga. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The scooter is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: Boat Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. GA5787 (GA) COLOR WHITE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from 998 Falconcrest Drive located in L

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 JULY 22, 2017. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 22 JULY 2017 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com 2007 Anderson LS58 Utility Trailer 4YNBN08117C051435 2009 Nissan Maxima 1N4AA51E49C809088 1998 Kawasaki KX250 Dirtbike JKAKXMKC3WA033610 2015 Dodge Dart 1C3CDFAA0FD404210 1989 Chevrolet P30 Motorhome 1GBKP37W2K3309894 2001 Lexus GS 300 JT8BD69SX10124605 2010 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WA5EKXA1250262 2005 Toyota Camry 4T1BE30K35U518337 1994 Chevrolet C1500 2GCEC19K9R1208354 2006 Honda Civic 1HGFA16886L040314 2005 Volvo XC90 YV1CZ592851172566 2003 Hyundai Sonata KMHWF25S83A740114 2003 Acura MDX 2HNYD18883H541847 2004 Honda CBF1000 JH2SC57054M005879 1995 Chevrolet 4000 Box Truck J8BC4B1K1S7016920 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300TD WDBJF25H2XA924455 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 1G1BN51HXJR138906 Homemade Trailer NO VIN 2012 Nissan Versa 3N1CN7AP7CL867974 1997 Nissan Pickup 1N6SD11S4VC416719 1996 Nissan Pathfinder JN8AR05S5TW039290 2003 Nissan Maxima JN1DA31D83T504786 1997 Chevrolet C1500 1GCEC14W4VZ227132 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue 1G3WS52H1YF114649 2004 Hyundai Sonata KMHWF35H04A018826 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2G1WW12E439266759 *** REBUILT *** 2011 Hyosung GT250 KM4MJ5276B1700329 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WR544141181537 1994 Lexus LS 400 JT8UF11E2R0190346 1998 Honda Accord 1HGCG1644WA033273 1986 Chevrolet Caprice 1G1BL69H6GY132308 1990 Cadillac Eldorado 1G6EL1338LU617784 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WP522341278567 2007 Dodge Caliber 1B3HB48B47D522287 2012 Ford Fiesta 3FADP4EJ0CM171439

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4GX48SX2C116678 2001 Dodge Stratus 1B3AJ46U11N535640 1992 Dodge Dakota 1B7FL26X6NS515386 1997 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D8VT814915 2003 Toyota Camry 4T1BE32K13U170418 2004 Hyundai Tiburon KMHHN65F34U108921 929-497540, 7/14,21 NOTICE Scotty’s Thrifty Storage–Duluth shall conduct a public sale on the following spaces at 3280 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096 on Thursday July 27th, at 3:00 p.m.

Unit B24 Joe Beck Unit is said to contain lamps, shelves, tables, chairs, pictures, fireplace tools, garbage bags, boxes and tubs.

Unit D12 Carolyn Rich Unit is said to contain furniture/chests, tables, headboard, ironing board, suitcases, clothes, tubs, garbage bags and boxes.

Unit D55 Cesar Juarz Unit is said to contain 13 horse power ditch witch walk behind trencher chasy motor is good 2 case attachments trenchers hydrolic trenchers 6 drill bits for drive way boring 11 assortments of cable 4 trenching blades-different 5 gallons of Rotella hydrolic fluid.

929-497868, 7/14,21 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart #6929, 5985 South Norcross Tucker Road, Norcross, GA 30093, to satisfy a lien 08/10/2017 at approx. 2:00 PM.at www. storagetreasures.com.

Name Unit # Unique M McWilliams B053 Roger A Guifarro Sosa B055 Roberto Hernandez B066 Paul Descartes Acloque B079 Rita Coger C079 929-497993, 7/21,28 NOTICE The following vehicle(s) have been deemed abandoned and filed with the Magistrate Court to be sold at public auction on 08/10/2017 at 10am. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law: 2006 BMW VIN:WBAHL83576DT00584 @ Peayton Auto & Collision LLC 275 Maltbie St Lawrenceville GA 929-498384, 7/21,28 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart 3766 Holcomb Bridge Rd Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 to satisfy a lien on August 10, 2017 at approx. 2:00 pm at www. storagetreasures.com] Name Unit # General Description of Property Axel G Arroyo Hernandez 229 Household Items Sonya Merritt 178 Household Items KhaiYah Tracy Wright 195 Household Items Brittany Furr 360 Household Items Cindy C Garguilo 232 Household Items Maryann J Lasure 207 Household Items Natalie Kio 3 3 6 Household Items 929-499126, 7/21,28

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NOTICE There will be sold at public auction on Wednesday 2 of August, 2017 at 11:00 am the following vehicle at Bossi Auto Repair, 4598 Buford Hwy, Ste-D, Norcross, GA 30071, 2003 HONDA CIVIC, VIN: JHMES96693S006466; 2001 FORD F150, VIN: 1FTRX18LX1NB54579; RELIABLE COMPLETE REPAIRS LLC. 1635 BEAVER RUIN RD. NORCROSS, GA. 30093, 2008 VOLVO VIN: 4V4NC9TG88N496534.

QUALITY AUTO CARE CENTER, 3222 LEONORA CHURCH RD STE.200, SNELLVILLE GA 30039, 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, VIN: 1GCFG15X191104795, GABO’S CAR CENTER INC, 1770 INDIAN TRAIL RD. STE-200-32, NORCROSS, GA. 30093, 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, VIN: 1GNDS13S422116847; declared abandoned and foreclosed vehicles pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 40-11-5 929-499135, 7/21,28 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE In accordance with Georgia Law Chapter 40-11-5 the following vehicles have been deemed abandoned and will be sold at a public sale on AUG 4TH @ 3:00 Said Vehicles are located at: 4095 Pleasant Hill Road VIN# WBAWL73528P178073 2008 BMW 335I VIN# WDDDJ72X77A094308 2007 MERBNZ CLS550 Sale will be held at 11:00 on 8-4-17 Location: 4796 Hwy 78 Lilburn, GA 30047 VIN# WBAET37412NG78169 02 BMW 325i Sale will be held at 12:15 on 8-4-17 Location: 1386 Indian Trl-Lilburn Rd #100 NORCROSS, Ga. 30093 VIN# 2C3KA43R76H159503 2006 Chrysler 300 Sale will be held at 1:45 on 8-4-17 Location: 1400 Pleasnat Hill Rd #A Lawrenceville, GA 30044 929-497515, 7/14,21 There will be sold at public outcry for cash at Willard Wrecker Service, 719 Shadburn Avenue, Buford, GA 30518, on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM the following vehicles declared abandoned or foreclosed vehicles pursuant to O.C.G.A Section 40-11-05, as follows: #; Year; Make; Model; VIN 1 1997 Toyota Camry 4T1BF22K4VU022466 2 Utility T796203 3 1991 Chevrolet C2500 1GCFC24K0ME217145 4 2000 Ford Expedition 1FMRU15L8YLA78343 5 2005 Pontiac Sunfire 3G2JB12F65S114675 6 2003 Kia Sorento KNDJD733735079259 7 2000 BMW 323i WBAAM3331YKC66840 8 2005 Chevrolet Uplander 1GNDV23L65D177289 9 2004 Cadillac CTS 1G6DM577240123121 1

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 10 2002 Land Rover Discovery Series II SALTY15432A748965 11 1987 Lincoln Town Car 1LNBM82F9HY659023 12 2005 BMW 325i WBAET37465NJ86643 13 2001 Nissan Altima 1N4DL01D01C116931 14 2004 Ford Focus 1FAFP36384W184685 15 1995 Ford F-150 1FTEX15N9SKB40731 16 2006 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E06C803198 17 2003 Dodge Neon 1B3ES56C83D170362 18 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty 1FTWX33S2XEE16701 19 2003 Nissan Xterra 5N1ED28Y13C666007 20 2015 Chrysler 200 1C3CCCAB7FN590669 21 1998 GMC Savana 1GTFG25M3W1075873 22 2005 Nissan Quest 5N1BV28U25N105741 23 2004 Cadillac CTS 1G6DM577440133486 24 1999 Honda Accord 1HGCG5653XA020984 25 1994 Honda Civic 1HGEJ2229RL013677 26 2002 Honda Accord 1HGCG56652A033026 27 2000 Toyota Camry 4T1BG22K6YU658565 28 1997 Chrysler Sebring 3C3EL55H1VT528606 29 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2G1WW12E929250636 30 1998 Dodge Caravan 2B4GP45G5WR742770 31 1996 Lincoln Town Car 1LNLM81W0TY696203 32 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 2D4GP44393R160347 33 2008 Honda Civic 1HGFA16898L086415 34 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager 2P4GP4437VR262855 3

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 35 2003 Saturn VUE 5GZCZ63B43S841863 36 2002 Ford Ranger 1FTYR14E32PB62672 37 2005 Jeep Liberty 1J4GK58K25W600139 38 2010 Hyundai Elantra KMHDU4AD7AU024106 39 1998 Ford Explorer 1FMZU32P4WUA38240 40 1991 Toyota Supra JT2MA70M7M0157680 41 1997 Chrysler Town & Country 1C4GP64L3VB305179 42 2001 Honda Civic 1HGEM21931L047642 43 2000 Honda Odyssey 2HKRL1856YH529701 44 1999 Ford Expedition 1FMPU18L9XLA91734 45 1994 Ford F150 1FTDF15Y6RNB39683 46 1992 Honda Accord JHMCB7554NC023435 47 2005 Cadillac STS 1G6DW677550164019 48 2003 Pontiac Grand AM 1G2NF52F33C168905 49 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4GZ78Y7VC619685 50 2003 Hyundai Tiburon KMHHN65F33U027884 51 2001 Honda Civic 2HGES26721H546104 52 2000 Nissan Xterra 5N1ED28TXYC551871 53 2002 Honda Civic 2HGES16582H503767 54 2008 Hyosung GT25R Motorcycle KM4MJ527491604175 929-496953, 7/14,21,28

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on August 7, 2017, U-Haul Company of Atlanta North will be offering for sale under the contractual landlords lien process by public auction the following storage units. The goods to be sold are generally described as household goods. U-Haul reserves the right to refuse any and al bids. Payment will be made in cash only. The sale wil begin at 1290 Pleasant Hill Rd Lawrencville, GA 30043 at 8:30am and continue to each location. Location stops subject to change or cancel.

