March 30, 2018 — Gwinnett Daily Post

HOMETOWN HERO Rapper Quavo to bring celebs to Huncho Day at Berkmar • Sports, 1B

CAR GOES OFF CLIFF, 5B

Boy known for police brutality protest missing

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

75 cents ©2018 SCNI

Vol. 48, No. 85

Detective: Woman posed as church leader Police say she defrauded customers of at least $1.2M

BY ISABEL HUGHES

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

A Norcross church leader who police say has posed as an immigration lawyer, accountant and child care provider for the last four years is accused of defrauding her customers of at least $1.2 million, though the number is likely much higher, detec-

tives said.

Melva Washington, 60, of Duluth was arrested Wednesday afternoon Melva at the Washington Anointed Vision Church, which is located in the 6100 block of Atlantic Boulevard in Nor-

cross, after Gwinnett police, along with U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents, raided the church following a several monthslong investigation into Washington’s operations.

She was charged with first-degree forgery, false statements or writings, and unauthorized practice of law for allegedly running an illegal tax preparation business,

Detectives say this sign was put up outside Anointed Vision Church, which allowed investigators to secure a search warrant on the church.

(Staff Photo: Isabel Hughes)

law practice and day care out of the church dating back to at least 2014, according to Gwinnett County Police Department Det. Nermin Culrarevic.

“Two complainants came forward to us through a (legitimate) immigration attorney and their stories matched perfectly,” See FRAUD, Page 3A

Former Buford teacher, coach faces charges

Right, Gwinnett County Cultural Resources Manager Catherine Long, from left, Cultural and Natural Resources employee Nathan Griswell and AGCO marketing manager for hay and forage products Matt LeCroy unveil the 1956 Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor that AGCO restored for McDaniel Farm Park on Wednesday. (Staff Photos: Curt Yeomans)

Elliott accused of sexual battery, sexual assault

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos.

off the restoration work that Duluth-based AGCO — which acquired Allis Chalmers years ago — did on the tractor.

But, as with many stories involving the McDaniel Farm, this one goes back to Archie

A now-former Buford High School teacher and football coach is facing charges of sexual battery and sexual assault related to alleged incidents involving students at the school.

Police Sgt. Jake Smith said Brad Elliott, 37, allegedly touched one female student’s buttocks without permission, prompting the sexual battery charge, and is accused of having a consensual sexual relationship with the other student, who was over 16.

“There were two female victims, both students in Elliott’s classes,” Smith said. “Both incidents occurred on Buford High School property Brad Elliott during the current school year.”

Elliott turned himself in to police Wednesday night and bonded out on Thursday. His bond on the sexual assault charge was set at $22,200 and the bond on the misdemeanor sexual battery charge was set at $2,400.

Police said Elliott previously worked at Roswell High School and has resigned from his position at There were Buford. He two female was in his victims, both first year students in Elliott’s at Buford classes. Both incifollowing dents occurred on five years at Buford High School Roswell. property during the A cached current school year.” version of a —Police Sgt. Jake Smith biography that has been taken down from the Buford school and football websites said he taught architecture and construction technology.

He coached inside wide receivers for the school’s football team.

The cached version of the biography that had been on the school’s website listed “spending time with family” as one of his favorite activities. The cached version of his bio from the football team’s website listed a wife and five children.

See TRACTOR, Page 7A

See ELLIOTT, Page 7A

Gwinnett County Cultural and Natural Resources employee Nathan Griswell, from left, Cultural Resources Manager Catherine Long, AGCO CEO Martin Richenhagen, Senior Vice President Lucinda Smith and marketing manager for hay and forage products Matt LeCroy pose for a photo at the unveiling of a 1956 Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor that AGCO restored for McDaniel Farm Park on Wednesday.

Historic horsepower Restored 1956 tractor unveiled at McDaniel Farm Park

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

“He’s probably looking down on it right now, thinking how great it is,” Charlie Underwood said about the unveiling of a restored 1956

tractor at the Duluth-area park that was once the late Archie McDaniel’s home.

Underwood’s family used to live on Pleasant Hill Road near the McDaniel Farm. He and his son, Chuck, donated the tractor, an old Allis Chalmers WD45, to Gwinnett

County last fall to be displayed permanently at McDaniel Farm Park. The tractor showed signs of age, particularly lots of rust, but all of that changed recently.

The informal unveiling held at the park Thursday afternoon was done to show

“

Rep. Woodall, Hazel trade barbs at GOP congressional debate

BY CURT YEOMANS

criticisms as tensions built throughout the debate at the Forsyth County Government Annex, culminating at the end U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, when the candidates got to R-Ga., and Shane Hazel shook directly ask questions of each hands in a friendly gesture other. before a GOP Seventh Con“Congressman Woodall, you gressional District Debate rate an ‘F’ from the ‘Conserhosted by the Forsyth County vative Review’ and ‘The New Republican Party in Cumming American,’ and you got a ‘D’ Thursday night. from ‘Heritage,’ which will The congeniality quickly probably drop to an ‘F’ after gave way to exchanges of they factor in the omnibus curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

bill — why don’t you just run as a Democrat?” Hazel asked Woodall.

“Having listened tonight, I understand everything that Shane’s going to vote against, and he’s upset that I voted ‘Yes.’ My question is, is there anything that I voted ‘No’ on that, if you were there, you’d have made it happen?”

Former Marine and Brookwood graduate Shane Hazel, above left, and Woodall asked Hazel when his U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, above right, appeared at the Forsyth County GOP Seventh Congressional District Debate at the Forsyth County Govern-

See DEBATE, Page 7A ment Annex in Cumming on Thursday. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

gwinnettdailypost.com

INSIDE Classified .......7B

Horoscope .....4A

Nation ........... 5B

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

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

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

Obituaries ......7A

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

Crossword .....6B

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

Perspectives ..5A

World .............5B

Stay connected with the Daily Post online, where you can submit news tips, browse photo galleries and sign up to receive headlines digitally at gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletter.

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

2A • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Trio accused of numerous Norcross hosting annual car break-ins in Norcross Easter egg hunts Saturday A group of thieves accused of stealing a woman’s purse from her vehicle while she was pumping gas has been linked to numerous other car break-ins in Norcross, Gwinnett police said Thursday.

Between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, the suspects — who are described as three black men in a silver Infiniti G35 with a paper license plate — targeted vehicles on Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Crescent Drive, Dawson Boulevard and Live Oak Parkway in Norcross, according to Cpl. Michele

This man, along with two others, is accused of breaking into several cars in Norcross. (Special Photo)

Pihera, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department.

“Though most of the vehicles were unattended during the thefts, one vehicle

THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY

3/30 - 3/31 • 10:00AM - 8:00PM

TRUNK SHOW

Come See

Spring 2018 Collection

2-DAY SALE

Special Pricing on

2-DAY SPECIAL SALE & GIFT w/PURCHASE*

*while supplies last

The Shoppes at Buford 3200 Woodward Crossing Blvd. Ste. A103 540052-1

Buford, GA 30519 770-945-3777

thefoottraveler.com

S C I R B A F ALL AND T R I M S Spring Fashion

NEW FABRICS

Outside The Mall of GA • Behind HH Gregg • Across From Honey Baked Ham Mon-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12:30pm-5:30pm

3

$ 00

new

cotton prints

YD

OR LESS

or

New YoRK DESIGNER AND FASHION REMNANTS

536911-2

was entered while a woman was pumping gas at a local gas station,” Pihera said. “In the video, the suspects are seen pulling up beside her vehicle in an adjacent pump.

While the woman has her back turned momentarily, the driver in the suspect vehicle walks over to her car, opens up the driver’s side door and steals her purse from inside.”

The woman, who saw one of the suspects walking back to the Infiniti with her purse, confronted him, though she was not able to stop him before he got into his vehicle and drove away.

In the other thefts, victims reported their car windows being broken and various items being stolen, including a Glock 19 handgun.

“Earlier this week, another entering auto series was published about a series in unincorporated Duluth involving a different suspect vehicle description,” Pihera said. “Though it’s not yet know if these two series are linked, we urge members of the community to come forward with tips so we may attempt to put a stop to these thefts.”

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

Tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case by referencing case numbers: 18-028345, 18-038368, 18-028369, 18-028385, 18-028388, 18-028404, 18-028446, 18-028461, 18-028331, 18-028352, 18028353 and 18-028372.

less L L A , S YE CS I R B A F IMS R T D AN

Tu e s d a y - F r i d a y : 10 a.m-7 p.m.

S a t u r d a y : 10 a.m-6 p.m.

CLOSE D Sunday and Monday

BY ISABEL HUGHES

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

Though many will be making their way to church on Sunday, on Saturday, the Easter Bunny is hopping his way to downtown Norcross for the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and special-needs Easter Egg Hunt.

The first hunt, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 10 a.m. at Rossie Brundage Park, located at 350 Autry St. The second hunt, which is offered to children with special needs and their parents, is also free and will be held at 1 p.m. at the park.

“We are thrilled to welcome spring to Norcross with our annual Easter Egg Hunt,” said Norcross Mayor Craig Newton. “It is always a family favorite and is the perfect occasion to bring everyone together for a fun-filled day in downtown Norcross.”

The special-needs egg hunt will be wheelchair accessible and sensory friendly with special con-

IF YOU GO What: Annual Easter Egg Hunt and specialneeds Easter Egg Hunt When: 10 a.m. Saturday Where: Rossie Brundage Park, 350 Autry St., Norcross For more information: aplacetoimagine.com

sideration for the visually and hearing impaired with scooping nets being offered to children in wheelchairs.

A tent with beanbags for sensory-sensitive children as well as a sign language professional will also be present, as well as

On Saturday, Norcross will host two Easter egg hunts: one for all residents and a second for children with special needs and their parents. (Special Photo)

a service dog provided by Canine Assistants.

The International Association Bomb Technicians and Investigators and the Atlanta field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will provide beeping eggs for the blind and visually impaired.

Registration is required for the special-needs Easter Egg Hunt. Visit aplacetoimagine.com to register.

Gwinnett Medical Center to host Stop the Bleed class on Saturday

BY ISABEL HUGHES

attendees will learn about wound packing and tourniquet training, which will What: Gwinnett Medical Center’s Stop the be followed by hands-on Bleed class exercises. The course will Where: GMC Rebe offered by Gwinnett source Center, 665 Medical trauma experts.

Duluth Highway, LawThe hospital’s Lawrencevrenceville ille emergency room is When: 10 a.m. to 2 equipped with a level II p.m. Saturday trauma program, the only Cost: Free and open designated trauma center in to those ages 12 and Gwinnett County. The ER up. Register at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/ offers: stopthebleed.

• Experienced, boardcertified trauma surgeons and emergency medicine Launched in October physicians; 2015, the national Stop • Children’s Emergency the Bleed campaign was Center including a separate entrance and board-certified developed following the pediatric medicine physimass shooting at Sandy cians; and Hook Elementary in the • Advanced technology hopes of expanding lifesaving knowledge beyond first including ER Express, an online ER check-in service responders. allowing patients the ability The goal is to educate residents so they know what to hold their spot in line.

To register for the event, to do when faced with trauvisit gwinnettmedicalcenter. matic bleeding injuries. org/stopthebleed.

At Saturday’s event,

IF YOU GO

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

In honor of Saturday’s National Stop the Bleed Day — a day that brings together bleeding control teachers and students for life-saving training — Gwinnett Medical Center’s trauma program is offering a free class that is open to residents ages 12 and older.

The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, is designed to give the public life-saving information in the event of a traumatic event, such as a shooting, car accident or other incident.

According to stopthebleedday.org, the top cause of preventable death in the U.S. in trauma is bleeding, with estimates showing 20 percent of traumatic injury victims would have been able to survive with quick bleeding control.

You can trUSt. Did you know?

Our crematory is on site and all of the services we offer are provided under one roof.

Your loved one never leaves our care.

Considering cremation? Call today to learn more or transfer your plan to us.

536077-2

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

DRAPERY AND UPHOLSTERY

BY ISABEL HUGHES

Gwinnett Chapel

Stone Mountain Chapel

678-500-8007

678-500-8717

1031 Lawrenceville Hwy. Lawrenceville, GA 30046

1040 Main Street Stone Mountain, GA 30083

WagesAndSons.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Fraud

•From Page 1A

as to what kind of fraud, because he didn’t defraud anyCulrarevic said. “They told body, and he was provided us they met Melva, and she with a bunch of information promised she could fix their and documents that he did immigration status — both not give to Melva and that of them are here illegally in she basically fabricated,” the United States — (even Culrarevic said. “There were though) one of the complain- immunization records, for ants said he was ineligible example, that he provided for the (Deferred Action for her with where the original, Childhood Arrivals Pro(real) document didn’t look gram). She told him not to anything like the form that worry about that and just made it to USCIS.” to post a payment and she Culrarevic said Gwinnett would take care of everydetectives contacted officials thing else.” within the Department of Within several years of Homeland Security who told giving Washington $1,200 the detectives that there were and all his information, the “many, many more” people complainant said he received whose DACA applications, citizenship denial from the which were were sent to United States Citizenship USCIS by Washington, and Immigration Services contained fraudulent inforwith the explanation that mation. there was fraud on his “The number is estimated record. to be more than 1,000, and “He requested information that’s just DACA (applica-

tions),” Culrarevic said. “By going on what people are saying and evidence I was able to find at the (church,) $1,200 is the average ballpark of what she was receiving for DACA, and if you have more than 1,000 DACA applications times $1,200, you do the math. It’s a very lucrative business, and that’s just for DACA. Now factor in her (fraudulent) income tax (preparations,) asylums, adjustments of status, child care — it’s (a lot.)”

Though Washington was defrauding her customers and forging government papers, Culrarevic said she didn’t try to hide the operation, going as far as to put up a sign outside the church that read, “DACA renewals, 1-hour, $200.”

The sign, Culrarevic said, allowed investigators to secure a search warrant, which

Easter Worship April 1

led them to much more than they had expected.

“When we (went in,) we found quite a bit of other stuff that had taken place there,” Culrarevic said.

“While it was mainly tax preparation she offered (in addition to DACA services) — they had like six or seven mini-offices set up inside the church — she also offered other immigration services like asylums, adjustments of status, applications for food waivers and stuff like that.”

What was even more disconcerting, Culrarevic said, was that Washington was also offering day care services, which dozens of parents took advantage of.

“You have what you think are these legitimate child care services, but who are you really giving your child to?” he said. “That is the biggest problem — there were

no check-ups and no monitoring that we were able to find that was being done on the people who were taking care of these children.”

Then, Culrarevic said, there is also the problem of victims who gave their personal information to a criminal; Washington has previously been convicted of property crimes “like fraud,” Culrarevic said.

“What about the people who are filing and processing the personally sensitive information about somebody’s financials?” Culrarevic said. “That is a huge problem. Can you imagine somebody who has a lengthy criminal record having access to that type of information?”

Still, Culrarevic said he doesn’t believe all of the victims are completely blameless.

Shortness of Breath? Chronic Coughing?

Constantly Tired?

Then join us for this free idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) educational program!

WHEN:

April 1 – Easter

Saturday, April 7, 2018 Registration: 9:30 AM Start Time: 10:00 AM

Sunrise Service 7:00 am

Join us on Easter morning as the sun comes up for an Easter Sunrise Service on the Fellowship Terrace. This casual service will include singing, prayers and devotion.

WHERE:

Two Traditional Worship Services: 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Galleria 2815 Akers Mill Rd. SE Atlanta, GA 30339

At the Traditional Worship services the music will be as glorious as the day deserves with the choir lifting praises to God, ending with our annual Easter acclamation, Handel’s “Hallelujah!” chorus.

FEATURING:

One Contemporary Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. in Hinton Hall

Dr. Lisa Lancaster Janice B. & Stephen V., IPF Mentors

The worship band, prayer team and pastor will be energized and ready to join with you in the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Register today to learn more about the symptoms of IPF by calling

Childcare available for the 9:30 & 11 AM Worship Services.

1-866-281-3501

3208 Duluth Highway 120 • Located 3 miles West of I-85 N 537336-2

770-476-3776 • www.duluthumc.org

537458-1

Bring a friend or family member!

Complimentary parking and refreshments provided.

An IPF Educational Event

Copyright © 2018 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. (01/18) PC-US-101034

“One of the (DACA) requirements is that you prove that you have an education,” Culrarevic said. “Washington was offering people high school or GED equivalent diplomas, and they were not accredited, so it didn’t count for the functions people were using them for. But also, not a single (person) took any formal classes or tests or anything like that, so there’s no doubt in my mind that they were not aware that this was a suspicious kind of dealing.

“I don’t consider them what we would call a true victim. They may be victimized by what they (went through), but they knowingly entered this agreement with an intention to defraud the federal government. It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from or what corner of the world you’re from — you know that if you’re going to get a high school diploma or, even worse, a technical school diploma, you’re required to spend some time in a classroom.”

Culrarevic said that while detectives and homeland security agents already have a number of witnesses, anyone who had dealings with Washington is encouraged to come forward to ensure that their personal information is secure.

The investigation is ongoing and police will likely have new updates as they learn more about the operation, Culrarevic said.

“The (kicker) is,” he added, “that in the time (Gwinnett police) and homeland security were watching the church, we didn’t see a single church service.”

Washington is currently being held without bond at the Gwinnett County Jail on six felony counts and three misdemeanor counts related to her operation. More charges may be forthcoming.

® Optimal Hearing The Hearing Technology Company Why Do I Hear, But Not Understand?

Study by Cambridge University in England Reveals Key Answer

ntil recently, there was no practical way to U identify dead regions of hearing cells in the ear.

However, a new British-developed procedure using standard test equipment now allows for identification of dead hearing cell regions. The study suggests that the presence or absence of dead regions may have serious implications in the fitting of hearing aids.

This research reveals that amplifying dead cells is a mistake which will result in poorer speech understanding in noise. A new type of digitally programmable microcircuit is now being released from Optimal Hearing Systems that can be programmed to bypass the dead cells.

As a result, the patient’s usable hearing cells receive amplification, thereby improving speech understanding in noise.

“We are employing a like method in our diagnostic sound booths using a sound field speech in noise procedure”, said Dr. Gabriel Pitt of Optimal Hearing Systems. “This test simulates hearing in a noisy crowd. We are able to determine maximum speech understanding by frequency shaping this new hearing aid.”

The results have been phenomenal. For the first time, a patient is able to actually realize the exact percentage of speech understanding improvement in noisy listening environments.

These new products come in all shell sizes, including the smallest digital models, with low introductory prices available.

During its release, Optimal Hearing Systems is offering this new frequency-shaping hearing instrument on a 30-day satisfaction trial. “Your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed,” Pitt said.

Call the Optimal Hearing office closest to you for a free, no-obligation appointment and to learn about your hearing loss.

Hearing Computer Unnoticed in Ears

-Coach Dan Reeves Customer since 2009

Vici 2

FREE Demonstrations This Month

Imagine a hearing aid that automatically adapts to your surroundings and reflects your specific lifestyle. Imagine a hearing aid that is so pleasant to wear that it gives a new meaning to the phrase “customer satisfaction.”

Well, imagine no more! With this breakthrough technology from Optimal Hearing Systems, one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, now comes the first hearing aid ever developed to address your most important needs. Not only does it fit your individual hearing loss, it fits the way you live.

If you hear, but are having trouble understanding conversation, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the free demonstrations offered this month. Call us at Optimal Hearing Systems today for a no-obligation appointment.

Call Today! 678-389-7877

Better hearing does not have to be complicated. Call Optimal Hearing.

50

NOW ONLY

$749

$1,200

See store for details.

LOGANVILLE 4402 Lawrenceville Rd., Ste. 225

LAWRENCEVILLE (Duluth)

1755 N Brown Rd., Ste. 200

534690-1

© 2018 The Wilson Group. All Rights Reserved.

We accept most insurances. You may be eligible to use your Flex Spend account for hearing aids. Hurry in and check before time runs out. We Service All Makes and Models and Offer Audiometric Screenings and Video Ear Inspections.

4A • Friday, March 30, 2018 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

today

10%

Keith Roach

Does exercise trump a bad diet?

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband is physically fit and works out daily through biking, elliptical trainer, playing hockey, working outside, etc. He is of appropriate weight, and his cholesterol and sugar numbers are normal, as is his blood pressure. What concerns me is his diet.

Every day, he eats meat — red meat, pork or chicken.

He also eats lunch meat and plenty of cheese. He says working out counters the effect of these foods.

He has a heart murmur, and his father passed away unexpectedly from either a heart attack or stroke at age 74 this past summer.

Can all of this add to his potential to have a heart attack, or do the test results indicate that he is fine?

— J.M. ANSWER: To be optimally healthy, both exercise and diet are important. People argue passionately about what is the healthiest diet and whether eating red meat is healthy. Although some people have seized on newer study results, I have read many studies in the past 30 years, and believe that eating less meat and more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fish is much healthier. In my opinion, your husband’s eating habits do contribute to heart attack risk despite his exercise regimen. I also should add that processed meats have been convincingly linked to increased cancer risk; however, the magnitude of that risk is small.

That does not mean he has to change his eating habits entirely in order to get healthier; small changes are more likely to be acceptable to him. Starting with one meal a day of fish or creatively cooked plants (some people find mushrooms, for example, a very good meat substitute) can help reduce his risk.

The booklet on heart attacks, America’s No. 1 killer, explains what happens, how they are treated and how they are avoided.

Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach Book No. 102 628 Virginia Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell. edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

HOroscopes

weather watch

66 40

saturday

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

10%

0%

10%

60%

70%

10%

68

74

75

78

65

65

46

51

54

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

12:43-2:43 a.m...........1:09-3:09 p.m.

Minor

7:08-8:08 a.m............. 7:14-8:14 p.m.

pollen counts Trees: High Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Lake

58

44

43

lake levels Full Yesterday Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona..............(840.0)......835.63 Lanier..................(1071.0).... 1070.74 Blackshear............(237.0)......236.90 Nottely................(1779.0)....1765.33 Blue Ridge.........(1690.0)....1678.01 Oconee................(435.0)......434.89 Burton................(1865.0)....1863.64 Seminole.................(77.5).........77.50 Carters............... (1072.0)....1072.39 Sinclair.................(339.8)......338.51 Chatuge..............(1927.0)....1919.78 Thurmond............(330.0)...... 327.27 Harding.................(521.0)......519.32 Tugalo....................(891.5)......888.19 Hartwell................(660.0)......659.59 Walter F. George.. (188.0)......188.60 Jackson................(530.0)......529.05 West Point............(635.0)...... 631.83

today in history

lottery Thursday Cash 3 Midday: 6-5-7 Cash 4 Midday: 8-0-1-8 Ga. 5 Midday: 0-2-5-6-6 Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 1-9-6 Cash 3 Evening: 0-3-4 Cash 3 Night: 0-6-2 Cash 4 Midday: 4-6-1-2 Cash 4 Evening: 7-7-2-8 Cash 4 Night: 7-4-4-1 Ga. 5 Midday: 1-7-3-3-6 Ga. 5 Evening: 8-8-8-2-3 Fantasy 5: 13-17-22-28-33 Powerball: 6-08-26-52-53, Powerball: 21, Power Play: 2X

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1855, “Border Ruffians” from Missouri invaded Kansas during the territory’s first election, forcing the election of a proslavery legislature.

In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward completed the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million.

In 1870, the U.S. Congress readmitted Texas to the Union.

In 1964, the TV quiz show “Jeopardy!” premiered on NBC with host Art Fleming.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest in an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Francisco Goya (1746-1828), painter; Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), painter; John Astin (1930- ), actor; Warren Beatty (1937- ), actor/director; Eric Clapton (1945- ), singer-songwriter/musician;

Paul Reiser (1957- ), actor/comedian; Piers Morgan (1965- ), TV personality; Celine Dion (1968- ), singer-songwriter; Secretariat (1970-1989), racehorse; Norah Jones (1979- ), singer-songwriter/musician; Richard Sherman (1988), football player.

TODAY’S FACT: The purchase of Alaska added 663,267 square miles to the United States for less than $11 per square mile.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1990, Jack Nicklaus made his debut in the Senior PGA Tour (since renamed the Champions Tour).

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Being friends, being brothers, loving, that is what opens the prison, with supreme power, by some magic force. Without these one stays dead. But whenever affection is revived, there life revives.” — Vincent van Gogh

reader’s guide

Gwinnett Daily Post

resource center at 770-9639205, ext. 1161 or 1162.

To Report a News Item: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Call 770-3395850. Editor Todd Cline is at Editor – Todd Cline to start your subscription.

770-963-9205, ext. 1300; Main Office – 770-963-9205 Classified Ads: ClassiSports Editor Will Hammock fieds can be placed at the main office 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; is at 770-963-9205, ext.

The Gwinnett Daily Post phone lines open 24 hours, 1310. To request a photo, call 770-963-9205, ext. 1327. invites your input. Here are seven days a week by callAdministration/Finance: some guidelines to help you ing 770-236-9988. Email: Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., communicate with us. classified@gwinnettdailypMon.-Fri. Call 770-963-9205.

Subscription Rates: Delivery Problems: Your Subscription rate is $99 plus ost.com Legal Notices: Hours are satisfaction is our No. 1 prisales tax for one year, limitority. If we miss delivery, call ed delivery areas. Call 770- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. The fax number is 770-339- our circulation department 339-5845 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8082. Reach the legal customer service line, 770-

Who To Call

339-5845, or email the circulation department at circulation@gwinnettdailypost. com between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and noon Sunday.

