Vol 3 No 7

VOICE

NORTH GWINNETT

www.NorthGwinnettVoice.com

Your Town. Your Paper. Your Voice.

Thursday April 11, 2019

Your Town. Your Paper. Your Voice.

Vol. 3, No. 7 • 16 Pages • FREE

OPENING DAY:

Fans Hooked on Stripers

Drug deal lands Lanier students in jail for armed robbery......... Page 3 History: The Great Cyclone of 1924........................................... Page 7 Miss Outstanding Teen’s philanthropy helps prom-goers............ Page 8

North Gwinnett Voice

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Page 3

Village Dr. and Hollow Brook Ct. and Drug Deal parked the car where he hid in the woods and phoned his father who arrived to take the victim home.

Turned The following reports were filed by the in the 3300 block of Buford Drive, 1700 Officers went to the driver’s house for a Gwinnett County Police Department be- block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard, 3700 “knock and talk,” he told them that the tween March 21, 2019 and April 4, 2019. block of Buford Drive, and 3200 block of into Armed shooter had “talked about robbing [victim] Sardis Church Road. Buford addresses. before.” The driver said the two went to • A forced entry nonresidential burglary • Police responded to a call where a person Robbery for meet the victim for a drug deal when an occurred in the 4200 block of Old Suwanee pointed/aimed a gun at another person argument occurred and the victim drove Road in Buford. at Buford Drive at the I-85 NB on-ramp off. The SUV driver stated he heard the Lanier High gunshot.

• Forced entry residential burglaries were in Buford.

Officers couldn’t locate the shooter at reported in the 2400 block of Chandler School Students home but contacted him by phone. He told Grove Drive in Buford, 3500 block of Mys- • At a location in the 4400 block of MagJim Simpson At 3:30 p.m. on April 1, police responded to a call at 595 Whitehead Rd. in Sugar Hill for a robbery that occurred at 5116 Thorin Oak Cir. The victim, a Lanier High School student, told the officer that around 2:30 p.m. he and three school friends were sitting in his car smoking marijuana when he received a Snapchat message from another friend asking to hang out.

A short time later, a silver SUV pulled into the parking lot, trying to block the victim’s car. The victim identified the driver of the SUV as his girlfriend’s brother, also a Lanier High School student. The SUV’s passenger, whom the victim also knew from school, exited the vehicle and approached the passenger side of the victim’s car and pointed a gun at the occupants. When the victim sped away from the scene, the armed student fired a round into the passenger-side window.

The victim drove to a location near Shire

officers that he had indeed met with the victim for a drug deal involving an unspecified amount of marijuana, but that he never intended to pay for it and told the victim so. He also said that the reason he shot at the victim was that he feared his foot would be run over by the fleeing car.

The shooter agreed to meet police at the Mall of Georgia and give them the gun, which he said belonged to his girlfriend.

Officers retrieved the weapon, a Glock 19 handgun from the girlfriend’s car, but the shooter did not show up.

Warrants were issued and officers went to the driver’s house where the silver SUV was parked in the driveway. Officers later arrested and charged the driver with armed robbery.

The shooter was also arrested at his home in Sugar Hill and charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and carrying an unlicensed concealed weapon.

Both students were arrested without incident and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

Restaurant Inspections The following restaurant health inspection scores from the Gwinnett County Health Department between March 25, 2019 and April 8, 2019.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

5 Brothers Pizza and Pasta; 1944 Braselton Highway, Suite 109, Buford; ...................93 Burger King #13428; 3470 Braselton Highway, Dacula; ............................................. 100 Crazy Dough Pizza; 5019 West Broad Street, Suite M115, Sugar Hill; ........................91 Dunkin Donuts; 3687 Buford Drive, Suite 100, Buford; ...............................................92 GOP Chang on Fire; 1291 Old Peachtree Road, Suite 205, Suwanee; .........................70 Grandmas NY Pizza; 2855 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite 370, Suwanee; .........95 Hamilton Mill Stadium 14; 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway, Dacula; ....................... 100 Live Karaoke and Bar; 1291 Old Peachtree Road, Suite 121, Suwanee; ......................96 McDonald’s #22201; 3210 Buford Drive, Buford; ....................................................... 100 Pizza Hut #4780; 2760 Braselton Highway, Dacula; ......................................................93 Riverside Pizza; 2463 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Dacula; ................................................96 Starbucks 25249; 3206 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee; ..................................99 Station Master; 125 Celebration Drive, Suwanee; ..........................................................89 Sun Garden; 2700 Braselton Highway, Suite 16, Dacula; ..............................................95 Waffle House; 3585 Braselton Highway, Dacula; ............................................................90 Wing World; 2700 Braselton Highway, Suite 17, Dacula; .............................................96

tic Drive in Buford, and 1400 block of Lamont Circle in Dacula/Hamilton Mill.

• A robbery using a gun took place in the 3500 block of Rock Elm Court in Sugar Hill.

• A home invasion robbery was reported in the 2000 block of Stancil Point Drive in Dacula/Hamilton Mill.

• Motor vehicle thefts happened in the 2400 block of Satellite Boulevard, 3300 block of Buford Drive, and 2900 block of Buford Drive. Buford addresses.

• Vehicle break-in/thefts were reported in the 300 block of Johnson Road (Settles Bridge Park) in Suwanee, 1100 block of Sycamore Summit in Sugar Hill, 4300 block of South Lee Street (2 reports) in Buford, 4200 block of South Lee Street (2 reports) in Buford, 4000 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 3300 block of Haddon Hall Drive in Buford.

• Police responded to theft by taking calls in the 5400 block of Princeton Oaks Drive in Sugar Hill, 900 block of Whitehead Road in Sugar Hill, 5000 block of West Broad Street in Sugar Hill, 1700 block of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Buford, 600 block of South Church Street in Buford, 4700 block of Candlewyck Way in Buford, 4700 block of Austin Hills Drive in Suwanee, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3700 block of South Bogan Road in Buford, and 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.