U-Haul Moving & Storage @ Lawrenceville: 1290 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lawrenceville GA 30044 -

0721_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 7/20/2017 5:15 PM Page B6

B6 • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS -(770) 381-9793: Jamal Johnson #2126, Ciera Byrd #1208, Janie Pinkard #0711, Lashaunda Newton #0406.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Snellville: 2161 Hewatt Rd, Snellville GA, 30039(770) 979-5237: Archie Hampton #236, Kimberly Prescott #001, Aubrey Jenkins #253, Mike Truitt #124, Ayesha Dockery #104 & # 108, Crystal Dickens #169.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Rockbridge: 140 Rockbridge, Lilburn GA, 30047(770) 717-9666: Adam Rostin #4146, John Herd #352, Moses Awotona #395.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Norcross: 5365 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross GA 30093- (770) 447-5017: Tiffany Defreese #1015, Rosalind Latham #B102, Alfonso Rodriguez #1076, Debra White #B107-09, Rigoberto Benitez #1077, Renne Shawver #1003, Phillip Foti #B131, Saadia Holloway #B202, Eatta Clardy #B216, Cindy Hardin #1018, Dean Davis #B123, Gloria Ann Williams #1060.

929-499142, 7/21,28

FULL TIME

AUTO MECHANIC Hiring Auto Mechanic. Must have exp. Top Pay DOE. ASC pref., but not required. Call or apply to: Andy 678-760-1112 2779 Cruse Rd. Lawrenceville, GA 30044

gwinnettdailypost.com

FULL TIME

FULL TIME

Dental Technicians

HOUSES FOR SALE

Pittman Dental Laboratory

CRAFTSMAN ELECTRICIAN Gwinnett County Public Schools is seeking a skilled Electrician. The position requires a valid Georgia drivers license and high school diploma/GED. Military journeyman certificate, trade or contractor license preferred, and a minimum of (5) years of electrical experience in commercial construction, building maintenance or other related experience.

Must possess electrical code knowledge.

The position is responsible for installations, repairs and preventative maintenance to building electrical systems and equipment, including high and low voltage.

Must be customer focused, team oriented.

To learn more and apply visit gcpsjobs.org Apply Online to Job ID 52422 And Fax cover letter and resume 678-377-3957 EOE

Gainesville, GA Has immediate openings for Entry Level or Experienced Dental Technicians for Day or Night Shift. Please send resume to careers@pittman dental.com.

No phone calls please.

ELECTRICIANS & HELPERS Experienced Commercial Electricians and Helpers Needed. Immediate Full-Time Positions Available.

Wage negotiable, Benefits Available.

Contact Scott 678-776-1447. Applications available at 117 Park West Dr. McDonough, GA 30253 Land Survey Technician We’re currently seeking a person with a love of the outdoors as a survey field technician. No experience is necessary.

As a Survey Field Technician you would provide field support to our registered land surveyor. Please email your resume to info@bluelandworks. com. No phone calls please. Visit bluelandworks.com/ employment for more information. Salary range $12-$20/hour

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

MOUNTAIN PROPERTY FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30043 1169 MAUDE WAY

WINDER, GA 30680 321 DREAMLAND CT.

EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

SOUTH CAROLINA Cliffs at Glassey: 3 Rocky Gap Court, Landrum, SC 4BR/3BA Open Floor Plan in a Gated Community with Many Amenities.

Bsmt., deck, fplc. in liv. area. Sky Lights in Mstr. BR. Located within an easy drive to Hendersonville, NC or Greenville, SC $425,000. Call CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644

LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 4665 Atlanta Highway

GRAYSON, GA 30017 1688 SILVERGRASS LANE

UNDER CONTRACT! HUD CASE #105-296897

LEASE/PURCHASE AVAILABLE! Beautiful 2 Story with Massive Space and Extensive Moldings and Trim.

Sits On Full Unfinished Basement. 5BR/4.5BA. A Must See! $415,900 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com HULL, GA 30646 72 AIKEN RD.

BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE LOT! Spacious 3 BR/3 full BA Ranch on 3.650 acre lot. Fireside family room w/laminate flooring. Bright kitchen w/ breakfast area & tons of cabinet space & appliances. Large deck overlooking back yard.

EHO. $149,900.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

LOVELY 3BR & 2.5BA CAPE COD With Master On Main.

Secondary Bedrooms Upstairs, Full Basement. Uninsured. $116,500 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths with hardwood entry and carpets in bedrooms.

Large vaulted family room with laminate floors.

Kitchen w/large island. $110,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 1096 MASTERS LANE

NEW HUD LISTING! HUD CASE#105-649071 2-Story Traditional Home! Separate formal living & dining room.

Spacious kitchen has breakfast bar & area.

Fireside family rooms with brick surround.

FHA insured with escrow. EHO. $160,000.

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

DAT ATA TA E ENTR NTR RY Y Le ega ga al Ad Adv dve vertising 5 (XJOOFU 5IF FUU %BJMZ 1PTU MFHBM BEWFSSUJTJOH EFQQBSSUNFOU JT TTFFLJOH B ccaanndidat ate te to fill a ffull time DDat atta Ent nttrry ppoossittioon. TThis is a ffull time QQPPTJUJPO .POEBZ UUISP S VHI 'SJEBZ Ide eal Can e ndida dat ate te: t AAble to aaccccurat ate telyy tyyppe a minimum of 445 wpm. t 11PTTF PTTFT FYYDDFMMFOU TQFMMJOH BOE QSPPG SPP SFBBEJOH TLJMMT t )BWF X XPSL S JOH LOPXMFFEHF PPG .BD BOE PS 1$ DDPNQQVU VUFST t Be deettaaileed oorrieent ntteed. t 8PSL XFMM JO B GGBBTU QBDDFE F UFBN PSJFOUUFFE FOWJSPONFOU t #F BCMF UP NVMUJ UBTL t #F SFMJBBCMF BOE XPSL P XFMM XJUI NJOJNVN TVQFSSWWJTJPO t )BWF FYYDDFMMFOU DVTUUPPNFS TFSSWJDDF TLJMMT Compaanyy is a highly l re respect cte ted, prrof ofittable orgaanization tthat at hhas aas been in opperation for ovveer 330 yeaarrs aas print andd digital igiittal business. businesss.

8F PGGFS WWBDBU B B JPO TJDL EBZT BOE IFBMUI CFOFGJUT *G ZPV IBWF UIF J H GPS B DBSFFS JO JO B GS J OEEMZ GBTU BCCPWF RVBMJGJDBU B JPOT BOEE BSF MPPLLJO G JF paced envirronment, pleaase send yoour resume along witth a co c ov e r let ett tte ter to: Josalyn Gibson Resources Director Director Human Resources josalyn.gibson@scompapers.com Subject Line: Data Entr Entryy Legal Advertising Position

LAKE OCONEE! Beautiful Shaded Lake Lot With Hardwoods With Great Views of Lake Oconee.

EHO • $240,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com SOUTH CAROLINA LAKE KEOWEE Must See This 3 PLUS Acres With 1500 Feet Of Shore Line, Cabin, & Mountain Views.

This Is An Amazing Property & It Is A Real Must See! $1,650,000.

Agent owned. Call CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644

COMMERCIAL SPACES FOR LEASE Suite 100 & 200 Suite 100 End Unit Available for Immediate Occupancy DO NOT DISTURB TENANTS, Call Agent Only!

Suite 200 Available October 1st Suite 100 Is 1,319 Sq. Ft. $1,485 per mo Suite 200 Is 1261 Sq. Ft. Combined Spaces Are 2,580 Sq. Ft. $3,225 Per Month

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE EATONTON, GA 31024 176 Twisting Hill Rd.

MOTIVATED SELLER Beautiful Lake Front Property On Deeded Lot! In-ground Salt Water Pool, Detached 2 Car Carport, Front/ Back & Side Porches!

FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT 4BR/4BA $550,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

GARAGE SALES MOUNTAIN PROPERTY FOR SALE NORTH CAROLINA AMAZING 3BR/2BA LOG CABIN! Hand Hewed VA logs with Tennessee rock fireplace. Located on top of a mountain in Saluda, NC. Porch, deck, waterfall, surrounded by Rhododendrons & mountain laurel.

Mountain views!

This is a real gem & A MUST SEE!!

5 acres & log cabin. $475,000 Additional acreage & house available.

Call for details.

CONNIE FINLEY Felix Finley Real Estate NC and SC 864-878-7776 864-449-3644

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

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

Starting @ $950/mo.

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

770-513-3151

FOND MEMORIES SALE ON ALL ITEMS IN THE STORE! 25% OFF ITEMS OVER $10 AUGUST 1ST-15TH 4850 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 603 Lawrenceville, GA 30044 (In Sugarloaf Crossing Shopping Center near Publix)

678-225-5118 Hours: 10AM-6PM (Closed Sundays)

Gw Gwi wiin nne neett tt D Dai aiil ily lyy Poosst h haas a ful fu ullll-tiime me 2n 2nd nd SSh hiif ift ft posi sit iti tio ion on fo for or a qqu ual allifi ifie fied ed iind ndi div ivi vid idu du ual. u all. Mu Mu usst h hav avvvee at lea le eaasst 5 years yyeear arrs weeb pr preesss ex exp xp peeri rie ien enc nce cee.

Position Position oosi sit iti tio ion on will wil wi illl be b reesp spoon nssiibl ble le foor maaiin m nte ten en naanc nce ce aand nd d pr preess ss op per era rat ati tio ioon iin a faast st p paced aced ceed eenv envir nvi viirron onme men en nt .

Hoour H urss aare arre: Tuesday-S Tuesday-S uesdayy-SSat ue atu turd urrday 5p pm too 3am. am. m.

Emai Em ail il oor fa fax axx reessum ume me to to:: joosa sal aly lyyn.gi giibson@ssc sco coompaapers.co coom Or fa O fax ax to:: 777 770-277-5277 70-277-5277 70 27777-5277 77

/ P 1IPOF $BMMT 1MFBTF t & 0 & t %SVH 'SFF 8PSLQMBDF /P 1IPOF $BMMT 1MFBTF t & 0 & t %SVH 'SFF 8PSLQMBDF

Don’t Spend $4000 or $5000 to Change Your Existing Tub Into a Walk-In Shower!

SERVICES

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

GTS

BRYAN’S TREE & HANDYMAN SERVICES • Total Tree Removal • Plant Trees • Plant Shrubs • Shrub Removal • Bobcat Work • Dump Truck Work • Grass Planting • Gutters • Storm Drains • Pressure Washing • Painting • Roofing Repairs • Wood Repairs • Driveway Repairs

ROOFING & REMODELING

We can transform your existing tub into a walk-in shower. $1595 TO $1795 Call 678-468-4083

495536-1

495407-1

PENDING OFFER! HUD CASE # 105-124891

Through a partnership with Georgia MLS, HOMESOURCE users can access nearly 100,000 statewide property listings in Georgia.

