December 30, 2016 — Gwinnett Daily Post

‘SHE’S WITH CARRIE NOW,’ 6A

RING IN 2017 New Year’s Eve events planned in Gwinnett, beyond • Weekend, 3C

Cause of Debbie Reynolds’ death unknown

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

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Vol. 47, No. 63

Former Falcon, Hebron football coach dies

BY WILL HAMMOCK

will.hammock @gwinnettdailypost.com

Former Atlanta Falcons safety Keion Carpenter, an assistant football coach at Hebron Christian, died Thursday morning, a family spokesperson confirmed.

Carpenter, a Buford resident who was just 39, fell

during a run Wednesday in Miami while on vacation with his family. He was in a coma for 24 hours before dying at Jackson South Community Hospital, spokesperson Casay Vaughn told The Baltimore Sun. “They were running to the car when (Carpenter) slipped, fell, hit his head and slipped into a coma,”

Carpenter’s cousin, Jamila Smith, told The Baltimore Sun. “It was just a freak accident. He was always healthy; he went to the doctor, ate well and worked out.”

Carpenter, a Baltimore native, played college football at Virginia Tech and six seasons in the NFL with the Falcons and the Buffalo Bills. He had 14 intercep-

tions and 165 tackles in his NFL career, which was cut short by spinal fusion surgery.

In recent years, Carpenter has been a fixture as a community coach at Hebron, a Dacula private school where his son attends elementary school.

He has helped the young

Former Atlanta Falcons safety and Hebron Christian football coach Keion Carpenter, a Buford resident, died Thursday morning.

(Photo: The Carpenter House)

See COACH, Page 7A

Councilman, AAA want no drunk drivers this weekend

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans@gwinnettdailypost.com

A vast beach stretched behind the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club’s boathouse north of Gainesville on Lake Lanier. That beach would normally be underwater, but it’s been exposed because of the ongoing drought in north Georgia. (Staff Photos: Curt Yeomans)

LEFT HIGH & DRY Drought stalls annual Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Lanier Docks in the cove by Lake Lanier Olympic Park are lower than normal due to falling water levels caused by the ongoing drought. The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, which is on the same cove, has postponed its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge because of unsafe conditions created by the lower water levels.

BY CURT YEOMANS

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

The water level at Lake Lanier hasn’t been much of a friend to the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and its Polar Bear Plunge event the last two years.

A year ago, the club had to postpone its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge because there was too much water in the lake and the club’s boathouse was starting to flood.

Now the club is holding off on announcing a date for the 2017 plunge because there isn’t enough water in Lanier because the ongoing drought

Don’t do it. Don’t drink and drive on New Year’s Eve or Day. That’s the message one local official, as well as AAA Auto Club of the South, has for Gwinnett residents whose plans for ringing in 2017 include drinking alcohol. They are encouraging drivers to have designated drivers with them, or to find some other way of getting home safely through their own, albeit separate, programs.

“The message is don’t drink or drive drunk,” said Snellville City Councilman Bobby Howard, who maintains a drunk driving awareness program called the Snellville Cop Cab. “There are so many options to avoid driving under the influence. You can use Uber or Lyft. All you have to do is push a button on your phone. It’s so easy now.”

The message about avoiding driving under the influence is meant to go out to a large audience. AAA estimates that more than 93 million Americans will likely be on the roads heading to New Year’s celebrations.

Howard plans to park the Cop Cab — a vehicle that is half painted to look like a Snellville police car and half painted to look like a taxi — at Legacy Beverage Center in Loganville as a reminder to Gwinnett drivers on Saturday. The privately funded car references the fact

See DRUNK, Page 7A

MORE ONLINE Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for more photos.

that has caused lake levels to drop is creating new hazards that make the jump unsafe.

“The big concern is how much debris is left from that

flood from last year just under the surface,” club President Tracy Barth said. “We can see some of it, but a lot of it we can’t see, and so there’s

really not a good place to have someone actually jump into the water because we don’t See DROUGHT, Page 7A

The Snellville Cop Cab will be on display Saturday to remind drivers to plan for alternate transportation if they plan on drinking alcohol during New Year’s festivities. (Special Photo)

Barrow Medical Center acquisition becomes official FROM STAFF REPORTS It’s official — Barrow Regional Medical Center will become part of Northeast Georgia Health System, officials announced on Thursday.

“We are excited to welcome BRMC and Barrow Medical Group to the NGHS family,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. The transfer will become effective Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m., according to the announcement. At that point, Barrow Medi-

Group, a multi-specialty provider network within NGHS. Other physicians and locations in the Barrow Medical Group will also join Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, including Bethlehem Primary Care, Barrow Medical Group, Barrow Primary Care, and hospitalists who see patients at NGMC Barrow County Medical Center was acquired by North- Barrow.

All will undergo name east Georgia Health System Thursday. (Special Photo) changes. cal Center will become Barrow Medical will Burrel said she believes Northeast Georgia Medi- also join the Northeast Barrow County residents cal Center Barrow.

Georgia Physicians will see better care be-

cause of the acquisition.

“For the last several years, we have been working to ensure that patients in our area can easily access our extensive healthcare network,” she said.

“The addition of NGMC Barrow and the new NGPG physician offices further increases coordination of care for people in Barrow County.”

NGPG is comprised of more than 300 physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other staffs from more than 25 specialties at more than

50 locations.

NGMC Barrow will become NGHS’ third hospital campus, joining campuses in Gainseville and Braselton.

It’s a big operation, but Burrell said she feels confident the network can keep the Barrow County Medical Center’s local feel.

“As a native of Barrow County, I know that keeping healthcare services local is an important point of pride,” Burrell said.

“And we look forward to continuing that legacy.”

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

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

2A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

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Suwanee police search for Grinch-like package thief FROM STAFF REPORTS

of a man trying to steal packages from their front porch Dec. 22 at about 7:20 p.m., according to a post on the City of Suwanee’s Facebook page.

The suspect was wearing an orange, shortsleeved shirt over a black, long-sleeved one and

Suwanee police are searching for a “Grinch” who reportedly tried to ruin Christmas for a local family.

Surveillance cameras on the family’s front porch captured photos

black pants.

Anybody with information about who this man might be should contact Suwanee Police Department at 770-945-8995.

“They’re going to help his heart grow three sizes,” according to the Facebook post.

Suwanee police are searching for this suspect who tried to steal packages off a resident’s front porch, according to a City of Suwanee Facebook post.

More sewage spills in 2016 caused by grease, flushables

BY CURT YEOMANS curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

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The number of Gwinnett County sewage spills caused by grease and flushables this year equaled the total number of spills caused by any reason in 2015, according to data from the county’s water department.

The increases in just those two categories led to an overall rise in the number of sewage spills in Gwinnett in 2016, going from 30 in 2015 to 43 this year.

The number of greasecaused spills alone went from 11 to 23. Meanwhile, the number of spills caused by flushables went from zero to seven. The increases in those categories were enough to offset decreases seen in other causes of sewage spills in the county.

“If you stop and think ‘should I?’ then you probably shouldn’t,” Department of Water Resources spokeswoman Karen Shields said. “The only things that should really go into the system, from a toilet standpoint, are water, toilet paper and human waste. That’s it. In your sink, in your kitchen, the only thing that should go down there is the water.

“That’s what the system was designed to handle.”

Despite the higher number of spills this year, the total volume of sewage spilled in Gwinnett this year — about 193,863 gallons — was down significantly from the two previous years. About 312,845 gallons were spilled in 2015, while about 724,260

Syria ceasefire deal reached CNN The Syrian government and opposition rebels have

City of Lilburn Schedule of Expenditures of Special Local Option Sales Tax 2009 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Description Administrative Facilities

$

Roads, Streets & Bridges Recreational Facilities Public Safety Facilities & Equipment $

Original Estimated Cost 4,981,935.00 $

Current Estimated Cost 4,981,935.00 $

Prior Years 3,813,199.00 $

Current Year (Unaudited) 551,850.00 $

2,789,884.00

2,789,884.00

2,244,100.00

-

2,244,100.00

996,387.00

996,387.00

741,742.00

-

741,742.00

1,195,665.00

1,195,665.00

676,694.00

-

676,694.00

9,963,871.00 $

9,963,871.00 $

7,475,735.00 $

551,850.00 $

Total 4,365,049.00

8,027,585.00

The City of Lilburn entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2009 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per OCGA 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of original estimated cost, current estimated cost, prior year expenditures, current year expenditures, and the total amount expended for each project listed in the resolution. As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended $8,027,585.00 (unaudited) of the 2009 SPLOST funds.

City of Lilburn Schedule of Expenditures of Special Local Option Sales Tax 2014 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Description Administrative Facilities

$

Roads, Streets & Bridges Recreational Facilities Public Safety Facilities & Equipment $

agreed to terms for a ceasefire in the country’s longrunning civil war, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday.

According to Russian state media TASS, Putin said the two sides had also agreed to enter peace talks to end the conflict that has raged for nearly six years.

The general command of Syria’s military and the Armed Forces said their operations came to a halt early Friday at midnight (5 pm ET Thursday), state-run news

agency SANA reported.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said earlier that Russia and Turkey would be guarantors to the agreement.

Groups considered as terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council, such as ISIS, would be excluded from the agreement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Putin announced the deal at a meeting with Russian foreign and defense ministers.

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Original Estimated Cost 1,144,973.00 $

Current Estimated Cost 1,144,973.00 $

Prior Years 6,737.00 $

Current Year (Unaudited) 712,294.00 $

2,289,946.00

2,289,946.00

705,487.00

1,156,477.00

1,861,964.00

114,497.00

114,497.00

45,284.00

35,015.00

80,299.00

2,175,448.00

2,175,448.00

273,142.00

1,376,300.00

1,649,442.00

5,724,864.00 $

5,742,864.00 $

3,280,086.00 $

4,310,736.00

1,030,650.00 $

112,012 gallons of sewage, which is the second highest volume of sewage spilled because of grease in the last nine years. Only 2008 had a higher volume (133,985 gallons).

Meanwhile, the number of flushable-related spills recorded this year was also the highest number over a nine-year period. In fact, there was only one flushable-related spill listed for the preceding eight years, and that happened in 2010.

About 22 percent of the sewage that spilled this year did so because of flushables, totaling up to 42,354 gallons of sewage spilled around Gwinnett.

County officials urge residents to pour used grease into containers and let them cool and solidify before tossing them in the garbage, rather than pouring it down the drain.

Officials told the Daily Post earlier this year that grease can get harder in a pipe than it can elsewhere, even becoming as hard as concrete.

Shields said even melted ice cream, which is classified as a fat by the water department, can help clog the sewage system if it’s poured down the sink drain.

Elsewhere in the system this year, there were five pipe failures (6,496 gallons spilled), two roots-related issues (7,499 gallons), two third-party damage incidents (4,461 gallons), one “debris”-related incident (8,208 gallons), one pump station or plant operations issue (3,160 gallons), one structure failure (5,018 gallons) and one case of vandalism (4,655 gallons).

Total 719,031.00

The City of Lilburn entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2014 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per OCGA 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of original estimated cost, current estimated cost, prior year expenditures, current year expenditures, and the total amount expended for each project listed in the resolution. As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended $4,310,736.00 (unaudited) of the 2014 SPLOST funds.

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gallons were spilled in 2014.

The latest spill was about 1,435 gallons that spilled into a tributary of Little Mulberry Creek on Wednesday. It came from a force Main on Jim Moore Road near Lawrenceville that experienced a pipe failure because of “third party damage.”

The county’s data shows some justification behind concerns water resources officials have had about grease and flushables. It also shows why they had put effort behind education programs aimed to raise awareness about what they can do to the sewage system.

“It’s really sort of that whole ‘Your toilet is not your trash can’ scenario,” Shields said.

She said that the county is planning to focus on proactive public education and an expansion of its sewer line rapid assessment tool, also known Sewer R.A.T., in 2017 to reduce spills. The Sewer R.A.T. uses acoustic waves to help identify potential clogs.

“Sewer R.A.T. and public education are going to be two more tools in our box so we can further reduce spills in Gwinnett County,” Shields said.

The number of greaserelated spills that occurred in Gwinnett this year is the highest number in the last nine years, according to water department data that goes back to 2008.

Nearly 60 percent of the sewage that spilled in Gwinnett County this year did so because of grease clogs. That amounts to

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Duluth to have activity-filled New Year’s Eve event

BY ERIKA WELLS

erika.wells @gwinnettdailypost.com

Duluth residents can count down to the new year with Georgia native and country crooner Craig Campbell performing downtown for the city’s free event beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“This is everyone; for all ages, especially families with young kids,” said city of Duluth marketing coordinator Amanda Leiba. “We want everyone to enjoy it and bring in

Country artist Craig Campbell will perform on the Town Green for Duluth’s New Years Eve Extravaganza beginning at 7 p.m.

Saturday. (Special Photo)

the new year together as opposed to being just an adult environment.”

This marks the first year Campbell will play on the Town Green at Duluth’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. He will take the stage to perform chartrising song “Outskirts of Heaven.” Also, Campbell is known for his hit “Keep Them Kisses Comin.’”

DJ Rob E will play popular tunes to kick off the event. The modern country band Five Speed will provide opening entertainment followed by the folk rock trio of brothers The High Beams.

Campbell start to

perform at 10:45 p.m., stop for the midnight countdown and fireworks display, and afterward pick up from where he left off.

The icon is a specially designed disco ball with wings and a crown to symbolize the city soaring, said event coordinator Madison Chucci.

“Everyone is usually really excited and there’s a large turnout,” Chucci said. “People stay the entire event to enjoy fireworks and watch the rise of the icon. The rising of icon is what make this

City of Duluth Schedule of Expenditures of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 2001 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Original Estimated Cost

Description of Approved Project Hill Street & SR 120 Realignment

$

1,646,184.00

Current Estimated Cost $

1,834,423.82

Prior Years $

527,368.69

1,307,055.13

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

Total $

1,834,423.82

The City of Duluth entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2001 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution. As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

461946-1

City of Duluth Schedule of Expenditures of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 2004 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Original Estimated Cost 7,000,000.00 $

Current Estimated Cost 8,026,544.40 $

Prior Years 8,026,014.91 $

Public Safety Building

5,962,836.00

6,296,228.61

6,296,228.61

0.00

6,296,228.61

Recreational Facilities

550,000.00

585,093.96

585,093.96

0.00

585,093.96

2,100,000.00

2,214,055.38

2,091,032.95

123,023.43

2,214,055.38

Description of Approved Project Administrative Building

$

Transportation $

15,612,836.00 $

17,121,922.35 $

16,998,370.43 $

Current Year 529.49 $

123,552.92

Total 8,026,544.40

$

17,121,922.35

The City of Duluth entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2004 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution.

As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

461946-2

City of Duluth Schedule of Expenditures of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 2009 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Original Estimated Cost 1,340,000.00 $

Current Estimated Cost 1,195,363.00 $

Prior Years 1.173,688.66 $

Public Safety Building

1,240,000.00

1,117,546.83

1,117,546.83

0.00

1,117,546.83

Sewer

1,340,000.00

999,348.30

45,479.66

34,063.38

79,543.04

Recreational Facilities

7,800,000.00

7,055,000.00

5,647,183.13

50,343.38

5,697,526.51

Transportation

8,200,000.00

7,404,452.71

6,921,217.86

170,075.92

7,091,293.78

19,920,000.00 $

17,771,710.84 $

14,905,116.14 $

254,482.68

Description of Approved Project Parking Facilities

$

$

Current Year 0.00 $

Total 1,173,688.66

$

15,159,598.82

The City of Duluth entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2009 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution.

As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

300363-1

City of Duluth Schedule of Expenditures of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 2014 Issue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 Description of Approved Project Parking Facilities

$

Original Estimated Cost 3,048,184.00 $

Current Estimated Cost 3,048,184.00 $

Prior Years 218,488.80 $

Current Year 1,555,256.19 $

Total 1,773,744.99

Public Safety Facilities & Equipment

725,757.00

725,757.00

325,222.70

251,248.28

576,470.98

Recreational Facilities & Equipment

725,757.00

725,757.00

0.00

1,800.00

1,800.00

9,870,305.00

9,870,305.00

606,800.21

3,677,057.63

4,283,857.84

145,152.00

145,152.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

14,515,155.00 $

14,515,155.00 $

Transportation Administrative Facilities & Equipment $

1,150,511.71 $

5,485,362.10

$

A Lilburn man accused of keeping Xanax, Ecstasy, meth and four guns in his home is behind bars this week.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office booked Thomas Eugene Houston, 36, into jail Wednesday at 2:39 p.m., according to jail records. Dep. Shannon Volkodav said he was just transported from a Department of Corrections facility in Chatham County.

It’s unclear at this time why Houston was arrested in Chatham, but warrants for his arrest in Gwinnett were issued Jan. 21.

Those warrants were issued after sheriff’s office investigators developed a lead that drugs may have been sold from Houston’s house on Lake Knoll Drive, Volkodav said. She said investigators ran into Houston’s mother, the homeowner, when they arrived at the house Jan. 5.

She told them her son had been living there and gave investigators permission to search. They found a collection of illegal guns

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

cailin.obrien @gwinnettdailypost.com

A man arrested in North Carolina in November and accused of a 2015 Norcross bar shooting is now in Gwinnett County Jail, according to jail records.

Jasper Andreas PerezMolina, 26, was booked into jail Thursday at 7 a.m. on charges of murder and aggravated assault and is being held without bond.

It’s been more than a month since Mooresville police arrested Perez-Molina in the North Carolina town 25 miles north of Charlotte. He was held in Iredell County Detention Center awaiting extradition.

Perez-Molina was arrested in connection to the murder of Ezequiel Cruz Ventura, 25, of Norcross about a year ago.

Ventura was dropped off at Gwinnett Medical Center with a gunshot wound

to the chest by an unknown man Dec. 28 at about 1 a.m.

Police later learned Jasper Perez-Molina Ventura was shot in the parking lot at Bukanas Sports Bar on Jimmy Carter Boulevard on Tuesday between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

Ventura died about a week later.

Investigators sought help from the public after speaking with witnesses and reviewing surveillance images from the parking lot.

“I really don’t know why we weren’t called there,” police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said at the time. “The sooner we’re called to any incident, the more likely we are to have a successful outcome. It makes it a little difficult to backtrack.”

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461946-4

and drugs, including more than 400 grams of meth, according to warrants.

What Thomas they did not Eugene Houston find was Houston.

“He wasn’t home when they were there,” Volkodav said.

Houston has been in trouble dealing with meth before. He was convicted in Gwinnett of the felony charge of possessing the drug in 2005, according to warrants. That’s why the three guns officials found in his house pose a problem for the suspect.

He’s charged with four felony counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon along with charges of possessing a schedule I controlled substance, a schedule IV controlled substance and trafficking meth.

He’s being held in the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bail.

Bond was denied because Houston poses the “risk of additional felony,” according to his warrant.

2015 murder suspect extradited from N.C. to Gwinnett County

6,635,873.81

The City of Duluth entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2014 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution.

As of June 30, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

carried on the premises.

Anywhere from about 5,000 to 8,000 people are expected attend, with many likely to show up at sunset with chairs, blankets and tables to stake out a spot before the festivities.

Attendees who set up tables must not block the view of others, and no VIP tables will be sold for the event.

Engage on social media during the extravaganza with #NYEDuluth16 on posts. For more information, visit duluthga.net.

Man suspected of trafficking meth in Lilburn

BY CAILIN O’BRIEN

Current Year $

really unique.”

The city has hosted the event for the last five years, but this time there will be a free photo booth to capture GIF’s — short animated clips — instead of printed photos of visitors.

The popular snow slide will be back for inner tube riders to glide down.

Inflatables will be available to enjoy for a small fee as well as plenty of food vendors. This is a licensed merchant zone event, so alcoholic beverages are allowed to be

4A • Friday, December 30, 2016 To Your Good Health

Keith Roach

Mechanical or tissue heart valve?

DEAR DR. ROACH: My brother, who is 48, has a leaky aortic valve.

It is a birth defect in his bicuspid valve. His health is otherwise excellent.

We have lined up a good surgeon. The problem is that my brother does not know which type of valve to get: mechanical or tissue. The doctor will put in either kind, but he has done a lot of tissue valves because when it needs to be replaced, he uses the valvein-valve technique and can replace it without another surgery.

The tissue valve does not have the clotting problems that the mechanical valve has, but the tissue valves don’t last forever. If the tissue valve lasts 20 years and the replacement lasts 20 more, he still might need another. Our parents passed away at 93 and 90.

The surgeon uses the On-X valve for mechanical valves. We know that it is better, but it still has clotting potential. Do you have any new information on this?

— J.S. ANSWER: There are pros and cons to both mechanical and bioprosthetic (tissue) aortic valves. While I can’t tell you which is better for your brother, I can compare the two generally.

A major advantage to mechanical valves is that the newest generation of valves are expected to last a lifetime. Of course, there are no guarantees, but that is the expectation. However, even valves like the On-X — which has less clotting, as you mention — still require lifelong anticoagulation. The only medication available for this right now is warfarin (Coumadin), which is taken every day and requires periodic blood testing. (The newer oral anticoagulants are not effective in people with mechanical heart valves.) This is easy for some people and hard for others. In addition, you can hear these valves, and while some people have no trouble shutting out the noise, others find this difficult to live with. (When I took my medical-school admission test, the person next to me had a mechanical heart valve, and it was very distracting.)

Bioprosthetic heart valves, usually made from bovine or porcine pericardium, can last 10-20 years and do not require anticoagulation. They are very quiet.

I heard a talk from and spoke with Dr. Aresh Salemi at Cornell, a cardiothoracic surgeon who has been doing research on replacing aortic valves using a catheter, rather than doing open-heart surgery.

The data shows that this technique, which uses bioprosthetic valves, has superior results to openheart surgery in high-risk and moderate-risk patients.

It may be superior in low-risk and average-risk people, as well. Further, if the valve fails, it can be replaced in the same way (which is the valve-in-valve technique you mentioned).

As cardiac surgeons across the country become more expert in this technique, it may (and I expect will) be that catheter-based replacement will largely supersede open-heart surgical valve replacement.

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CANCER (June 21July 22) — Being money DEAR AMY: My famand your guy, your family your cleaner know that smart will keep you Ask Amy ily refuses to forgive my members would have had you are aware of missing stress-free. If you use boyfriend for hitting me many reasons to despise items. If you are certain your imagination, you’ll seven years ago. After his role in your life. she is pilfering, beyond discover new ways to cut this incident we went our If he is back in your this incident, you should costs and save for future separate ways, but after life as a full partner to tell her, “I’m concerned projects or travel. a lot of work we slowly you and if he truly wants that you are taking these LEO (July 23came back together. to be supportive of you, things home with you.

Aug. 22) — Don’t go My boyfriend and I then he should be brave Maybe this is happening overboard, especially have now been together enough to apologize for accidentally, but it needs if you are with clients, for the last three years. causing you and your to stop. I really like you peers or your boss. Your Amy Dickinson He worked very hard to family members so much and think you do a great actions will influence make changes and prove pain. He should apolojob, but I also need to the way others perceive himself to me, but my without him. I miss my gize and ask for forgive- know that all of my beyou. Moderation family refuses to budge. nieces and nephews, but ness. longings will stay in the and diplomacy are We live a very happy my sisters do not want DEAR AMY: I am house.” encouraged. life on our own and work them associating with very sad to confirm that DEAR AMY: I agree VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. very hard on our relation- me. my cleaning woman, with “Disgusted,” who 22) — Take care of your ship, but when the holiHow can I get this who has been coming to took you to task for sayresponsibilities quickly days and family events stalemate to end? my home for about 10 ing parents shouldn’t so that you can move on occur, I am dragged back — No Victim years, is taking items spank their children. to things you find more to that awful place I was DEAR NO VICTIM: from my home. I thought Spanking works, and you enjoyable.

Get together in seven years ago.

You probably can’t get it was happening, but I are an idiot not to realMy family excludes this stalemate to end. didn’t want to accuse her ize it. I assume you don’t with friends or share something special with him from events. They Your guy, however, because I wasn’t sure. have children, otherwise your partner. are not willing to take should certainly try. You However, something ocyou would know that LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. any steps to move fordon’t mention that he has curred that proved that I your so-called “advice” 23) — Problems at home ward. They don’t unmade any effort at all to was right. flies out the window will lead to unexpected derstand when I try to bridge this gap with your I asked her if she knew when you’re dealing with alterations to the way explain that by punishing family, which, after all, where she had put a a bad kid. him through exclusion, he created. specific utensil. She said — Also Disgusted you move forward. If you concentrate on your they are dragging me You make a profound she didn’t see it and she DEAR ALSO: I have health and emotional back and keeping me in point — that when your wasn’t sure what it was. five children, all now the role of victim. family continues to banThe following time, anadults. Spanking doesn’t well-being, you will gain I am 53 years old ish and punish him, you other utensil reappeared work. If it did, the people stability and eliminate and the oldest of three are thrust back into the that had disappeared a who always advocate for insecurity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24sisters. Everyone came role of being a victim. few weeks before. I beit wouldn’t be so angry Nov. 22) — The changes together while I was goHowever, you need lieve this item is what she all the time. you bring about at ing through open heart to understand what a thought I was looking for.

You can contact Amy home will inspire you surgery, but as soon as terrifying experience it These things are inexpen- Dickinson via email: to elaborate on an idea I was back on my feet, is to have a loved-one sive, $10 to $25. askamy@amydickinyou’ve always wanted my family went back to ensconced in a violent I really like her and son.com. Readers may to pursue. Success is judgment and refusing to and abusive relationdon’t want to lose her. send postal mail to Amy in the stars if you follow forgive. ship. It is truly traumatic Can you give me any sug- Dickinson, c/o Tribune through with your plans.

My boyfriend supports for family members to gestions so I can let her Content Agency, LLC., SAGITTARIUS (Nov. me in whatever I decide be pulled through this know not to keep taking 16650 Westgrove Drive, 23-Dec. 21) — Show to do, but I am getting particular knothole. Often things and yet keep her Suite 175, Addison, TX a little discipline and tired of feeling like I there is a long period of cleaning my house?

75001. You can also present what you have to leave myself escalating abuse before — Perplexed follow her on Twitter @ have to offer and want outside the door when the final act — if that DEAR PERPLEXED: askingamy or “like” her to accomplish with I attend family events was the case with you You have already let on Facebook. confidence. Romance and commitment will Call 770-963-9205 or visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com bring you happiness and a better standard of to subscribe to the living.

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Page 5 A • Friday, December 30, 2016

What kind of democracy will Israel be?

WASHINGTON — The opportunity for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may already have expired. The question going forward, then, is what kind of democracy Israel intends to be.

The Obama administration’s frustration with the situation is understandable. The continued building of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is indeed unhelpful, and the decision to abstain on a U.N. Security Council resolution declaring the settlements illegal brought renewed focus and urgency to the problem. To what end, however, is unclear.

When everyone Eugene stops shouting, Robinson Israel will remain one of the United States’ closest allies — and, courtesy of President Obama, the recipient of a $38 billion aid package that will ensure the Jewish state’s military dominance over its neighbors. Palestinian leaders in the West Bank will remain wary of negotiating any sort of two-state deal from a position of weakness. And the passage of time will make facts on the ground — expanding settlements and the ongoing security threat — ever more stubbornly entrenched.

Secretary of State John Kerry’s speech Wednesday on the conflict reflected his and Obama’s annoyance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has stayed in power by indulging the Israeli far right and the settler movement. But why would Netanyahu listen to Kerry’s advice when Donald Trump is about to be inaugurated as president? “Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!” Trump tweeted this week.

Kerry argued that Israel would never be able to improve relations with Arab states until it made peace with the Palestinians. But Israel and key nations such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt now have a common enemy in Iran, which is growing in power and confidence. The proverb about the enemy of my enemy being my friend is always relevant in the Middle East.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he would restart peace negotiations if Netanyahu, in the wake of the Security Council vote, declared a freeze on further settlements. I see no reason to expect Netanyahu to comply, especially since doing so would cost him vital political support — and since the next American president is already encouraging him to “stay strong.” So the bitter stalemate continues.

What vexes Obama — and increasingly angers leaders in Europe — is that the map of a twostate solution was drawn years ago and is gathering dust on disappointed diplomats’ shelves. It involves swaps in which Israel annexes parts of the West Bank that are heavily populated by settlers and the Palestinians receive slices of Israeli land in return. Israel insists that a Palestinian state be essentially demilitarized, which would make it less than fully sovereign. Netanyahu also demands that the Palestinians recognize Israel not just as a state, but as a Jewish state.

Which raises the question of what Israel becomes in the absence of a two-state deal.

“Today, there are … a similar number of Jews and Palestinians living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea,” Kerry said. “They have a choice. They can choose to live together in one state, or they can separate into two states. But here is a fundamental reality: If the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish or democratic — it cannot be both — and it won’t ever really be at peace.”

