• Police responded to calls for forced entry nonresidential burglaries in the 1700 block of Hamilton Mill Parkway in Dacula and 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• A nonforced nonresidential burglary was reported in the 4300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• A business was robbed by gunpoint in the 1800 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford.
• A report was filed for a motor vehicle theft in the 1200 block of Horizon Parkway in Buford.
• Entering auto thefts occurred in the 800 block of Avonley Creek Trace in Sugar Hill, 500 block of Level Creek Road in Sugar Hill, 100 block of New Street in Buford, 1900 block of Buford Highway in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 3500 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford, 3100 block of Victoria Park Drive in Buford, 3000 block of Victoria Park Drive in Buford, 2900 block of Victoria Park Drive in Buford, 3800 block of Braselton Highway in Buford, and 1900 block of Hamilton Mill Parkway in Dacula.
• Police responded to a call in which rape occurred in the 300 block of Mimosa Drive
in Buford.
• A person was arrested for disorderly conduct in the 2200 block of Satellite Boulevard in Buford.
• Reports for theft by taking were filed for locations in the 6000 block of Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3000 block of Spring Lake Drive in Buford, 4400 block of Hog Mountain Road in Hoschton, 3200 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 3400 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• Theft by deception occurred in the 5400 block of Griggs Court, 1100 block of Horizon Parkway, and 3200 block of Sardis Church Road. Buford addresses.
• Police filed a stolen tag report for the 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford.
• Reports for theft by shoplifting were filed for locations in the 4900 block of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard in Sugar Hill, 4100 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3700 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 1400 block of Satellite Boulevard in Buford, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3200 block of Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford, 3200 block of Sardis Church Road in Buford, and 2200 block of Hamilton Creek Parkway in Dacula.
• Police responded to incidents for simple bat tery in the 5700 block of Riverside Walk Drive in Sugar Hill, 500 block of Forest Street in Buford,
Restaurant Inspections
The following restaurant health inspection scores were pulled from the Georgia Department of Health from April 9, 2019 to April 23, 2019.
2800 block of Pebblebrook Court in Buford, 4100 block of Buford Drive in Buford, 3800 block of Thompson Mill Road in Buford, 5300 block of Braselton Highway in Auburn, and 4300 block of Sierra Creek Drive in Hoschton.
• Reports were filed for battery in the 1000 block of Garner Spring Lane in Sugar Hill, 3300 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 1400 block of Mineral Springs Road in Hoschton.
• Simple assault occurred in the 700 block of Roxholly Walk in Buford,3200 block of Buford Drive in Buford, and 5300 block of Braselton Highway in Auburn.
• Forgery - 3rd degree was reported in the 1400 block of Railroad Avenue in Sugar Hill and in the 2400 block of Ivy Plantation Drive in Buford.
• In the 5900 block of Suwanee Dam Road in
• Brookdale South Lee Buford; 4355 South Lee Street, Buford; .....................................98
• Dazzle Dogs; 1925 Braselton Highway, Suite A, Buford; 84
• La Cantina Bar and Restaurant; 3280 McEver Road, Suite 108, Buford; ...................91
• Moe’s Southwest Grill; 2111 Hamilton Creek Parkway, Dacula; 81
• Panda Express; 3276 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee; 87
• Pizza Hut #4805; 525 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suwanee; ...............................87
• Steak n Shake #636; 3370 Buford Drive, Buford; 97
• Subway Sandwich #45883; 3280 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 301, Buford; 98
• Taco Bell #30597; 4291 Highway 20, Buford; ............................................................. 100
• Tequila Mama Taqueria; 340 Town Center Avenue, Suite A08, Suwanee; .................87
• The Twisted Oar; 6900 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford; 83
• Twenty; 1196 Old Peachtree Road, Suite 6, Suwanee; ..................................................92
• Wayback Burgers; 3264 Buford Drive, Suite 80, Buford; ..............................................93
• Wendy’s; 2110 Hamilton Creek Parkway, Dacula; 83 The following reports were filed by the Gwinnett County Police Department between April 5, 2019 and April 19, 2019.
OPINION
GROWING
up BUFORD
Cindy Wiggins Tapia
Out of Oz
I dropped out of reality at a young age and just wanted to be left in Munchkinland. Likely my aloofness and habit of talking to the Scarecrow at the edge of the Buford Grammar School playground made my classmates think I was nuttier than peanut brittle and a snob to boot. Pfffft!
Then in 1966, something jerked me out of Oz. I was standing in line on the hill below the back door after recess one afternoon when some boy said, “David Williams likes you.” Yeah, right. But it was true! He liked me. Me! The invisible child who lived on the Yellow Brick Road.
I had known David from way back. Our daddies worked at The Bona Allen Harness Shop. The Williamses and the Wigginses had worshiped together at least once at the Church of Christ in Lawrenceville. Mr. Junior was a preacher, and Mr. Daddy wasn’t—I’ll just leave that right there. In 1963, circumstances were such that Mama and Daddy remarried and moved us to Southern Pines, NC. The Williams family trailed after. Around six months later both families were back in Buford—or as G Trumayne Bell tags it “Btown, baby! Go Wolves!” Any way you say it—click your heels—there’s no place like home.
We moved into the house on Hill Street. The Williams family eventually moved into the Horace Wadleigh Allen house on
Sawnee Avenue.