If your paper delivery is missed, we no longer redeliver on each delivery day.

We only redeliver on Sunday.

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

Sibling’s party is real ‘Risky Business’ Dear Readers: This week I am running topical “Best Of” columns while I’m on book tour, meeting readers of my memoir, “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things,” which is now out in paperback.

I’ll be back next week with more answers and advice directed toward a fresh batch of dilemmas.

Today’s topic is siblings.

Dear Amy: I’m 17, and have a twin brother.

Recently my parents went out of town, and my brother wanted to throw a party. I didn’t want to, but I decided to stay up to make sure nothing got out of hand.

At 11 p.m. someone brought an incredible quantity of alcohol, and 20 guests showed up.

They all began to drink heavily, and soon a guest was feeling sick.

I drove the guest home.

When I returned home the place was a nightmare.

Everyone was drunk.

People were vomiting, there was broken glass on the floor and someone had cut his foot and was bleeding heavily.

I almost called 911, but a sober friend showed up and persuaded me not to. Finally, everyone fell asleep, but I stayed up all night checking on each one. I am certain that one particular person would have died had I not done this.

In the morning, I drove them all home while my brother cleaned up. I have

Ask Amy

Amy Dickinson felt guilty and angry at my brother ever since. He tells me I am being dramatic and I should forgive him.

Did I do the right thing?

Should I forgive him?

— Terrified Twin Dear Twin: The route to forgiveness is smoothest when it is paved with an acknowledgment that someone has erred, along with a request to be forgiven. Has your brother done either of these things?

You sound amazingly responsible. But this is an extreme note of caution: If you are ever in a situation where you think to yourself, “I wonder if I should call 911 …,” call 911. Do it.

An alcohol overdose can prove fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010, there were approximately 189,000 emergency room visits by persons younger than 21 for issues linked to alcohol. Alcohol use accounted for 4,700 deaths in underage drinkers.

In addition to the injuries (such as happened at

your house), drinking can cause violence, unwanted or unintended sexual activity, destruction of property and violations of trust and friendship.

Unfortunately, your toughest job is still ahead.

You must tell your parents about this. Your brother’s choice could have cost your family everything.

They should never leave you two home alone overnight again. — September 2013 Dear Amy: My older sister is getting married.

Her fiance and his family are a very Christian conservative family. Mine is extremely liberal.

I am gay. I received an email from my sister saying that she did not think it was right for me to attend her wedding, saying they do not agree with my “lifestyle.” OK, it is her special day. I am fine with her choice.

When my mother learned I wasn’t invited, she was outraged.

I don’t know if it is so much just my not being invited, or that my mother feels that our beliefs are not as important as the fiance’s family’s.

Now my family will not attend my sister’s wedding, and my sister and her new fiance blame me.

What can I do to convince my family that they need to go to my sister’s wedding, and also let my sister know that the real problem is that she is losing herself and that this

(not my sexual orientation) is the real issue?

— The Gay Brother Dear Gay Brother: I can completely understand your family’s choice to not attend this wedding, because denying your attendance seems to be a denial — not only of your family’s values, but of you.

Your sister and her almost in-laws are excluding you and now blaming you for the drama your exclusion is causing, as if your gayness is really getting in the way of everybody’s good time.

Your graciousness is commendable. Email your sister: “I realize this is your special day. I completely accept your choice and have told other family members this. However, I feel like this choice doesn’t reflect the values we were raised with. I hope you don’t change your core values to suit your new family. I’ll never stop being your loving brother and wish you and your fiance all the best.”

Don’t bother talking your mother into attending. When you’re a parent, you’ll understand how she feels. — July 2014 You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

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

Put greater emphasis on detail and more thought into getting ahead. Don’t leave anything to chance or make promises without getting things in writing. Cover your back to come out ahead this year. Thoroughness and independent work are favored.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Add extra detail to whatever job you are working on to receive the recognition you deserve. Don’t let anyone pressure you into putting his or her responsibilities before your own.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) — Discuss the way you feel. Whether dealing with a business or personal partner, getting your thoughts out in the open will result in a positive change.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Look at all sides of an issue before you offer your services. It’s best not to let your social and business dealings coincide. Make personal changes in secret.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Make a point to explain your whereabouts, plans or intentions to anyone who will be affected by what you do. Respect partnerships and honor your promises.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You may feel like you need to take a trip or do business in person, but you’ll probably save money and accomplish just as much if you use technology for the purpose.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) — You’ll face a roadblock when it comes to handling financial affairs or other people’s problems. Remain calm, listen to what’s being said and make choices based on reason and common sense.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Communication will lead to disagreements. You are best off keeping your true feelings to yourself if someone is angry. Keep your distance and consider the best way to handle unreasonable demands before you take action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) — Dealing with youngsters, relatives or someone from your past will be emotionally difficult if you are secretive about your feelings.

Open up and air your grievances.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Someone you work or live with will frustrate you. Don’t let anger set in when positive encouragement is what’s required. Patience, mindfulness and love will bring the best results.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Taking care of someone else’s affairs can be daunting, but you will end up benefiting if you do. Step up and do your part to help a friend or relative.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Look over financial papers, medical records or work matters carefully. You stand to benefit if you make a couple of changes to the way you handle such affairs.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your kindness and consideration will be taken advantage of by someone who recognizes your value and lack of confidence. Market your skills and talents on your own.

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 5 A • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

Trump’s newest cabinet nominee has no experience WASHINGTON — You can’t make this stuff up: President Trump has announced he will nominate a medical doctor who has no discernible management experience to run the secondlargest agency in the federal government.

Can presidents be sued for malpractice?

The man Trump has named to become secretary of veterans affairs, Dr. Ronny Jackson, happens to be the president’s personal physician. More to the point, given Trump’s perpetual hunger for sycophancy, is the fact that Jackson showered the president with hyperbolic DearLeader-style praise during a widely viewed television appearance in January.

Trump has “incredibly good genes,” Jackson said in describing the physical Eugene examination he had Robinson given the president.

Trump’s overall health is “excellent.” His “cardiac assessment” put him “in the excellent range.” If his diet had been a bit better, “he might live to be 200 years old.” In any event, “I think he will remain fit for duty for the remainder of this term and even for the remainder of another term if he’s elected.”

That is an unusual way to describe a 71-yearold man whose height was reported as a generous 6 feet 3 inches and weight at an eyebrowraising 239 pounds, which classifies him as overweight — but conveniently just one pound short of obese. Jackson’s are odd words for a man whose cheeseburger-laden diet my doctor would describe as suicidal and whose coronary calcium scan results, according to many other physicians, indicate some degree of heart disease and a clearly elevated risk of heart attack.

I assume Jackson has been more, shall we say, plain-spoken with the president about his health than he was with the public. But am I suggesting that flattery, rather than merit, is what makes him Trump’s choice to replace ousted VA Secretary David Shulkin? Absolutely, because no other explanation makes sense.

Pliability may also be playing a role. In a New York Times op-ed, Shulkin wrote that he believed he was being sacked because he opposed a push by the Trump administration “to put VA health care in the hands of the private sector.”

Shulkin is also a physician, but before he took over at the VA he had experience running hospitals. With no comparable administrative background, Jackson — if confirmed by the Senate — would take over a sprawling agency with 360,000 employees, a $186 billion budget and responsibility for providing medical care to 9 million veterans who deserve better, faster service than they now receive.

Shulkin was one of several high-ranking Trump appointees under fire for lavish spending on the taxpayers’ dime. He was also a holdover from the Obama administration, and even though the job is perhaps the least partisan in the cabinet, that prior association clashed with Trump’s bratty determination to oppose everything Obama supported and support everything he opposed.

But Shulkin, by most accounts, had stabilized the VA’s vast system of hospitals and health clinics. What he refused to do was support the notion of privatizing veterans’ health care — an idea pushed by some of the political appointees the White House had installed under him.

“I am convinced that privatization is a political issue aimed at rewarding select people and companies with profits, even if it undermines care for veterans,” Shulkin wrote in his op-ed. “The private sector … is ill-prepared to handle the number and complexity of patients that would come from closing or downsizing VA hospitals and clinics, particularly when it comes to the mental health needs of people scarred by the horrors of war.”

Shulkin wrote that “in recent months” the political environment in Washington has become “toxic, chaotic, disrespectful and subversive,” making it impossible for him to do his job. “It should not be this hard to serve your country,” he wrote.

But it should be hard to get a job running any organization as big, complex and vital as the Department of Veterans Affairs. Perhaps Jackson has an innate genius for management that awaits only the opportunity to flower. If not, Trump will be doing a grave disservice to men and women who are owed the nation’s thanks and gratitude.

I can’t say I’m surprised. Trump put neurosurgeon Ben Carson in charge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, despite Carson having zero experience in housing policy.

He put Betsy DeVos in charge of the Department of Education, despite her apparent unfamiliarity with actual schools. He put politician Rick Perry in charge of the Department of Energy, which Perry wanted to eliminate until he learned what the agency does.

Perry actually said that at his confirmation hearing. One doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

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

Not Cabinet’s job to be ‘check’ on president WASHINGTON — In the wake of President Trump’s decision to appoint John Bolton as his national security adviser and Mike Pompeo as secretary of state, a consistent criticism has emerged: Trump will no longer have any “adult” supervision in the national security decision-making process or any Cabinet-level “checks” on his own worst instincts.

This view is not only insulting, it is fundamentally anti-democratic. The Constitution places many checks on a president’s power, including Congress, an independent judiciary and a free press.

It’s not the job of Cabinet officials to be a “check” on the president. Their job is to give the president options so he can make decisions — not restrict choices to constrain him.

One of the reasons Trump is reshuffling his national security team is because he has reportedly been deeply frustrated with the lack of options presented to him. In April, he reluctantly recertified the Iran nuclear deal but told his national security advisers that he didn’t want to recertify again — and instructed them to provide a range of options before the next deadline in October.

They didn’t do it. That is unacceptable. According to the Weekly Standard, Trump was so angry that no one presented a decertification option that he

temperament.

Bolton is determined to fix these problems. Cabinet officers are supposed to give the president options (including some they may disagree with), provide their best advice, and then salute and carry out his orders. Bolton Marc is determined to make that Thiessen happen. Axios reported that he plans to be an “honest put Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., broker” who will make sure on speakerphone during an that all sides are heard when Oval Office meeting to make national security decisions are the case — providing advice discussed. But he will also be that Trump soon followed. an “enforcer” who makes sure More recently, the New that Cabinet officials carry out York Times reported that the president’s orders. If the Trump has grown frustrated president directs the Pentagon with the Pentagon’s failure to produce military options to provide him with military for North Korea, or demands options for North Korea. Acmore creative options on the cording to the Times, PentaIran nuclear deal, slow walkgon officials are “worried that ing will no longer be tolerated. the White House is moving That is a good thing. too hastily toward military acThis does not mean that tion on the Korean Peninsula Bolton wants to lead us into that could escalate catastroph- war. He doesn’t. Bolton is ically. Giving the president a traditional peace-throughtoo many options, the offistrength conservative, with cials said, could increase the vast government experience odds that he will act.” Sorry, as undersecretary of state for that’s not how it works in our arms control and international democracy. We have civilian security and ambassador control of the military, and to the United Nations. He the president is commander understands firsthand the way in chief. If he wants military bureaucracies work to narrow options, it is the Pentagon’s options and hinder policy job to deliver them. That some decisions they do not like. in the Pentagon don’t underHe knows how to make sure stand that is a greater threat to that does not happen to this our democracy than Trump’s president.

Trump’s decision to replace Rex Tillerson with Pompeo will strengthen diplomacy in a similar way. Under Tillerson, the secretary of state did not listen to his subordinates, and the president did not listen to the secretary. That will change under Pompeo, who built a strong personal bond with Trump while at the CIA, delivering the president’s daily intelligence briefing.

He will have the trust and the ear of the commander in chief, which means the State Department will have more influence. This should thrill our diplomats.

Trump faces tough decisions in the months ahead. On North Korea, after a quartercentury of presidents of both parties kicking the can down the road, we finally have run out of road. Trump will soon face a binary choice: Allow North Korea to deploy the capability to reach U.S. cities with nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles or stop it from deploying that capability. We all want the latter to happen peacefully.

For that, the president needs a national security team that understands its mission is to constrain Kim Jong Un, not Donald Trump. In Bolton and Pompeo, Trump finally has that team.

Follow Marc Thiessen on Twitter, @marcthiessen.

April brings memories of a simpler farm life April is for spring planting. Before putting the crops in the ground in another day and another time, a modest farmer, like my own father, would ride into town and meet with his banker.

He would take out a loan for the seed and fertilizer necessary to grow a crop, and then with the blindest of faith put the seeds, accompanied by the fertilizer, into the ground and diligently nurture the crop into maturity — cotton and peanuts for income, corn for the freezer and to feed the livestock.

When the fall came around and it was a good harvest, he went back to the bank and paid off his debt. He simply could not stand to owe anybody. He planted an ample garden, which meant there were vegetables for the freezer and enough to sell to the local grocery stores.

Some of the well-to-do housewives in town were customers, but any who sniffed negatively at his asking price would get a quick rebuttal. “My prices are not negotiable,” he would say as he picked up his containers of foodstuffs and returned to

we actually had a family who had sons who went barefoot year-round. They would be referred to as “poor white trash,” but they were hardworking and honest. They just didn’t have enough money to buy their kids shoes.

I can remember them comLoran ing out of the woods with Smith a .22 rifle and three or four squirrels in a sack which they his pickup truck. slung over their shoulders.

Today when I see those big Didn’t think much about it tractors in expansive fields, back then, but on reflection, helping produce big crops those squirrels would be the and bringing a favorable only meat that family would return on their investment, I have all year. am saddened by the demise After the whiskey rebelof the little farmer — just as lion in 1791, a lot of ScotsI have been in recent years Irish descendants migrated when a mom-and-pop grodown the Appalachians, cery store closes. where making home brew, at The humility of a modest least initially, went unconlife on the farm has always tested by the government. It left me with resignation in was a hardscrabble lifestyle, the springtime of each year but with ample rainfall, there when the weather begins to were abundant corn crops. warm and the trees begin to Brook trout were plentibud. ful in the mountain streams April, in those aforemenand rivers until the logging tioned times, was for going companies nearly ruined the barefoot. Don’t suppose kids fishing. The squirrel populalook forward to going baretion was never threatened foot anymore, but there was a and satiated hunger for many time when it made our day. mountain families.

In our corner of the county, Living off the land was

standard three quarters of a century ago for many. It was the era of making do. Handme-downs, patched clothing and half-soled shoes were as commonplace as grits.

Gardens flourished even for those who lived in town.

When April comes around, there is much to appreciate about the outdoors. It is such a pretty month. In addition to all the blooms and their bountiful color, there is a fragrance which soothes the senses. Everything has a downside, however. What could be more troublesome than the pollen, which often brings about sinus infections?

Allergies, thunderstorms and tornadoes are as prevalent as the beauty and fragrance of the blooms. That is why April showers are so welcomed. If your sinuses are overly sensitive, the trade-off is the beauty of the landscape.

April is here, and I’m loving it. I’ve got my Zithromax, commonly known as Z-Pak, standing by.

Loran Smith is co-host of “The Tailgate Show,” a freelance writer and columnist.

6A • Friday, March 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

State has transportation projects M3 officially opens corporate ongoing, in future in Gwinnett headquarters near Lawrenceville

By Curt Yeomans

By Curt Yeomans

Gwinnett County is getting two new interchanges and additional express toll lanes on Interstate 85 over the next few years, but the state’s transportation and transit leaders say those aren’t the only projects in the plans for this area.

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry and State Road and Tollway Authority Executive Director Chris Tomlinson addressed the Gwinnett Chamber in a joint lunchtime presentation on transportation in the area.

There are some ongoing projects that were addressed, such as new interchanges on Interstate 85 at Gravel Springs and McGinnis Ferry roads, and the 10-mile extension of the express lanes to the Hamilton Mill area.

But that is not all the state is doing in the Gwinnett area as the county’s population continues to grow.

“This community of Gwinnett County is now approaching 1 million people,” McMurry said. “I think we lose sight of the size of what Gwinnett is.

I know the commissioners here certainly know (and) have to deal with that often. It gives a little perspective.

“When I think about 1 million people, approaching 1 million people, in one county in this great state, we need to remind ourselves that there are six states that are smaller than that in population, plus the District of Columbia … what an important county this is for Georgia.”

With continued population growth, however, there are growing demands on the parts of the local transportation network that are overseen by the county and the state.

That means continued work on projects to relieve congestion.

McMurry said he came across a list that ranked the Atlanta area No. 4 on the list of most congested cities in America, behind Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco.

“We don’t want to be on that top 10, so we’ve got some great things that are coming forward,” McMurry said. “And that future is part of a major mobility investment program, and really that future is a lot of new capacity in express lanes.”

The vision the state has for its express lane system is a “hub-andspokes” model, with the toll lanes that go up I-85 through Gwinnett serving as one spoke. The northwest express lanes going up Interstates 75 and 575 through Cobb County, which Tomlinson said are expected to open this summer, are another spoke.

The lanes that opened south of Atlanta on I-75 last year are yet another spoke. The hub connecting those spokes will be I-285.

Tomlinson said the state has already seen heavy usage of the existing express lanes just through the number of Peach Passes that have been issued for people to use the toll lanes.

He said nearly 690,000 active Peach Passes have been issued since the first express lanes opened on I-85 in Gwinnett in 2011.

“That includes a surge in passes since we opened I-75 South (in Henry County), but the bottom line is a majority of that has been for usage of the lanes (in Gwinnett),” Tomlinson said.

In addition to the projects already underway in Gwinnett, McMurry and Tomlinson said the state

After spending a few months to get acquainted with their new corporate headquarters in Gwinnett County, employees at M3 got a chance to celebrate it and show it off Wednesday.

The financial solutions business held a ribbon cutting for its 60,000-squarefoot headquarters at 1715 N. Brown Road, Building A, Suite 200 in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The facility, which features an open layout, is bigger than the company’s old headquarters in Gainesville.

The company moved into the space in late December.

“We were looking for a bigger talent pool, better office space and easier access for our customers,” M3 President Allen Read told attendees. “We looked all around Atlanta and thought Gwinnett was the best place to achieve this.”

M3 works with nearly 5,000 hotels as well as other hospitality-related businesses on accounting and other financial issues. It has 150 employees from its leadership, sales and services teams at its new headquarters, which involved a major renovation of an existing office space to include more open areas.

The renovation of the space cost $5.4 million and M3 signed a 10-year

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

M3 President Allen Read addresses attendees at the ribbon-cutting for the company’s new headquarters in unincorporated Lawrenceville on Wednesday.

(Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry addresses the Gwinnett Chamber during a lunchtime presentation on transportation at the 1818 Club on Wednesday. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

the state where two new interstate interchanges are being built. Construction is expected to begin near the end of the year on the $20 million Gravel Springs Road interchange.

The McGinnis Ferry Road interchange is expected to cost about $13 million, with construction expected to take place around 2023.

Gwinnett County’s transportation department is working with GDOT on both interchange projects to help them move along.

“To have two interchange access points approved by (the Federal Highway Administration) in this area in this time is pretty amazing,” McMurry said. “That’s a very rare thing, and you should be proud of that.”

Calendar of Events

April 2018

Alumni Support Group

This group is similar to the Bariatric Support Group, but is designed for those at least six months post-surgery. The focus of this group is to provide a nonjudgmental environment to safely share your weight loss surgery journey. The forum is transparent and the goal is to provide you with insight to the path of the successful weight loss surgery patient.

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Road Suite 260 Tuesday, April 10; 5 p.m.

Instructor: Sue Bunnell, RN

Bariatric Support Group

Open to anyone considering bariatric surgery and those who have had weight loss surgery. The focus of this group is to provide a nonjudgmental environment to safely share your weight loss surgery journey.

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Road Suite 260 Friday, April 13; 10 a.m.

Instructor: Sue Bunnell, RN

Eating On the Go

Join us to learn how to make healthy choices while living an on the go lifestyle.

GAINESVILLE:

743 Spring St, South Tower Cafeteria Thursday, April 19, 5:30 p.m.

Eggscited about Spring

Explore recipes by Juan Turner that will make you spring forward.

WINDER:

NGMC Barrow, Cafeteria 316 N Broad St Tuesday, April 10, 6 p.m.

Diabetes Support Group

Find informative topics on the most current diabetes care.

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Road Blue Ridge Room Thursday, April 19; 11 a.m.

WINDER:

NGMC Barrow, Conference Room Suite 380 Monday, April 16; 6 p.m.

Pre-diabetes Education Class

Lifestyle intervention program to help educate the community on pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome; identify risk factors for pre-diabetes; and promote strategies for meal planning, weight loss and exercise. Cost is $10 per person or $15 per family, and no physician referral is needed. Call 770219-0966 to register.

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Rd Suite 120, Lanier Park Campus Tuesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m.

Hospice Volunteer General Training

This training session will cover: Hospice Care, Volunteer Role and Infection Control. Lunch is provided.

Training classes for a new volunteer include a TWO DAY Volunteer General Training Class. An additional Position Specific training day is also required.

NOTE: Some volunteer roles require less training than others. Training classes are held MONTHLY at Hospice of NGMC’s Lanier Park office.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Road Suite 115 Day 1 of 2: Tues., April 10; 9 a.m.

Day 2 of 2: Fri., April 13; 9 a.m.

Car Seat Safety

Life After Stroke

GAINESVILLE:

GAINESVILLE:

Make sure your baby is as safe as possible in his or her car seat by taking this class and learning from the experts. Bring your car seat (along with the instruction manual) or come and learn by watching other installations and the classroom presentation. *This is not a car seat distribution class. Please do not bring children, so you may focus on this critical safety information for your newborn.

540901-1

has additional plans it is taking on.

Those projects include looking at widening Interstate 985 to add a third lane up to Oakwood, a project to relieve congestion at Spaghetti Junction and possibly extending the express toll lanes even more from Hamilton Mill to just north of Braselton, in the Chateau Elan area.

McMurry said he’s optimistic about an interest in Washington, D.C., to address transportation infrastructure as well.

“I’m very excited and bullish about the future as it relates to Georgia,” McMurry said. “I think we’re doing good, but I think there’s obviously some better days ahead.”

Some of the areas where future projects are being planned each have their own issues. McMurry said nearly 70,000 cars travel on I-985 daily between Ga. Highway 20 and the Friendship Road area, with traffic increasing by as much as 30 percent over the past five years.

At the same time, the Braselton area has a lot of warehouses that could see greater demand as freight traffic on I-85 and across Georgia increases. Therefore, GDOT has already put the extension of the express lanes to that area under contract.

Tomlinson said the extension that is under construction from Old Peachtree Road to the Hamilton Mill area is on track to wrap up toward the end of the year. He said there will be a charge for riding in the extension area separate from the charge for driving on the existing toll lanes on I-85.

“Why is that? Why not make it one long trip?”

Tomlinson said. “Well, as you can imagine, as you get further up, closer to 985, the level of congestion is different from down at 285, so we didn’t want to set the pricing based on congestion all the way down at 285.”

Spaghetti Junction, on the other hand, has long been seen as a congestion hot spot. McMurry told the Gwinnett Chamber that the key interchange, which thousands of Gwinnett drivers pass through to get to and from Atlanta, has been named the No. 1 spot for congestion in America.

“In our express lane projects that we have around 285, that interchange changes a lot,” he said. “The bridges that are there sort of stay the same, but how you access them will be more like what’s out here (at Sugarloaf and I-85) with the collector distributor ramps, so you will get off and all of those manuevers that you’re doing closely now get spread out.

“There’s an improvement there. It’s not a total interchange reconstruction, but it does get better.”

Meanwhile, the next few years will see some projects come to fruition that have been in the works for a while.

McMurry said Gwinnett is the only place in

refrigerators, counter and table seating, a patio, a Visit gwinnettdailypost.com small pantry where employfor more photos. ees can buy lunch, drinks or snacks, a pool table and lease. During that time, M3 two shuffle board tabletop expected to hire 300 more games. Conference rooms employees to work at the have Bluetooth capable headquarters. interactive features and at “With 20 years of busileast one wall in each one ness, we’ve relocated to that is entirely glass. a more central location A wall in the lobby has with the ability to provide upholstered stadium-style additional capacity for our bench seating built into it. future growth,” Executive Employee cubicles have Vice President of Sales and whiteboards on their left Marketing Scott Watson and right sides so employsaid. “We knew Gwinnett ees can write on them as remains one of the fastestwell as a cushion over growing counties in the drawers so someone can nation with a strong techsit down if they need to nology sector in the comcome over and talk to an munity, and we’re excited employee. to capitalize on the momenThere is also a fitness tum that M3 has built with room that has free weights, this new milestone and this kettle balls, weight liftnew building.” ing machines and cardio The office itself offers machines. some approaches to what “You are exactly what an office can have that Gwinnett is all about: creatmight be considered difing jobs and creating lifeferent from what could be styles,” Gwinnett Chamber found in many offices.

Membership Development Manager Sandy Richardson The break room alone said. has four stainless steel more online

Women and Children Education Center 825A Jesse Jewell Pkwy Wednesday, April 4; 6:30 p.m.

A monthly event intended to help stroke survivors and caregivers to lead a satisfying and active life.