• Larceny by deception reports were filed in the 5000 block of Suwanee Dam Road in Suwanee, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, and 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.

• Reports for larceny - lost/mislaid property were received in the 1700 block of Enterprise Drive, 4200 block of Buford Drive, 3300 block of Buford Drive and 3300 Pebble Ridge Lane. Buford addresses.

• Police received calls for theft by shoplifting

nolia Club Drive in Sugar Hill, police filed a report for a disorderly house of ill repute.

• Sexual battery was reported in the 3500 block of Braselton Highway in Buford.

• A person was arrested for amphetamine with intent to distribute in the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill.

• Police arrested a person for DUI-narcotics in the 4200 block of South Lee Street in Buford.

• People were arrested for DUI-alcohol at Buford Drive at Gravel Springs Road and on Hamilton Mill Road at I-85. Buford addresses.

• Battery calls were responded to in the 6400 block of Suwanee Dam Road, 2200 block of Satellite Boulevard, and 3200 block of Sardis Church Road. Buford addresses.

• Reports for simple assault were filed in the 600 block of Austin Creek Drive in Sugar Hill, 2700 block of North Bogan Road in Buford, 2200 block of White Alder Drive in Buford, and 200 block of Appaloosa Mill Circle in Buford.

• Police responded to reports of simple battery in the 5600 block of Sugar Crossing Drive in Sugar Hill, 5400 block of Princeton Oaks Drive in Sugar Hill, 200 block of Latimore Avenue in Buford, 0 block of Shadburn Ferry Road in Buford, 4100 block of South Lee Street in Buford, and 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.

• A person was arrested in the 2600 block of Sagefield Court in Buford for aggravated assault - other weapon.

• Financial Transaction Card fraud occurred in the 4400 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill.

• Identity theft was reported in the 500 block of Silverberry Lane in Sugar Hill and in the 5200 block of Suwanee Dam Road in Suwanee.

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GROWING up

BUFORD

Cindy Wiggins Tapia

And the Cat Came Running

After the machete incident, Nabo did all those things a man does when he’s plunged knee-deep in snickerdoodle. Gifts of jewelry, a leather coat, romantic dinners with Mexican violin players at our table. He and his big puppy-dog eyes asked for my hand in marriage. What. After he pulled a broad knife on me? What. In the wise words of my little great nephew Gabe, Uh, no.

We got blood tests at the Health Center on Sawnee Avenue, pawned the title of our car to buy the rings, and were set to strap a collar around his neck on an April Friday.

The day started off with a bang at 3 a.m. when the cat gave birth under our bed. It was as hot and humid as the devil’s armpits, but I wore a wool skirt, sweater, and spike heels because that’s all the dress up I had. Nabo wore black cowboy boots, black jeans, and a Hawaiian shirt. I smoked like a chimney, and he held onto his seat with his eyes bugged out all the way to Lawrenceville. He was scared to death that in my excitement I would forget to use the brakes. We parked at the end of the lot. The cobblestone forecourt and my spike heels were enemies at first click. The guards at the scanners made Nabo unbuckle his belt.

We filled out papers, paid our license fee, and headed to magistrate court.

OPINION

“Do you want a long ceremony or a short one?” I thought the judge asked.

So, I replied, “You better make it a short one, I’m deaf.”

I looked at the judge while repeating my vows.

“No, look at him.”

“I can’t read your lips and look at him at the same time.”

I could have read his lips and then looked at Nabo, but my brain was dead. Nabo forgot all his English. The ring wouldn’t fit. The judge finally lost it and burst out laughing.

We stopped at Ryan’s Steakhouse in Buford for our wedding supper. I got a baked potato and a porkchop hard enough to break a window. For the first time in my life, I forgot to eat dessert. We stopped by Mama’s. She sent me off to Wee Willy’s to get her a case of beer.

“Sorry, I don’t have money for a wedding gift,” she said. Uhhhh.

That night, Nabo took the mattresses off our bed.

“Why’re you doing that?”

“We’ve never been married before. The bed might fall and keeell the keeetteeeies, smush.” He gathered them up and laid them in the nest I’d made in the spare room.

It had been coming on for two weeks, heralded by little pulls in my calf, echoes of that wedding walk across the stony forecourt to the courthouse. Sure enough, at 4 a.m. one morning, I woke up screaming, “Get me a book! A book! A book! A hardback book.!”

Nabo jumped out of bed, and the cat came running and stood in the doorway while Nabo pressed the spine of a hardback book against the bottom of my foot until the cramp untangled. Three-feet tall fat women should never walk across cobblestones in spike heels.

VOICE

NORTH GWINNETT

www.NorthGwinnettVoice.com

www.northgwinnettvoice.com • info@northgwinnettvoice.com Jessica Wilson | 706 633-0334 | jessica@northgwinnettvoice.com Publisher Alicia Couch Payne | 404 453-5261 | alicia@northgwinnettvoice.com Managing Editor Jessica Deese | 770-840-5534 | jdeese@northgwinnettvoice.com Advertising Manager @northgwinnettvoice | @ gwinnettvoice

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Further down

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Rabbit Hole 85 E. Main Street, Buford, Ga 770.831.5040 77 70.8 831.504 40 Staff Writers: Jim Simpson Lyndsey Britt Nicole Burns Windy Locke Intern Nida Merchant: NGHS Amy Davis: BHS Contributing Writers: Lynn Bowman Cindy Wiggins Tapia Brandon Hembree Taylor Anderson

Staff Photographers: Jennifer Johnson Nicole Seitz David Griffin

On the cover Main Photo: Chopper Photo Credit Chris Roughgarden Top Right: Alex Jackson Photo Credit Karl L Moore Middle Right: Mike Foltynewicz Photo Credit Karl L Moore Bottom Right: Rafael Ortega Photo Credit Karl L Moore

North Gwinnett Voice

Thursday, April 11, 2019

City of Buford Commission Meeting Minutes Staff Reports April 2, 2019 - Commission Chairman Phillip Beard called the April Buford Commission meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Buford City Hall.