In several interviews with me over the years, Netanyahu has essentially countered that it is easy to make such observations from the comforts of Foggy Bottom, Whitehall or the Elysee Palace, far beyond the range of the deadly rockets that too often fall on Israeli towns and cities. He is right in this.

But Kerry was also right when he said that “the status quo is leading towards one state and perpetual occupation.” And Netanyahu is dreaming if he does not think this has profound longterm implications for Israel.

How long will it take for the world to conclude that a de facto one-state solution exists? Another year? Five? Ten? The moment will eventually come, and focus will shift to the political rights of the 2.8 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. With Arabs constituting about 35 percent of the population living under Israeli government control (including 1.7 million who already live in Israel proper), how can such a huge minority be permanently denied full participation in the nation’s civic life?

Israel is a vibrant democracy that takes seriously the moral and ethical requirements of Judaism. These are incompatible with perpetual occupation of the West Bank and the denial of basic rights to those who live there. There is no way around this contradiction. Something has to give.

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

UGA’s Kehoe was an international treasure The flags in Cortona, Italy, were at half-staff last week where the citizens of a hilltop town in Tuscany mourned the passing of an American whom they considered their best friend.

It wasn’t a government connection, or a financial connection — but an expression of friendship that was engendered by respect, goodwill and enlightenment on the part of the founder of a program that would align the city with the oldest state chartered university in the United States. When Jack Kehoe settled in Cortona as the head of the University of Georgia art department’s studies abroad program, the Cortonese took note that he generously expected to be a good neighbor and become a part of the fabric of the community. He embraced the populace, and its inhabitants embraced him back.

If you recall the history of the University of Georgia, you conclude that there was a small fraternity of men, which, while exclusively male at the time but has come to include women, who were so special that they were soulful difference makers. They didn’t carp about the way it was. Modest pay, limited resources for the disciplines with which they were associated among other shortcomings.

They, nonetheless, became pacesetters, who made life better for countless Georgians, even those who were so provincial they couldn’t comprehend what was being done

grasses; O. C. Aderhold, former president who fought diligently to improve education in the state; Merton Coulter, the extraordinary historian; Dean Rusk, the former secretary of state under presidents, Kennedy and Johnson, brought international prestige to the Loran Georgia campus.

Smith The name of Jack Kehoe should be added to that illustrion their behalf, and in many ous list. It was he who birthed cases would have spoken out the international classroom for against intellectual gifts from Georgia. Universities across learned men. A man of the America have studies abroad arts often got no respect in programs everywhere from those days. And while Lamar South Samoa to Timbuktu Dodd, the distinguished artist these days, and Georgia has who was head of the UGA art a plethora of such programs department, supported Kehoe, around the globe — but the he was also the bearer of bad first and the inspiration for the news. In essence, “You are on rest was Jack Kehoe’s foundyour own.” There would be no ing of the Cortona program. financial support. Nonetheless, Talk about a bare bones the visionary Kehoe persebudget — none has ever been vered. more depressing. Jack was A roll call of some of the forever pulling his program luminaries who brought sigup by his bootstraps. He was nature achievement include D. a study in dogged determinaW. Brooks, who gave agrition. Buoyed by faith and by culture in our state a shot in accentuating the positive, the the arm for over five decades; Cortona program not only Gene Odum, father of modern became the model for future ecology; the aforementioned programs at UGA, other instiDodd, whose highly acclaimed tutions adopted Jack’s model art gave Georgia an accomas well. plished image which knew no When the Cortona program borders; Dean John E. Drewry, became established, a couple the journalism dean who of institutions made overtures founded the Peabody Awards to see if they could unseat the which the titans of broadcast University of Georgia. They television treasure as much as quickly were rebuffed by the an actor does an Oscar; Glenn Corona city elder elders. The Burton, the genius scientist loyalty that existed between at Tifton, whose research and the citizenry and Kehoe was development are legend in the not suddenly available to the development of agricultural highest bidder. Jack’s gentle-

manly ways and subordinated ego, his intellectual, but modestly driven insightfulness enabled him and Cortona to flourish even when there were Communist mayors. Jack could get along with anybody.

Cortona would evolve from a summer-program-only to a three semester curriculum.

Then the University of Georgia purchased property there and appropriately named a building for him —The John D. Kehoe Cortona Center.

Jack and his charming wife, Marilyn, purchased a flat in Cortona. It was high up in the village which kept him and Marilyn in peak physical condition. They always walked, never taking a taxi.

This invigorating site afforded the most emotionally smashing views.

An accomplished sculptor, Jack spoke fluent Italian. He was a well rounded connoisseur of life — a fine piece of art, a seasoned bottle of Chianti, a Bulldog victory between the hedges, laboring at a kiln, knowing he would be proud of the finished product.

His death doesn’t really leave a void, except emotionally. His legacy of Cortona will live on as one of the truly remarkable contributions ever inspired by a Georgian who gave of himself for the benefit of others, especially those who appreciated the arts.

Loran Smith is co-host of “The Tailgate Show” and sideline announcer for Georgia football. He is also a freelance writer.

Time to undo Obama’s damage to the nation Barrack Hussein Obama campaigned in 2008 on the promise to fundamentally change America — the greatest nation in the history of the world. He didn’t promise to improve it. He didn’t promise to make a great nation even greater. He promised to fundamentally change it.

Voters in America didn’t pause to wonder why one would want to fundamentally change the greatest nation in history. Instead they elected Obama, not once, but twice.

With a mere 22 days left in his administration Obama is hell-bent on doing exactly that.

It is not enough that he has created a health care system that has raised prices so high that millions of middle class Americans can no longer afford the coverage they had before he took office.

It is not enough that he has given Iran, the world’s greatest rogue nation, billions of dollars and a clear path toward nuclear armament.

It is not enough that his misguided comments and actions have created a greater racial divide than we have had in this country since the 1960s and put virtual targets on the backs of every police officer who bravely wears the badge.

None of that is enough for this man. He has also swelled

Darrell Huckaby the welfare rolls, increasing the number of Americans on food stamps astronomically and done nothing about illegal immigration. His plan to combat radical Islamic terror is non-existent. He has weakened America in the eyes of the world, allowed the Russians to re-emerge as a real threat to our country.

And now, on his way out the door, he has orchestrated a United Nations resolution aimed at weakening our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, a resolution that, if allowed to stand, is sure to embolden the enemies of that state and create chaos and even more instability in a region that is already rife with instability.

Even worse than the fact that Obama orchestrated the whole deal and then told the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to abstain from voting, to try and hide his dastardly deception, is the fact

that he and his stooge, John Kerry, are using language that elevates the Palestinians, whose leaders remain in lockstep with Hamas, a stated enemy of the Jewish race, to the same diplomatic level as the nation of Israel.

John Kerry spouts foolish rhetoric claiming that Israel cannot be a legitimate nation and a Jewish state simultaneously, while ignoring the 50 Muslim nations to Israel’s east that have no pretension of offering justice to the minorities within their realm.

The fact is that Israel has repeatedly offered a two-state solution to the Palestinians, but they, time and time again, have refused to sit down at the bargaining table. Their leaders refuse to negotiate or recognize the legitimacy of a Jewish state.

Barack Obama and John Kerry should be ashamed of themselves and the world needs to know that these two bitter politicians do not represent the views of most Americans.

I have long believed Obama to be the most overtly racist president in our nation’s history and now he is proving that he is also the most openly anti-Semite leader we’ve ever had the misfortune of electing to office.

Of course, the sad fact of

the matter is that, here in this country, a number of people will assume that since Obama and Kerry did it, it has to be bad and will rail against the outgoing leaders without having any understanding, whatsoever, of the issue. An equal number of people will assume that since Obama did it it needed to be done and will jump to his defense without knowing the difference between the West Bank of the Jordan and the west bank of the Yellow River in Porterdale.

Of course, the vast majority of Americans will just shrug and pay no attention to the situation at all, and that’s what politicians have been counting on for far too long in this country. Elections have consequences. The ones in 2008 and 2012 had big, big consequences. They allowed our nation to be fundamentally changed.

Angry white men — and women and blacks and Latinos and Asians and people of every color, creed and persuasion — voiced their opinion that we need to begin the process of undoing the damage and changing our country back. Can Jan. 20 get here soon enough? Can Obama do even more damage than he has already done? Stay tuned.

I believe he will give it his best shot.

6A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

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WORLD Brazil’s president to pursue tax reform in 2017

Obama sanctions Russia

BY EVAN PEREZ AND DANIELLA DIAZ

PEOPLE Rob Kardashian leaves hospital

Rob Kardashian left a local hospital Thursday after going there Wednesday President Barack Obama night for treatment, CNN took unprecedented steps has confirmed.

Thursday to retaliate A source with knowledge against alleged Russian of the situation told CNN interference in the 2016 that Kardashian’s trip to the election, prompting vows hospital was related to his from Russian authorities Type 2 diabetes. that Moscow will respond Kardashian went to West in kind.

Hills Hospital near his home The administration in Calabasas, Calif. Shortly described Russia’s inafterwards, his fiancee, Blac volvement as “significant Chyna, and separately his malicious cyber-enabled mother, Kris Jenner, and her activities” and sanctioned boyfriend, Corey Gamble, six Russian individuals and were spotted arriving. TMZ five Russian entities, as was the first to report the well as ordering dozens of hospital visit. He left the Russian diplomats to leave the country. This is the first President Barack Obama took unprecedented steps retaliating against Russia for cy- hospital Thursday.

The “Keeping Up With time the names of Russian ber attacks intended to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election. (CNN) The Kardashians” star, who officials involved in the hacking have become pub- from the White House as well.

Russia will respond to any was diagnosed with Type 2 lic on the sanctions list. and the Treasury DepartObama also said in the “hostile steps” that the U.S. diabetes last year, has said Obama said 35 Russian ment, the government has statement announcing that may take in response to al- his previous hospitalization diplomats have been orsanctioned nine entities the diplomats have been legations of hacking during was a wake-up call.

“I had found out I had dered to leave the country and individuals: the GRU ordered to leave the counthe 2016 election, accordand two Russian comand the FSB, two Russian try, that those individuals ing to the official represen- type 2 diabetes six months before, but I stopped taking pounds are being closed intelligence services; four and their families were tative for the ministry.

French council my insulin,” he told People. under Thursday’s actions. individual officers of the given 72 hours to leave the Russian Foreign Minrules against “I didn’t enjoy the routine.”

“Russia’s cyberactivities GRU; three companies that United States. istry spokeswoman Maria ‘Google tax’ were intended to influence provided material support “These actions folZakharova said similar the election, erode faith in to the GRU’s operations; low repeated private and steps will be taken in Hughley’s tweet PARIS — France’s U.S. democratic instituand two Russian indipublic warnings that we response to the expulsions, sparks outrage Constitutional Council has tions, sow doubt about the viduals for using cyberhave issued to the Rusthough she did not imLOS ANGELES —Coruled against a fiscal mea- integrity of our electoral enabled means to cause sian government, and are a mediately provide further median D.L. Hughley is sure dubbed the “Google process, and undermine misappropriation of funds necessary and appropriate details. Dmitri Peskov, a facing backlash for a tweet tax,” which was aimed confidence in the instituand personal identifying response to efforts to harm spokesman for Russian about Debbie Reynolds’ at making it tougher for tions of the U.S. governinformation.

U.S. interests in violation President Vladimir Putin, death. The legendary actress multinational companies to ment,” a White House Two of the individuof established international told reporters there is “no died on Wednesday, one day minimize their tax paystatement said. “These ac- als on the sanctions list, norms of behavior,” Obama alternative to reciprocal ments in France. tions are unacceptable and Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bo- said in the statement. measures,” adding that Pu- after her daughter, Carrie The council’s ruling on will not be tolerated.” gachev and Alexey Belan, Russia swiftly responded tin is “in no rush to make a Fisher.

Thursday comes as the “Debbie Reynolds died a According to statements are on the FBI wanted list, to the actions Thursday. decision.” government seeks to make day after her daughter did!

France more attractive for Black Mama’s don’t die foreign businesses after cuz they kids do! They cry

by Jodi.

Britain’s decision to leave “I felt very upset but then and say God don’t make no the European Union. very angry because it’s just mistakes!” Hughley wrote The “Google tax” target- Trump tax reforms on Wednesday night, not not fair that because I was ing multinationals that long after Reynolds’ death born a girl they won’t let could depend use different countries’ was confirmed. me in,” Joe told CNN. on ‘scoring’ panel tax regimes to reduce tax Hughley’s mentions Kristie Maldonado, WASHINGTON — liabilities had initially been Joe’s mother, says she told quickly filled up with users included in France’s 2017 President-elect Donald who were upset by his atthe Scouts chapter before Trump’s goal of overhaulbudget law, but the govtempt at humor. registering Joe that he’s ing the U.S. tax code in ernment has since said it One user wrote, “As a transgender. She says she 2017 will depend partly has reservations about the human being you could was told the Scouts policy on the work of an obscure plans. is to “go by birth certificate, have more compassion. congressional committee As a father you could have what you’re born with.” tasked with estimating how more heart. As a comedian, PM aims to unite U.S. President-elect Donald Trump delivers brief remarks much future economic you should have a seat.” To to reporters at the Mar-a-lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla., Imprisonment ‘lacerated’ Italy growth will result from tax on Wednesday. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst) which Hughley responded, rate at lowest in “Nah!! As a comedian I ROME — Italy’s new cuts. prime minister, Paolo GenRobert Leo Hulseman.

Known as the Joint p.m., Webb said. should say what I see.”

U.S. since 1997 tiloni, said on Thursday He’s the man who inventCommittee on Taxation, or Both soldiers were from Another responded, WASHINGTON — The “Somehow you have manthat he aimed to restore ed the red Solo cup, staple JCT, the nonpartisan panel the Texas Army National unity and cohesion follow- assigns “dynamic scores” at every party ever. He died U.S. prison population fell aged to trivialize the death Guard’s 1st of the 149th of two beloved phenoms and the most in almost four ing a divisive referendum, to major tax bills in Conlast week at age 84.

Attack Helicopter Battalthe pain of black mothers decades to 1.53 million and continue the economic gress, based on economic The Solo Cup Co. was ion. Their names cannot be who lost their kids.” inmates in 2015, resulting reforms begun by his premodels, to forecast a bill’s released until their families the family business — in the lowest rate of incardecessor, Matteo Renzi. ultimate impact on the are notified through proper Hulseman’s dad started it Speaking at the prime ceration in a generation, the Serena Williams in 1936 — and Hulseman federal budget. The higher military protocol, Webb minister’s traditional year- a tax bill’s dynamic score, said at a news conference started working in the com- Department of Justice said gets engaged end news conference, Gen- the more likely it is seen on Thursday. pany factory when he was Wednesday evening.

NEW YORK — World tiloni, 62, who took office as spurring growth, raising The drop has been driven 18, according to his obit on Their bodies have been No. tennis player Serena less than three weeks ago, tax revenues and keeping by changes in federal and Legacy.com. located, and search-andWilliams has become ensaid he would try “to mend the federal deficit in check. recovery operations are state corrections policies Sometime in the 1970s, the many lacerations that Hulseman came up with the that include drug treatment gaged to Alexis Ohanian, underway, he said. co-founder of the social are threatening our social programs and the sentencThe helicopter had lifted now-ubiquitous cups that 2 soldiers die in media company Reddit. fabric and our cohesion.” ing of fewer nonviolent are such a party staple. off from Ellington Field helicopter crash Joint Reserve Base in The former foreign “Down on 1 knee. He drug offenders to federal minister took over when Two soldiers died when Houston, said U.S. Coast prisons, the department said said four words. And/r/ Boy Scouts bar Renzi resigned after almost their helicopter crashed isaidyes,” the 35-yearin its year-end report on Guard Houston spokesman transgender boy prison populations. three years in power after into Galveston Bay on old American said on Petty Officer Andy KendAll 8-year-old Joe Malhis constitutional reform Wednesday, according the social media site on Roughly one in 37 U.S. rick. donado wanted was to keep adults was under some form Thursday. plan was rejected in a Dec. to Texas Army National hanging out with his Cub 4 referendum.

Guard Chief Warrant Of“I came home. A little of correctional supervision Inventor of red Renzi, who leads the Scouts friends. ficer Glen Webb. at the end of 2015, the low- late. Someone had a bag Solo cup dies ruling Democratic Party, But after a month of The two service mempacked for me. And a carest rate since 1994.

2016 is still not done. wants to make a comeback bers had been participating science experiments and riage awaited. Destination: The number of federal Before we lost George and is pushing for an elecbarbeques at a New Jersey in what Webb described Rome … back to where and state inmates at the Michael, Carrie Fisher and chapter, he was told he’s no end of 2015 was down tion in the spring, a year as “a routine training our stars first collided.” ahead of schedule, but Gen- flight.” The AH-64 Apache Debbie Reynolds this week, longer welcome.

The New York-born by 35,500, or 2.3 percent, tiloni avoided giving any The reason he was given: from the year before, in the Ohanian, 33, confirmed the helicopter crashed into the we lost someone who’s news on his Facebook page, probably had just as big an He was born a girl. hints on how long his own water near the Bayport biggest drop since 1978, it writing: “She said yes.” government would last.

Joe is transgender. Until said.

Cruise Terminal in the city impact on our lives, though — From wire reports of Pasadena at about 3:50 — From wire reports you’ve never heard of him: two years ago, he’d gone — From wire reports BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazil will seek to simplify its tax code in 2017, President Michel Temer said on Thursday, aiming to expand reforms following earlier proposals to modify the pension system and labor laws.

Since taking office after the ouster of his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff, Temer has pledged to pursue structural reforms in order to lift Brazil from its deepest economic recession in decades.

This month, Congress sanctioned his proposal to limit growth of public spending for the next 20 years, clearing the way for votes on other measures.

The pension system must be overhauled if the spending cap is to have real effect.

CNN

NATION

Star of silver screen, Debbie Reynolds is ‘with Carrie now’ Debbie Reynolds, seen here in 2012, died Wednesday.

(CNN)

BY STEVE ALMASY AND AZADEH ANSARI CNN

Two days. Two deaths of iconic Hollywood actresses who were also mother and daughter.

Debbie Reynolds died Wednesday at 84, one day after daughter Carrie Fisher’s death.

It’s unclear why Reynolds died — she had complained of breathing problems, an unnamed sourced told the Los Angeles Times — but she was reeling emotionally from losing her daughter,

MUST READ who was 60.

“She spoke to me this morning and said she missed Carrie,” Reynolds’ son Todd Fisher said.

“She’s with Carrie now.”

In late November in an interview on WHYY’s “Fresh Air,” host Terry Gross spoke with Fisher about her mother.

“She’s an immensely powerful woman, and I just admire my mother very much,” Fisher said.

“She also annoys me sometimes when she’s, you know, mad at the nurses,” Fisher said, referring to a time years ago when Reynolds was ill. “But, you know, she’s an extraordinary

woman, extraordinary.

“There are very few women from her generation who worked like that, who just kept a career going all her life and raised children and had horrible relationships and lost all her money and got it back again. I mean, she’s had an amazing life, and she’s someone to admire.”

Reynolds was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1950s and 1960s. Born Mary Frances Reynolds, she was a bubbly singer, dancer and actress who starred in “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

Gross asked Fisher in November what it was like being raised by a famous mother.

“Well, I had to share her, and I didn’t like that,” Fisher said.

“When we went out, people sort of walked over me to get her.

And, no, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it. ... I overheard someone saying, well, she thinks she’s so great because she’s Debbie Reynolds’ daughter. And I didn’t like it. It made me different from other people, and I wanted to be the same.”

About “Singin’ in the Rain,” Fisher said she “always liked it.”

“It’s brilliant,” she told Gross. “... What was interesting to me is that there’s three people acting in the movie then. It’s two men and a female. And it’s the same with ‘Star Wars.’ And both movies were sort of, you know, iconic.”

Friday, December 30, 2016 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Answering questions about pansies, tall fescue lawns Tim Daly of the Gwinnett Extension answers questions from readers: Question: I have a fair number of pansies planted in my garden. What steps should I take to keep them healthy and attractive during the winter months?

— Paul in Grayson Answer: Paul, pansies are a species of violets that are considered winter annuals — that means they complete their life cycle during the cooler weather months. However, this is not to say that they are immune from cold damage.

Hard freezes can cause harm, although it seldom kills the plants. It causes the leaves to turn yellow to brown and decreases flowering. If a hard freeze is forecasted, consider

Gardening in Gwinnett

casional application of fertilizer is helpful. Pansies prefer ones with the nitrate form of nitrogen since it is easier for them to absorb.

Q: I was unable to seed my tall fescue lawn over this past fall. Can I put the seed out now? Is it too late or will the seed germinate?

— Jan in Duluth Tim Daly A: Jan, now is not the time to overseed your lawn covering the plants with with fescue seed. Both the a light layer of pine straw air and soil temperatures and then removing it after- are too cold for the seed ward. Periodically remove to germinate. The seed dead flowers to promote will sit there, and a small the production of more amount may come up and blossoms and cut back maybe a little more in the dead foliage. Make sure spring, but most will not the plants have moist soil and much of it will rot since the winter winds can with the environmental cause it to dry out, making conditions. You can apthe plants more susceptible ply seed in March when to freeze damage. An octhe conditions are more

one of its tow trucks to to take the driver and his or that drunk drivers can eiher car home for free. ther go home by cab, or go The offer is available to jail in a cop car if they to drivers who live within drive under the influence. 10 miles of the place they Meanwhile, the auto need to be picked up from. club is partnering with “This next week is usuBudweiser throughout the ally the busiest time of the holidays to offer another year for Tow to Go, but it option for drivers who doesn’t have to be,” Amy drink alcohol and become Stracke, managing direcunfit to drive themselves tor of traffic safety advohome: Their Tow to Go cacy for AAA and execuprogram. tive director of the ACG Drivers can call a line Traffic Safety Foundation, maintained by AAA besaid in a statement just tween now and 6 a.m. on before Christmas. “Please Jan. 2 if they have conplan ahead to make sure sumed too much alcohol, you and your loved ones and the auto club will send get home safely.”

several plants, including blueberries, apples, figs, native azaleas, and other plants at affordable prices.

To download an order form, go to the Extension website at www.ugaextension.org/gwinnett/ and on the left side of the page, click on ‘Agriculture and Natural Resources.’ Click on the tab ‘2017 Plant Sale and Flyer,’ which will have all of the pertinent information. You can also contact the Gwinnett County Extension office for one to be mailed to you.

Timothy Daly is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with Gwinnett County Extension. He can be reached at 678-377-4010 or tdaly@ uga.edu.

Although the Tow to Go program and the Snellville Cop Cab take different approaches, they share a common theme of encouraging drivers to drink responsibly and make arrangements to get home safely if they drink too much.

The Cop Cab is the newer effort, having been created about two-and-ahalf years ago. Similar cop cabs exist in other Georgia cities, such as Savannah and Pooler. Howard said he was inspired to create one for Snellville by his own experience where he got in trouble as a youth

for driving while under the influence.

Although it’s partially a Snellville cop car, it’s designed to be a reminder for all Gwinnett residents and Howard takes it to locations around the county. It even has its own website, www.snellvillecopcab.com, as well as its own Facebook page.

“It’s a personal thing for me,” Howard said.

“When I was 16 years old, I was an underage kid who drank and drove, and I flipped my car on my way home. … I don’t want anybody to do it. They might not make it out alive

like I did.”

Meanwhile, the Tow to Go program has been around since 1998, and AAA and Anheuser-Busch officials said they have helped more than 24,000 drunk drivers in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee get home safely since then.

The phone number for the service is 855-2869246.

“The Tow to Go program is an effective way to promote the use of Designated Drivers and help prevent impaired driving,” Anheuser-Busch Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility

Katja Zastrow said in a statement. “We are proud to partner with AAA and their roadside assistance drivers to help keep our roads safe.”

AAA has also created an online “Great Pretenders Party Guide” that offers party hosts tips to have a successful New Year’s Party with various nonalcoholic drink recipes as well as appetizers, such as spicy cheese balls and easy stuffed mushrooms, to go with them. The guide is available at http:// autoclubsouth.aaa.com/ Assets/PDFs/GreatPretendersPartyGuide.pdf.

Coach

football program the past four seasons, and Lions athletic director Taylor Davis assumed Carpenter planned to come back for the 2017 season.

“Keion was full of life, full of passion, intensity,” Davis said. “He displayed it every Friday night when we played. He ran a kids camp for us a few years ago. Just a great guy, a great family. It’s tragic what took place. Our hearts go out to him and his family in this tough time.”

Kevin Shaffer, Hebron’s head football coach, reached out to Carpenter about helping with the school when he took over the program in 2013. The two were former Falcons teammates.

“Just a great guy,” Shaffer said. “I’m humbled by fact he would come out and help us. I was talking to another friend of mine, (former Falcon) Allen Rossum, and I was trying to get him to tell me about defense.

He said if you really want a defensive guru, you better

call Keion. I talked to him and he said absolutely he would help. … He was out there every day helping out, even before his son came to Hebron. He just came out and helped us get better.

“He’s the guy I used for pre-game speeches. Most of time I’d ask him to do pre-game speeches because he had so much motivation, so many good, positive stories to tell. I know he grew up in a bad situation on the streets, didn’t have a father. He always said football saved his life, got him off the streets and helped him out. I also always knew football took toll on his body. He would come to practice and have to sit down after a while.

I asked him about it. If he stood up for awhile, his knees bothered him, neck bothered him.”

In addition to coaching high school football, Carpenter founded The Carpenter House, which assists needy families in finding homes, in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, Tonia Carpenter, and four children.

obituaries

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

SNELLVILLE

LAWRENCEVILLE

Jacqueline Derouen

Addie Seagle

Jacqueline Derouen, age 68 of Snellville, GA passed away on December 29, 2016. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Miss Addie I. Seagle, age 86 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on December 28, 2016. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

COMPLETE CREMATION $ 79500 www.peachtreecremation.com

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you can place the pots in saucers with some small pebbles and water to increase the humidity.

Also, you can use a spray bottle to mist the plants.

Also, ensure the plants are receiving adequate amounts of sunlight, which varies amongst plants. The rubber plant tolerates areas that have full sun to partial sunlight whereas Boston ferns prefer places that receive indirect sunlight.

For more information on houseplants, please refer to the Extension publication Growing Indoor Plants with Success at http://extension.uga. edu/publications/detail. cfm?number=B1318.

The 2017 Annual Gwinnett County Extension Plant Sale offers

Drunk

•From Page 1A

•From Page 1A

favorable and get adequate germination. However, the best times for seeding are September and early October. The grass will have a chance to become more established during the cooler weather and be better able to withstand the hot and dry conditions of the following summer.

Q: I have numerous houseplants throughout my home. Some are inside year-round, and others were brought in from the outside. What steps can I take to ensure they stay healthy during the winter?

— Eve in Sugar Hill A: Eve, home heating systems produce dry air that can cause your plants to lose moisture rapidly.

Periodically check them for water. In some cases,

678-413-0104

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Visitors try to continue enjoying Clarks Bridge Park north of Gainesville despite a drastic drop in water levels caused by the ongoing drought. The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, which is located next to the park, has postponed its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge because of unsafe conditions created by the drought. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

•From Page 1A know what’s just below the surface.”

The club is eyeing an early February date for what would be its 25th annual plunge, but even that seems unlikely based on how much the lake levels would need to rise by then. The lake’s midnight pool level was sitting at 1,060.26 on Wednesday, according to official lake level data maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Gwinnett County and the lower part of Lake Lanier are classified as being in an extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The monitor’s website, however, shows that the area where the Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club is located — next to Lake Lanier Olympic Park — is just inside a more severe “exceptional drought” area.

In its review of national drought conditions for this week, officials at the Drought Monitor noted that while there has been some rain in recent weeks, “streaks of significant rain notably bypassed core drought areas” in north Georgia.

“It’s kind of ironic because last year, we were

Drought dealing with the opposite situation where we were flooded,” Barth said.

“Where the boathouse is located, for whatever reason, typically all of the limbs and different debris washes up into our cove.

“Last year, we were actually able to gather up two roll off bins full of tree limbs, but there were a lot that settled right around our boat docks.”

Barth said the lake would need to rise about five to six feet by February in order for organizers to feel it was safe enough to hold the plunge. She said the cove north of Gainesville where the club’s boathouse is located has become very shallow because of the drought.

“We’re kind of at a standstill until we get rain,” she said. “As the venue manager puts it, he said it would take rain of GDP proportions - 12/30/16 to get biblical it back to where it needs to be over the next month to try to get those (docks) repositioned to where it’s safe.”

Barth said she and other club officials will meet in January to discuss what to do about setting a date for the plunge. One possibility is merging it with a long distance event the club typically holds in March as a kickoff to its

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

season.

“Hopefully, we’ll continue to get more rain and we can reposition the boat docks where it’s safe for the access and we’ll have more water so that when people, we don’t have to be concerned about them hitting anything,” she said.