• Exchange information, stories, ideas, and potential solutions to common challenges • Discuss coping mechanisms • Learn about stroke prevention, home modifications, local resources, etc. from caring professionals NGMC Gainesville, Auxiliary Conference Room Thursday, April 12; 6 p.m.

Easy Breather Support Group

Intended for past, present, or potential Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients and their caregivers. Patients experiencing chronic lung disease (asthma, emphysema, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, etc) would benefit most from this support group. Lunch provided. Please RSVP to Pulmonary Rehab 770-848-7192

GAINESVILLE:

675 White Sulphur Rd, Blue Ridge Room @ Lanier Park Campus Friday, April 27, 12, p.m.

An Introduction to Medical Acupuncture

Dr. Ling Li leads us through this ancient science and provides insightful info about Acupuncture.Light sandwich lunch will be provided.

WINDER:

NGMC Barrow Conference Room, Suite 380 316 N Broad Street Tuesday, April 10, 12:30 p.m.

Spring into Spring with a Heart Healthy Diet

Join cardiologist Dr. Veerappan Subramaniyam (Ramesh) at The Heart Center of NGMC in Cumming for a presentation and Q&A session on improving your heart health. Sample heart healthy appetizers and side dishes from our chef at NGMC Braselton, and go home with recipes that are sure to please the palate! Arrive at 5:30 to meet the cardiologist, tour the office and sample the first appetizer.

CUMMING:

The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Cumming 900 Sanders Road, Suite A Cumming, GA 30041 Thursday, April 29; 6 p.m.

Childbirth Classes

• Prepared Childbirth • Breastfeeding • Newborn Parenting • Labor and Delivery Tour – 2018 For more information about Childbirth Education Classes, visit: www.nghs.com/ob-classes

Register today!

800-347-1416 nghs.com/events

Friday, March 30, 2018 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Police: Suspect broke into at least 11 vehicles at 6 Duluth restaurants

By Isabel Hughes

isabel.hughes @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett police are looking for a man who they say is responsible for at least 11 car break-ins at various restaurants in Duluth earlier this month.

On the evening of March 12, police responded to a half-dozen different eateries on Gwinnett Place Drive, Day Drive and Breckinridge Boulevard after receiving reports of smash-and-grabs, said Cpl. Michele Pihera, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department.

“During the thefts, the suspect would exit (his) rear driver’s side door and break into the victim’s cars

by smashing a window,” Pihera said. “The suspect’s vehicle is likely a newer model black Kia Optima with a paper registration plate on the back. The suspect is a black male wearing a black hoodie, brown pants and black shoes. There is no available description of the driver or any other persons inside the vehicle.”

The stolen items included computers, backpacks, clothing, financial documents and other electronics, the majority of which were left in plain sight, Pihera said.

“We encourage all drivers to conceal any item of value in their trunks before they arrive at their intended destination,”

Pihera said. “Simply leaving items in a backpack or gym bag on a car seat could invite criminal activity.”

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

Tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case by referencing case numbers: 18-023445, 18-023444, 18-023451, 18-023454, 18-023461, 18-023471, 18-023464, 18-023465, 18-023466, 18-023467 and 18-023468.

Local malls closed for Easter

By Curt Yeomans

malls will be closed.

Simon Centers, who own both malls, announced the Easter weekend hours Shoppers who visit the for the shopping centers Mall of Georgia and Sug- on Thursday. They will arloaf Mills on Sunday both be open 10 a.m. to 9 and find the doors closed p.m. today, Saturday and won’t be the victims of Monday. some April Fool’s jokes.

But, on Sunday, they While Sunday is April will take a break from Fool’s Day, it’s also business.

Easter, and it’s for the Shoppers at the malls latter reason that both can also get their photos

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

•From Page 1A

McDaniel and the Duluth of yesteryear.

“He certainly would have bought one brand new just like it,” Chuck Underwood said. “See, here in Duluth, there was an Allis Chalmers dealer and people tended to buy tractors (from dealers) that were easy to get to, easy to get parts from.”

The tractor will be used for an educational display on Allis Chalmers tractors at the farm, talking about the dealership that existed in Duluth and how McDaniel owned one himself. Although it was unveiled in front of a small barn at the park, the plan is to keep it inside the barn, with barriers to keep it inside without obstructing visitors’ views of the tractor.

Signage explaining the tractor will also be installed, Gwinnett County Cultural Resources Manager Catherine Long said.

“We were really tickled,” she said. “AGCO is a

great partner of ours, and we were thrilled to receive their generosity for restoring the tractor. One of the things that we do here in our education program is really have the opportunity to talk about the transition in technology.

“Archie McDaniel used mules to do a lot of his plowing here, and we talk about that type of technology, and then the tractor technology that he later used on his farm.”

The story of how AGCO got involved in restoring the tractor is one of mere happenstance.

Although Chuck Underwood donated the tractor last fall, it didn’t show up on AGCO’s radar under its CEO, Martin Richenhagen, was taking a walk through the park with his wife and he came across the old Allis Chalmers tractor.

The paint was faded, it was rusting and it didn’t run but at that point it was just a display piece to help set the scene of being on an early to mid-20th

century farm. Richenhagen felt it deserved some dressing up though.

“I found the tractor in the barn, and I said ‘Well, that doesn’t look good,’” Richenhagen said.

“The company, AGCO, is headquartered in Duluth, on Peachtree Industrial, and basically we started in 1990 with a management buyout of Allis Chalmers.

“We don’t use the brand anymore. We are now, in the U.S., mainly using Massey Ferguson as a brand because it’s better known, and then Challenger which came with the acquisition of Caterpillar Farm Equipment Division.

So I thought, because we are headquartered here and that’s part of our heritage, (the tractor) should look nice.”

Richenhagan also said the company offered to educate visitors about the Allis Chalmers brand.

The company took the tractor apart and replaced worn out parts with original replacements or reproductions. It also received a

paint job, giving it a burnt orange color with the Allis Chalmers logo emblazoned across the sides of the engine compartment.

AGCO marketing manager for hay and forage products Matt LeCroy said the 38 horsepower, in its day, would have been used to plow rows of cotton, corn, wheat and soybeans.

It took the company’s staff about 70 days to do the work, he said, but they were not able to get the engine back to working condition again because of time and financial constraints.

“The company that was doing it for us actually had to purchase another tractor for parts,” LeCroy said.

But whether it runs or not, the tractor will play a role in telling a local story.

Chuck Underwood said his great uncle ran the Allis Chalmers dealership in the Duluth area, and Charlie Underwood said Archie McDaniel was a regular customer.

“It helps tell his family’s story,” Long said.

obituaries Buford, GA

Ronald Lamon Carson, Sr. Ronald Lamon Carson, Sr., age 51, of Buford, GA passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018. He was preceded in death by his father, Wylie Carson; grandmother, Ruth Hardy; sister, Lisa Carson; uncle, Les Hardy; cousins, Janelle Daniels, and Nina Diane Nuckles.

He is survived by his daughter, Honi Carson; sons, Christopher Carson, and Ronald Carson, Jr.; mother and stepfather, Teresa and Carl Johnson; sister, Mallory Johnson; grandchildren, Prince Carson, Hailoh Carson, Malekhi Ronald Carson, Alana Threlkeld, and Cheryl Flemming; brothers, Tim Brown, Michael Carson, Clarke Shaw, and, Scott Strickland; sisters, Abigail Fellove, Melody Williams, Deidre Stephens, and Romona Long; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and family friends, Alex Thompson, and Keith Haywood. Mr.

Carson was born April 29, 1966 in Buford, GA. He was a 1985 graduate of Buford High School where he played football. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He was the owner of Kar Krazy Automobile Dealership in Buford. Mr. Carson did a “Free Car” giveaway to single mothers every other Sunday as a charitable gift. He also sponsored youth sports in Buford. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Union Baptist Church with Pastor Skip Haynes officiating. The remains will be placed in state at the church at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Buford. A Wake will be held on Friday evening, March 30, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Auburn

Chance DuBose age 16, passed away on March 26, 2018. Bill Head Funeral Home, Lilburn/ Tucker Chapel.

Pet Crematory 534940-1

Private Pet Cremations Start at $115 ptreepc.com

770-817-1030

TOM M. WAGES FUNERAL SERVICE, LLC

Jefferson, GA

Mrs. Lois Edwards (Wright) Mrs. Lois Edwards, age 88 of Jefferson. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., Jefferson, Georgia.

Dacula, GA

Justin Robert Felton Justin Robert Felton, age 32, of Dacula passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

Lawrenceville

Early Hannah

Elliot

contact with students at the school where they work, Although the student regardless of the pupil’s Elliott allegedly had a con- age. sensual sexual relationship And police aren’t ruling with was over 16, police out the possibility that are charging him with sex- Elliott may have had inapual assault under a criminal propriate contact with other code section that forbids a students as well. teacher from having sexual “Detectives are inves-

Tractor

•From Page 1A

taken with the Easter Bunny through Saturday.

At the Mall of Georgia, the Easter Bunny will be in the Von Maur Court.

At Sugarloaf Mills, the bunny will be in the Food Court.

Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford. Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.

•From Page 1A

tigating the possibility of additional victims and encourage them to come forward,” Smith said.

Anyone with information about Elliott engaging in inappropriate behavior with other students is asked to call Gwinnett County detectives at 770-513-5300.

Debate

U.S. Constitution.

He expressed dissatisopportunity came to ask a faction with what he saw as a lack of progress from question. a Republican-controlled Woodall and Hazel, Congress and a Republia Brookwood graduate can-held White House. At and former Marine, are times, he called Woodall’s the only candidates in explanations of the decithe May 22 Republican sions made by Republiprimary for the Seventh cans in Washington, as Congressional District. well as his own votes, The winner will face “sunshine and rainbows.” whomever comes out on Woodall went after top in a crowded Democratic primary for the seat. Hazel’s proposals — It was a rare opportuni- such as eliminating the Veterans Administration, ty to see the two RepubDepartment of Education licans sit down together and the IRS — and lack and answer questions in of political experience. At the same sitting. There one point during a debate have been a few candion taxes, Woodall went dates forums scheduled, after Hazel’s criticisms but this was the first one of appropriations, saying Woodall has participated “the reason why he feels in. that way is because he’s And things got heated not in the thick of it.”

— often.

When Hazel asked Hazel, who pledged to only serve in Congress for Woodall about running four terms if elected, went as a Democrat, one man after Woodall on his sup- jumped up from the audience and shouted “Stop it. port of programs that the … I’ve had enough of it,” former Marine felt were at the former Marine. The not in the best interest in man was then escorted out Americans and might go of the debate. against the intent of the

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel. Interment will follow at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 31st from 1pm until the time of service at 3pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes or Prospect United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770-963-2411.

Early “Junior” Hannah, age 85 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018. He Lilburn, GA is survived by his children; Linda (Jim) Nash, Thomas Hill Jan (Tony) Bostardi and Thomas E. Hill of Ricky (Melinda) HanLilburn , GA passed away. nah; grandchildren, Alex Tom M. Wages Snellville (Meredith) Nash, Taylor Nash, Melissa Nash, BritLawrenceville tany Bostardi, and Hannah Mildred Jones Bostardi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred L. Jones, 90, of Louise Moon Hannah; one Lawrenceville, Georgia brother and six sisters. passed away at home, Junior proudly served Friday, March 23, 2018. his country in the United Mildred is survived by States Army and Army her two daughters and National Guard where he son-in-law’s, Janice J. and retired in 1986 as a 1st Sgt Thomas W. Johnson of after 30 years of dedicated Lawrenceville, Teresa K. service. Junior was emand Jerry Nalley of Hoployed by General Motors schton; granddaughter and and retired after 50 years her husband, Crystal M of service. Junior loved and Andrew Bolin, great farming and working grandson, Luke, great on his land. He enjoyed granddaughter, Emory of spending time with his Flowery Branch; sister, children and grandchildren Mary K. Curbow of Henand considered them his dersonville, NC as well pride and joy. A Funeral as numerous nieces and Service Honoring the Life nephews. She was precedof Junior Hannah will be ed in death by her husheld on Saturday, March band, John G. Jones, Jr., 31, 2018 at 3PM at Tom parents, Paul J. and Mary

J. Lambert, brothers, Paul W., John T., Joseph B. and Calvin Lambert as well as sisters, Doris J. Skinner and Janie C. Porter.

Mildred was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was a homemaker first and foremost, although over the years she practiced as a cosmetologist for 19+ years, sold real estate and then for the remainder of her life worked as an Avon representative until 2014. The Service Celebrating the Life of Mildred Jones will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel. Interment will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 31 at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Circle, Atlanta. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00 am Saturday prior to the funeral service. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www. wagesfuneralhome.com.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company” Lawrenceville Chapel 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman C. Lathrop, children Roy Roberts and Jessey Roberts. She is survived by her children, Raymond Roberts, of Cumming; Jewell Roberts, of Ball Ground; Joyce Dillard, of Lawrenceville; Brenda Skinner, of Bethlehem; Richard Roberts, of Cumming; and Nathan Roberts, of Orlando, FL. Sister, Callie Cruse, of Bessemer, Al; 23 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and 17 Great Great Grandchildren.Funeral services will be held Monday, April 2, 2018 at 2 pm at Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel, with pastor Richard Wright officiating. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Sunday, April 1, 2018 from 4 pm until 8 pm. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com Monroe, GA

Nancy Atha McKissick age 77, passed away on March 27, 2018. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home Monroe, Ga. Johns Creek, GA

Patricia Ann O’Reilly (Owen) Lawrenceville

age 87, of Johns Creek, GA died March 26, 2018.

Bill Head Funeral Home Duluth Chapel.

Buford, GA

Judith Ann Thompson Zettie Lathrop (Carver) Zettie Marie Lathrop, age 96 of Lawrenceville, passed away on March 26, 2018, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Judith Ann Thompson, age 77, of Buford passed away Monday, March 26, 2018.

8A • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

THESE ARE NOT JUST DOCTORS. They are Gwinnett Medical Center doctors—knowledgeable and compassionate healers committed to going above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis.

Today, and every day, we thank the more than 800 members of our medical staff dedicated to the health of our patients and community.

540292-1

Happy National Doctors’ Day!

gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician

678-312-5000

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

Quavo brings big event to Berkmar Rapper, celebrity friends part of Huncho Day on the NAWF

By Will Hammock will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com

Duluth’s Adam Flagler reacts with teammates during the Gwinnett County All-Star game Thursday night at Grayson High. Below, Central Gwinnett’s Dalen Tate shoots during the girls game. (Photo: Dale Zanine)

Shooting stars

First overtime game in event history highlights county all-star basketball doubleheader

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

LOGANVILLE — The idea of splitting up usual teammates for the first time in the boys half of the Gwinnett County All-Star Basketball doubleheader wasn’t necessarily done with making a more competitive atmosphere in mind, but it sure worked out that way.

In its 10th edition, the boys provided the first overtime contest in the event’s history, thanks to Daily Post Player of the Year Devin Vassell’s 3-pointer with two seconds left in regulation.

The Peachtree Ridge senior wing also provided the basket that put the Visiting Team on top for good in its 128-124 victory over the Home Team on Thursday night at Grayson High School.

The girls game also had a handful of normal teammates playing on opposite sides due to last-minute substitutions on each roster, and while the final score wasn’t quite as competitive as the boys game — the Home Team ran away with an 84-51 victory — there were plenty of highlights and fun for players, coaches and fans alike.

The boys game definitely had tongues wagging, if for not other reason than seeing normal friends like Amari Kelly, Dequarius Nichols and Cory Hightower of Class AAAAAAA state champion Meadowcreek and Grayson’s Nick Edwards and Travis

Anderson become foes for one night.

“Yeah, it was pretty cool,” said Kelly, who posted a double-double with 18 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, plus two blocked shots. “(Hightower) was talking trash all day. We were both talking trash all day. It was pretty fun coming out here

competing.

“I really appreciate being out here. It was a pretty cool experience.”

The evening lasted a little longer, as the Home Team — which trailed most of the evening, including as much as a 12-point deficit in the second half — rallied to take a 124121 lead when Anderson drew

a foul on Kelly while driving to the basket, and completed the three-point play with 1:13 remaining.

But after a couple of missed shots resulting in loose balls that wound up with the Visiting Team in possession, Vassell took matters into his own hands, knocking down a 3-pointer from the wing with two seconds remaining to knot the score again at 124 and send the game into overtime.

After empty possessions by each team in the early moments of the two-minute extra frame, the Florida State-bound wing got ahead of the pack enough to receive a long outlet from Kelly and throw down a dunk that gave the Visiting Team the lead for good.

“This was my last high school game, so of course I wanted to win it,” said Vassell, who finished with a game-high 19 points. “And of course, I’m playing my best friend (Anderson), so I had to win this game.”

Joining Vassell and Kelly in double-figure scoring for the Visiting Team were Lanier’s Adrian Martin with 13 points, plus Nichols and Collins Hill’s Chris Parks with 11 points each.

Dacula’s Arusha Hunter scored 16 to lead the Home Team, while Berkmar’s Tony Johnson and Norcross’ Dalvin White added 14 apiece and Parkview’s Chris Conner chipped in 13.

The girls game didn’t have See ALL-STARS, Page 4B

One of Berkmar’s favorite sons has a huge event planned for Sunday at his former high school, and some of his celebrity friends plan to join him.

Popular rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer Quavo has set up Huncho Day on the NAWF — Huncho is one of his nicknames — for the Berkmar community. The activities for the private, ticketed event include a celebrity flag football game, a football clinic with the Patriots’ coaches and an Easter egg hunt.

“People think it’s an April Fool’s joke, but it’s not,” new Berkmar head football coach Willie Gary said.

Rapper 2 Chainz will coach Team Huncho in the flag football game. His roster includes Quavo and fellow Migos member Offset, as well as rappers Lil Yachty and 21 Savage. Reigning NFL rookie of the year Alvin Kamara (a Norcross grad) also is on that team along with NFL players Bradley Roby (Peachtree Ridge), A.J. Green, Todd Gurley, Von Miller and Martavis Bryant.

They will face off against Team Julio and its player-coach, Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. His roster includes NFL players Ezekiel Elliott, Josh Norman, Brandon Lafell, Cliff Avril, Mohamed Sanu, Marshon Latimore and Martellus Bennett.

“I wanted Quavo to come back and be more involved since he played at Berkmar and was involved in our football program,” Gary said. “That’s my biggest thing, let’s bring him back to see the kids. Of course, he wants to definitely give back to his community. That’s one of his biggest things. He gets a chance to give back to us and the community.”

Chatter about the event has made it popular on social media, but only a select number received free tickets under their name. Youngsters from Boys and Girls Clubs in the area will join Berkmar cluster students, who had to register and See QUAVO, Page 4B

Recording artist Quavo stands on the sidelines during the SEC Championship game between Georgia and Auburn in December at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

(Photo: Brett Davis-USA Today Sports)

Referees leave in middle Norcross girls appeal upheld, of Berkmar soccer game but game will not be replayed From Staff Reports

referees and they left the game without speaking A boys soccer region to coaches or administramatch with playoff imtors from either programs, plications was suspended Berkmar athletic director Tuesday night after referees Greg Phillips said. walked off the field with He said that no official, 19:39 left in the match. player or coach was struck Meadowcreek and Berk- with the water bottle, mar were tied 1-1 when, which was half full. Philaccording to Berkmar lips said there were two athletics officials, a water routine yellow cards earlier bottle was thrown from the in the match, but referees stands onto the field. did not bring up any conThe game manager cerns of verbal or physical called the two assistant abuse during halftime when

Phillips said he delivered water and Powerade.

Referees mentioned they did not feel safe as they exited the stadium, Phillips said.

Berkmar is 0-3 in region play and Meadowcreek is 1-3. The game potentially has playoff implications, since Berkmar has two region matches left. The game will likely be made up after Gwinnett County Public Schools’ spring break next week.

By Taylor Denman taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The Georgia High School Association upheld an appeal filed by Norcross High School regarding the result of a girls soccer region match between the Blue Devils and Brookwood High School that took place March 16, but the result of the game will remain a 3-2 Brookwood win, according to Norcross

athletics officials.

Trailing 3-2 with roughly 6:30 remaining in the second half, Norcross was granted a penalty kick, taken by Jenny Fields.

After the Blue Devils converted the penalty kick to tie the match 3-3, a Norcross player was called for encroaching during the kick, which negated the result.

Since Fields’ penalty kick went into the goal, GHSA governing rules dictate the kick should

have been retaken. Officials, however, misapplied the rules by granting Brookwood a goal kick and subtracting the goal from the scoreboard.

Norcross athletic director Kirk Barton said the GHSA upheld Norcross’ appeal upon reviewing video of the match, but the result will not change.

“The thought process (of GHSA officials) was they said we had 5:43 left

See APPEAL, Page 4B

ondeck

Prep Schedule

Today

BASEBALL

6 p.m. — Apalachee at Lanier 6 p.m. — Brookwood at Collins Hill 6 p.m. — Buford at Cedar Shoals 6 p.m. — Dacula at Winder-Barrow 6 p.m. — Discovery at Peachtree Ridge 6 p.m. — Duluth at Mill Creek 6 p.m. — Norcross at Central 6 p.m. — North at Mountain View 6 p.m. — Parkview at Berkmar 6 p.m. — Towns Co. at Providence 7 p.m. — Rockdale Co. at Archer 7 p.m. — Shiloh at Newton 7 p.m. — South at Grayson

LACROSSE

5:15 p.m. — Wesleyan boys at Mount Pisgah 5:30 p.m. — Collins Hill girls at Peachtree Ridge 6 p.m. — GAC girls at Forsyth Central 6:15 p.m. — Lanier boys at North Oconee 7 p.m. — Blessed Trinity boys at Buford 7 p.m. — Centennial girls at Brookwood 7 p.m. — Norcross boys at Parkview

SOCCER

4 p.m. — George Walton Academy at Providence 5:30 p.m. — Archer at Grayson 5:30 p.m. — Discovery at Collins Hill 5:30 p.m. — Lanier at Dacula 5:30 p.m. — Parkview at Norcross 5:30 p.m. — South at Shiloh 6 p.m. — Alpharetta boys at Wesleyan 6 p.m. — Hebron boys at Riverside Military

TENNIS

gwinnettdailypost.com GWINNETT GRADS

North’s Dowell earns SEC award being ready when your name is called, and by receiving this honor Makenna has truly proven that she Called upon in spot is that definition of being duty much of the college ready when your name is softball season, Makenna called,” Auburn head coach Dowell delivered last week Mickey Dean said in a when she was needed in a school release. “She did an full-time role. outstanding job both offenThe North Gwinnett sively and defensively last grad started at shortstop week. She was ready when for Auburn in place of the she was called upon.” injured Taylon Snow, helpDowell had been 4-foring the Tigers to a win over 23 in her first college seaAlabama State and a threeson before a hot stretch in game sweep of Southeastern her four consecutive starts Conference foe Kentucky, — she was 4-for-9 (.444 which was ranked 19th average) in that span. She nationally. Her efforts were also scored four runs and rewarded with SEC Freshdrove in two while upping man of the Week honors. her season batting average “We always talk about to .250.

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Pitching, added confidence have Peachtree Ridge surging

By David Friedlander

4 p.m. — Lanier and West Hall at Alberta Park Saturday

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

5:30 p.m. — King’s Ridge girls at Buford 7 p.m. — Grayson boys at Decatur

In seemingly every high school baseball season, there is at least one team that surprises a lot of observers by making a dramatic jump in wins from the previous season.

On the surface, Peachtree Ridge seems like a good candidate among Gwinnett County’s teams for the 2018 campaign.

At 16-4 overall, the Lions have already surpassed last year’s win total, when they finished a mere 13-18, with still a full month to go in the regular season.

With a 9-2 record in Region 6-AAAAAAA play after Wednesday night’s win at Discovery, they are very much in the hunt for the region championship, locked in a four-way horse race with Mill Creek, defending champion North Gwinnett and Mountain View all within two games of each other.

As big a jump as that is, it hasn’t necessarily come from out of the blue.

At least, that’s the way second-year Peachtree Ridge coach Nick Hogan sees it.

“The difference is, I think, it’s just Year 2 (since the coaching change),” Hogan said. “We have a good mix of seniors and sophomores, and some really key juniors that are there. It hasn’t been very pretty wins, but they’ve found a way to get it done when they need to.

“Really, the thing we keep talking about is eventually, we’ve got to hit the baseball.”

The bats perhaps haven’t struggled quite as much as Hogan perceives. The Lions came into Wednesday’s game hitting .294 as a team, with a few players like infielder Riku Wada (.317, 1 HR, 12 RBIs), outfielder Ashton Shepherd (.357, 12 RBIs, .966 OPS) and shortstop/pitcher Jack Rasmussen (.412, 6 RBIs) who have stood out at the plate.

They’ve also been producing runs — about six per game — aided by speeding baserunning that has produced 65 stolen bases heading into Wednesday’s game, equalling the total from all of last season that set a school record, lead by Dominick McIntyre (16 SBs), Ben Mottet (12) and Kohl Nguyen (10).

That all said, pitching has clearly been the key to Peachtree Ridge’s surge this spring, with an impressive team ERA of 1.58.