Three years slipped by. We were in fifth grade. I was in Mrs. Greer’s class, and David was across the hall in Mrs. Wilson’s. We were as hot and heavy as you can get while eyeballing each other fifty paces apart. During all those delicious weeks just one word passed between us. I was standing in line at the water fountain outside Mrs. Wilson’s room when David came tearing out of nowhere and shoved a wadded-up piece of paper into my hand.
“Here!” he shouted and zipped off. Inside was a golden owl pin with jade eyes. I was crazy about him and nothing else mattered. Wild stallions couldn’t have kept me out of school. Reading, writing, English, math? Huh? Oh, them. I was brain dead. Report card day came. When I got home with an F-littered card, Mama grabbed a leather belt, and with every lash, she screamed, “You! Will! Get! David! Williams! Out! Of! Your! Head!”
David was persuaded by someone to dump me. I have reason to suspect Mama was in collusion with Mrs. Greer and Mrs. Wilson and saved me from a fifth-grade repeat. My grades shot up, and David got a new girlfriend. The green-eyed monster reared its head, and I got even big time. I wrote that ten-year-old floozie a note pretending I was David. “I don’t like you anymore!” And she fell for it. Mean? Honey, all was fair in love and David Williams.
I’ve since had crushes on other guys. I’ve been in love twice. I’ve been married. But never ever have I been so enthralled as I was during that innocent first romance. I think it was because I had been waiting, unaware, all my life for someone to come along and make me feel real.
VOICE NORTH GWINNETT
Thursday, April 25,
Springtime in the Land of Pollen
By Jim Simpson
Springtime in Georgia. Ah yes, the season of renewal and rebirth. Flowers bloom from early daffodils and azaleas, to dogwoods and cherry trees. Warmer weather, at times unpredictable -- you need a jacket in the morning, and shorts and sandals by the afternoon -- brings people out of hibernation to dig around in the yard, fire up the old riding mower, and chat with neighbors over the fence. Arts festivals abound, farmers markets pop up in town centers, food trucks roll out regularly on Fridays -- everyone takes a collective, cleansing breath. Everything is in bloom!
And that’s where the trouble begins. We know it’s coming. It happens every April and May, sometimes into June. The powdery yellow scourge of the season. Pollen!
My wife and I moved from Tampa, Florida, to Gwinnett County in May of 1993. It was wonderful. We’d been married just over a year, still newlyweds really, and were excited by the endless possibilities and sights in our new home. We were five years away from having kids, so we were free! We could do anything, go anywhere! And then it happened. I woke up one morning and didn’t recognize the creature in the mirror with the swollen face staring back through puffy, shimmering eyes and snot oozing from its nose. Co-workers had warned
Staff Writers:
Jim Simpson
Lyndsey Britt
Contributing Writers:
Lynn Bowman
Cindy Wiggins Tapia
me, but I brushed it off. It’s just a cold, I thought. But deep down I knew. The beautiful flowers and oh-so-many gorgeous trees had a sinister side, and I was firmly in their grip.
As a seasoned Gwinnettian, I’ve come to accept this slight inconvenience every year, even though some years are worse than others. Fortunately, most over-thecounter (OTC) medications work fairly well enough to stave off the effects of my seasonal allergies to pollen and dust exposure for a few months.
A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, showed that those who take OTC medications aren’t quite satisfied with the results. In a study of 1,000 people surveyed, most reported moderate to severe symptoms in the spring, but generally managed their seasonal allergies with OTC oral medications.
Some people aren’t so lucky. Those who suffer from perennial allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, drainage, cough, headaches, and swelling associated with allergic conjunctivitis) experience symptoms year-round, which require prescription medications from a professional allergist.
After all these years, I’ve become resigned to this springtime ritual. Like one of Pavlov’s dogs, I perk up during the local weather report for the day’s pollen count and then check my supply of OTC allergy meds. To go even further down the rabbit hole, allergy sufferers can check Pollen.com. The site provides detailed information on nationwide pollen counts, as well as research on plants to understand allergy triggers, five-day local allergy forecasts, and the ability to sign up for daily allergy emails or to download apps and create diaries.
Artwork by Lanier High School AP Art student Valentina Luppu created using colored pencils. The artwork is on display in the lobby of Sugar Hill City Hall until April 30.
@northgwinnettvoice | @ gwinnettvoice
Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne
How exactly are pollen counts collected and determined? A company called IQVIA manufactures a device called The Rotorod Sampler, which has been used to collect pollen across the country for over 30 years. The Rotorod, usually set up in fields or rooftops, has tiny spinning rods mounted atop a metal tripod. The rods are coated with a sticky silicone material, which the pollen sticks to and can be collected and measured later. If we step back from our selfish allergic problems, we realize that pollen is a fact of life. It’s life itself, actually, because it’s how plants reproduce. And that’s beautiful -- ACHOO! -- yes, it’s all beautiful.
Buford Board of Education Meeting Minutes - April 2019
Staff Reports
April 22, 2019 - Board Chairman Phillip Beard called the April meeting of the Buford Board of Education to order at 7 p.m. at the Buford City Schools Central Office. Following the Pledge of Allegiance was recognition of the BCSS Art Show winners presented by Ms. Carrie Tilson, BMS art teacher and Ms. Kim Barge, BHS art teacher. The agenda and the minutes from March were approved. As of March 31, the school system operating balance was $8,0741239.15. A revision was approved for Policy JBC(4) which is for Awarding Unit and Transferring Credit.