The uncertainty about when the plunge will be held is only one of the problems the drought has inflicted on the club since it began slowly draining the lake last spring.

The club’s docks have had to be moved further and further out about a half dozen times to remain usable. Several of the docks are entirely on land now.

“There’s about 10 feet of the dock, 10 to 15 feet, that is actually on land,” Barth said. “It’s pretty bad. The whole entire cove back there — there’s a part of it that’s just completely dry. It’s been a long time since it’s been that low, but people take for granted it’s not on deep water. … Factor that in with the drought and it looks really bad.”

She said the club can’t keep moving the docks.

“They can’t be relocated at this time unless we get a lot more rain, which does cause a concern because the access to the

docks — we’re worried about our participants and the access to the docks,” Barth said. “It’s kind of unsafe. they’re very slippery because of the way they’re sloped.”

The club ran into issues positioning its docks for its annual dragon boat races. As a result, the club could only offer half as much dock length as it would normally have for the races, and it had to split up the entry points.

If the drought doesn’t end soon and cause Lanier to fill back up, the inability to hold the Polar Bear Plunge won’t be the last problem for the club either.

Barth said the club’s start docks and platforms that are used for racing are now on land, which will impact its ability to host competitions in the coming months.

“We have a huge event coming up in May, we’re going to host U.S. trials — U.S. national team trials,” she said. “Even right now, we would typically need 18 star platforms and we only have access to nine.

We’re pretty much going ahead and letting them know we can only have nine platforms because the other nine are completely on land and they can’t be moved.”

8A • Friday, December 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

GGC president applauds low rates on student loans

By Keith Farner

percent borrowed at least one type of It’s a topic that’s perloan. vasive throughout higher Part of education, and a subject the reason that comes up often among the debt Stas the leadership in colPreczewski is low is leges and state government because the across Georgia.

GGC tuition is $129 per First lady Sandra Deal credit hour and is capped even mentioned it at at 15 credit hours, even if the summer graduation a student takes additional ceremony in August for courses or credit hours.

Georgia Gwinnett College. GGC has raised its tuition She was glad to hear that only $7 since 2008. For student loan debt is not as commuters, for example, much of a burden among tuition is less than $6,000 GGC students as students per year. at other schools.

That’s despite GGC still “Look at your finances,” working with a more than she said. “The best free$1 million cut annually as dom, other than living in future funding is held bethis free country, is to be cause of the startup money free of debt. Pay off every- the school received. thing you can as quickly as “I keep telling (students) you can to get out of debt, if they’re willing to invest to give you the freedom to in a new car at $25,000 or do the things you want to $26,000, that in 10 years is do with your money and worth less than when they your life. Because that is a bought it, in fact becomes weight around your neck.” worthless after about 15 GGC President Stas Pre- years,” Preczewski said. czewski discussed it earlier “For less than that, they this month with the Gwin- can invest themselves. We nett legislative delegation know that they’re more when he said the school’s likely to be employed, just graduates had the second- about double a high school lowest debt among gradu- diploma. So we’re getting ates in the South at about that idea into them.” $18,000 on average. But That part of the students’ U.S. News and World Re- education still leaves port also noted that among something to be desired, 2015 GGC graduates, 73 and that’s why Preczewski keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

said the school hired a full-time debt counselor to advise students, including some who don’t realize the debt has to be paid back.

The debt counselor hire has helped the school drop its default rate from about 22 percent to about 12 percent, he said.

“Many students don’t need to take out loans, but they’re available to take out loans from the federal government, and we’re not allowed to tell them no,” Preczewski said, adding that the school’s addressed the subject at a national level. “We are forced to take loans even if they’re bad loans.”

Preczewski shared that he told a student he personally counseled, that not only does the loan have to be paid back, but with interest.

“I am interested in the loan,’” Preczewski recalled the student saying. “Did not understand what interest was, let alone what a loan was.”

Preczewski also noted that while rising tuition costs are often criticized, that doesn’t tell the whole story.

“The costs aren’t rising very much at all,” he said.

“It’s the price and who’s paying that as funding levels from other areas have been cut.”

The annual Flashlight 5K race benefiting Family Promise of Gwinnett will return to Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church on New Year’s Eve this year. (Special Photo)

New Year’s Eve 5K event to help fight homelessness From Staff Reports This year’s Flashlight 5K participants are hoping for good weather as they take off at dark for the race to benefit a Lawrenceville-based nonprofit this Saturday.

Proceeds from the run/walk, which will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, will go to Family Promise of Gwinnett County, which is is an effort to end

Atlanta-area commission official to speak at Gwinnett Chamber event From Staff Reports

the State of the Region The chairman of the Address at Atlanta Regional Comthe Hilton mission, official planning Atlanta agency for the 10-county NorthAtlanta region, will kick east, 5993 off the Gwinnett ChamPeachtree Kerry ber’s new luncheon series Industrial Armstrong Jan. 13.

Blvd., in Kerry Armstrong will Norcross. be the featured guest He has served on the as part of the new the commission’s Board of signature monthly series Directors nearly 10 years that includes high-profile and is in his second term speakers. The series that as chairman. Armstrong formally was called gener- has been in commeral membership meetings is cial real estate almost now known as On Topic.

30 years and holds the Armstrong will deliver position of Managing

Director — Development Partner with the Atlantabased Pope & Land Real Estate.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are $55 for members and $60 for guests.

To participate in the program as a partner, contact Senior Programs & Events Manager Cally D’Angelo at 678-9574958 or CDAngelo@ GwinnettChamber.org.

For more information and to register, visit gwinnettchamber.org.

CITY OF GRAYSON

SPLOST PROCEEDS/SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES 2014 ISSUE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 ORIGINAL EST. COST

CURRENT EST. COST

PRIOR YEAR

CURRENT YEAR

TOTAL

$1,047,547

$1,047,547

$245,068

$123,361

$368,429

RECREATION FACILITIES

$335,215

$335,215

$0

$9,030

$9,030

ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES

$13,967

$13,967

$11,570

$0

DESCRIPTION ROADS

$11,570

The City of Grayson entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distribution of the proceeds generated by the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Referendum.

Per OCGA Sec. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of original estimated cost, current estimated cost, prior year expenditures, current year expenditures and the total amount expended for each purpose listed in the resolution. As of August 31, 2016, the City had expended $389,029.

461886-1

CITY OF DACULA 2014 SPLOST FUND as of 12/31/2016 Original Estimated Total Roads, Streets, Bridges Public Safety Facilities & Equipment Recreational Facilities & Equipment Administrative Facilities Water & Sewer

(ALL DEPARTMENTS)

SPLOST Collected

Expenditures

$ 1,068,137.00 $ 46,542.00 $ 30,252.00 $ 614,353.00 $ 567,812.00

2014 2015 2016

$ 332,594.22 $ 629,438.29 $ 698,859.44 $1,660,891.95

2014 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2014 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2014 Recreational Facilities 2014 Administrative Facilities 2014 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

36,512.50 18,653.75

2015 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2015 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2015 Recreational Facilities 2015 Administrative Facilities 2015 Water & Sewer

$ $ 14,393.98 $ 4,274.44 $ 540,960.14 $ 306,634.21

2016 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2016 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2016 Recreational Facilities 2016 Administrative Facilities 2016 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

Total

$ 956,226.49

13,793.06 21,004.41 -

The City of Dacula entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distributions of the proceeds generated by the 2014 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution. As of December 31, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

462252-1

homelessness.

Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 4 p.m. The 5K will begin at 6 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

The course is a double loop on paved streets starting at the warehouse at the church at 395 W. Crogan St. The finish will be in the bank parking lot across the street.

Streetlamps will be on, but participants should have a flashlight

or headlamp. Runners and walkers may dress up in New Year’s-themed running clothes, but all apparel must be safe and tasteful, according to organizers.

The entry fee is $30 and includes a race Tshirt while supplies last.

This year’s course is USATF Certified and Peachtree Quailifying race. For more information or to register, visit familypromisegwinnett. org/event/flashlight-5k

CITY OF DACULA

2009 SPLOST FUND as of 12/31/2016 Original Estimated Total Roads, Streets, Bridges Public Safety Facilities & Equipment Recreational Facilities Administrative Facilities Water & Sewer

SPLOST Collected

Expenditures

$ 2,183,990.00 $ 39,709.00 $ 158,836.00 $ 1,389,812.00 $ 198,545.00

(ALL DEPARTMENTS)

$ 3,163,225.79

2009 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2009 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2009 Recreational Facilities 2009 Administrative Facilities 2009 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

35,560.39 6,130.00 -

2010 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2010 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2010 Recreational Facilities 2010 Administrative Facilities 2010 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

4,148.61 18,610.39 392,920.95 7,840.00

2011 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2011 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2011 Recreational Facilities 2011 Administrative Facilities 2011 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

19,130.23 37,962.17 1,753.75

2012 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2012 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2012 Recreational Facilities 2012 Administrative Facilities 2012 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

48,113.36 456,820.57 27,929.56

2013 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2013 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2013 Recreational Facilities 2013 Administrative Facilities 2013 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

2,875.50 415,987.17 160,061.69

2014 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2014 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2014 Recreational Facilities 2014 Administrative Facilities 2014 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

787,150.31 1,446.28 51,998.50 -

2015 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2015 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2015 Recreational Facilities 2015 Administrative Facilities 2015 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

584,784.98 1,065.59 -

2016 Roads, Streets, Bridges 2016 Public Safety Facilities & Equip 2016 Recreational Facilities 2016 Administrative Facilities 2016 Water & Sewer

$ $ $ $ $

755,931.64 -

Total

$3,970,892.00

$3,163,225.79

$3,818,221.64

The City of Dacula entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Gwinnett County for the use and distributions of the proceeds generated by the 2009 special purpose local option sales tax referendum. Per O.C.G.A. 48-8-122, the City is required to issue an annual report of cost estimates and expenditures for each project listed in the resolution. As of December 31, 2016, the City had expended these funds in the above amounts on the approved projects listed.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 • 9A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Costly Joint-Pain Twitter users’ 2017 wish Injections Replaced list: Get rid of harassment

By New $2 Pill

BY SELENA LARSON

better in 2017.

The cofounder asked his 3.9 million Twitter followTwitter CEO Jack ers on Thursday to chime Dorsey wants to know how in on how it can improve in to make the social platform the year ahead.

CNN

Proven pain reliever no longer requires painful and expensive injections; new pill boosts the same lubricating joint fluid without using a needle. Users report dramatic relief from swelling, pain and stiffness without side effects and expense.

By: E. M. Abrams Health News Syndicate

PREVIEW DAY FRIDAY, 10AM-9PM!

HNS - A popular needle injection for people with joint pain is now available in an inexpensive nonprescription pill. The breakthrough came when researchers discovered a way to deliver the injected “relief molecule” through the digestive system.

All this without spending over $600 on needle injections and taking trips to the doctor every week.

The medical community is very excited about this new breakthrough. Dr. Jacob Moss says, “Synovia is a great option for those suffering from Osteoarthritis. Injections are usually a last resort because of the pain and expense. However, Synovia should be taken at the first sign of pain.”

New Discovery The needle injection procedure has been given to hundreds of thousands of patients over the last several years.

Doctors use the shots to boost a critical element of the joint called synovial fluid.

This lubricating fluid is found between the cartilage and bones of every joint.

According to the firm’s head of R&D, Mike McNeill, “Researchers have been working for years to find a way to boost this fluid noninvasively. The problem was the molecule used in the injections was too large to absorb into the bloodstream.”

Top scientists conquered this obstacle by finding a smaller form of the same molecule.

This new glucose form is easily absorbed by your stomach and intestines!

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Now those who suffer from joint pain can get relief without painful injections. At less than

After just 30 days, more than 8 out of 10 people who took Synovia’s active ingredient had NO swelling. However, only 2 out of 10 people who took the NSAID experienced reduced swelling.

The study also looked at cases of severe swelling.

Amazingly, zero cases of severe swelling were detected in the group taking the active ingredient found in Synovia. This means it was 100% effective for the cases of severe swelling!

In contrast, 9 out of 10 people taking the NSAID still had severe swelling.

McNeill points out, “The impressive thing about this study is the active ingredient wasn’t tested against a fake pill.

It was up against one of the most popular NSAIDs people use every day. It’s easy to see why people in pain are excited to get relief without an injection.”

The New Way It Delivers Relief Getting relief without injections has big advantages. The most obvious is avoiding being stuck by a large needle every week for 5 weeks.

Another downside of injections is the doctor can “miss”. The needle needs to be inserted into a precise spot in the joint to work. Otherwise, you risk the treatment being ineffective.

In contrast, boosting your lubricating joint fluid by taking a pill is painless. Also, delivering the relief molecule orally

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Dr. Moss adds, “The research behind the active ingredient in Synovia is very exciting.

This product is a great choice for those who haven’t had success with other joint pain treatments.”

Current supplies of Synovia are limited, and callers that don’t get through to the order hotline within the next 48 hours will have to pay more and possibly wait until more inventory is produced. This could take as long as 6-8 weeks.

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The new delivery system for this molecule has caught the attention of leading medical doctors.

Dr. Gerardo Pereira, a renowned surgeon from Florida says, “Injections aim to boost synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint.

Those suffering from joint pain usually have very little of this fluid. Synovia helps relieve pain by boosting this key lubricant without needles.”

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“Needle injections for joint pain have been around for years because they work. Being able to get the same relief molecule through a pill is amazing. Injections may be a last resort, but I’d recommend Synovia at the first sign of pain,” said Dr. Marie Laguna.

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The new pill, called Synovia, delivers the same “relief molecule” as the injections.

However, it has some impressive advantages.

First, it’s inexpensive and non-prescription.

Also, relief is delivered to every joint in the body because it enters the bloodstream through the digestive system.

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Top US clinics have used these needle injections for years because they deliver powerful relief.

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“… what’s the most important thing you want to see Twitter improve or create in 2017?” Dorsey tweeted.

Many users requested a tweet-editing feature. After asking for more details on how that might work, he said, “We’re thinking a lot about it.”

He added that the move would be a big change for the service since tweets are often the public record.

Users also requested a better way to bookmark shared articles.

Another suggested area for improvement: A more efficient way to cut down on harassment.

2016 was a banner year for vitriol and harassment, much of which stemmed from tweets. Journalists were targeted with anti-Semitic hate speech and violent threats; actress Leslie Jones became a victim of a harassment campaign; and Pepe the Frog — widely shared as an anti-Semitic and racist icon — became the first internet meme designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League.

Online harassment had repercussions offline, too.

When President-elect Donald Trump attacked an Indiana union leader on Twitter, the man received online threats and harassing phone calls.

Dorsey’s tweet received an onset of replies asking for a comprehensive plan to get rid of those who use the platform to harass others.

“We’ve been working on our policies and controls,” Dorsey said.

Twitter users also urged Dorsey to be more transparent around the harassment reporting process.

Although the company frequently updates policies on abuse and harassment, it’s unclear how Twitter decides to keep certain tweets up while deleting others.

In a survey conducted by BuzzFeed of 2,700 Twitter users, about 90% of respondents said the social network did nothing after they reported abuse.

Internal struggles continue to hamper the company, too. Twitter lost six of its 10 executives this year and laid off 350 employees this year. It also shutdown its social video app Vine in October.

Dorsey didn’t elaborate on what protections or features might come to Twitter next year, but if his tweet is any indication, change is certainly top of mind.

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sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

Fast start propels Buford girls to win over Dacula

By Colin Hubbard

Falcons 81-40 in a game in which the Wolves scored a season-high 38 first-quarter LOGANVILLE — points.

The Buford Wolves girls The last Wolves’ team basketball team rode into to start the season 11-0 the Grayson Ram Classic was the 2009-10 team that finale with a perfect 10-0 started 12-0 and finished record and were looking to with a 29-4 record. move their win streak to 11 Wolves’ head coach Gene with a win over the Dacula Durden was able to give his Falcons. alternates extended playThe Falcons sit one ing time in the win, but that GHSA classification higher, didn’t stop the high-flying but that didn’t stop the starters from making their Wolves from dropping in presence known. their second-highest amount Jessica Nelson finished of points of the season. her night with a game-high Buford dismantled the 17 points on 5 of 7 shoot-

Staff Correspondent

ing. Marissa Bruce went a perfect 6 of 6 from the field to finish with 12 points, Tory Ozment added 10 points and four assists and Snoody Johnson rounded things out with six points, seven assists and five steals.

“We had a great offensive first quarter which gave us a lot of room to work, but the offense was really created off of our defense,” Durden said. “So I was really pleased with the way we started fast. We tried to work on a lot of different things tonight and played a lot of different kids to get

them some experience.”

Durden was especially pleased with Nelson and hopes that this game will help her moving forward.

“Jessica (Nelson) really played well tonight,” he said. “She really dominated around the paint area, scored and rebounded really well so it was a real confidence booster for her.”

The Wolves jumped out to an 18-9 lead to start the first quarter on back-toback three-point plays from Buford’s Snoody Johnson (32) goes in for an uncontestNelson, but their quarter ed layup against Dacula during Thursday night’s Grayson Ram Classic at Grayson in Loganville. (Photo: Karl

See BUFORD, Page 4B L. Moore)

Rising stars Peachtree Ridge’s Zane Ashley (31) defends during the first half of Thursday’s Elite Senior Classic at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. (Photos: Kyle Hess)

Local seniors spur defensive effort in Elite Classic victory

By David Friedlander

especially after Peachtree Ridge’s Zane Ashley pounced on a fumble in the end zone with 4:16 remainPOWDER SPRINGS — ing.

That turnover punctuatBig offensive numbers are quite common for postsea- ed a run of 24 unanswered points, 17 of which came son high school All-Star in the fourth quarter, by the football games, and there were surely some to be had Nationals after the Ameriduring the Senior game in cans held a 17-10 lead at halftime. the finale of the Georgia Ashley admits the ofElite Classic showcase. fense cutting down on its But it was the defense mistakes, which often led that was a particular key to favorable field position in the National team’s 38-17 win over the Ameri- by the Americans, was a big boost to the defense in can team Thursday night the second half. at McEachern Walter H. “Yeah, (the offense) Cantrell Stadium. getting on pace defiAnd several Gwinnett nitely helped us out,” players were among the said Ashley, who finished biggest contributors on with six combined tackles both sides, especially for and assists to go with the the victorious Nationals, fumble recovery. “And the who shut out the Amerifield position, other than cans in the second half, the one big play that got even though some of the individual players weren’t them in the red zone (in the fourth quarter), it definitely 100 percent satisfied.

“Honestly, I don’t think helped.”

Ashley and Montgomery we did too good because were two of three Gwinwe let them score 17 nett defenders who stood points,” said Norcross out for the Nationals on linebacker Monty Montgomery, who finished with the evening, with Dacula’s five solo tackles, including Shemar Esson also posting one for a loss, to tie for the six combined tackles and team lead in that category. assists, making the county represented by three of “We could’ve done better.

We had to turn it up (in the the team’s four leading tacklers. second half).”

There was also plenty of The American team might beg to differ with See SENIORS, Page 4B Montgomery’s assessment

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Parkview’s Miles Marshall (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against Warner Robbins’ Jabari Miller (24) during the second half of Thursday’s Elite Junior Classic at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. Below, North Gwinnett’s Cade Fortin (10) looks to pass in the second half. (Photos: Kyle Hess)

Gwinnett players lead National team to Georgia Elite Junior Classic victory

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

POWDER SPRINGS — Getting used to a new set of teammates was less of a problem for some of Gwinnett’s representatives in the Junior game of the Georgia Elite All-Star Classic high school football showcase than others.

The National team with its dozen Gwinnett players used a 24-point burst in the third quarter to break open a close game and cruise to a 38-7 victory over the American team Thursday at McEachern’s Walter H. Cantrell Stadium.

North Gwinnett quarterback Cade Fortin didn’t

have his best day, completing just 6 of 19 passes for 38 yards and an interception.

However, the Texas A&M commit threw a pair of touchdown passes, both to Gwinnett receivers in

Archer’s Brandon Shelnutt (2 yards) and Parkview’s Miles Marshall (8 yards).

And there were plenty of other contributions by county representatives on both sides, including Mill Creek’s Shaka Heyward

(INT, 4 combined tackles) for the victorious Nationals and Peachtree Ridge’s Kingsley Engabare, who posted a game-high nine combined tackles, including 3 1/2 sacks and five tackles for loss, for the Americans.

Those feats, and more, were more impressive considering that the teams had only three days to practice together.

And for players like Mill Creek’s John Harris, the task was even tougher considering he and his fellow Nationals linemen were providing protection for two entirely different quarterbacks in Fortin and See JUNIORS, Page 4B

Brookwood’s Blake Chavis (49) smiles from the sidelines during the first half of Thursday’s Elite Senior Classic at McEachern High School in Powder Springs.

2B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

ondeck Prep Schedule

BASKETBALL

Today

• Archer boys in Nature Coast Christmas Tournament • Archer girls in Dorman Tournament • Buford girls in Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn.

• Collins Hill girls in 2016 State Farm Classic in Riverdale, Tenn.

• Dacula boys in Southern Beach Tournament • Deep South Classic at Brookwood • Duluth girls in Carolina Invitational • GAC, Berkmar boys in Rotary Roundball Classic in Charleston, S.C. • Grayson boys in Wheeler Tournament of Champions • North boys in Lexington, Ky., tournament • Parkview boys in Sunshine Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla. • Peachtree Ridge, Meadowcreek boys in Tournament of the Sun in Ocala, Fla. • Shiloh girls in Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational • South in Hart County Post Christmas Tournament • Wesleyan boys in Westminster Holiday Classic

WRESTLING

9 a.m. — Brookwood in Heart of Dixie Classic in Vestavia Hills, Ala. 9 a.m. — GAC in Southeast Prep Slam at Holy Innocents’ 9 a.m. — Parkview in Hook ‘em Classic at Lambert 9 a.m. — Peachtree Ridge in Hawk Duals at Hanover (Va.) H.S. 9 a.m. — Wesleyan, Dacula in Walnut Grove Invitational Saturday

BASKETBALL

• Buford girls in Arby’s Classic in Briston, Tenn.

• Peachtree Ridge, Meadowcreek boys in Tournament of the Sun in Ocala, Fla. • Shiloh girls in Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational

The Home Teams

Gladiators

Hawks

Falcons

Georgia

Tech

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Florida Tulsa Tulsa 7:35 p.m.

Jan. 5, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 6, 7:35 p.m.

102.9-FM 102.9-FM 102.9-FM Detroit San Antonio at Orlando 8 p.m.

Sun, 6 p.m.

Wed, 7 p.m.

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

New Orleans Off Sun, 1 p.m.

Playoffs, TBD FOX/92.9-FM

vs. TCU^ noon ESPN/750-AM

vs. Kentucky# Off Sat, 11 a.m.

ESPN/93.7-FM

FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSSO = FOX Sports South; ^Autozone Libert Bowl in Memphis, Tenn; #TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.

On TV

Today

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

4 p.m. — West Virginia at Oklahoma State ESPN2 9 p.m. — Kansas at TCU ESPN2 10 p.m. — USC at Oregon FS1 11 p.m. — Arizona at California ESPN2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Noon — AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Georgia vs. TCU ESPN 2 p.m. — Hyundai Sun Bowl, Stanford vs. North Carolina CBS 3:30 p.m. — Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Nebraska vs. Tennessee ESPN 5:30 p.m. — NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, South Alabama vs. Air Force CBS 8:10 p.m. — Capital One Orange Bowl Florida State vs.

Michigan ESPN

gwinnettdailypost.com

Matt Ryan in MVP conversation The Sports Xchange FLOWERY BRANCH — Quarterback Matt Ryan is a strong candidate for the NFL’s most valuable player award.

“It’s obviously nice to be mentioned in the mix because it’s something that’s a special award, a really nice recognition, but at the end of the day it’s about winning games,” Ryan said on Tuesday during his weekly radio spot on 680 The Fan. “That’s where my mindset has been all year.

It’s about trying to do the best that I can week-in and week-out. I feel like I’ve been doing a good job of that this year.”

Ryan’s main competition for the award includes Tom Brady of New England, Derek Carr of Oakland, Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott of Dallas, Matthew Stafford of Detroit and David Johnson of Arizona.

“This time of year is when MVP conversations begin,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “I think it is also important to recognize when those conversations begin, there are a bunch of people involved that are playing really well.

“I think Matt would be the first to tell you how many guys on our team are playing really well. He’s kind of the conduit of that.

Any MVP talk and I know it’s an individual award, generally there are a lot of people that are playing really well for that to happen.”

Ryan completed 346 of 498 passes for 4,613 yards, 34 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 15 games.

His passer rating of 115.5 leads the league.

Among quarterbacks who average 9-plus yards per pass, Ryan’s 69.5 seasonal completion percentage is third all-time behind Sammy Baugh (1945) and Joe Montana (1989).

Ryan has thrown touchdown passes to 13 players this season, the most in a single season in NFL

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) with head coach Dan Quinn on the sidelines in the second quarter last Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.

(Photo: Bob DonnanUSA Today Sports)

history. Backup tight ends Joshua Perkins and D.J. Tialavea caught career-first touchdown passes against the Carolina Panthers.

A nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NFL will vote on the award. The ballots were sent out on Dec. 16 and are due back on Jan. 4 and will not be accepted before Jan. 2.

The list of the voters is released when the awards are announced on Feb. 4 at NFL Honors program the night before Super Bowl LI. Quinn, a defensive coordinator by trade, has marveled at Ryan’s season.

“My math skills aren’t good enough to figure out passer rating,” Quinn said. “I generally look at obviously the completion, yards per catch, and yards per attempt. Matt has had a terrific year. It’s by example of how many different guys get involved.”

Quinn knows that the players like the way Ryan spreads the wealth.

“I think (the Carolina game) was another day where nine or 10 different guys got involved,” Quinn said. “We often talk about Julio Jones and he’s such an important part, but no one would be as excited for it as many teammates to get involved is Julio.”

Quinn will be taking the Falcons to the playoffs in his second season. Se-

attle and Dallas have also clinched playoff berths in the NFC. “Well we’ve played Seattle so my general thoughts of them I know just how tough they are defensively,” Quinn said. “I know what Russell Wilson can do with his feet. I think Doug Baldwin is taking his stuff to another level and the addition of Jimmy Graham and how they feature their guys. They play with real speed on special teams. I know them better than most because we played them.

“We played Dallas last year, but I’ll go back to my point, teams are different from year to year. They’re quite a bit different and they are a perfect example of that.”

Quinn likes the Cowboys brand of football.

“I’ve got real appreciation for how they run it, for the fundamentally sound way that they play defense, they just don’t allow big plays, they play tough, and they’re a good tackling team,” Quinn said.

Extra points • The Falcons hope to get tight end Austin Hooper (knee) and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (concussion) back from injury. Also, left guard Andy Levitire, who didn’t finish the Carolina game because of a hip injury, is expected back. All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones (toe) and cornerback Jalen Collins

(knee) returned from injury against the Carolina.

• Coach Dan Quinn offered up a scenario of how closely the quarterbacks work together and drill each other to get ready for games.

“You see it each week with Matt Schaub to Matt Ryan at the end of each week he’s like Alex Trebek with all of the quizzes and tests that he fires at him,” Quinn said. “Those small interactions that happen, teammate-to-teammate, are really strong.”

• The NFL has rules for teams interviewing coaches during the playoffs. Falcons coach Dan Quinn knows the rules well. He was interviewed during the “open” period in 2014, when he landed the Falcons head coaching post.

The Falcons elected to wait for him to finish his duties with as Seattle’s defensive coordinator.

Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who has the league’s topscoring offense, is a hot head coaching candidate.

Quinn and Shanahan have talked about the offensive coordinator interviewing for a head coaching vacancy in the coming weeks.

“It’s not something we talk regularly about, but certainly something that we’ve discussed,” Quinn said.

Sounds like they have a plan.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOCKEY!

NBA

8 p.m. — Detroit at Atlanta FSSE

SOCCER

2:55 p.m. — English Premier League Hull City AFC vs Everton FC NBCSP

FRIENDLY FRIDAY

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2 p.m. — Marquette at Georgetown FSSO Saturday

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. — Xavier at Georgetown FS1 Noon — North Carolina at Georgia Tech PTV Noon — Duke at Virginia Tech ESPN2 Noon — Clemson at Wake Forest FSSO 12:30 p.m. — Louisville at Indiana CBS 1 p.m. — Villanova at Creighton FS1 2 p.m. — Notre Dame at Pittsburgh PTV 4:30 p.m. — North Carolina State at Miami FSSO

Dinner and a Game Ticket Offer

VS

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

11 a.m. — Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: LSU vs.