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

770-962-2071 Credit Cards Accepted

• Roofing • Basement Finishing • Kitchen Remodeling • Bath Remodeling • Additions • Decks • Fencing • Painting • General Repairs Licensed & Insured

CALL: 770-771-2810

gahomesource.net

7 DAYS A WEEK Senior Citizen Discount - Insured 20years Experience

678-654-8329

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

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

Delivered & Dumped LICENSED

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

POWER WASHING

PRESSURE WASHING

M&M Lawn Maintenance All Types of Yard Work * Lawns starting at $30 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 For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

404.886.3587 Established 1989

0721_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 7/20/2017 5:15 PM Page B7

gwinnettdailypost.com APPLIANCES

VEHICLES

APPLIANCES

CHEVROLET, 1977

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

LAWN & GARDEN GARDEN TRACTOR CRAFTSMAN RUNS - BUT NEEDS SOME WORK. $100 FIRM 770-385-1987

Short Bed - $6900 Super Bargain. Yellow/ black exterior & interior, big block steel cowel hood, 12 bolt rear end, new seats, headliner dash. Super bargain!

Ready for big block or vortec.

Call 770-882-4605

PETS/LIVESTOCK

DOGS

MINIATURE DACHSHUNDS CKC Registered, purebred. Male puppies. $350 each.

706-809-8388 SUPPLIES GWINNETT COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE & ENFORCEMENT NEEDS

• BATH TOWELS • FULL/TWIN BLANKETS Please Drop Off at 884 Winder Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 770-339-3200

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VEHICLES

MERCEDES-BENZ, 560 SL, 1988 79,630 One Owner Miles. Only $16,900!

Fabulous and Selling Thousands Under The Market. Auto Check Scores These Cars 25-45. The Great Classic Scored 60.

Desert Taupe with Chocolate Leather.

This Car Spent It’s Life in Tampa Bay Fla with the Elderly Owner. $4000 Was Just Spent On Preventive Maintenence. This Great 560 Sold For $62,500 New and Should Appreciate Up To That Price.

Drive Anywhere.

Call 770-895-7161

GWINNETT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

LINERS

DODGE RAM SRT 10, 2004, VIPER TRUCK $18,900 - 73,300 Miles.

Wow... This Is As Nice As You Will Find. Body and Interior are Close To New. Black/Black Babied Beauty. 6 Speed Transmission Has 35K Miles. Beefed Up V-10 Engine Was Completely Rebuilt 9,000 Miles Ago By Top Mopar Shop..

(Have Many Photos) Fabulous Garage Kept and Super Rare. With Thousand Of $ Of Extras. Only 3,057 Were Built In 2004.

National Prices $23,000-$39,000. This Super Desirable Truck is a Masterpiece and Super Mean with No Accidents. Drive Daily and It Is Super Collectible.

770-873-2627 FORD STEP SIDE, 1969 - VERY RARE!

GWINNETT COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE & ENFORCEMENT NEEDS 351 Cleveland, All New $1500 Brake System, Rare Air Conditioned, Hurst Floor Shifter.

Previous Marine Owner For 35 Years! Great Barn Find! Super Rare Truck For Restoration! $6,900. 770-882-4605 CAMPERS/RVS

VEHICLES CADILLAC DTS, 2006 Elderly Owner!

Every Option!

New Michelins.

Garage Kept. Like New! $6,295. 770-616-7399

JEEP WRANGLER, SPORT 4.0, 1998 Red With Black Top, Lift Kit, New Tires, Many Extras. Looks & Drives Great! $7500.

770-519-3438

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Monday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 11:30 am

PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Friday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

To place a Classified ad please call

BIG HORN 5TH WHEEL, 2013 • 2BR/1.5BA • 4 Bump Outs • Outdoor Kitchen • Electric Fireplace • 40 Ft. $37,000 770-712-9993

494745-1

Please Drop Off at 884 Winder Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 770-339-3200

PUBLICATION DAY

DISPLAY ADS

NOTICES

• BATH TOWELS • FULL/TWIN BLANKETS

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • B7

770-236-9988

to speak with a Sales Rep. or you can place an ad online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Your Online Connection To All Things Local Whether you’re looking for a restaurant, car repair or where to shop for that perfect outfit, Marketplace is the place to find it and more!

425053-1

Are you a business owner? Claim your business and take advantage of everything Marketplace has to offer.

www.GwinnettDailyPost.com/Marketplace

we Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY JULY 21, 2017

a dark

tale ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ comes to the Aurora Theatre

— Page 4C

10 spot

a look ahead

the

The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine weighed in on the best domestic airports, rating them on things such as access, check-in and security, restaurants and bars, shopping and design. In a story posted last week, the magazine rated the following airports as the top 10 in the country:

the dish

— Page 2C Movie reviews of ‘Dunkirk’ and other films begin on Page 6C

1. Portland International 2. Indianapolis International 3. Tampa International 4. John Wayne Airport, Orange County, Calif.

5. Austin-Bergstrom International, Texas 6. Pittsburgh International 7. Minneapolis-St. Paul International 8. Savannah-Hilton Head International 9. Palm Beach International 10. Dallas Love Field

493382-3

THIS IS SUWANEE suwanee-gdp-template-ads-2017.indd 3

Aug. 4 Trains, Trucks and Tractors — The Southeastern Railway Museum will host the three-day event, which will include exhibits featuring trucks and tractors in addition to the usual trains. For more information, call 770-4762013.

Aug. 5 Button Down Dash — The annual 5K/10K is presented by Gwinnett Medical Center and promotes health in the community. Cost is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K. For more information, go to buttondowndash.com.

Aug. 12 Inflatable Fun Run — This is a 5K with a twist — inflatable obstacles roughly every half mile. Be prepared to get wet on the final obstacle, a water slide to end the race. The race will be held at Duluth’s Scott Hudgens Park and the event will last from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.duluthga.net.

UPCOMING FUN! JULY 22

• Broadway in the Park 5K & Fun Run • Movies Under the Stars Double Feature

JULY 28-29

Broadway in the Park presents The Lion King Jr. & Madagascar Jr.

SUWANEE.COM 7/11/17 2:15 PM

2C • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

dish

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

the

Blazin’ Cajun 4500 Satellite Boulevard, No. 1180, Duluth 770-609-8148

Blazin’ Cajun serves authentic po’boys with a generous helping of fries. (Photo: Savannah Peat)

not just his expertise that makes Blazin’ Cajun’s menu cailin.obrien authentic.

Do and Tran said @gwinnettdailypost.com On the Menu a bulk of the restaurant’s 1 Dozen Raw Oysters Open since: Blazin’ ingredients come directly — $14.99 Cajun has been open for from a distributor that only Blazin Cajun Crawfish — Creole boiled with about three years, but new services the Big Easy.

New Orleans original management took over in That differentiates the seasoning. Made with November. restaurant from other Cajun crawfish shipped live Owners: Partners Khoa joints in the area. from Louisiana during Do, Daniel Tran, Giao “For example, when you live crawfish season.

Pham and Trieu Nguyen are go to other places, their spicMarket Price. the newest owners of the es and batter might be from Blazin’ Seafood Mix restaurant. a local company or a vendor — Crawfish, mussels or “It’s something we’ve like Cisco or U.S. Food,” clams, snow crab legs, been wanting to do for a Do said. “Here, we drive to shrimp, smoked sausage, corn and potatoes New Orleans. All batters and long time,” Tran said. “It was creole boiled with New all seasonings — we buy it just a matter of finding the Orleans original seasonfrom down in Louisiana.” right place.” ing. Half order for $29.99.

Location: Blazin’ Cajun Do and the team take Full order for $54.99 is located in the Paragon at those authentic Cajun Crawfish Fried Rice Satellite shopping center, a ingredients to create a menu — Fried rice mixed with developing center that Tran Tran said would make New Above, Blazin’ Cajun serves seafood stir-fried rice.

(Photo: Savannah Peat) Below, Blazin’ crawfish carted in live said is already experiencing Cajun’s decorations are made entirely of recycled materials. (Staff Photo: Cailin O’Brien) Orleans proud. That includes from Louisiana during seafood boils, rice dishes foot traffic. crawfish season. $13.99 Hours: Open every day and, of course, po’boys. Tran Shrimp Po’Boy — An authentic Cajun from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. said once the restaurant’s sandwich featuring fried Atmosphere: new kitchen is fully set up, shrimp and served with The new owners have it will even produce a hot fries. $9.99 given Blazin’ Cajun an ecosausage po’boy, which is Lobster Po’Boy — An friendly makeover to create actually traditionally made authentic Cajun sanda unique haven they said with a spicy beef. wich featuring lobster is perfect for enjoying an “Only New Orleans and served with fries. abundance of New Orleans people will know what that $15.99 style seafood. is when they see that,” he Do and Tran said the said. “You won’t see that atmosphere isn’t exactly Wood and bark stripped anywhere else (around typical of the Big Easy. It’s a from a local tree even Atlanta).”

But crawfish is, without a style all their own. became an indoor “money “Our concept is ‘reusdoubt, the pride and joy of tree” that appears to grow able,’” Do said. “We try to Blazin’ Cajun’s menu. from floor to ceiling in the use anything that people “The crawfish comes middle of the space. have thrown away. It’s like a straight from New Orleans,” “Anybody can come in ‘go green.’”

Tran said. “And, during seaand sign a dollar bill,” Do Do wasn’t kidding — the said. “Then we staple it onto sonal times, it has to come owners did use just about in live.” the tree.”

Live crawfish season lasts anything they could get their Not all of the restaurant’s from about November until hands on that would have custom-built features are August. During that time, the otherwise ended up in a purely quirky. restaurant receives roughly landfill. He said that’s given Their tables, made entirely them freedom to decorate in out of pallets, are customenjoy their food instead of “Let’s say somebody “Our objective is to bring two shipments a week of living crustaceans that need a way that other restaurants designed specifically for the fighting for space.” comes in and says, ‘wow, I the taste of New Orleans’ can’t duplicate. ideal Cajun seafood-eating Two square holes are cut love your tables. Where can seafood to Atlanta,” he said. to be cooked before they die “Everything is built inin three to four days. experience. The tables seat into the center of each table. I find them,’” he said. “You “That’s kind of where I house,” Do said. “They’re all four people each on picnic“The best way is to cook One contains a trash bag — won’t. Everything is custom come in.” custom built.” style benches, but Tran said a convenient place to throw built.”

Tran lived in New Orleans it live,” Tran said. “When it’s Spare wood that the not live, the crawfish doesn’t the tables have more surface shells from shrimp, crawfish Menu: for 20 years. He said he team’s general contractor taste right.” area than you’ll find at most and mussels. The other hole Anybody craving a visit grew up there attending — The crawfish, like the rest had from other projects restaurants. That’s because is fitted with a clear plastic to New Orleans needs to and studying — traditional of the menu, needs to taste became an ornate front desk. true Cajun food comes in bin. taste the Blazin’ Cajun’s new seafood boils. like a real Cajun delicacy.