SPLOST V pay requests for the new Buford High School were approved to be payable to Charles Black Construction (three invoices) and Breaux & Associates. Purchases coming out of SPLOST V were approved to buy AED’s, Lockers, and art room equipment for the new BHS. Up next were M & O (Maintenance & Operations budget) items. A new HVAC unit was approved to be purchased for the BMS kitchen. Backstop padding for the BHS baseball field (will also use on softball field) were authorized to be purchased. A bid was approved to screen, clean, and refinish the gym floors at each school over the summer. Five field trip requests and one fundraiser request were approved. BES, BHS FCCLA, and BHS wrestling had field trip requests and BHS gymnastics were approved to sell
t-shirts as a fundraiser.
The principals were each called upon to update the Board on the things taking place at their respective school. Buford Elementary’s current enrollment is 717. They recently had a kindergarten registration night and Easter egg hunt. They will have a pet day and a field trip coming up soon. Buford Academy’s current enrollment is 1,531 and is currently taking the milestones. Buford Middle’s current enrollment is 1,172. They recently had a chorus production. The band will have a concert on May 7 at the Fine Arts Center. Buford High’s current enrollment is 1,440. They had a successful prom on April 20 at the Arena. This week is senior week with the annual Grad Bash coming on Friday and Saturday. Playoffs are in full swing for Spring sports.
The 2019-2020 Board meeting dates were approved which noted a few changes. The FY19 School Board training plan was approved and will be sent to the Georgia Department of Education. As teachers in each school start to pack up for the massive move over the summer, more items that are no longer being used are being added to the surplus inventory. In June, four-day work weeks were approved instead of the standard five-day week for twelve-month employees.
A hearing was conducted for the preliminary FY20 budget. The budget for the FY20 is projected to be $58,042,201.00 which is an increase of $6,149,396.00. A jump by 18.4% over FY19 includes teacher raises, costs associated with the new school resource officers, and installing a new roof and HVAC equipment at the old BHS/new BMS. A copy of the proposed budget is available on NorthGwinnettVoice.com.
Ms. Poole was pleased to share the results of English Language Proficiency testing that the school system’s non-English speaking students took last year. Buford rates above both the state and national average. Ms. Lacrecia Smith informed the board that
Dr. Downs met with the council on March 27 to hear their ideas. The council asked that the parent survey that parents recently took include four new questions pertaining to the Diversity and Inclusion Council. With nothing further to add from Dr.
Downs, Chairman Beard went around the room to see if anyone had any business to be addressed. No one had anything to add to the night. The April Buford Board of Education meeting was adjourned followed by an executive session.
• Single Closing.
• Construction or Renovation.
• Conforming and Jumbo Options.
• Primary Residence up to 95%.
• Second Home up to 90%.
• Extremely Competitive Rates.
• Minimum FICO Score of 620.
• Interest Only During Construction Phase.
Greek, Latin, or Harness-ease?
Lynn Bowman
While looking through our only catalog from the Shadburn Brothers (circa 1910), whose company was known for manufacturing harness and saddlery here in Buford, I realized there was an entire language devoted to describing uses for leather items for horses. I chuckled at a few of the names and then realized many of these leather “goods” are basically obsolete or used by only a very small population today here in the states. I have compiled a list of the item names, just as they appeared in the catalog from beginning to end. Sit back, relax, and be glad that you do not have to know what these items are. More importantly, be glad that you do not have to know how to use them. The following harnesses were made for working horses and were available in single and double versions:
Single Buggy Harness
Single Strap Buggy Harness
Buggy Harness “Brake”
Light Driving Harness
Light Single Track Harness
Break Harness
Special Buggy Harness
Heavy Driving Harness
Heavy Single Strap Buggy Harness
Surrey Harness
Georgia Wagon Harness
Express Harness
The following harnesses were intended for a two-horse set up:
Hack Harness
Long Tug Coach Harness
Short Tug Coach Harness
Stage Harness
Team Body Parts
The saddle titles are pretty straight forward, and most of us will still recognize the basic design; although the technology has been updated slightly from those pictured in the catalog. Here are the titles of the ones that are not just given a three digit number and labeled “Stock”: Morgan, Texas, Canby, Missouri Stitchdown, Spring Seat, Genuine Virginia, McClellan, Kentucky Stitchdown, Boy’s Somerset, Alabama, Tennessee Ferguson, and Army McClelan.
The horse collars pictured are described with either a simple three-digit number or titled as follows: Team, Dandy, Throatless, Solid Back, Scotch, All Kip, Sweeney, and Heavy Sweeney.
Museum of Buford Shadburn Bros. Catalog page: This page inside the Shadburn Bros. Catalog shows the various horse boots they had to offer. Each item has a photo, item number, boot name, and description.
Now here are a few of the oddities from what I would call the miscellaneous leather goods section:
Coach Pads, Pigeon Wing Blind Bridles, Cup Blind Bridles, Open Buggy Bridles, Surrey and Coach Bridles, Halters, Ties, Express and Sweat Collar Pads, Hair Pads, Girths, Flat Georgia Breechings, Hames and Tugs, Neck Yoke Straps, Traces, Pole Straps, Choke Straps, Hame Straps,Buggy Lines, Breast Collars, Belly Bands, Martingales, Overcheeks, Turnbacks, Crupper Docks, Shaft Tugs, Cheeked Winkers, Lashes, Soles, and Horse Boots. The boots came in a variety of styles: Ankle Boot, Stitched Cup, Calf Skin Wrapper, Bell Quarter Boot, Dan Patch Ankle Boot, Hinge Quarter Boot, Close Fitting Knee Boot, and Scalper.