Louisville ABC 11 a.m. — Taxslayer Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky ESPN 3:10 p.m. — College Football Playoff semifinal: Chick-filA Peach Bowl Washington vs. Alabama ESPN 7:10 p.m. — College Football Playoff semifinal: Fiesta Bowl Ohio State vs. Clemson ESPN

Florida Everblades

at 7:35pm Friday, DEC. 30th

SOCCER

7 a.m. — Scottish Premier League Rangers FC vs Celtic FC FS1 9:55 a.m. — English Premier League Manchester United FC vs Middlesbrough FC NBCSP 12:30 p.m. — English Premier League Liverpool FC vs Manchester City FC NBC

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 3 p.m. — Ohio State at Indiana CBS

vs Tu ls a O il er s

Sports Calendar

Jan. 28: The seventh annual Norcross Blue Devils Run, a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, will feature a 5K and 1-mile fun run at Pinckneyville Middle School in Peachtree Corners. 5K starts at 8 a.m. and fun run starts when 5K finishes.

Feedback

at 7: 05 pm Th ur sd ay, Ja nu ar y 5t h

Early registration is $25 and race-day registration is $30. Proceeds from the student-led event will benefit the high school’s cross country and track and field programs. For more information or to register, go to bluedevilsrun.wixsite.com/ norcross or run signup. com/BlueDevilsRun.

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 • 3B

UGA hopes to end on a positive note

By Jon Gallo

UGA FOOTBALL

Staff Correspondent

When coach Kirby Smart started preparing the Bulldogs for today’s Liberty Bowl against Texas Christian University in Memphis, Tenn. at noon, he began his planning by focusing on another day: Oct. 18, 2014.

Smart was the defensive coordinator for Alabama during the Crimson Tide’s 59-0 win over Texas A&M and its quarterback, Kenny Hill, who wouldn’t start for the Aggies again. He transferred to TCU and will likely start against Georgia to close what’s been a disappointing season for both teams.

“I remember a lot (about him),” Smart told reporters. “He’s a good player, did a great job and obviously was a decorated high school player that performed well. I do remember preparing to play against them. They have a very similar style offense (to TCU) of uptempo, with the ability for the quarterback to run, he’s a good thrower that can spread you out and take advantage of some matches. So, yeah, I do remember him very well.”

Hill’s disastrous performance against Alabama, in which he went 17 of 28 for 138 yards with an interception, caused him to lose his starting spot to Kyle Allen. After the season, Hill transferred to Texas Christian, where he sat out the 2015 season due to NCAA rules before guiding the Horned Frogs to a 6-6 record — good for fifth in the Big 12 — this fall.

What: Liberty Bowl Who: Georgia vs.

Texas Christian Where: Memphis, Tenn.

When: Today, noon TV: ESPN

Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason (10) fakes the handoff to Nick CHubb (27) against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium in Athens this season. (Photo: Karl L. Moore)

The Horned Frogs’ regression after going 11-2 last season isn’t squarely on Hill. He has thrown for 3,062 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions to complement a rushing attack that has averaged 196.6 yards per game and has been led by Kyle Hicks (954 yards, 12 TDs).

Hill injured his foot against Texas on Nov. 25 and was ineffective against Kansas State in the regular-season finale on Dec. 3. However, Hill has been practicing to play today. If he can’t, he’ll be replaced by Foster Sawyer, who has gone 26-of-55 passing for 278 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Taj Williams leads the Horned Frogs with 39 receptions for 702 yards and five touchdowns.

TCU’s downfall this season has been its defense, which was consistently lit up like a Christmas Tree. The Horned Frogs gave up at least 30 points in half their games this year. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and West Virginia — the Big 12’s

top three teams — outscored TCU, 117-62.

But Smart’s more concerned with using the Liberty Bowl as an opportunity for his team to make strides before heading into the offseason. Georgia failed to live up to lofty expectations in Smart’s first year, going 7-5 and becoming the first Georgia team to lose to Tennessee, Florida, Georgia Tech, and Vanderbilt in the same year.

But if just a few plays had gone differently for Georgia, the Bulldogs’ season would have been seen a much more positive light.

First, there was Tennessee’s Hail Mary. Then, there was the botched fourth-and-one against Vanderbilt. Against Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs led by 13 with 6:31 remaining yet couldn’t win.

If Georgia wins those three games — all of which were winnable — there would have been a great chance the Bulldogs would have been heading to the Orange or Sugar Bowls.

“I think any college coach in the country will tell you that when you get ready for a bowl game, it’s an opportunity for everybody in your team to get better,” Smart told reporters. “From walk-ons to scholarship guys to the seniors that are going to be leaving for the draft, we’re trying to improve our entire team.”

Georgia has plenty of areas that need to be addressed after failing to play consistently on offense, defense and special teams during the season.

True freshman quarterback Jacob Eason (2,266, 14 TDs, 8 INTs) struggled at times and wasn’t helped by receivers who dropped key passes throughout the season. Georgia never truly committed to the running game despite having two of the SEC’s best tailbacks in Nick Chubb (988 yards, 7TDs) and Sony Michel (753, 3 TDs).

Georgia’s leading receiver is Isaiah McKenzie (40 catches, 530 yards, 7 TDs) “I thought our team improved,” Smart told reporters. “Our quarterback got better, and a lot of our defensive players grew up.

We’re going to use this opportunity to continue to improve our team and get these guys better with the practices we have leading up to this bowl game.”

Alabama faces Washington in semifinal

By Paul Thomas

paul.thomas@ gwinnettdailypost.com

ATLANTA — The lights will shine a little brighter on Saturday’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

This year’s game is a semifinal for the College Football Playoff.

No. 1 seed Alabama (13-0) takes on No. 4 seed Washington (12-1) at 3 p.m. on ESPN. The winner will face the victor of Clemson and Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl for the national championship in Tampa Bay, Fla. on Jan. 9.

The SEC Champions are the heavy favorites on paper over the Pac-12 Champions, but Alabama head coach Nick Saban has plenty of respect for the Huskies.

“Well, I think that this is, by far, the best all-around team that we’ve played all year long,” he told reporters during Thursday’s Media Day at the Georgia Dome. “They score 44 1/2 points a game on offense.

They’ve got a really good quarterback. They’ve got really good skill players on offense at the receiver and running back positions. They’ve got lots of speed. They make a lot of explosive plays, very well-designed concepts offensively in terms of

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) reacts during the second quarter of the SEC Championship game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome.

(Photo: Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports)

what they do and how they execute it extremely well.

“When you go on the other side of the ball, they’re one of the top, you know, defensive teams in the country in terms of points allowed, No. 1 in takeaway ratio, turnover ratio for the whole season.

They play smart. They’re very physical. They don’t make a lot of mistakes on defense. And they’re a good tackling team. So all these things contribute to the success that they have.”

The Huskies’ defense has allowed just 17.2 points per game this season and leads the nation in turnover margin at plus-21.

Washington is fourth in the nation with 19

interceptions this season.

Pac-12 freshman defensive player of the year Taylor Rapp leads the way with four picks. Sidney Jones has three and Budda Baker and Kevin King have two apiece.

“They’re really long, tall guys who compete very well,” Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley said. “They have very fast safeties and nickels and they play good football. They compete.”

Alabama averages 40.5 points per game on offense. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts has thrown for 2,592 yards and 22 touchdowns and has run for 1,013 yards and 12 TDs. Defensively the Crimson Tide leads the na-

tion in both total defense (247.8 yards per game) and scoring defense (11.8 points per game). They’re fourth in the nation with 45 sacks and Jonathan Allen leads a dominating defensive line.

The Huskies average 44.5 points per game on offense. Jake Browning has thrown for 3,280 yards and 42 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.

While not the dual-threat that Hurts is, he has run for four scores as well.

Running back Myles Gaskin ran for 1,373 yards and 10 touchdowns this year as the Huskies averaged 210 yards per game on the ground.

When asked if Alabama’s defense was intimidating, Browning said he wasn’t afraid of the Crimson Tide and was excited for the opportunity.

“I think once you get to this point, we’ve been pretty successful too,” Browning said. “I don’t think you get intimated by really anything because we’ve played a lot of good teams too, just like they have. I mean they’re good, best defense I’ve gone against but that doesn’t mean I’m scared to play them or anything like that.

I’m excited to play them, because you want to play the best.”

Tigers familiar with Fiesta Bowl setting

By Jack Magruder The Sports Xchange

GLENDALE, Ariz.

— When Clemson and Ohio State meet in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, they will ring in the new and the old.

The 3-year-old FBS national championship playoff format is neither the Ohio State open nor the Clemson invitational, but it has skewed that way.

No. 3 Ohio State (11-1) won the inaugu-

ral four-team playoff in 2014, and No. 2 Clemson (12-1) lost a heartbreaker in the championship game at the same University of Phoenix Stadium last season, when quarterback Deshaun Watson shredded Alabama for 478 yards, 405 passing, in a 45-40 loss, outplaying Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry in the process.

Like Clark Griswold and mistletoe, Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama have become staples of the reconstituted holiday

Final Four. The Fiesta winner will advance to the title game Jan. 9.

“We’ve set out to be right here where we are,” said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, whose team finished 14-1 last season. “We look forward to playing on the big stage.”

Clemson lost once this year, to a Pitt team that loaded the box with seven and sometimes eight defenders in order to contain the running game and force Watson to throw. It worked, even

as Watson completed 52-of-70 passes for 580 yards, three touchdowns and three interception.

Pitt stopped a fourthand-one run in the final 90 seconds and drove for a game-winning field goal and a 43-42 victory Nov. 12.

Ohio State’s only loss came when Penn State blocked a punt and a field goal in the fourth quarter, returning the blocked field goal for a touchdown in a 24-21 comeback victory on Oct. 22.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Clinton Lynch (22) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Maurice Smith (2) for a touchdown at Sanford Stadium. (USA Today Sports: Dale Zanine)

Lynch, Tech surge into Jacksonville

By Stan Awtrey Staff Correspondent

There will be numerous big-time playmakers at the TaxSlayer Bowl on Saturday, but none isany bigger than Georgia Tech sophomore Clinton Lynch.

The Norcross High School graduate has earned his reputation for producing big plays and will be someone to watch when the Yellow Jackets meet Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville. Kickoff for the game is 11 a.m. It can be seen on ESPN. “He’s been very productive,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said. “He’s certainly made a lot of big plays for us.”

Lynch has rushed only 35 times, but he’s gained 398 yards for an incredible 11.2 yards per carry. He’s caught 16 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns, an average of 30.6 yards per catch.

Georgia Tech has had 61 plays of 20 yards or longer from scrimmage this season and Lynch was involved in 16 of them.

The Yellow Jackets (8-4) meet Kentucky (7-5) at Everbank Field in a game that features two teams that finished the season strong.

Georgia Tech won five of its final six games, punctuated with a win over Georgia.

Kentucky won five of its last seven and upset rival Louisville in the season finale.

A ninth win would be significant. The program has produced only 10 such seasons over the last 60 years. It would mark the fourth time under Johnson.

“Our focus is to get that ninth victory,” offensive line coach Mike Sewak said.

“That’s a great number and it’s something we’d like achieve.”

The game will mark the end of the line for Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas, who will likely be found on the short list of the program’s all-time greats.

He will leave a mark on the problem with his versatility and his durability in running an offense that takes a physical toll on its quarterbacks.

The highlight this season for Thomas came against Duke. He accumulated 459 yards of total offense, the third most in school history, and was named the national player of the week. In that game he became the 39th player in NCAA history with 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards in a career.

Thomas needs one touchdown pass to catch George Godsey, who threw 41, for fourth place on the career list. He has 21 career rushing touchdowns, tied for 11th on the career list

TECH FOOTBALL What: TaxSlayer Bowl Who: Georgia Tech vs.

Kentucky Where: Jacksonville, Fla. When: Saturday, 11 a.m.

TV: ESPN

and one out of ninth place, which is shared by Leon Hardeman and Eddie Lee Ivery.

Johnson said, “JT will be a guy who created a lot of memories, winning twice in Athens, being MVP of the Orange Bowl and some of the plays he’s made.”

The group of newcomers is led by B-back Dedrick Mills and left guard Parker Braun, two of six true freshmen who played for the Yellow Jackets this season.

Both players were named honorable mention freshmen All-America by Campus Insiders.

Mills leads the team with 12 total touchdowns, 11 of them on the ground, and ranks third in the nation for rushing touchdowns by freshmen. He has rushed for 602 yards, including a 132yard effort against North Carolina.

“If he can do the right thing, he has a bright future,” Johnson said.

Braun took over in the starting lineup in the sixth game of the season against Pitt when Will Bryan was injured. When Bryan returned, he moved to right guard and Braun stayed put.

He’s expected to be a mainstay and has more potential than his brother, Trey Braun, who played there from 2012-15 “There’s a reason why he got to start,” Sewak said.

“When he was in there, he was very productive and was getting people on the ground.”

Braun had a team-high 84 knockdowns, even more than senior center Freddie Burden.

“Not bad for a freshman,” Sewak said. “He’ll do a better job as his technique develops, too. He’s very athletic and smooth in transition and changing direction.”

The Yellow Jackets have already won five more games this season than it did last year. That’s the secondlargest improvement among all Power Five conference schools; only Colorado, Eastern Michigan, Central Florida and Wyoming had more with six.

“We didn’t have all the injuries,” Johnson said. “A year ago … I’ve never been through a year like that when so many people got hurt. And we were young a year ago … really young.”

Marcus Cox accepts Shrine Bowl invite From Staff Reports

Cox ran for 5,103 yards in four seasons for the After wrapping up his Mountaineers. This year college career as Appain nine games, Cox ran for lachian State’s all-time 1,040 yards and nine touchleading rusher, Dacula grad downs. He also had one touchdown reception. In his Marcus Cox has accepted career finale, a 31-28 win an invite to play in the East-West Shrine Game on over Toledo in the Camellia Bowl, Cox ran for 143 Jan. 21 in St. Petersburg, yards and a touchdown.

Fla. on NFL Network.

4B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

Goodson, Washington shine in Sophomore Elite Classic

By David Friedlander david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

POWDER SPRINGS — The theme of the sophomore game of the 2016 Georgia Elite Classic high school All-Star football showcase was that of staying the course, no matter how tough the opponent and conditions were.

The American team was able to do it more consistently and more often in a 27-15 win over the National squad Thursday at McEachern High School’s Walter H. Cantrell Stadium.

And the Americans had plenty of contributions

from Gwinnett County players, with North Gwinnett’s Tyler Goodson finishing as the game’s Tyler leading Goodson rusher with 87 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.

Parkview’s Malik Washington added 66 yards of total offense and North defensive back D.J. Turner chipped in with an interception.

A chilly day made even moreso by a blustery and steady wind made the day interesting for all, espe-

cially for two-way players like Washington, who had to decide this week whether he wanted to play offense or defense.

“The guy who invited me (to play in the game), he didn’t know what position to invite me at,” said Washington, who ran for 37 yards on eight carries and caught two passes for 29 more yards after being named first-team AllCounty by the Daily Post as a defensive back last week. “Since I’ve been doing (both) jobs all season, he decided to invite me as a wide receiver. So I played wide receiver.”

It was the National team that had plenty of fun early

and late in the game.

North Paulding’s Ross Malmgren hit Coffee’s Milton Jackson for an 80-yard TD pass on the game’s first snap to give the Nationals a quick lead, and then connected with Houston County’s Tyler Fromm with a 15-yard scoring strike with 2:07 remaining.

But in between, the Americans slowly chipped away after Goodson apparently had pulled them even with a 7-yard scoring run later in the first quarter, only to have the TD called back on a holding penalty.

The game turned after Lowndes’ Travis Tisdale

gave the Americans the lead for good with a 60yard TD run with 1:07 left in the third quarter.

The Nationals appeared to be in good shape after a 42-yard run by Grayson’s Ronald Thompkins set them up in the red zone.

But a few plays later, an apparent pass in the flat turned out to be a lateral as it fell to the ground, and with most of the players thinking the play was dead, Westlake’s Joel Girtman scooped up the loose ball and dashed 79 yards for a TD that pushed the Americans’ lead to 20-9 with 9:57 remaining.

Goodson then got the touchdown denied him

•From Page 1B

Brookwood’s Casey Holman (75) blocks during the second half of Thursday’s Elite Junior Classic at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. Below, Mill Creek’s Shaka Heyward (31) runs the ball after intercepting a pass during the second half. (Photos: Kyle Hess)

•From Page 1B Lowndes’ Mike Barrett.

“Fortin’s a pocket passer,” the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Hawks tackle said. “Then you have (Barrett) back there, he’s running around a lot, and … if you’re not careful, you can’t get a (ineligible man) downfield penalty. But I thought (the line) did pretty good.

“We started out slow. …

Then we started putting it together in the second half.”

Indeed, the Nationals offense got going in the final 24 minutes after leading just 14-7 at halftime.

With Harris and others like Lanier center Colin Foster and Central Gwinnett guard Brandon Joseph providing protection, the

Juniors

Nationals scored twice in a span of 2:09 early in the third quarter on a 65-yard run from Benedictine’s Terrick Smalls and a 35yard pass from Barrett to Lowndes teammate Tayvonn Kyle to expand their lead to 28-7 with 8:53 left in the period.

Marshall a few snaps later to make the score 35-7 with 4:32 left in the third quarter.

“I thought I had the touchdown,” Heyward said.

“It felt good because I was able to show what I can do.

We had three days practicing together, so we really ran only about three coverages. So, I was kind of used to those.”

Among the other Gwinnett standouts in the junior game included Mountain About four minutes later, View linebacker Blake a trio of Gwinnett players Carroll (5 combined tackles helped apply what proved and assists, 1 TFL) and to be the finishing touches. Norcross running back Heyward picked off a Clay Harris (4 carries, 11 pass and returned it 64 yards) for the Americans yards before being tracked and Mill Creek punter Matt down at the American Campbell (4 punts, 33-yard 16-yard line, which set up avg. despite kicking into Fortin’s scoring strike to the wind) for the Nationals.

earlier by scoring from 8 yards out with 5:09 left to give the Americans breathing room they would not relinquish.

“When they called my first touchdown back, I wasn’t discouraged,” Goodson said. “I just let the game come to me and had fun with it.”

Among Gwinnett’s other representatives, Thompkins finished with a team-high 64 yards on nine carries for the Nationals, while Archer’s Emmanuel Michel added seven yards on eight carries, and Tiger teammate Jalyn Phillips had a combined five tackles and assists.

Buford

dropped their ninth straight game in the Grayson Ram was just getting started, Classic on Thursday 71-30 there. to Alpharetta.

Dericka Byrd led the Buford rattled off a mind-boggling 20 straight Patriots in scoring with 12 points while Tatyana Wilpoints to close out the liams chipped in with four quarter to take a 29-point points. lead heading into the secPeachtree Ridge 36, ond quarter.

Parkview 31 The crowd couldn’t After starting the believe the extraordinary season off with a disapfirst-quarter effort, as the pointing 2-10 record, the cheers grew louder and Peachtree Ridge Lions louder after the Wolves 15 made field goals on 18 girls picked up their second win in a row over attempts.

Dacula answered back the Parkview Panthers, in the second quarter and 36-31 in their Grayson outscored the Wolves 16- Ram Classic finale.

E’Lyse Joseph fin14, but the 52-25 halftime ished with a game-high lead for the Wolves was too much for the Falcons 14 points, grabbed six rebounds and added four to overcome. steals for the Lions (4The Wolves held the Falcons to just two points 10). Jalea Gray chipped in the third quarter to their in with eight points, eight rebounds and three 15 points and added 14 steals and Peyton Hicks fourth-quarter points to walk out of the gym with finished with seven points and two steals. a 41-point victory.

The Panthers have now Buford racked up dropped four games in a 15 steals as a team and row to fall to 7-10 after Johnson credited that to playing hard and trusting starting the season 5-2.

Allyssia Duclos led the that everyone is doing way for the Panthers with their job to the best of eight points and seven their ability.

“When we’re all work- rebounds, while Taylor ing together, good things Morris added eight points and three assists. Gabby happen,” Johnson said.

“Coach (Durden) always Jester contributed with four points and five steals talks about how we have and Hannah Sadler roundto start fast. And when we start fast, that sets the ed out the scoring for tone for the whole game. Parkview with four points And our opponents get all and seven rebounds.

Grayson 35, shaken up and that just alNorth Cobb 33 lows us to do our thing.”

The Grayson Rams Ozment, who was the trailed for most of the Wolves’ selection for game, but a late fourth the all-tournament team, thought that it was a great quarter run helped them pick up a huge win over team win, and is excited North Cobb 35-33 in their to get tested a little bit Grayson Ram Classic more when they resume finale. play in January.

Jonnise Poole led the “We have a challenging Rams in scoring with 12 schedule coming up in January so I think we will points and Jazmin Robinson chipped in with 11 be pushed a little more, points. The two combined but overall I think we’re just playing really, really for 11 of the Rams’ 16 fourth quarter points. good and we’re preparKendra Hutchinson ing,” she said. rounded out the Rams’ Alpharetta 71, scoring with five points, Berkmar 30 all of which came in the The Berkmar Patriots fourth quarter. girls basketball team

Peachtree Ridge’s Josh Johnson (90) defends during the first half of Thursday’s Elite Senior Classic at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

•From Page 1B

Seniors

Institute’s Rhett Gay and returned it 30 yards to set production for the Ameriup a 5-yard TD run on the can defense, as well. next snap by McEachern’s North Gwinnett’s Brian Quay Holmes that gave the Eberhardt picked off a pass Americans a seeminglyfrom Emanuel County commanding 17-3 lead

with 2:23 left in the first half before Gay hit ECI teammate John Durden on a 53-yard scoring strike with three seconds left in the half to cut the lead to 17-10 by intermission.

Mill Creek’s Matt Winston also had an interception, but it was nullified by penalty. Winston finished with six combined tackles, while Eberhardt posted eight.

Buford’s Jessica Nelson (21) goes up for a layup in front of Dacula’s Nyla Moore (23) during Thursday night’s Grayson Ram Classic at Grayson in Loganville.

(Photo: Karl L. Moore)

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 • 5B

Getting to Know … Cason Hohmann Gladiators can’t The Atlanta Gladiators added a scoring punch two weeks ago with the signing of 23-year-old Cason Hohmann. The Texan was released by AHL Charlotte after playing a couple of games with the Checkers and was a free agent.

Hohmann is in just his second pro season after helping Boston University to the national championship game as a senior in 2014-15.

Hohmann spent the majority of his rookie season with Elmira, where he played with the Gladiators assistant coach Nathan Oystrick. Hohmann had 57 points in 59 games with the Jackals and also made his AHL debut with Rochester. Earlier this season, while assigned to Orlando, Hohmann led the Solar Bears to a thunderous third-period rally in Atlanta and earned his first pro hat trick.

In this installment of “Getting to Know …,” Hohmann talks with staff writer Christine Troyke about all the connections he had to the Gladiators, getting shown around Boston by a legendary coach and how Atlanta’s barbecue scene stacks up.

CT: What brought you to sign with the Gladiators? Did scoring a hat trick in the building factor in at all?

CH: (smiling) Not really, but kind of. It didn’t hurt. Actually, my girlfriend lives here, as well as a couple of family members. I played with Nathan Oystrick last year in Elmira and he helped me make the decision a little easier. I moved down here this summer and skated with (captain Derek) Nesbitt, too. So he was texting me after I was released. It was a good fit and a great organization.

CT: You started the season on a contract with Toronto?

CH: Yes. It was kind of a mutual parting of the ways.

CT: It seems like you’re getting familiar with the adage about pro sports being a business in just your second year.

Were you prepared for that?

CH: I’d like to think I was. I know I was just trying to get the best opportunity to move up in my hockey career. I had a pretty decent year last year so if things weren’t going to work out where I started, I was just going to try my hardest to move up and figure out a good spot for me. I think so far it’s been a pretty good opportunity for me here.

CT: Did you take some visits before you decided, though?

CH: I did. Actually, Mike Moran, who just signed here, his uncle was the assistant coach there. He and Jack Parker, legendary coach, showed me around. They had it all set up for me and fancy.

It was good. When Jack Parker shows you around Atlanta Gladiators forward Cason Hohmann (7) carries for a day in Boston, I don’t the puck with South Carolina’s Marcus Perrier (15) de- think you can really say fending during Tuesday’s game at Infinite Energy Arena. no.

CT: Do you get a little (Photo: Amanda Hertel) bit star-struck?

CT: Are you used to CH: (smiling) A little CT: Do you remember fighting perception a bit. the first pro game you little bit? You’re a Texan saw live? and 5-foot-9. On paper, CT: Is there any way CH: Not really. But I some people will only see remember my first Cowto really describe to other that. people what it’s like to boys game.

CH: I’ve been doing play for a national chamthat my whole career, CT: How was your first pionship? being from a non-hockey CH: No. It’s the epitome pro game? area and also my size. I do CH: It was good. Com- of working so hard every my best to fight perceping from BU, it was a little single day for your entire tion. I think nowadays, the bit different. You’re going career. Getting up every game has a lot of smaller morning and doing your to be playing 70 games in players, guys like (Johnny) a season. Coming in as a best to be successful at Gaudreau being pretty young guy, you’re going to your job. And finally getdominant in the NHL and have to earn your stripes ting the reward to go out using their skill to outskate and your spot on the team. there and earn your opporthe bigger guys. The game Last year in Elmira was a tunity to win it all. Yeah. is kind of changing and There’s nothing better than good time. I adapted after hopefully that perception that. It was probably one of the first couple of games. wears off. I think it will.

CT: You were close to a my best moments and the I’m pretty confident in my point-per-game guy as a toughest moments all in ability. I don’t think my rookie, so did it take long one day. size has anything to do CT: You have a fairly to get that first goal? with my hockey skill. memorable name and it CH: The first five or was less than two years six games, I wasn’t really CT: What other sports doing much. But after a ago. Do people ask about did you play growing up? while, I settled in and got it?

CH: Obviously being CH: All the time. Espeused to it. from Texas, I had to dip cially how we lost. Every into the football. I played a new team I’ve gone to this CT: How old where year or two of that. I pretty you when you left home? year has asked me about it. much played everything, (Atlanta forward Trevor) CH: I left after my actually. Being from TexMingoia won it against us. sophomore year in high as, hockey isn’t that big of school to play in Iowa in So, yeah. a deal. When I first started the USHL. playing, my dad had no CT: What kind of muCT: How was the tranidea what was going on. sic do you listen to most sition?

He’s from Oklahoma. often?

CH: The year before I think I liked hockey so we had actually moved to CH: Oh, country. Being much because I was good Michigan, so I played my from Texas, it’s my favorat everything else. Once ite by far. freshman year in Texas, I started playing hockey, CT: If you could be my sophomore year in I was terrible. I was front row at a concert, Michigan and then went the worst player ever, I who would it be? to Iowa. It was obviously couldn’t skate, and I think tough being away from CH: Eric Church for my competitive drive took your family when you’re sure. over. I had to be good.

15 or 16. But my billet Then I didn’t want to do CT: Have you bingefamily was amazing and anything else. then you’ve got a bunch of watched any shows CT: How old were you guys in the same boat. lately? when you started playing CH: I love “Game of CT: When did colleges Thrones.” I’m a pretty hockey? start calling?

CH: I started playnerdy fan.

CH: I committed before ing roller hockey when I CT: Did you read the I went to Iowa. was 8. Then I played ice books?

CT: Boston University hockey the next year. So CH: No. I read a couple it took me a little while to is a traditional powerof books, but not those. house. When the offer get started compared to comes, do you think these Canadian boys.

CT: How do you find about it for long?

CT: How long before the barbecue scene in CH: Once you get an of- Atlanta? you were just playing fer like that from a school hockey?

CH: It’s good. It’s not like that, it’s pretty hard to Texas barbecue, but it’s CH: Probably when I turn down. I had a couple was 12 or 13. I actually obviously good. I tried of other offers from big grew up with (Gladiators a bunch of places when forward) Colin Jacobs. We schools, but I think once I lived here during the won a national champion- you step on the campus, summer. I like the options it’s really hard to say no. ship — in Texas — when down here. (smiling) But Fenway Park is on the we were pee wees. It’s a definitely not as good as campus. small world.

Texas.

USF tops South Carolina in OT 46-39 The Sports Xchange BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Big plays by the quarterbacks — South Florida’s Quinton Flowers and South Carolina’s Jake Bentley — grabbed the spotlight during South Florida’s 46-39 Birmingham Bowl victory in overtime over the Gamecocks on Thursday afternoon at Legion Field.

Flowers, the game MVP, accounted for 376 yards and five touchdowns, while Bentley threw for 390 yards and three touchdowns.

But the USF defense, which was opportunistic all day, had the final say in securing the victory.

The Bulls (11-2), who forced five turnovers, including a pair of fumbles inside the USF 5-yard line, got a fourth-down sack by Mike Love in overtime to begin the USF celebration.

Love’s sack, which caused a Bentley fumble, ensured that Flowers’ 25-yard touchdown pass to Elkanah Dillon on the first play of the Bulls’ overtime possession provided the winning points.