The agenda and meeting minutes from March were approved. Beard presented City of Buford employee Gary King with a gift recognizing his 20 years of service to the citizens of Buford.

The first planning and zoning request was from Sergey Kiosak for 4244 Sudderth Road to allow auto sales and repair. The Commission approved the request with conditions. A zoning modification for Alex Roshan for a convenience store with gas pumps located at 2823 Brown Road asked for a reduction to the undisturbed buffer from 75 feet to 20 feet. A neighbor located at 2360 Brown Road spoke against the reduction. The Commission settled on a compromise of 55 feet with a berm.

The Commission authorized the City Manager to accept a quitclaim deed for 0.204 acres on Espy Street and authorized the Chairman to sign a quitclaim deed for 0.093 acres on Espy Street and Sudderth Street. An exemption plat was approved for Espy Street. The property exchange will allow the developer to proceed with road

Sugar Hill City Council Meeting Minutes Staff Reports April 8, 2019 – Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the April Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at Sugar Hill City Hall.

Mayor Edwards presented a proclamation to Dr. Christopher Martin, principal of Lanier High School, and to the state champion Lady Longhorns girls basketball team for their AAAAAA GHSA Georgia State Basketball Championship win. Mike McRee, the “Voice of the Longhorns” announcer for the school’s games, read the proclamation from the city to the team and Head Coach Tim Slater for their many hours of hard work, dedication and teamwork this season. The proclamation was presented to the team of six seniors, four

Photo credit Alicia Couch Payne On Tuesday, April 4 three boy scouts from Troop 542 led the Commission in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as part of their requirements to earn their citizenship merit badge.

improvements on Espy Street. A second road improvement project on Espy Street at Church Street is planned to begin on April 8 with the project projected to last 30 days. Wastewater allocation appeals for the Harris Street and Alexander Street projects were approved. The City Manager was authorized to acquire property on Moreno Street for the parking deck project.

The Commission authorized the City Manager and Commission Chairman to sign 2018 Year End Settlement with MEAG Power. The City Manager was authorized to reimburse General Obligation Bonds 2015 and 2017 using Gwinnett SPLOST 2013 for construction of the road connecting Hamilton Mill Road to Buford Highway adjacent

juniors, four sophomores, three freshmen, coaches, administration, student body, and parents.

Mayor Edwards then presented the team with a commemorative basketball signed by him and the entire city council, while another ball signed by the team and coaches will be put on display in city hall.

City Clerk Jane Whittington stated that the city processed 241 passports in March, and budget billing for gas utility bills open enrollment will begin this month with forms for signups to be mailed with next week’s bills. There were fifteen new businesses in March, seven home-based and eight commercial.

City Manager Paul Radford presented highlights from the management report, including attendance numbers for the Eagle Theatre, a significant majority of which were first-time visitors to the venue. The concert series at The Bowl begins May 4 with national acts through August 3, with more concerts to be announced over the coming weeks.

Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche gave an update on continuing development and construction projects.

Mercy Montgomery provided an overview

Page 5 to the new Buford High School campus which be named High School Drive. The Commission approved the voting delegates for the 2019 Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia Annual Election. A permit for the North Gwinnett CoOp for their building expansion project was approved by Weeks and Burge.

The Commission approved the City of Buford 2019 paving project utilizing the Gwinnett County contract pricing.

Weeks and Burge authorized the release of pledged funds with Peoples Bank & Trust.

The Commission approved change order #1 for the SR 324 at SR 124 gas relocation project and pressure improvement project in the amount of $370,631.00.

Payment #4 for the Jackson Street CDBG Stormwater project was authorized. Payment #6 was approved for the City of Buford Parking Deck project. June is the estimated delivery date of the actual parking deck structure and the tentative completion date for this project is the end of August. The Thompson Mill Road at I-985 project received approval from GDOT and that a meeting to go over this project is scheduled for April 11. Buford Waterworks filter testing results have been submitted to the EPD and he estimates that bidding for the expansion will begin later this year.

Construction of the new Buford High School is going well. The high school has started receiving furniture and the second turf field installation will begin soon. The widening of Buford Highway by the new high school is progressing on schedule. The surplus city property located at Buford Highway and Sawnee was sold to Siegfried Industrial to put a warehouse there.

This concluded the regular business session.

of April events and E Center news including the Sugar Hill Business Alliance’s April After Hours event at Central City Tavern on April 11.

Sugar Hill Youth Council Members Alexis Ducote and Camryn Flores presented details about the council’s upcoming Opioid Crisis Symposium on April 25 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the E Center Community Room. Panels will discuss details and insights into Photo credit Jim Simpson combating the opioid crisis on Mayor Edwards (on one knee) presenting a ceremonial ball to the local and state levels.

Lanier High School Athletic Director Matt McDonald for the team There was no consent agenda to sign. The ball will be put on display in city hall. and no old business. two service contracts for Gwinnett County A public hearing for Town Center Overlay Corrections inmate crews to assist with Design Review 19-00278 was presented, maintenance of city streets and golf course, requesting design review approval for the demolition and removal of an existing home at an increase to $375 per day paid by the and the construction of a new single-family city to Gwinnett County. Council Member detached home in its place at 986 White- Curtis Northrup motioned to approve the head Road. Council Member Brandon one contract subject to legal review and Hembree motioned to approve, Council to be signed off by Mayor Edwards, secMember Cohen seconded and the measure onded by Council Member Hembree and approved by the council. was approved.

This concluded the regular meeting. The Gwinnett County Service Agreement for Inmate Service Crews seeks to approve council and staff went into executive session.