The descriptions that follow each of the items in the catalog are just as colorful and give further insight into a world that seems alien to our everyday lives here in B-Town.
Photo courtesy Museum of Buford Shadburn Bros. Catalog: The Museum of Buford owns this copy of the Shadburn Bros. Catalog (circa 1910) from the Shadburn Brothers Tannery which once had their office where the current Buford Gymnasium sits off of Shadburn Ferry Road and Shadburn Avenue.
Photo courtesy
Buford’s Inaugural Spring Festival
Amy Davis
This past Saturday, April 13, Buford held its inaugural Spring Festival along Main Street celebrating the recent coming of spring. Bright booths, delicious foods and skillful entertainment made the overall experience even more memorable. This event benefited both adults and children as the booths had activities and information for both parties.
For the children, many tents had interactive games for them to play. The “Color My Day” cubicle had a black and white sheet for people to color in, bouncy castles were always full of children releasing all their energy, and one tent even had a place for slime and bracelet making. Most other booths gave out candy or little prizes when children spun a vibrantly painted wheel. Kids were not the only ones who had fun, though. Older patrons could visit exceedingly different booths containing anything from clothing and jewelry to plants and beauty products. Many of the organizations represented at the Spring Festival were also doing raffle drawings for their merchandise.
The main attraction was the talent contest. Singers and musicians, most of whom were from the local School of Rock organization, performed for the Buford crowd in three age divisions: Young Professionals, Teen Music, and Young Musical Talent. Starr Phipps won the Young Professionals category. The Teen Music category winner, School of Rock 80’s New Wave Band, beat out School of Rock 80’s Hair Band, Emma Burnett and Kaitlyn Corcoran.
Christa Hillstrand won the Young Musical Talent category, edging out Chloe Nhan, Ava Fields, The Morgan Triplets (of Dana Rice’s FAME Studio), Emma Allen, and three bands from School of Rock: The Microscopic Lobster, The 6 Musketeers, and Feathers and Arrows.
Each winner was given a certificate and a check for $100. It didn’t matter the type of music they sang or how old the performers were -- what mattered was their skill and dedication. The more involved the bands or singers were, the better their score was. Energy and passion really made the music more enjoyable for both the entertainers and the audience.
Without help from a few people and
organizations, though, Buford’s Spring Festival wouldn’t have happened. The Festival sponsors included VoiceNation, Trend Transformations, The Piedmont Group, and the North Gwinnett Voice.
The event was hosted by the Buford Business Alliance and the City of Buford. Also, thank you to Dannella Burnett and Encore Elite Events for putting together this wonderful festival.
The Buford community has many holiday festivals around the course of a year, but never before have they hosted a spring celebration. Everyone from all age groups appeared to enjoy the festivities, and not a single negative comment was made. Smiles, laughter, and other joyous commotion enveloped the crowd, thus spreading happiness between all the patrons in attendance. From time to time, who doesn’t love a lazy day filled with appetizing food and listening to young local musicians play their hearts out? The event was all about fun and family!
Photo credit: Amy Davis
The first annual Youth Talent Contest had a talented group of performers give it their all to compete for the prizes given to the winners of each category.
Photo credit: Amy Davis
In the Young Music/Song category, Christa Hillstrand was voted as the winner with her stellar performance.
Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne The Pampered Chef ladies were all smiles as they reported having a very successful day at the Buford Spring Festival.
BHS Wolf Pack Players Flawlessly Perform William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”
The Buford High School Wolf Pack Players performed William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” at the Buford Fine Arts Center for three shows on March 14-16. Each player had a personality all their own, and their vibrant 1980s costumes only added
Art In Motion: A Collaborative Effort
By Nida Merchant
The North Gwinnett High School Dance and Visual Art departments opened their doors to “Art in Motion.” This unique event between the school’s two prestigious departments was a huge success and elicited a variety of emotions for each participant, on stage and off.
Fine Arts teacher Karen Cambell’s AP Studio Art students and her Drawing and Painting II students collaborated with the school’s Dance Department to create some memorable moments. Student dancers and choreographers met with the visual art students to explain the emotions, music, and costumes behind each dance. The art students then expressed those ideas through abstract expressionist paintings.
Though the event was presented for three days (April 17-19) the finale was almost completely overbooked as students and parents excitedly ran into the auditorium waiting for the show to begin.
Once the curtain rose, the audience saw a beautiful piece of artwork adorning the
to the show’s old-yet-modern ambiance. Though the classic tale was written in Old English, this production still spoke to the audience, eliciting frequent laughter during many scenes -- every five minutes or so the crowd chuckled in loud waves. Shakespeare was, afterall, a genius at comedy, and clearly these students have talent beyond their years to be able to bring this play to life.
Thank you to the actors and actresses who spent many hours practicing this hilarious production. Thanks also to the women behind the scenes and teachers who helped the students prepare. These people made the show a great success and an entertaining play to attend.