“I think it’s just a great

team win,” said USF interim head coach T.J. Yeist, who took over for the bowl game when Willie Taggart took the head coaching job at Oregon and now relinquishes the spot to incoming head coach Charlie Strong. “It wasn’t pretty. We’re one play away from them being on this side — it’s as simple as that.”

It wasn’t until overtime was finished that the Bulls could finally celebrate a school-record 11th victory this season. When the game began, however, it looked like the celebration might come a lot earlier.

Flowers deftly directed the Bulls to a 15-0 lead before 11 minutes elapsed on the clock. During that time, Flowers had seven carries for 47 yards, including a pair of 4-yard scoring runs, and completed 8 of 9 passes for 64 yards. The Bulls used a trick play to complete a twopoint conversion pass from backup quarterback Brett Kean to tight end Mitchell Wilcox after the first touchdown.

By halftime, Flowers had 267 yards of offense with three scoring runs and

a 37-yard touchdown pass to D’Ernest Johnson. The scoring toss came with seven seconds left in the second quarter, on fourth-and-3, and gave the Bulls a 29-14 halftime lead.

Hokies ahead for the first time.

Virginia Tech didn’t stop there because defensive back Terrell Edmunds’ interception gave the Hokies another short field. This time they needed two plays to go eight Evans leads Hokies yards, with Evans walking comeback in Belk Bowl in from 1 yard out with 6:41 CHARLOTTE, N.C .— left.

Quarterback Jerod Evans Evans ended up with 243 threw for two touchdowns yards in the air on 21-for-33 and ran for two more — all passing. He also rushed for in the second half — as No. 87 yards on 22 carries.

18 Virginia Tech overcame Arkansas quarterback a 24-point deficit to defeat Austin Allen was nearly Arkansas 35-24 in the Belk perfect in the first half and Bowl on Thursday at Bank then threw three second-half of America Stadium. interceptions. He finished 18 Four touchdowns in less for 31 for 278 yards, but was than 18 minutes to open the 5 of 15 for 63 yards in the second half turned the tide as second half.

Virginia Tech (10-4) secured It was a dramatic turnits first 10-win season since around, denying the Razor2011. backs three consecutive bowl It was the fourth time this victories for the first time. season that Virginia Tech The Hokies were back in didn’t allow a second-half business with three thirdpoint. quarter touchdowns off three Arkansas (7-6) committed turnovers. four second-half turnovers, A fumble on Arkansas’ ending the season with three third play of the half resulted losses in its last four outings. in Virginia Tech’s three-play Running back Travon drive of 30 yards. Evans ran McMillian’s 6-yard run with four yards for the touch12:03 remaining put the down.

overcome slow start in 5-2 loss

By Christine Troyke christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

DULUTH — Florida scored 51 seconds into the game and had three goals in the first five minutes to steamroll the Atlanta Gladiators on Thursday.

The division-leading Everblades faced little resistance in the opening minutes. The Gladiators improved markedly as the game went on, cutting into the deficit, but the dismal start was too much to overcome in a 5-2 loss before a lively crowd.

“It’s 72 games a year and as (bad) as it is, that’s going to happen,” Atlanta captain Derek Nesbitt said. “But when that happens, we need to weather it. You can’t let it snowball. That’s the difference. We have to learn from this. We can’t wait for (intermission) and then figure it out.”

The Gladiators continue to struggle at Infinite Energy Arena. They are 5-9-2-0 and in the midst of a seven-game homestand. They had carved out three points over the first two games of the stretch, but failed utterly in the first period of backto-back games against Florida. The teams meet again at 7:35 p.m. today in Duluth.

Nesbitt was at a total loss to explain the difference in their road and home records, especially on the heels of taking three of four points in Florida two weeks ago.

“I don’t know,” the veteran forward said.

“I don’t think I have an answer for that. I don’t know if there are distractions at home or what.

That’s not calling anyone out. I just don’t know what it would be. Home or away, guys have to figure out how to dial in once they get to the rink. … I wish I knew.”

The Everblades won a quick draw in Atlanta’s zone, and Curt Gogol’s shot bulged the back of the net 51 seconds into the game.

Mike Ferrantino, who assisted on that goal, drove down the middle of the ice unscathed and rifled a shot home at 3:24.

Brendan O’Donnell lifted a backhander from the post top shelf at 4:31 to make it 3-0, his team-leading 17th goal of the season, and Ferrantino slid the knife a little deeper on the power play.

Ferrantino scored his second goal of the game just

as a power play kicked in at 17:44 and spelled the end of Kent Patterson’s night between the pipes.

“He gets pulled on our account,” Nesbitt said.

“You can’t pull 16 skaters. Sometimes that’s a wake-up call to us. You just hung your buddy out to dry and he suffers because of that. It’s a brutal way for him to have to leave the game.”

Jay Williams came on in relief and held the fort as Atlanta worked at a comeback.

Nesbitt said the intermission discussion wasn’t anything they haven’t heard before — or anything that wasn’t said on the bench already.

“It wasn’t anything we didn’t know,” Nesbitt said. “I think (head coach Andy Brandt) is tired of being a broken record.

It’s on us to change that.”

Showing a verve missing in the first period, the Gladiators lit the lamp 2:41 into the period. Trevor Mingoia slid across the top of the crease and tucked a backhander under goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, who was just assigned to Florida by the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

Atlanta made further inroads by scoring on the power play, its sixth advantage of the game, 4:20 into the third. Thomas Frazee set up Cason Hohmann and the Boston University product ripped a shot from the point past Nedeljkovic’s glove.

Nedeljkovic fended off the rest of the Gladiators’ offerings and finished with 30 saves to win his first ECHL game of the season. The second-round draft pick of the Hurricanes, who turns 26 on Saturday, appeared in 16 games for AHL Charlotte, but had just three wins.

Williams stopped all 25 shots he faced. Florida tacked on a 180-foot empty-net goal in the dying seconds.

“The last four games, we’ve done a good job of playing 60 minutes and tonight we went back to that previous stretch of five winless games when we couldn’t figure out how to play 60,” Nesbitt said. “You just can’t beat teams in this league playing 40 minutes.

“It was structural breakdowns, knowing what we’re supposed to be doing and not doing it as a group of five. I don’t think there’s a secret to it.

It’s just not being dialed in from the drop of the puck.”

Maten, Frazier power UGA hoops past Auburn 96-84 The Sports Xchange Georgia’s star tandem of Yante Maten and J.J. Frazier combined for 58 points and the Bulldogs withstood an early 3-point barrage by Auburn and rallied past the Tigers in the second half for a 9684 victory Wednesday at Auburn, Ala. Maten finished with 31 points, his third 30-point performance of the season.

He also had eight rebounds and connected on all nine of his free-throw attempts. Frazier had 27 points with five assists and five steals for the Bulldogs (9-4), who overcame an eight-point halftime deficit in the SEC opener for both teams.

Freshman guard Mustapha Heron had 19 points, and freshman forward Danjel Purifoy added 13 points for the Tigers (10-3), who had their fourgame win streak snapped despite a sizzling start to their SEC opener.

Auburn hit six of its first eight 3-point attempts and was up 27-18 after Ronnie Johnson knocked down a trey with 11:10 left before halftime. The Tigers went into halftime leading 5143.

Georgia cut into the lead early in the second half, with Frazier’s layup trimming the deficit to four at 68-64 with 11:30 left. The Bulldogs closed out the Tigers with a 20-8 run in the final seven minutes.

6B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

Brookwood girls reach Deep South Discovery wins final, while boys fall short in semis championship

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

SNELLVILLE — The four seniors on the Brookwood girls basketball team’s roster were sixthgraders the last time the Broncos played in the Deep South Classic finals.

Six years later, the hosts will play for the title again.

Brookwood closed Thursday night’s 66-49 victory with a 16-0 run, N’dea Jones halting Franklin County’s 10-game winning streak and making the Deep South finals for the first time since 2010, also when the Broncos won their last title in the tourney.

The Brookwood boys, despite 57 combined points from Bubba Parham and Trae Higginbotham and a big comeback, couldn’t match the girls’ fantastic finish. They lost the nightcap 75-71 to Alpharetta, ending their bid to repeat as Deep South champs.

But the Broncos will be represented in today’s 6 p.m. girls title game. They will face Lambert, coached

by South Gwinnett grad Jaime Kruppa Fisher, in a rematch of a game eight

days earlier (Brookwood won 55-46 Dec. 22 at Lambert).

“I think it means a lot (to get back to the finals),” Brookwood girls coach Mark Isenhour said. “I forget how young these girls are. I talk about the Shelbyville Central (Tenn.) girls 20 years ago (in the Deep South Classic) and I forget these girls weren’t alive then. I think it means a lot to be in the championship.

“What I think means more to them is learning how to play for a championship. Learning how to play a game with the understanding that you have to win today and not look ahead. Then once we win, we’ve got to understand that was just the first step.”

Franklin (10-3) is off to a great start under Tony Watkins, a longtime Gwinnett head coach before this season. But Watkins’ team trailed by double figures most of the game before a furious rally started by Ivey Ginn’s banked-in 3-pointer near halfcourt as time expired in the third quarter.

Mya Jones (23 points) started the fourth with a 3-pointer and another basket by Ginn closed Franklin within 50-49. But those points were the last of the night for Lions.

Brookwood took its time on the ensuing posses-

sion, finding N’dea Jones for a three-point play with 5:26 left. Jones’ steal and basket quickly pushed the lead back to six, then she scored again on the next trip.

The Texas A&M signee finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. She had 11 of the points in the 16-0 run, while Taylor Ann Cushenberry contributed a pair of baskets.

“I think we seemed more poised (in the fourth quarter run),” Isenhour said. “It would have been easy for us to continue to make bad decisions and give them a chance to stay in the game. I think as they got tired, we got more poised. A couple of times Kiki (Adams) pulled the ball out. She’s becoming such a phenomenal decision-maker. I think the poise she showed kind of resonated with the others.”

Adams had 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, helping Brookwood (10-4) to its sixth straight win. Nkemji Okonkwo added 10 points and six rebounds for the victors.

Parham and Higginbotham continued their torrid scoring pace in the Brookwood boys’ semifinal, but it wasn’t enough to will their team past Alpharetta (14-1).

Parham, the reigning

Deep South MVP, followed his first-round, 37-point game with 33 more along with four assists against Alpharetta.

Midway through the third quarter, he had 26 of Brookwood’s 41 points.

When the Raiders put extra attention on Parham, Higginbotham stepped up. He scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half as the hosts rallied from a deficit as large as 11 points late in the third quarter.

No other Bronco scored more than six points, the figure put up by Marco Hughley, whose 3-pointer closed the Alpharetta lead to 70-69 with 17.8 seconds left. Two free throws by Higginbotham with 6.2 seconds left again got the gap down to a single point.

A foul with 5.1 seconds left sent Bradon Barron (14 points) to the line.

Barron made the first for a 73-71 lead, but Brookwood (5-9) never got a chance to tie or go ahead.

On the second free throw, a miss, Ellis Merriweather tipped it in for a four-point edge.

It capped a 28-point, seven-rebound night for Merriweather, whose hot start gave Alpharetta a 9-0 lead early. Jaycee Horn added 10 points for the Raiders, who will play Oletangy Liberty (Ohio) at 7:30 p.m. today for the title.

PREP ROUNDUP

Lewis hits game-winner for Lanier boys From Staff Reports MADISON — Isaiah Lewis’ 17-footer at the buzzer gave the Lanier boys basketball team a 64-62 win over Eastside on Thursday in the Sweet South Classic at Morgan County High School.

The Longhorns (6-6) erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Adrian Martin led the way with 20 points and Tyler Taylor had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Lewis finished with nine points.

BOYS BASKETBALL BOYS HOOPS Parkview 58, Rowan County (Ky.) 48 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Parkview advanced to the title game of the Sunshine Classic with a 58-48 win over Rowan County (Ky.) in Thursday’s seminfinals. The Panthers (8-7) advance to face the host, and defending tournament champions, Atlantic high school (12-2) on Friday.

The the semifinal victory, Cam Chavers led the Panthers with 14 points. Amir Langlais and Justin Spencer each scored 11 while teammate Toneari Lane chipped in with 10.

Basketball

National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto...............22....9.... .710...... — Boston............... 19..13.....594.....3.5 New York............ 16..15.... .516........6 Brooklyn...............8..23.....258......14 Philadelphia.........7..23.....233...14.5 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Charlotte............ 18..14.....562...... — Atlanta............... 16..16.....500........2 Washington........ 15..16.....484.....2.5 Orlando.............. 15..19.....441........4 Miami................. 10..22.... .312........8 Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland...........23....7.... .767...... — Chicago............. 15..16.....484.....8.5 Milwaukee.......... 14..15.....483.....8.5 Indiana............... 15..18.....455.....9.5 Detroit................ 15..18.....455.....9.5 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio.......26....6.... .812...... — Houston.............24....9.....727.....2.5 Memphis............20..14.....588........7 New Orleans...... 13..21.....382......14 Dallas...................9..23.....281......17 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City...20..12.....625...... — Utah................... 19..13.....594........1 Denver............... 14..18.....438........6 Portland............. 14..20.... .412........7 Minnesota.......... 10..22.... .312......10 Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State......28....5.....848...... — L.A. Clippers......22..12.....647.....6.5

Kendall Latney scored 10.

FANS’ CHOICE WINTER ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Who: Vanessa Blagmon School: Norcross Sport: Basketball Class: Senior Highlights: Had 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a 58-53 win over Wesleyan in the Crescom Bank Holiday Classic, in addition to tallying nine points, seven assists and seven rebounds in a 77-59 victory over Lake Highlands Prep and 25 points and eight rebounds in a 58-57 loss to Monacan (Va.) Coach Dani Wright’s take: “Vanessa is a hard-working kid on and off the floor. She really puts great effort into everything she does, whether it’s in the classroom or on the basketball floor. Vanessa is a great leader and an intense competitor as well as a great person and teammate. This kid does not get enough recognition for what she does.”

Berkmar 62, GAC 56 CHARLESTON, S.C. — Gwinnett County neighbors Berkmar and Greater Atlanta Christian squared off against one another, over 300 miles away, in the third place game of the Roundball Classic on Thursday. Berkmar came out on top with a 62-56 win over the Spartans.

Jay Estime led the Patriots (11-5) with 20 points and eight rebounds while Al Durham contributed 16 points and six rebounds.

Central Gwinnett 76, Cienega (Ariz.) 54 SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Central

Gwinnett defeated Cienega (Ariz.)

76-54 in the Torrey Pines Under Armor Classic on Thursday. Jalen Hillery led the Black Knights (7-8) with 24 points. Bernard Kasanda scored 11 and Derrick Lawrence added 10 in the victory.

Mill Creek 51, North Cobb 42 SNELLVILLE — Mill Creek advanced to the finals of the consolation bracket of the Deep South Classic on Thursday at Brookwood High School with a 51-42 win over North Cobb.

Christian Mancillas led the Hawks (7-6) with 20 points. Noah Kennel added 11 points and

GIRLS BASKETBALL GIRLS HOOPS Collins Hill 59, Houston (Tenn.) 46 RIVERDALE, Tenn. — Collins Hill improved to 14-0 on the season with a 59-46 win over Houston (Tenn.) in the State Farm Classic on Thursday. Bria Harmon led the Eagles with 19 points. Desiree Connor contributed 10 points, while Javyn Nicholson added nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Mill Creek 55, Morgan County 48 MADISON — Mill Creek downed host Morgan County 5548 in the semifinals of the Sweet South Classic on Thursday. The Hawks (13-1) advanced to Friday’s championship game, where they will face Spalding.

Morgan Simmons led Mill Creek with 16 points, while Wynter Webb added 14. Bridget Mukasa chipped in with 11 points while teammate Alex Bolling recorded five blocked shots.

St. John’s Christian 36, Hebron Christian 31 CHARLESTON, S.C. — Hebron’s Christian’s furious fourth quarter rally fell just short as the Lions dropped a 36-31 contest to St. John’s Christian at the Carolina Invitational on Thursday.

Mckenna Taylor led Hebron Christian with 10 points while Payton Johnson put up eight points, 12 rebounds and six steals. The Lions’ Mary Blake Whittington was named to the All Tournament Team.

at its inaugural hoops tourney

By Michael Allen Staff Correspondent

LAWRENCEVILLE — The first-time host of the Holiday Hoops at Discovery Tournament will keep the championship trophy in its own gymnasium.

After a 33-point win in Wednesday night’s semifinals, the Discovery boys basketball team defeated Monroe Area 74-55 in D.J. Young, Thursday’s championship game.

The win improved the Titans’ record to 12-5 this season, which tops their win total for last season.

It also allowed the team to cross off a goal on its preseason checklist.

“We set a goal at the beginning of the year to win our own tournament,” Discovery boys coach Cory Cason said.

“We played really well defensively.”

D.J. Young, who earned tournament MVP honors, led the charge with a team-high 14 points, including 11 points in the first quarter.

“For D.J., he sets the tone on both ends for us,” Cason said. “We ask him to handle the ball a lot offensively and at the same time he usually guards the best player on the other team.”

Discovery jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and held a 23-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Three-point shooting and solid ball movement allowed the Titans carry that momentum through the second quarter. Seven Titans scored in the quarter, capped by Jaden Stanley, who scored 12 first-half points, including three 3-pointers as

Discovery took a 54-43 lead into the half.

However, Monroe Area didn’t go down without a fight.

The Purple Hurricanes entered the second half renewed and went on a 16-4 to start the third quarter. Monroe Area cut the lead to as low as nine thanks to scoring runs by guards Jordan Vinson and All-Tournament selection Chandler Gibson before Cason went to his second unit to regain control of the game.

“I brought the second wave of guys in because I thought the first group wasn’t quite there mentally,” Cason said. “There were a couple of stretches where we got a little selfish early in the third quarter and that’s where (Monroe Area) made their run.”

After Cason’s group regained focus, Monroe Area never got closer than nine.

“Bringing in that second wave of guys kind of settled things down, and then the first group came and put things away in the fourth quarter,” Cason said.

Guard Ty Chaney, who was named to the AllTournament team, played effectively on both ends of the floor. He helped Discovery boost its lead to 69-51 early in the fourth quarter by scoring on back-to-back possessions.

The Titans went on to outscore Monroe Area 20-12 in the fourth quarter.

Nine different players scored for the Titans.

Discovery has now won seven straight games as it prepares to enter the second half of its season.

“Now it’s back into region play, which is really what it all boils down to: can you go win in the region?” Cason said. “The ultimate goal is to make the state playoffs.”

Hawks send Prince to D-League team The Sports Xchange The Atlanta Hawks assigned forward Taurean Prince to the Long Island Nets of the NBA Development League, pursuant to the flexible

assignment rule, the team announced Thursday.

Prince has played in 20 games for the Hawks this season and averages 3.4 points and 2.0 rebounds.

SPORTS AT A GLANCE Sacramento....... 14..18.....438...13.5 L.A. Lakers......... 12..23.....343......17 Phoenix................9..23.....281...18.5 Wednesday’s Games Washington 111, Indiana 105 Charlotte 120, Orlando 101 Atlanta 102, New York 98, OT Milwaukee 119, Detroit 94 Chicago 101, Brooklyn 99 New Orleans 102, L.A. Clippers 98 San Antonio 119, Phoenix 98 Denver 105, Minnesota 103 Portland 102, Sacramento 89 Golden State 121, Toronto 111 Thursday’s Miami at Charlotte, late Oklahoma City at Memphis, late Boston at Cleveland, late Philadelphia at Utah, late Toronto at Phoenix, late Dallas at L.A. Lakers, late Today’s Chicago at Indiana, 4 p.m.

Brooklyn at Washington, 7 p.m.

Miami at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

New York at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Houston, 8 p.m.

Milwaukee at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Atlanta, 8 p.m.

Portland at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Denver, 9 p.m.

Dallas at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Memphis at Sacramento, 5 p.m.

Milwaukee at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

New York at Houston, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Utah, 8 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

College Thursday’s Games EAST

Brown 66, Quinnipiac 61 Longwood 79, Campbell 77 Massachusetts Lowell 98, Cornell 96, OT Mount St. Mary’s 67, LIU Brooklyn 65 Radford 80, N.C. Asheville 77, OT Robert Morris 78, Sacred Heart 67 St. Francis (NY) 80, Bryant 77, OT St. John’s 76, Butler 73 Vermont 76, Siena 60 Wagner 71, Central Conn. St. 46 William & Mary 65, Old Dominion 54 St. Francis (PA) at Fairleigh Dickinson SOUTH Ball St. 73, North Florida 68 East Tennessee St. 92, Savannah State 71 Georgia 96, Auburn 84 High Point 71, Gardner-Webb 64 Houston Baptist 79, Sam Houston St. 65 Liberty 77, Presbyterian 61 Tennessee 73, Texas A&M 63 Winthrop at Charleston Southern Stetson at Alabama Kentucky at Mississippi UMKC at Mississippi St. Our Lady of the Lake at Texas Rio Grande Valley East Central at Texas-San Antonio Fort Valley State at Alabama St. Jacksonville St. at Tenn-Martin Huston-Tillotson at Lamar Abilene Christian at New Orleans Vanderbilt at Louisiana State MIDWEST Eastern Michigan 98, Long Beach St. 72 Miami (OH) 89, Olivet Comets 69 Oakland 81, Wright St. 62 SE Missouri St. 89, Henderson St. 75 Western Illinois 93, IUPU - Ft. Wayne 91 Western Michigan 80, Alabama

A&M 50 Youngstown St. 88, Wis.-Milwaukee 87, 2OT Green Bay at Cleveland St. Northern Kentucky at Detroit Mercy Lipscomb at Missouri Southern Illinois at Bradley Brescia at Murray St. Nebraska Omaha at South Dakota Evansville at Illinois St. Loyola-Chicago at Drake Florida at Arkansas WEST Santa Clara at Brigham Young Pepperdine at Gonzaga Weber St. at Montana St. Idaho State at Montana Portland at Pacific San Diego at San Francisco Morgan St. at CSU Northridge Northern Colorado at Sacramento State North Dakota at Portland St. St. Mary’s at Loyola Marymount Delaware State at Hawaii

Football National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA New England.13... 2... 0...867...406...236 Miami............ 10... 5... 0...667...349...345 Buffalo............. 7... 8... 0...467...389...348 N.Y. Jets.......... 4. 11... 0...267...245...399 South

W L T Pct PF PA Houston.......... 9... 6... 0...600...262...304 Tennessee...... 8... 7... 0...533...357...361 Indianapolis.... 7... 8... 0...467...387...372 Jacksonville.... 3.12... 0...200...298...376 North

W L T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh...... 10... 5... 0...667...372...303

Baltimore........ 8... 7... 0...533...333...294 Cincinnati........ 5... 9... 1...367...298...305 Cleveland........ 1.14... 0...067...240...425 West

W L T Pct PF PA Oakland........ 12... 3... 0...800...410...361 Kansas City.. 11... 4... 0...733...352...284 Denver............ 8... 7... 0...533...309...291 San Diego....... 5.10... 0...333...383...386 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA Dallas............ 13... 2... 0...867...408...279 N.Y. Giants.... 10... 5... 0...667...291...274 Washington..... 8... 6... 1...567...386...364 Philadelphia.... 6... 9... 0...400...340...318 South

W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta.......... 10... 5... 0...667...502...374 Tampa Bay...... 8... 7... 0...533...337...353 New Orleans... 7... 8... 0...467...437...416 Carolina.......... 6... 9... 0...400...353...385 North

W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay...... 9... 6... 0...600... 401...364 Detroit............. 9... 6... 0...600...322...327 Minnesota....... 7... 8... 0...467...289...297 Chicago.......... 3.12... 0...200...269...361 West

W L T Pct PF PA Seattle............ 9... 5... 1...633...329...269 Arizona........... 6... 8... 1...433... 374...356 Los Angeles.... 4. 11... 0...267...218...350 San Francisco.2.13... 0.. .133...286...455

Thursday, Dec. 22 Philadelphia 24, N.Y. Giants 19 Saturday, Dec. 24 Miami 34, Buffalo 31, OT Atlanta 33, Carolina 16 Washington 41, Chicago 21 Cleveland 20, San Diego 17 Green Bay 38, Minnesota 25 Jacksonville 38, Tennessee 17 New England 41, N.Y. Jets 3 Oakland 33, Indianapolis 25 New Orleans 31, Tampa Bay 24

Arizona 34, Seattle 31 San Francisco 22, Los Angeles 21 Houston 12, Cincinnati 10 Sunday, Dec. 25 Pittsburgh 31, Baltimore 27 Kansas City 33, Denver 10 Monday, Dec. 26 Dallas 42, Detroit 21 Sunday, Jan. 1 Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

New England at Miami, 1 p.m.

Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Dallas at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Atlanta, 4:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Washington, 4:25 p.m.

Seattle at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Oakland at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Arizona at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m.

Kansas City at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Green Bay at Detroit, 8:30 p.m.

College Bowl Glance Dec. 27 Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl Army 38, North Texas 31 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman Wake Forest 34, Temple 26 National Funding Holiday Bowl Minnesota 17, Washington State 12 Motel 6 Cactus Bowl Baylor 31, Boise State 12 Dec. 28 New Era Pinstripe Bowl Northwestern 31, Pittsburgh 24 Russell Athletic Bowl Miami 31, West Virginia 14 Dec. 29 Birmingham Bowl South Florida 46, South Carolina 39

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE NOTICE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE REQUEST An application for a retail beer wine and Sunday sales has been filed with the City of Norcross Georgia by the following location to wit: Applicant/Owner: FAIZ A CHOUDHURY Business Name: CITGO FOOD & GAS Location: 1804 BEAVER RUIN RD., NORCROSS GA 30071 904-459491, 12/16, 21,22,23,28,29,30,1/4,5,6 ALCHOLIC BEVERAGE _________________ NOTICE OF BEVERAGE LISCENCE REQUEST An Application for an alcoholic beverage permit to service beer and wine has been filed with the city of Norcross, Georgia by the following party at the following location, to wit Application Owner: Salima Alzargan Registered Agent: Jallauddin Noorani Business Name: Mobil Buford Location: 5496 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071 9 0 4 - 4 6 0 8 3 6 , 12/21,22,23,28,29,30,1/4,5, 6,11 ALCHOLIC BEVERAGE _________________ NOTICE OF BEVERAGE LISCENCE REQUEST An Application for an alcoholic beverage permit to serve beer, wine and distilled spirits has been filed with the city of Norcross, Georgia by the following party at the following location, to wit Application Owner: PANKAJKUMAR RAMANBHAI PATEL Registered Agent: MUNIRA ALI Business Name: VP FOOD INC Location: 5245 LANDFORD PARK DR STE E NORCROSS, GA 30071 9 0 4 - 4 6 1 9 1 1 , 12/23,28,29,30,1/4,5, 6,11,12,13

PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DACULA The public is hereby notified that the City of Dacula has scheduled an All Day Work Session on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM at Dacula City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, Dacula, Ga. 30019. A quorum of City Council members will be present.

928-462544, 12/30 ABANDONED VEHICLES: RE: 2016 Solana YN50QT-8 Scooter VIN LL0TCAPH5GY461959 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above scooter was initially removed from Old Norcross Road and Davenport Road in Duluth, Ga. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The scooter is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: Trailer & Hitches 14 Ft Utility Trailer VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR BLACK TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above trailer was initially removed from 2760 Trotters Pointe Drive in Snellville, Georgia. It is presently located at 770-381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The trailer is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: Pallet Jack SERIAL # 027245 LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR Yellow TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above pallet jack was initially removed from Interstate 85 Southbound And Boggs Road in Duluth, Ga. It is presently located at 770381-1140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The pallet jack is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 4011-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. RE: 2010 SCOOTER CHOPPER VIN NO VIN LICENSE PLATE NO. NO TAG COLOR RED/FLAMES TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The above motorcycle was initially removed from 50 St. Marlowe Drive, Lawrencville,GA, at Durant at Sugarloaf Aparments. It is presently located at 770-3811140 at 2775 Simpson Circle in Norcross, Georgia, in possession of Statewide Wrecker Service, Inc. Attempts to locate the owner have been unsuccessful. The motorcycle is deemed abandoned under O.C.G.A. 40-11-2 and will be disposed of if not redeemed.

