Gwinnett Daily Post - December 11, 2015

A DANCE TRADITION, 1C

Gwinnett Ballet brings back ‘The Nutcracker’

POWER MOVE Running back rotation a key to Buford’s ground game • Sports, 1B

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

75 cents ©2015 SCNI

Vol. 46, No. 51

Nine indicted in personal care home case

By Joshua Sharpe

joshua.sharpe @gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — A Gwinnett County grand jury has handed down a 21-page indictment against nine people accused of running a ring of unlicensed personal care homes.

The homes, spread around the Snellville

Sasha Chantel Alphonso

Donovan Ricardo Coward

area, were targeted in a Dec. 2 raid by authorities with multiple agencies, including Gwinnett police

have been arrested.

They remained held without bond in the county jail Thursday.

Attorney Jack Harrell is trying to Neonard Reggie Dawn Stefani William J. Yulanda get them out.

Precious Benard Cicelia Amoi Walker Natasha He said the Kumassah McKenzie Walker Walker Walsh authorities are on a and the Georgia Bureau the operators are accused proper hygiene, as well as “witch hunt.” of Investigation. In the of failing to make sure preventing some from ac“I’ve already been indictment, released to the residents had taken their cessing food.

Daily Post on Thursday, medicine and practiced Eight of the charged See INDICTED, Page 9A

Ga. ‘teacher cheerleader’ visits Richards Middle School

By Keith Farner keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com

LAWRENCEVILLE — Shirley Farrell is in her fourth decade as a teacher, but driving to Richards Middle School on Thursday, she noticed something different.

Farrell’s school on its sign marquee welcomed Pam Williams, who works as education outreach coordinator for Gov. Nathan Deal, a position he created in January. Williams visited the school to thank teachers and staff for their work and dedication to students and the profession. Farrell’s reaction at the sign was “whoa” about a governor’s representative visiting.

See VISIT, Page 9A

Rasheedah Davis, a member of the U.S. Army, reacts after winning two-thousand tickets while playing an arcade game alongside her daughter Carmyn, 6, during Thursday’s holiday party hosted by the Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association at Dave and Busters in Lawrenceville. (Photos: Kyle Hess)

Fun and games Atlanta Falcons women’s group treats military families to party

Freddie Falcon, the Atlanta Falcons mascot, signs an autograph for Joseph Orton during Thursday’s holiday party hosted by the Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association at Dave and Busters in Lawrenceville.

By Curt Yeomans

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

A few months ago, the idea of spending a Thursday night during the holidays making a gingerbread house and playing games with family seemed unlikely to Army Capt. Joseph Orton.

Orton was in a combat zone, patrolling Afghanistan for signs of trouble. Meanwhile, his wife, Victoria, and their young children, 4-year-old son Joseph Jr. and 2-year-old daughter McKinley, stayed with family in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

Just before Thanksgiving, however, Orton received word that he was going to be able to come home for the holidays.

So instead of chasing terrorists, he spent Thursday night chasing his son around Dave and Busters at Sugarloaf Mills during a party the Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association held for military families.

“I wasn’t expecting to be home with the family, so the best present I could get is to be home for the holidays,” Orton said.

His wife added, “We didn’t even know if it was going to be able to happen. It was really last minute. I found out a week before he got home that

The service members miss out on time with their spouses and Visit gwinnettdailypost.com for children and vice versa. more photos of the event.

“Being in Afghanistan, I had to worry about me, but he was coming home, and I there was a lot of worrying found out the day of that he about what’s going on back was flying in.” home (and) missing out on the The women’s association kids, especially with school and the USO teamed up to — what the kids are doing at throw the party for five milischool, what are they learntary families to give them time ing — and then watching them away from the usual stresses grow up through Skype,” said of life in a military family.

Orton, who spent a year in the These families often have Middle East. at least one parent away for Army Staff Sgt. Rasheedah months at a time for training Davis said she’s missed mileor overseas deployments. stones for her children the last It’s not easy for the families. few years because she was MORE ONLINE

away for training for months at a time. Her son, Jaylen, is 9 and her daughter, Carmyn, is 6. Her husband, Cory, was in the Army as well, but recently retired after 10 years in the service.

“I missed their first day of school last year and I missed it again this year,” the Atlanta mother said.

Stacey Quinn, the wife of Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, said that’s one of the reasons why the women’s association wanted to hold the party for the families. The See FALCONS, Page 9A

Jovan Patrick, left, an eighth-grader at Richards Middle School, talks with Pam Williams, education outreach coordinator from Gov. Nathan Deal’s office, during a visit on Thursday to encourage teachers and thank them for their service. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner)

Grayson woman, 20, dies in Wed. motorcycle wreck

By Joshua Sharpe joshua.sharpe@gwinnettdailypost.com

A 20-year-old Grayson woman died Wednesday in a motorcycle crash on Loganville Highway, according to Gwinnett County police.

The cause of the crash, police believe, was an improper U-turn by another driver, who is now facing multiple charges.

Elizabeth Marooney was the passenger on a Suzuki bike driven by Josiah Still, 18, when Lawrenceville man Ismet Ismet Huskovic, 72, turned Huskovic around in the road near Patricia Terrace, a police report released Thursday morning said. “(The motorcycle) swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision,” the report said. But the front of Huskovic’s Toyota Sienna struck the right side of the motorcycle.

Marooney and Still, whose relationship isn’t given in the report, were ejected.

Marooney died at the scene and Still was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center with serious injuries, the report said.

Huskovic, a native of Bosnia who is retired and jail records show has no local arrest record, remained in the county jail Thursday morning on $19,250 bond.

gwinnettdailypost.com

INSIDE Classified........8B

Horoscope......4A

Nation............ 7A

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

Comics............6A

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

Obituaries.......9A

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

Crossword......6A

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

Perspectives...8A

Weekend........1C

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.

gwinnettdailypost.com Sugarloaf Mills announced on Thursday that Oh! Baby Safari Rides and Playground, Sienna and Bellini, The Oil Bar and Wilson’s Leather Outlet Holiday Store are now among the mall’s more than 180 stores. (File Photo)

Sugarloaf Mills announces opening of four new stores From Staff Reports An oil bar, seasonal store and toddler playground are among several new stores coming to Sugarloaf Mills.

The shopping center announced on Thursday that Oh! Baby Safari Rides and Playground, Sienna and Bellini, The Oil Bar and Wilson’s Leather Outlet Holiday Store will add to the mall’s more than 180 stores.

Oh! Baby Safari Rides

and Playground is an interactive play area for children recently opened in Neighborhood 5 between Burlington Coat Factory and the Food Court. The 250-square-foot play area will feature plush, motorized animals and offer safari animal rides for kids under the age of six.

Sienna and Bellini is in Neighborhood 4 across from Journeys in a 1,700-square-foot space.

The women’s fashion brand offers styling, qual-

ity and details from fashion houses around the world.

Wilson’s Leather Outlet added a holiday shop located in Neighborhood 2 across from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. The Oil Bar opened recently opened in Neighborhood 4 near the AMC Theatre. At 504 square feet, the new value store carries high-quality fragrance and essence-based oils, accessory items and personal care products for shoppers to explore.

$5 off $25 or more.

Expires 12/31/15

Boost your immune system using our

Remember your loved ones with a Gift of Health!

295455-1

2A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Follow us on Facebook/earthwisesnellville

2238 Snellville Plaza - Big Lots Shopping Center • 770.982.4333 • snellvillevitamins.com 225764-1

298828-1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 3A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Elections supporters calling for more early voting funding in 2016 budget

The Audiology Center of Snellville

Samuel F. Vaught, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

2176 Oak Road, Suite C, Snellville 855-875-2842 • www.audiologysnellville.com

By Curt Yeomans

267593-2

Providing personalized hearing healthcare that connects you to your family and your world.

Call us today and experience the difference a personalized hearing solution can make for you!

common theme among speakers who addressed them during a budget public hearing Monday night: Add more early

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett County commissioners heard a

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2005 issue year ended june 30, 2015 Description

Original Estimated Cost

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

Current Estimated Cost

Prior Years

Current Year

Total

$4,642,660

$5,031,422

$ 4,956,182

$26,661

$4,982,843

900,000

1,031,364

1,031,364

-

1,031,364

1,054,400

1,158,067

1,158,067

-

1,158,067

$6,597,060

$7,220,853

$7,145,613

$26,661

$7,172,274

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2009 issue year ended june 30, 2015 Original Estimated Cost

Description Administrative Buildings

$

118,780

Current Estimated Cost

Prior Years

$

$

80,802

Current Year

80,802 1,164,084

$

23,728

Total $

80,802

Recreational Facilities

2,256,827

1,930,958

1,187,812

Parking Facilities

2,256,780

2,035,585

63,237

-

63,237

Public Safety Facilities and Equipment

1,781,710

1,532,302

1,506,373

14,583

1,520,956

Roads, Streets & Bridges

5,463,953

4,777,218

1,189,002

854,888

2,043,890

$11,878,050

$10,356,865

$ 4,003,498

$ 893,199

$4,896,697

City of Suwanee SPLOST proceeds schedule of expenditures 2014 issue year ended june 30, 2015 Description Roads, Streets & Bridges Recreational Facilities 299055-1

Original Estimated Cost

Current Estimated Cost

Prior Years

Current Year

Total

$

$

$7,239,371

$5,926,691

$4

-

4

804,375

658,520

-

9,155

9,155

$8,043,746

$6,585,211

$4

$ 9,155

$9,159

voting days in 2016.