The Wolf Pack Players’ production of “The Comedy of Errors” is a true testament to the dedication of our local thespians and their well-executed portrayal of an ageless production that has remained relevant for hundreds of years.
Come see Buford High’s last few productions of the year on April 28 and May 11. The Intro Theater class is set to perform “Take Five” on April 28 at 2 p.m. in the Buford High School theater, while the grand finale show for this year (“Follies”) will be held at
The Buford High School Wolf Pack Players presented William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” at the Buford Fine Arts Center April 14-16. Pictured is the cast of The Comedy of Errors.
Back Row (L-R): Carrianne Crawford, Trey Lawson, Jack Descoteaux, Johari Gomez, Ross Wilson, Quinn Conrath, William Bishop, and Destiny Cameron Front Row (L-R): Ashley Owens, Mohammed Al-Eethawi, Kimberly Lopez, Storm Cole, and Dylan Tollis
the Buford Fine Arts Center on May 11 at 7 p.m. The Wolf Pack Players thank you for your support!
Group Picture Names: Back Row (Left to Right) - Carrianne Crawford, Trey Lawson, Jack Descoteaux, Johari Gomez, Ross Wilson, Quinn Conrath, William Bishop, and Destiny Cameron Front Row (Left to Right) - Ashley Owens, Mohammed Al-Eethawi, Kimberly Lopez, Storm Cole, and Dylan Tollis Sitting - Trevor Dodge
in Motion was a collaborative effort between North Gwinnett High School’s dance and visual arts departments where they merged works of art
to create this unique show.
stage as the performers and artists brought the piece to life. From their graceful choreography to their eloquent costumes, the students displayed their artistic talents. Each piece of artwork was crafted so intricately and each step of the dancers was so well executed that the audience was stunned with the talent presented before them.
During the final performance, a few of the artists were brought to the stage as
the dancers moved in sync with the artists’ paintbrushes, truly bringing art into motion.
As the curtain closed and the artists and dancers bowed, the audience erupted in applause as students then rushed off stage to meet their dear ones.
Seniors shed tears as they said goodbye to one of their last performances at North Gwinnett, and parents beamed with
happiness as their child walked to them. Art in Motion was a collaboration of two fantastic organizations at North Gwinnett which brought forth an event that has never been seen at the school. The effort presented by the students involved was highlighted throughout the program and has started a legacy in upcoming years for all students. Perhaps teamwork does make a true dreamwork -- at least at North Gwinnett High School.
Amy Davis
Photo courtesy Amy Davis
Sitting: Trevor Dodge.
Photo courtesy Nida Merchant Art
with dance
Sugar Hill hosts talented Lanier art exhibit
Alicia Couch Payne
Sugar Hill City Hall was full of activity on the evening of April 17. People of all ages packed the lobby to view artwork created by talented art students at Lanier High School.
The school’s two art teachers, Ms. Tiffany Cole and Ms. Kristina Jaunais, had earlier attended a meeting of the Sugar Hill Arts Commission, and while at that meeting, members of the commission mentioned that they were seeking more local artists to display once a month inside City Hall. Cole and Jaunais volunteered to have one of their many art shows to promote students’ work.
Collaborating with Nicole Klein, a Sugar Hill city employee, the final Lanier High School Art Show of the 2018-2019 school
year was brought to City Hall. Cole and Jaunais praised the Gwinnett County Public School System for their support and generous funding of the school’s fine arts and visual arts departments. Lanier High School has its own darkroom to process photos, spinning tables to work lumps of clay into finished masterpieces, and a kiln to bake the clay into pottery. Students at Lanier gain valuable experience working with oil paints, watercolors, colored sketch pencils, charcoal and other mediums.
Lanier hosts nine art shows annually featuring works in various mediums. At the recent Sugar Hill show, a total of 240 pieces from throughout the year were on display and will remain in the Sugar Hill City Hall lobby until April 30. The artwork ranged in subject matter: wildlife paintings, portraits, landscape sketches, colorful pottery, and much more.
The center of the exhibit featured folding panels with the work of eight Advanced Placement (AP) art students, each of whom were required to depict a theme running through various pieces of art. These theme-based works were the students’ final test grades of the year.
While each AP student created stunning pieces, one student’s work really stood out to me. I came face-to-face with a woman in a blue dress holding an infant. Her sadness was palpable, a lone tear sliding down her cheek. Another striking and emotionally raw painting featured a beautiful lady wearing a blue scarf. These were the work of artist Aneesa Julmice, a junior AP student at Lanier. Her paintings depicted powerful women in history, including lesser-known women of the Bible. Aneesa plans on pursuing art well into the future, and has been invited by the Savannah College of Art & Design to participate in a summer art program in Hong Kong.
I left the show simply amazed by the sheer level of creative talent on display, and with an invitation to visit the Lanier High School Art Department. One day in the near future I plan to visit the facilities where these young artists with promising futures were nurtured.
This art exhibit could not have happened without the support of the City of Sugar Hill, Lanier High School administrators, Nicole Klein, the Sugar Hill Arts Commission, Ms. Cole, and Ms. Jaunais. For more information on this exhibit, other art exhibits and the Sugar Hill Arts Commission, visit https://cityofsugarhill.com/.
Buford well represented at Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards
Hayden Wiggs
The tenth annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (colloquially known as the Shuler Awards) were held at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on April 18, 2019. The Shuler Awards are an annual celebration of achievements in high school musical theatre across the state. Much like Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Shulers recognize accomplishments in all categories both on and off the stage.