This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law. 928-462496, 12/30,1/6 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION STATE OF GEORGIA/ COUNTY OF GWINNETT TO: 1) Granthause Development Group, LLC, 2) Unknown Assigns of Granthause Development Group, LLC, 3) Joseph U. Grant, 4) Corporation Dissolution Services, LLC, 5) Garen Homes, Inc., 6) Landstar Corp., 7) Landstar Corporation, 8) Granthause Financial Holdings Group, L

PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

LLC, 9) Stuart Mechanical Service, Inc., 10) BMC East, LLC, a/k/a Stock Building Supply, Inc., 11) Ready Mix USA, LLC, 12) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, 13) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, LLC d/b/a HD Supply Lumber and Building Materials, 14) Builder Services Group, Inc., 15) Design Acquisition, LLC, 16) Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., 17) Gwinnett County, Georgia, 18) tenants/occupants/ residents, 19) State of Georgia, 20) Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, and 21) All Persons Known or Unknown Who May Claim an Interest in Property Known as 1964 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519 TAKE NOTICE THAT: The right to redeem the described property at 1964 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519, (Tax Parcel R3003B042), as follows, to wit: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Duncan’s G.M.D. No. 1749, Gwinnett County, Georgia, being Lot 167, Block C, Huntington West, Phase Two, Unit One, per plat recorded in Plat Book 55, Page 124, dated 3/12/92 and re-recorded in Plat Book 56, Page 209, dated 8/5/92, Gwinnett County Records, which plat is incorporated herein by reference. As described in Deed Book 10731, Page 149. Further described as Map Parcel R3003B042.

Will expire and be forever foreclosed and barred on and after the 30th day of January, 2017.

The tax deed to which this notice relates is dated the 1st day of December, 2015 and is recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in Deed Book 54020, Page 726.

The property may be redeemed at any time before the 30th day of January, 2017, by payment of the redemption price as fixed and provided by law to the undersigned at the following address: David A. Basil, LLC, 301 Bradley Street, Suite B-7, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117.

Please be governed accordingly.

9 2 8 - 4 6 0 8 3 8 , 12/30,1/5,12,19

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION STATE OF GEORGIA/ COUNTY OF GWINNETT TO: 1) Granthause Development Group, LLC, 2) Unknown Assigns of Granthause Development Group, LLC, 3) Joseph U. Grant, 4) Corporation Dissolution Services, LLC, 5) Garen Homes, Inc., 6) Landstar Corp., 7) Landstar Corporation, 8) Granthause Financial Holdings Group, LLC, 9) Stuart Mechanical Service, Inc., 10) BMC East, LLC, a/k/a Stock Building Supply, Inc., 11) Ready Mix USA, LLC, 12) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, 13) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, LLC d/b/a HD Supply Lumber and Building Materials, 14) Builder Services Group, Inc., 15) Design Acquisition, LLC, 16) Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., 17) Gwinnett County, Georgia, 18) tenants/occupants/ residents, 19) State of Georgia, 20) Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, and 21) All Persons Known or Unknown Who May Claim an Interest in Property Known as 3924 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519 TAKE NOTICE THAT: The right to redeem the described property at 3924 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519, (Tax Parcel R3003B132), as follows, to wit: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Duncan’s G.M.D. No, 1749, Gwinnett County, Georgia, being Lot 5, Block D, Huntington West, Phase Two, Unit Three, per plat recorded in Plat Book 58, Page 199; dated 4/13/93, Gwinnett County Records, which plat is incorporated herein by reference. As described in Deed Book 10731, Page 155. Further described as Map & Parcel R3003B132.

Will expire and be forever foreclosed and barred on and after the 30th day of January, 2017.

The tax deed to which this notice relates is dated the 1st day of December, 2015 and is recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in Deed Book 54020, Page 730.

The property may be redeemed at any time before the 30th day of January, 2017, by payment of the redemption price as fixed and provided by law to the undersigned at the following address: David A. Basil, LLC, 301 Bradley Street, Suite B-7, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117.

Please be governed accordingly.

9 2 8 - 4 6 0 7 0 8 , 12/30,1/5,12,19

STATE OF GEORGIA GWINNETT COUNTY Advertising of Filing of Petition For Judicial In Rem Ad Valorem Tax Foreclosure Under O.C.G.A. §48-4-75, et seq.

ON December 8, 2016, A PETITION, TOGETHER WITH ACCOMPANYING NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS AND INTERESTED PARTIES, AND LIS PENDENS was filed IN Gwinnett County Superior Court, with a RULE NISI filed on December 9, 2016, seeking foreclosure of the ad valorem tax lien(s) for the year(s) shown below: This Petition serves as Notice to the Respondents and all interested parties that: (1) each party is presumed to own or have a legal interest in the Property; (2) foreclosure proceedings have been commenced because of the failure to pay the real property taxes cited below; and (3) foreclosures will result in the loss of ownership of the property, together with all rights, title, and interest running with the belowdescribed property but not taxed under a separate tax reference number as delineated on the tax maps of the petitioner for the year(s) for the taxes being foreclosed, and all rights and interests of all interested parties.

To avoid loss of ownership or any interest in the Property, an owner or an interested party shall pay the full amount of taxes, penalties, interest, and costs to the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia by the sale date. An owner may redeem the property within 60 days after the sale date by paying the full amount of taxes, penalties, interest, and costs to the Gwinnett County Superior Court.

A hearing on the above matter shall take place on the 10th day of February, 2017 at 1:30 pm in Courtroom 3A of the Gwinnett County Courthouse.

This petition was filed by Richard Steele, Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia.

For further information, contact the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 770.822.8800. —— Tax Parcel ID No.: R4300 060 Civil Action # 16-A-12369-2 Record Title vested in: Charles W. Jordan, Jr. a/k/a C.W. Jordan Tax Payer: Charles W. Jordan, Jr. Respondents and Interested Parties: Georgia Department of Revenue; Internal Revenue Service; Ford Motor Credit Company, Clifford Heindel, James Sims, Charles W. Jordan, Jr.; U/W of Edwin Richard Snell Property Address: 4246 Haynes Circle, Snellville, Georgia Tax Years being foreclosed: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for a total delinquency of $35,597.18 as of December 8, 2016, being the same date shown in the Petition referenced herein.

Legal Description: All that tract of land being in the : State of Georgia, County of Gwinnett, Land Lot 300, 4th District, being 8.60 acres, more or less. Or as further described in Deed Book 4293, Page 207 & Deed Book 21965, Page 3 & a 40’ X 1050’ Easement as Described in Deed Book 4293, Page 217. Being known Known as Tax Map & Parcel R4300 060, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Together with all rights, title, and interest running with the above-described property but not taxed under a separate tax reference number as delineated on the tax maps of the petitioner for the year(s) for the taxes being foreclosed.

928-462371, 12/30,1/5,12

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION STATE OF GEORGIA/ COUNTY OF GWINNETT TO: 1) Granthause Development Group, LLC, 2) Unknown Assigns of Granthause Development Group, LLC, 3) Joseph U. Grant, 4) Corporation Dissolution Services, LLC, 5) Garen Homes, Inc., 6) Landstar Corp., 7) Landstar Corporation, 8) Granthause Financial Holdings Group, LLC, 9) Stuart Mechanical Service, Inc., 10) BMC East, LLC, a/k/a Stock Building Supply, Inc., 11) Ready Mix USA, LLC, 12) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, 13) Williams Bros. Lumber Company, LLC d/b/a HD Supply Lumber and Building Materials, 14) Builder Services Group, Inc., 15) Design Acquisition, LLC, 16) Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., 17) Gwinnett County, Georgia, 18) tenants/occupants/ residents, 19) State of Georgia, 20) Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, and 21) All Persons Known or Unknown Who May Claim an Interest in Property Known as 1974 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519 TAKE NOTICE THAT: The right to redeem the described property at 1974 Green Gables Trace, Buford, GA 30519, (Tax Parcel R3003B043), as follows, to wit: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Duncan’s G.M.D. No. 1749, Gwinnett County, Georgia, being Lot 168, Block C, Huntington West, Phase Two, Unit One, per plat recorded in Plat Book 55, Page 124, dated 3/12/92 and re-recorded in Plat Book 56, Page 209, dated 8/5/92, Gwinnett County Records, which plat is incorporated herein by reference. As described in Deed Book 10731, Page 161 Further described as Map & Parcel R3003B043.

Will expire and be forever foreclosed and barred on and after the 30th day of January, 2017.

The tax deed to which this notice relates is dated the 1st day of December, 2015 and is recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in Deed Book 54020, Page 728.

The property may be redeemed at any time before the 30th day of January, 2017, by payment of the redemption price as fixed and provided by law to the undersigned at the following address: David A. Basil, LLC, 301 Bradley Street, Suite B-7, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117.

Please be governed accordingly.

9 2 8 - 4 6 0 8 3 7 , 12/30,1/5,12,19

STATE BAR OF GEORGIA STATE DISCIPLINARY BOARD NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: James Edward Rambeau, Jr. Georgia State Bar No. 592845 Re: Office of General Counsel File No. 160247 A Notice of Investigation has been issued in accordance with Bar Rule 4-204.1 based upon a grievance filed against you. Service of a Notice of Investigation by publication is authorized by Bar Rule 4-204.2.

Pursuant to Bar Rule 4-204.3(a), you are required to file with the Investigative Panel member assigned to investigate the grievance filed against you a written response to the Notice of Investigation within 30 days of December 30, 2016.

Pursuant to Bar Rule 4-204.3(d), your failure to answer the Notice of Investigation may result in your suspension from the practice of law in Georgia until an answer is filed.

928-460582, 12/23,30

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION STATE OF GEORGIA/ COUNTY OF GWINNETT TO: 1) Sugarloaf Marketplace, LLC, 2) CCT Reserve LLC, successor in interest to Sugarloaf Marketplace, LLC, 3) Unknown Assigns of CCT Reserve LLC, 4) CresCom Bank, successor in interest to Community FirstBank, 5) Brentwood Place Homeowners Association, Inc., 6) Premier Bank, 7) Branch Banking & Trust Company, as successor in interest to Premier Bank, 8) tenants/occupants/residents, 9) State of Georgia, 10) Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, and 11) All Persons Known or Unknown Who May Claim an Interest in Property Known as 4364 Milford Pl NE, Hoschton, GA 30548 TAKE NOTICE THAT: The right to redeem the described property at 4364 Milford Pl NE, Hoschton, GA 30548, (Tax Parcel R3003E032), as follows, to wit: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 3, 3rd District, of Gwinnett County, Georgia, being Lot 31, Block A, Unit One of Brentwood Place Subdivision, as shown on that certain Plat recorded in Plat Book 68, Page 11, Gwinnett County, Georgia Records, which plat is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by this reference. Subject to all easements and restrictive covenants of record, as described in Deed Book 45832, Page 38 and Map & Parcel R3003E032.

Will expire and be forever foreclosed and barred on and after the 30th day of January, 2017.

The tax deed to which this notice relates is dated the 1st day of December, 2015 and is recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in Deed Book 54020, Page 732.

The property may be redeemed at any time before the 30th day of January, 2017, by payment of the redemption price as fixed and provided by law to the undersigned at the following address: David A. Basil, LLC, 301 Bradley Street, Suite B-7, Carrollton, Georgia, 30117.

Please be governed accordingly.

9 2 8 - 4 6 0 7 0 6 , 12/30,1/5,12,19

MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 12/27/16 NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE The following vehicle, advertised to O.C.G.A.Code Section 40-11-12, is being stored at 4431 Buford Hwy, Norcross, Ga. 30071. 770263-8483.

This vehicle is being deemed abandoned and will be auctioned or disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner and or lien holder.

The Vehicle was impounded from 5301 West Fairington Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30038 Ga. on 11/15/16, at the request of the property owner or manager.

Yamaha Motor Corp Waverunner VIN# YAMA2521F999 Tag# GA 0686NM 928-462547, 12/30,1/6

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart #6929, 5985 South Norcross Tucker Road, Norcross, GA 30093, to satisfy a lien on 01/11/2017 at approx.

10:00AM at www.storagetreasures.com.

Name Unit # Sonia Burke A028 Naim U Syde B002 Sothern States Equipment B002 Juana Herebia B077 Erika Mead B107 Jason Smith B086 Melissa Walker C054 Jorge M Mejia D050 Nikki L Stewart E031 Francisca Mendoza D046 929-461084, 12/23,30

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart [3494 Gwinnett Place Dr.] to satisfy a lien on [January 12th, 2017] at approx. [2:00PM] at www. storagetreasures.com Cube# 1122-24 Sylvia J Tunstall Cube# 2029 Linda L Macdonald Cube# 2040 Geoffrey A Terry Cube# 2045 Sophia N Marable Cube# 2063 Tamika Bonds Cube# 2073 Earlene Gipson Cube# 2167 Sophia N Marable Cube# 3056 Zakarya Almariri 929-461102, 12/23,30

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart 3766 Holcomb Bridge Road Norcross, Georgia 30092 to satisfy a lien on January 12,2017 at approx. 2:00 PM at www. storagetreasures.com Cube #154, Paul Long; Cube #360, Wendy Brant; Cube #449, Tom Clatts; Cube #448, Joseph Lloyd Stancil; 929-461121, 12/23,30

2002 Nissan Altima 1N4BL11E72C249452 1996 Toyota Camry 4T1BG12K8TU684734 2008 Dodge Charger 2B3KA43R58H313352 2003 GMC Envoy XL 1GKET16S636210801 2002 Honda Civic 2HGES26782H536453 1996 Dodge Dakota 1B7FL26X7TW701783 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 3C4FY48B84T215750 2005 Buick Rendezvous 3G5DA03E95S526916 2000 Nissan Maxima JN1CA31A8YT024742 2006 Ford Five Hundred 1FAHP23136G182037 2005 Ford Freestyle 1FMZK04125GA29496 1996 Nissan Maxima JN1CA21D9TT128492 1999 Audi A4 WAUED28D2XA322900 1994 Toyota Celica JT2ST07F0R0006784 1999 Lexus GS 400 JT8BH68X5X0017696 1999 Toyota Avalon 4T1BF18B2XU349128 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport JA4MT31P5VP018041 1998 Ford E-350 Super Duty 1FBSS31L9WHC09989 2002 Ford Explorer 1FMZU62E32UA86712 1998 Buick Regal 2G4WB52K5W1427506 2000 Ford Expedition 1FMRU1561YLA69672 2004 Kia Rio KNADC125X46343020 2002 Honda Odyssey 2HKRL18612H509159 2004 Volvo S60 YV1RS61T042345515 2002 Ford E-250 1FTNS24272HA26218 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis 2MELM75W9SX688042 1999 Ford E-150 1FTRE142XXHB52986 2004 Dodge Neon 1B3ES56C34D528579 2004 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E04C927159 1999 Mercury Mountaineer 4M2DU55PXXUJ02184 2001 Acura 3.2 TL 19UUA56601A017059 1985 Chevrolet Caprice 1G1BN69H1FY156962 1977 Chevrolet Nova 1X27U7W100768 1998 Nissan Quest 4N2ZN1113WD814146 1994 Lexus ES 300 JT8GK13T9R0016990 1997 Chevrolet S-10 1GCCS19X6V8200077 2006 Kia Spectra KNAFE121965239871 *** SALVAGE/RECONSTRUCTED *** 2004 Dodge Neon 1B3ES56C24D595318 2012 Nissan Rogue JN8AS5MT1CW613816 *** MANUFACTURER BUYBACK *** 2002 Honda Civic 1HGES16522L059109 2003 Ford Mustang 1FAFP42X63F374269 2003 Acura 3.2TL 19UUA56683A004563 929-462497, 12/30,1/6

tv stand, dresser Jennifer Connelly 8219 Totes, Clothes, hats, shoes, purses Tiffany Posten 8221 Table, microwave, boxes, bag, shelfs, artwork, lamps Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

929-461058, 12/23,30

PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2 D & D AUTOMOTIVE CARE, INC., WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S): 2004 BMW X3 2.5 WBXPA73434WC36105 1999 GMC SAVANA G1500 1GDFG15R3X1156021 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON JANUARY 12, 2017 AT 10 AM. AT 504 BRASELTON HWY LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30043 *7581,82 929-461922, 12/23,30 PUBLIC AUCTION– In accordance with the provision of Georgia State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at AAAA Self Storages located at 4365 Commerce Dr., Buford, GA 30518 770614-1424 and at 282 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA, 30046. 770-237-8673.

And due notice having been given to the owners of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Monday, January 16 ,2017. The sale will be held at www.storagetreasures.com at 10 AM for units at the Buford location and 12 PM for units at the Lawrenceville location on Monday, January 16 ,2017.

Terms: Cash, Credit card, or certified funds at Sale.

10:00 AM 4365 Commerce Drive, Buford, GA 30518 Unit # 3051 ––Jackson, Charmel-Misc. & Household Items Unit # 4011 ––Mack II, Howard-Misc. & Household Items Unit # 4052 ––Kidwell, John-Misc. & Household Items Unit # 4064 ––Lewkowicz, John-Misc. & Household Items Unit # 5001 ––Stephen, Jacquel-Misc. & Household Items Unit # 3073 -Villgas, Danny-Misc. & Household Items 12:00 PM 282 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Unit # 1002–Newman, Natasha–Misc. & Household Items Unit #1045 –Leavell, Nolan D.–Misc & Household Items Unit #1071 –Mathurin, Woodler–Misc. & Household Items Unit #2006 –Scott, Sean– Misc. & Household Items Unit # 3009–Wilmer, Edgardo Salina–Misc & Household Items Unit # 5074–Richard, Leaonetra–Misc.& Household Items 929-462499, 12/30,1/8 GEORGIA SINGLE FACILITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that Champion Self Storage at 2415 Loganville Hwy. Grayson, GA. 30017 will sell the contents of the storage units listed below at a public auction to satisfy a lien placed on the contents (pursuant to the Self Storage Facility Act of the Georgia Code). The sale will take place at the website StorageStuff.Bid on January 18th at 09:00 am. 2017. The sale will be conducted under the guidance of Cheli Rosa (AU003807) on behalf of the facility’s management. Units may be available for viewing prior to the sale on StorageStuff.Bid. Contents will be sold for cash only to the highest bidder. A 10% buyer’s premium will be charged as well as a $50 cleaning deposit per unit. All sales are final. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale or to refuse any bids. The property to be sold is described as “general household items� unless otherwise noted. #217 – Rhonda Rolax – Household Items, Clothes, Furniture, etc. #255 – Brandie Brener Hicks/Brandie BrunnerHousehold items #295 – Lisa Whitfield – Household Items #309 – Lisa Womble– Household Items. #418 – Kellie L Carlton – Household Goods #443–Priscilla Billingslea – Household, Clothes #714 – Brandie Brener Hicks/Brandie BrunnerHousehold items and Furniture #715- Kimberly Phillips – Household #729- Sam Essiete – Household Items 929-462640, 12/30,1/6 PUBLIC SALE THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON JANUARY 07, 2017. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

ESTOS VEHICULOS SERAN VENDIDOS AL PUBLICO POR DINERO EN EFECTIVO EN STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCALIZADO EN 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA A LAS 10:00 A.M. EN 07 ENERO 2017 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com 1996 LandRover RangeRover SALPV1244TA324775 2003 Pontiac Vibe 5Y2SL62873Z454591 2

MCCULLOUGH TOWING AUCTION LIST 770-263-8483 785 BROGDON RD. SUWANEE, GA 30024 SATURDAY, JANUARY 7TH 2017@ 1:00PM 2002 Acura 3.5 RL JH4KA96502C012131 2000 BMW 323i WBAAM3343YFP73883 2003 Chevrolet S-10 1GCCS14XX38118406 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 3GNEC16Z62G308739 2007 Chrysler 300C 2C3LA63H17H800136 2004 Chrysler Pacifica 2C4GM68444R512546 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser 3C4FY58B65T572917 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 1B7HC16X0WS580383 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 1D7HA18N75S360910 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 1B7HC16X91S227293 2003 Ford Crown Victoria 2FAHP71W33X161917 2007 Ford Taurus 1FAFP53U67A162212 2000 Ford Mustang 1FAFP42X0YF216548 2001 Ford Excursion 1FMNU42S71EC36595 2002 Honda Civic 1HGEM22922L100461 2000 Honda Passport 4S6CK58W7Y4411593 2000 Honda Accord 1HGCG5661YA055971 1998 Honda Accord 1HGCG225XWA008351 1998 Honda Accord 1HGCG565XWA008605 2001 Honda Accord JHMCG56631C029766 2002 Isuzu Rodeo 4S2CK58W524325871 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4GZ78Y2VC588832 2005 Kia Amanti KNALD124955078873 2005 Lexus RX330 2T2HA31U55C043857 2000 Lexus ES300 JT8BF28G4Y0245561 2005 Mercury Sable 1MEFM55S05A613175 2007 Nissan Sentra 3N1AB61E77L706426 2001 Subaru Outback 4S3BH665716631835 2011 Volkswagen Golf WVWMM7AJ6BW010733 2006 Volkswagen Jetta WVWAK73C16P044277 2003 Volkswagen Jetta 3VWSE69M43M019054 929-461505, 12/23,30 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that Extra Space Storage will sell at public auction at the storage facility listed below, to satisfy the lien of the owner, personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated: 4257 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30518, 770-846-1522 @ 1:00 PM January 9, 2017 Ernest Jackson 608 Antique Stove, coolers, tent, totes, boxes, toys Richard Booker 6101 Chairs, TV, Boxes, Totes, weights, fake plants Conswella Benson 6206 Bikes, clothes, Dryer, Washer, TV, pictures, boxes, totes Jon Christopher 6233 Mattresses, boxes, trunks, pictures, couch, table Catrice Neely 6248 Clothes, shoes, baskets, baseball bat Jon Christopher 6257 Artwork, dehumidifier, crutches, tables, dresser, totes, boxes Ben Moore 6282 Boxes, speakers, bike, chairs, t

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EHO • $175,900 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com FARMS, LOTS & ACREAGE FOR SALE CONYERS, GA 30094 3604 Sand Hill Drive

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FORECLOSURES NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER State of GEORGIA, County of GWINNETT. Under and by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in a Deed to Secure Debt given by THU HUYNH AND PHUONG NGO to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS�)

AS NOMINEE FOR CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, dated 12/14/2015, and Recorded on 12/18/2015 as Book No. 54000 and Page No. 0528, GWINNETT County, Georgia records, as last assigned to CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC (the Secured Creditor), by assignment, conveying the after described property to secure a Note of even date in the original principal amount of $217,826.00, with interest at the rate specified therein, there will be sold by the undersigned at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the GWINNETT County Courthouse within the legal hours of sale on the first Tuesday in February, 2017, the following described property: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT 215 OF THE 7TH DISTRICT, GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA AND BEING LOT 23, BLOCK C, ROXWOOD PARK SUBDIVISION, UNIT TWO, AS PER PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 102, PAGE 127, AS REVISED IN PLAT BOOK 103, PAGE 259, GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA RECORDS, WHICH PLAT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND MADE A PART HEREOF

BY REFERENCE. The debt secured by said Deed to Secure Debt has been and is hereby declared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to pay the indebtedness as and when due and in the manner provided in the Note and Deed to Secure Debt. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, as provided in the Deed to Secure Debt and by law, including attorney’s fees (notice of intent to collect attorney’s fees having been given).

CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC holds the duly endorsed Note and is the current assignee of the Security Deed to the property. CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC., acting on behalf of and, as necessary, in consultation with CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC (the current investor on the loan), is the entity with the full authority to negotiate, amend, and modify all terms of the loan. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44 14 162.2, CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC. may be contacted at: CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC., 13801 WIRELESS WAY, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134, 800 401 6587. Please note that, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44 14 162.2, the secured creditor is not required to amend or modify the terms of the loan.

To the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the party/parties in possession of the subject property known as 1011 HOLLY MEADOW DR, BUFORD, GEORGIA 30518 is/are: THU HUYNH AND PHUONG NGO or tenant/tenants.

Said property will be sold subject to (a) any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), (b) any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, and (c) all matters of record superior to the Deed to Secure Debt first set out above, including, but not limited to, assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, easements, restrictions, covenants, etc.

The sale will be conducted subject to (1) confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; and (2) final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the security deed.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 9 13 172.1, which allows for certain procedures regarding the rescission of judicial and nonjudicial sales in the State of Georgia, the Deed Under Power and other foreclosure documents may not be provided until final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan as provided in the preceding paragraph.

CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC as Attorney in Fact for THU HUYNH AND PHUONG NGO. THIS LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. 00000006316152 BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER LEVINE & BLOCK, LLP 4004 Belt Line Road, Suite 100 Addison, Texas 75001 Telephone: (972) 341 5398 950-462780, 12/30

For more information, contact Jeremy @ 479.462.2756, email bthomas@darlingii. com, or fax resume to 479.229.3734 EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

HOUSES FOR SALE CONYERS, 30013 1361 TRAVERS CREEK TRAIL

PENDING OFFER APPROVAL! HUD CASE #105-355426 5BR/3 Full Bath Traditional with • 2-Story Entrance that is Very Elegant! • Formal Living & Dining • Oversized Kitchen • Fireside Family Room $162,750 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com CONYERS, 30013 1452 STEAM ENGINE WAY NE

4 BRING ALL OFFERS! .51 Acre Beautiful Lot Which Has Privacy Fence On Each Side and Chain Link Across The Back.

Previous Home Burned Down But This Lot Has Gas, Sewer, Water, Phone, and Electric.

Access To Honey Creek Clubhouse & Amenities Available For Additional Fee $19,500 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE EATONTON, GA 31024 210 RIVER LAKE DR.

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

EHO • $245,000 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

UNDER CONTRACT! HUD CASE #105-684634 3BR & 2.5BA 2-Story Traditional Home with Brick Front. • Fire-Side Family Rm. • Spacious Kitchen w/ Huge Breakfast Eat-In Area. $100,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com GRAYSON, GA 30017 1688 SILVERGRASS LANE

MONROE, GA 30655 242 N. HAMMOND DR.

NEW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY!!

Great Commercial Location For Your New Church, Daycare, Hair Salon Or Office Space.

Space Has 3 Large Rooms, Utility Room, & 1 Full Bath & 4 Half Baths. $120,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

STUNNING NEW LISTING! Beautiful 2 story with massive space and extensive moldings & trim. Sits on full unfinished basement.

5BR/4.5BA. A must see! $415,900. EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT MOBILE HOMES & LOTS FOR RENT BARROW-AUBURN 1-2-3 BEDROOMS IN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Rent Starting at $100/ week. Large Lots.

770-513-3151 COMMERCIAL RENTALS

A

LAWRENCEVILLE OFFICE/ WAREHOUSES SPACE AVAILABLE 750 to 3600 sf Mike 404-375-5438.

MONROE, GA 30656 2300 ACORN WAY

DRASTICALLY REDUCED! Brick Front 2-Story On Huge .66 Corner Lot • New Carpet • Formal Living / Dining Rooms • Open Kitchen • Family Room • 2nd Kitchen in Finished Basement EHO • $229,900 Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealty professionals.com

GARAGE SALES AUBURN, MOVING SALE, Fri., 12/30 & Sat.,12/31, 8:30-2:30 4032 Duran Lane, Mineral Springs Crossing Subdivision Furniture, hshld items, tools, car audio, & More

A s u A p o d h o t t t M L w t S s w i

Export PDF Pages_Export PDF Pages 12/29/16 4:23 PM Page B9

gwinnettdailypost.com

NT NAL! & 2.5BA Simply pen floor om with ncludes nd pool.

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OTS & R SALE

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AUCTIONS

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GUTTER CLEANING SPECIAL 1 Story Home $69 Homes Up to 2500 Sq. Ft. $79 Homes Up to 3500 Sq. Ft. $89 • Additional Fees for Gutter Guards & Screens

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TIRED OF HIGH CABLE PRICES? NO MONEY DOWN!!!

50+ Channels - $39.99 190 Channels - $54.99 290 Channels - $74.99 Call Mike 888-670-3830 2 Year Guaranteed Rate

AUCTIONS

FFERS! utiful Lot Privacy ch Side Link Back. e Burned Lot Has Water, Electric.

Honey ouse & es For Fee 0 alty nals 885 srealty s.com

GWINNETT DAILY POST

AUCTION BUFFALO’S CAFE RESTAURANT FIXTURES & EQUIP 196 Alps Road Beechwood Shopping Ct. Athens, Ga 30606

10AM SAT, JAN 7, 2017 UGA Memorabilia, NEONS, Southwestern Art, stools, bottle boxes, keg box, walk-ins, sinks, ice machine, preps, coolers, freezer, flat grill, smallwares, hot boxes, Cambros, tables, chairs and Lots More!

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OUS OT! ed Lake dwoods ews of nee.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE ESTATE & ANTIQUE AUCTION SATURDAY DECEMBER 31ST 10:00 am MADISON LIONS CLUB BUILDING (beside Wal-Mart) 1391 Fair Ground Rd. MADISON, GEORGIA Over 1200 lots including period Victorian furniture, Italianate inlaid & French pieces, collection knife & tea boxes, English antiques, mid-century, 19th century chests, cupboards, armoires, china cabinets, many bedroom sets, secretaries, large array antique oil paintings & artwork, pottery, crockery, sterling flatware & serving items, Royal Doulton, bronze statues, collectibles, primitives, early American furniture, gold & silver coins, Nippon, Fenton, Limoges, mahogany/ oak/walnut furniture, bookcases, tables, chairs, décor, beautiful lamps, chandeliers, fine porcelains, Bohemian, Persian & Oriental rugs, clocks, cast iron, country items & more! www.bhantique auctions.com (434) 251-5769 Auctioneer STEVE BURKE Auctioneer #NR3155

DIDN’T GET THAT SPECIAL CHAIR FOR CHRISTMAS - LAST CHANCE! Recliner with Ottoman, brown/leather, like new!