Four of the five people who spoke at the budget public hearing focused on that topic. They argued an additional week of early voting would help relieve expected long lines of voters who choose to cast their ballots early in the November presidential election.

The county has proposed six days of early voting at eight locations.

Members of the elections board and community groups want commissioners to double that voting window to 12 days, which would require an increase in spending on the election.

“People of Gwinnett County may not be able to vote (during a shorter voting window) because … of work (or) they may not be able to come because of other obligations that usurp their coming out to vote,” Tucker resident Penny Poole told commissioners. “That sounds so very despicable to me that our vote has been reduced to a dollar amount.”

The proposed $1.5 billion budget includes $7.5 million to pay for elections next year because of expected interest in the presidential election, which coincides with elections for several key county-level posts.

“It’s going to be very expensive next year to do the elections,” commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said.

County officials also have to plan for the extra voting window created for the presidential primary on March 1, which will be followed a couple of months later by a primary for local and state offices.

The eight early voting locations set to be used for the election is up from five for the 2012 presidential election and seven for the 2014 county and state elections, according to figures provided by county officials.

Board of Elections and Registration Vice Chairman Stephen Day said he determined through his own calculations that it would cost the county an extra $200,000 to $220,000 to hold early voting for 12 days instead of six.

“These are not from God’s mouth, of course,” he said. “These numbers are real sensitive to a lot of change.”

The question comes down to how many days of early voting is enough.

Nash said the county also wants to encourage residents to use early voting periods so it can relieve pressures on polling staff on Election Day. “Regardless of what we wind up doing and funding, whether it’s what’s in the budget now or something else, it’s going to be very important to publicize early on what the actual hours and availability of days for voting is going to be,” Nash said.

MoveOn Gwinnett representative Steve Toggerson said that is why a larger early voting window is needed. She pointed out Gwinnett saw a 75 percent voter turnout for the presidential election in November 2012.

“In a county of this size, there needs to be more days and more hours to make it truly democratic and to encourage as much participation as possible,” she said.

Day also said the elections board, whose membership includes Republicans, Democrats and an independent, unanimously supported a 12-day early voting period.

“This two-week number was independently arrived at by the chair, Alice O’Lenick, and myself through independent conversations with individuals and organizations throughout the county,” Day said. “Time and again, we found that when we asked the question about the proper length for early voting, people responded with ‘two weeks.’”

Nash said she is interested in reviewing Day’s figures and she will talk with staff about the issue.

She wouldn’t say, however, if those figures, or the comments offered at the meeting, could lead to a 12-day period in the budget. She said she was not aware that the elections board had a preferred option, and she plans to look into that.

The chairwoman defended the amount of money already put into the budget for the election, though, calling it a “very robust base.”

“The focus tonight in the discussions was on the options to expand (early voting), but if you talk about $7.5 million, that’s a lot of voting personnel, voting machines, voting locations and hours of operation that we’re already funding,” Nash said.

4A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

0%

20%

100%

10%

60%

60%

75

73

65

70

69

65

10%

Keith Roach

Future of vitamin D in medicine DEAR DR. ROACH: Please give your take on the importance of vitamin D. There’s been a lot of research in the past 15 to 20 years. I have read that it greatly reduces cancer risk for most types of cancer and that it activates anti-infection genes and anti-autoimmune disorder genes and reduces the rate of Alzheimer’s disease.

I also have heard that the dose needs to be high enough to get to the middle of the “normal” range, and that for adults this means a dose of 5,000 to 7,000 IU. Considering the above, it really annoys me that the major organizations fail to publicize prevention information. Perhaps they have too much invested in expensive cure research and thus a financial incentive not to emphasize prevention.

— J.M. ANSWER: I have seen many proposed preventive treatments for cancer fail when they get tested in large trials. I am thus cautious not to overstate the benefits of promising small trials and epidemiological data, such as the kind you mention above.

It is clear that vitamin D has significant benefits in specific circumstances, especially in bone health, where inadequate vitamin D is associated with a greater risk of osteoporosis and fracture. And although the studies do show that people with higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to develop some cancers, especially in the colon, a study published in October 2015 found that vitamin D did not prevent the development of polyps.

Large trials are ongoing.

They will give us much more information within a few years. Until then, I remain cautious about vitamin D and confident that the major organizations wish to see more proof before making recommendations. I reject the suggestion that research organizations are deliberately withholding information on a cancer cure or prevention for profit; I know too many dedicated and honorable researchers to believe it.

The standard dose of vitamin D is 1,000 to 2,000 IU. Although 5,000 or even 7,000 is unlikely to cause harm, I wouldn’t recommend a dose that high without cause.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

HOROSCOPES

WEATHER WATCH

71

51

51

54

39

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

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

MAJOR

12:21-2:21 a.m......... 12:47-2:47 p.m.

MINOR

7:27-8:27 a.m.............6:04-7:04 p.m.

POLLEN COUNTS Trees: Low Weeds: Low Grass: Low

Lake

42

42

48

LAKE LEVELS

Full Yesterday

Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona (840.0) ......... 831.41

Lanier

(1071.0) .......1070.37

Blackshear (237.0) ......... 237.06

Nottely

(1779.0) .......1763.67

Blue Ridge (1690.0) ....... 1674.48

Oconee

(435.0) ........ 434.64

Burton

(1865.0) .......1864.58

Seminole (77.50)............ 77.33

Carters

(1072.0) ....... 1081.18

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) .......1920.95

Thurmond (330.0) ........ 326.70

(339.8) ........ 335.69

Harding

(521.0) ........ 520.55

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) ........ 658.59

Walter F. George (188.0).... 187.37

(891.5) ........ 889.37

Jackson

(530.0) ........ 528.55

West Point (635.0) ........ 629.08

TODAY IN HISTORY

LOTTERY Thursday Cash 3 Midday: 5-7-7 Cash 4 Midday: 7-8-7-5 Ga. 5 Midday: 3-9-3-5-3 Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 8-6-7 Cash 3 Evening: 9-4-3 Cash 4 Midday: 8-0-8-5 Cash 4 Evening: 1-1-3-7 Ga. 5 Midday: 1-2-1-3-4 Ga. 5 Evening: 7-7-8-3-0 Fantasy 5: 8-17-18-22-24 Powerball: 7-10-16-46-56, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2x

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th U.S. state.

In 1941, the United States declared war on Germany and Italy.

In 1946, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established.

In 1972, the lunar module for Apollo 17, the final manned mission of the Apollo space program, touched ground on the moon.

In 2008, investment banker Bernie Madoff was arrested for perpetrating one of the largest Ponzi-scheme frauds in U.S. history.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), composer; Fiorello La Guardia (1882-1947), New York City mayor; Alexandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), novelist/dissident; Rita Moreno (1931- ), actress; John Kerry

(1943- ), U.S. secretary of state; Teri Garr (1947- ), actress; Mo’Nique (1967), actress; Mos Def (1973- ), actor/rapper; Hailee Steinfeld, (1996- ), actress.

TODAY’S FACT: Apollo 17, which set records for the longest lunar surface exploration and the most lunar material collected, remains the most recent manned lunar mission.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1981, Muhammad Ali fought in his final boxing match, losing a unanimous decision to Trevor Berbick.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “It’s an universal law — intolerance is the first sign of an inadequate education. An ill-educated person behaves with arrogant impatience, whereas truly profound education breeds humility.” — Alexandr Solzhenitsyn

READER’S GUIDE

Gwinnett Daily Post Editor – Todd Cline Main Office – 770-963-9205

Who To Call

The Gwinnett Daily Post invites your input. Here are some guidelines to help you communicate with us.

Subscription Rates: Subscriptions are $99 for one year, $50 for 26 weeks and $25 for 13 weeks within Gwinnett County. Mailed subscriptions are $150 for

one year, $116.22 for six months and $70.73 for three months. Subscription prices do not include sales tax. Call 770-339-5845, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Mon.-Fri. to start your mailed or home delivered subscription.