The Buford High School Wolf Pack Players submitted their production of Company for adjudication. The musical earned three nominations for Kimberly Staples’ costume design, Best Ensemble, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Chloe Bonds’ performance as “Joanne”. Company was also recognized in the Honorable Mention category, earning nods for Direction (Kimberly Staples), Choreography (Ashley Smith), Best Performance by a Leading Actor (Trevor Dodge as “Robert”), Best Performance by a Supporting Actress (Keighly Brown as “Marta”), and Overall Production. Of her recognition, Keighly said she was “so excited to receive an honorable mention. It’s always so nice to be recognized for something I love doing; theatre will always be my number one passion.”
Students from the department were also featured in the Shulers’ Opening and Closing Numbers. Junior Jesse Hanks and senior Keighly Brown performed on the Cobb
Energy stage in explosive dance numbers that introduced and concluded the ceremony. “We rehearsed the Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday before the show, and then the day of,” said Jesse Hanks when asked about the preparation process. “I was in a section from On the Town, and in a special ballet part along with being in the front line at the end, all in Opening Number. Everyone there was super friendly and made it so fun.” Keighly was also featured in a solo and trio in the closing number, “Come Alive”. “I am so glad I was chosen to be in the Shuler Ensemble,” she said. “I was able to perform on live television, which is something I’ve never done before. It was also super cool to be able to put together two performance-ready numbers in such a short time.” Their performance, as well as that of Chloe Bonds’ in the Leading Actress medley, were the highlights of the night.
A replay of the 2019 Awards can be viewed on the Arts Bridge Foundation website.
Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne AP Art student Aneesa Julmice decided to focus on portraying women of the bible and other strong women throughout time for her AP Art Exit Show theme.
Photo credit: David Hanks Keighly Brown and Jesse Hanks are posing on the red carpet before heading inside to perform in the opening and closing numbers at the Shuler Awards in Marietta.
(from left) - Jacob Lenz, Nick Warren, Presley Dale, Karrie Bryson, Hayes Stewart, and Trevor Dodge
Thursday, April 25, 2019
North Gwinnett area playoffs
Alicia Couch Payne
There is talent aplenty in northern Gwinnett County. That is evident by the number of spring season sports team that have made it into their respective playoffs. Both Buford High School and North Gwinnett High School have at least six different teams playing in the postseason while Lanier High School had four teams in postseason play.
Buford High School
Buford’s boys tennis team (17-4, 5-0) has already clinched the region title and gone two rounds into the state playoffs. They beat both Clarkston and Riverwood to advance to the elite eight on Wednesday, April 24 or Thursday, April 25. Opponent not known at this time. Buford’s girls tennis team (147, 5-0) is not far behind the boys. They are region champs and beat Miller Grove in the first round of the state playoffs. They played a tough Carrollton team and ultimately lost 2-3 ending their postseason.
In lacrosse, the Lady Wolves (8-5, 4-1) have secured themselves a playoff spot while the boys (13-4, 5-0) will compete for the region championship on Thursday, April 25 against GAC at home. Buford’s girls soccer team (11-4-3, 5-0) earned the region title and will compete in the first round of the state playoffs on Tuesday, April 23 against Cross Keys.
The Lady Wolves track and field team had
Buford girls track and field team dominate regional meet
Legacy is what comes to mind when I think of the accomplishments of a super talented, motivated, and hard-working group of young ladies that comprises the Buford girls’ track and field team. Long after these ladies leave the halls of Buford High School, their accomplishments will live on. They will leave behind a legacy unmatched in the school’s history. With two state titles under their belts, they
SPORTS
a successful region meet bringing home the region title. They beat Loganville 247-123 with Kimberly Harris and Debra Ogundimu each winning two races. Winning one race each were Brittany Johnson and Imani Cloud. Buford had two girls, Caroline Snell and Callie Snell, tie for first place in the pole vault. The Lady Wolves will compete in sectionals on May 4 at Union Grove High School. The boys’ track and field team came in second place and will also compete at sectionals.
Both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams will compete in the Area tournament on Monday, April 29 at the Monroe Country Club. The riflery team had a good season making it all the way to the second round of state playoffs where they lost to Woodward Academy by only two points. Morgan Adams qualified individually to compete in the state championships on April 27 at Fort Benning.
On Saturday, April 27, Buford will play host to the GHSA State Preliminaries for gymnastics at the Buford Arena. The Buford gymnastics team is scheduled to compete from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with other teams in classes A-AAAAA. Classes AAAAAAAAAAAAA will compete from 12-2 p.m.
Last but not least for Buford is the varsity baseball team (17-9) who is the region runner-up. The Wolves will face Arabia Mountain (10-11, 8-4) in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 23 with the “if” game coming on Thursday, April 24. Buford will have home-field advantage.
Lanier High School
The Lady Longhorns soccer team (10-71, 7-3) is the region runner-up to Dacula.
are hungry for a three-peat. On their quest for that title, they competed at the Region 8-AAAAA Track and Field Championships that was held on April 17, 2019, at Buford High School. The girls took home their third straight region title with a total of 247 points. The girls flat out dominated this meet. Loganville came in a distant second place with a total of 123 points. In the first event of the meet was the girls’ high jump with Buford’s Britiney Johnson and Kyra Buffen finishing second and third. Caroline and Callie Snell tied for first place in the pole vault giving Buford girls their first win of the day. Avian Rossum landed on the podium in third place in the long jump for the Lady Wolves. In the girls’ triple jump, Buford landed at third with a solid performance by Debra Ogundimu. Ebony Grant keeps Buford on the podium
They will play in the first round of the state playoffs at home against South Paulding on Thursday, April 25.