A boat’s steering wheel bulk.

“So let’s say you want a cuisine, said Do and Tran.

“As you go, you find a “I’m trying to bring New outfitted with light bulbs “When you get a lot of beer,” Tran said. “You take When the team bought the little flaw here and there,” became a unique chandelier. food on the table, it gets this (bin), fill it with ice and restaurant a couple months Tran said. “You kind of cre- Orleans up here,” Tran said.

“There’s a lot of authentic Deconstructed wood pallets really busy,” Tran said. “So that’s your beer bucket.” back, they scrapped much ate your own system.” stuff on the menu that a lot the team found thrown away we tried to make something That’s a feature foodies of the original menu. It just Tran said he eventually throughout the community really nice and really roomy. won’t find anywhere else, wasn’t authentic enough, found his own style that he’s of other places just don’t have.” added texture to the walls.

That way, everybody can Do said. said Tran. brought to Atlanta. But it’s

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

ON THE MENU

GWINNETT TASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post:

Suga and Ice When it comes to flavor, everything about Suga and Ice is “extra.” The shop is best known for liquor infused ice creams, but there are a number of “exotic” flavors that are nonalcoholic and equally unusual.

Lemon Blueberry is one of the exotic flavors. Like the other flavors, the owners — who are sisters — said the quality is what makes it special. For the entire menu, the sisters hand-select ingredients and a chef in Marietta creates the treats as instructed.

But as for the infused flavors, they managed to get a strong taste without using too much liquor. Made with real alcohol and big chunks

of chocolate, the Guinness Chocolate Chip tastes like the stout it is named after, but it has an alcohol percentage lower than a wine cooler.

Everything on the menu is decadent and unusual — even the cones. The sisters make the cones at the shop and offer a variety of choices including sweet potato and red velvet.

Some customers ask for bacon on the Smooshie Bun — a doughnut ice cream sandwich. The signature item is usually served with a choice of ice cream flavor, but if customers want a drizzle of syrup or a topping of bacon, all they have to do is ask.

3095 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, 678-731-7211 The Brunch Apoethecary Looking to add a unique brunch destination to the Dacula area, Rico and Katie

Cunnington also own Rico’s World Kitchen in downtown Buford. Inside the front door, a small chalkboard lists the definition of apothecary, and the design of the rooms makes it feel as if you’re sitting in a grandmother’s home. Servers described the restaurant as having a certain coziness about it, where people sitting at tables often talk with one another.

Best-sellers are Chicken and Churros Waffles, which is $10, Pork Belly Benedict, which is $12, and Steak and Eggs, which is $13. Southern Monte Cristo, which includes house pimento cheese and ham with red pepper jelly between grilled egg battered thick sliced white bread and served with house potatoes, is $10. There are specials that change daily, and while brunch is usually the preferred choice for customers,

it also serves chicken salad, Cajun Shrimp and Grits ($12) and Apothecary Tomato Salad ($9).

The restuarant also features “stubborn sodas,” which are described as, “certified free trade cane sugar, all natural flavors, no high fructose syrup and no artificial colors.”

Flavors include classic root beer, agave vanilla cream soda, lemon berry acai, black cherry with terragon and Caleb’s kola.

The house was originally built in 1905 and located down the street on the corner. But it was moved to its current location in 2007. A physician, Dr. William Hinton, owned it originally, and the rear of the house was a residence, while the front was the office. The name is a nod to the original use of the house.

2595 Fence Road N.E., Dacula, 678-731-7338

Simple Sip This quaint coffee shop offers the biggest bang for your buck. At Simple Sip, connoisseur Kenya Newman makes a good cup of coffee, without the extra fuss.

When Lilburn’s Starbucks closed a few years ago, Newman knew the neighborhood would be hungry for a new coffee spot, but she wanted to do things her way.

The shop serves organic and fair trade beans ground by hand. The brew can be served hot or cold. Those with a craving for something sweet can choose from vanilla, caramel or hazelnut latte flavors.

Only one house blend is served, which is both organic and fair trade, so customers don’t need to remember any barista lingo. There is no decision-making process because Simple Sip features

only a medium 16-ounce cup — the size most people settle for even if they call it a different name.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat. An assortment of sandwiches can be prepared upon request, but the bacon breakfast sandwich is Newman’s culinary brainchild. It features a jumbo croissant loaded with bacon that was slow-cooked in the oven, a slice of melted cheese and a choice of scrambled eggs or fried egg whites.

Fresh tomato jam on a croissant is another popular item. Newman recommends that visitors give the jam a try before passing judgment.

She said it is not at all like ketchup and takes a breakfast sandwich to “the next level.”

360 Killian Hill Road N.W., Suite F-1, Lilburn, 770-8378485

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • 3C

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arts&entertainment

Sugarloaf Ballet to launch 2017-18 season There are many ways to go back to school for area youth, and students at Sugarloaf Ballet in Suwanee will enjoy going back to classes filled with dance of all types this August.

The school and nonprofit company, founded in 2010, will begin another season of dance education and performances.

Sugarloaf Ballet’s 22,000 square foot studio facilities are located at 1070 Northbrook Parkway in Suwanee. From little ones in pre-ballet to adults, the energy level will be ramped up as classes and rehearsals begin.

A special open house will be held from 10 a.m. top 2 p.m. Aug. 5 for visitors to drop by for a tour of the facilities, meet and greet teachers, and register for classes.

Preparations will be

Art Beat

Holley Calmes made for October performances of their familyfriendly performance of “Beauty and the Beast,” which will be held at the Infinite Energy Theater on Oct. 14 and 15. During the holiday season, Sugarloaf will present its annual “Nutcracker Excerpts” and “The Nativity Ballet.”

One special aspect of Sugarloaf Ballet is its Conservatory Program, which began in the fall of 2013.

Sugarloaf Ballet’s Conservatory Program has provided extensive training

Young dancers further their dance education and dreams of a professional career at Sugarloaf Ballet in Suwanee.

(Special Photo)

for dancers who aspire to further their technique in pursuit of a professional career in dance.

“Focusing on core technique, anatomy and physiology, plus performance values, the program offers enrichment in every aspect of dance through more than 17 hours of classes per week,” said Artistic Di-

rector Lori Zamzow-Wire.

“In addition, the dancers are afforded the opportunity to compete in renowned ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and the Universal Ballet Competition.

“The Conservatory Program also allows students to prepare for future teaching careers through an

umbrella program known as the ‘Teacher Assistant Program. Here, conservatory students are placed in classrooms with a senior artistic staff member who will guide them through methods of teaching and managing a classroom.

Many of these students go on to teach and dance professionally.”

Sugarloaf Ballet embraces a four-part mission: inspiring individual achievement in classical ballet and other dance genres; fostering excellence in the instruction, creation, performance and research of ballet; providing preparatory and transitional dance training; and enriching the community through quality arts programming.

Many Sugarloaf students audition for summer intensives at professional companies throughout the U.S. and beyond. This past

year, company dancers were accepted at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Florida Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre in Texas and New York City, Orlando Ballet, and the University of South Carolina, among others.

Sugarloaf Ballet offers instruction in more dance genres than classical ballet. Classes are available in pre-ballet, pointe, modern/ contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop and tumbling. There are also classes for boys, teens and adults.

For more information about Sugarloaf Ballet, its programming and performances, visit sugarloafperformingarts.com or call 770-682-5333.

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

Email her at hcalmes@ mindspring.com.

Loganville author Children’s Museum open free on Tuesdays to sign her debut novel in Buford

BY SAVANNAH PEAT

This option for families to explore the museum’s six permanent exhibits Starting in August, and one changing exhibit families have the opporis made possible through tunity to visit the Childonations from Target dren’s Museum of Atlanta Atlanta. for free on the second Families can register Tuesday of each month for up to six tickets each through December. session on the day prior

Staff Intern

Loganville writer Susan Abel is scheduled to sign copies of her debut novel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Books For Less bookstore in Buford.

She recently published “Through the Mist,” top, that she described as a women’s fiction/romance novel that holds timeless lessons for women of all ages about self-worth, true love and letting go. (Special Photos)

Building People of Prayer, Purpose and Power

498277-1

Games, food, safety info with the Lilburn Police Department.

3375 Church Lane, Duluth, GA Church Office: 770-497-8227 • Fax: 770-497-9775 Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor

Changing Lives through Faith

Warmer through through Fellowship Warmer Fellowship Deeper through through Discipleship Deeper Discipleship Larger through through Evangelism Larger Evangelism Sharing through Ministries Sharing through Ministries AND Stronger throughWorship Worshipand andthe theWord WordofofGod God AND Stronger through

SUWANEE WORSHIP CENTER A United Methodist Congregation

Two services 9:00 and 11:00 am Rev. Ted Rollins

770-614-4009 754 Brogdon Rd • Suwanee www.suwaneeworshipcenter.com

Rev. Ronald L. Bowens 473090-1

770.945.6131

234 Shadburn Ave, Buford 9th Annual Golf Tournament August 5th - Bear’s Best Atlanta to register call or visit phbcgolftournament2017.eventbrite.com

Dr. Terry Reece • Senior Pastor

Pastor: Rev. Avery Headd B.A., M. Div.

Times of Worship Sunday • 8 am & 11 am Times of Instruction Sunday • 9:45 am Church School Sunday • 10 am Invitational Counseling Wednesday • Youth Bible Studies 7 pm Wednesday • Adult Bible Studies 7 pm

Church of God 1132 Buford Hwy 770-271-5610 “Come and get Jesus” “A Church forconnected Hurting to People”

Pastor

Sunday Worship Services................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Children’s Church............................7:30 AM, 11:00 AM Sunday School ................................................. 9:45 AM Bible Study (all ages) ...................Wednesday, 7:30 PM

Poplar Hill Baptist Church

Regency

“A Christ Centered Church Where Love is the Greatest”

Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Sunday 10:30 AM “J” Town Kids Church Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study & Youth regencycog.com

134557

To advertise you church service or event here, contact 473080-1 473217-1

YOU CAN BE A National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m.

Lilburn City Park

Friendship Baptist Church

A Purpose Driven Church

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books could be captured and lived. By age 35, she is suicidal.

Abel said that O’Reilly is unloved by her mother and neglected by her father, and she believed earning the devotion of an exciting and charming lover would validate her self-worth.

After betraying her best friends to obtain the man of her dreams, he is lost.