Classified Ads: Classifieds can be placed at the main office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; phone lines open 24 hours, seven days a week by call-

ing 770-962-7355. Ads can also be faxed at 770-3395853. Email: classified@ gwinnettdailypost.com Legal Notices: Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. The fax number is 770-339-8082.

Reach the legal resource center at 770-963-9205 ex.

1161 or 1162.

To Report a News Item: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Call 770-3395850. Editor Todd Cline is at 770-963-9205 ext. 1300; Sports Editor Will Hammock is at 770-963-9205 ext.

1310. To request a photo, call 770-963-9205 ext. 1327.

Administration/Finance: Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Call 770-9639205.

Delivery Problems: Your satisfaction is our No. 1 priority. If we miss delivery call our circulation department customer service line, 770339-5845, or email the circulation department at circulation @gwinnettdailypost. com. between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Husband deals with loss by taking in stuff DEAR AMY: My mother-in-law recently passed away. In my opinion, she was a slight hoarder.

She would buy things just because they were on sale or because she liked them, even though she didn’t have the money or room to store the items. Her kids threw away a lot and divided the rest after her death.

My husband brought home a lot of her stuff, and it occupies the walls of our sun room. The stuff is a complete mess (a pile of junk, in my opinion).

I am a stay-at-home mom and I look at this stuff all day long.

I am frustrated that it has been sitting there for over five months and he hasn’t touched a thing. He works full time. He doesn’t have to look at it all day like I do, and the few hours that he is home with our kids at night, he wants to spend with them and not cleaning up.

My husband is somewhat like his mother. His garage is full of stuff. He cleans it only once a year.

Unfortunately there is no room in the garage to put all of his mother’s stuff.

I hate living with all this junk and clutter sitting around. Much of what is here is sentimental to him

Ask Amy

Amy Dickinson and he plans to keep everything, which we don’t have room for.

Should I be more sympathetic, or demand a cleanup?

If it were up to me I would throw it all away.

He says he will get to it eventually.

— Surrounded by Junk DEAR SURROUNDED: You should start “organizing” this on your own.

Separate the possessions into categories and put things into labeled bins. Keep some smaller keepsakes out so your husband can see them.

Perhaps after the next garage clean-out there will be room for these bins in the garage.

People irrationally attach feelings to all sorts of objects. Your husband is grieving and it is important for you to recognize his feelings and to be respectful.

He may be quite paralyzed about all of this. If you take

steps that are helpful, rather than punitive, it might help him cope with the prospect of eventually dealing with these things himself.

DEAR AMY: Several months ago I sent my 32-year-old grandson, who lives in another state, a check for $5,000 as a wedding gift.

I have heard nothing from him since, although he deposited my check right after receiving it. I am a widow who worked hard for my salary over my working years.

I have been informed that the new protocol is that a newly married couple have one year to acknowledge wedding gifts. Is this correct?

— Patient in Pittsburgh DEAR PATIENT: Gulp.

What an extremely generous gift! There is no protocol stating that people have up to a year to thank people for gifts — though many people seem to take a year and then stretch it to a lifetime. Judging from the letters sent to me, the lack of acknowledgment of gifts is widespread.

If a groom receives $5,000 as a gift from his grandma, the protocol should be: an immediate excited phone call when the envelope is opened, a note written and signed by both bride and groom before the check is

deposited, and flowers sent to you annually for the rest of your life.

DEAR AMY: I’m responding to the letter from “Ready to Go,” who had a substantial secret account that he had not disclosed to his wife. As an attorney who has been practicing for nearly 30 years, and as a mediator, it is obvious that her overspending now is a reaction to deep feelings of anger and betrayal on his part.

From a legal standpoint, this account raises many issues that touch on family and probate law. I’m also left wondering what else “Ready” hasn’t come clean about. Given his attitude and failure to take responsibility, I’m sure his wife is entertaining similar thoughts. I wish you had commented on these issues, because this situation and the husband’s lack of honesty are sadly all too common.

— Mediator DEAR MEDIATOR: I agree. I assume you agree with my recommendation that this couple seek mediation and transparency.

You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or “like” her on Facebook.

A serious approach to life will ensure that you minimize a tendency to be indulgent or fall prey to the lure of temptation.

The long, hard road to victory is a route that will not disappoint you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep everyone guessing until you are fully prepared to share your position or opinion or the details of a project. Finishing things should be your concern, with discipline being the tool that will help you in this regard.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you want to share, do so in an expressive and entertaining manner. It’s how you present what you believe or do that will capture your audience. Romance is encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — Look for the best way to bring about positive change, and make it happen. Don’t exhaust yourself because you are too proud to ask for help.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Prepare for the year’s end by ensuring that all your personal papers are in order. Love is highlighted, and money or a gift will come to you from an unexpected source.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Taking a trip or signing up for a retreat, educational course or anything that will broaden your outlook or enlighten you will lead to a positive and welcome change.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Take a close look at your situation and figure out what is doable and what isn’t. As long as you take a practical approach to whatever you do, success will follow. Romance is encouraged.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — A make-it-or-breakit situation will arise between you and someone you have shared personal information with. Be careful what you say and how you handle others. Diplomacy will be required.

CANCER (June 21July 22) — Size up your situation and speak out about how you see things unfolding. Your progressive action will attract attention and enhance a personal relationship. Sport a new look for the festive season.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your go-getting attitude will inspire those around you to pitch in and help.

Plan a small trip with a special someone. A shopping trip will lead to some great buys.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Listen to complaints instead of making them. Keeping a steady, consistent attitude will help you cope with the unpredictable nature of those around you. Common sense and caution are favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You are best off keeping moving until you are satisfied that you have everything in its place. Idle time will lead to conflicts, mishaps and setbacks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Let your imagination run wild. Engage in activities and events that encourage you to try new things, and gain depth through the experience you encounter. Romance is on the rise.

Gwinnett Daily Post

Gwinnett Daily Post

Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/gwinnettdailypost

Follow us on Instagram @gwinnettdailypost

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 5A

Key health insurance enrollment deadline approaching up for coverage that begins Jan. 1. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this week Federal health insurance that 151,600 residents of the open enrollment ends Tuesday. state signed up for insurance There are only a few days through HealthCare.gov, as of left until a key deadline to en- Dec. 5. They are among 2.8 roll for insurance through the million Americans who have federal government’s Health signed up for insurance this Insurance Marketplace arrives. fall through the website.

Tuesday is the last day “I am pleased with the Georgia residents can sign strong start to this year’s Open

By Curt Yeomans

curt.yeomans @gwinnettdailypost.com

Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement. “While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage in the 38 states that use HealthCare. gov. And existing Marketplace customers who have returned and shopped for a more affordable plan are paying less

in premiums this year than they were paying last year.”

Although Tuesday is the deadline for coverage that begins Jan. 1, the open enrollment period will continue through Jan. 31.

Chamber to announce HealthCare Excellence Awards winners Tuesday The Gwinnett Chamber will recognize the best and brightest in local health care

next week.

The chamber is set to announce the winners of its annual HealthCare Excellence Awards Tuesday during a dinner at the Infinite Energy Center. The awards recognize health care professionals and businesses in the following categories: community leadership, corporate achievement, volunteer services, executive administrator of the year,

health care agency of the year, health care professional of the year, dental physician of the year, family practice physician of the year and specialist physician of the year.

The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets cost $55 while a table of 10 seats can be bought for $550. Tickets can be purchased at www.healthcareexcellenceawards.com.

named Laurel Grove as the recipient of its Best of Senior Living award. The awards are designed to honor senior living facilities and home care providers that regularly get high marks from their residents and family members. SeniorAdvisor.com president Eric Seifert said in a statement that more than 1,000 award winners were recognized this year.

“These award-winning providers are raising the bar in the senior care industry, and families are noticing,” Seifert said. “Seniors and their loved ones are writing more online reviews than ever before. This year alone, we saw a 36 percent increase in the average number of reviews each winner has.

Officials with Holiday Retirement, which runs Laurel Grove, said the award places the community among the top 1 percent of senior care providers across the country.

“The team at Laurel Grove is compassionate, forward thinking and value driven, which has been demonstrated repeatedly throughout the year,” Holiday Retirement president Kai Hsiao said in a statement. “This is well-deserved recognition for the quality of service and attention, what we refer to as the Holiday Touch, we provide to residents every day.”

Buford MarineMax to sell Supreme Towboats

BUSINESS BRIEFS Maid Right signs on to sponsor Gladiators, Swarm The Atlanta Gladiators and the Georgia Swarm have a new supporter in Gwinnett County that knows a thing or two about clean sweeps.

Maid Right of Duluth announced this week that it re-

cently signed on as a sponsor of both teams as part of its growing involvement in the county. The business, which opened this year, will also co-sponsor the Gladiators’ Sing for Santa Event this weekend as part of the agreement. Company representatives will also offer holiday specials and giveaways in the

DROP OFF OR WE PICK UP! FURNITURE • APPLIANCES HOME ACCESSORIES • BUILDING SUPPLIES

Your Donations & Purchases Fund Home Building & Hope in our community.