HISTORY The Great Cyclone of 1924

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Brandon Hembree Tornado season in Georgia and the southeastern United States peaks during the months of March, April and May, with the middle month having the most activity. On April 6, 1936 a rare double tornado destroyed much of Gainesville just north of Sugar Hill and Gwinnett County. This infamous disaster, because of the significant destruction in downtown Gainesville, has been written about and studied extensively. During that time period, the weather event known as the Tupelo-Gainesville tornado outbreak was covered in the national media and even led to the first ever natural disaster visit of a sitting president. President Franklin Roosevelt visited by train on his way back to Washington on April 9 to view the damage in Gainesville. Coming from Warm Springs, he passed through Suwanee, what is now Sugar Hill, and Buford before eventually making it to Gainesville. The tornado had killed 187 people in Gainesville and left over 2,000 people homeless.

Historians believe the death toll and true impact were much greater.

It was a significant disaster for a country already struggling through the Great Depression, and President Roosevelt believed that the visit was important despite continued bad weather and torrential rain on April 9.

Barely known to history is another deadly tornado or “cyclone”, as it was sometimes referred to in those days, which has ties to Sugar Hill and that left a swath of destruction in 1924. A 1924 article from the Charleston Daily Mail of West Virginia

covered the disaster that happened on April 30. The article stated that the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama were all ravaged by a storm system and tornado.

In total, over the four states cited in the article, an estimated 24 people were killed

In reality, a weather system of perfect storm proportions, over a two-day period of April 29 and 30, may have spawned at least 28 tornadoes. The storm system also impacted Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Virginia. The tornado that started in south-

with more than $1 million in property damage. The tornado or tornadoes left a path of destruction from around Anderson, South Carolina all the way down to Opelika, Alabama. The destruction was so bad in the mills and mill villages in South Carolina that physicians and nurses were called in from Spartanburg.

western South Carolina and ended up near southwest Georgia is believed to be one of the tornadoes. Sources say if it was one tornado, that it may be the longest-tracked tornado observed in the southeast at the time. From start to finish, that tornado could have traveled as far as 135 miles.

Closer to home, six people were reported

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injured in Lawrenceville during the 1924 tornado, with property damage of nearly $200,000. The storm destroyed a church, badly damaged a mill and a mill village, and even destroyed a historically significant schoolhouse that dated back to 1895. It was stated, at the time, that the roofs of nearly 26 homes were completely torn off.

Under the modern-day Fujita scale, the 1924 tornado has been estimated as a F2 or F3, with winds speeds from a low of 113 miles per hour to as high as 206 miles per hour. Despite the ranking on the scale, the winds would have been destructive and potentially deadly regardless. The 1924 article from the Charleston Daily Mail doesn’t specifically mention the death of Margaret Powell or any death for that matter in Gwinnett County, but her death was one of the local tragedies of the natural disaster.

Margaret Powell, with close ties to Sugar Hill, was killed when a home was buried beneath trees destroyed by the 1924 tornado. Her death certificate lists her as a widowed housekeeper and her cause of death as “killed in cyclone by falling timbers” at 12 a.m. Margaret was 68-years old and had moved to Sugar Hill from Tallulah, Georgia in Rabun County shortly after the death of her husband, Andrew Powell. In the 1920s Margaret was living with her son and daughterin-law, Carlton and Fannie Powell, in the Sugar Hill area of Gwinnett County. She is buried with her family and descendants in Historic Sugar Hill Cemetery, sadly without a marker. Were it not for a great historical researcher and Sugar Hill resident, Stephanie Isaacs, Margaret’s story would be lost to the winds of history.

North Gwinnett Voice

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Miss Outstanding Teen’s Philanthropy Helps PromGoers in Need Hayden Wiggs This past weekend, Miss Outstanding Teen Hope Fowler used her title to volunteer at Becca’s Closet and assist teens in preparing for the upcoming prom season. “Becca’s Closet is a local dress bank that provides free prom and homecoming dresses to high school girls who cannot afford one otherwise,” said Fowler. “It was formed by the parents of Rebecca Kirtman who, at age 14, started collecting dresses to give away to her classmates who weren’t able to go to prom. Sadly, at age 16, Becca was killed in a car accident and never got to attend her own prom.” Fowler serves as the chapter leader at Buford High School for Becca’s Closet Atlanta, who, with

a stock of around 5,000 dresses, serves as the largest chapter in Georgia.

Fowler chose Becca’s Closet as her service focus for the Miss Outstanding Teen program, which acts as the little sister to the Miss America Scholarship Competition.

“We promote confidence, service, and we are the world’s largest provider of scholarships for young women,” Fowler explained.

“As part of the service aspect, candidates have the opportunity to promote a cause that is dear to them.” For Fowler, it was no difficult choice. She immediately thought of Becca’s Closet. “I have actually been involved with [them] since I was about eleven. Seeing girls’ faces light up when they are given the opportunity to live out a dream they thought was impossible has been an amazing feeling, and the satisfaction we get as volunteers is honestly one of the coolest experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the MAOT Organization because it has allowed me to promote something that I have been passionate about for years.”

This weekend’s event was an example of Fowler’s passion. She helped put together a closet clean-up event wherein members of Buford High School’s Key Club and FCCLA volunteered to sort dresses and prepare appointments for incoming guests.

“We had about a dozen people serving for several hours, and we were able to organize

Membership Soars at Sugar Hill’s E-Center Gym Alicia Couch Payne Sugar Hill may not have the longest or most detailed history amongst its neighboring cities, but it does possess a strong sense of what it aims to be: a tight-knit, community-oriented city that has something to offer everyone. It is with this goal in mind that the E-Center was opened.

Dubbed the “new heart of downtown Sugar Hill”, the E-Center presents several enticing features; with concerts at the Bowl, plays and movies at the Eagle Theater, delicious restaurants and shopping soon to come, there is truly something for everyone. The E-Center’s visionary leaders even planned for a new and easily accessible recreation area.