Lanier’s boys tennis team is the region champions and played in the state sweet sixteen against Northview. Their playoff run ended there with a 3-0 loss. The girls tennis team are also the region champions and made it to the state sweet sixteen. Their postseason came to a halt with a 3-0 loss to North Atlanta.
The Longhorns track and field team clinched their region title and will compete in the state sectionals on May 4. The girls track and field team came in second place at regionals. They will also head to compete in the sectionals on May 4.
North Gwinnett High School
Not to be outdone by their Buford neighbor, North Gwinnett High School will see numerous teams with postseason berths. Both the boys and girls tennis teams beat their state playoffs first-round opponent Lakeside on April 16. They play South Forsyth on April 23 in the second round of the state playoffs.
The Bulldogs lacrosse team (12-2, 6-0) coached by John Palocsik clinched their Area 1 6A-7A title on April 19 at home with a 12-8 victory over Centennial. They will play a nonconference game against Milton on April 23 and a conference game against Mill Creek on April 25 before embarking on their playoff journey.
The #20 nationally ranked Lady Bulldogs soccer team (13-3, 6-0) finished their regular season with a win over Chattahoochee 4-0 on April 19. The girls will play Lakeside - Dekalb on April 23 in the first round of
in the girls’ discus throw with a third-place finish. In the last field event of the day, shot put, Buford girls landed in first and second place with excellent throws from Imani Cloud and Samantha Arano. Up next were the track events and once again, the Lady Wolves made a statement by placing in the top three in every race.
Jordan Sullivan and Caroline Montini finished second and third in the 3200M race for Buford. The girls placed first and second in the 4 x 100 meter relay. Jordan Sullivan placed second in the 1600M while teammate Caroline Montini finished fourth.
In the girls 400M dash, Buford had another one-two finish. With a time of 55.09, Kimberly Harris took home first place edging out Trinity Price who had a time of 56.17. Phoenix Armstead and Trinity Rossum
state playoffs at home in Suwanee, GA.
The “diamond dogs” of North Gwinnett (25-5, 16-2) managed to take the region title of a very tough region. They will play in the first round of state playoffs at home against Lakeside - Dekalb in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 24 with the “if” game coming on Thursday, April 25.
On April 12, the North Gwinnett Air Riflery team took on Northside - Columbus in the state semifinals, beating them by two points which was enough to secure them a spot in the finals. The Bulldogs went undefeated this season with a record of 12-0. They will make their first-ever state finals appearance on April 27 at Fort Benning.
earned a second and third place finish in the 100M dash. In the 100M hurdles, Buford’s Debra Ogundimu came in first with a time of 15.41 just edging out teammate Avian Rossum. The Lady Wolves finished one-two in the 800M run by Britiney Johnson and McKenzie Smith. With a time of 24.11, Kimberly Harris beat Trinity Price to give Buford the top two spots in the 200M dash. In the 300M hurdles, Debra Ogundimu got her second win of the day while Shamya Young finished second. The Lady Wolves earned the top two spots in the 4 x 400 meter relay.
The Buford girls’ track and field team had nine first-place finished at the Region Championships. They move on to the sectional meet on May 4 at Union Grove High School.
Photo credit: Alicia Couch Payne Buford lacrosse player Danny Reymond looks for an open teammate to pass the ball to in a recent game at BHS.
STUDENT WEEK OF THE
brought to you by The City of Buford
C.J.Couch
C.J. Couch is a senior at Buford High School. C.J. came to BHS in his sophomore year having spent his previous K-12 career in the Mill Creek Cluster. A native of Braselton, C.J. is the only child of Cal and Kim Couch. After his freshman year at Mill Creek High School, C.J. and his parents decided to apply for admittance into BHS because of the school’s high level of academics and athletics.
He started playing baseball at age four and fell in love with the game. Through the years, C.J. continued to improve his skills and decided he wanted to play for Buford. He played for the junior varsity baseball team his sophomore year, and varsity his junior and senior years as a pitcher.
C.J. had a successful season pitching for the Wolves in his junior year. He pitched 21.1 innings, faced 87 batters, and threw 331 pitches. He had a low ERA (earned run average) of 1.312. C.J. was looking forward to pitching for Buford during his senior year, but in the blink of an eye everything changed.
While throwing standard pitches over the summer during off-season practice, C.J. suffered a labral (cartilage) tear to his shoulder. Due to the severity of the injury, C.J. had to undergo surgery in September to reattach the labrum. Following the surgery, he had physical therapy to aid in his recovery. Shoulder injuries this severe typically require six months to a year for full recovery, meaning C.J. would miss at least part of his senior year of baseball.
Buford baseball head coach Stuart Chester praised C.J. for his hard work and support of the team during his recovery. “He is a good student and team leader. He has impacted us all through his setback with his work ethic and attitude in times of adversity,” said Chester. Fortunately, by the beginning of April, C.J. returned to pitch for the Wolves.