296008-1

YOUR DONATION IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING AND COSTS YOU NOTHING

2100 Riverside Parkway Suite 123-A Kroger Shopping Center @ Riverside & Hwy 120 Lawrenceville, GA

HOURS OF OPERATION TUES-SAT 10AM-6PM

Call today to schedule your free pickup

770.962.4200

suburbanatlantarestores.org

main lobby during the event.

The company also cosponsored the Gladiators’ Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 15.

“As part of Maid Right of Duluth’s belief in the important work our veterans have done for our country, Maid Right of Duluth donated 100 tickets to select military personnel,” company officials wrote in a statement. “Part of Maid Right of Duluth’s business model is to provide opportunities to returning veterans by offering them an opportunity to open their own business as a franchise of Maid Right Duluth.”

The company will also be the exclusive sponsor of the Gladiators Fan Information Booth, receive public announcements during Gladiators games and distribute 1,000 Swarm tickets to charities throughout the county.

Camp Bow Wow opening in Lawrenceville Suwanee-based certified pet care specialist Kathy Stone is opening a Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow location at 585 Old Norcross Road, in Lawrenceville.

The business provides dog walking, vacation visits, pet visits, medication administering, concierge, special

needs pets support and sitting during medical recovery services.

Employees are “heavily screened” before they are hired, and they receive certification training in pet CPR and first aid. Stone and Home Buddies Manager Taylor Alexander also meet each pet client, as well as their caregivers, in the animal’s home.

“We have always had a love for animals. All animals,” Stone said in a statement. “It is our instinct to care for each furry, scaly and feathery member of your family, just as we would one of our own. This is a dream job and we can’t wait to meet all of the pet parents around Dacula, Hamilton Mill and Lawrenceville.”

Anyone who would like more information about Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow can call 770995-3500, visit its website, www.campbowwow.com/ lawrenceville-ga, or send an email to lawrencevillega. hb@campbowwow.com.

Laurel Grove awarded best Lawrenceville is home to one of the best senior living facilities in the country, according to a consumer rating website.

SeniorAdvisor.com

Boat seller MarineMax announced this week that its Buford location is one of three locations in the country that will sell Supreme Towboats.

The boat is designed to pull wake board and surf riders and mixes the performances of Supreme’s QuickFill Ballast and Plug and Play Ballast to give operators control over the size of their wakes.

“Supreme’s exceptional value couples with the MarineMax Advantages including a complete owner’s orientation, a full tank of fuel, U.S. Coast Guard safety gear, and dock lines — everything needed to start boating,” MarineMax officials said in a statement.

“MarineMax’s exceptional service, educational boating seminars and the opportunity to participate in the exclusive MarineMax Getaways! create the bestin-class, total ownership experience.”

MarineMax is located at 5800 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. Anyone interested in learning more about the boat can visit www.marinemax.com/ supreme.

— From staff reports

6A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 gwinnettdailypost.com CLOSE TO HOME

John McPherson

FAMILY CIRCUS

Bill Keane Today’s Solution

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

Mort & Greg Walker

Dean Young & John Marshall

DILBERT® Scott Adams

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

Zits

PEANUTS

Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

GARFIELD

PICKLES

Charles M. Schulz

POOCH CAFE

Jim Davis

Chris Browne

Paul Gilligan

Brian Crane

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

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

Solution to today's Sudoku

WHATZIT SOLUTION:

Today’s Answer: Recital

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 7A

gwinnettdailypost.com

WORLD Global climate deal in sight, despite gaps

PARIS — The chairman of global climate talks in Paris said on Thursday negotiators were on the cusp of an agreement, despite persistent differences on key issues dividing rich and developing countries in nearly two weeks of talks.

“We want an agreement, we are extremely close to that goal,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told an evening session of delegates now in the grip of almost round-the-clock negotiations in a conference center on the outskirts of Paris.

“I think I will be in a position to give you a final text tomorrow.”

Fabius has expressed a determined optimism throughout the summit in pursuit of an agreement that would establish a shared path among countries to cutting greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the earth.

Vatican: Catholics should fight all anti-semitism VATICAN CITY — Catholics should not try to convert Jews and should work with them to fight anti-Semitism, the Vatican said on Thursday in a major document drawing the Church further away from the strained relations of the past.

It was the latest move on a host of issues, such as gay rights and re-marriage, that the Vatican or Pope Francis have made showing a desire to be more compassionate and open and to move further away from entrenched traditions.

In the past, for example, Catholic prayers have denounced Jews for not believing in Jesus. Jews have also accused the World War II papacy of turning a blind eye to the Holocaust, a charge the Vatican denies.

The new document from the Vatican’s Commission for Religious Relations with Jews stressed recent Vatican teachings that the two religions were intertwined and that God had never annulled his covenant with the Jewish people.

Australian police arrest, charge two over attack plot SYDNEY — Australian police said they had charged a 20-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy with conspiracy to attack government buildings after they were arrested during early-morning raids by counter-terrorism police in Sydney on Thursday.

Police told a news conference the potential targets of the plot included the headquarters of the Australian Federal Police in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, as well as randomly chosen civilians.

The arrests on Thursday resulted partly from evidence seized during police raids in December 2014, a police statement said.

— From wire reports

world&nation Disagreements hobble budget talks

By Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell Reuters

WASHINGTON — Congress is nowhere near reaching a deal on government funding, a senior lawmaker said on Thursday, as Republicans who control both chambers struggled to meet conservative demands and show they can avoid agency shutdowns.

With today’s midnight deadline clearly impossible to meet, the Senate approved a stopgap measure extending the deadline for when the money runs out through next Wednesday. The House of Representatives was expected to pass the stopgap bill today.

If Congress cannot pass the funding bill by Wednesday, it will either have to approve another stop-gap funding measure or risk pushing Washington into its second shutdown since 2013.

At the same time, Republicans continued negotiating with Democrats on the $1.15 trillion package to fund government through September, 2016.

Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee that writes spending bills, said negotiations on the longer-term bill were inching forward but “We’re not close to a TD,” using the abbreviation for the American football term “touchdown.”

NATION Trump postpones Israel trip amid controversy WASHINGTON — U.S. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump on Thursday postponed his trip to Israel amid a controversy over his proposal to temporarily bar Muslims from entering the United States.

Trump, who has come under heavy criticism at home and abroad over his plan, said on Twitter that he would meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “at a later date after I become president of the U.S.” Trump told Fox News he postponed the trip because he did not want to put pressure on Netanyahu, who faced demands from Israeli politicians to call off the planned Dec. 28 meeting. Netanyahu had rejected Trump’s proposal on Muslims but said he would still meet with him.

Sources: Radicals ignored contact attempts by wife in Calif. shooting WASHINGTON — Islamic militant groups ignored contact attempts from Pakistan-born Tashfeen Malik in the months before she and her husband killed 14 people at a California holiday party probably because they feared getting caught in a U.S. law enforcement sting, U.S. government sources said on Thursday.

The number of organizations Malik, 29, tried to contact and how she tried to contact them were unclear, but the groups almost certainly included al-Qaida’s Syria-based official affiliate,

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., holds a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday. (Reuters/Gary Cameron)

Controversial issues driving a wedge between Republicans and President Barack Obama’s Democrats plagued the negotiations.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said the sides were “trading offers, we’re talking to each other.” But he refused to guarantee that a deal will be reached by Wednesday.

Many, but not all, of the disagreements are related to Congress’ response to recent gun massacres in Paris and California that are in some way related to Islamic State and have riveted world attention.

Rogers said there are pressures to include a Republican initiative that

would effectively hit the pause button on Obama’s Syrian refugee program.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, speaking at an event marking the third anniversary of a Connecticut school shooting, said Democrats insist the bill contain language ending a ban on funding for gun violence research.

It has been law since the mid-1990s, and “it’s a terrible thing,” Pelosi said, surrounded by relatives of gun victims.

The White House blamed Republican insistence on “ideological” measures for holding up a deal. “I am optimistic that we will be able

to find a bipartisan budget agreement if Republicans abandon that effort,” spokesman Josh Earnest said.

The next few days will be a test for new Speaker Ryan. His predecessor John Boehner quit after five years of infighting with conservative Republicans who wanted more deficitreduction than Boehner was able to accomplish.

In an attempt to give these hardliners more say, House Republicans on Thursday chose one of them, Representative Tim Huelskamp, for a committee that influences legislation and appointments to key House positions.

ferent races laid down in front of City Hall for 16 minutes at the start of the work day, some holding signs reading “Do No Harm.” The protest, broadcast by local media, called for Emanuel’s resignation, as did hundreds of demonstrators who shut down city streets on Wednesday.