Disillusioned, the riding instructor gives up on love and dedicates her life to her students and focuses on her love of horses at an equestrian camp nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Years later, while fighting to keep her riding school, she gets a second chance at love.

To read excerpts of her work, visit her website at susanabel.com.

these dates, families can choose between two sessions: 1 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 to 6 p.m.

For more information about Target Free Second Tuesday or the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta. org.

Your Local Church Welcomes You

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A Loganville writer is scheduled to sign copies of her debut novel Saturday at the Books For Less bookstore in Buford.

Susan Abel will hold the book signing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recently published, “Through the Mist” is what she described as a women’s fiction/romance novel that holds timeless lessons for women of all ages about self-worth, true love and letting go. The bookstore is located at 2815 Buford Drive.

“I hope my book will encourage women to look beyond, or perhaps in this case, through the illusion of love and happiness sold to them daily by every avenue of popular culture, and realize they alone hold the key to both,” Abel said.

“We must look within.”

The book is set in the mid-1900s near a Blackfeet reservation in Montana, and racism and American Indian theology assist in driving the plot.

The book tells the story of Katherine O’Reilly, who Abel said grew up a dreamer, believing all the excitement and romance of her favorite films and

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keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

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BY KEITH FARNER

to the session via childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Those interested are also able to arrive on a first come, first-served basis on the day of.

This interactive experience is available Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. On each of

Mary London

770.963.9205 x1211 www.gwinnettdailypost.com

4C • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

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arts&entertainment

Neither Disney nor ‘doom’

Aurora Theatre’s production of ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ blends earlier approaches

BY JON GALLO

a lot of gray issues.”

Anderson said the musical, which features Production director Quasimodo — a hunchJustin Anderson said back played by Haden those who think they Rider — his guardian, know “The Hunchback Archdeacon Dom Claude of Notre Dame” because Frollo (David De Vries), they’ve read Victor gypsy dancer Esmeralda Hugo’s novel or saw it (Julissa Sabino), Clopin portrayed in the popular Trouillefou (Kevin HarWalt Disney cartoon ry) and Capt. Phoebus de movie will be in for quite Martin (Lowrey Brown), a treat when the musiexplores universal issues cal comes to the Aurora throughout its two acts.

Theatre in Lawrenceville “It looks at how this week. humanity is flawed, and “It’s a new adaptahow the best intentions tion,” Anderson said. have flaws,” he said.

“Don’t come expecting “What one person does is to see the cartoon or not representative of an something straight from entire belief. It’s a story the book.” about overcoming po“The Hunchback of tentially deadly circumNotre Dame,” which stances and it’s a story opened Thursday and about faith and coming runs through Aug. 27, together. The story takes shines the 15th century place in the 15th century, tale of a deformed church but the show’s themes bell ringer’s quest for are very relevant today, inner strength and love in 2017.” into a different light, one Anderson also stressed that’s much darker than the show stays clear of what was portrayed by several of the controverDisney’s 1996 film that sial themes that are found grossed more than $325 in Hugo’s book and in million at the worldwide Disney’s movie. box office.

“Our performance is “The story is a little not in any way a story more honest and comof The Church against plicated and wrestles The Others or Us against with the larger questions Them,” he said. “And it’s of life,” said Anderson, definitely not an indictwho is also the theater’s ment of any religion.” associate artistic direcAnn-Carol Pence tor. “Nothing about it is directs the music, which black or white; there are features many of the

Staff Correspondent

Above, Haden Rider stars as Quasimodo in Aurora Theatres’ production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Right, Julissa Sabino is Esmeralda in Aurora Theatres’ “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”(Photos: Daniel Parvis)

IF YOU GO

Lowery Brown plays Phoebus in Aurora Theatres’ “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

What: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Where: Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville When: July 20 through Aug. 27 Show times: Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30-$65. Discount matinees are on Aug. 1 and 15, with tickets for the 10 a.m. shows starting at $20. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aurora Theatre at 678-226-6222 or by visiting auroratheatre.com Note: Show on Aug. 24 is sold out

cartoon film’s hit songs, including “The Bells of Notre Dame,” while Ricardo Aponte leads the choreography of the show, which includes 20 ensemble members.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is produced in partnership with Theatrical Outfit, which put on “In The Heights” and “Memphis,” which both had successful runs at Aurora Theatre.

“In the Heights” sold 10,140 tickets collectively for its 42 performances, an average of 241 a show — during the Tony and Grammy Award winning show’s five-week run at Aurora Theatre last August. The sales were only surpassed at the Aurora Theatre by “Les Misérables,” which sold 10,763 tickets for its 43 performances — an average of 250 a show — during January 2015.

“Memphis,” the story of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2010, played at the Aurora Theatre in the summer of 2015. “‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is like ‘Mary Poppins’ meets ‘Les Misérables,’” Anderson said. “There are some dark moments, but there also are some celebratory moments, so it’s not all doom and gloom.”

BY VENUE — ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT GWINNETT GWINNETT

SUMMER

STEM DAY Saturday, July 22, 2017 10am-2pm

Saturday, July 22,engineering 2017 Explore science, technology, and mathematics with a hands-on twist.

10am - 2pm Free for Members Members Free!

494390-3

FERNBANKMUSEUM.ORG | @FERNBANKMUSEUM

AURORA THEATRE 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre.com • July 21-22: CANTO: Songs from Spain and Latin America HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 300, Duluth 770-623-6002 www.thehudgens.org • Ongoing: Toddler Fridays • Through July 28: Summer Camp • Through July 29: Hudgens National Juried and Invitational Cup Exhibition • Through July 29: Exhibition: Shaping the New South and Emerge

• Aug. 5: Mark Pitts, A Tribute to Elvis SYLVIA BEARD THEATRE Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford 770-945-6762 www.bufordcommunitycenter. com • July 28: Moana ATLANTA ATLANTA ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org • Through Oct. 5: The Jungle Room

KUDZU ART ZONE 116 Carlyle St., Norcross 770-840-9844 www.kudzuartzone.org • July 27, Aug. 3: Sketch with Live Models Workshop

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-876-5859 www.atlantabg.org • Thursdays through Sept.

28: Cocktails in the Garden • Saturdays and Sundays through October: Garden Chef Demos • Through Oct. 29: The Curious Garden • July 24: Member Summer Evening • July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28: Science Cafe • July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28, Oct. 26: Wine in the Woodlands

NEW DAWN THEATER Mall Corners, 3650-A Satellite Blvd., Duluth 678-887-5015 newdawntheatercompany.com

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta 404-814-4000

INFINITE ENERGY THEATER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com • July 30: Thoroughly Modern Millie

www.atlantahistorycenter. com • Through July 21: Summer History Camp: The Renaissance • Through July 21: Summer Writing Camp: Sci-Fi and Fantasy • July 24-28: Summer History Camp: Rebellions and Revolutions • July 24-28: Summer Writing Camp: From Page to Stage: Playwriting • July 26: Lawrence Wright, The Terror Years: from AlQaeda to the Islamic State • July 31 to Aug. 4: Summer History Camp: Museum Theater • July 31 to Aug. 4: Summer Writing Camp: Write On: The Essentials COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • July 25: #IMOMSOHARD — Mom’s Night Out: Summer Break Tour • July 27: Hijas de su Madre FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org • July 21: Fernbank Forest Twilight Tour • Aug. 19: Dinosaur Birthday Bash • Oct. 7: A Timeless Affair 2017: Gladiators

Friday, July 21, 2017 • 5C

gwinnettdailypost.com

music Idina Menzel plays the Fox Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m. as part of her international tour to support her latest, self-titled album.

(Special Photo)

More than ‘Frozen’

Idina Menzel brings world tour to the the Fox Theatre

By Jon Gallo

movie of all time, raking in $1.2 billion.

If you haven’t heard her hit The older Idina Menzel Oscar-winning song from the gets, the younger her audience film, “Let It Go,” then please becomes. stop reading, as you probMore than 20 years ago, Idi- ably have no desire to see the na Menzel introduced herself to 45-year-old when she plays the the world by playing performFox Theatre at 8 p.m. July 22 ing artist Maureen in 1994’s as part of her international tour Broadway smash hit “Rent,” to support her latest, self-titled which won a Pulitzer Prize and album. continues to be a Broadway “I’m a woman in her 40s, mainstay. In 2003, she won a so in order to remain true to Tony for playing the lead role myself and authentic, I can’t of Elphaba in “Wicked,” which completely cater to a young continues to make millions as it crowd,” Menzel told reporters. continues to tour internationally. “The demographic at my shows But while those performanc- are pretty broad, so I usually es were geared to an older audi- just kind of give a disclaimer to ence, she turned back the clock moms that there might be a few in 2013. She became the voice ear muff moments and to just of perhaps the most famous cut me a break and remember queen in movie history as Elsa that I’m in my 40s. I hope I from “Frozen,” which became don’t offend people too much.” the highest-grossing animated Menzel mixes her own songs, Staff Correspondent

37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 www.buford.37main.com • July 21: Departure — A Tribute to Journey • July 22: Head Games — Foreigner Tribute • July 28: Slippery When — Bon Jovi Tribute • July 29: U.S. — 80’s Hair Rock • Aug. 4: Aunt Betty — 80’s Party Rock • Aug. 5: Cowboy — Kid Rock Tribute • Aug. 11: Rio — Duran Duran Tribute • Aug. 12: Radiostar — Classic Rock • Aug. 18: Pandora’s Box — Aerosmith Tribute • Aug. 19: Live from Earth — Pat Benatar Tribute • Aug. 25: Electric Avenue — 80s MTV Experience • Aug. 26: Madonica — A Tribute to Madonna

such as “Queen of Swords,” “Small World,” “I Do” and “Everybody Knows” with some covers, including “Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” Stephen Schwartz’s “Defying Gravity” and Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady,” during her show.

“Songs such as ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Let it Go’ resonate so strongly with young people. I have a responsibility and a pride on stage — how many people get songs like that in their lifetime?” she told reporters. “It’s a nice reminder on stage to know that things are going well and how lucky I am.”

Menzel draws much of her creativity from her personal life, which hasn’t been nearly as glamorous as her stellar career on stage. A few years ago, Menzel and Taye Diggs, with whom she starred in the Broadway

version of “Rent,” divorced after a decade of marriage. The two have a son together.

Menzel became engaged to Aaron Lohr, a fellow cast member in the movie “Rent” that came out after the show appeared on Broadway, this past September.

“It’s just the personal stuff that’s different each time and what story you’re telling. This particular time there were some big dueling forces. My professional life was booming and exciting. I was on Broadway, and ‘Frozen’ was a huge success, and I was singing at the Oscars and the Super Bowl,” she told reporters. “And simultaneously I was going through a divorce and dealing with lawyers and mediation and all that stuff.