The E-Center’s gym celebrated its grand opening on January 2nd, 2019. Within the complex, there is the six-goal gymnasium, a second-story walking trail, a banquet hall, a conference room, lockers, and an impressive workout room boasting weights, treadmills, ellipticals, and other state-ofthe-art gym equipment. For those Sugar Hill residents that register with the gym, these facilities are accessed free of charge. Members receive a card they scan each time they

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Photo credit Dr. Chris Fowler BHS Chapter Leader for Becca’s Closet Hope Fowler (far back right) along with BHS faculty member Mrs. Jennifer Wood (left) assist other student volunteers with sorting the most recent donations that were received.

thousands of dresses,” said Fowler. “I felt an enormous sense of gratitude seeing not only the finished product but also the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that my peers felt from having walked in such a good deed.”

Fowler also had an incredibly personal attachment to the event. “My family has been in crisis before, and I know what it feels like not to be able to afford certain things because of situations outside our control,” she explained. “I have personally

experienced the frustration and consequent low self-esteem from having lost all my clothes; the gratitude I felt when someone gave me some clothes; and the happiness I experienced when I was on the giving end.” For her, Becca’s Closet not only provides a young girl with the dress of her dreams but the confidence to go alongside it. “I truly believe it is better to give than to receive, and it is in giving that we receive the greatest blessings.”

I decided to sign up.” Armstrong works in Duluth and says a great deal of her co-workers reside in Sugar Hill and encouraged each other to get memberships.

The Recreation Department of the City of Sugar Hill hosts a wide array of classes at the gym complex for anyone (including non-Sugar Hill residents) who signs up and pays the class fee. Types of classes range from dance -- including tap and ballet, Argentine tango, ballroom and social dance -- to yoga, barre, men’s fitness, Zumba, and even karate and self-defense.

Surprisingly in demand are the center’s etiquette classes, focusing on retirement and college planning, namely Understanding and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits, Maximize Your College Application Photo credit Alicia Couch Payne and Personal Essay, and How to Pay for On the second level of the community gymnasium are ellipticals, treadmills, weights, and Your Dream College. other exercise equipment that cardholders can use like these Sugar Hill residents.

Mark Clarke, a Sugar Hill resident, has been a member since January. He says that use the space and those who do not live within city limits he visits almost every day to play basketball can register for a mere $35.00 a year. As of April 5th, 2019, or use the cardio equipment. He praised the gym area, comthe recreation department has enrolled 4,494 citizens for menting on its cleanliness and its “community feel that most gym membership. gyms lack.”

Sugar Hill resident Andrea Armstrong is one of these For more information about the gym at the E-Center, members. “I have heard so many people say good things including the classes they offer, please visit: https://cityofabout [the E-Center gym],” she explained, “and it’s free, so sugarhill.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

North Gwinnett Voice

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Ready, set, HUNT! At the Area’s Best Easter Egg Hunts Staff Reports Easter is right around the corner which means little ones will engage in the oh-so-fun Easter egg hunt. With dozens of organized events in our area, the staff at the North Gwinnett Voice decided to help parents out. We have done our research and found some of the best Easter egg hunts in our area.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Saturday, April 20, 2019

• Bunny Bash at Buford Village! - Buford Village, 33 Buford Village Way, Buford - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Free event - Bring a basket and collect prize-filled eggs from the merchants, get your face painted, picture taken with the Easter Bunny, pet live bunnies, and make crafts.

• Easter Egg Hunt - Hog Mountain Baptist Church, 1971 Hog Mountain Church Road, Dacula - 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Free event Join in on the fun with this Easter egg hunt.

• Easter Egg Hunt 2019 - Buford First UMC, 285 E. Main Street, Buford - 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Free event - Participate in their first ever glow in the dark egg hunt which is divided by age. Also available to keep the little ones entertained: Easter crafts, a telling of the Easter Story, Easter Bingo, snacks and a visit from the Easter Bunny!

• City of Sugar Hill’s 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt - E.E. Robinson Park, 850 Level Creek Road, Sugar Hill - 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Free event - Children ages 1 to 9 are invited to participate in age divided Easter egg hunts. Inflatables, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny are also available.

• Easter Family Fest - Fusion Church, 3589 Carter Road, Buford 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Free event - Kids can jump in a jump house, ride in a trackless train, color Easter eggs, get their face painted, enjoy tons of Easter candy, and get a free photo with the Easter Bunny!

• Easter Eggstravaganza - Ivy Creek Baptist Church, 2500 Ivy Creek Road, Buford - 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Free event - The amazing Arthur Atsma shares the Easter story with illusion and sleight of hand. Then move outside for four different age divided egg hunts.

Don't miss the photo booth and register for door prizes!

• 2019 Easter Celebration - Lake Lanier Islands/Margaritaville, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford - 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Free event Easter egg hunt on Paradise Beach. Hunt for eggs (with prizes), play in the sand and splash in the lake. Boaters welcomed.

BU FORD SPR ING FE ST IVAL A ND BE ST YOUN G TA L ENT CO NT EST

Open for Talented Kids Multiple Categories and CASH & PRIZES! ~~~~ Be a Sponsor or Vendor and CONNECT to the Community! ~~~~ www.BufordSpringFestival.com presented by the City of Buford & the Buford Business Alliance Saturday 4/13/19 11am-4pm Main Street

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Buford Drumline has Strong Finish to Season

North Gwinnett Voice

ensemble and what we’ve accomplished, and in the end, it was everything I could have hoped for.”

For another senior, Cale Majors, the experience was centered around the family and friends he made during the Drumline season. As advice for future drummers and pit players, he informs them to “work together and be efficient”. Then, when focusing on the bonds created, Cale ends with the inAmy Davis struction to “love each other, because time goes by faster...when you’re drumming.”

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the Buford This activity brought Cale closer to the High School Drumline traveled to the Cobb people he cares about, and that’s what the County Civic Center and competed for the show’s motif is all about.

Technology has come a long way in only last time this season at the Georgia Indoor Percussion Association Championships. the past few decades, and the show reDuring this event, they received a rank of flected the progression of communication 5th overall in the state. They came a long through the ages. From letters to landlines way from the beginning of their marching to facetime, our society has made technology more efficient through innovation. Connection and the strengthening of relationships despite the distance between people were the central ideas for this show. This theme won over the hearts of both the younger and the older audience members.