The protesters chose 16 minutes to symbolize the 16 times white police officer Jason Van Dyke shot Laquan McDonald in 2014, accordRepublican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks ing to WGN-TV. Release of at a campaign stop in Spencer, Iowa, on Saturday. (Re- police video of the shooting uters/Mark Kauzlarich) and a murder charge against the Nusrah Front, the sources grandfather, state founder Van Dyke came more than a and eternal president, Kim said. year after McDonald’s death, Il Sung, the official KCNA One source said the govand the delay prompted more news agency said. ernment currently has little, than two weeks of protests in The work of Kim Il Sung the nation’s third-largest city. if any, evidence that Malik or “turned the DPRK into a her husband, Syed Rizwan Another protest was powerful nuclear weapons Farook, 28, had any direct planned for evening rush state ready to detonate a contact with Islamic State, hour downtown. which has captured control of self-reliant A-bomb and large parts of Syria and Iraq. H-bomb to reliably defend Armed suspect its sovereignty and the digIslamic State said last week taken into custody nity of the nation,” KCNA the couple were among its quoted Kim Jong Un as at Ark. University followers.

The militant groups likely saying.

An armed man crashed a DPRK are the initials of ignored Malik’s approaches pickup truck on the campus the isolated North’s offibecause they have become of Arkansas State University cial name, the Democratic extremely wary of respondPeople’s Republic of Korea. on Thursday and was taken ing to outsiders they do not into custody by police after A hydrogen bomb, also know or who have not been a standoff lasting about an known as a thermonuclear introduced to them, the hour, school officials and bomb, uses more advanced sources said. law enforcement said, addtechnology to produce a significantly more powerful ing no one was injured.

Kim Jong Un’s The university in Jonesblast than an atomic bomb.

H-bomb claim boro, about 130 miles northdraws skepticism Protests continue east of Little Rock, said in a statement the school was in Chicago a day placed on lockdown after SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on after mayor’s the suspect crashed the Thursday appeared to say vehicle on campus. apology speech his country has developed a “Man in custody at ASU. CHICAGO — Protests hydrogen bomb, a step up Officers in process of securfrom the less powerful atomic continued in Chicago on ing vehicle now,” the JonesThursday, starting with a bomb, but the United States boro Police Department said “die-in” by medical students, on its Twitter feed, without and outside experts were a day after embattled Mayor providing further details. skeptical.

Rahm Emanuel emotionally Kim made the comments The school has kept the as he toured the Phyongchon apologized for the 2014 polockdown in place as police lice shooting of a 17-year-old investigate the scene, it said Revolutionary Site, which black teen. marks the feats of his father on its Twitter feed.

Dozens of students of difwho died in 2011 and his — From wire reports

PEOPLE ‘Carol,’ ‘The Big Short’ big at the Golden Globes

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Lesbian romance drama “Carol” and Wall Street misdeeds comedy “The Big Short” led a diverse range of films honored with Golden Globe nominations on Thursday, with genres spanning indie thrillers to big budget sci-fi action adventures.

“Carol,” the story of a married older woman who falls in love with a young shopgirl in the 1950s, garnered five nominations including best drama film, director, score and acting nods for Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

“Carol” is up for best drama against Pioneer-era movie “The Revenant,” psychological thriller “Room,” Catholic Church abuse probe “Spotlight” and thriller “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a surprise contender in the category, which rarely sees a blockbuster action nominee.

“Spotlight,” an Oscar best picture front-runner, earned three top Golden Globe nods for best drama, director and screenplay.

“What makes this movie very relevant is that it speaks to our faith — our spiritual faith in institutions and in our fellow citizens, and I think that is something we are all grappling with in this crazy world,” the film’s director and co-writer, Tom McCarthy, told Reuters.

“The Big Short,” which takes a quirky look at the housing bubble collapse that led to the 2008 U.S. recession, led the comedy nominees with four nods; best comedy, screenplay and actor for Christian Bale and Steve Carell.

HBO renews ‘The Leftovers’ for the third, final season

LOS ANGELES — HBO has renewed its cult-favorite drama “The Leftovers” for a third and final season.

The pickup follows a strong critical response to the drama’s second season, which ended Dec. 6. HBO cast the decision to end the show after one more season as the creative choice of series creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome back Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta and the extraordinary talent behind ‘The Leftovers’ for its third and final season,” HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said.

“This show has proven to be one of the most distinctive HBO series and we are extremely proud of its unrivaled originality, which has resulted in such a passionate following by our HBO viewers. We admire and fully support Damon’s artistic vision and respect his decision to bring the show to its conclusion next season.”

“Leftovers,” a sprawling ensemble drama with supernatural elements based on Perrotta’s novel of the same name, had mixed reviews and drew a small audience in its first season.

— From wire reports

Scientists develop algorithm to make computers to think like people

By Will Dunham Reuters

WASHINGTON — For artificial intelligence and smart machines to really take off, computers are going to have to be able to think more like people, according to experts in the field. Researchers are now making important progress toward that goal.

Scientists said on Thursday they had created a computer model, or algorithm, that captures the unique human ability to grasp new

MUST READ concepts from a single example in a study involving learning unfamiliar handwritten alphabet characters.

This work as well as research like it has the twin goals of better understanding human learning and developing new, more human-like learning algorithms, New York University cognitive and data scientist Brenden Lake said.

“We aimed to reverse-engineer

how people learn about these simple visual concepts, in terms of identifying the types of computations that the mind may be performing, and testing these assumptions by trying to recreate the behavior,” Lake said.

The algorithm was designed to make a computer able to learn quickly from a single example in the way people do.

“You show even a young child a horse or a school bus or a skateboard and they get it from just one or a few examples,” Massachusetts

Institute of Technology computational cognitive science professor Joshua Tenenbaum said.

Standard algorithms in machinelearning require tens, hundreds or even thousands of training examples to yield similar results, Tenenbaum said.

In the study, computers boasting the new algorithm and human subjects were presented with selected characters among a data set of about 1,600 handwritten characters from 50 alphabets from around the world.

They even included a fictional alien alphabet from the animated TV show “Futurama.”

Among other tasks, the human subjects and computers were directed to reproduce various characters after being given a lone example. Human judges were then asked to identify which characters were reproduced by a computer.

The judges found the work produced by the computers to be virtually indistinguishable from that of human subjects.

perspectives

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 8 A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

The potency of Trump’s populism WASHINGTON — Donald Trump became the driving force in American politics by giving voice to anger, fear and resentment that were already there, just below the surface, waiting for their moment and messenger.

At present, Trump’s target is any believer in Islam who seeks to enter the United States.

Back in June, he launched his campaign with invective toward any Latino immigrant living in this country without documents.

He attacks President Obama less for his policies than for his identity — not for what the president Eugene does but for who he Robinson is. Trump has made himself the champion of a fading, embattled “us” in a life-or-death struggle against a swarming, threatening “them.”

The blustery billionaire’s “us” is nowhere near a majority of the U.S. electorate, but it might be enough to win him the Republican nomination for president. And even if he falls short, the forces he has loosed will not easily be tamped down.

Trump’s rally Monday in Mount Pleasant, S.C., was a lesson in what his campaign is really about. Just hours earlier, he had issued a statement saying all Muslims should be barred entry to the United States in light of the San Bernardino terrorist rampage. The subtext was clear: All Muslims are potential terrorists. We have to keep them out.

Some commentators pronounced, for the umpteenth time, that “Trump has finally gone too far.” But the Mount Pleasant crowd apparently thought otherwise.

“I wrote something today that I think is very, very salient, very important and probably not politically correct, but I don’t care,” Trump said.

Then he read his no-Muslims statement and the crowd responded with a huge, raucous ovation.

And Muslims were not his only target at that rally. He railed at the journalists covering the event, pointing them out at the back of the room and calling them “scum” for supposedly never showing how big his crowds are. He also focused the crowd’s attention on a Black Lives Matter protester in the back of the room, declaring that he should be ejected but treated gently.

Trump’s audience in Mount Pleasant appeared to be overwhelmingly white. If it mirrored his support base in the polls, it was also older and less educated than the Republican electorate as a whole. A vastly wealthy tycoon who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and lives in a Manhattan penthouse has somehow become the unlikely spokesman for a segment of voters who feel most threatened by what the nation has become.

Demographic change means that whites will no longer be a majority by the middle of the century. When you call the electric company to pay a bill, you’re asked to push a button “para continuar en espanol.” Incomes are stagnant except for those at the very top, manufacturing jobs are gone, and if you don’t have a college degree, you’re trapped on the wrong side of the wall between middle-class comfort and lowerclass misery.