The three-man starting rotation of right-hander Rasmussen (3-0, 1.62 ERA, 20 K, 26 IP, .229 opponent BA) and lefties Logan Conn (3-0, 1.05

LACROSSE SOCCER

5:30 p.m. — Central at Meadowcreek 5:30 p.m. — Peachtree Ridge at North 5:30 p.m. — White Co. at Mountain View

TRACK & FIELD

• Archer in Barberito’s Track Classic at Oconee Co. • Buford in Pepsi Relays • Collins Hill in Battle at the Branch Invitational at Flowery Branch 4 p.m. — Rumble in the Jungle at Parkview

The Home Teams

Hawks

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Off

Orlando at Miami Sun, 6 p.m.

Tue, 7:30 p.m.

FSSE/92.9-FM FSSE/92.9-FM

Off

at Florida Sat, 7 p.m.

Off

Toronto at Saskatchewan April 8, 4:05 p.m. April 14, 9:30 p.m.

Off

at Minnesota LAFC Sat, 8 p.m.

April 7, 5 p.m.

FSSO/92.9-FM TBD/92.9-FM

Off

Triangle Torch Sat, 7 p.m.

Austin April 15, 7 p.m.

Off

at Charlotte Sat, 7 p.m.

Penn FC April 8, 4 p.m.

Orlando April 6, 7:35 p.m.

Gladiators

Swarm

United

Havoc

United 2 FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South

On TV

Today

COLLEGE BASEBALL

7:30 p.m. — West Virginia at Texas FS1

MLB

7:30 p.m. — Philadelphia at Atlanta FSSO

NBA

7:30 p.m. — Philadelphia at Atlanta FSSE 8 p.m. — New Orleans at Cleveland ESPN 10:30 p.m. — L.A. Clippers at Portland ESPN

TENNIS

1 p.m. — ATP Miami Open, Men’s Semifinal ESPN

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. — NCAA Final Four, Louisville vs Mississippi State ESPN2 9:30 p.m. — NCAA Final Four, Connecticut vs Notre Dame ESPN2

Sports Calendar

FOOTBALL

April 14: Fellowship of Christian Athletes Gwinnett will host its Lunch with Legends fundraiser at North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville. Proceeds fund FCA Gwinnett’s ministry programs. The event, which begins at noon, features six-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion Jeff Saturday, who started at center with legendary quarterback Peyton Manning for 12 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and is now an NFL analyst. The program also includes testimony from other athletes and coaches, including former NFL and Atlanta Falcon Kevin Shaffer. An auction also is planned with items like a football autographed

Feedback

by Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart and autographed items from 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. The North Metro Baptist youth band also will perform at the event. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. For more information, email cwest@fca.org or go to www.fcacoachesgwinnett.org.

GOLF

June 25: The 10th annual Archer Classic will be held at Summit Chase Country Club to benefit the Tigers’ high school football program. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Cost is $125 per player and sponsorships are available. For more information, email tjohnstone@eaglerocks.com.

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

Stallings earns school award Buford resident Brandt Stallings was named the Bobcat Athlete of the Week on Wednesday as Georgia College’s top athlete in all sports.

BASEBALL Stallings, a Georgia Tech transfer who played high Huge series nets Helms school baseball at King’s conference honor Ridge, went 9-for-17 with Kennesaw State senior a home run, five doubles and Norcross grad Grifand 11 RBIs last week. fin Helms was named the Gwinnett Grads is a colAtlantic Sun Player of the umn that runs on Fridays Week after an eye-catching spotlighting achievements weekend series sweep of of past Gwinnett standGrambling. outs. Coaches and parents During the series, the are urged to send suggescatcher went 8-for-12 (.667 tions via email to will. average) with two home hammock@gwinnettdailyruns and 13 RBIs. post.com.

Most of her success came in the Kentucky series, when she was 3-for-7 (.429) with a pair of doubles in Auburn’s first home series sweep of an SEC opponent since 2016.

Lions in the hunt

Peachtree Ridge’s Jack Rasmussen delivers a pitch during the Lions’ game Friday night at North Gwinnett High School. (Staff Photo: Taylor Denman)

ERA, 18 K, 26 2/3 IP, .163 opponent BA) and Thomas LeMaster (4-2, 1.77 ERA, 21 K, 31 2/3 IP, .198 opponent BA) has done the bulk of the work, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the team’s innings so far this season.

However, the improvement has been seen throughout the pitching staff, which Hogan credits in part to a new, more structured approach set

by Tyler Collins, a former assistant under Hogan at Central Gwinnett who took over the Black Knights program last year before rejoining his older mentor this year as his pitching coach.

“Our pitching staff has done an incredible job,” Hogan said. “We added Tyler Collins, who was with me at Central Gwinnett and took over when I left. We’ve got him over here now as our pitching coach and he’s done a fantastic job making sure that the pitchers are getting better every day, and that they have something to do versus just hanging out.

He’s got a plan for them

and they’ve been executing the plan tremendously.

“At some point, we’re going to have to use the bullpen. Our bullpen has been very, very good, too.

When we’ve had to go to them, they’ve held up their end of the bargain. Our starters have done tremendously well with, basically, just competing. Sometimes they’ve got one pitch (working well), sometimes they’ve got two pitches, sometimes they’ve got all three. But they compete on the mound, which is really good.”

The bullpen has, indeed, upheld its part of the bargain over the course of the season, especially Grayson Duffy.

The senior right-hander logged 31 innings primarily as a starter last year, but has transitioned in the closer’s role, where he’s excelled with a 1-1 record with a team-best five saves, a 0.62 ERA, 13 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings and a .196 opponents batting average in eight relief appearances this season.

Like Hogan, he credits Collins with giving him a

different way of approaching his pitching and thinking about it, though he also credits his teammates for giving him opportunities to throw in clutch situations, where he believes he can excel.

“I think there is a big difference,” Duffy said. “(Former pitching) Coach (Jim) Hunter did a great job last year, but there’s been a lot more focus on mechanics here and more pitching drills and workouts compared to past years.

“This year, the team’s been putting us in situations to get the saves. For me, it’s really about the team and trying to keep us in the game. Nothing’s really changed. We were just sent into games that really weren’t close last year.”

The way Duffy has responded to more clutch situations is the same way the rest of the team has responded.

Shepherd, who has seen first how past Peachtree Ridge teams — including older brother Cameron, now an All-SEC infielder at Georgia — have handled their business, said the biggest key has been an increase in the team’s confidence and camaraderie this season.

“I feel like there is a different atmosphere in the locker room and the dugout this year,” Shepherd said. “I feel like everybody’s more energetic, everybody’s more focused.

And I think that’s contributing to the showing on the field. I feel like we’re playing a lot better.

“I think if we stick to the plan, stick to our approaches, just keep grinding, keep practicing and trying to get better, I think soon enough it will all work out.”

SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS

1.

1-2-3

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

2.

Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.

These are limited time offers.

See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

GRASS SHACK at LAKE LANIER

540918-1

2B • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

3.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

6109 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, GA 30518 • 770-271-7529 www.grass-shack.net

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the Gimme Six promocustomer is applicable to newinSuzuki OutboardUSMotors fromCustomer 25 to 350should HP inexpect inventory which anareacknowledgement sold and delivered to buyer 01/01/18including and 03/31/18 in accordance withcard the from promotion a Participating Authorized continental US Extended and AlaskaProtection to a purchasing who resides the continental or Alaska. to receive letter and fullbetween copy of contract terms, conditions and wallet SuzukibyExtended Protection within 90Suzuki days of MarineIfdealer in the continental USisand to ain purchasing who Suzuki residesMotor in theofcontinental US–orMarine Alaska.Marketing Customerviashould to receive an acknowledgement and full copy of contract including terms, and wallet card Cash from Rebates Suzuki purchase. an acknowledgement letter notAlaska received time period customer stated, contact America, Inc. email: expect marinepromo@suz.com.

The Gimme Six letter Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and isconditions not redeemable for cash.

Extended Protection withinof 90 daysSuzuki of purchase. an acknowledgement letter is not time stated, models, contact see Suzuki Motor ofDealer America, Inc.www.suzukimarine.com.

– Marine Marketing viaCustomer email: marinepromo@suz.com.

The Gimme Promotionrebate is available pleasure apply to qualifying purchases select OutboardIfMotors made between 7/01/17 andreceived 9/30/17.inFor list period of designated participating or visit and participating Dealer must fill out theSixappropriate form atfortime of sale. use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer Customer will have theDealer choicemust to either cash rebate theoforiginal dealer invoice creditagainst Dealer parts account)dealer or have a check sent will directly to the customer.

There are There no model benefit substitutions, rain checks, orrain extensions. reserves and participating fill outapply the the appropriate formagainst at time sale. Instant Savings(Suzuki will bewill applied the original invoice (Suzuki credit Dealer parts account). are substitutions, no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, checks, Suzuki or extensions. theSuzuki right toreserves change orthecancel promotions at anythese time promotions without noticeat oranyobligation. * Financing available *through Synchrony Finance.

As low as 5.99%Retail APR Finance. financing As for low 60 months on new unregistered Subject to credit Not rightthese to change or cancel time without noticeoffers or obligation.

Financing offers Retail available through Synchrony as 5.99% APR and financing for 60Suzuki monthsOutboard on newMotors. and unregistered Suzukiapproval.

Outboard all Motors. buyers willSubject qualify.toApproval, and any rates terms will provided, based onand credit 60 months $19.99/month is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; actualAPR. monthly payment figures may differ based on financing credit approval.

Not allandbuyers qualify.areApproval, anyworthiness. rates and $19.99/month terms provided,perare$1,000 basedfinanced on creditforworthiness. per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based onyour 5.99% Hypothetical used in calculation; terms, qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from Offer a participating Suzuki dealer Suzuki betweenOutboard 7/01/17 Motors and 9/30/17.

“Gimme the Suzuki “S”authorized and model yourcredit actualtiermonthly payment may differ based on financing terms, creditand tier fees. qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. effectiveauthorized on new, unregistered purchased fromSix”, a participating names aredealer Suzukibetween trademarks or ®. Don’t and drive.

AlwaysSix”, wearthea Suzuki USCG-approved life jacket and are readSuzuki your owner’s manual. © 2017 Motor of America, Inc. a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. Suzuki 01/01/18 and drink 03/31/18.

“Gimme “S” and model names trademarks or ®.

Don’t Suzuki drink and drive.

Always wear

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 • 3B

Dacula clinches third straight region title

By Scott Smith

scott.smith@ gwinnettdailypost.com

DACULA — In his storied career as head coach, Dacula’s Mark Karen has amassed an impressive list of soccer accolades, including a state championship in 2010 while at North Gwinnett.

On Thursday night, he added one more item to that line.

Facing Lanier in a key Region 8-AAAAAA match, Dacula toppled the visiting Falcons 4-1.

The win not only avenged a 1-0 loss against Lanier suffered on March 13, it also captured the region title for the Falcons.

What made the region clincher even sweeter for Karen was that it was his third in a row, marking the first time in his career with three straight.

“All the years at North (Gwinnett), we won various region titles, but we never won three in a row,” said Karen, who will be vacating the head coaching slot after this season for an administrative position next year. “This is kind of neat that the girls stepped up and did it after losing to (Lanier) a couple of weeks ago.”

With a 1-1 tie at the half, the match looked like it was going to go down to the wire, but Dacula (11-2, 8-1) came out strong in the second half with three

the net, only to have the first of those carom hard off the cross bar with the return shot being sailed high over the goal.

Those misses would come back to haunt Lanier as the Longhorns would manage no more shots on goal the rest of the night.

Tied at the half, Dacula came out strong and went up 2-1 just 32 seconds into the second half when Chimedza broke through for an easy shot from the left side.

Four minutes later, Contreras would be awarded a free kick just outside the box in front of the Lanier Dacula’s Becky Contreras (10) gets ready to take the ball goal and converted with a away from Lanier’s Judah Haynes (20) during Thurs- hard liner to the right side day’s game at Dacula. (Photo: Craig Cappy) for a 3-1 cushion.

Contreras put the icing goals to pull away for the shot that went in low to on the cake with 27:11 to win. give the Falcons the early play, taking the assist from Two of the goals on the 1-0 lead.

Chimedza for her second night for the Falcons were Lanier (11-4-1, 6-3) goal of the night and a 4-1 scored by Danai Chimeshook off the early goal lead. dza and Becky Contrefrom Chimedza and Offensive touches in the ras, while Contreras and responded when Brook Dacula box were hard to Madison Severy each had Ouiemette took a long come by for Lanier in the an assist. pass from midfield 11 second half. What few op“I think we played with minutes later, battled her portunities the Longhorns (Dacula) in the first half, way through a couple of did get were primarily but they came out strong defenders and rolled a taken by Ouimette, but the in the first ten minutes shot past keeper Michaela back line and English were of the second half and English. able to prevent any shots we were just caught flat The goal by Ouimette to threaten the goal. footed,” Lanier head was the first Dacula had “Our back line is a mixcoach John Schaefer said. allowed since the loss on ture of a couple freshmen, “Dacula has had a great the 13th to the Longhorns a junior and a senior, and season and should be con- and just the third given up it kind of rotates,” Karen gratulated.” in nine region games. said of Andi Wells, Brinley Dacula drew first blood Ouimette also had a Lawson, Lainey Mitchell in the sixth minute when golden opportunity earlier and Skylar English. “They Chimedza took a cross in the half with two shots take pride in the back from Severy for a hard from point-blank range of knowing that we have this

low-scoring streak and it’s a testament to how they play together and work hard.”

On the night, Dacula outshot Lanier 18-4 with a 9-1 advantage with shots on goal. Carmen Brivette would finish with five saves at keeper for Lanier, while the Longhorns held a 4-2 edge on corner kicks.

“We’ve had a good season and we are on track now,” Schaefer said. “This was a good game for us because this is the type of play we are going to see in the playoffs.”

Dacula boys 4, Lanier 1 Dacula swept the season series against Lanier with a 4-1 win at home on Friday night. The win boosted the Falcons to 11-2 overall and 8-1in Region 8-AAAAAA. Lanier (11-4-1, 6-3) took a 1-0 in the 16th minute with a goal from Calderon Rodrigo, but the Falcons closed out the game with four unanswered goals.

The first of those came less than a minute after Lanier scored when Christian Orsoto put one home off an assist from Dylan Pratt.

Payton Rawson gave Dacula a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute with a goal, while Vincent Arizechi put the game out of reach with two goals in the second half, one of which was assisted by Claudiu Coliba.

No. 1 Norcross boys outrace No. 4 Parkview

By Taylor Denman

their opponent’s adjustments, which led to a combined four goals in the final 16 minutes of the match.

LAWRENCEVILLE “With us leading by — The circumstances a goal, I think (Klinect) of Thursday’s Region waited about 10 minutes 7-AAAAAAA match beto see if his guys would tween Parkview and Norget back into it,” Pitt said. cross high schools were “I knew they would keep out of the ordinary, but the pressuring like they did tactical chess match bein the first half. Then he tween Norcross head coach threw some players up Frank Pitt and Parkview’s — he’s calling it a 3-4-3 Danny Klinect was typical — it’s the most attacking of Class AAAAAAA’s 3-4-3 that I’d ever seen.” respective No. 1 and No. 5 Parkview’s shift in atboys soccer teams. tacking players gave it a The Blue Devils topped spark but was ironically Parkview 3-2, recovering its downfall. Parkview had from the team’s first loss several opportunities, still of the season at Laketrailing by a single goal side on Tuesday night. approaching 15 minutes Discovery High School remaining in the match. played host due to an area The Panthers delivered a board meeting that posed corner kick and midfielder a conflict at the original and team captain John host site, Norcross High Soto won the 50-50 ball School, and the match was with a header. Soto burnt moved up 30 minutes in an his way into space, chased effort to avoid the looming by Parkview midfielders thunderstorm that eventu- until he reached the 18ally struck the pitch in the yard box. He passed right final minute of the match. to his teammate Cristian The first goal of the Obregon who finished to match came in the first give Norcross a 2-0 lead. minute, but Norcross and That was not the dagParkview both countered ger, however, as Parkview taylor.denman@ gwinnettdailypost.com

continued to apply pressure in its attacking third.

Parkview forward Gerson Montano miraculously finished a pass from Alec Leake with his left foot from roughly 25 yards away to pull within one goal with 13 minutes left in the match.

Even when Norcross’ Cristhian Rugamas scored his second goal on a cross from Obregon, the final 11 minutes seemed like plenty of time for Parkview to challenge.

Parkview frantically attempted shots until Kurt Suhr finally found the net with four seconds left.

“I think both teams are very fit and very athletic,” Pitt said. “That back and forth is going to show.

Our region is ridiculously hard. It was closer to a 3-2 match than it would have been 3-1.”

Norcross’ Jonathan Hernadez saved seven shots and Max Carlson stopped four for Parkview.

The win means Norcross (11-1-1, 4-1) controls its own destiny with one region match left against Berkmar on April 17. A

win grants the Blue Devils the No. 1 seed from Region 7 in the state tournament, but Lakeside still looms with two losses now that it’s armed with the tiebreaker. Parkview (11-5-1, 3-2) missed its opportunity to clinch the No.1 seed, but can finish as high as No. 2 with a win over Brookwood on April 13.

“I was worried,” Pitt said. “I wasn’t sure how they’d bounce back (from losing to Lakeside), on one day’s rest. … We need that for the region.”

that much room, I try not to overthink it too much,” Gaither said. “I just focus on the goal.”

Stitt’s sheet might not have been clean, but she was kept busy most of the afternoon. She racked up 10 saves for Norcross, which was drastically outpossessed by Parkview.

The Blue Devils were forced to deliver one-touch passes and were hardly able to settle the ball once they received it. Norcross took two shots on goal in the match and both were saved by Sara Halilhodzic.

Parkview (girls) 3, “Coming into the game, Norcross 0 we knew Norcross was Parkview (13-1, 5-0) a good team at going clinched a home match in forward, so we tried to the first round of the Class take away some of those AAAAAAA playoffs after counter attacks against winning its game against them,” head coach Judson Norcross.

Hamby said. “Lucky for Parkview’s Nieva us, we scored a goal early.

Gaither scored two goals That settled us and kind of before leaving the match freaked them out a bit.” in the second half with a Gaither added her minor ankle injury. Her second goal in the 22nd first goal was in the first minute with an assist from minute of the match when Mariana Almanza on a she found plenty of space throw in. Molly Hickman in front of Norcross keeper flashed her sharpshootErin Stitt. ing ability and scored “Usually when I have Parkview’s final goal.

PREP ROUNDUP

Rams rally past Archer boys in second half From Staff Reports LOGANVILLE — Grayson remained undefeated in Region 8-AAAAAAA with a 3-2 win over Archer on Thursday.

The Rams (10-2, 7-0) scored in the first minute of the game only to see the Tigers tie the score before halftime and then gain the lead early in the second half. Grayson rallied with two goals in the last 20 minutes to secure the win.

Rodrigo Ayala had two goals and assisted on the goal by teammate Joseph Lieto.

Archer (7-6-2, 5-3) was led by Enzo Sanagua and Caleb Busboom, who scored, while the assists were from Chris Beal and Andy Hernandez.

BOYS SOCCER BOYS SOCCER Alpharetta 4, Wesleyan 2 PEACHTREE CORNERS — Alpharetta doubled up host

Wesleyan 4-2 in a non-region match on Thursday. Abraham Lopez and Jeb Brown scored goals for the Wolves (6-5).

Liam Coxhead assisted on both goals.

Providence 2, George Walton 1 LILBURN — Providence Christian rallied for two second half goals to defeat George Walton 2-1 on Thursday. The game was tied at half before George Walton banked a shot in off the post for the 1-0 lead.

Camden Warner tied the game with 12 minutes left and Sam Burnette netted the game winner with just four minutes left in the match for the Storm (7-4-1, 4-0).

GIRLS SOCCER GIRLS SOCCER Collins Hill 7, Discovery 0 SUWANEE — Collins Hill blanked Discovery 7-0 in Region 6-AAAAAAA on Thursday. Shea Bonacci and Natalie Alamari each had two goals and an assist for the Eagles (10-4, 4-0).

Olivia Chappell, Lily Dougherty and Camille Jones also scored.

BASEBALL BASEBALL GAC 9, Pace Academy 8 (12 innings) NORCROSS — Greater

Atlanta Christian outlasted Pace Academy 9-8 on Thursday. Zac Mixon provided the game winning single for the Spartans (127). Vic Johnson was the winning pitcher, throwing four innings and allowing no hits, two walks and striking out three.

Shane Lussier led the offense with three hits and scored three runs while Tyler Bride had a home run among his two hits and walked three times.

Hebron 14, Commerce 1 (5 innings) COMMERCE — Hebron Christian’s big inning lifted the Lions to a 14-1, five-inning win over Region 8-A rival Commerce on Thursday. Hebron scored 13 runs in the top of the first and never looked back as it improved to 8-10 overall and 5-0 in the region.

Gavin Incrocci threw five innings and allowed four hits and struck out one to earn the win.

Garrett Howe paced the offense with two hits and three RBIs. Alex Pawson, Thomas Headley and Landon Jones each had a hit and two RBIs in the victory.

GIRLS LACROSSE GIRLS LACROSSE Mountain View 7, North Atlanta 3 ATLANTA — Mountain View defeated North Atlanta 7-3 in a

rain-shortened game on Thursday. Madison Sherard scored two goals and added two assists to lead the Bears (9-4).

Reagan Utley added a goal and two assists, while teammate Ella Darwish recorded two caused turnovers and two groundballs.

Peachtree Ridge 12, Collins Hill 6 SUWANEE — Peachtree Ridge’s Anna Marie Gazzo scored seven goals to lead the Lions to a 12-6 win over Collins Hill on Thursday. Audrey Dutton tallied four assists, while Goalie Victoria Smith recorded five saves for Peachtree Ridge (6-6, 2-3).

BOYS LACROSSE BOYS LACROSSE Lanier 12, North Oconee 10 BOGART —Lanier downed host North Oconee 12-10 on Thursday. Makenzie Rannals scored five goals to lead the Longhorns (7-5). Gavin Keniston scored three goals, while Andre Martinez collected 12 saves in net to secure the win.

GAC 5, Alatoona 4 (OT) NORCROSS — Greater Atlanta Christian defeated Alatoona 5-4 in overtime on Thursday in a non-region match. Goalie Peter Klueber made 11 saves and had a save percentage of 73 to lead

the Spartans (9-3). Josh Rose scored four goals, including the game winner, and assisted on the other. Nick Jones won nine faceoffs in the win.

Wesleyan 16, Mt. Pisgah 15 (OT) JOHNS CREEK — Wesleyan rallied to defeat Mt. Pisgah 1615 in overtime on Thursday. The Wolves (6-3) trailed 15-12 with under two minutes left in the match. Bennett Harrison scored seven goals including the game winner in overtime. Rawley Smith scored twice and dished out five assists while Garrett Hangartner recorded four goals.

BOYS TENNIS BOYS TENNIS Lanier 5, West Forsyth 0 SUGAR HILL — Lanier blanked visiting West Forsyth 5-0 on Thursday. The doubles duos of Justin Kwack and Brandon Ruffolo along with Grant Walter and Nico Inman were victorious. Josh Overley, Gabe Cranor and Mike Bennett won in singles for the Longhorns (10-6, 3-2).

— Compiled by Ken Chrzanowski To report scores, call 770-3395850. Scores must be reported before 10:15 p.m. every day with the exception of Tuesday and Friday. Deadline for Tuesday is 10:30 p.m. and Friday is 10:45 p.m.

IN BRIEF

Mountain View’s Wesig commits to Catawba

Mountain View senior Alex Wesig has made a commitment to the Catawba College (N.C.) men’s basketball program.

Wesig averaged 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals last season for the balanced Bears, who made the state playoffs each of the past two seasons.

Duluth grad Norman named Ohio University head coach

Duluth grad Mason Norman has been named the head swimming and diving coach at Ohio University.

Norman spent the last five seasons in the Southeastern Conference at Kentucky, where he was an assistant for four years and associate head coach last season. While at Kentucky, Norman coached four USA National Team Members, two 2017 USA World University Games Team Members, four SEC Champions, an NCAA Champion and numerous NCAA qualifiers.

He also oversaw workouts and season plans for distance swimmers and had a top 10 women’s recruiting class in 2016. Also in 2016, Norman coached three U.S. Olympic Trials finalists and five semifinalists.

“We are excited to have Mason joining the Bobcats family,” Ohio athletic director Jim Schaus said in a school release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at the highest levels of competition and we know he has what it takes to help us grow into one of the elite programs in the Mid-American Conference.”

Norman, who swam in college at Wingate, also coached one season at Utah and one season at Tennessee. He was a 22-time AllAmerican at Wingate and was on a NCAA Division II national championship 400 free relay in 2010.

“Mason is an outstanding coach and person who will do great job at Ohio,” Kentucky head coach Lars Jorgensen said. “He has been working hard to be able to lead his own program and I could not be happier for him.”

Czar moving from Dacula to Cherokee Bluff Cherokee Bluff, Hall County’s newest high school, has added longtime Dacula coach Ken Czar to the football coaching staff.

Czar, a Parkview grad, will be the Bears’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. He previously coached at Dacula under new Cherokee Bluff head coach Tommy Jones.