The Drumline was always in the top rankings no matter which competition they attended. Thank you to the stuPhoto credit Cathy Moore dents, Mr. Young, Pictured front to back/ Cale Majors (snare drummer), Gage Martin (tenor drummer), and Griffin Stewart (bass drummer) perform for judges at the GIPA and anyone else who helped this Championships in Marietta, GA. season end as season where the show was still incomplete well as it did. The home crowd that watched until the recent finals. the Friday night performance on March 29 In order to improve the show, the group was thoroughly entertained by the powerpracticed three days after school each week ful booms, bangs, and rhythms of the into learn new music and marching drill. Mr. struments. Nothing could’ve delighted the Young continued to push the students to audience more. do their best and encouraged each pupil to Despite the obstacles or hurdles in the put forth all their effort for an outstanding way, our local Buford High School Drumshow. The hard work from the group paid line received 5th place in the state. It’s a off and Buford’s Drumline demonstrated to true feat to rank so high out of all the other the state of Georgia what it means to be a Drumline groups that competed, and the part of Buford. victory is due to the true ambition of every For a few of the seniors, this was their last individual in the percussion-oriented orgachance to march Drumline in high school. nization. No matter what we’re competing Todd Goehmann, a tenor drummer, was in, Buford comes out in leading positions. thrilled with the season saying, “As a Together, we can do anything we set our senior, I couldn’t be more proud of the mind to!

Page 11

Robotics Club Inspires Tomorrow’s Leaders in Science and Technology Alicia Couch Payne Since 2013, the Lanier High School robotics club has been geared towards one mission: to inspire their students to one day be scientific and technological innovators and leaders. The club sports approximately 50 members who meet almost daily during their competition season, which runs January through March.

The club’s mission is directly influenced by the nonprofit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), which works to get kids involved in programs that help foster the love and passion for science. One such way is through robotics competitions, which Lanier High School participates in. The team competes once in the fall and two to three times during the spring. At the beginning of the year, students work on developing necessary skills and building smaller robotics, followed by brainstorming and the construction of their competition robots.

Robotics can be rather expensive, with competition entry fees costing $5,000 and

the average competition robot costing upwards of $3,000. Gwinnett County Public School System provides the club with some monetary support, but it does not cover all the expenses. LHS Robotics is fortunate to have generous sponsors such as State Farm IT, Meggitt Training Systems, and the Georgia Army National Guard. Additional mentorship and guidance is also given through companies such as Trainz and AZZ. This year, LHS Robotics participated in two competitions, PCH District Gainesville Event and PCH District Forsyth Event.

In both matches, the team advanced to the quarterfinals and anticipate going further this upcoming season.

The club also believes in mentoring younger children to develop an early love for science and technology. As part of this mission, the club hosts a Lego robotics tournament each year for elementary age students. An average of twenty or more schools with some 200 kids participate each year.

“After graduation, we see most of these students getting involved in STEM education and careers, as they now have confidence and skills that give them a huge advantage,” states club sponsor Michael Reilly. “They all go forward with an amazing experience that helps them to work on a team in order to solve a difficult challenge. That is an amazing life skill.”

Reilly is optimistic about the club’s continued growth and the success of STEM-focused initiatives at Lanier High School. He thanks the Gwinnett County Public School System for their support; they are instrumental in providing this opportunity to the LHS student body.

Photo courtesy Lanier Robotics The Lanier High School robotics team coached by CDAT Technology teacher Mike Reilly reached the quarterfinals twice this year.

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Chloe Bonds, a Buford High School senior, is known as a “Buford lifetimer”, or a student who has attended Buford City Schools for their entire K-12 career. Chloe has had a highly successful career at that, both in academics and performing arts. She credits having a firm foundation, namely her supportive parents Jason and Nikki Bonds, as being the key to her achievements.

From the time she was in kindergarten until her junior year, Chloe participated in chorus. When she reached middle school, she joined Junior Thespians, an organization that promotes theatre arts to young students. “I decided to participate in BHS Theatre because of the fact that I have a passion for being on stage and telling someone else’s story to a packed theater,” Chloe explained. “I love to sing and I figured that musical theatre was the best place to live out that love.”

Her older sister, Laurel, also helped develop her love of theatre. While Chloe was a freshman, Laurel was in her senior year and performed in the BHS troupe alongside her sister, mentoring her and offering advice along the way.

This year, Chloe was a key figure in the cast of Company, which went on to win the One Act Play State Championship. For her role as Joanne, Chloe received a Shuler Hensley Award (the Georgia High School Musical Theatre equivalent of a Tony Award) Nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. As the broadcast was streamed live, the musical theatre class erupted into cheers

as Chloe’s name was called. In addition to these accomplishments, Chloe was also named the GHSA State Literary Champion for Dramatic Oral Interpretation.

“Chloe is a fine singer and performer,” said Dr. Chris Fowler, the Fine Arts Coordinator at Buford High School. “We are blessed to have her as a part of our department.”

When it comes to academics, Chloe is in the top ten for the Class of 2019. Though she has worked a part-time job since she was fifteen years old, she has still managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Georgia in Athens.

A teacher that made a lasting impression on Chloe is Mr. Dale Tyson. Although she only had him for one semester of biology during her freshman year, Chloe says that they continue to have a strong bond to this day. Tyson has a way of making class fun, however it’s the connections he has with his students that made the biggest difference to Chloe. She still talks with him regularly and when asked for an example of Tyson’s advice, lets out a laugh. “When I think about his advice, in my head, I hear his foreign accent.”

Above all, Chloe is a leader among her peers and always has a smile for everyone she encounters. She is a hardworking student and performer that believes in giving her all in everything she pursues. Chloe Bonds is an example of the positive impact that being raised within the “pack” can do; she is the pinnacle of a true Wolf.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Buford’s Logan Ashton Ends His High School Career with Another Win

SPORTS

Josh Shuler contributed three hits North Gwinnett junior and had two RBIs, junior Corey Collins added two hits, a home run and drove in two, and senior Chase McCulloch had two Baseball Sits hits for the Bulldogs.