To add insult to injury, serving his second term as president is a black man who was educated at Ivy League schools and whose father was a Muslim. For Trump’s supporters, it is hard to imagine a more perfect target for fear and loathing.

The people at Trump’s rallies do not necessarily believe he will do all the things he promises. Is it really possible to round up and deport 11 million undocumented immigrants? Will Mexico really pay for building an impenetrable wall along the border? Is it legally or practically feasible to identify and turn back every Muslim seeking entry to the country? Is a pledge to “bomb the s—-,” out of the Islamic State any different from what Obama is already doing or any more likely to prevent another terrorist attack?

It’s not that Trump will do the impossible, it’s that he might do something.

Trump gives unfiltered voice to the anger and frustration some Americans feel. When he says he refuses to be “politically correct,” what he means is that he rejects the traditional constraints of public discourse. He doesn’t chastise his supporters for racism, nativism or religious bigotry; instead, he validates such views, bringing them out of the closet where they had been hiding.

Whatever happens to Trump’s candidacy, he has exposed a kind of rage that we haven’t seen in many years. His pitchfork populism is not the worldview of most Americans, to be sure. But it is likely to remain a significant political force — even if the Republican establishment somehow quashes the Trump rebellion.

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

The City of (Mostly) Brotherly Love PHILADELPHIA — Arriving here at the 30th Street Station, from Penn Station in New York, I am overwhelmed with reflections. First of all, the train ride from New York took a little over an hour, smooth and efficient, bringing about frustration that we don’t have more train service across the country.

History’s influence reminds you of the many Philadelphia landmarks that you never tire of visiting. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Mint, the Betsy Ross House and the “Old City,” known as America’s Most Historic Square Mile. You can see how people lived and worked in Colonial times. It is not advisable for NBA players to make this tour — they would have to move about on their knees to tour the dwellings which make up this charming area.

Not many visitors are so keen on visiting Bartram Gardens, but it is a place not to be overlooked if you have Georgia roots. The Bartrams, who explored several places in the South including Georgia, named a tree they found on the Georgia coast for the elder Bartram’s friend, Ben Franklin. They named it the “Franklinia” tree in honor of the great American statesman. You can only find the “Franklinia” tree at Bartram Gardens. It is extinct in the wild.

You may have heard of real estate deals that are mind boggling, but nothing quite like the deal William Penn got when he settled in what is present day Pennsylvania. King Charles II of England owed Admiral Sir William

Loran Smith Penn a debt which was paid off to the younger Penn with the gift of the aforementioned land.

The value of the property today would have to be in the billions. Back then a king or an emperor could send his troops to take over new lands and then parcel it out to whomever he wanted. You didn’t even have to stake out a claim. Just tell the Indians to get lost, cut down some trees, call for a log rolling and then plant corn.

I like the names of rivers in this part of the country. Schuykill and Susquehanna. Those names must have come from the Lenape Indians who were hanging around the countryside when William Penn settled in.

Philadelphia is big and expansive and has plenty of attractions, especially with the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers and the awarding of the Maxwell trophy. I prefer its history, however.

Philadelphia was the site of the First and Second Continental Congresses.

The temporary capital of the United States, Philadelphia would become the biggest city in America. The City of Brotherly Love has had its prob-

lems with gangs, and Santa Claus was booed at an Eagles game in 1968.

The story goes that the Eagles fans, who somehow or other seem to show up even when the team is bad, were going to be treated to an exciting halftime show.

Seems as though the guy who had been contracted with to play the role of Santa did not show up. To make matters worse, the fans were being overwhelmed with snow. When fans arrived, they had to clean off their seats. They were in a sour mood from the start. The Eagles had won two games that year. Nothing like the home team losing and embarrassing you as a fan.

Snowball fights broke out everywhere. On top of that the Vikings scored early which made the fans feel that their miserable day was only going to intensify.

Eagle officials recruited a fan to play the role of Santa for the halftime show.

Not only did Santa get booed, he was the victim of a fierce snowball pounding. He survived and was asked by an Eagle official if he would consider the job next year. He quickly demurred and exclaimed, “No,” noting that the next year the weather might be favorable and the fans would throw beer bottles at him instead of snowballs.

That being said, foul weather, losing teams and rude behavior are trumped

by Philadelphia’s illuminating history.

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

No such thing as a Trump Republican “You can’t be a Trump Republican and a Ronald Reagan Republican.”

That’s the tweet I sent to Jeb Bush the other day, when virtually the entire planet was united in bashing Donald Trump’s call for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the USA. I also tweeted another obvious truth, “If the Republican Party doesn’t dump Donald Trump, the American people will.”

Trump’s outrageous “Muslims Keep Out” plan — apparently his policy answer to last week’s terrorist attack in San Bernadino — is an embarrassment to our country and what it stands for.

It’s also a serious threat to the Republican Party, because it’s being used by Hillary, Democrat hacks in Congress and the Big Liberal Media to smear the GOP as the party of bigots and idiots.

Completely shutting down Muslim immigration is the latest — and probably the worst — idea in a series of awful ideas that Trump throws out whenever he feels he’s not getting enough media attention.

He launched his political career by promising he’d “solve” the immigration problem by rounding up 11 million Hispanics and other illegals and tossing them out of the country.

Now he’s attacking 1.2 billion Muslims. Who will be his next target? Three billion Asians?

Trump is awful — for America and for the Republican Party. But we’ve known that for months.

What bothers me even more than

Michael Reagan the stupid things the billionaire says, however, are the cheers I hear from the crowds at his packed events.

I know those hardcore Trump Yahoos are not all Republicans or conservatives.

But when they go nuts over something as idiotic as Trump’s plan to keep out Muslims, it’s scary to me — very scary.

Someone needs to tell the Trump Yahoos we’re not in a war against the world’s 1.2 billion Muslims.

We’re in a war against radical Islam and the barbaric terrorists who’ve decided that their Eigth century interpretation of their religion gives them the duty to declare a bloody holy war on Western civilization.

By the way, most Muslims are at war against the radical Islamists, too, mainly because they’re the ones who are getting killed by ISIS in the biggest numbers.

Many Trump Yahoos are just as confused about what conservatism really is.

If one more person comes up to me and says, “I loved your father and I’m supporting Donald Trump,” I may hit him.

Trump is nothing like my father. My father united people. That’s why he won elections. Trump doesn’t unite anyone but confused white people.

Republicans are always the minority party. The only way we ever win a general election is by bringing people together — Ronald Reagan Democrats and conservative Latinos, blacks, Asians and Muslims.

Yes, there are conservative Muslims.

Or at least there were. In 2000, nearly 80 percent of American Muslims voted for George W. Bush.

If the Republican Party nominates Donald Trump, it’s certain that Hillary will become the next president and we’ll all lose.

Trump is in the process of killing what’s left of my father’s GOP. He spends most of his time throwing people off the Republican bus, not inviting them on it.

The GOP has to find a way to stop Trump. It has to nominate a real Republican, a real conservative, who can unite the party around its core principles and show the country that Republicans are nothing like the Donald.

If the Party of Lincoln can’t dump Trump and go back to its conservative roots, by next fall we’ll be hearing my father say from his grave, “I didn’t leave the Republican Party, they left me.”

Email Michael Reagan at Reagan@ caglecartoons.com. Follow him on Twitter @reaganworld.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 9A

gwinnettdailypost.com

Falcons

•From Page 1A

with help from her mother.

Elsewhere, Joseph Orton Jr. group is made of wives, girlposed for pictures with Santa friends and fiancees of Falcons as his sister secretly nibbled players and staff, and this is on candy meant for her famthe fifth year they have held ily’s gingerbread house. the event for military families. “(The party is) just a chance The families got to make to spend time away from gingerbread houses together, their normal everyday lives to enjoy a catered dinner, bowl have fun and just spend time and play unlimited games together as a family,” Quinn in Dave and Buster’s arcade said. during the event. They posed The party also gave officials for photos with Freddie Falcon from the Falcons and the USO and Santa Claus and got to a chance to thank the service meet Falcons owner Arthur men and women for making Blank. the sacrifices that come with Jaylen Davis imitated Fred- serving in the military. They die Falcons’ dance moves also thanked the families, while his sister placed gum though, acknowledging the drops on a gingerbread house other sacrifice that is made in

Visit

a military family.

“We understand that the families who are left behind are the real warriors, and the real supporters of the service members,” USO Vice-President Phil Roy said.

And the gesture was appreciated by the military members and their families.

“It really means a lot to us,” Rasheedah Davis said. “I’ve been in the Army for 13 years and my husband did 10 years, so it really means a lot that people actually care about what we do.”

The time was a brief opportunity to relax in the midst of a hectic time for the Orton family, though.

Joseph Sr. got to come home unexpectedly right before Thanksgiving, but he also got another piece of unexpected news: He’s being transferred from Fort Jackson to a base in Italy. His family will have to pack up and move to Europe by mid-January.