FANS CHOICE SPRING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Who: Shea Bonacci School: Collins Hill Sport: Soccer Class: Sophomore Highlights: Scored the game-winning goal with five minutes remaining for a 3-2 win over North Gwinnett Coach Jeff Tinklepaugh’s take: “Shea has contributed to our success this season in so many ways. Scoring the game-winner at critical moments, an important assist, but more important is her vision. There are a lot of players that see what pass to play. Shea not only sees what pass to play, she executes it and to make it a little more difficult, a number of teams have to man mark her and she is still able to make the pass. She is a tremendous asset.”

4B • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gladiators enjoy BP at Coolray

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

“Do they have baseball in Canada?” Atlanta Gladiators defenseman Ryan Lannon chirped at Branden Troock as the Edmonton native got into the batter’s box at Coolray Field on Thursday.

Troock, wearing a Toronto Blue Jays cap, just shook his head at Lannon and kept swinging.

The Gladiators spent the afternoon giving each other a hard time and taking batting practice at the home of the Gwinnett Stripers.

“It’s a chance to be kids again,” said Gladiators head coach Chuck Weber, who showed some promise as a hitter with consistently solid swings.

Stripers general manager North Johnson just had a bit of advice for the players when they gathered near the pitching mound.

“Have fun. Don’t get hurt,” Johnson joked.

More than 30 minutes into the batting session, defenseman Colin Sullivan, who grew up playing both baseball and hockey at a high level in Connecticut, was frankly surprised there wasn’t an ambulance on site.

“We don’t even have our trainer here,” Sullivan said, grinning.

They made it through, but some sore hands, from hitting with a wood bat, are likely. “Owww” was muttered more than once as players finished taking their cuts.

Davis Vandane, a 6-foot-4 defenseman from Saskatchewan, launched the only home run of the

From Staff Reports

Atlanta Gladiators defenseman Davis Vandane hits a pitch from Derek Nesbitt during a team batting practice at Coolray Field on Thursday. The Gladiators were invited out by the Gwinnett Stripers for an afternoon on the field. (Photo: Chris Treft)

afternoon over the fence in left field and smartly made that his last swing. He ran the bases and celebrated accordingly as he came around third base.

“That’s actually tiring,” Vandane said.

Michiganders Rick Pinkston and Tanner Pond both fared pretty well, too.

Pinkston also entertained the team with his impression of “Major League” manager Lou Brown.

“He’s been spot on, cracking us up in the outfield,” Sullivan said.

Rookie forward Todd Skirving, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, showed up in a Yankees jersey and made some bold claims about his baseball savvy.

“He said he’s a cross between Aaron Judge, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada,”

Sullivan said. “So when he gets up at the plate, he’s going to have to back himself up. I’m not really a betting man, but if I was, I would bet against that. I think he’s going to be more like a guy from ‘Benchwarmers.’”

Lanky, young goalie Dan Vladar is from Prague and could have used some pointers.

“He’s got his glove hand down, though,” Sullivan said.

Fellow netminder Sean Bonar was tracking down fly balls in shallow left with flair.

“Bones is pretty good,” Sullivan said. “I think he should have catchers gear on, that’s where he’s most at home wearing that mask.

“We have a bunch of athletes on this team, but it’s

definitely a lot different.”

For himself, he was just hoping to make some solid contact after not playing in a number of years.

“I’m reliving a lot of really good childhood memories,” Sullivan said.

“It’s great to get out here and relax a little bit, forget about the playoff race we have going on. Even if it’s just for an hour, this is fantastic. I can’t thank the Gwinnett Stripers enough for letting us do this.

“We’re a bunch of 20-something guys running around like 6-year-olds again. This is definitely something we’re going to remember. This is a blast.”

The Gladiators travel to Florida for their final road game of the regular season Saturday before two games at home next weekend.

Gladiators ink Cornell captain Rauter From Staff Reports DULUTH — The Atlanta Gladiators signed Cornell captain Alex Rauter on Thursday.

Rauter, 23, ended a four-year collegiate career on a tough note when the Big Red were ousted by Boston University in the NCAA tournament

regional semifinals last week.

The Chatham, N.J., native had his best season as a senior with 20 points (11-9-20) in 32 games while serving as the team’s co-captain.

In 93 games for the Big Red, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward racked up 43 points (20-23-43) and played significant time at every position

other than goalie. Prior to his college stint, Rauter had 19 points in 51 USHL games for Omaha and Youngstown.

He is eligible to play in Saturday’s road game in Florida.

Atlanta clinched a playoff spot with Jacksonville’s loss to Orlando on Thursday night.

Braves win on Markakis’ walk-off

By Guy Curtright Staff Correspondent

ATLANTA — Nick Markakis had nine gameending hits in the first 12 seasons of his career, but none of them had been a home run.

The Atlanta Braves right fielder got to circle the bases on his 10th to start the 2018 season with a bang.

Markakis drove a 1-1 pitch from Philadelphia closer Hector Neris over the fence in right-center field with two runners on in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday to give the Braves an opening 8-5 comeback victory for the Phillies at SunTrust Park.

“A lot of emotions flying around right now,” Markakis said after the walk-off homer. “It was a great win.

“I was looking for a pitch, got it and didn’t miss. It was my first in 13 years and I won’t forget it.”

The Braves, who trailed 5-0 after Philadelphia scored four times in the top of the sixth, rallied to tie behind homers from Fred-

Atlanta Braves’ Nick Markakis, right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off, three-run home run against Philadelphia in the ninth inning Thursday at SunTrust Park. (Photo: Brett Davis-USA Today Sports)

die Freeman and Ozzie Albies, setting up the heroics by Markakis.

It was the Braves’ largest comeback victory on opening day in the modern era (since 1900) and just the third walk-off victory since they moved to Atlanta in 1966.

The one-out homer after an infield hit by Charlie Culberson, sacrifice bunt and intentional walk to Freeman came just in time to avoid a delay in extra

innings as a driving rain hit shortly afterwards.

The Braves bullpen faltered in the sixth inning, with Rex Brothers walking in two runs after replacing starter Julio Teheran and Dan Winkler giving up a two-run single to the first batter he faced.

It was the Phillies bullpen that imploded, though, after Gabe Kapler — making his managerial debut — gave starter Aaron Nola a quick hook.

Kapler pulled Nola with one out in the sixth after 68 pitches in favor of lefty reliever Hoby Milner and Freeman picked on a 3-2 pitch for a two-run homer.

Nola, a former firstround draft choice from LSU who has a 5-1 record against the Braves, had allowed just two hits, one a bunt, before Ender Inciarte led off the sixth with a double.

Albies opened the Atlanta eighth with a homer off Adam Morgan. The Braves tied it on an unearned run courtesy of a passed ball, a throwing error by catcher Andrew Knapp and a RBI single by Preston Tucker.

Teheran, making a record fifth straight opening day start for an Atlanta pitcher, gave up a leadoff homer to Cesar Hernandez in the sixth and then was pulled after a two-out walk.

Teheran ended up being charged with four runs, but escaped taking a loss thanks to the Braves comeback and Markakis’ walk-off blast.

Appeal •From Page 1B and we could have scored again,” Barton said. “My argument was soccer is not basketball, where you score 60 points; 3-2 is a high-scoring game. We’re happy we won the appeal; we’re not happy with the result.”

Judgement calls by officials are not eligible for appeal, meaning video evidence showing whether

Top-ranked GGC pushes streak to 12

or not the Norcross player actually encroached could not be factored into the outcome of Norcross’ appeal.

This, however, is not the first time in 2018 that GHSA has upheld an appeal filed by a Gwinnett County athletics department, but it bucks a precedent the athletics association set during basketball season. GHSA upheld Discovery High School’s

appeal of an officiating mistake that altered the result of a January game against Collins Hill. The two teams replayed the final second of the game, changing Collins Hill’s 4645 win to a 45-44 win for Discovery.

Collins Hill later filed an appeal of the second result, which the GHSA denied.

In the Norcross-Brookwood scenario, the amount of remaining time in the

match was the determining factor that the GHSA considered when deciding not to replay the match from the point of the rule misapplication.

“We had a misapplication of the rule, and there was still ample time for Norcross to score,” GHSA soccer coordinator Don Corr said. “They had ample time to score a goal or two; that’s why we did not replay the game.”

LAWRENCEVILLE — The top-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team picked up a pair of 8-0 triumphs in five innings Thursday afternoon over Brewton-Parker College, extending the team’s current winning streak to 12 games.

GGC (31-2) is 20-0 at the Grizzly Softball Complex this spring.

The Grizzlies scored a run in each of the first three innings in the opener, highlighted by a five-run third inning. That was plenty of support for junior starting pitcher Taylor Hansis, who tossed a one-hit shutout with six strikeouts.

Then, the hosts collected 12 hits and used a four-run fourth in-

ning to pave the way for the second-game victory. Sophomore Sydney Willhite, an Archer grad, opened things with a tworun home run in the first inning.

Freshman Holly Janco went 2-for-2 with three runs scored and three RBI across the two games. Senior Niki Cook (Buford) added a pair of multiplehit efforts.

Junior Brianna Fickes and Willhite had two hits in the second game.

Sophomore Alexis Eisenberg tossed four shutout innings in the pitching circle to improve to 3-1 on the season.

Sophomore reliever Jordin Englar retired all three batters she faced in the fifth inning of the second game.

Quavo •From Page 1B earn approval from the principal.

Security will be tight for the day, which begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.

The flag football game is scheduled for 3 p.m.

“Everyone’s fired up with all those big names, (Quavo) and those NFL big names coming through here,” Gary said.

“I’m sure people are still trying to find a way to get in. I wish we could invite everybody. But at the same time, it’s good for Berkmar to have our own little thing.”

Quavo, who turns 27 Monday, has soared to stardom, both as a solo artist and with Migos, the rap group that launched from Gwinnett, since he finished as a student at Berkmar. As a high-schooler, he was known by his teachers and coaches by his given name, Quavious Marshall, and flashed his athletic ability at quarterback and receiver.

He was a thin (6-foot-1, 150 pounds) quarterback his final two seasons at Berkmar, which just shifted to a spread offense under former head coach John Thompson.

“He was skinny, he’s skinny now, but he ended up being a good quarterback for us,” Thompson said. “He ended up becoming the starter the year we transitioned over to the spread. You look at him coming off the bus and you think, ‘Ain’t no way that’s the quarterback.’ But he played extremely well and he was very coachable. He didn’t have the quote, strongest, arm. But he was accurate and he understood going through his progressions.

And he did not make many mistakes at quarterback. He did not get us into any bad situations and he got us out of some bad situations.

“He was a jokester in the locker room. He liked to get people stirred up.

He liked playing jokes on people. He was a good kid. He really was.

Off the field, he always

talked about wanting to do this, what he’s doing now, which is awesome. I didn’t know how good he was. I heard him sing in the locker room, but a lot of guys sing in the locker room.”

Thompson didn’t fully appreciate his former quarterback’s fame until he got a call from a Rolling Stone reporter a couple of years ago for an interview.

“I had a missed call from New York,” Thompson said. “I listened to the voice message and it was Rolling Stone. I thought, ‘Alright, who’s playing a joke on me?’ I decided to play along and call the guy back, but I knew it couldn’t be accurate. But he said, ‘No, this is really so and so from Rolling Stone.’ My exact comment was, ‘Who the hell is Quavo? I didn’t have a Quavo.

I had a Quavious Marshall.’ He said, ‘Coach, it’s the same guy.’”

It wasn’t the first time Thompson was interviewed about a former player turned music star — he also coached country star Brantley Gilbert at Jefferson — and likely won’t be his last.

“I tease (Gainesville) Coach (Bruce) Miller all the time,” Thompson said. “You do interviews about (NFL quarterback) Deshaun Watson. I do interviews about Quavo and Brantley Gilbert.”

Thompson is excited about Quavo’s success, as well as his philanthropy at Berkmar. He has become heavily involved in projects at the Lilburn high school, including giving the Patriots basketball players custom LeBron James Nike sneakers he designed with help from Foot Locker last season.

His latest project at Berkmar is Huncho Day, which has those with tickets, and those without, buzzing about the event and its star power.

“It’s going to be good for the community for sure,” Gary said. “A lot of the kids are very excited.

People around the community are excited. It’s going to be a big day.”

All-Stars •From Page 1B

(about being the last high school game) until just quite the drama, but it did now. I’ve had some great provide a memorable fiyears playing here with nale for those seniors who some great memories and participated in it. great experiences.”

Among those were ArThe Home Team also cher’s Asia McCoy, who got six points and 10 tied Peachtree Ridge’s rebounds from GAC’s Korie Mathis-Sanders for Caria Reynolds, while game-high scoring honors Parkview’s Hannah with 11 points to help the Sadler had a strong game Home Team break open with eight points and six what was a close 35-29 boards. game at halftime and Peachtree Ridge’s eventually cruise to the Mechella Davis and victory.

Lanier’s Bailey Bassette “It’s different,” McCoy each scored eight points said. “It didn’t hit me to lead the Visiting Team.

Friday, March 30, 2018 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

world&nation

world Russia expels U.S. diplomats, shuts consulate Russia will expel 60 U.S. diplomats and close the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday, in retaliation for a similar move

by Washington.

The 60 diplomats — 58 from the U.S. mission in Moscow and two from Yekaterinburg — were declared “persona non grata” for activities “incompatible with diplomatic status,” the ministry said, ordering them to leave Russia by April 5.

U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry to be told of the decision, Lavrov said.

Russia has been on the defensive since the U.K. government openly blamed Moscow for the poisoning of a former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia Skripal, on British soil on March 4.

More than 20 nations, including long-term allies like the United States, have backed Britain by together expelling more than 100 Russian diplomats. The U.S. expelled 60 on Monday as part of the coordinated global response.

Egypt’s Sisi set to win second term as president As expected, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is set to secure a second term as Egypt’s President after winning roughly 90 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results reported by state media.

State-run newspaper Akhbar al-Youm said that Sisi, who ran against just one other candidate, won about 22 million votes out of a total of 24 million. Official results are scheduled to be announced on April 2.

His only rival for the presidency, Mousa Mostafa Mousa, was accused

by Sisi’s detractors of being a stooge candidate. The opposition blamed Sisi’s government for intimidating or coercing other candidates to pull out, but the President said he was not to blame.

Family car plunges off cliff Five killed; Boy in viral hug photo, 2 siblings missing

By Melissa Gray CNN

The boy who made headlines when he was photographed hugging an officer during a 2014 protest against police brutality is missing after his family’s SUV plunged 100 feet off a coastal highway in California, officials said Wednesday.

The bodies of Jennifer and Sarah Hart, of Washington, and three of their six children, were found Monday in and around the vehicle, which landed on its roof in the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman said.

Their three other children, including 15-year-old Devonte, are missing.

Devonte, who is black, earned national attention when a photo of him at age 12 went viral. In the image, tears stream down his face as he embraces a white officer in the middle of a demonstration in Portland, Ore., related to the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Devonte had been holding a sign offering “Free Hugs.”

Investigators, including the Coast Guard, are still looking for the bodies of Devonte and his sisters Han-

The Hart family appears in this undated photo from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Five members, including parents Jennifer and Sarah Hart, died when their SUV fell off a coastal highway into the Pacific Ocean early this week. Devonte Hart, third from right, and two other siblings are missing, officials said. (Photo: CNN)

nah, 16, and Sierra, 12. The circumstances of the crash remain unclear.

A welfare check Tuesday at the family’s home showed signs that the family’s trip was temporary, said Sgt. Brent Waddell of Clark County, Washington.

Deputies gained entry to the residence and found pets, as well as conditions that would dictate that their trip was temporary, he said.

The California Highway Patrol received 911 calls Monday about a vehicle that went over the side of Highway 1 in a remote section of Mendocino County, about 180 miles north of San Francisco, Sgt. Erich Paarsch told reporters Wednesday. A passerby noticed the SUV at

the bottom of the cliff.

Emergency responders found the vehicle on its roof with the two women, both 38, inside the car, Paarsch said. Outside the car, they found the bodies of Markis Hart, 19, and Jeremiah Hart and Abigail Hart, both 14.

The relatives were not wearing seat belts, Allman said.

Who were the Harts?

The family had most recently lived in Woodland, Wash.

Child Protective Services had tried to visit the family on Friday, then tried twice more on Monday and Tuesday, to no avail, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The agency

nation Police chief labels Austin bomber as domestic terrorist

When a 23-year-old man unleashed a wave of deadly bombings this month in Austin, Texas, interim police Chief Brian Manley did not characterize the acts as terrorism. Until now.

“I actually agree now that he was a domestic terrorist for what he did to us,” Manley told a panel discussion hosted Thursday by KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio station.

“This is a distinction I wanted to make today,” Manley told the panel.

Manley has said that he North and South didn’t want to apply a legal Korean leaders to definition to a crime that was still under investigation. meet for historic “I was so focused that we summit April 27 put a stop to it,” he said of The leaders of North and the bombings that terrorized South Korea will meet on the Texas capital for nearly April 27 for the first time three weeks. since 2007, the two countries The series of bombs announced Thursday after planted by Mark Anthony high-level talks.

Conditt led to the deaths The landmark meeting of two African-Americans between President Moon and injured several others, Jae-in and Kim Jong Un will including a Latina, raising be held at Freedom House fears of possible hate crimes. on the southern side of the Demilitarized Zone, accord- U.S. to require ing to the joint statement new immigrants issued after the talks.

Officials from both sides to turn over social will hold working-level talks media handles on April 4 to prepare for the The Trump administration meeting and agree on security and media arrangements, plans to require immigrants it added. applying to come to the The summit will be seen United States to submit five as a victory for Moon, who years of social media history, has long pushed for diploit announced Thursday, setmatic relations with North ting up a potential scouring Korea. He said in 2017 “for of their Twitter and Facepeace on the Korean Penin- book histories. sula, I will do everything that The move follows the I can do.” administration’s emphasis — From wire reports on “extreme vetting” of

A suspect in a wave of bombing attacks in Austin, Texas, killed himself inside his car with an explosive device early March 21 as authorities closed in, police said. Austin interim police Chief Brian Manley, above, today declared the bombings domestic terrorism. (Photo: CNN)

would-be immigrants to the U.S., and is an extension of efforts by the previous administration to more closely scrutinize social media after the San Bernardino terrorist attack.

According to notices submitted by the State Department on Thursday, set for formal publication today, the government plans to require nearly all visa applicants to the U.S. to submit five years of social media handles for specific platforms identified by the government — and with an option to list handles for other platforms not explicitly required.

Rouge convenience store, and that no charges would be brought against him or fellow Officer Howie Lake II. But that’s not the last word in the case, as city police leaders will determine by today, in disciplinary hearings, whether Salamoni and Lake violated any policies or procedures, Police Chief Murphy Paul said.

And after the decision, the department will release four videos yet to be made public — footage that sources with direct knowledge of the investigation describe as “very graphic” and “disturbing.”

The fatal encounter between the two white police Officers in Alton officers and Sterling, a black Sterling case man, helped spur renewed await word on Black Lives Matter protests across the nation. discipline Previously released Two Baton Rouge police cellphone video showed officers involved in the 2016 Sterling, 37, pinned to the shooting death of Alton ground by the officers before Sterling are expected to learn he was shot on July 5, 2016. this week whether they’ll keep their jobs, as police New EPA talking prepare to release four more videos recorded the night of points downplay the shooting. human role in State authorities anclimate change nounced earlier in the week The Environmental that Officer Blane Salamoni Protection Agency has was justified in shooting circulated new talking points Sterling outside a Baton

was trying to get in touch after the “now deceased children were identified as potential victims of alleged abuse or neglect,” according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

“We have not made any findings in this investigation and we had no prior history with this family. We are working with all involved law enforcement agencies on their respective investigations,” the department stated.

Sarah Hart had pleaded guilty to domestic assault, a misdemeanor, involving one of the children in a 2010 incident, in Douglas County, Minn., according to court records. instructing staffers to say that “clear gaps” exist in understanding whether human activity contributes to climate change.

“While there has been extensive research and a host of published reports on climate change, clear gaps remain including our understanding of the role of human activity and what we can do about it,” according to talking points obtained

by HuffPost Wednesday and later confirmed to CNN by the EPA. “Human activity impacts our changing climate in some manner,” another talking point reads. “The ability to measure with precision the degree and extent of that impact, and what to do about it, are subject to continuing debate and dialogue.”

people Sean Penn pans MeToo movement in his new book “And what’s with this ‘Me Too’?” writes Sean Penn in his newly released book, “Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff.”

In the epilogue of Penn’s fictional novel, the actor pens a poem in which he seems to defend Louis C.K. and Charlie Rose and compares the #MeToo movement to a “toddlers’ crusade.”

After allegations of sexual harassment from eight women were brought to light in November, Rose apologized for what he called “inappropriate behavior” and was fired by “CBS This Morning” and PBS. Louis C.K. also apologized for sexual misconduct.

“There are no men nor women/only movements own the day/until movements morphy to mayhem/ and militaries chip away/ whether North Korean missiles/or marching Tehran’s way/Where did all the laughs go?/Are you out there, Louis C.K.?”

The poem continues: “Once crucial conversations/ kept us on our toes/was it really in our interest to trample Charlie Rose?/And what’s with this ‘Me Too’?/This infantilizing term of the day/ Is this a toddlers’ crusade?/ Reducing rape, slut-shaming, and suffrage to reckless child’s play?/A platform for accusation impunity?”

CNN has reached out to Penn for comment.

Emily Blunt joke over citizenship causes backlash

Emily Blunt says she will think twice the next time she decides to publicly weigh in on American politics.

Blunt, who is promoting her upcoming horror film, “A Quiet Place,” directed by her husband John Krasinski, told the Evening Standard that she regrets an interview in which she said becoming a U.S. citizen was a “terrible mistake.”

“It was a fairly innocuous joke because, you know, where I’m from we poke fun at our public figures,” Blunt said. “I think I wasn’t quite American enough to be able to say that.”

The comment that sparked Stocks end 1st Q the backlash was made to strong but down The Hollywood Reporter in This was the quarter when 2015, following a Republiinvestors were reminded that can primary debate. stocks don’t go up forever.

“I became an AmeriThe euphoria that carried can citizen recently, and the market higher and higher that night we watched the last year came to an end dur- Republican debate, and I ing the first months of 2018. thought, ‘This was a terIt was an extremely turbu- rible mistake. What have lent quarter that featured two I done?’” Blunt said at the 1,000-point Dow plunges, time. powerful rallies and a growing list of fears for investors. ‘Sharknado 6’ to Despite a 309-point jump be last of series on Thursday, the Dow lost The latest “Sharknado” more than 2 percent over the TV movies haven’t had as three months. That snaps much bite ratings-wise as a nine-quarter win streak, before, and now they’re the longest in 20 years, and marks the Dow’s worst per- ending.

According to TVLine, formance since 2015. (Markets are closed on Friday for Syfy has decided to conclude the franchise with the Good Friday.)

“Things were so placid in sixth film.

The as-yet-untitled 2017. We don’t expect it to “Sharknado 6” will have a be as smooth going fortime travel theme and bring ward,” said Mike Loewengart, vice president of invest- back stars Ian Ziering, Tara Reid and Vivica A. Fox. ment strategy at E*Trade.

— From wire reports — From wire reports

Hatin’ on hip hop: China’s rap scene frustrated by crackdown

By Marian Liu CNN

Hip hop has been getting a bad rap in China.

Last year, the genre was having something of a heyday, but since then the bubble has burst.

In the wake of new rules from China’s media regulator, songs have been blacklisted; rising Chinese rappers, such as Gai and VaVa, have been dropped from shows; and another artist, PG

Must read One, even apologized for lyrics that came under fire for glorifying drugs and sex.

The crackdown has had a chilling effect on a genre more commonly associated with blasting rebellious opinion.

“There’s definitely a period of straightening, moral straightening, and hip hop is an example of that,” said Archie Hamilton, co-founder

of Split Works, one of the largest live music promotion companies in China. “It’s not really anything different to what worked before … it’s just much more strictly enforced.”

Hamilton said he is reconsidering his festival lineup in China even though he has always chosen to tour more “socially conscious” rappers, versus those who may have a more anti-establishment vibe. This is to appease both advertisers and government regulators, he said.

Since taking office in 2013, President Xi Jinping has pushed for traditional Confucian values and new guidelines on morality.

There’s been concern over blood and gore in video games, rules against crude language in news reporting, and even fines for exposing flesh and underwear at car and entertainment expos.

China’s media regulator singled out hip hop in January, with an edict saying that Chinese television “should not feature actors with

tattoos (or depict) hip hop culture, sub-culture and immoral culture,” according to state media.

Many in the industry say China has long tried to suppress Westerninfluenced youth culture, going back to punk and rock music.

Chan Kwong-yan, aka MC Yan, a Hong Kong rapper from the group LMF, said he was banned from performing in China 20 years ago for his controversial lyrics and is not surprised it’s happening again.

6B • friDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 CLOSE TO HOME John McPherson

gwinnettdailypost.com FAMILY CIRCUS Bill Keane Today’s Solution

BEETLE BAILEY Mort & Greg Walker

BLONDIE Dean Young & John Marshall

DILBERT® Scott Adams

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Chris Browne

Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEANUTS Charles M. Schulz

GARFIELD Jim Davis

POOCH CAFE Paul Gilligan

PICKLES Brian Crane

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Solution to today's Sudoku

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today's Answer: Part Time

0330_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 3/29/2018 5:03 PM Page B7

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 • B7

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS INVITATION TO BID RFP NO: PWUP 18-07 345 LIVELY AVENUE RETAINING WALL REPAIR LOCATION: 345 LIVELY AVE. NORCROSS, GA, 30071 Proposals for 345 Lively Avenue Retaining Wall Repair will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Friday, April 20, 2018 by 11:00am.