With academics a high priority, C.J. has maintained a 3.0 GPA. His course load this year includes Environmental Science, AP Psychology, American Literature, Macroeconomics, and Fine Arts. With a smile he claims his best subject is science while his worst is psychology. C.J. credits Dr. Beech, his language arts teacher during his sophomore and senior years, with helping him acclimate to Buford after transferring from Mill Creek. C.J. remarked that Beech “enjoys teaching and genuinely cares about us [students].” Although undecided on which college he will attend, C.J. would like to one day be a dentist and hopes to be able to continue to play sports beyond high school.
C.J. has become a role model to his peers. His strong character and ability to weather and overcome the darkest of storms has earned the respect of his coaches, teammates and fellow students. He defines the definition of a true Buford Wolf: selfless, determined, perseveres through adversity, adapts and overcomes.
OBITS & SERVICES
After modeling she married William Poole, in that marriage, they were blessed with three children. Mrs. Poole was preceded in death by her daughter Keisha White, mother Nell Joyce Dunahoo; brother Scotland Dunahoo, husbands Eddie James White and William B. Poole, grandson Kealyn Rashod Porter, her grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by daughter Latoya Poole, son Isaac Poole, father William Autry Dunahoo, as well as numerous cherished relatives. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Union Baptist Church. Pastor John Haynes officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133. Thursday, April 25, 2019
Royce Lee Owens , age 67, of Buford, GA passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Runette Stewart Owens; and brothers, Larry Owens, Dennis Owens, and Stephen Owens. Mr. Owens is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Teresa Pugh Owens, Buford; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer “Ginger” and Roscoe Gravitt, Dawsonville, GA; grandchildren, Hunter Gravitt and Harley Gravitt; sister, Shirley Maddox, Buford; mother-in-law, Agnes Hayes Pugh, Buford; sister-inlaw, Sharon Pugh Hudson, Buford; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Owens was a life-long resident of Buford, GA. He was a 1969 graduate of Buford High School, and he had some college credit at Southern Tech and at Lanier Technical College. Mr. Owens was retired from Cox Communications as an IT director after twenty-five years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Buford, and he was a former softball coach. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 20, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Kenny Stephens officiated. Interment followed at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
Claude D. Godfrey, Sr, age 97, of Sugar Hill, GA passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Inie Myers Godfrey; daughter, Evelyn Godfrey; and son, Claude Godfrey, Jr. Mr. Godfrey is survived by daughters and sons-inlaw, Barbara and Don Quinn, Athens, GA, Martha Knowlton, Snellville, GA, Pam and Greg Oliver, Lawrenceville, GA; sons, James Godfrey and Charles
Godfrey, both of Flowery Branch, GA; grandchildren, Kelly Knowlton and Chris Suddeth, Hayley Oliver, Paul and Kimberly Knowlton; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Suddeth and Noah Suddeth; brother and sister-in-law, Oscar and Robbie Godfrey, Conyers, GA; sisters, Edith Collins, Gainesville, GA, and Myrtle Evans, Columbia, SC; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Godfrey was born on August 12, 1921, in Gainesville, GA. He was a 1938 graduate of Lyman Hall High School and attended Perry Business School. Mr. Godfrey was a World War II veteran with the U. S. Army. He was a retired vice-president of GA Boot Company in Franklin, TN with thirty-eight years of service. Mr. Godfrey was a member of Sugar Hill Baptist Church where he was a Deacon Emeritus and a member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Sugar Hill Church. Rev. Neil Strong officiated. Interment with military honors followed at Sugar Hill Cemetery in Sugar Hill, GA. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
Barbara Corbin Sudderth , age 79, of Jefferson, GA and formerly of Buford, GA passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Billy T. Sudderth; grandson, Owen William Sudderth; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Melillo Sudderth. She is survived by her children, Vicki and John Krish, Cumming, GA, Jane and David Smith, Flowery Branch, GA, Grant Sudderth, Dawsonville, GA and Russell and Shauna Sudderth, Maysville, GA; grandchildren, Chad Krish, Dustin Krish, D. J. Smith, Matt
Smith, Brian Smith, Josh Sudderth, Emily Sudderth, Carley Sinteff, Savannah Duhon, Samantha Duhon and Evan Sudderth; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Patsy Corbin Thornton, Buford, GA; brothers and sister-in-law, Larry and Gloria Corbin, Carnesville, GA and Gerald Corbin, Buford, GA; sister-inlaw, Patricia Corbin, Buford, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Sudderth was born May 19, 1939, in Buford, GA. She received her education at Sugar Hill School and she was a homemaker. Mrs. Sudderth was a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Buford, GA. She enjoyed camping. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family and also her church family. She will be missed greatly by her family. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. Rev. Chris Fowler, Rev. Richard Sudderth, and Rev. Jerry Bennett officiated. Interment followed at Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Buford, GA. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
Mrs. Tereon La’Wanda D. Poole departed this life after a lengthy illness on April 14, 2019. She was born on December 6, 1951, in Buford, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. William and Joyce Dunahoo. Mrs. Poole was a graduate of the Buford School System (Greenard Watson School). She attended modeling school, after which she became a fashion model for several years.
The Crowell family has ser viced the community for sixty years in their time of need. We hope the community knows more than anything else that we care about our neighbors and friends. Our priority is to ser ve our families with love, dignity and care.