All of that was out of sight and out of mind Thursday night, however.

“We enjoy being together as a family anyway, so getting to go out and do some fun things together and decorate a gingerbread house, let them eat crazy food for dinner, go play games — isn’t that what the holidays are all about?”

Victoria Orton said.

food stamps and government checks to live in the house.

That comes up in the indictment, accusing the suspects of illegally taking the benefits.

Harrell didn’t deny many of the accusations against his clients.

He acknowledged the refrigerator at the home was locked.

The reason was that one of the residents had a “tic” where he would go rummaging in the night and eat community food, as well as throw some away.

“To stop that from happening, what the residents decided to do was put locks on the refrigerator and on the cabinets so he couldn’t go in.”

One resident kept the key, which they could all borrow when they needed it, Harrell

explained.

He also said many of the patients were indeed handing over government benefits as a method of payment. But Harrell said that was the only way they could pay, and that it was “all above board,” with no one being taken advantage of.

Authorities figure differently.

That allegation led to many of the 53 total exploitation charges in the indictment.

The arrested suspects include: Coward, Walker, William J. Walker, Neonard Precious Kumassah, Sasha Chantel Alphonso, Stefani Amoi Walker, Yulanda Natasha Walsh and Reggie Benard McKenzie. Jacqueline Pamela Mitchell hasn’t been detained.

Indicted

•From Page 1A receiving calls from people who have multiple family members in one of these facilities or have had them in the past, saying, ‘What can we do to help them out because they were great with my family?’” Harrell said, after filing bond requests at the courthouse.

He said the homes were run largely by Donovan Ricardo Coward and his mother, Dawn Cicelia Walker.

The son and mother, as well as the other suspects, weren’t intending to run “personal care homes,” which would require that they meet the standards of such, Harrell said. Instead, they were trying to run “inexpensive boarding

houses for people who can only afford that much,” which bring less stringent requirements.

The months-long investigation began with a domestic dispute call at 4126 Wrexham Drive on May 6, when responding officers discovered the patients, with a lock on the refrigerator and one patient left to supervise the others.

There had been an extensive history of police calls to the home.

Some of the residents reportedly had mental issues.

A neighbor, Lorette Joyner, told the Daily Post they often wandered the neighborhood unsupervised. She recalled hearing them mention that they had to turn over their

obituaries STONE MOUNTAIN

Eugene Barrows Eugene “Gene” Barrows, age 93 of Stone Mountain, GA passed away December 8, 2015. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park, Georgia, on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. EST. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Purpose Baptist Church building fund.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com

GRAYSON

Pearla Jarrell Pearla B. Jarrell, age 94, of Grayson, GA, passed away on, December 9, 2015. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home: 2246 Wisteria Drive, Snellville, Georgia 30078. 770-9795010. stewartfh.com.

KINSTON, NC

OPELIKA, AL

AUBURN

Thomas Butler Thomas Garvin Butler went home to be with the Lord on December 9, 2015. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He retired from Curtiss Printing Company and formerly from Buford, Ga. He was also a member of Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Parkway Opelika, AL 36801.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carlene K. Butler; sons Thomas “Tommy” Butler, Jr., and Kenneth Butler and wife Lynn Butler; and grandchildren, Jonathan Butler, Katelyn Butler and Trinity Butler. He is also survived by his sisters and brother as well as their spouses; Hazel Ethridge, Geraldine and Reverend LT Everett, Carolyn Butler, Joy and Raburn Peevy, Carol Butler, Connie and Reverend Trenton Swanson, Shirley and Bobby Paden; as well as, several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Annie Lou McClung Butler; father and step-mother, W.O. and Willie Butler; brothers and sisters, Evelyn King, Vernon Butler, Bill Butler, John Perry Butler, and Wanda Butler Paden, as well as Lola Danforth and Barbara Martin.

There will be a visitation held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, on Friday December 11, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

CST. There will be a graveside service at Forest

Clara M. Mills, age 88, of Auburn, GA, passed away on December 7, 2015. Tim Stewart Funeral Home: 300 Simonton Road SW Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046.

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

SUWANEE

Grace Nelson

George Kiser Linda Hutchinson Linda Bingham Hutchinson, 69, of Duluth, GA died December 5, 2015. A memorial service will be held Saturday December 19, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at The Chapel at Berkeley Lake with Pastor Larry Parker, Rev. Ann Fleming and Associate Pastor Kerry Lauria officiating.

Mrs. Hutchinson, a homemaker, loved The Lord, cooking, camping, traveling, good wine, Merlot and Mickey Mouse.

Preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Bingham, she is survived by her husband, Richard Hutchinson of Duluth, GA; son, Brandon Keith Hutchinson of Portland , OR; daughter, Esther Delgado Martinez of Guadalajara, Mexico; father, Edward Bingham of Conyers, GA; sisters, Beth Ogle of Decatur, GA, Bonnie Rudd of Loganville, GA; brothers, Mark Bingham, Russell Bingham both of Conyers, GA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Ignite Ministries, 2265 Springer Walk, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.billheadfuneralhome.com.

Bill Head Funeral Homes & Crematory Duluth Chapel (770)476-2535.

George Alexander Kiser, Jr, 82 of Athens, passed away December 10, 2015.

Mr. Kiser was a member of Mountain Park United Methodist Church and a veteran with The United States Marine Corp serving during the Korean Conflict. He was the son of the late, George A. and Mamie G. Kiser; and also preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Kiser; grandson, Charles H. Lyons III; brothers, Harvey, Harold and T.H. Kiser; sisters, Katherine Kiser Thompson Jacobs and Charlotte Kiser Cargle. Funeral services are Saturday December 12, 2015 12:00PM at Lord &, East Chapel. The family will have a visitation Saturday 10:00am to 12:00pm at the funeral home.Survivors include: daughter, Sheila (Bobby) Cathcart; step-daughter, Pattie Holly; four grandchildren , fifteen greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Lord & Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices $

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

LAWRENCEVILLE

Clara M. Mills

ATHENS

DULUTH

“My visit is solely, strictly to tell them thank you for being Georgia educators,” Williams said. “Just to give them a pat on the back.”

Williams promoted Richards on Thursday on the Facebook page GA Educators and Learners, which she occasionally uses to share ideas among teachers across the state.

“I think Gov. Deal wanted somebody out there to just be a teacher cheerleader and thank the teachers and know that he recognizes how hard they work and appreciates them going above and beyond,” Williams said.

Richards made a list of schools Williams visited because it’s considered an 80/80/80 school, which means 80 percent of its students qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 80 percent are minorities and 80 percent of its students meet or exceed expectations on the College and Career Ready Performance Index.

Principal Mark McCain said the visit offered an emotional boost to teachers to realize that there’s recognition from the governor’s office.

“Our teachers are so critical to the future of our students’ lives,” McCain said. “For a lot of our students, they’re literally helping to change the trajectory of their lives. … It’s a great lift for them to know that we were&one H of those select schools.”

Williams was a teacher for 26 years, mostly teaching kindergarten, in Jesup.

Traveling the state since January, Williams said she’s visited 175 schools and recorded 5,000 miles in the first five months.

Williams said she was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of several members of the Richards staff who in several cases left another school to teach there.

“You can tell they’re all on the same team,” Williams said of the Richards staff. “And doing whatever it takes for their students to become successful and make them better citizens.”

For more obituaries, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Ann Hannah Ann Elizabeth Shue Hannah, age 88 of Kinston, NC passed away December 9, 2015.

•From Page 1A

Grace Dollar Nelson, age 95, of Suwanee, GA passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2015. She was preceded in death by husband, Woodroe E. Nelson, parents, Henry and Florence Benefield Dollar and sister, Polly Fields.