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

Project includes providing and installing a helical pier anchor system as specified in plans and calculations found at the following link: http:// www.norcrossga.net/bids. aspx?bidID=84 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 345 Lively Avenue Retaining Wall Repair/ PWUP 18-07.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set of such documents from the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks Office, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Telephone (678) 4212069 or copies of the RFP NO: PWUP 18-07 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Melissa Zeigler at melissa.zeigler@norcrossga.net.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: PWUP 18-07 requirements.

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

902-539768, 3/23,30 Invitation to Bid RFP NO: PWUP 18-10 Kennemore Bridge Construction Location: Norcross, GA, 30071 Proposals for Kennemore Bridge Construction will be received by the City of Norcross at the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Friday, April 20, 2018 by 10:30am.

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

Project includes construction of concrete abutments.

Contractor to receive and install a pre-fabricated pedestrian bridge, and install concrete bridge deck. The bridge has been ordered (fabrication and delivery) by the City of Norcross. Details for the project can be found at the following link: http:// www.norcrossga.net/bids. aspx?bidID=83 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 Kennemore Bridge Construction / PWUP 18-010.

Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain a set of such documents from the Department of Public Works, Utilities & Parks Office, 345 Lively Avenue, Norcross, GA 30071 Telephone (678) 4212069 or copies of the RFP NO: PWUP 18-10 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Melissa Zeigler at melissa.zeigler@norcrossga.net.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive any technicalities or irregularities therein. The City further reserves the right to award the contract to the proposer whose proposal best complies with the RFP NO: PWUP 18-10 requirements.

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

902-539766, 3/23,30 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP NO: CDP18-01 Comprehensive Plan Update and Rewrite of Zoning Ordinance into a Unified Development Ordinance Location: City of Norcross, GA Proposals for the Comprehensive Plan update and rewrite of the City’s Zoning Ordinance into a Unified Development Ordinance Project will be received by the City of Norcross at the Community Development and Planning Department, 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross, GA 30071 Friday, April 13, 2018 by 11:00 am. Any proposals received after the designated closing time will be returned unopened.

The objective of this project is to prepare an update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and a rewrite/update of the City’s zoning ordinance into a Unified Development Ordinance, using the most recent census data, area and national trends, best planning practices, alternative scenarios, projections and analysis.

An original and three (3) paper copies, a total of four (4) plus 1 copy of the proposal on a CD/flash drive in PDF or other electronic format of the proposal as well as the proposed fee in a separate sealed envelope shall be submitted in sealed envelopes/packages addressed to Tracy Rye, AICP, Community Development and Planning Director, City of Norcross and marked Comprehensive Plan Update and Zoning Ordinance Rewrite – CDP18-01 Proposers desiring information for use in preparing proposals may obtain documents from the Community Development and Planning D

Department, 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross, GA 30071 or copies of the RFP NO: CDP18-01 requirements may also be obtained by sending an email request to Tracy Rye at tracy.rye@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: CDP 18-01 requirements.

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

902-538572, 3/16,23,30

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE NOTICE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE REQUEST An application for an alcohol beverage permit to serve beer, wine and distilled spirits has been filed with the City of Norcross Georgia by the following party at the following location, to wit: Application / owner LOUIS CHUKWURAH Registered agent SILVERLYN CHUKWURAH Location: KINGSWAY RESTAURANT & BAR INC. 5955 JIMMY CARTER BLVD. # 180 NORCROSS, GA 30071 9 0 4 - 5 3 9 8 5 0 , 3/23,28,30,4/4,6,11,13,18, 20,25 CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS PUBLIC NOTICE APH 2018-03-064 City of PLACE: Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Pkwy DATE & TIME: March 27th, 2018 7:00 P.M. PURPOSE: Alcoholic Beverage License Application Consumption on Premises Beer, Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Sunday Sales APPLICANT: Royal Ball Room, LLC 6185 Buford Highway, Suite C-2 Corners, GA Peachtree 30092 904-539139, 3/23,30

JUVENILE COURT IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA In the Interest of: D.O. a/k/a, D.P., Docket No: 17-04398-3 Minor Child Petitioner: The GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, acting by and through the Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children’s Services NOTICE OF SUMMONS TO: JAMIE PURVIS, NATURAL MOTHER & DAVID OLVER, FATHER OF THE ABOVE NAMED CHILD(REN) AND ANY UNKNOWN, UNNAMED PUTATIVE, BIOLOGICAL AND/OR LEGAL FATHER(S) OF SAID CHILD. You are hereby notified that a TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS PETITION regarding the above-named child(ren) has been filed in the court by the abovenamed Petitioner.

NOTICE OF EFFECT OF TERMINATION JUDGMENT PURSUANT TO O.C.G.A. §15-11-284 GEORGIA STATE LAW Georgia law provides that you can permanently lose your rights as a parent. A petition to terminate parental rights has been filed requesting the court to terminate your parental rights to your child. A copy of this petition can be obtained at Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, 115 Stone Mountain Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

A court hearing of your case has been scheduled for the 22nd day of May, 2018 at 9:00 am, at the Juvenile Court of Gwinnett County, located at 115 Stone Mountain Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. If you fail to appear, the court can terminate your rights in your absence.

If the court at the trial finds that the facts set out in the petition to terminate parental rights are true and that termination of your rights will serve the best interests of your child, the court can enter a judgment ending your rights to your child.

If the judgment terminates your parental rights, you will no longer have any rights to your child. This means that you will not have the right to visit, contact, or have custody of your child or make any decisions affecting your child or your child’s earnings or property. Your child will be legally freed to be adopted by someone else.

Even if your parental rights are terminated: (1) You will still be responsible for providing financial support (child support payments) for your child’s care unless and until your child is/ are adopted; and (2) Your child can still inherit from you unless and until your child is/are adopted.

This is a very serious matter. You should contact an attorney immediately so that you can be prepared for the court hearing. You have the right to hire an attorney and to have him or her represent you. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney if the court finds that you are an indigent person. Whether or not you decide to hire an attorney, you have the right to attend the hearing of your case, to call witnesses on your behalf, and to question those witnesses brought against you.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §1511-283, you may lose all rights to the child named in the petition brought pursuant to this article and will not be entitled to object to the termination of his rights to such child unless, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-7-22 and within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice, you file; (1) A petition to legitimate such child; and (2) Notice of the filing of the petition to legitimate with the court in which the termination of parental rights proceeding is pending.

JUVENILE COURT

PUBLIC HEARINGS

A court may enter an order terminating all parental rights of a biological father, including any right to object thereafter to such proceedings: (1) Who fails to file a timely petition to legitimate the child named in a petition brought pursuant to this article and notice in accordance with subsection (c) of this Code section; (2) Whose petition to legitimate is subsequently dismissed for failure to prosecute; or (3) Whose petition to legitimate does not result in a court order finding that he is the legal father of the child named in a petition brought pursuant to this article.

If you have any questions concerning this notice, you may call the telephone number of the clerk’s office which is (770) 619-6300.

WITNESS the Honorable Judge Robert Waller, Presiding Judge of said Court.

This 20TH day of MARCH, 2018.

Sheila Williams, Clerk of Court Gwinnett County Juvenile Court 9 1 3 - 5 3 9 3 3 4 , 3/23,30,4/6,13

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.

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF GWINNETT COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA In the Interest of: E.M. Minor Child Petitioner: Brook Silverthorn, Guardian ad Litem Docket No:18-01017-3 CITATION TO INTERESTED PARTIES TO: LAWRENCE MATTHEWS, ANY UNKNOWN, UNNAMED PUTATIVE, BIOLOGICAL AND/OR LEGAL FATHER{S) OF SAID CHILD. You are hereby notified that a Petition for Permanent Guardianship has been filed by the petitioner, Brook Silverthorn, Guardian Ad Litem for the minor child requesting this Court to Appoint MARLENE CARDEIA, as the permanent legal guardian of the minor child named above .

You may obtain a copy of this Petition from the Clerk of Court at 115 Stone Mountain Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 during regular business hours or a copy will be mailed to you at your request.

You are further notified that a hearing thereon will be held before this Court on 24TH day of APRIL, 2018 at 12:30 pm. You are required to appear and respond to the Guardianship Petition hearing. If you have any objection to either the establishment of a permanent guardianship or to the selection of MARLENE CARDEIA as a permanent guardian or both, you must file a written objection setting forth the grounds of any such objection with this Court within ten (10) days of the date you were personally served; or within fourteen (14) days of the date that notice was mailed to you; or within ten (10) days following the date of the second (2nd) publication of this citation.

WITNESS the Honorable Robert Waller, Judge of said Court. This the 22nd day of March, 2018.

Sheila Williams, Clerk of Court Gwinnett County Juvenile Court 913-540836, 3/30,4/6

PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 7755 Horseshoe Bend Lithonia Ga 30058 (Yr/Make)1996/Ford Econoline VIN #1FTFE24H3THA33118 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date)_3-27-18 928-541074, 3/30,4/6 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, being stored at: South East Transportation 4138 ARCADIA INDUSTRIAL CIR LILBURN GA 2007 FORD FOCUS SILVER 1FAFP34N37W190323 2000 HONDA CRV WHITE JHPD2847YC008513 2005 TOYOTA MATRIX WHITE 2T1KR32E25C432210 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA BLK KL5JD56Z67K567717 This Vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by 4/26/18.

929-541100, 3/30,4/6 The City of Norcross will permanently close in its entirety, Bostic Avenue to all through traffic between Holcomb Bridge Road and Britt Avenue to convey a portion of Bostic Avenue, a City street, to the County; and the Downtown Development Authority by no later than Monday, April 9, 2018.

928-541070, 3/30 STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE INC. 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE NORCROSS, GA 30071 PHONE: 770-381-1140 FAX: 770-935-9651 ABANDONED VEHICLES: RE: Ingersoll-Rand Portable Compressor SERIAL # 293980UHI822 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR YELLOW TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above listed equipment was initially removed from 606 Athens Highway located in Loganville, 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 equipment

RE: 1949 Spartan 33 Royal Mansion Camper 33-49-1377R VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR SILVER TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above camper was initially removed from 606 Athens Highway located in Loganville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 3156 Buford Highway NE located in Buford, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The camper 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: Enclosed 30ft Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from 606 Athens Highway located in Loganville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 3156 Buford Highway NE located in Buford, 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: 1969 Harley Davidson Softail Motorcycle VIN 0390216701 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above motorcycle was initially removed from 606 Athens Highway located in Loganville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 3156 Buford Highway NE located in Buford, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The motorcycle 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. 928-539678, 3/23,30,4/6

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION: The following vehicle will be up for public auction at Tran’s Auto Repair, 4757 Buford Hwy, Norcross, Ga 30071, on Friday 03/23/2018 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

2004 Toyota Sienna VIN: 5TDZA23C04S182596 929-539707, 3/23,30 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Go Store It – Suwanee located at 345 Sawmill Drive, Suwanee, GA. 30024 will hold an auction on www. storagetreasures.com starting on 3/25/18 and ending at 3:00pm on 4/10/18. The following units will be sold: Name of Customer Unit # General Description of Property Jannie White 3032 Household Items Dolly Goss 3098 Cristina Woodson 3122 Reginald Lamar Finley 1124 Krystle Anne Tarpley 1043 Nolan Gossett 1003 929-539694, 3/23,30 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 04/12/2018 at approx. 2:00 PM. at www. storagetreasures.com.

Name Unit # John F Knight B045 Kenyana N Gay B062 Saul Rivera-Mera B063 Daniel Jerod Mack B079 Justin Munro B101 Justin R Munro B101 Juan Carlos Lopez C051 Yindri Y Cruz C095 Alysa Jackson D005 Nicholas Antonio Figueroa D047 Marvin G Mejia E069 Larry B Temah E075 Atanacio Gonzales E085 929-539101, 3/23,30 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 April 12th, 2018 at approx. 2:00 pm at www. storagetreasures.com] Name Unit # General Description of Property Qigana Johnson 195 Household Items Autumn Simmons 324 Household Items Adrienna Anderson 379 Household Items Shalae Rashawn Walker 393 Household Items 929-537537, 3/23,30 There will be sold at public outcry for cash at Willard Wrecker Service, 719 Shadburn Avenue, Buford, GA 30518, on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM the following vehicles declared abandoned or foreclosed vehicles pursuant to O.C.G.A Section 40-11-05, as follows: #

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS # Year Make Model VIN 1 2000 Nissan Maxima JN1CA31D1YT528222 2 2009 Honda Accord JHMCP26879C014604 3 2009 Honda Civic 1HGFA16579L009775 4 2007 Volvo S60 YV1RS592872605668 5 2003 Ford Focus 3FAFP31393R193680 6 1996 Honda Civic 1HGEJ6126TL059824 7 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart JA3AJ86E52U071756 8 2007 Hyundai Sonata 5NPET46C67H247235 9 1992 Honda Civic JHMEH9592NS012221 10 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ND52J23M715963 11 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2G1WW12M8V9296552 12 1994 Honda Accord 1HGCD5662RA116173 13 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis 2MEFM74W3XX686549 14 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4HS48N25C529518 15 2000 Honda Accord 1HGCG2259YA023006 16 2000 Saturn SL1 1G8ZH5288YZ155977 17 2001 Kia Sportage KNDJB723415049303 18 1997 Honda Civic JHMEJ6623VS031221 19 2004 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D44L857925 20 2008 BMW 528xi WBANV13558CZ53475 21 2002 Ford Focus 1FAFP33P72W285057 22 2006 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D16N360222 23 2009 Nissan Versa 3N1BC13E69L350880 24 2005 Infiniti G35 JNKCV51E45M209567 25 1994 Acura Integra JH4DB8584RS000429 26 2001 Ford Focus 1FAFP38331W379067 27 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 1G1AD5F50A7192319 28 1997 Land Rover Discovery SALJY1242VA716346 29 2000 Dodge Neon 1B3ES46C7YD679540 30 2015 Infiniti Q50 JN1BV7AR9FM410302 31 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 1G1AK15F777313834 32 2006 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D66C234370 33 1995 Ford Ranger 1FTCR10A1SUA10646 34 1991 Chevrolet S-10 1GCCS14R2M8292151 35 2001 Honda Civic 1HGES26781L060383 36 2004 Dodge Neon 1B3ES56C34D625717 37 2003 Saturn L200 1G8JU54F33Y545971 38 1993 Lexus LS 400 JT8UF11E0P0184106 39 1993 Plymouth Voyager 2P4GH4538PR299301 40 2003 Ford

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

Focus 1FAHP34383W200992 41 2008 Infiniti G37 JNKCV64EX8M127459 42 2014 Toyota Corolla 2T1BURHE8EC206536 43 1999 GMC Safari 1GKDM19W7XB525496 44 2006 Chevrolet HHR 3GNDA23P56S619480 45 2000 Daewoo Nubira KLAJC52Z3YK424753 46 1998 Toyota Camry JT2BG22K5W0229659 47 2005 Buick LaCrosse 2G4WD532351321045 48 1996 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D5TT133074 49 1999 Honda Accord 1HGCG1652XA027160 50 2012 Toyota Corolla 2T1BU4EE3CC774729 51 2005 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D65L482069 52 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZD5E04CF261319 53 2001 Ford Expedition 1FMPU18L21LA62275 54 2000 BMW 528I WBADM6347YGU20121 55 2009 Ford Econoline 1FTNS24W09DA83378 56 1995 Nissan Quest 4N2DN11W7SD858716 57 1992 Lexus ES300 JT8VK13T4N0042561 69 2006 G6 Pontiac 1G2ZF55B664235182 70.

2001 Tahoe Chevrolet 1GNEC13T51R147332 929-540161,

unit 0218, angela mitchell unit1022, casandra americo unit1032, tamiko carr unit 1501, shatero qualls unit 2710, daniel ream unit 0722, neydy pichardo unit 1205, melissa gilchrist unit 1524, nicholas wylie unit 2091, james heslip unit 2630, kevin hayes unit 0213, theresa bice unit 1025, jonathan henry unit 1149, markesha waller unit 411, jeremias bijo, franklin morgan jr unit 0713.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Snellville: 2161 Hewatt Rd, Snellville GA, 30039(770) 979-5237: ramell lankford unit 152, seymour burress unit 030.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Rockbridge: 140 Rockbridge, Lilburn GA, 30047(770) 717-9666: carlton mcduffie unit 4142, ciara nobles unit 475. abdou lo unit 3152, kimberly johnson unit 447, jessica holland unit 110.

Uhaul Moving & Storage @ Norcross: 5365 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross GA 30093- (770) 447-5017: elizabeth evans unit b106, juan rivera a108, anthony english unit 1049, norma davis unit b129, jackie burchett unit b115, yolanda jones unit 1006.

929-539331, 3/23,30

NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2 MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S): 2010 CAN-AM SPYDER RSS 2BXJAMC17AV000122 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON APRIL 18, 2018 AT 10 AM. AT 1700 HORIZON PKWY, *7724 GA 30518 929-541226, 3/30,4/6 NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on April 2nd 2018 pany 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 all bids. Payment will be made in cash only. The sale will begin at 11300 Hwy 92#, Woodstock Ga 30188, 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 -(770) 381-9793: sarah bolden unit 926, esther white unit 719, andre brown unit 1108, ronald slack unit 1402, darlene mosley alston, brian west u

MCCULLOUGH TOWING AUCTION LIST 785 BROGDON RD. SUWANEE, GA 30024 770-263-8483 SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH 2018@ 1:00PM 2013 Bashan Motorcycle LHJPJNBU8DB100043 2008 BMW 535i WBANW13518CZ78418 Cadillac deVille 2005 1G6KD54Y25U155128 2005 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52E459304033 2007 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WC58R479107479 2010 Chevrolet HHR 3GNBAADB6AS579987 2006 Chrysler 300 2C3KA53G36H282543 2010 Dodge Avenger 1B3CC4FB2AN193715 2006 Dodge Charger 2B3KA43G46H333863 1998 Dodge Dakota 1B7FL26PXWS666930 2005 Dodge Durango 1D4HD48NX5F598426 2002 Ford Explorer 1FMDU63W22UB01105 2002 Ford Expedition 1FMRU15W72LA13257 2005 Ford Explorer 1FMZU63K25UA68842 2005 Ford Freestyle 1FMDK02135GA25096 2001 Honda Civic 1HGEM22551L005565 2003 Honda Odyssey 5FNRL18083B066066 2002 Jeep Liberty 1J4GK48K62W205421 1999 Lexus LS400 JT8BH28F3X0161926 1998 Lincoln Navigator 5LMRU27L6WLJ47186 2002 Mercedes Benz S430 WDBNG70J12A280798 2001 Mercury Cougar 1ZWFT61L715619544 2005 Mercury Mariner 4M2CU571X5DJ20184 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 4A3AE55H23E170799 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport JA4MT31R83J001123 2003 Nissan Maxima JN1DA31D93T519555 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WP522841104638 1999 Toyota Camry Solara 2T1CF22P3XC126662 Trailmobile NOVIN0201081694 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 3VWDD21C02M416752 929-540798, 3/30,4/6,13 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 APRIL 07, 2018. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 07 APRIL 2018 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION www.

770-381-1140 swsatlanta.com Honda Motorcycle N

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NO VIN Home-Made Trailer NO VIN 1974 Sunbeam Convertible SAL375393 Wabash Trailer NO VIN 2014 TaoTao Scooter L9NTEACB0E1168144 2003 Acura 3.2 TL 19UUA566X3A032607 2003 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D23C212684 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 1D8GP243X3B208908 2007 Ford Focus 1FAFP34N77W286682 2012 Mazda Mazda5 JM1CW2BL8C0100690 1995 Chevrolet C1500 1GCEC14K8SE279640 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 1FMZU67EX1UC80659 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 1G1JC1249Y7125558 2002 Chrysler Town and Country 2C4GP54L22R680827 2004 Volkswagen Passat WVWPD63B14E231470 2000 Chrysler Town and Country 1C4GP64L0YB590671 2000 Nissan Xterra 5N1ED28T0YC546694 *** REBUILT *** 2001 Mazda Protege JM1BJ222710419299 2001 Chrysler Town and Country 2C8GP64L21R245972 2001 Kia Sephia KNAFB121815917740 2009 Nissan Altima 1N4AL21E49C187598 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty 1FTNX20F7XEF05886 1999 Chrysler Sebring 4C3AU52N4XE100861 2005 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11DX5N402708 2003 Honda Accord 3HGCM56353G700629

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 2004 Hyundai Sonata KMHWF25S64A991764 2001 Chevrolet Blazer 1GNCS13W812113463 2010 Hyundai Sonata 5NPET4ACXAH640573 2000 GMC Yukon Denali 1GKEK63RXYR175381 2004 Kia Sorento KNDJD733545186831 929-539685, 3/23,30,4/6 TAYLORS EXPRESS TOWING DULUTH, GA 30096 678-584-1778 There will be sold at public outcry for cash at Taylors Express Towing, 2785 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA Saturday April 7, 2018 at 3:00 PM the following vehicles, declared abandoned and foreclosed vehicles pursuant to OCGA Section 40-11-5, as follows: 1 2001 Cadillac deVille 1G6KD54YX1U299424 2 2002 Chevrolet Express 1GCGG25R421196356 3 1992 Chevrolet C1500 1GCDC14Z8NZ218536 4 1996 Ford Ranger 1FTCR10A6TUC85110 5 2000 Ford Explorer 1FMDU72X2YZA11142 6 1994 Ford Mustang 1FALP42T1RF121496 7 2001 Honda Accord 1HGCG16561A067958 8 1999 Infiniti I30 JNKCA21A3XT753512 9 2002 Jaguar X-Type SAJEA51CX2WC20727 10 1999 Kia Sephia KNAFB1217X5795025 11 2004 Kia Sedona KNDUP131346602935 12 1983 Mercedes-Benz WDBCB20AX300SD DB047802 13 2000 Mercury Grand 2 M E F M Marquis 74W5YX718094 14 2008 Nissan Altima 1N4AL21EX8C286392 15 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 5N1AR18U57C614635 16 1989 Nissan Maxima JN1HJ01P4KT241737 17 2006 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E76C801335 18 2001 Oldsmobile Alero 1G3NL52T91C109347 19 1998 Pontiac Grand 1 G 2 W P Prix 5213WF278023 20 2000 Toyota Corolla 1NXBR12E8YZ345127 21 2006 Toyota Corolla 1NXBR32E56Z597846 22 1997 Volkswagen Cab3VWAA81Erio 5VM804113 9 2 9 - 5 3 8 8 5 0 , 3/21,28,30,4/4

2000 GMC Savana 1GTHG35R7Y1181739 2005 Chrysler Town and Country 2C4GP44R45R468613 2001 Honda CR-V JHLRD28401S011913 2006 Jeep Commander 1J8HH48K16C346714 2001 Kawasaki ZX750 Motorcycle JKAZXDP191A054606 1998 Ford F-150 1FTZF1824WNC21713 2002 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D92L614575 1999 Honda Accord 1HGCG5641XA052503 2000 Toyota Camry 4T1BG22K4YU619053 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 1B7HF13Y8VJ500742 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 1GNES16S166120076 2007 Pontiac G6 1G2ZF58B774102203 2002 Honda Accord 1HGCG165X2A037329 *** REBUILT *** 2006 Chrysler 300 2C3KA43R56H264993 1997 Infiniti QX4 JNRAR05Y6VW004244 2000 Ford Explorer 1FMZU83P3YUB52874 1998 Ford Explorer 1FMZU32XXWUB97327 2000 Acura 3.2 TL 19UUA5668YA063541 2002 Ford Escape 1FMYU04172KC38621

ZONINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Peachtree Corners Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, Georgia beginning at 7:00 PM on April 17, 2018 to consider the following: SUP2018-003 & V2018003. East Jones Bridge LLC. Request to approve a special use permit to accommodate a retirement community and associated variance at 4411 and 4583 East Jones Bridge Rd. (former Fiserv property), Dist. 6, Land Lots 331, 348, and 349, Peachtree Corners, GA. This item will also be considered by the City of Peachtree Corners City Council at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, beginning at 7:00PM on April 24, 2018 and a public hearing will be held beginning at 7:00PM on May 22, 2018.

KYM CHERECK, CITY CLERK CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS 934-541404, 3/30

GWINNETT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEADLINES

LINERS PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Monday 3 pm Thursday 3 pm Friday 11:30 am

DISPLAY ADS PUBLICATION DAY

DEADLINE

Wednesday Friday Sunday

Friday 3 pm Tuesday 3 pm Wednesday 3 pm

To place a Classified ad please call 536554-1

CONSTRUCTION/ SERVICE BIDS

770-236-9988

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

0330_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 3/29/2018 5:03 PM Page B8

gwinnettdailypost.com FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

ROOMMATE WANTED /ROOM FOR RENT

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a USDA Child Nutrition Program that feeds nutritious meals to children in low-income areas when schools are closed for vacation. The program operates through sponsors that utilize sites approved by Bright from the Start to feed children free of charge. SFSP sponsors can be public or private non-profit schools; universities, colleges, or camps; units of local government; and private non-profit organizations considered tax exempt by the Internal Revenue Service [501(c)3].