It was a lot of contradicting forces. It gave me a lot to write about.”

Lake Lanier Islands to host ‘I Love Beach Music’ Festival

By Savannah Peat Staff Intern

Lake Lanier Islands invites any and all guests to soak up the last bit of summer in their inaugural I Love Beach Music Festival.

On July 28 and 29, those interested have the opportunity to listen to some beachy tunes; eat culinary, buffet-style food; and enjoy views overlooking the lake from the resort’s cafes and lodges.

The festival begins Friday, where after a day of enjoying water slides and beach activities at LanierWorld, couples and families alike can settle at the park’s very own Sunset Cove Cafe.

Starting at 5 p.m., the cafe will feature a beach-side boil guests can eat at their leisure while listening to music from featured band Grains of Sand from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The festival continues with back-toback concerts on Saturday at Lanier Island’s Legacy Lodge Legacy Pointe.

While overlooking waterfront views, guests can treat themselves to another culinary buffet while listening to summertime music from The Catalinas and The Embers from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Admission to the inaugural I Love Beach Music Festival is free on Friday for those with a LanierWorld Daily Admission ticket or Summer Adventure Season Pass. Those interested in just the concert can purchase a ticket for $15 a person.

Passes for Saturday begin at $20 per person for only admission. Those wanting to indulge in music and the buffet can purchase individual tickets for $35 or a $100 bundle for concert and buffet tickets per couple.

Lanier Islands is also offering an I Love Beach Music package for couples looking to stay at the Legacy Lodge on Friday or Saturday. The package begins at $329 per night and includes an overnight stay, a pair of concert tickets, two complimentary cocktails and a dinner and breakfast buffet for two.

Guests can purchase tickets to the festival ahead of time on www. lanierislands.com.

By Venue — MUSIC Guest • Aug. 5: Tugalo Holler • Aug. 19: The Cumberland River Band • Aug. 26: The Wisemen

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter. com Styx, above, plays with REO Speedwagon and Don Felder at • July 29: Shawn Mendes Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Sunday. (Special Photo) • Aug. 11: J. Cole • Aug. 13: Lionel Richie with very special guest 770-916-2800 Theater 3000 Live: Watch Mariah Carey www.cobbenergycentre.

Out for Snakes Tour • Aug. 25-26: Ed Sheeran com • Aug. 16: Donald Fagen • Aug. 11: 3 Doors Down and the Nightflyers LAKEWOOD • Aug. 18: ABBA the • Aug. 19: Lyle Lovett and AMPHITHEATRE Concert His Large Band 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta EDDIE’S ATTIC BUCKHEAD THEATRE 404-443-5000 515-B N. McDonough St., 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta www.

Decatur 404-843-2825 thelakewoodamphitheater.

404-377-4976 www.thebuckheadtheatre. com www.eddiesattic.com com • July 21: Meek Mill and • Ongoing: Eddie’s Attic • July 22: Moshe Kasher 40 WATT CLUB Yo Gotti Songwriter’s Open Mic and Natasha Leggero 285 W. Washington St., • Aug. 10: John Mayer • July 21: John Hammond Athens • July 29: BJ the Chicago • July 21: Rob Baird 706-549-7871 Kid THE LOFT www.40watt.com • Aug. 12: MattyB featuring • July 22: The Bonaventure 1374 W. Peachtree St., • July 22: In-House Drive Quartet The Haschak Sisters Atlanta

by Holman-Autry Band, • July 22: Jonah Smith • Aug. 18: The Magpie 404-885-1365 Carla Le Fever and The • July 23: Erin Alvey Salute www.centerstage-atlanta.

Rays Banded • July 25: The Suitcase • Aug. 19: Roxie Watson com/shows/the-loft • Aug. 3: Athens Dance FX CD Release Party Junket • Oct. 25: Benjamin Booker — Explosion • July 25: Chastity Brown • Nov. 3-4: Mass • Aug. 25: The Record • July 26: Steve Poltz CENTER STAGE Destruction Metal Fest Company • July 27: Mark Miller THEATER 2017 1374 W. Peachtree St., • Aug. 26: Groovy Nights • July 28: The Bitteroots • Nov. 12: Simply Three Atlanta Battle of the Decades 9th Anniversary Show 404-885-1365 • July 28: Georgia THE MASQUERADE www.centerstage-atlanta.

ATLANTA Mountain String Band 695 North Ave. N.E., com SYMPHONY HALL • July 29: Lonnie Holley Atlanta • July 30: Khalid 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., and Minton Sparks 404-577-8178 • Aug. 1: DJ Shadow Atlanta • July 29: Michelle Malone www.masqueradeatlanta.

404-733-4900 • Aug. 10: JJCC • July 30: Emisunshine com www.atlantasymphony.org • Sept. 5: Apocalyptica • July 30: Mary Bragg and • July 21: King Lil G • Ongoing: Casual Fridays Plays Tall Tall Trees • July 21: Wage War • Ongoing: Music for the • Sept. 6: Progpower USA Very Young XVIII EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN • July 22: Darkest Hour • July 22: Sparrows • Aug. 5: Gillian Welch: The 4055 Stonecypher Road, • July 23: Corey Feldman Harrow and The Harvest COBB ENERGY Suwanee and The Angels PERFORMING ARTS Tour 678-858-5363 • July 24: School of Rock CENTRE • Aug. 9: Stephen Stills everettsmusicbarn.net All Stars 2800 Cobb Galleria and Judy Collins • July 22, Aug. 12: The • July 24: Bellows Parkway, Atlanta • Aug. 12: Mystery Science Everett Family Band and

• July 25: Crown the Empire • July 25: This Wild Life • July 26: Dragonforce • July 26: Cave of Swimmers • July 27: Raekwon • July 27: Raven Black • July 28: Phora • July 28: The Rocket Summer • July 28: Embracer • July 29: Rozwell Kid • July 30: Repeat Repeat • July 30: Crobot • July 31: Nite Jewel

• • • • • • •

PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com Nov. 4: Fall Out Boy Nov. 7: Imagine Dragons Nov. 11: Jim Gaffigan Nov. 12: Marc Anthony Nov. 28: Lady Gaga Dec. 12: Katy Perry Dec. 17: Janet Jackson

RED CLAY MUSIC FOUNDRY 3116 Main St., Duluth 678-957-7283 www.eddieowenpresents. com • Ongoing: Songwriters Open Mic hosted by Eddie Owen • July 21: Sam French and Friends featuring Uncommon Kind • July 22: GASPCA Benefit Concert with Life is Manditori • July 29: The Randall Bramblett Band • July 30: Morgan May with special guest Mayberry RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 redlightcafe.com • Ongoing: Jazz Jam with the Gordon Vernick Quartet • Ongoing: Atlanta Songwriters Club Meet Up • July 21: Last Pasties

Standing: Theme Songs and Show Tunes • July 22: ???

• July 23: Swanky Tiger, The Paper Arcadia, The Warsaw Clinic • July 28: The Raukus Jubilee featuring Gina Maria SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com • Ongoing: DJ Sky THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 tabernacleatl.com • July 21: Gary Clark Jr. • July 27: Rebelution • July 28-29: 311 • July 31: Khalid • Aug. 1: 2 Chainz • Aug. 2: Van Jones • Aug. 4: August Alsina • Aug. 5: All Time Low • Aug. 6: Sabrina Carpenter • Aug. 10: Farruko • Aug. 13: Tig Notaro • Aug. 23: Social Distortion • Aug. 25: Joe Rogan • Aug. 26: Yacht Rock Revival VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com • July 23: Styx and Reo Speedwagon with Don Felder THE BOWL @ SUGAR HILL 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill 770-945-6716 www.thebowlatsugarhill. com • Aug. 12: Josh Turner • Sept. 2: Ben Folds and A Piano • Nov. 11: Atlanta Rhythm Section

6C • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

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movies

FINEST

HOUR

Director Nolan in top form with ‘Dunkirk,’ best war film since ‘Saving Private Ryan’

Kenneth Branagh stars as Commander Bolton in “Dunkirk.”

(Special Photos: Warner Bros.)

Dunkirk (PG-13) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

If you’ve never heard of Dunkirk, France, or the World War II battle which took place there, don’t feel uninformed. It happened almost 18 months before the U.S. joined the hostilities in earnest, and was technically a huge setback for the Allied forces, much in the same manner Apollo 13 was a failed mission to the moon.

What the movie puts across in spades is that eluding defeat (or capture or death) is often more difficult and, yes, sometimes more honorable than achieving victory.

Getting back to the sparse dialogue and nonlinear narrative that made his 2000 “Memento” an instant masterpiece, writer/ director Christopher Nolan delivers the best war movie since “Saving Private Ryan.”

As with Terrence Malick’s moody and haunting “The Line Red Line,” “Dunkirk” is more art than action as it forsakes exposition for tone, histrionics for raw, frayed nerves and more for less.

Rarely has a filmmaker put an audience this close to the action while pushing them

Fighter planes fly over the civilian boat Moonstone in “Dunkirk.”

through a mental meatgrinder.

If all you know of Nolan are his three “Batman” flicks, “Inception” or “Interstellar,” “Dunkirk” could be turn out to be a huge disappointment. Yes, there are bombs, guns, explosions, chase scenes and other war genre staples, yet only as much as needed in order to put the point across. It’s not hyper-edited like “The Avengers” or a “Transformers” blowout, and is included to instill fear and dread, not thrills and excitement. What Nolan seems to be aiming for is the mind games of “Memento,” “Insomnia”

or “The Prestige,” with the touch of a ruthless Hitchcock thriller set on a beach battlefield where most of the soldiers are still in their teens and trapped on three sides by a faceless Nazi army.

While split up into three parts (air, land and sea), Nolan weaves from one to the next in no particular order while messing about with the time structure. One section takes place in an hour, another in a day and another over the space of a week. If you find this to be somewhat (possibly completely) disorienting, that is Nolan’s goal. He’s trying to put you inside the head of

the soldiers where confusion, dread, paranoia and horror reign supreme.

The beach on the outskirts of Dunkirk overlooks the English Channel, and if you squint, you can see England some 20 or so miles in the distance, a point raised by more than one character as if to give the men a reason not to give up or give in.

The water near the beach is too shallow for warships, so it is up to English civilians in yachts and smaller vessels to brave enemy fire in order to save their countrymen. One such man, Dawson (Mark Rylance), his son and another teen view

this volunteer mission as a matter of course and necessity. They don’t give it a second thought and refuse to turn back, even after saving a traumatized sailor (Cillian Murphy) who insists they do.

The land aspect focuses mostly on Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), the lone survivor of a German ambush who, along with another stray, pretends to be a medic carrying a wounded man many miles at a quick clip in order to make it aboard a hospital ship. They get there, but from then on nothing goes as it should.