North Gwinnett hosted Collins Hill for Atop Region Game 2 of their series on April 3 where they beat them 3-1. Bulldogs pitcher Caul6-AAAAAAA son Buchanan was the winning pitcher for North where he pitched a full game. He only allowed two hits and had three strikeStandings outs. During this game, Corey Collins had Stanley Bowen

Alicia Couch Payne It’s no secret that Buford’s athletics are top-notch and that they produce champions with great careers. There’s one senior this year who has a career that is impressive even by Buford standards. That senior is wrestler Logan Ashton.

Ashton came to Buford as a freshman seeking a smaller community feel and the opportunity to wrestle with a high school team that travels. He has been a member of the varsity wrestling team since his freshman year.

The key to his success is his training philosophy. Ashton trains at Compound Wrestling in Buford, Ga. He believes in taking very little time off. When most wrestlers are taking time off from wrestling and training, Ashton can be found lifting weights or watching film of matches.

Ashton’s training and mental edge have paid dividends. His overall high school wrestling win record is 188-11 with 131 pins. This past weekend, Ashton won the last match of his high school career at the Cliff Keen Dream Team Classic. This invitation-only tournament was held at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. Logan won the 113 lbs weight class for Team USA against Team Illinois’ Michael Leveille with a 2-0 decision.

All four years of his high school career, Ashton was a Georgia State Finalist and Gwinnett Takedown Association 1st Team All-County. He is a two-time Georgia State Champion. He’s been an NHSCA Senior National Champion, NHSCA Junior All-American, NHSCA Sophomore All-American, FLO Nationals All-American, Kansas City Stampede Champion, and Mount Mat Madness Champion.

His sophomore year at the NHSCA National Championships, Ashton wrestled with a torn ligament in his shoulder. Ashton, who placed third in the tournament, said that this particular meet was the most difficult one of his career. On the opposite end, he claimed that this year’s State

Page 13

Logan Ashton

Traditional Championships was his favorite meet of his career.

Buford Head Wrestling Coach Tom Beuglas spoke highly of Ashton, “It has been a pleasure coaching Logan these last three years. He has excellent character. He is a great team leader, a very good student, and does the right things all the time. I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to coach him. He has earned every accolade he has received,” Ashton said the person who has had the biggest academic influence on him was without a doubt his father, Eric Ashton.

His father is a principal at Daves Creek Elementary in Forsyth County. Mr. Ashton has been at every match of his son’s and has played a large part in Ashton’s career.

His successful wrestling career along with his academics got the attention of recruiters at Stanford University. Ashton can boast a 3.7 GPA to go with his busy schedule. Ashton has committed to wrestle for Stanford in the Fall. He hopes to pursue a degree in business or economics while at Stanford.

Ashton leaves Buford with perhaps the best record of any Buford wrestler. Record-keeping for the wrestling team has not always been the best so we cannot officially say that Ashton is the most successful wrestler to walk to the halls at Buford but the chances are pretty good that he is. Either way, Buford is proud of how well Ashton has represented them. Congratulations Logan and best luck in your future!

Finding a tougher region than that of Region 6-AAAAAAA is next to impossible.

With schools such as Mill Creek, Collins Hill, Duluth, Mountain View, Peachtree Ridge, Discovery, and North Gwinnett, the competition is fierce. North Gwinnett’s varsity baseball team was able to take sole possession of the top spot in the region on March 29 with a win against Mountain View.

North Gwinnett made a statement with a 13-2 win over region opponent Mountain View at home in Suwanee, Ga. North knocked off Mountain View in just five innings. Pitcher Cameron Speicher (4-0) recorded the win for North where he allowed three hits, two runs, two strikeouts, and two walks. Junior Will Bennett had a big three-run home run in the fourth inning. Senior Chase McCulloch had one hit and drove in three runs in the fourth inning and drove in another two runs on a single Josh Shuler went 2-3 and had a home run and two RBIs. The Bulldogs began a threegame series against another region opponent, Collins Hill on April 1 at Collins Hill. North beat Collins Hill 10-2 with pitcher Brandt Pancer (6-0) recording the win in five innings of play.

Pancer struck out seven batters for Collins Hill. Offensive standouts were senior Will Bennett who had four hits and drove in three runs, North Gwinnett pitcher Cameron Speicher recorded the win on March 29 against Mountain View when the Bulldogs sealed the deal in five innings.

Photo credit Nicole Seitz

a double and a home run, as well as, drove in two runs. Junior Jarrett Burney had two hits while McCulloch also drove in a run.

Game three against Collins Hill was held on April 5 at Collins Hill. North Gwinnett beat Collins Hill 7-2 sweeping the series. Both Parker Waggoner and Brian Leimkuchler both went 3-4 on the night. Jarrett Burney was 2-4 with two RBIs while fellow junior Corey Collins had a two-run home run.

The North Gwinnett Bulldogs have an overall season record of 20-4, 11-1. Their next series opponent is Mill Creek.

Page 14

Family Fun at the Gwinnett Stripers Game

SPORTS

Just a short drive down GA 20/Buford Drive on the outskirts of Lawrenceville fans can get a major-league experience at minor-league savings. Coolray Field is home to the Gwinnett Stripers, one of the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A minor-league affiliates. The Stripers opened their 10th season in Gwinnett on April 4 as they Alicia Couch Payne hosted the Norfolk Tides.

Gwinnett took the opening series game 3-1, while Norfolk won game two 6-0 last Friday night.

The Stripers got revenge with their own 7-0 shutout to win the series and send the Tides rolling home. Fans saw major league pitcher Mike Foltynewicz in action for the Stripers on Photo credit Alicia Couch Payne Opening Night.