Orig. $949, purchased @ $592, now $300 OBO. 678-386-2414 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT

PIANO Story & Clark. Very Nice. Have truck, if you have muscles. $500.

Credit Cards Accepted.

770-962-7633 PETS/LIVESTOCK

DOGS

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS AKC Ready to go January 6. AKC German Shepherd pups-Black / Black Sable. Parents on site.

Working lines.Hannes Vom Spadener Holz.

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

APPLIANCES

VEHICLES

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

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

Dishwasher $100 & up. Different colors.

Del/1 yr warr.

Tim 404-205-2222

AUDI A4, 1999 BLACK $3500 65K MILES CONTACT MARCO AT 404-428-5607

FIREWOOD

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CHEVROLET MALIBU, 2010 All power, garage kept, new tires. Exc. cond.

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JAGUAR, S-TYPE, 2003 Elderly owner, like new, loaded, garage kept. $3995.

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OMES RENT

UBURN OOMS HOME ITY. at $100/ Lots.

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GWINNETT COUNTY REAL ESTA ESTATE EST ATE Homes For For Sale | R Rentals entals | Land | R Remodeling emodeling | Financing | Home Ser Services

Advertorial Content Sponsored By: NAMAR

NEWS

EVILLE

ALES

OVING 2/30 & 30-2:30 Lane, rings division d items, o, & More

F Focus ocus Forward Forward and G Glance lance B Back ack AAss w wee wind do down wn 2016 and turn the page on the ccalendar alendar to to 2017, it is for for some a time of jo joyy and hope hope,, others look ttoo the future future with dismay dismay and unsur unsureness. eness. W Wee ha have ve gone thr through ough an elec election tion which many many found found divisive. divisive.

AAss PPresident resident of NA NAMAR MAR ffor or 2016, I kknow now I look at at the year year with a diff differ different erent perspec perspective. tive. W While hile I ha have ve been a REAL REALTOR® TOR® for for over over 40 years years and a member of NA NAMAR MAR ffor or oover ver 35 of those yyears, ears, I no now w see the same or organizations ganizations in a different different differ diff erent light. light. I am viewing the same picture picture but from from a diff differ erent angle. angle. I heard heard a gentleman gentleman speak recently recently and he had everyone everyone stand up and hold out their arms to ar windshield windshield.. HHee then ask asked ed to represent represent the size size of their ccar them to to hold their hands representing representing the siz sizee of the rrear ear view mirr mirror or in that that car. car. He He asked asked the audience audience to to go back and fforth orth with this eexercise xercise and then suggested suggested that that we we proportionally proportionally look at at our lives lives the same way. way.

Most of our focus focus should be forward forward and only periodically periodically glance glance back. back.

Learn Learn from from the past so we we don’t don’t repeat repeat the same mistakes, mistakes, repeat repeat what what worked, worked, and get better better at at what what wasn’t wasn’t a 100%. Now Now tha thatt w wee ha have ve gone through through the election election process process from from cit cityy ccouncil ouncil ttoo PPresident resident of the Unit United ed States States and all in between, between, some are are happ happy,y, some are are sad sad,, some ar aree hopeful hopeful,, some are are not. not. Some Some have have their focus focus fforward, for orward, while some are are looking looking back moree than a glanc glance.

Without interjecting terjecting politics or any any specific with mor e. W ithout in ideologue,, I w would likee ttoo shar sharee a perspec perspective. tive. ideologue ould lik 458189-1

E/ USES LABLE 00 sf 5-5438.

SSeveral everal yyears ears ago I boar boarded ded a ccommercial ommercial jet liner and notic noticed ed the ccockpit ockpit door w was as open. I look looked ed inside ttoo see the pilots for for the flight flight diligently diligently pr eparing. AAlmost lmost immediately, immediately, ely, I rrecognized ecognized the flights flights Captain.

Captain. His preparing. name is Da ve. I kknew new Da ve man ears ago hen in the militar Dave.

Dave manyy yyears ago.. W When military,y, I flew with Da ve. It had been almost 40 yyears. ears. I kknew new Da ve frfrom om m ounger Dave.

Dave myy yyounger days da ys as egotistical, egotistical, sarcastic, sarcastic, narcissistic, narcissistic, and on his best da days ys a pilot of average average skill. skill. YYou ou ccan an probably probably tell, tell, I did not much lik likee Da Dave. ve. W Wee spok spokee briefly and all these thoughts thoughts from from yyears ears past ccame ame back and I rrealized ealized little if anything anything had, had, in my my opinion, changed changed.. Da Dave ve w was as egotistic egotistical, al, sar sarcastic, castic, nar narcissistic, cissistic, and likely likely still of aaverage verage sk skill ill as a pilot pilot.. W What hat yyou ou should rrealize ealize is while I ma mayy not ha have ve personally been ffond ond of Da Dave, ve, he w was as the CCaptain aptain of the air aircraft. craf aftt. HHee had ttotal otal control control for for the next next 3 hours to to mak makee decisions tha thatt ccould ould ha have ve little impac impactt or absolute absolute impact impact on my my futur future. e. PPutting utting m myy personal feelings feelings aside aside,, ther theree w was as no one on tha thatt flight flight pulling harder harder for for Dave Dave than me! I was was his biggest cheerleader! I was was pulling for for him to to have have an excellent excellent takeoff, takeoff eoff,, an uneventful uneventful flight, flight, and the best landing of his career! career! To To me, me, to to think otherwise otherwise would would just be cra cra cra! cra! to Yes, Yes, I heard heard the speaker speaker that that day day and I choose to to focus focus for fforward. orward. I choose to not. In closing, closing, let pull for for the pilot, pilot, whether it was was the pilot I wanted wanted or not. me add one last perspective. perspective.

As my my year year as President President of NAMAR NAMAR comes comes ttoo its cconclusion, onclusion, I glanc As glancee back but focus for fforward. orward. NAMAR NAMAR has installed the PPresident resident and leadership tteam eam ffor or focus tell you, you, our 2017 NA MAR PPresident resident is no Da ve!! SSusan usan 2017, and let me tell NAMAR Dave!!

Kliesen is a seasoned real real estate estate veteran veteran who will bring ener gy,, vision, and gy Kliesen energy, great ideas to to NAMAR NAMAR and the community community w ve. I assur ou SSusan’s usan’s great wee ser serve. assuree yyou focus is on the future future and she will only oc casionally glanc ffocus ocus focus occasionally glancee back back.. I foc forward with great great hope, hope, unlimited unlimited expectation, expectation, and an excitement excitement which forward cannot be contained. contained. Congratulations Congratulations Susan!!

Susan!! Know Know that that in 2017 I will be cannot your biggest cheerleaders, cheerleaders, and you you make make it easy to to be so! one of your TTom om GGillett illett is the 2016 PPresident resident of NA NAMAR. MAR. GGillett illett w was as named in 2016 as one of the 25 Most Influen Influential tial PPeople eople in Residen Residential tial Real Esta Estate te and is a REALT REALTOR® REAL TOR® Emeritus, Emeritus, rrecognizing ecognizing his 40 plus yyear ear rreal eal esta estate te ccareer. areer. 35 of those yyears ears ha have ve been as a member of NA NAMAR. MAR. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the GGwinnett winnett County County area, area, the local local REALTOR® REALTOR® Board REALT Board is the Northeast Northeast Atlanta Atlanta Metroo Association Metr Association of REALTORS® REALTORS® (NAMAR).

(NAMAR). Located Located at at 2145 Duluth Duluth Highway Highway (Suite (Suite B), Duluth Duluth GA 30097 and on the w web eb aatt w www.namar.org. ww.namar.org.

10B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

SUBARU

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INSPECTED

®

EVENT

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$2,585 due at signing. $0 security deposit. Tax, tag, registration fees and Georgia Lemon Law fees extra. Offer available to well-qualified buyers.

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$29,988 Premium Pkg! Heated Seats! Back Up Camera!

Moonroof! Bose Sound! Rates From 1.9% And 6 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty! Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned!

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*Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 17, 2016, through January 3, 2017, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers will make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2017. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details, or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

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we Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016

RING IN THE

NEW YEAR Cities, organizations holding local events New Year’s Eve — Page 3

10 spot the

Disney ruled the box office in 2016 with hits such as “Finding Dory,” “Captain America: Civil War” and “Zootopia” eclipsing $1 billion worldwide. The following is a list of the top 10 domestic grosses (as of Dec. 28) for movies that came out this year, according to Box Office Mojo.

Movie Earnings (millions) 1) Finding Dory $486.3 2) Captain America: Civil War $408.1 3) The Secret Life of Pets $368.3 4) The Jungle Book $364.0 5) Deadpool $363.1 6) Zootopia $341.3 7) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story $340.6 8) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice $330.4 9) Suicide Squad $325.1 10) Doctor Strange $229.0

year in review

page 5

Film critic Michael Clark gives his list of superlatives and not-sosuperlatives from 2016 in movies, television, music and other hot topics.

the dish page 2

DePalma’s Italian Cafe’s menu includes pizza, calzones, sandwiches and wines

COME OUT AND PLAY IN SUWANEE

454282-5

SMILING FACES MEEt

UNIQUE PLACES

a look ahead Friday, Jan. 6 • “Magic Tree House” — Travel back in history with the Children’s Museum of Atlanta exhibit based on the eponymous best-selling children’s book series written

by Mary Pope Osborne through Jan. 16.

Admission is $14.95 for ages 2 and over.

Free for members. 404-659-5437 •WildWoods — Visitors can enjoy nature in the heart of Atlanta at the WildWoods outdoor experience at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History featuring high-line trails, tree pods, hands-on activities and more. Adults $33. Discounts available for children, seniors and members. For more information, call 404-929-6300.

Saturday, Jan. 7 • Repticon — Visit your favorite coldblooded friends including snakes and lizards at one of Georgia’s biggest reptile and exotic animal two-day conventions at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Adults $12, ages 5 through 12 cost $5. For more information, call 863-268-4273.

• “The Search for Life in Space” — The Fernbank Museum of Natural History takes viewers on a 32-minute adventure from the depths of Earth’s oceans to outer space in search of life. 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call 404-929-6300.

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING FUN TO DO!

SUWANEE.COM

2C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

dish the

dining

DePalma’s Italian Cafe 1862 Auburn Road, No. 113, Dacula depalmasitaliancafe.com 678-804-9275

DePalma’s Italian Cafe, with a location in Dacula, is an Athens-based small chain that was started in 1988 by students in the college town who were in search of great pizza.

(Staff Photos: Erika Wells)

BY ERIKA WELLS

erika.wells @gwinnettdailypost.com

Owners: David Cappi, Lauren Stripling, Patrick Singleton Open since: Fall 2016 Location: Inside the Hamilton Mill Village shopping center near Hamilton Mill Road and Braselton Highway Hours: Opens at 11 a.m. daily for lunch and dinner Atmosphere: Dining options include a formal room, casual booth and table seating, and a bar area. The restaurant is ideal for date night, just grabbing a bite to eat or special occasions.

It isn’t overwhelmed by bright lighting but instead features subtle mood lighting with family-oriented decoration and of course, plenty of racks filled with wine bottles.

Menu: The lunch menu offers familiar pizza slices, salad, soup and pasta options, as well as sandwiches and paninis.

Dinner includes favorites such as eggplant Florentine with baked layers of fried eggplant, basil ricotta, spinach and mozzarella over spinach angel hair pasta with marinara sauce; specialty pizzas with premium toppings; scallops in creamy butternut squash sauce and more.

The wine selection includes fine reds and whites from Italy and around the world.

Witty wording describes

ON THE MENU Lunch: Pizza slice, soup, salad, pasta, sandwich and panini specials from $8.

Dinner: Appetizers and salads from $3.50, entrees from $11, pizza and calzones from $8, pizza combinations from $20, sides from $3

brews such as Budweiser and Corona as “Beer”; Harpoon UFO White and Peroni at “Good Beer;” and Stone Delicious IPA and Smuttynose Robust Porter as “Really Good Beer.”

Stripling hopes the restaurant is known just as much for its quality of food as it is for its scratch kitchen and libations.

DePalma’s was started in Athens in 1988, where three college students who were in search of great pizza decided to take matters into their own hands. Now there are three locations in Athens-Clarke County.

Recently, the owners decided to venture outside the college town setting to open the Dacula restaurant in a different type of environment.

With three locations in Athens, DePalma’s feel more like a neighborhood restaurant than a franchise.

The small chain’s staff welcomes diners at the entrance and offers a flavorful menu, occasional live music entertainment and nightly specials.

Friday’s special is black-

Top left, DePalma’s Italian Cafe in Dacula co-owner Lauren Stripling pulls one of the establishment’s popular pizza orders from the kitchen’s window. Bottom left, DePalma’s Italian Cafe, with a location in Dacula, is a scratch Italian restaurant known for its homemade breadsticks, eggplant Florentine, pizzas, libations and more.

ened Mahi topped with an orange-cilantro butter, with roasted new potatoes and a saute of corn, red peppers, broccoli and basil.

The Dacula location — the only one in Gwinnett — continues the brand’s

tradition of being known for its high-quality ingredients, Stripling said.

“We source our food very carefully,” she said. “We want people to come here and feel good about what they’re eating. I like to sit

and watch people have a good time.”

Since the restaurant is still evolving, Stripling always excepts feedback on dining experiences, and patrons can pop by or make a reservation online or by phone. Party

trays with appetizer, entree, side and dessert choices are available.

Something you may not know: The restaurant is filled with photographs of co-owner David Cappi’s family and history.

in Thailand and has been around for a couple of years.

Each ice cream roll is made when the customer places his or her order, which means the preservative-free ice cream is fresh when customers receive it. Employees use natural ingredients to make each flavor, which means if a customer orders strawberry ice cream, the employee will mix in actual strawberry with the cream.

Customers get three toppings and one sauce on their rolls, and the finished product can be served on a waffle cone, a waffle bowl or a soft dough “Kremo Bun.” 2180 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 470-375-8185

apple baked into it), various omelettes, breakfast burritos, chicken Parmesan, chicken cordon bleu, meatloaf ciabatta, French dip, corned beef dip, lobster mac and cheese and the Reuben sandwich.

555 Progress Center Ave., Lawrenceville, 470294-1456

GWINNETT TASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: Ovation Cinema Grill 11 Ovation Cinema Grill 11 is a movie theater that offers moviegoers a more upscale dining and entertaining experience — although the people in charge prefer to view it as a restaurant that happens to show the latest movies.

It offers diners two ways to enjoy their meals: At a bar in the lounge before or after a movie, or while they are watching one of the films shown at the theater.

The menu is based an American bistro-inspired collection of original dishes.

Popular menu items include the sliders, the Boom Boom Shrimp, Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread and the spicy turkey burger. There are also desserts, such as Funnel Fries, Chocolate Lovin’ Spoon Cake and Blue Bunny Specialty Ice Cream Cups.

The theater also offers a limited children’s menu with items such as chicken tenders and mini corn dogs.

1210 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, 770-9856967 Atlanta Gom BBQ Atlanta Gom BBQ is owned by the same people who own Atlanta Shabu Shabu. Its family- and group-friendly atmosphere serves as a backdrop to its high-quality meats, which can be cooked right at the

table. The restaurant claims to be the only Korean BBQ in Atlanta offering Wagu beef, a high-end beef raised in Japan and butchered locally.

1291 Old Peachtree Road N.W., Suwannee, 470231-2534 SPLAT! (Cakes N’ Such) SPLAT! has a relaxed, rustic-meets-modern feel.

There are benches to sit on, as well as table seating and countertop seating.

There’s even a blue couch with green splats of paint all over it in a tribute to the eatery’s name.

SPLAT! offers more than 200 flavors of cupcakes, although not all at the same time. It also sells single-serving cheesecakes, full-size cakes and espresso. Some flavors are labeled “Kid Friendly” while others are intended for the adult with a “more mature palate,” Nunn said. One example of the adult flavors is “Date Night,” a dark chocolate and red wine cake, she said.

Popular flavors include Date Night, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake and SPLAT’s gluten free options.

SPLAT! has one set daily lineup of cupcakes for each month, so certain cupcakes will only be available on one specific day of each week in a month.

2590 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 107, Buford, 470-3263198

American sliders and French fries are some of the menu items offered at Ovation Cinema Grill 11 in unincorporated Lawrenceville. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans) Chow King The upscale Asian buffet offers 650 seats and serves 250 food items daily. The restaurant has been busy since opening, and on a recent Tuesday afternoon well past the lunch hour, the lobby was full of the hustle and bustle of employees and customers.

This is the 25th restaurant that owner Yun Da Chen has opened in 30 years, General Manager Gene Leong said. Chen passed by the formerly vacant shopping center space and saw an opportunity, Leong said, so he invested $2 million to remake the space and offer an upscale environment with plenty of seating to keep wait times short.

Chen said each weekend since opening, the restaurant has turned over those 650 seats twice each day.

The restaurant serves

food from around the world, including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and American, including pizza, crawfish, sushi, soup and dessert.

Other seafood includes snowcrab, oyster, clam on the shell and flounder.

2055 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, 470-395-3333 Kremo Kremo’s shop takes a minimalist approach to the traditional ice cream shop layout with white walls, wood furniture and wall decorations. An open kitchen approach is also used at the counter where customers place their orders and see their ice cream being prepared.

Kremo serves gourmet ice cream that is rolled in a manner similar to Little Debbie Swiss Rolls (albeit without the coating). Coowner Tom Nguyen said rolled ice cream originated

The 5 Spot Cafe The 5 Spot Cafe has the look of an upscale allAmerican cafe with an open layout, but at the same time, the yellow exterior its owners added helps it stand out in a business area where a restaurant is a rarity.

Lovers of breakfast foods will be in luck at The 5 Spot Cafe because it serves breakfast all day.

Of course, it also serves lunch and dinner menu items all day, and everything on the menu is under $13.

The owners say a wide range of dishes have been hits with customers. Favorites include the Hawaiian French Toast (it has pine-

Piatto Fresh Kitchen and Bar Piatto looks like an old house on the outside but has a modern rustic look on the inside.

The restaurant also appears from Main Street to be a one-story restaurant, but it is in fact a two-story business with a dining area on the street level and a bar and event room downstairs.

Raj Mittal, who owns the restaurant along with his wife, and Executive Chef Morey Anderson described the menu as Italian and Mediterranean “with a twist.”

That twist comes from infusing the dishes with flavors they’ve discovered in their worldly travels. Anderson is a New York native who has also lived outside the U.S., while Mittal is a native of Nepal who spent years living in Sydney.

Most of the pastas, pizzas and salads on Piatto’s lunch and dinner menu range in price from $11 to $18, although starter dishes range in price from $1 to $12.

3140 Main St. Duluth.

678-349-2845

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

Groups, cities holding events to ring in new year FROM STAFF REPORTS

Eve Masquerade Ball at Speakeasy Underground Gwinnett and surroundClub at Adam’s Restaurant ing areas will provide a full & Piano Bar. The evening lineup of events for those will include music, danccelebrating New Year’s Eve ing, a full bar, tapas, a photo traditionally and for others booth, prizes and a chamin search of something new pagne toast at 15 E. Main on Dec. 31.

St. in Buford from 10 p.m.

• Georgia native and to 2 a.m. For adults age 21 country musician Craig and up. 678-745-0379.

Campbell will take the stage • The Gatsby’s New at Duluth’s free annual Year’s at McCray’s TavNew Year’s Eve Extravaern event at 100 N. Perry ganza on the Duluth Town St. in Lawrenceville will Green downtown at 7 p.m. take place from 10 p.m to Campbell is known for his 2 a.m. Admission is free hits such as “Outskirts of with festivities including Heaven” and “Keep Them a costume contest, DJ and Kisses Comin.’” The night Country music artist and Georgia native Craig Campbell will perform Saturday at Du- balloon drop and chamwill include family-friendly luth’s annual New Year’s Eve Extravagana on the Town Green. (Special Photo) pagne toast at midnight. activities including a snow 770-407-6754.

• The Children’s Museum Meets 2017 New Year’s slide and a carnival. AtThe countdown will start at • Celebration a century of Atlanta’s New Year’s tendees can grab a drink at Eve Dinner and Dance 8:59 p.m. with a snowfall at of success at Braselton’s the licensed merchant event Bubble Bash will be burstParty presented by Salsa 9 p.m. at the Crossroads at Centennial New Year’s zone. For more information, ing with fun as children ATL and Dancing4Fun in the park at 1000 Robert E. Eve Gala from 8 p.m. to 1 count down to 2017 with a visit duluthga.net/events.

Peachtree Corners. The all- Lee Blvd. There will be fire- a.m. The event will feature • Family Promise of dance party, special guests, night affair will be held at works, costumed characters, dining, dancing, a cash bar, Gwinnett will host its anbubble wrap fireworks and the Hilton Atlanta Northmusic and more. Admission party favors, a champagne nual Flashlight 5K event more. Celebrations are set east hotel, 5993 Peachtree for children ages 3 to 11 toast and a commemorafrom 6 to 7:15 p.m. The for noon and 4 p.m. at 275 Industrial Blvd. For more is $25.95, adults $31.95. tive gift — all under one race event will take place Centennial Olympic Park information and tickets, Discounts are available. roof at 5257 Green St./ at First United Methodist Drive. The museum will be visit facebook.com/NewFor more information, visit Ga. Highway 53. Black tie Church Lawrenceville, 395 closed to general admisYearsEvePartyAtlanta or stonemountainpark.com or or vintage formal attire is W. Crogan St. Registration sion. For more information call 678-304-7343. call 800-401-2407. required. $100 per person. is $30. For more informaand pricing, visit childrens• Stone Mountain Park • Costumes are not Reservations for tables of tion and to register, visit museumatlanta.org or call is set to host its early New required, but guests can 10 are available. For more familypromisegwinnett.org/ 404-659-5437.

Year’s Eve Celebration for wear a mysterious mask information, visit downevent/flashlight-5k.

• Get ready for the 007 children beginning at 2 p.m. to the 1920s New Year’s townbraselton.com or call

706-684-0369.

• Lanier Islands will host its Dual New Year’s Eve Celebration with festivities at the resort’s flagship hotel the Legacy Lodge, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, for adults on one end and for children on the other. The elegant grownup party will include a dinner buffet, an open bar, live music, dancing and a champagne toast.

The child-friendly party will feature pizza, games, crafts, movie and more.

New Year’s packages are available with or without overnight accommodations and New Year’s Day breakfast buffet. For more information or to make reservations, call 770-9458787 or visit www.lanierislands.com.

• The Atlanta Comedy Theater will host its New Year’s Eve Celebration with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The theater is at 4650 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Comedians to be announced.

General and special seating and services are available.

21 and older. For more information and pricing, visit atlcomedytheater.com or call 770-724-6400.

ArtWorks! Gwinnett offers new plans, vision for 2017 Gwinnett County’s growing number of arts organizations has kept pace with its burgeoning population over the past couple of decades.

In an effort to support the arts, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership Gwinnett committee developed a “Strength in Arts” commitment resulting in ArtWorks! Gwinnett being launched in 2010.

Originally described as “an umbrella organization, consortium and information clearinghouse,” ArtWorks!

Gwinnett leadership has spent the last couple of years retooling, refocusing and restructuring itself. Under the leadership of a group led by Chairwoman Amy Bray and Assistant Chairman Jonathan Holmes, the organization plans to come roaring back in 2017 with a new vision.

“At its essence, ArtWorks!

Art Beat

Holley Calmes Gwinnett is ‘a connecting resource for growing the arts and entertainment sector in Gwinnett,’” Bray said. “Our mission is to be the portal through which artists, arts and cultural organizations, businesses and the broader community can connect and engage.”

“Current projects include compiling a comprehensive list of arts organizations and artists that are based or working in Gwinnett

currently, revamping our web site, and expanding our reach in order to help connect our community to the amazing arts opportunities that abound in our County.

“In truth, most arts organizations have little money, experience, and/or capacity to mount significant marketing campaigns, or reach much further than their own groups. We seek to help with that as we see it as a benefit to our community and its economic development, for the people that live, work and play in Gwinnett to see the vibrant and diverse arts and entertainment opportunities we have in the county, and to support them. We are also working on strategic partnerships with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Explore Gwinnett, Gwinnett County government, and the various cities in Gwinnett to

create avenues of communication for these organizations to share their work.”

Holmes, also one of the organization’s 12 board members, has big dreams for the arts in Gwinnett.

“I want a network of arts organizations that is as strong as the park system or the educational system,” he says.

Part of his plan is to see the private and business sectors investing in the arts literally, buying into the arts through purchases of visual arts as décor for offices, for example, and the hiring

of performing groups for events.

“My dream is to build a database so everyone knows who the arts are and how to reach them,” he said. “The professional world, business leaders, and individuals would reach out to their own Gwinnett community’s visual and performing arts and entertainment rather than look in other cities and counties.”

Holmes also envisions an inclusive community which utilizes the arts of the many cultures and ethnicities that are so much a part of Gwin-

nett.

“Our intent is to raise consciousness of the arts and at the same time engage all of Gwinnett’s people, across all demographics and nationalities,” he says.

Artworks! Gwinnett is seeking information about arts groups to include in their database.

Email information to artworksgwinnettinfo@gmail. com.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

jan. 8

ArtWorks! Gwinnett leadership hopes to inspire Gwinnett businesses and individuals to invest in the work of local artists such as this ceramic vase created in Suwanee. (Special Photo)

Register at woodruffcreateATL.org

presents

free activities every sunday from 1-4pm

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1 – 4 PM

Enjoy Ukulele Workshops, contemporary dance performances by Staibdance, Toddler Tours, Parents & Tots Drama Workshops, fun photo booth experiences, engaging performances and more, for FREE! Register online at woodruffcreateATL.org or by calling 404.733.5000.

A One-Hour Family Ballet

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gwinnettdailypost.com

Rescue dog, local woman subjects of ‘Christmas Husky’

Local business professional writes book on selling skills

FROM STAFF REPORTS

FROM STAFF REPORTS

An author and Loganville woman is using one dog’s real-life tragedyturned-triumph to help other dogs in need in Georgia.

“Buddy, the Christmas Husky: Based on a True Shari Holiday Baillargeon Miracle” by author Dorothy Wills-Raftery tells the story of a Siberian Husky who is abandoned but eventually taken in by Gwinnett resident Shari “Mama Shay” Baillargeon.

In Christmas 2011, he ends up in the middle of a winter storm on a street in an Arkansas town. He is badly injured and starving; he’s been shot and is getting sicker and sicker — and almost struck by passing cars — until a stranger approaches him.

Wills-Raftery has followed Buddy’s journey along with his Facebook fans and followers, she said.

“Every day we read heartbreaking stories about Huskies, and all breeds of dogs actually, being abused and abandoned,” she said. “Tossed away because suddenly

they didn’t ‘fit’ into the family anymore.”

Buddy has extensive medical issues including mange, heartworms and lymphoma and is being treated for through the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Baillargeon, a foster mom, takes in special needs Huskies. WillsRaftery also wanted to help raise funds for his care by donating a portion of the books to “Buddy’s Buddies” through the University of Georgia. Once Buddy’s medical bills are current, the funds go toward helping other “buddies” in need.

Barbara K. Slocum provides illustrations for the book, which is available online at ArcticHousePublishing.com and Amazon.com.

performing key factors with excellence and consistency,” he Lawrenceville resident Jon said.

Wright has released his first “The book is geared towards book, based on his over 20 years business people, but it applies of professional sales and manto everyone. Our personal and agement experience, he said. professional lives are full of disIn “Tight Lines & Good Selltractions and noise. The overall ing: Business Growth Lessons message is to remind us to focus Learned at the Point of a Hook,” on the success factors that we Wright uses his love for fishing can control, and let go of the to present the key ingredients for rest.” success, he said. They are depict“Tight Lines & Good Selling” ed in a variety of “fish tales” that is available online at Amazon. show readers how to “catch more com, BarnesandNoble.com, and customers,” Wright said.

TightLinesNGoodSelling.com “Unfortunately, there is no and in the University of Georgia magic secret to success. Achiev- bookstore and Barnes & Noble at ing the top level in your field Mississippi State University. is a result of building a strong For more information, visit foundation in specific areas and tightlinesngoodselling.com.