They eventually join up with Alex (teen idol Harry Styles) and some others who find temporary shelter in an abandoned fishing boat where claustrophobia and fresh leaks quickly ensue.

In a film overstuffed with high points, it is perhaps the “air” portion that is the most spectacular — and physically draining. Three British Spitfire pilots with limited fuel supplies are charged with getting to the beach and taking out Nazi planes bent on impeding if not outright foiling the escape of some 400,000 British, French, Belgian and Canadian troops.

Eschewing the use of green screen or CGI, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema choose

angles and perspectives we’ve never seen before (along with a few we have) and toss in some motionsickness-inducing turns of the camera, and the result is truly vicious, nail-biting aerial dogfights. As with his character Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” Tom Hardy as one of the pilots has his mouth covered the majority of the time and like Bane emotes mostly with eye movement, and it is as equally as throttling.

To date, Nolan has received one Oscar nomination for Best Picture (“Inception”) and screenwriting nods for that same film and “Memento.” He lost all three times, but given the almost unanimous praise he’s already received for “Dunkirk,” he’s certain to walk away with at least one, if not two or three Academy Awards come February. It helps that “Dunkirk” is pure, unadulterated Oscar bait and not a superhero movie that AMPAS generally spits on.

In achieving his second masterpiece, Nolan likely gives back loads of useless fanboy accolades and a much smaller box office take. But in return, he has achieved the kind of artistic greatness and creative genius that elude all but a very select few. “Dunkirk” will be Nolan’s legacy.

(Warner Bros.)

Overlong ‘Valerian’ glitters but isn’t golden cle” and 2014’s “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”) than romantic action lead.

“Valerian’s” next serious problem is its villain, played too loudly by Clive Owen.

Normally this would be something of a spoiler, but given that the story is ostensibly something of a mystery (one that’s half-spoiled

BY KHARI J. SAMPSON by the prologue), it’s done khari.sampson no favors by a scene almost @gwinnettdailypost.com directly following Owen’s character’s introduction that About 20 years ago, tips all hands far too soon. during a visit to see my Problems aside, the film’s brother in New York, he and got visual flair galore, and I went to see a colorful new the worlds it presents are sci-fi film called “The Fifth inventive even by sci-fi stanElement” from director dards. An interdimensional Luc Besson. Last week, my shopping mall in the first act brother was visiting me and is particularly fun. There’s a we saw Besson’s newest Dane DeHaan stars as Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline in “Valerian and the trio of duckbilled informacolorful film in the genre, tion brokers which livens up City of a Thousand Planets.” (Special Photo: STX Entertainment) “Valerian and the City of a the proceedings consideraboard same. It follows that Astronauts (or whatever it’s ingne) makes for a better Thousand Planets.” ably. And longtime film fans We both think Bessequence with an idyllic actually called in this film lead — this point is driven may enjoy spotting the varison needs to stick to his scene of beautiful, willowy — I never quite caught it). well home in the second ous actor cameos (mostly in strengths, which do not CGI humanoids enjoying a Here’s where the film act — but she’s generally heavy makeup). entirely lend themselves to utopian existence — think runs into its first seriforced to play second fiddle Making a bit more than a silly space opera fare.

James Cameron’s “Avatar” ous problem: It’s based to a guy who we’re told is cameo is singing superstar This is a movie with but pearly white rather than on a French comic titled the best, but DeHaan can’t Rihanna (somewhat, being two lengthy prologues. blue — for what feels like “Valerian and Laureline,” quite inhabit. It’s not on the a part-CGI character) in her First is a somewhat inventoo long before trouble but the Valerian character level of Kevin Costner’s first acting role since 2012’s tive opening montage (set ensues. essentially takes top billRobin Hood, but it’s the slightly terrible “Battleto David Bowie’s classic We’re just about 10 ing and DeHaan simply same sort of mismatch. ship.” She’s better here, “Space Oddity”) of the minutes into the movie lacks the ability to play the Despite his striking resem- actually bringing some of centuries-long construction before we meet the titular ultra-competent charmer blance to a young Leonardo the film’s genuine emotion of a massive space station character, Valerian (Dane Valerian’s clearly intended DiCaprio, DeHaan is better in a scene that unexpectedly in Earth’s orbit and meetDeHaan), an elite soldier for to be. Meanwhile, his gal cast as troubled youth (see (and surprisingly lightly) ings with new alien species Starfleet Alliance of Human pal Laureline (Cara Delevhis turns in 2012’s “Chroni- touches on the plight of the

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (PG-13) ★★★★

illegal immigrant.

While never slipping into being boring, the movie is 137 minutes long, and it feels every bit of it. My brother thought it was even longer. A number of scenes overstay their welcomes as Besson tries to show off in every possible setpiece.

One more quibble with “Valerian” is that, for all its varied monsters and aliens, it’s still centered around two generic young white leads. After the welcome shot of diversity in recent sci-fi/comic book genre films ranging from “SpiderMan: Homecoming” to the newest Star Wars films, this feels like a 20th-century kind of film — and considering it’s based on a longrunning European comic from the 1960s, perhaps it’s no wonder.

Like “Fifth Element” before it, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” has strong visuals and does some interesting things on a worldbuilding level. You could do a lot worse than this film for a couple hours of escapism. But with a story almost as slight as its title is long and a star outshined (just barely) by his cohort, this city may not warrant a special visit.

(STX Entertainment)

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 • 7C

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film fans

movies ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Pass: This film’s stunning visual effects, excellent cast and meaningful themes earns an almost perfect rating from me. The writing is superb, and the producers simultaneously make Caesar and his gang look like real apes and feel human-like through their portrayal of a wide span of emotions.

Robi McGarvey, Lawrenceville

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

Fail: My only criticisms are the misleading title (the apes are dealing with a small band of renegade troops and even at the end, it didn’t feel like the apes were in control of the planet), the sometimes-absurd storytelling and a few technical issues with the cinematography.

Fail: Nothing. “War for the Planet of the Apes” is that rare film that gets an “A” in every major category.

Tim Weekley, Suwanee

★★★★

Pass: I am always impressed with computer animation used to create Caesar and the other apes. They look so realistic that I forget there aren’t really apes on the screen. We have come so far since the original 1970s Ape series and its masked characters.

Fail: A movie with the word “war” in the title should have a lot more action in it. The end of the movie had plenty, but it took way too long to get there.

There was at least 20 minutes of the movie that could have been cut.

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Andy Serkis receives my nomination for best actor. Serkis played the Jesus-like, self-sacrificing Caesar, who suffered and starved on a cross, fed his fellow apes and led them out of slavery and to the promised land. The other actors and actresses were impressive, but Serkis’ delivery of powerful lines, realistic body language and fierce facial expressions made for an exemplary performance.

Fans of action and sci-fi will enjoy this film’s Simian Flu theme, super-intelligent apes and exciting gun battles and explosions. Fans of the drama genre may like this film as well with its fascinating character development and emotional moments between Caesar and the other apes. I’ll mention that the plot is a bit heavy and long; it tends to lag at a few points, so people should keep that in mind when deciding to see the film.

This movie is worth the theater ticket, and the dramatic battles and suspenseful moments are just not the same on a TV screen.

However, this movie is more about plot and character development than loud explosions and gun fights. So if you’re interested mainly in the former two, you may want to wait for Blu-ray.

Overall, “War for the Planet of the Apes” is a fantastic film. It more than makes up for its plot holes and filming issues with amazing acting, beautiful nature shots and powerful themes/messages. I only wish that it was grander.

The audience is left questioning: “Are those really all the humans left on Earth?

Are there other apes elsewhere like Bad Ape? If they still exist, what are the rest of the apes and humans doing?” However, my issue with the final battle may also serve as a strength because the end result of the battle helps to convey an important message about humanity and nature.

Andy Serkis (Gollum from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as he reprises the role of Caesar, the talking ape who is now shepherding his fellow simians in the aftermath of 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”

A Moses-like figure, Caesar is intent on finding a peaceful means to bring his family and tribe to a place of refuge. However, the remnants of the U.S. Army are hot on his trail, led by the crazed and confused Colonel McCutcheon (Woody Harrelson, in fine psychotic form reminiscent of Colonel Kurtz from “Apocalypse Now”). The inevitable showdown between apes and humans is further compounded by other human elements who are bent on destroying both McCutcheon’s forces and the apes. Lending a nice bit of comic relief to all this is Steve Zahn as Bad Ape.

You don’t have to be a sci-fi nut to really appreciate “War for the Planet of the Apes,” but it certainly helps.

Nor is the casual viewer completely lost if you haven’t seen the previous two films.

“War” is easily the best of the recent trilogy that began with 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and is already on my list as one of the best films of this year.

Spring for the big screen tickets on this one. “War for the Planet of the Apes” is epic in its scope and depth of story and is well worth the price of the ticket, popcorn and soda. And while you’re at it, go ahead and pre-order the DVD for your home collection.

“War for the Planet of the Apes” is a movie that will leave you in awe, not only as an action flick but also in its interweaving of themes such as love, hatred, fear, compassion and mercy. It constantly questions these attributes of what define us as humans, then turns those notions on their heads and spins them into a well-crafted story that will keep you glued to your seat. The expressions captured in the eyes of the apes alone are astounding to behold. This is a must-see film for all but the youngest viewers in your family.

As in previous Apes films, Andy Serkis is amazing as Caesar.

I feel like he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Yes, the character is computer animated, but they use Andy to do the animating. He brings Caesar to life and gives him emotion and depth and really makes you feel for him.

If you have seen the first two movies in the trilogy, then you will probably want to see this one just to get closure on the story.

If you haven’t seen the other films, there is a short recap at the beginning so you won’t be lost, but you probably will not feel invested in the characters or story.

If you are dying to know how the story of Caesar and the other apes ends then see “War” in theaters. If you are on the fence you can wait for the Blu-ray. There isn’t anything in the movie that makes it a mustsee right now.

I enjoyed the other two Apes movies and was interested to see what would happen to Caesar in the end. Mostly, I came away somewhat disappointed. The movie was too long and took a long time to get anywhere. I wanted more action, and the ending fell kind of flat. Though I enjoyed Andy Serkis, he wasn’t enough to save the movie. I don’t see any reason to rush right out and see this one.

★★★★ Pass: Outstanding scripting and dialogue; excellent direction and acting; superb cinematography and CGI; story line elements and characters that evoke a wide range of emotions and thoughts.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week: “War for the Planet of the Apes.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Laurel Grams, Lawrenceville

★★★★

COMING SOON TO OWN

DISC SPOTLIGHT

• “Billy Jack: The Complete Collection” (July 25): Even the pre-“Billy Jack” drama “Born Losers” is included in this set; Tom Laughlin plays the maverick hero.