MONROE, GA FORRESTER CEMETERY ROAD

LOGANVILLE/GRAYSON ROOMMATE WANTED To share house, private bath, oversized bdrm, kit. & laundry privileges, internet. $450/Mo. Half util. $450 dep. Available May 1st. For appt., 678-477-3126

SFSP sites may be located in schools, community centers, parks, churches, playgrounds, migrant centers, homeless feeding sites, summer camps or operating mobile feeding. The children served by the SFSP must be 18 years of age or younger or persons 19 or older with a physical or mental disability, as defined by the State. Bidders must be bonded, insured, and financially and logistically capable of providing meals of approximately 1,023 Breakfast, 1,220 Lunches, and 80 Snacks, 5 days a week, Monday through Friday from June 4, 2018 to August 3, 2018 to a variety of SFSP within the Metro Atlanta area. Meals must meet all meal pattern requirements set forth by GNSI and Bright from the Start.

Bid packets may be picked up, and or emailed on March 26, 2018 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM from Deborah Wilson, Exec. Director, GNSI, 883 Commerce Drive, Suite 102, Conyers, Georgia 30094, (470)-419-4674. The contract must meet all requirements set forth by GNSI and Bright from the Start.

Bids must be sealed and clearly marked “Food Service Bid� on the sealed envelope and received

by April 10, 2018 1:00 PM, to Deborah Wilson, Exec. Director, Georgia Nutritional Services, 883 Commerce Drive, Suite 102, Conyers, Georgia 30094.

Bid Opening: April 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc. 883 Commerce Drive, Suite 102, Conyers, Georgia 30094 at which time bid will be opened to the public, read and recorded by Deborah Wilson, Exec. Director and Bright from the Start.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

FULL TIME

539770-1

HOUSES FOR SALE

LANDSCAPING

FULL TIME

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

***Heavy Equipment Operators Needed!!*** -All local work (Gwinnett County area) -Insurance Medical, Dental and Vision offered) -Retirement Plan -Paid time off (after 1 year) -Paid Holidays -Pay based on experience Contact Samantha Lewis TO APPLY or for more info call/text: 770.361.3558 email: s.lewis@ contourgradin gandpipe.com

HYDRAULIC CONSULTANT/ INSTRUCTOR Monroe, GA firm seeks a highly motivated and energetic individual to join our team of associates.

Basic knowledge of hydraulics a plus.

Must be willing to travel 2 –3 weeks out of the month.

Excellent benefits and bonus program.

Send resume and salary requirements to Robin at gpm@ gpmhydraulic.com

The City of Sugar Hill has an opening for a full time position for a Facility Maintenance Technician. This position is responsible for the minor repair of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in city buildings and facilities. The candidate should have experience in the building construction trade. This a non-exempt position with a staggered work week. Must be able to pass a criminal background check, e-verify screening, have a satisfactory driving record, and pre-employment drug screening.

Mail applications/ resumes to Jane Whittington, City Clerk, 5039 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518, or email them to jwhittington@ cityofsugarhill. com. Applications and job description are available on the City website at www. cityofsugarhill.com.

PHOENIX LANDSCAPE GROUP LTD, Duluth, Georgia, 8 landscape laborers needed for temporary Full Time employment.

Landscape & maintain grounds of properties using hand tools & power tools & landscaping equipment. Sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting flowers, trees & shrubs, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, install sprinkler systems, may install concrete segmental masonry wall units. Dig trenches using hand tools to install sprinkler Work systems/plants. involves frequent standing, bending, stooping, lifting & stretching. Work outdoors in hot & cold weather & lift up to 50 lbs frequently. Temp position, F/T, 40 hrs/ wk. Employer will offer 40 hrs of work/wk, M-F 6A-3P, depending on weather conditions.

Workers will be paid no less than 13.83/hr.

Workers will be paid by check on Fri (bi-wkly).

Employer will use a single workweek as its standard for computing wages due. No overtime req’d. The employer will make all deductions from the worker’s paycheck req’d by law.

Work on Sat’s may be req’d. Workers needed to begin work on 4/1/181/31/19. Employer will on-the-job provide training in proper use & maintenance of landscaping power tools & equipment.

Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, supplies, & equipment in order to perform job duties. Employer shall pay directly (or alternatively reimburse workers in the first workweek) for any visa, border crossing & other related fees, incl those mandated by the gov’t (except passport fees). Travel to various job sites around the metropolitan statistical area of the city of Atlanta, incl Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett counties, to customers sites to perform landscaping services. Workers are responsible for daily transport to & from the designated pick-up loc at the Duluth office.

Employer will then provide each work crew w/ daily transp among the customer worksite locations. Transp from employer’s loc to multiple customer work sites will be provided. If the worker completes 50% of the work contract period, employer will arrange & pay directly for transp & subsistence from the place of recruitment to the place of work. Upon completion of the work contract or where the worker is dismissed earlier, employer will provide or pay for worker s reasonable costs of return transp & subsistence back home or to the place the worker originally departed to work, except where the worker will not return due to subsequent employment w/ another employer. The amount of transp payment or reimbursement will be equal to the most economical & reasonable common carrier for the distances involved.

Daily subsistence will be provided at a rate of $12.07/day during travel to a max of $51.00/day w/ receipts. The employer guarantees to offer work for hrs equal to at least 3/4 of the workdays in each 12-wk period of the total employment period. Inquire about the job oppty or send applications to the GA DOL’s office loct’d in Gwinnett County on 2211 Beaver Ruin Rd, Ste 160, Norcross, GA 30071. Ph (770) 840-2200 ref 2142801640.

Contact: Mr. Tim Mooney, President, Phoenix Landscape Group, Ltd., 3215 Hill St, Ste 211, Duluth, GA 30096 PHOENIXLAND SCAPE@BELLSOUTH. NET Ph 404-642-2422

Why Not You? You? ou u?

6 Bed, 5.5 Bath, On 1 Acre In Chadwick Farms 980 Sq. Ft. Private Workshop/Man-Cave/She-Shed FULL Mother-In-Law Suite with FULL Kitchen Back Patio w/ Built-In Fireplace Close to I-85 and Shopping

WANTED FOR RENT 5 ACRES WALNUT GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT Beautiful 5 acre wooded lot that shares a portion of shared pond. County water is available. What a scenic place to build your dream home or vacation home in one of the most desirable school districts. $90,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

GWINNETT-HALLBARROW WANT TO RENT Very good condition private apt., cottage (private or after-55 complex), cabin, duplex, or small house in Gwinnett, Hall, or Barrow within approx.

15-mile radius of Mall of GA. Semi-retired business individual with excellent character and business references.

770-365-7998

Through a partnership with Georgia MLS, HOMESOURCE users can access over 108,000 statewide property listings in Georgia.

gahomesource.net

GWINNETT DACULA Apalachee Golf Community 2730 The Terraces Way 4BR/2.5BA 2900 Sq. Ft. Newly Remoadeled & Furnished by Interior Designer, upgraded lighting, granite counter tops, custom fans, crown & chair molding, dual master suites, 2 gas log fireplaces, new roof & refrigerator, newly painted inside & out, speaker sys. Landscaped. $266,000. For appt. call 770-616-7399

JEFFERSON, 30549 109 WOODS WAY

SERVICES CHIMNEY CLEANING /SWEEPING BROOKWOOD SCHOOLS 1.03 Acre Wooded Zoned RS180. Lot located in Snellville in older established neighborhood in Brookwood Elementary School district.

Water, gas, and electric available.

No disclosure.

Owner purchased as investment property. $29,900 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

NEW ROOF & REAR GUTTER 2 Story with Master On Main!

Entry foyer, formal dining room, vaulted family room with fireplace.

Breakfast area and bar. ½ bath on main.

2 bedrooms up with shared bath plus bonus. Full basement, partially finished w/rec room & bath. $239,900 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

COVINGTON, GA 30014 1750 Georgia Highway 138

WALNUT GROVE AREA 11.57 ACRES Of Land with +/-411 Feet of Road Frontage On Busy Highway 138.

Sewer is available to this property.

Suitable for grocery store or any type business. $2,225,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 ETCHISON RD

770-670-8435

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

WOOD CHIPPER VERMEER 620 WOOD CHIPPER, motor has only 536 hrs. $4000.

770-271-7127 770-714-8250

with Garage. Washer/ Dryer Included.

Just Minutes from Rhodes Jordan Park.

770-316-8126 or 404-353-7311

$398,700 CONTACT: Linda Maples REALTORÂŽ Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty c: 404-405-3729 o: 706-543-4000

North Broad St.

ZONED COMMERCIAL Drastically Reduced, Bring All Offers!

Commercial Property in Monroe City Limits Zoned B-3. This piece is suitable for any type business. All utilities are available including sewer. $175,000.

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

RIVER FRONT 3BR/2.5BA 2 Story on 1.92 acre river lot with above ground pool.

Formal living & dining rooms, spacious kitchen.

Master with sitting area. Full finished basement with kitchenette.

Motivated sellers! $216,995 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

• Complete Chimney Cleaning $79 • Complete Chimney Repair • Complete Dryer Vent Cleaning - $79 • Dryer Vent Repair • Air Vent Repair • One Air Duct Cleaning-$179

Cameras and CCTV Home theaters Multi Room Audio Tv Installation Alarms and security BBB Acredited businnes Licensed and Insured

NO SUBDIVISION Beautiful 2.89 Acre Tract of Land close to vicinity of Athens. The front is open with a small, shared pond & the back is heavily wooded.

County water is available at the street. $32,900.

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

REMODELING, INC.

Call 678-790-2127

770-962-2071

Call John

CLEARING/GRADING /EXCAVATION SCOOTER Pride Victory 3-Wheel Mobility Motorized Electric Scooter. $350/OBO Good Condition Call or text 762-217-0973

VEHICLES

LOADER WORK •Lot Clearing •Cut out for Basements •Grading Out for Building Pads •Underbrush Clearing •GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS• •All Types of Hauling & Tractor/Trackhoe Work • Fill Dirt •Bobcat Work

Expert Take Downs √ 20Years Experience √ Insured √ Free Estimates √ Stump Grinding Bucket Truck

GENERAL CONTRACTING

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

RADIANCE LAMPLIGHTERS

TREE FORM LANDSCAPING

• Gas lanterns converted to low voltage electric or solar • New Post Lanterns Installed

678-836-9398 MERCEDES-BENZ C-300, 2011 4 Door Sedan, Excellent Condition, Always Garaged, Gold, Mileage 46,725.

Call 10AM-8PM est.

470-558-8579. $19,500

MOTORCYCLES HARLEY-DAVIDSON 883 SPORTSTER, 2004, 11,000 mi., good running cond., gar. kept, $4000. 770-271-7127 770-714-8250

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

GWINNETT/SO. HALL: Seeking a 3/2 single story to rent within the next 30-60 days in the Gwinnett, South Hall, Forsyth areas....

Have poor credit, willing to pay up to a full years rent in advance for someone willing to work with me. Call Thomas 770-756-3682 APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Rent Starting at $100/ week. Large Lots.

770-513-3151

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL

4blsmarthomesolutions. com

Plots w/2 vaults, opening & closing in the Dogwood Estates, section B, Spaces 1 & 2.

Orig. $15,000, asking $7,500. 404-392-1842

MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT

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

GWINNETT, SNELLVILLE Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens: 2 Burial

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

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

4BLSmartHome Solutions

HOUSES FOR RENT

MAKE OFFER! Beautiful 2.68 Acre Wooded Tract of Land.

200 feet of road frontage.

Not divisible.

Per planning and development mobile homes are permitted.

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

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

MISC. FOR SALE

MONROE, GA 30655

MONROE, GA 30656 1730 River Bluff Rd

FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE

ALL METRO ATLANTA CHIMNEY AND DRYER VENT SERVICE Lawrenceville, GA

ELECTRICAL

2 Communities!

Gwinnett - Lawrenceville: 3BR/2.5BA 2 Story

‘COUNTRYSIDE LIVING, CITYSIDE ACCESS’

SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 BIRD LANE

MONROE, GA 30656 OLD ATHENS HWY

HOUSES FOR SALE

152 Taylor Dr, Hoschton, GA 30548

541036-1

Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc. (GNSI) is soliciting a food service management company for the purchase, preparation, and delivery of meals with milk and appropriate non-food items to Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) operating in Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

gahomesource.net

B8 • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

Call Byron 678-849-8691 State Licensed Or Email: pathlightstories@ yahoo.com

Summer Seasoned

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

Delivered & Dumped

By Albert Mahaffey

LICENSED

• Bobcat & Backhoe • Stacked Stone & Flagstone • Drainage Solutions • Concrete - Tear Out & Replace • Waterproofing

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

www.treeform.net

770-307-8863

we Gwinnett Daily Post

Muddbuggs and Music festival returns to Duluth

weekend entertainment FRIDAY MARCH 30, 2018

— Page 4C

10 spot the

Gwinnett County Public Schools has its spring break next week. For those who are traveling, these are the 10 best destinations for spring break according to U.S. News and World Report:

1. Cancun, Mexico 2. Miami Beach, Fla. 3. South Padre Island, Texas 4. Bahamas 5. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

the dish Pamendis

6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 7. Puerto Rico 8. Punta Cana, D.R. 9. Jamaica 10. Panama City Beach, Fla.

page 2C

a look ahead Out of this world April 7 Everett’s Music Barn Spring Festival — The Suwanee staple hosts its annual spring festival and fundraiser with music starting at noon and a covered dish dinner at 5 p.m.

For more information, go to www.everettsmusicbarn.net.

April 7-8 Caboose Days — Duluth’s Southeastern Railway Museum hosts Caboose Days on April 7 and 8. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will feature food, vendors and $2 rides on the museum’s restored antique handcar. For more information, go to www.train-museum.org.

April 14 Duluth Rotary Car Show — The event, which raises funds for Operation One Voice, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street in Duluth. For more information, go to www. duluthrotary.com.

‘Ready Player One’ harks on society’s lack of reality by virtually jumping from world to world, 6C

Heartwarming plight Wes Anderson delivers with masterful ‘Isle of Dogs,’ 8C

th,

APRIL 14 2018 532679-5

THE CITY OF SUWANEE INVITES YOU TO

GET LIT IN TOWN CENTER PARK!

GlowinthePark.Suwanee.com

2C • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

dish the

Pamendis Italian Grill

4060 Atlanta Highway, Loganville 470-275-3636 www.pamendis.com

Chicken Alfredo is one of the more popular items on the menu at Pamendis Italian Grill. (Special Photo)

BY STAN AWTREY Staff Correspondent

Owner: Fred Brett General manager: Robert Brett Open since: 2015 Location: In the North Logan Commons shopping center off U.S. Highway 78 (across the parking lot from Lowe’s) Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Atmosphere: Pamendis has a nice family vibe.

When you enter the front doors of the unpretentious restaurant, you’ll receive a friendly greeting. And if you’re a repeat customer, there’s a good chance the hostess or server will remember your name.

The restaurant was originally conceived as a fine-dining establishment, but it settled into its niche as a high-quality, familystyle establishment in this community on the Gwinnett side of the border with Walton County.

Pamendis is owned

by Fred Brett, who also owns BiBa’s Italian Restaurant in Lawrenceville.

He purchased Pamendis a few months ago and has begun to position it to be more in line with BiBa’s, which he’s owned for 10 years.

“We were going to open another BiBa’s when this came available,” Brett said. “I knew about it and knew it needed some work. We’re tweaking it as we go, little by little.”

Brett said the staff will sometimes roll their eyes when he talks about BiBa’s, but that hasn’t dissuaded him from making the changes.

“Some people don’t like it when I refer to BiBa’s, but it works,” Brett said. “BiBa’s has

been around 20 years — the original guy had it 10 years and I’ve had it 10 years — and it’s so finely tuned. We’re starting to get there.”

Brett’s long-range plans include the addition of a bar and continued changes to the menu, possibly migrating other popular BiBa’s items such as hand-tossed pizza and garlic knots.

Brett also plans to introduce a separate lunch menu. There are currently a limited number of lunch specials, but they’re included on a longer dinner menu. He’s currently retooling and reducing the size of the existing menu.

Menu: Pamendis is known for it more-thangenerous servings. The food fills every inch of the plate — sometimes even spilling over the sides.

“We’re known for the portions,” Brett said.

“The plates are huge.

People like that. Everybody takes food home.

Everybody gets to-go boxes.”

The restaurant is a traditional Italian restaurant, but also offers a handful of Greek dishes that were on the menu when the original owner opened it.

One of the changes made was with the meat sauce. The original owner’s recipe called for a heavy dose of cinnamon, which some people enjoyed but others thought odd for an Italian restaurant.

“It wasn’t bad,” Brett said. “It just took some getting used to.”

Since buying the restaurant, the cooks have dialed back the cinnamon and the meat sauce is more in line with what’s common with Italian dishes.

The most popular

ON THE MENU Tour of Italy: A chance to sample multiple dishes, this includes chicken Parmesan, lasagna and baked manicotti, $15.99 Baked Penne Platter: Penne pasta tossed in homemade meat sauce with ricotta cheese, meat balls and sausage, topped with mozzarella and Parmesean cheese and then baked, $15.99 Chicken Alfredo: Sauteed chicken with fettuccine pasta, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and tossed in a creamy Parmesan butter sauce, $14.99 Greek Style Chicken: Marinated charbroiled chicken breast over rice pilaf. Comes with a Greek salad, $13.99

Pamendis Italian Grill is located In the North Logan Commons shopping center off U.S. Highway 78. (Photo: Stan Awtrey)

Pamendis is owned by Fred Brett, who also owns BiBa’s Italian Restaurant in Lawrenceville. (Photo: Stan Awtrey)

dishes include lasagna, chicken Parmesan, chicken Alfredo and shrimp scampi. The baked penne platter includes meatballs and sausage, and the Tour of Italy includes chicken Parmesan, lasagna and baked manicotti. All dinners come with hot bread and a garden salad or soup, with an option to upgrade to a Greek salad.

There are several Greek holdovers on the menu, including gyros, Greek

style chicken, shish kabob and a combo platter.

Popular recent additions to the menu include tiramisu, which is made by the staff, and cannoli.

The wine list has been expanded, with the addition of new brands and introduction of new beers.

“We’ve made the wine list easier to read, with a description of the wine,” Brett said.

Something You May Not Know: The name

“Join Us For Happy Hour!”

Monday - Thursday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

20% OFF when you bring in this coupon

Same shopping center with Belk and Kohl’s 2059 SCENIC HIGHWAY - Suite #117 - SNELLVILLE

Sun - Sat 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

678-647-8888

536079-1

536918-1

Opening Hours:

Traditional spaghetti is one of the items on the menu at Pamendis Italian Grill. (Special Photo)

of the restaurant is not an Italian surname, as you might believe. It is

made up of a piece of the last names of each of the three original owners.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

music

‘Putting on a great show’

BY JON GALLO

McGinty burst onto the scene in 2007 at age 14 as an original member of Celtic Thunder, which he What: Damian McGinty helped turn into one of the biggest concert bands on the planet during his four When: 8 p.m. April 14 Where: Red Clay Music years with the Irish icons.

Foundry, 3116 Main St., “I will always be part of the Duluth Celtic Thunder family,” he said.

More info: www.eddieow“But going out there on tour by enspresents.com myself and doing the biggest tour I’ve ever done is a challenge I want tures the single “Slow Dance,” is to do.”

McGinty’s first album that contains McGinty spent four years with all original music. “This Christmas the group, during which Celtic Time” featured his take on many Thunder was named Top World well-known holiday songs such as Album by Billboard three times, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like performed at the White House, was Christmas,” “Hallelujah,” “Silent featured in six PBS specials and Night,” “Irish Christmas” and sold more than a million record“Last Christmas.” ings.

McGinty is no stranger to the In 2011, McGinty made a name Red Clay Music Foundry, as he for himself when he was named a performed at the sold-out venue co-winner of “The Glee Project,” during his last tour in December a singing competition in which he 2016. beat out 40,000 entrants to earn a “After playing there the first spot on the third season of Fox’s time, it was a no-brainer to come hit TV show “Glee.” McGinty left back again,” he said. “It’s a great Celtic Thunder to become Rory place to play because you can reFlanagan, a foreign exchange ally connect with the audience.” student in the musical that’s set in

IF YOU GO

Staff Correspondent

Damian McGinty, whose career has taken him to victory in a television singing competition, to the cast of “Glee” and numerous times to the top of the album chart, doesn’t reflect on the past.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” he said. “But I never look back at what I’ve done. I’m always looking ahead. I’m always looking at what’s next.”

What’s next for McGinty, 25, is a stop at the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth, where he’ll perform as part of his “Slow Dance” tour at 8 p.m. April 14.

It’s McGinty’s biggest solo tour, following the one more than a year ago that supported his “This Christmas Time” album, which reached the top spot on iTunes and No. 2 on the Billboard Holiday Album and Billboard World Album charts after it was released in October 2015.

McGinty’s latest album, “No More Time!,” reflects on the Celtic

Damian McGinty will make a stop at the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth, where he’ll perform as part of his “Slow Dance” tour at 8 p.m. April 14. (Special Photo)

Thunder star’s journey, in which he’s traveled about a half-million miles and performed in front of hundreds of thousands of fans since leaving his home in Derry, Northern Ireland, where he sang as a teenager at his local church.

“No More Time!,” which fea-

Damian McGinty to return to Red Clay Music Foundry a high school. “Glee” was one of TV’s biggest shows during its six seasons, as audiences tuned in to listen to cast members put their own spin on many of music’s bestknown songs, from Britney Spears to Neil Diamond to Alice Cooper.

McGinty was initially slated to appear in seven episodes, but the baritone soon became a mainstay on the show, appearing in 18 episodes.

He returned to Celtic Thunder in 2015, joining Neil Byrne, Ryan Kelly, Emmet Cahill and Michael O’Dwyer and an eight-piece band for the group’s “Legacy Tour,” which played in 72 cities during a 110-day span in 2015.

For now, McGinty is on his own, though he’s not ruled out rejoining Celtic Thunder in the future.

“Being on tour by myself is unbelievable,” he said. “It gives me the chance to meet fans from coast to coast and sing songs I’ve never done before live. As a kid growing up who wants to be a singer, you dream about going out there and putting on a great show.”

BY VENUE — MUSIC com • March 30: The Mavericks • April 3: Cradle of Filth • April 4: Vanessa da Mata CENTER STAGE THEATER 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta. com/shows/center-stagetheater • March 31: Sattar COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • March 30: Festival of Praise EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com • Ongoing: Eddie’s Attic Songwriter’s Open Mic

• March 30: North Mississippi Acoustic Allstars • March 31: Cody Marlowe • April 1: Sugarcane Jane • April 1: How and Why • April 3: Cub Sport • April 3: Casey Abrams • April 4: Maggie Rose • April 5: Max Gomez EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee 678-858-5363 everettsmusicbarn.net • March 31: Smoke Rise FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • April 13-15: Alabama The Charlie Daniels Band INFINITE ENERGY ARENA 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter.com

• April 14: Lorde with Run the Jewels and Mitski CELLAIRIS AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta 404-443-5000 www.thelakewoodamphitheater.com • June 8: Dead and Company THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta. com/shows/the-loft • April 9: Kings Kaleidoscope THE MASQUERADE 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-577-8178 www.masqueradeatlanta.com March 30: Our Last Night PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com • March 31: V-103 Live

536903-1

37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 buford.37main.com • March 30: Bandgrenade and Pitboss 40 WATT CLUB 285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com • March 31: Yod CD Release Party ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4900 www.atlantasymphony.org • March 30: Jacksepticeye: How Did We Get Here?

• April 4: Jonathan Biss Plays Beethoven BUCKHEAD THEATRE 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta 404-843-2825 www.thebuckheadtheatre.

UNLIMITED JUMP

All Spring Break Secondary

SPRING BREAK

SuperPass

$65

limited to 1 hour per day

EXTENDED HOURS

3520 Gravel Springs Road, Buford, Georgia 30519 buford.rockinjump.com

539020-2

537030-2

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Pass is non-transferrable. Rockin' Socks must be purchased and worn during jump. Socks are $3.00 and reusable.

RED CLAY MUSIC FOUNDRY 3116 Main St., Duluth 678-957-7283 www.eddieowenpresents.com • Ongoing: Songwriters Open Mic hosted by Eddie • March 30: Jack Williams and Caroline Aiken RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 redlightcafe.com • Ongoing: Wednesday Jazz Jam with The Gordon Vernick Quartet • March 30: Hollow Body Tour and Cheer!

SYLVIA BEARD THEATRE Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford 770-945-6762 bufordcommunitycenter.com • May 4: Jaimee Paul SMITH’S OLDE BAR

1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com • Ongoing: DJ Sky • March 30: Boxcar Radio • March 30: A Slow Boat to China • March 30: DJ Sky THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 tabernacleatl.com • April 5: Why Don’t We VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com • April 17: Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band THE BOWL @ SUGAR HILL 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill 770-945-6716 www.thebowlatsugarhill.com • May 18: Colbie Caillat

4C • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Crack open good times

Crawfish and music festival returns to Duluth

IF YOU GO What: Muddbuggs and Music festival When: Noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday Where: Duluth Town Green, 3167 Main St., Duluth More info: Go to www. freshtix.com

BY DREW LEWIS Staff Intern

The city of Duluth is partnering with Rock 100.5 and Kicks 101.5 to host Muddbuggs and Music from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Duluth Town Green.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy fresh crawfish and live music from guests including Zydafunk featuring Charlie Wooton, Trey Dahl and the Jugtime Ragband, and Machine Kid. “The event was such a hit last year we had to bring it back,” Duluth Event Coordinator Madison Chucci said.