NBC reimagines Oz with ‘Emerald City’ fantastical land of competing realms, deadly warriors, dark magic and a bloody With sweeping Eurobattle for supremacy. pean vistas, impressive It’s ruled over by the special effects and dark and Wizard (a heavily bearded, brooding characters, NBC’s nearly unrecognizable “Emerald City” makes Vincent D’Onofrio, “Law clear early on that this new & Order: Criminal Infantasy/drama series is not tent,” “Jurassic World”), a your father’s “The Wizard guileful monarch who has of Oz.” Nor are you in Kan- outlawed magic, antagosas anymore. nized a growing cauldron Premiering Friday, Jan. of witches and is faced with 6, the hourlong series, a disaster at the hands of a reimagining of L. Frank mythical force. He’s a fraud Baum’s original 1900 trying to maintain his tenunovel, stars Adria Arjona ous hold on his kingdom. (“True Detective,” “NarAnd Dorothy’s dropping cos”) as Dorothy Gale, a into this land seemingly young Kansas nurse who from the sky certainly qualwith K9 police dog Toto ifies as magic in the eyes of is swept by tornado into a its denizens, thus immedi-

BY GEORGE DICKIE Your TV Link

ately making her an outlaw.

As she fights to survive in this hostile realm, she discovers her own strength and empowerment, a plot point that the actress playing her, Arjona, found attractive.

“I felt responsible for certain aspects of the script — that Dorothy’s a very insecure and settling character and just becomes this empowered woman toward the end,” Arjona said. “And I think that journey to me was a lot more important to showcase to little girls that you can embody yourself, you can be a strong woman.

“I went on this journey with her. … (This role) was my first baby — it was my first lead in a TV show —

and obviously you start out a little bit scared, you start out a little bit nervous.

You’re kind of unsure what is right and what is wrong and that’s the point where Dorothy kind of starts the show. And then toward the end, the crew becomes your family. The director becomes almost like your dad, your co-stars become your brothers and sisters, and you feel so much more comfortable and so much more empowered that it kind of feeds into the character itself. So at the end of the show, I felt a lot more secure of myself. I felt a little more like Dorothy, like the actual real Dorothy.

I felt strong.”

‘Always Sunny’ star Kaitlin Olsen is ‘The Mick’ in new Fox series

BY JAY BOBBIN

Mickey, a hustler so rough around the edges that she’s a highly unlikely Kaitlin Olson hopes the candidate to become a forecast for her new show guardian of youngsters ... is as sunny as it’s been for yet she does, when her afher in “Philadelphia.” fluent sister is arrested and The actress brings her promises to get Mickey sassy persona — wellthe money she needs if known to fans of the she’ll mind the kids. long-running comedy “It’s The spoiled youths Always Sunny in Philadel- (played by Sofia Blackphia,” now on FXX — to D’Elia, Thomas Barbroadcast television in busca and Jack Stanton) “The Mick,” a Fox sitcom are full of attitude, but debuting Sunday before it they quickly find they’ve Kaitlin Olson stars in the new comedy “The Mick,” preassumes its usual Tuesday met their match in their miering Sunday on Fox. (Special Photo: Your TV Link) slot two nights later. Also estranged Aunt Mickey, a co-executive producer whose streetwise sensibil- almost immediately. Also Jimenez (“Raising Hope”) of the series, Olson plays ity levels the playing field a cast regular is Carla as housekeeper Alba, who

Your TV Link

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Building People of Prayer, Purpose and Power

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

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make a family comedy that’s funny and a little bit edgy, and I think we’ve pulled that off.”

As “The Mick” starts its run, Olson also will continue to be visible as anger-issued “Sweet Dee” on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as it begins its 12th season Wednesday — with its 13th and 14th rounds already ordered by FXX. The wife of that show’s creator, Rob McElhenney (who’s also a star and executive producer of it), Olson finished her work on Season 12 before diving fully into “The Mick.”

“It’s so much fun for me to do ‘Sunny,’ because I’m not doing anything other than acting on it,” she reflects. “They’re long hours, but it’s only 2-1/2 months out of the year, and it flies by because we’re having such a good time. I have a lot more jobs on (‘The Mick’), so I’m doing something pretty much seven days a week. It’s much more intensive, but we’re figuring out our way, and it hopefully will get smoother and smoother.”

The Jan. 1 premiere of “The Mick” is scheduled after an NFL doubleheader, so Fox would seem to be positioning it for maximum exposure. While that pleases Olson, she reasons, “I just wanted it to be the show I wanted to make. As long as that part is there, whatever else happens is fine with me.

It really is, but I’m very proud of this. I think it’s very funny.”

Gwinnett Daily Post

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

Watchnight Service Dec. 31st 10PM

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

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becomes a major aide to Mickey, and Dave Annable (“Brothers & Sisters”) has a recurring role.

“I knew I could make this character special,” the lively and friendly Olson says, “and I was very excited to produce this, so I could cast the people I wanted and be able to give notes. You just have some creative control. Of course, as we get closer to the premiere, I’m flipflopping: ‘Oh, boy. If people don’t like it, they will not blame the writers or anyone else. This is all on me.’ That’s just my personality, though.”

Though “The Mick” is a new project, it keeps Olson in her comfort zone, since she’s working with a number of her “Philadelphia” teammates on it: John Chernin and David Chernin are the creator-writers and serve as executive producers, as does fellow “Philadelphia” veteran Nicholas Frenkel.

“That was the reason I did this,” Olson confirms. “I would have been terrified to sign onto a (broadcast-) network show otherwise, because it’s just not what I’m used to. It feels very safe.

“I really think my ‘Sunny’ fans are going to love it, and I’m really hopeful that the people who don’t watch ‘Sunny’ — or didn’t really give it a chance — will watch this show simply because it’s on Fox. It’s definitely not as risque, but it’s the same sense of humor and the same tone and a similar vibe. There’s a way to

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Friday, December 30, 2016 • 5C

2016 in review

A year of surprises, letdowns and more sequels Abedin in “Weiner” out in August: “Ben-Hur” Most overrated film: “La There’s a reason it came La Land” out in January: “13 Hours: Most patriotic: “Patriots the Secret Soldiers of BengDay” hazi” Most politically biased in Very good and very few a bad way: “Eye in the Sky” cared: “Demolition” Most profane: “Popstar: Whatever happened to Never Stop Never Stopping” Dakota Fanning?: “AmeriMichael Most profitable continu- can Splendor” Clark ing franchise: “Star Wars” Winner of the First AnMost underrated film/ nual Cindy Stoltz award It’s time for my annual sequel: “Alice Through the for outstanding service by year-end list of movie indusLooking Glass” a movie PR agent: Cindy try highlights and lowlights.

Most unneeded remake: Stoltz Some choices are obvious; “Ben-Hur” Worst adaptation of a some others, hopefully, are Most visually unappeal- classic piece of literature: not. Thanks for reading and ing: “The Finest Hours” “American Splendor” have yourself a great 2017!

My career in film and Worst chick/buddy/bondDeadpool (Ryan Reynolds) reacts to Colossus’ (voiced by Stefan Kapicic) threats Best Lead Actor: Casey politics is over: Arnold ing flick: “Ghostbusters” in “Deadpool.” Michael Clark chose it as his favorite movie of 2016. (Special Photo) Affleck in “Manchester By Schwarzenegger: the new Worst comic book adapthe Sea” host of “The Apprentice” tation: “Batman v SuperBest Lead Actress: NataMy career in TV is hap- man: Dawn of Justice” Plaza in “Dirty Grandpa” lie Portman in “Jackie” Deniz Gamze Ergüven for pily over: former host of Best performance in an Worst continuing franDon’t mess with this Best Supporting Actor: “Mustang” “The Apprentice” President- chise: “Paranormal Activity” only so-so movie (female): senior citizen: the blind guy elect Donald Trump Ben Foster in “Hell or High Best dual performance in Gal Gadot in “Batman v.

Worst directorial debut: Water” a bad horror flick: Natalie No, it’s NOT a standSuperman: Dawn of Justice” in “Don’t Breathe” Ewan McGregor for “AmeriEnough, already: the “Ice alone movie: “Rogue One: Best Supporting Actress: Dormer in “The Forest” Best performance in an can Splendor” Age” franchise Judy Davis in “The DressBest dying trend: ParaA Star Wars Story” only so-so movie (male): Worst exercise in Fancy camera work maker” normal horror flicks Not afraid to look her Irrfan Khan in “Inferno” “touchy/feely” filmmaking: “Collateral Beauty” doesn’t equate to “magic:” age: Sally Field in “Hi, My Best Ensemble Cast: Best dysfunctional cop/ Best period piece: “The Worst hair: Julia Roberts “Now You See Me 2” “Hell or High Water” buddy movie: “The Nice Name is Doris” Witch” in “Mother’s Day” Former teen idol still not Best Director: Pablo Lar- Guys” Not afraid to look his Best portrayal of a senior Worst movie of the year: making it the adult world: age: Jeff Bridges in “Hell or rain for “Jackie” Best editing: “Nocturnal citizen character in a bad “Wiener-Dog” Zac Efron Best Original ScreenAnimals” High Water” film: Kevin Costner in Worst movie set and shot Full frontal: the principal play: “Hell or High Water” Best ever homage to Not for dog lovers: “In a “Criminal” cast of “A Bigger Splash” Best Adapted Screen“The Godfather”: the mice Valley of Violence,” “Weiner- in Atlanta: “Triple 9” Best recreation of hisWorst movie with reliGlutton for punishment: Dog,” “The Lobster” play: “The Jungle Book” in “Zootopia” torical events: “Jackie” (the gious overtones: “Miracles Anthony Weiner in “Weiner” Best Animated Film: Best family film: “ZooNote to studios: think assassination of JFK) From Heaven” Gnarliest choppers: “Zootopia” topia” about co-coordinating your Best remake: “The Jungle Worst new trend: The Samuel L. Jackson in “Miss screening times. Previewing Best Documentary: “The Best film shot in Atlanta: Book” Peregrine’s Home For Pecu- multiple movies at the same same-day releasing of titles Beatles: Eight Days a Week in theaters, on demand and/ liar Children” — the Touring Years” time on the same night will best film shot in atlanta: or on home video Great setup, horrible Best Foreign Language likely result in your film be‘Hidden figures’ Worst Quentin Tarantino follow-through: “PassenFilm: “Our Little Sister” ing ignored. impression: “In a Valley of gers” (Japan) Officially insignificant Violence” Highest profile scandal: My Top 10 favorite and borderline vindictive: Worst remake: “Benthe impending divorce of (though not necessarily Angelina Jolie Brangelina best) films: Proof positive Will Smith Hur” Worst sequel: “Now You Hot: Haley Bennett in 1. “Deadpool” should fire his agent: “ColSee Me 2” “The Magnificent Seven” 2. “Zootopia” lateral Beauty” Worst waste of a great Hotter: Mila Kunis in 3. “Hell or High Water” R.I.P.: David Bowie, cast: “Collateral Beauty” “Bad Moms” 4. “Demolition” Michael Cimino, Leonard A special Top 10 for the Hottest: Margot Robbie in Cohen, Pat Conroy, Patty 5. “The Jungle Book” anything 6. “Miss Peregrine’s Home Duke, Keith Emerson, Carrie entire staff at Allied Integrated Marketing: It wasn’t that bad: “Pas- Fisher, Glenn Frey, Zsa Zsa For Peculiar Children” 1. You do your jobs under sengers” 7. “Our Little Sister” Gabor, Merle Haggard, Curthe most stressful of circumLet’s talk about and do 8. “Arrival” tis Hanson, Florence Henstances and never lose your LOTS of drugs!: “Dirty 9. “Nocturnal Animals” derson, Arthur Hiller, Ken Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy cool.

Grandpa” 10. “Jackie” Howard, David Huddleston, Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson 2. You never get the credit Looks great, less filling!: George Kennedy, Greg Lake, The remainder: (Janelle Monae) are three brilliant African-American you deserve for performing “Rogue One: A Star Wars A day late and a dollar Garry Marshall, George women working at NASA who served as the brains Story” short: Academy screeners Martin, George Michael, Bill the most delicate of balancbehind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in “Hidden Figures.” (Special Photo: Hopper Stone) ing acts.

M.V.P. (female): Amy from Sony Pictures Classics Nunn, Jon Polito, Prince, 3. If politicians behaved Adams in “Arrival” and A lot of bark and very Nancy Reagan, Alan Ricklike you we could call our “Nocturnal Animals” little bite: “Batman v. Superman, Leon Russell, Garry country The United States of M.V.P. (male): Jake Gylman: Dawn of Justice” “Hidden Figures” Shandling, Vanity (Denise Best revenge flick: “The Utopia. lenhaal in “Demolition” and Matthews), Peter Vaughan, Animated movie you Best final scene: “La La Dressmaker” 4. If life were perfect we’d “Nocturnal Animals” shouldn’t let your children Land” Robert Vaughn, Abe Vigoda, Best scenery chewing Most astute (largely watch: “Sausage Party” Best girl’s night out flick: (female): Kathryn Hahn in Gene Wilder, Anton Yelchin never have to watch another movie at Atlantic Station negative) view of the fuBad AND depressing: “Bad Moms” Rainmaker: Disney “Bad Moms” again. ture: “Passengers” “American Pastoral” Best horror flick: “Don’t Studios Best scenery chewing 5. You put up with me.

Most bizarre plot (docuBad attempt at comically Breathe” Second most needed new (male): Ralph Fiennes in “A 6. How about those nifty mentary): “Tickled” portraying holiday famBest impression of a real- Bigger Splash” Oscar category: Best Stunt “secret message” T-shirts?!

Most bizarre plot (liveily dysfunction: “Almost life hack “news” personalCast Best scene-stealer: Judy 7. You’re nice all the time action): “The Lobster” Christmas” ity (Harvey Levin): Will Separated at birth: Chris Davis in “The Dressmaker” and never appear to be faking Most cameos: “Absolutely Pine and Chris Hemsworth Bad trend, getting worse: Arnett in “Popstar: Never Best sci-fi flick: “Arrival” it.

Fabulous: The Movie” studios cramming in screen- Stop Never Stopping” So, how’s that journalBest score: “A Bigger 8. “Is there any reason to Most cathartic: “Demoli- ism thing working out for ings of Oscar-hopeful titles Best impression of David Splash” believe this screening won’t all at once at year’s end for Bowie: Tilda Swinton in “A you?: Sean Penn Best soundtrack: “Demo- tion” Most child unfriendly awards consideration, reBigger Splash” The election is over, your start on time?” lition” 9. I believe you value my animated film: “Kubo and ferred to by some as “DumpBest intentions with only side lost, stop whining and Best sports movie post-screening comments the Two Strings” tember” so-so results: “The Birth of a (clean): “Eddie the Eagle” listen to fellow Democrat Most crushing early deBest (meaning most Nation” Mark Wahlberg: Robert De because you know it’s never Best sports movie (dirty): sugar-coatparture (tie): blatant) scenery chewing: Best looking “stuff blow- “The Bronze” ed.

Meryl Streep in “Florence ing up” film: “Deepwater Best use of old pop songs: David Bowie most crushing early departure: 10. If you and Prince Foster Jenkins” Horizon” “A Bigger Splash” prince and david bowie didn’t do Most Best 3D & special effects: Best looking movie shot Best use of profanity: your jobs as disparag“Miss Peregrine’s Home For in Atlanta: “Keeping Up “Dirty Grandpa” well as you ing (and Peculiar Children” with the Joneses” Best venue for private Musician Prince do, it would accurate) Best action hero flick: Best made-for-cable rental and press screengestures on be impos“Deadpool” movie/mini-series: “Ameri- ings: Cinevision in Doraville insight into stage during the sible for me TV news: Best awards show open- can Crime Story: The People Best villain (animated Apollo Theatre’s to do mine.

“Money ing monologue: Ricky Ger- v. O.J. Simpson” animal): Idris Elba as the 75th anniversary Finally, Monster” vais at the Golden Globes gala in New York Best makeup: “Deadtiger in “The Jungle Book” on June 8, 2009. to CaroMost fanBest awards telecast (as pool” Best villain (female): (Reuters/Lucas lyn Sloss always): the Golden Globes Best movie (almost) no Christina Applegate in “Bad tastical real Jackson/File (the vice name: Gugu Best back-to-back one saw: “Our Little Sister” Moms” Photo) president Mbatha-Raw documentaries: “Hillary’s Best movie about female Best villain (male): of Allied in Most America: the Secret History empowerment: “Mustang” Samuel L. Jackson in “Miss Atlanta): of the Democratic Party” and Best movie at capturing Peregrine’s Home For Pecu- incompetent David Bowie We both exhibitor: “Clinton Cash” political paranoia at its liar Children” screams into started our Atlantic StaBest badass: Ryan Reyn- worst: “The Hunting of the Best war flick (by dethe microrespective tion olds in “Deadpool” President Redux” fault): “Hacksaw Ridge” phone as he current performs on Most likely Best Blu-ray overhaul: Best movie for music Best Western: “Hell or stage during professional to be elected “Citizen Kane” 75th Anniver- lovers: “Eat That Question: High Water” his concert journeys at sary Edition Frank Zappa in His Own Better than it should have to public in Vienna on about the Best breakout perforWords” been: “Central Intelligence” office in the Feb. 4, 1996. same time not-so-dismance: Lucas Hedges in Best movie including a Biggest (and most de(Reuters/Leon(remember tant future: “Manchester by the Sea” Jesus Christ character: served) flop: “Ben-Hur” hard Foeger/ the Planet Tom Selleck Best bromance: “Central “Risen” Biggest box-office surFile Photo) Hollywood Most likely Intelligence” Best movie shot and set prise: “Don’t Breathe” taping?) to be the subBest chick flick: “Bad in Georgia: “Dirty Grandpa” Biggest creative disapMoms” Best opening and closing pointment: “Finding Dory” ject of a 2017 movie: The Niro, Martin Sheen and other and although it’s sometimes been a bumpy ride, I have the presidential primary races Best cinematography: credit sequences: “Deadassorted cry-baby, pantyBravest nude scene utmost respect and affection Most likely to induce “The Eagle Huntress” pool” waisted limousine liberals (female): The opening credit for you. Your professionalism vertigo and/or motion sickBest comeback: Judy Best original song: “The sequence for “Nocturnal The hardest working ness: “The Walk” Davis in “The Dressmaker” Veil” by Peter Gabriel from man in show-bidness: Tom is reflected in the consistent Animals” Most needed new Oscar Hanks: “A Hologram for the and stunning performances Best comedy: “Office “Snowden” Bravest nude scene category (still): Best EnChristmas Party” Best performance by a King,” “The Circle,” “Defy- of your staff. They have an (male): Zac Efron in “Dirty exceptional, very wise boss. semble Cast Best comic book adapta- juvenile (female): Angourie Grandpa” ing the Nazis: the Sharp’s I believe I have grasped Most obvious (but tion: “Deadpool” Rice in “The Nice Guys” War,” “Inferno,” “Ithaca,” Clunkiest title (tie): what you told me over lunch Best continuing trend: Best performance by “Sully” “Miss Peregrine’s Home For not very good) “Animal years ago: “We are a family.” lots of really good documen- a juvenile (male): Judah The one good thing Peculiar Children” and “In a House” homage: “NeighValley of Violence” It took me way longer than it bors 2” taries Lewis in “Demolition” about Garry Marshall’s Cyber nightmare: “Zero should have but I think it has Most obvious willing Best date movie: “SouthBest performance by a passing: no more random, political doormat (and later lousy holiday themed movies finally sunk in. Thank you side with You” non-human: Jumpy the dog Days” Dangerously hot: Aubrey Clinton scapegoat): Huma Best directorial debut: in “In a Valley of Violence” There’s a reason it came — MC.

favorite movie: ‘Deadpool’

6C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

‘Passengers’ film fans

Jeff Barger, Loganville

★★★★

Lauren Barger, Loganville

★★★★

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week:“Passengers.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Pass: Visually, this film was stunning.

The set design of the Avalon spacecraft, both inside and out, was very cool. With the film set in space, there was plenty of CGI to go around, but it was all very realistic and well done. If I were ever stranded in space, I hope it would look that cool.

Fail: The movie was a little boring at times. I realize there needed to be some setup and time to show Jim’s (Chris Pratt) plight as a stranded passenger on a spacecraft destined for a new planet where he woke up 90 years before he should have, but it seemed to drag on longer than it needed to. The film was also fairly predictable and it ended abruptly, which was a little jarring considering how much time was spent building the storyline. Despite these “fails,” the film was very well done, the acting was great and overall I enjoyed it.

There were really only four major characters in the entire film, and Chris Pratt had to carry the film by himself for a good portion of it. While it wasn’t at the level of a Tom Hanks in Cast Away performance, he still did a great job and showed a strong range of his acting skill. He brought his usual comedy to the role, which made us all laugh throughout the movie. Jennifer Lawrence also did a terrific job as well. She probably did some of the best acting I’ve seen her do.

“Passengers” has comedy, suspense, action, sci-fi, romance and drama, so it really had something for everyone to enjoy.

Though the story was set in space, space and the sci-fi aspect of the film wasn’t the focus. The focus was the relationship between two strangers, one forced into an unbelievable situation which forces him to make a very difficult choice that affects the other.

This would be a decent date movie, and the CGI and audio probably wouldn’t be as cool on Blu-Ray, so you may want to check it out in the theater.

When I first left the theater I wasn’t that impressed, but the more I’ve thought about this movie, the more I’ve realized how good it really was. I may even need to see it again to get it all to sink in.

Pass: I really thought that both Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt looked better than ever, not sure if that is due to the make-up department, lighting or camera work but I thought they looked great. Even in the beginning, when Pratt is all alone and bearded like Tom Hanks in “Cast Away,” he looked really good. I found the camera work well done because some sci-fi films try to do too much with futuristic style or crazy nausea inducing shots. This film didn’t make me wish I had taken a Dramamine, so that made me happy.

Fail: There were some slow moving parts in the film. I understand the need to show Pratt’s journey and anguish as he navigates the ship all alone but felt like it took a long time to advance the story line.

I wouldn’t say I was bored, but definitely eager to see where the film and story were heading.

Pratt and Lawrence were phenomenal. Pratt really carried this movie. He surprised me with his acting chops because I really wasn’t expecting that much. I am pretty impartial regarding both the main actors, so I feel like I can give an objective review of their performance. I have enjoyed both in other roles, but am not a super fan, by any means. I became much more of a Pratt fan. His portrayal was just the right amount of endearing lonely guy who was genuinely funny, while also grappling with some serious feelings of depression and solitude.

I can’t think of any other actor that could have done the role any better, though I can’t say the same for Lawrence. Perhaps that is more a reflection on the writing, but it probably could have been any one of several actresses and still been the same.

Science fiction fans may not enjoy this film as much as drama or rom-com fans, because though it’s set in a futuristic space traveling ship, it really is just a story of human loneliness and our need for companionship. I am not sure there is enough sci fi to really engage some of my more (proudly) geeky friends. It was kind of a “Cast Away” meets “Titanic” type film. So fans of those flicks should enjoy it. Also, other parents or those familiar with “Wall-E” may find it interesting.

I would absolutely recommend the film to others; the production value and acting are great! It is worth the money to go see it on the big screen, in my opinion.

I was intrigued by the film and glad that I gave it a chance. In some ways, it felt like a grown up version of “Wall-E” with a deeper plot point (though I think “Wall-E’s” commentary on our society is actually deeply convicting and illustrative) surrounding Pratt’s decision to remain alone for life or add a companion. Honestly, I doubt many of us would have made a different choice, though I wouldn’t have had the knowledge to change my circumstances, so luckily for him he had the know how to actually do it. I can’t imagine being surrounded by 5,000-plus people and still being completely alone — it would be maddening. Though I hear that is what depression can feel like, so maybe this movie will get people talking about it and make us all more willing to reach out and make a connection with others. The takeaway is that even if all our needs are being met but we are completely alone, life seems to lose purpose. In a weird way, this was a perfectly timed release at the holidays.

Pass: I enjoyed this movie with its combination of great acting, beautiful scenes and a plot that kept your attention. There were many emotional scenes and you were unsure how it was all going to turn out. You really felt along with the passengers as they dealt with their new reality on the spaceship where they woke up 90 years or so too early.

Fail: I didn’t have any real complaints, as it was enjoyable with a good mix of drama and romance and adventure.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt were both equally strong in their roles. Pratty, playing Jim, a mechanical engineer, was awake first and went through the whole range of feelings as he discovered he was alone and there didn’t look like any good solutions.

I also liked the relationship between Lawrence, playing Aurora, and Jim as they first start getting to know each other.

I think sci-fi fans would enjoy this movie but you definitely don’t have to be a sci-fi fan since there was suspense and great characters and an interesting story.

This would definitely be best on the big screen. Some of the space shots and colors and scenery were really great and a smaller screen wouldn’t do it justice. We didn’t see the showing in 3D, but that would have added to it as well.

Again, I liked this film and it is a fun option of something to do over the holiday vacation. It also showed some moral and ethical dilemmas in it but I don’t want to put out any spoilers. The android bartender, Michael Sheen, was also a fun addition. It makes you think about decisions and what is a life worth living.

FYI, it was also filmed in Atlanta. I also thought it was just the right length.

Cindy Evans, Duluth

★★★★ DISC SPOTLIGHT

COMING SOON TO OWN

• “Blair Witch” (Jan. 3): In a familiar premise, several young people enter a Maryland forest to search for those who vanished in “The Blair Witch Project.” (R)

MICHAEL CLARK

Movie:

A Man Called Ove Blu-ray (PG-13) ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★

• “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life” (Jan. 3): A youngster (Griffin Gluck) becomes the unlikely inspiration for a revolt by his fellow students. (PG) • “The Lion Guard: Life in The Pride Lands” (Jan. 10): The legend of “The Lion King” continues in episodes from the animated Disney Channel and Disney Junior series. (Not rated) • “Deepwater Horizon” (Jan. 10): In the true drama, Mark Wahlberg plays a supervisor aboard the title oil rig when it’s wracked by an explosion. (PG-13)

NOW SHOWING

The Swedish submission for the 2017 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language category, “Ove,” is a film that some might find to be a little too predictable, which is understandable. Ove (Rolf Lassgård) is a widower with suicidal tendencies whose only purpose in life is to spend his time noting what everybody else in his neighborhood is doing wrong.

While everyone else is annoyed by him, his new neighbor Parvaneh (Bahar Pars) isn’t fazed in the least. She’s friendly but not aggressively so and eventually gets him to warm up. The change of attitude isn’t complete but it is heartwarming in a decidedly non-cloying manner.

Technical specs: Aspect ratio: Widescreen (2.35:1/1080p), audio: Swedish (Dolby Digital 5.1), subtitles: English.

Special features include: • Featurette • Interviews • Q&A • Trailer • First edition slipcover packaging (Music Box Films, $34.95)

Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters. Ratings are out of 4 stars.

• Sing (PG) — 2 stars Some well-known actors — Matthew McConaughey, Seth MacFarlane, Reese Witherspoon — lend their voices to this feel-good animated feature about animals singing. The songs range in style from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, but in all it goes on too long and needs a little fine tuning. — Kristen Hansen • Assassin’s Creed (PG13) — 1 1/2 stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are OK in this adaptation of the popular video game series.

But “Assassin’s Creed” can’t match its stunning leads and visuals with a compelling story, which centers around a man experiencing the memories of his ancestors through a bit of pseudoscience. — Khari J. Sampson • Collateral Beauty (PG13) — 2 stars

Star-studded “Collateral Beauty” feels like a fancier Hallmark Channel Christmas special. It is what you expect during this time of year: a movie that gives you the “feels” and doesn’t leave a dry eye in the place. Will Smith shines as the main character dealing with the loss of his

daughter. — KH • Manchester by the Sea (R) — 2 1/2 stars This deliberate film about grief is a bit of a mess, doling out flashback after confusing flashback. But the performances are spellbinding, especially from lead Casey Affleck. — KS

• “Mr. Robot: Season 2” (Jan. 10): The sophomore round of the acclaimed USA Network series, starring Emmy winner Rami Malek and Christian Slater, comes to home video. (Not rated) • “Max Steel” (Jan. 10): A teen (Ben Winchell) and an alien (voice of Josh Brener) unite to form a team to battle extraterrestrial threats. (PG13) • “The Accountant” (Jan. 10): Ben Affleck plays a money-minded man who knows the financial secrets of some very dangerous people; Anna Kendrick also stars. (R) • “The Birth of a Nation” (Jan. 10): Writer-director Nate Parker plays Nat Turner, the slave who ultimately inspired a rebellion. (R)

• Allied (R) — 3 stars Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in this period romance/thriller as WWII spies who fall for each other during a mission but find trouble off the battlefield. Effective but a bit lacking in art. — KS • Moana (PG) — 3 stars “Moana” carves out its own space in the Disney collection by delving into the great Pacific Island storytelling culture. The title character Princess Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) strives to find herself by journeying across the sea. Besides a strong-female lead, the audience also gets to meet the comic-relief sidekick chicken Heihei (Alan Tudyk) — one of the stupidest and funniest Disney has created. — KH • Bleed for This (PG-13) — 3 ½ stars At first, it’s every “Rocky” movie you ever saw. But this biopic of the comeback attempt of true-life boxer Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller) takes the genre title. It’s something of a comeback for director Ben Younger, too. — KS