(PG)

MICHAEL CLARK

Joe Versus the Volcano Blu-ray (PG) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★ Easily the least popular of the three movies starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, “Joe Versus the Volcano” is also the most twisted and entertaining.

All are romantic comedies and while “You’ve Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle” offer up the usual chick flick fluff, “Joe” is pitch black and never gets close to the middle of the road. Joe (Hanks) is diagnosed with a terminal brain malady and is offered a chance to live out his last months in paradise if he volunteers to be a human sacrifice.

Before reaching his final destination, he meets

• “The Boss Baby” (July 25): Alec Baldwin voices an infant whose arrival means less attention to his older sibling in this animated comedy. (PG) • “Ghost in the Shell” (July 25): Scarlett Johansson stars in the live-action version of the Japanese manga series about a rebelling uber-soldier. (PG-13) • “Gifted” (July 25): A young math prodigy is at the crux of a struggle between her uncle (Chris Evans) and her grandmother (Lindsay Duncan). (PG-13) • “Unforgettable” (July 25): A woman (Katherine Heigl) is determined to get her ex-husband’s (Geoff Stults) new love (Rosario Dawson) out of his life … forever. (R)

three sisters (all played by Special features Ryan) which leads up to include: a poetic, if not altogether • New print transfer surprising ending.

• Featurette Technical specs: • Eric Burdon music aspect ratio: Widescreen video “Sixteen Tons” (2.40:1/1080p), audio: • Trailer English (DTS-HD MA (Warner Archives, 5.1), subtitles: English. $17.99)

NOW SHOWING Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters. Ratings are out of 4 stars.

• Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13) — 3 stars Thanks to being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this sixth (!)

Spider-Man film is refreshingly free of backstory and focuses on the fun factor of the youthful hero’s story. — Khari J. Sampson • The Big Sick (R) — 2 1/2 stars Based on the real-life courtship of its lead figure, this film could be retitled “My Big Fat Pakistani Wedding While You Were Sleeping.” It’s not bad, but in alternately trying to be both a crass comedy and a sweethearted drama, it sometimes causes whiplash with its tone shifts. — KS • Cars 3 (PG) — 3 stars

The once-invincible young racer Lightning McQueen finds himself getting passed up as a veteran by newer, faster rookies in Pixar’s franchise-redeeming sequel. What could have been a standard richesto-rags-and-back sports story winds up in a finish that calls to mind “Toy Story 3.” — KS • Rough Night (R) — 3 1/2 stars While running for public office, Jess (Scarlett Johannson) and four close friends head to Miami for a bachelorette party that takes wrong turn after wrong turn — which includes the group killing a stripper. This star-studded cast doesn’t disappoint. Catch this film if you are looking for a funny — albeit, raunchy — date-night movie. — Alex Tostado • All Eyez on Me (R)— 3 stars

• “Big Little Lies” (Aug. 1): Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley star in the HBO drama about secrets among women in a coastal California town. (Not rated) • “Going in Style” (Aug. 1): Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin — Oscar winners all — star in the remake of the comedy about senior-citizen bank robbers. (PG-13)

Demetrius Shipp Jr. stars as late rap icon Tupac Shakur in a compelling yet sometimes choppy biopic. The movie covers portions of Tupac’s life from shortly before he was born until his murder in 1996 in Las Vegas. Danai Gurari, Kat Graham, Dominic L. Santana and Jamal Woolard also star. — Michael Buckelew • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (PG-13) — 3 stars The lovable band of space mercs return in this sequel to the 2014 Marvel Studios effort. Similar to the first film, there’s a lot to like about “Vol. 2” — dynamic characters, lots of action and tons of humor. Alas, there’s not enough to love to quite match the original. But who cares when it’s still this good? — Khari J. Sampson

8C • FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

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movies

‘Girls Trip’ takes all the laughs and more Girls Trip (R) ★★★★

BY KRISTEN HANSEN

kristen.hansen @gwinnettdailypost.com

A refreshing female-led, no-holds-barred comedy, “Girls Trip” brings all the laughs and more.

Four women — Ryan (Regina Hall, “When the Bough Breaks”), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith, “Bad Moms”), Sasha (Queen Latifah, “Miracles from Heaven”) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish, “Keanu”) — take a trip to have fun, relive their glory days from college and rekindle their dwindling friendship.

Over the years, the four have naturally grown apart while battling with life’s obligations like careers and family. To set things right, the group — better known as the “Flossy Posse” — plan to take New Orleans by storm for the Essence Festival.

Besides the friendship, each of the women are also dealing with personal battles. Self-help queen Ryan believes that if you just work hard enough you can “have it all.” What she doesn’t mention is that she is struggling to save her marriage to her college sweetheart and retired NFL player Stewart (Mike

From left, Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), Dina (Tiffany Haddish) and Ryan (Regina Hall) are four lifelong friends who travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival in “Girls Trip.” (Special Photo: Universal)

Colter, Netflix’s “Luke Cage”). Sasha, a journalism major who used to write for Time, now runs a gossip blog and is starting to question her career path.

Dina is Dina — fiercely loyal but also fiercely out of control. Divorcee Lisa has become a buttoned-up mother who needs to use the weekend to let loose.

To round out the film, there are some male costars including the ladies’ friend from college Julian Stevens (Larenz Tate, “Love Jones”) and fellow festival-goer Malik (Kofi Siriboe, “Queen Sugar”).

“Girls Trip” is not set in Vegas, thankfully. Every friends group that goes out to have a good time — be

it male or female — seems to end up in Vegas. This leads to the very trite casino scenes, strip club scenes, etc. It feels very “been there and done that,” so it was nice to see a fresh new city.

Most of the movie is laugh-out-loud funny — the whole audience seemed to be in stitches.

Yes, it does have heartwrenching moments, but they are very organic to the message of the film and not manufactured just for the sake of having them.

Producer Will Packer is used to ensemble casts, having been behind “Think Like a Man” and the “Ride Along” series. When de-

ciding on his next project, Packer decided he wanted to showcase black women as they are seldom seen — fronting an R-rated comedy.

“There is this perception or stigma among some that women don’t have that kind of fun,” Packer said.

Writers Kenya Barris, creator of the TV show “Black-ish,” and Tracy Oliver (“Barbershop: The Next Cut”) are able to bring to life a realistic girls trip. Very believable and recreatable — unlike, say, “The Hangover” — it seems like it is a slice-oflife of these women. Not some extreme, over-thetop comedy with unrealistic antics, instead, “Girls Trip” is one about women just having a good time together.

Be warned, however, it is not for the faint of heart. This movie earns its hard “R” with cussing, sexual talk and nudity (and probably not in the way you are thinking). I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone, but if you enjoyed movies like “The Heat” and “Bridesmaids,” “Girls Trip” should be on your must-see list.

“Girls Trip” is a welcome addition to the raunchy female-led comedy genre — which, in all honesty, is not big enough — and may very well be its star.

(Universal)

‘Band Aid’ gives realistic look into failing marriage Band Aid (R) ★★★★

BY ALEX TOSTADO

alex.tostado @gwinnettdailypost.com

Marriage is hard. Married couples are going to fight, married couples are going to hate each other sometimes and married couples are going to find ways to cope.

“Band Aid” gives us a look into the marriage and lives of Anna (Zoe ListerJones, “Breaking Upwards,” “Consumed”) and Ben (Adam Pally, “Happy Endings,” “Iron Man 3”).

Anna and Ben start arguing over dirty dishes within the first 30 seconds of the film. In the next scene, the couple is in therapy. When the therapist (Retta, “Parks and Recreation”) tells Anna and Ben she is moving to Canada, the two must find ways to deal with their problems alone.

At Anna’s godson’s first

birthday party, we see the couple smoking weed in the bathroom because, as Anna tells the birthday boy’s mom, Grace (Hannah Simone, “New Girl”), being high at a child’s party “is the only way I could be here.” The feelings Ben and Anna have toward children is an undertone throughout the movie. It is revealed (not so surprisingly) that Anna had a miscarriage some time ago and is struggling to move past it.

At the party, Ben picks up a toy guitar while Anna picks up a toy microphone, and the couple plays a song that sounds pretty decent. We come to learn Ben played the guitar in high school and Anna used to play bass.

The next morning, Anna suggests they turn their fights into songs and start a band.

They are having a jam session in the garage when their weird neighbor, Dave (Fred Armisen, “Saturday Night Live,” “Portlandia”), comes up and has a more-than-awkward inter-

stars. The lyrics and cute and fun, the instrumentals are good and the singing is decent. Lister-Jones could have easily brought in somebody to make the characters sound amazing, Zoe Listerbut she kept it real. Friday Jones stars as Anna and night open mics is as far as they went.

Adam Pally The arguing is near conas Ben in “Band Aid.” stant, and when Anna and (Special Ben aren’t arguing, you Photo: IFC are wondering, “What will Films) trigger them and ruin the happy moment?” With that said, the writing and the tone makes “Band Aid” funny. It is a laugh-atour-pain type of film that can get too real at times, but always comes back to action hinting he would of his parents’ divorce, make it lighthearted. Arlike to play drums in the where he believes the misen nails his character band. Ben and Anna blow sexual addiction began. to provide much-needed off the obvious hint. Dur- Anna and Ben promise comic relief. ing a separate fight (yeah, not to fight anymore while As with many indiethere are that many), they playing to get Dave to type films, the ending realize they need a drum- rejoin the band. isn’t clear-cut and life mer and invite Dave to be What I like about this itself is getting in the way. the third member of their movie is that even though Anna is a full-time Uber band. the music part of it is driver because she had We learn Dave is a prominent, Lister-Jones a book deal fall through recovering sex addict, and (also the writer and direc- (another undertone at one point he quits the tor) doesn’t try to make throughout the film). Ben band because the incessant Anna and Ben into some- is a corporate graphic dearguing is reminding him thing they’re not — rock signer who is too lazy and

uninspired to actually finish his projects. They both feel stuck, and they both think there isn’t anything they can do to fix it.

If you plan on watching this film as part of a dinner-and-a-movie date, head to the theater before heading to the restaurant.

With its thought-provoking ending and views of life, marriage and children, “Band Aid” will give you and your date seemingly endless topics of discussion.

I docked this one a star because of its clichés into the relationships of men and women. (Ben says Anna doesn’t get physically angry, while Anna says Ben doesn’t show enough emotion, and so on.) Also, it is more difficult than most movies to pinpoint its target audience.

It’s not a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen, but if you are into films with an indie feel (as I am), watch this one sooner rather than later.

(IFC)

JULY 20–AUGUST 27, 2017

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