L-R/ Sugar Hill Economic Development Director Mercy Montgomery, Sugar Hill Foltynewicz Council Member Marc Cohen (dark shirt), Sugar Hill Council Member Taylor Anderson and family were catching the game on April 5 which was Sugar Hill started as part of his rehab until he night at Coolray Field.

returns to the Braves. The Stripers’ roster this year has a lot of talent sure to make for exciting play.

The Stripers organization goes above and beyond to provide their fans with a complete experience. On-site parking is convenient and plentiful, and standard one-game tickets cost a budget-friendly $8 per person for general admission seats on The Bank. Once fans arrive at Coolray, there’s an abundance of friendly, helpful staff to assist you.

The park has plenty of food options: burgers, corndogs, chicken tenders, ice cream, burritos, nachos, Philly cheesesteaks, Gwinnett Stripers pitcher Connor Johnstone is about to release grilled sausage, and more. For his pitch to a Norfolk batter on April 5 imbibing adults, Lawrenceville’s the Little Anglers Kids Club and they’ll Slow Pour Brewing Taproom opened this receive a Stripers t-shirt, membership card, year, and fans can grab a high-quality craft and one general admission ticket to all 11 beer to wash down the nachos.

A kids’ zone area features various inflat- Sunday home games. The Stripers will even ables. Purchase an armband for your child host your child’s birthday party.

There are countless ways to take your and they can stay occupied and happy while you catch the game. For a $15 one- ballfield experience to another level. To time membership fee, enroll your child in learn more, visit www.GoStripers.com.

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Thursday, April 11, 2019 James Aaron Gable, age, 84 of Buford, GA passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Louise Gable; brothers, Otis Gable, Jr. Douglas Gable; sister, Melba Phillips. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Juanita (Jewett) Gable; daughters, Wendy (Scott) Luce, Suwanee, GA, Tracey (Michael) Formato, Buford, GA; sister, Hazel (Horace) Hicks, Shallotte, NC; grandchildren, Ryan Luce, Kelsea Luce-Matson, Catherine Rooks and Joseph Formato. Mr. Gable was born and raised in Iva, SC. After many years of working the family farm, he joined the United States Navy. After the Navy, he returned to civilian life and became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 926 working as a crane operator. Mr. Gable and his beloved wife, Juanita, moved to Buford, in 1997. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Iva City cemetery in Iva, South Carolina with the Rev. Bruce W. Evans officiating. Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA. Doris Jean Lasseter, age 75, of Gainesville, GA, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019. She was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Lucy Lasseter; brother, Steve Lasseter; sister, Janie Lasseter. Mrs. Lasseter is survived by her children, Curtis McCollum, Okeechobee, FL, Terry McCollum, Gainesville, GA, Randall McCollum, Miami, FL; brother, Les Lasseter, Peachtree City, GA. Mrs. Lasseter was born August 16, 1943, in Lake Wales, FL. She attended Vero Beach High School. Mrs. Lasseter was a member of Free Chapel in Gainesville, GA. There will be no formal service.

OBITS & SERVICES children’s mother, Cissy Stephens Bauders, Grayson, GA; children, Brandon and Angela Moss, Winder, GA, and Lindsey and Greg Dunning, Jefferson, GA; grandchildren, Anniston Moss, Breckyn Moss, Davis Dunning, and Tatum Dunning; mother, Martha Smith Moss, Gainesville, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Ed Perez, Alexandria, VA; nephews, Matt Coggins, Buford, GA, and Michael and Brandi Coggins, Winder, GA; nephew, Luke Perez, and niece, Rachel Perez, both of Alexandria, VA; and cousins, Tim and Dan McGill. Mr. Moss was born on June 3, 1955, in Atlanta, GA. He was a 1973 graduate of Buford High School, a 1978 graduate of Mercer University with a Bachelor’s degree, and a 1981 graduate of the Walter F. George Law School of Mercer University with a Doctorate of Law degree, where he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Moss was the owner of T. Mark Moss Company in Buford, GA, and was also the General Manager of Moss Equipment Company in Buford. Mr. Moss was a member of First Baptist Church in Buford. A Celebration of Life service was held on Sunday, April 7, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Danny McGill officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St, Buford, GA 30518

Suk Kyu Yim, age 92, of Buford, GA, passed away Friday, April 5, 2019. She is survived by her sons, Sung Woo Baik, Sung Hwan Bail; daughter, Sung Wi Baik; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 448-5757.

Gheorghe Bajenaru, age 58, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019. He was preceded in death by parents, Petre and Victoria Bajenaru. Mr. Bajenaru is survived by his wife, Gabriela Bajenaru; children, Alin Bajenaru, Geaninna Bajenaru, Beniamin Bajenaru, and Ruben Bajenaru, all of Suwanee, GA; grandson, Nathan Bajenaru; two sisters, Mariana Bunea and Rodicu Stoica. Mr. Bajenaru was born on April 16, 1960, in Romania. He was a construction worker and was a member of S.D.A. North Georgia Church. A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home.

Pastor Nicu Butoi and Pastor King officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518

Mark Moss, age 63, of Gainesville, GA passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019. He was preceded in death by father, Thomas Watson Moss, Jr, and sister, Linda Moss Coggins.

Mr. Moss is survived by his former wife and the

John “Johnny” Johnson, age 87, of Atlanta, GA passed away Tuesday, April 2. 2019.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Martha Free Johnson, Atlanta; sister and brother-in-law, Tammie and Scott Larocque, New Hampshire; sisters-in-law, Sharon Johnson, Gardner, MA, and Betty Free Cantrell, Buford, GA; brother-in-law, Dr. Jim Ferguson, Flowery Branch, GA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Johnson was born on September 15, 1931, in Winchendon, MA. He was a graduate of Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA. Mr. Johnson was a veteran of the U.S. Marines for two years, and also a Korean War veteran. He was a retired salesman from Pratt Lambert Paint Company after thirty-five years. Mr. Johnson was a member of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA. The graveside service was held on Friday, April 5, 2019, at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Dr. Jim Ferguson officiated. Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 S. Lee St., Buford GA 30518

Page 15

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