The event will include a beer garden for adults as well as other food options. There will also be a kid zone with games and inflatables.

“Move Your Tails, Rock 100.5 and Kicks 101.5 are great partners in making this event a memorable one,” Senior Marketing Coordinator Amanda Leiba said. “They

do a fantastic job in capturing what the city of Duluth is all about.”

General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Every ticket purchase includes a complimentary 5-ounce sample serving of fresh, boiled-on-site crawfish.

VIP tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door and include all you can eat crawfish; four complimentary beer, wine, soda or water beverages; and private, air-conditioned restroom facilities.

Children 10 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Those under 18 must also be accompanied by a legal guardian.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.

Muddbuggs and Music returns to the Duluth Town Green from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. (Special freshtix.com.

Photo)

Holtkamp Heating and Air extends Hudgens Center support Holtkamp Heating and Air is well known for its generosity to both the arts and to other nonprofit organizations in the area. Owners Suzanne and Matthew Holtkamp are a template for giving in the Gwinnett area especially, supporting the Aurora Theatre, the Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning and many other nonprofit groups.

Last year, the Suwanee-based corporation focused some of that support on the Hudgens Center in Duluth by servicing all the Center’s HVAC systems and installing 18 new smart thermostats to maximize energy efficiency.

The Holtkamps then went further. In addition to helping maintain the building which houses galleries, art education facilities and more, they decided to open the Hudgens doors to all by sponsoring free admission for 2017.

The initiative was so successful that the Holtkamps are providing free admission again for 2018.

Art Beat

Holley Calmes “By offering free admission to our galleries, the Holtkamps have helped us eliminate barriers and broaden our audience by over 2,000 gallery attendees for those that would otherwise be unable to gain exposure to the arts,” Hudgens Executive Director Ife Williams said.

The giving doesn’t stop at free admission.

“The Holtkamps will be sponsoring 40 free passes this year for classes to give local citizens the gift of art,” Williams said. “Some

of these passes will be used to help children enjoy artistic summer camps.”

On top of that, each free ticket to the Hudgens Center will also give attendees a voucher for $10 of free baked goods at Special Kneads and Treats Bakery in Lawrenceville. The nonprofit bakery, which gives meaningful employment to adults with special needs, is also supported by the Holtkamps.

Not to mention that the gift of servicing and updating the Hudgens’ HVAC puts money back into the Hudgens budget, funds which can now be used for activities instead of expensive facility repairs.

“Thanks to their heating and air efficiency expertise, we’ve saved several thousands of dollars that can now be put to good use for our nonprofit mission of bringing the arts to all,” Williams said.

Visitors to the Hudgens Center can enjoy free entry to see gallery showings such as “The Future of

F R E E FA M ILY FU N !

Owners Suzanne and Matthew Holtkamp are a template for giving in the Gwinnett area especially, supporting the Aurora Theatre, the Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning, and many other nonprofit groups. (Special Photo)

America,” an exhibition featuring photographs of American youth,

and “The Nature of Wood: Woodturning Art by Wes Jones.”

“Our family has been heavily involved in the arts in Gwinnett County for many years, and an ongoing relationship with the Hudgens Center is a natural fit for us,” Suzanne Holtkamp said. “The organization is one of the crown jewels of the local arts scene, and we’re thrilled to help everyone in our community gain free access to this world-class facility and provide numerous certificates to take some of their phenomenal classes.

Our family foundation motto is ‘connecting our community,’ and this is the ideal opportunity to help connect Gwinnett’s citizens with the arts and so much more.”

For more information about the Hudgens Center and its programming, visit www.hudgenscenter. org.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

all about

brought to you by

Presented

Post

by Gwinnett Daily

expo

Saturday, April 28 • Gwinnett Co. Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville • 10am - 3pm 539954-1

ð

· OVER 40 SUMMER CAMPS · FREE KidS BAg · gAMES & EntERtAinMEnt · LEgO BUiLd COMPEtitiOn n · KidS & FAMiLy FOCUSEd VEndORS · LOtS OF giVEAWAyS Sponsored by

FREE E NT RY

SCNIevents.com/kids_expo

gwinnettdailypost.com

Friday, March 30, 2018 • 5C

arts&entertainment

‘STOMP’ to invade Fox Theatre

By Jon Gallo

Staff Correspondent

540107-1

Artis Olds, who has been performing in “STOMP” for two years, said every performance is unique.

“Every show is different,” he said. “We have a 12-person cast and eight of us perform each night, and everyone puts their own identity into their role.”

“STOMP,” a show that features strictly percussion instruments and contains no dialogue, will make its return to Atlanta at the Fox Theatre on April 6-7, when it will use supermarket carts, paint cans and kitchen sinks to create the thunderous sounds that have been captivating audiences for more than two decades. “‘STOMP’ shows us that music is all around us,” said Olds, a 32-year-old native of Chicago.

“You just have to find it.”

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, “STOMP” has grown from a street performance in the United Kingdom into an international act that has spawned four global productions that include shows at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, in London, and in North American and European tours.

“Stomp” has been performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people.

The show has won an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), an Emmy Award, a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience and a Special Citation from Best Plays. It has also been nominated for an Academy Award.

“There have been two things that have made ‘STOMP’ last as long as it has,” Olds said. “First, there is no dialogue at all, so everyone in the audience connects with it in their own way. Secondly, I think everyone in the audience finds a character on stage and can find a way to identify with that character.”

if you go What: Stomp Where: Fox Theatre When: 8 p.m. April 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 7 Tickets: $33.50 to $88.50, available for purchase via foxtheatre.org or by calling (855) 285-8499.

“STOMP” combines percussion, dance and visual comedy to create a rhythmic expression by using a collection of drums and household instruments to tell a story. “(The performers) make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” co-founder/director Luke Cresswell said in a statement.

Olds knew he wanted to join the cast of “Stomp” when he was in high school.

“I watched ‘STOMP’ on HBO and I was like, ‘Wow. That’s the kind of show I want to be in,” he said.

Olds was a standout percussionist in high school and at Central State University before his music career took him to a “STOMP” audition in New York City, where he landed a spot on the North American tour.

“Playing drums has always been natural to me,” said Olds, who has also performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Kanye West, John Legend and The Roots during a career that’s taken him to stages in more than 25 countries.

“Sometimes my drum is a steering wheel, other times it is a garbage can and other times it is just a drum.”

Olds said he doesn’t envision “STOMP” ever ending its run, considering the show is constantly evolving.

“When the show is over, you always see members of the audience taps on garbage cans as they leave or while they are walking down the street,” he said. “They understand that music is everywhere — you just have to look for it.

“STOMP,” a show that features strictly percussion instruments and contains no dialogue, will make its return to Atlanta at the Fox Theatre on April 6 and 7, when it will use supermarket carts, paint cans and kitchen sinks to create the thunderous sounds that have been captivating audiences for more than two decades. (Special Photos)

“STOMP” combines percussion, dance and visual comedy to create a rhythmic expression by using a collection of drums and household instruments to tell a story.

6C • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

WORLDS APART ‘Ready Player One’ shines light on our lack of reality ‘Ready Player One’ (PG-13) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

There are going to be many critics (and fans of the 2011 novel of the same name by Ernest Cline) who will have big problems with Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One.” The former will claim it’s too much of an unfocused mixed-mediamash-up and the latter will (rightfully) take issue with the liberties Cline and coscreenwriter Zak Penn took by straying too far from the source material.

On the other hand, some critics — wanting to see Spielberg revisit sci-fi action — and people who haven’t read the book might find the movie to be a clever and entertaining, if occasionally flawed, trip down memory lane and ultimately a cautionary tale for the world’s electronically addicted.

It opens in 2045 in Columbus, Ohio, in the wake of a multitude of travesties and global disasters where most

Tye Sheridan stars as Wade in “Ready Player One.” (Special Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)

people now live in doublewide trailers stacked on top of each other in ghettos resembling shanty towns.

One of the residents is Wade (Tye Sheridan, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the young Spielberg), a seemingly unemployed, orphaned teen who spends virtually every waking hour in the virtual world known as OASIS. Designed by the socially awkward James Halliday (Mark Rylance), OASIS is free to use and allows users to move about in a number of fantasy worlds with total anonymity. Not only can one change their name and appearance, they can change their gender and species. It’s the internet on crack and makes smartphones look like

19th-century typewriters.

Speaking from beyond the grave, Halliday has presented a challenge to all OASIS users: Solve three monumentally difficult tasks, receive three keys and voila — you inherit OASIS, currently valued at over $500 billion. It’s like the lottery but with far better odds of winning. It is during the quest for the first key when Wade (under the name Parzival and looking like a member of Duran Duran) has a meet cute with Art3mis (Olivia Cooke), who in the real world is Samantha.

In addition to millions of others chasing the same chunk of cheese, there is the sinister corporation Innovative Online Industries, which

wants not just a chunk but the entire wheel. It is led by CEO Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn), a perfectly groomed slime ball completely devoid of ethics, morals or a heart. He uses indentured servitude as a method of amassing an army of disposable minions to do his bidding and snare the keys and ultimately a golden Easter egg.

Although not explained directly, it could be assumed that the plethora of the ’80s and ’90s pop culture references could be because this was the time Halliday came of age. Despite the dozens and dozens of icons showing up here and there, we never get the sense that the filmmakers are using them

as a narrative crutch but rather comic relief. While too numerous to list all of them, one, in particular, gets its own extended scene and it marks the movie’s high point.

While searching for the second key, Parzival, Art3mis and three friends plop themselves into the film “The Shining,” the horror movie directed by Spielberg’s close friend Stanley Kubrick. From a technical perspective, what takes place during this 10-minute stretch is nothing short of amazing. The five avatars roam the halls, rooms and grounds of the famous Overlook Hotel and interact with characters in the story. Although never seen,

the Jack character (Jack Nicholson) is always just off-screen and his ominous presence is palpable.

Clocking in at 140 minutes, “Ready Player One” is about average length for a popcorn sci-fi flick, meaning it’s still too long. The climactic third act battle scene alone could have used a healthy 15-minute trim without sacrificing much of the story and several portions of the mid-section could have been cut out completely.

Despite all of the mostly welcomed inclusions of familiar ’80s and ’90s songs, gadgets and other movies, it is the filmmakers’ barely cloaked references to a novel from the ’60s and its ’70s cinematic adaptation that delivers the greatest impact. Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” presented parables for the downsides of greed, power and consumerism, and it is revisited here in practically the same heartfelt yet cautionary manner.

Ironically, the very people the movie will likely appeal to — anyone whose smartphone also acts as a bodily appendage — will likely miss the point completely or choose to ignore it. The difference between “real” and “reality” is huge and far too many — both young and old are choosing to live alone with machines instead of the far more rewarding and beneficial interaction with other flesh-and-blood humans.

(Warner Bros.)

533133-1

Your Local House of Worship

Welcomes You

IGNITE YOUR LIFE, YOUR WORSHIP, AND YOUR WORLD!

Celebrating 6 years

526510-1

A contemporary Wesleyan community meeting at Peachtree Ridge High School 1555 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee

770-596-3573 Weekly worship Sundays 10:30 AM ignitegwinnett.com

A Purpose Purpose Driven Driven Church Church

Friendship Baptist Baptist Church Friendship Church

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

526512-1

Warmerthrough through Fellowship Warmer Fellowship Deeperthrough through Discipleship Deeper Discipleship Larger through through Evangelism Larger Evangelism Sharing through Sharing throughMinistries Ministries ANDStronger Stronger through God AND throughWorship Worshipand andthe theWord Wordofof God

Rev. Ronald L. Bowens

Pastor

Sunday Worship Services........... 7:30 AM, Worship Services................7:30 AM,11:00 11:00AM AM 7:30 AM, Children’s Church......................

Church............................7:30 AM,11:00 11:00AM AM 9:45 AM Sunday School.............................................

School .................................................

9:45 AM Wednesday, 7:30 PM Bible Study (all (all ages) ages)............... ...................Wednesday, 7:30 PM

Regency

Church of God 1132 Buford Hwy 770-271-5610 Dr. Terry Reece • Senior Pastor

“Come and get connected to Jesus”

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

531945-2

To advertise your service or church event Please Contact Mary London 770-963-9205 ext. 1211 or 404-953-8403

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018 • 7C

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

‘Pacifi c Rim: Uprising’ film fans

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week: “Pacific Rim: Uprising.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Pass: Tons of action happening at a frenetic pace; outstanding CGI. Fail: Derivative plot and screenplay; lots of cornball dialogue that’s part action-movie gibberish and contrived military jargon; overly dramatic acting that borders on being cartoonish.

The only actor who really mattered in “Pacific Rim Uprising” was John Boyega (“Star Wars” films), who gets to use his natural British accent for a change. He plays the main character Jake Pentecost, son of one of the fallen Earth warriors from the 2013 original film. At least he has some fairly witty lines sprinkled amongst the otherwise hackneyed dialogue in the film.

None of the rest of the cast is worth mentioning.

“Pacific Rim Uprising” will appeal to sci-fi fans of the first flick, which itself was certainly nothing cerebral to behold. “Uprising” improves on that film’s formula, character development and plot, but only by a slight stretch. Of course, that’s like telling someone that they’re not nearly as stupid as your ex-brother-in-law.

If you want something to do while chowing down a big bucket of extra-buttery popcorn and washing it down with a bellybuster soda, “Pacific Rim Uprising” will suffice. Don’t spring for a Redbox rental, but feel free to kill a couple of hours on Netflix later this year if you feel the hankering.

One thing I’ll say about “Pacific Rim: Uprising” is it shoots right out of the box from the get-go and rarely lets up. True film fans will easily spot how the screenplay blatantly steals from better sci-fi flicks like 1995’s “Independence Day” and close relatives like the “Transformers” movies. It also shares a lot of DNA with 1998’s “Starship Troopers” yet lacks that campy nature.

Pass: Giant robots (Jaegers) take on giant monsters (kaiju) once again, and this time we get Jaeger versus Jaeger battles as well. The fight on the ice is particularly exciting.

Fail: Anyone looking for Guillermo del Toro’s signature approach to story and character will be disappointed to learn that he neither wrote nor directed this sequel. Del Toro has a producer’s credit, but the touch of fantasy that he brings to his films is sadly absent from “Pacific Rim Uprising.”

Charlie Day reprises his role as Dr. Newton Geiszler. He’s bold and boisterous, and he steals every scene he appears in. John Boyega gives a solid performance as the reluctant hero. Character and plot take a backseat to special effects in this type of movie, and here the actors are quite literally dwarfed by the Jaegers and kaijus.

Fans of sci-fi, monster movies and Asian popular culture will enjoy this movie.

Young women may appreciate seeing a teen actress in a leading role (Cailee Spaeny as 15-year-old heroine Amara Namani). If you’re looking for an action film that is family friendly, don’t be put off by the PG13 rating: The violence is bloodless, the profanity is minimal, and there is no sexual content or drug use depicted.

If you like to watch big monsters battle big robots, then you want to see it on the biggest screen possible — or better yet, at the drivein. If you don’t know a Jaeger from a kaiju, you can wait for the rental or skip it entirely.

My teenage son and I are fans of the first movie. We saw “Pacific Rim: Uprising” together and agreed that the sequel doesn’t measure up to its predecessor. Most of the fight scenes take place in daylight and on land, unlike the luminous night battles in the surging waves that gave the first film its distinctive look. When one Jaeger fights another, it becomes hard to tell them apart; and when they’re on city streets or launched into the sky, they don’t look much different from Transformers.

Tim Weekley, Suwanee

★★★★

Jon Hope, Lawrenceville

★★★★

COMING SOON TO OWN

DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (PG-13) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★

Not surprisingly, no major studio wanted to compete with a “Star Wars” video release this week, so this title wins the spotlight mostly by default. On the upside, “The Last Jedi” is the darkest episode since “The Empire Strikes Back” and director Rian Johnson (“Looper”) does as well as anyone could given the thin material. The highestgrossing film of 2017, “Jedi” takes few chances but (especially in the 4K format) looks incredible. It’s (somewhat) refreshing to watch a film that gives its fan base exactly what it wants — quality notwithstanding.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (2.39:1/2160p), audio: English (Dolby Atmos, TrueHD 7.1), French and Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1) subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include: • Additional Blu-ray plus UV copy • 4 featurettes • Deleted scenes • Isolated score • Documentary • Commentaries • First edition slipcover packaging (Disney, $34.99)

• “Father Figures” (April 3): Two siblings (Owen Wilson, Ed Helms) set out to find their father, whom their mother (Glenn Close) claimed was deceased. (R) • “Proud Mary” (April 3): Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”) plays a hitwoman whose maternal instincts surface when she encounters a youngster in the course of one of her intended kills. (R) • “Molly’s Game” (April 10): Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut casts Jessica Chastain in the true story of a woman who ran an exclusive poker game. (R) • “Phantom Thread” (April 10): Oscar nominees Daniel Day-Lewis and Lesley Manville star in writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama about the life and loves of a dressmaker. (R) • “Forever My Girl” (April 24): Returning to his hometown, a countrymusic star (Alex Roe) is reunited with the love (Jessica Rothe) he left behind. (PG) • “Grease” (April 24): In its 40th-anniversary year, the musical based on the stage hit gets a relaunch on home video; John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John play young lovers Danny and Sandy.

(PG)

NOW SHOWING

Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters.

Ratings are out of 4 stars.

• Foxtrot (R) — 3 stars “Foxtrot” centers on an Israeli family whose oldest son is killed while in the military. The overall theme of the movie is how grief can affect people, change people and lead them to make decisions they wouldn’t normally. Director Samuel Maoz uses a minimalistic score and unusual camera angles to convey the somber, intense and quiet tone. — Alex Tostado • Death of Stalin (R) — 3 stars Looking for a black comedic political satire of the Soviet Union? Well, you’ve found it in “Death of Stalin.” While the topic may not be in the first that comes to mind when you think the height of comedy, Director Armando Iannucci (“Veep”) is able to balance comedic elements with the stark reality of what was happening during Stalin’s rule. Bringing the laughs, though with occasional slowdowns, “Death of Stalin” may not be for everyone, but those looking for a smart, dark comedy will be right at home. — Kristen Hansen • Love, Simon (PG-13) — 3 1/2 stars Director Greg Berlanti and his screenwriting team score with this interesting, relatable coming-of-age tale about Simon Spier, a high-schooler torn over whether to come out as gay.

Based off a young adult book by Becky Albertalli, “Love, Simon” shows the mistakes all teenagers make when making new life-

changing decisions at a young age. Simon’s correspondence with mystery pen pal Blue helps share his inner thoughts, and Simon’s good and bad decisions with his friends and classmates are things anybody past high school age can relate to. — Michael Buckelew • A Wrinkle in Time (PG) — 2 1/2 stars Though it feels like an up-todate adaptation of the classic Madeline L’Engle science fiction novel — and Atlanta native Storm Reid is perfect as 11-yearold heroine Meg Murry — there’s something a bit underdone in director Ava DuVernay’s latest.

Young viewers will be thrilled by the great effects, but older audiences may be underwhelmed by the story of Meg’s struggle to find her missing father on the

other side of the universe. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling also star. — Khari J. Sampson • The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (R) — 3 stars “The Vanishing of Sidney Hall” tries to put a new spin on the overwrought cliche of a writer’s tormented life and mostly succeeds by interweaving a narrative of flashbacks with a sense of mystery. While some may feel the mystery boils down to a series of revelations in the end, the journey to get to the answers is an entertaining one. Kind of contrite, “Vanishing” is definitely an arthouse, indie film with the requisite amount of tragedy and sadness. “Vanishing” may not be a movie that you watch multiple times, but it is worth watching once. — KH

• A Fantastic Woman (R) — 3 stars This modern-day drama follows a transgender woman in the aftermath of her much older boyfriend’s death. Daniela Vega turns in a strong performance as the lead and carries almost every scene. The cinematography slips on a couple of occasions due to decisions by director Sebastian Lelio. Fans of realism will enjoy this film, and it is a good place to start if you’re looking to leave your social bubble. — AT • Black Panther (PG-13) — 4 stars As much a political thriller as it is a top-flight superhero film, “Black Panther” (starring Chadwick Boseman as the title character) is easily among Marvel Studios’ finest movies. Director Ryan Coogler’s third feature is

whip smart without being pretentious, and subtly political without being heavy-handed. With an almost entirely African-descended cast yet devoid of stereotypes, it’s like nothing we’ve seen on this scale. — KS • Peter Rabbit (PG) — 2 1/2 stars The classic children’s book character gets a 21st-century update, mixing its animated anthropomorphic animals with live action leads Rose Byrne and Domhnall Gleeson. Though predictably cute, it bears an unexpectedly adult wit. It’s not nearly as terrible as it looked at first. — KS • Call Me By Your Name (R) — 2 1/2 stars Set in early 1980s Italy, this same-sex summer love story is nearly sunk by a first act whose central conflict is as deeply closeted as its leads, 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and visiting professor’s assistant 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer). Gorgeous but too often boring, it’s still worth toughing out to the end. — KS • The Shape of Water (R) — 3 1/2 stars A mute janitor (Sally Hawkins) befriends The Asset (Doug Jones), a mysterious being that is held captive at a secret government facility in this excellent film. Known for his playfully quirky pop-horror fare, director Guillermo del Toro makes perhaps his first grown-up movie with this Cold War sci-fi thriller romance that delivers on all those descriptors without collapsing into a puddled mess.

— KS

8C • Friday, March 30, 2018

gwinnettdailypost.com

Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs” follows a boy’s odyssey to find his dog. (Fox Searchlight)

Anderson does it again ‘Isle of Dogs’ masterfully delivers in the end Isle of Dogs (PG-13) HHHH

535675-3

“PG-13” rating).

Written by Anderson and set in Japan with a marked Eastern flavor, “Isle of Dogs” starts off like a Cold War-era thriller/drama,

By Michael Clark with complicated graphics, Movie Critic a squeamish premise and a fair amount of Japanese As art house filmmakers without English subtitles. go, Wes Anderson has got it Never mind the kids; many made. All but one (“Bottle adults are going find this Rocket”) of his past eight presentation and the plot features have made a healthy unappetizing. If, however, return on investment, and you make it past the 10-minit would appear “Isle of ute mark, you’ll be aptly Dogs” will do the same. He rewarded with a far more marches to his own beat, traditional narrative that, in makes the movies he wants the end, is an upbeat story and has amassed a huge cult about a boy and his dog(s). following, all while receivIn the wake of a wideing the unqualified respect spread canine flu, Mayor of his peers and the press the Kobayashi (Kunichi world over.

Nomora) orders all dogs be Employing the same relocated to the approprioffbeat stop-motion anima- ately named Trash Island, tion perfected in “Fantastic where they must fend for Mr. Fox,” Anderson and an themselves (and likely die). army of technicians deliver To drive home the point the another masterpiece, albeit first pooch to get the boot is one that will be lost, unapSpots (Liev Schreiber), the preciated or over the heads pet of Kobayashi’s adopted of most preteens (hence the nephew/ward, Atari (Koyu

Rankin).

The first act concludes with the arrival of Atari on the island, and — despite some “language” barriers — he teams up with four domesticated dogs to find Spots much to the chagrin of rebel stray Chief (Bryan Cranston). Despite Chief’s many attempts to rock the boat, he is regularly outvoted by Rex (Edward Norton), King (Bob Balaban), Duke (Jeff Goldblum) and Boss (Bill Murray) yet never abandons the group. The gruff and obstinate Chief is truly his own “man” but isn’t really keen on being alone, either.

Back on the big island, a controversy involving a scientist looking for a cure for the dog flu plays out while a band of idealistic high schoolers — led by rebellious American exchange student Tracy (Greta Gerwig) — stir the political pudding by challenging the mayor on behalf of the dogs and their throngs of disgrun-

tled owners.

Continuing what began in “Moonrise Kingdom” and became even more prominent in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Anderson’s choice to increase the political content in his stories was a risky one, but also something he handles with brevity and delicacy, mostly because he doesn’t reveal his own political slant.

Through the dogs and the students, Anderson is merely mirroring society, not commenting on it as such, although some cat people might take issue with the quasi-negative portrayal of felines throughout. By not taking a stand, Anderson allows the viewer to make their own conclusions regarding the symbolism.

Some people might not see anything lurking in the subtext, but it’s there if you want to find it.

As socially aware as “Isle of Dogs” is and political as it may or may not be, few will be able to argue its

value as pure entertainment; it’s a fun movie that delivers its humor in Anderson’s typical deadpan manner.

Anderson doesn’t want reactive guffaws by going broad, but neither does he trade in satire or sarcasm. He’s an observational humorist and never has he been more dead on than with “Isle of Dogs.”

This is a very rare instance where watching the trailer before you choose to see the film or not is grudgingly recommended.

It doesn’t reveal any major plot points and gives Anderson neophytes a good idea of his angular style and approach. For established Anderson fans, this movie is manna from heaven. For those who have yet to be impressed or pleased with anything Anderson has done thus far, “Isle of Dogs” will do nothing to change your mind.

Presented in English and frequent Japanese with and without English subtitles.

(Fox Searchlight)