She is survived by her sons, Stanley W. and Barbara S. Nelson, Birmingham, AL, Michael D. and Debra W. Nelson, Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Ryan Nelson, Birmingham, AL, Zach Nelson, Atlanta, GA, Amanda Nelson, Atlanta, GA, Michelle Nelson, Atlanta, GA; brother Velvie Dollar, Suwanee, GA; sister, Barbara Dollar Watson, Winder, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Nelson was born October 16, 1920 in Buford, GA. She was a homemaker and a Charter Member of Shadowbrook Baptist Church in Suwanee, GA. A family graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA with Rev. Bobby Linkous officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 South Lee Street, Buford, GA 30518.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

Myron Oakes Myron “Eddie” Oakes, age 84, of Lawrenceville passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 PM on Monday, December 14, 2015 in the Lawrenceville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home. Dr. Lamar Holley & Rev. Inman Houston will officiate. Interment and Masonic Rites will follow at Gwinnett Memorial Park. Mr. Oakes was a Korean War Army Veteran, past commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars post 5255, past commander, American Legion post 262, charter member, Lawrenceville Jaycees, Central Gwinnett Lawrenceville Booster Club, president, Central Gwinnett Veteran’s Association, Chamber of Commerce, Member of Lawrenceville Masonic Lodge #131 F & A, member of First Baptist Church and a Lawrenceville City Council member for 8 years. He is preceded in death by; Several Brothers & 1 Sister. Mr. Oakes is survived by; Wife of 54 years: Linda Dowis Oakes, Lawrenceville; Daughter: Melanie Oakes Moser, originally from Lawrenceville & Husband: Len Moser, from Pittsburg, PA both currently reside in Ormond Beach, FL; Grandson: Dylan Oakes, age 16; Granddaughter: Jessi Oakes Thornton, age 11; Sister: Ada Marilyn Johnson & Husband: Maurice Johnson, Lawrenceville; Several Nieces & Nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville, Peachtree Christian Hospice, or Hope Clinic, Inc. The family will receive friends from 10:30AM- 12:00PM, 2:00- 4:00 PM & 6:008 $15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

8:00PM on Saturday, December 12, 2015 & 2:004:00PM & 6:00- 8:00PM on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home 300 Simonton Road S.W. Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-962-3100.

Please leave online condolences at stewartfh.com.

WINDER

Dennis Osier Dennis Michael Osier, age 52, of Winder, GA passed away December 8, 2015. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

STONE MOUNTAIN

Bertha Rainey Bertha Lucille Rainey, age 91, of Stone Mountain, GA passed away December 9, 2015. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

AUBURN

Harry Reynolds Harry Richard Reynolds, age 79, of Auburn, GA passed away December 8, 2015. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. www.wagesandsons.com

LILBURN

Saundra Truelove Saundra Whelchel Truelove, age 74, of Lilburn, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel, (770) 564-2726.

10A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Coniferous plants add interest to the landscape Many people are purchasing Christmas trees for their homes. These trees are conifers, plants that produce their seeds openly in cones. They are different from flowering plants which produce their seeds in enclosed structures such as fruits or nuts. Most conifers are trees, but some are shrubs. Common conifers are pines, spruces, firs and junipers. Most are evergreen, but a few are deciduous.

Pines are abundant in our area. The most common one is the loblolly pine, which can grow 60 to 90 feet in height.

It is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, can tolerate wet soils and can be easily transplanted. Loblolly pines are often the first trees to grow on land that

both in heavy clay soils and in ones that are nutrient poor.

Both the deodar and blue atlas cedars are adapted to our area. The deodar cedar grows 40 to 70 feet with a spreading pyramidal shape.

It has long stems with gray to silver foliage. It will sometimes suffer in Tim Daly severe freezes. The blue atlas cedar has a similar has been cleared. In the growth pattern to the home landscape, they deodar cedar, but it has provide shade and require better tolerance to cold. little care. Virginia pines, The tree has bluish-green sometimes referred to as to silver green needles. scrub pines, are shorter, One variety, “Glauca reaching a height of 15 Pendula,” has a weeping to 40 feet, with a comgrowth pattern. pact growth habit and a Some conifers should pyramidal shape. Their not be planted in our area. needles have a twisted White pines cannot tolerpattern. Virginia pines ate the hot temperatures are frequently used as and air pollution common Christmas trees. Like the to our area. They usually loblolly pines, they thrive decline and die within 10

Gardening in Gwinnett

Students in art appreciation classes at Georgia Gwinnett College spread artwork around campus during finals week as a sort of scavenger hunt where faculty, staff and students who find the art can keep it for free. It gained popularity through the social media hashtag #FreeArtGGC. (Special Photo)

Free art scavenger hunt adds culture to GGC finals week

By Keith Farner

played out across GGC as the message has spread on social media through the hashtag #FreeArtGGC. For A spice of culture arrived Moore, she adapted the idea on finals week at Georgia for her students’ final group Gwinnett College thanks to project in art appreciation one art professor’s inspira- classes. Faculty, staff and tion. students who find the art It’s the third straight secan keep it for free. mester Catherine Moore has This semester, each organized the project that group chose one of the core was inspired by Free Art values of GGC — LeaderFriday, a monthly art event ship, scholarship, creativity in Atlanta. Free Art Friday and service — to base their began in 2010 and is a city- project on. wide social art scavenger “My goal with the hunt where local artists and project is to empower my makers offer small versions students through giving of their work for free on the them an opportunity to first Friday of each month. place their art and creativThat same idea has ity in the public sphere,”

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

Moore said. “I also want for my students to be engaging with other students on campus in a meaningful and unique way.”

The projects have led some students to add inspiring quotes and visual messages within their art.

Since it began, Moore said students’ projects have become more ambitious and “stretched the idea of what public art can be.”

One example was life-sized sculptures of leaders made out of clear packing tape.

“The project is gaining popularity on campus and starting a discussion amongst the students,” Moore said.

GWINNETT GAB Vaccinations offered by the Georgia SPCA Local animal owners will have the opportunity to bring their pets to receive low-cost vaccinations from the Georgia SPCA on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The public low cost vaccination clinic will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be a number of low-cost tests and shots offered: canine distemper/parvo, canine bordatella, rabies and feline distemper will be available for $12. Canine heartworm tests, feline combo tests and microchipping will be available for $25. Nail trimming will be available for $15, and deworming will also be offered for $10.

No appointment is necessary, but Georgia SPCA requests that all dogs be leashed and all cats be in a carrier. If your pet has had an allergic reaction in the past, the SPCA asks that you take him or her to your regular vet.

All proceeds from the clinic go to benefit the homeless pets of the Georgia SPCA, a not-for-profit rescue organization.

The Georgia SPCA also offers low-cost spay/ neuter services. For more information, visit GeorgiaSPCA.org or call 678-

765-2726.

bellsouth.com.

Stone Mountain Atlanta author homes included Victoria Attmore in Christmas Tour to sign bilingual coloring book The GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club is hosting their annual “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Home Tour on Saturday.

The exposition of six houses in the Stone Mountain area will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Tickets for the tour can be bought for $25.

Ticket price includes a tour of the festive homes as well as lunch and shopping opportunities at Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church Life Center, 5312 W. Mountain St. Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

All proceeds from the tour will help fund the many charities supported by the GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club, a charitable organization that is part of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Tickets are available at the Old Post Office Emporium on East Mountain Street, ART Station on Manor Drive, from any member of the Women’s Club or at Stone Mountain Methodist on the day of the tour. For more information, email dandewells@

Young English and Spanish speakers alike can get their copies of “The Chocolate Forest” coloring book signed by local author Victoria Attmore on Saturday at Barnes and Noble.

Attmore is a New York native who now lives in Atlanta. She previously released “The Chocolate Forest,” a story that tells of a candy world full of joy and miracles. She now presents a coloring book version, written in both English and Spanish so that children can enjoy the story, color and learn a new language at the same time.

Attmore will appear at the Mall of Georgia Barnes and Noble, located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford, from 1 to 4 p.m. Copies of “The Chocolate Forest” and the coloring version of the story will both be available for purchase and autograph.

For more information, visit thechocolateforest. com.

Gwinnett Gab appears on Thursdays and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post. To submit an item to Gwinnett Gab, email gab@ gwinnettdailypost.com.

to 20 years after planting. Spruces and firs do not grow well in our area either due to our warm climate, humidity and heavy clay soils. Norway spruces and Alberta spruces will survive for a few years but eventually decline and die. Frasier and balsam firs will suffer the same fate. All of these trees thrive in colder climates and at higher elevations. Avoid planting them, and use other conifers that are better adapted to our climate.

A couple of conifers that are deciduous are worth mentioning. The bald cypress thrives in flooded areas but also tolerates dry conditions.

It grows 50 to 70 feet tall with fine textured foliage and reddish-brown bark. In wet locations, it produces “knees” that

are small, stump-like projections arising from its roots. Another deciduous conifer is the dawn redwood. It grows up to 70 feet tall and has reddish brown bark that exfoliates. The tree is very ancient, having been in existence at the time of the dinosaurs. Once thought to be extinct, it was discovered growing in China in the late 1940s. Dawn redwoods are good choices for specimen trees and large open areas such as parks and large residential sites.

Several lower-growing conifers are commonly used. Junipers range from low growing to large shrubs. Shore junipers and blue rug junipers are frequently used as groundcovers in sunny sites and on slopes. The Chinese juniper grows up

to 10 feet in height and has numerous varieties such as “Pfitzeriana,” which has bright green foliage. All need to be planted in sites that receive full sun and have well drained soils. Excessively wet soil will cause them to develop diseases and perish.

Many coniferous plants can be planted in the home landscape. Most have a fine texture and add beauty and contrast to broadleaf plants. When you shop for a Christmas tree, think about the conifers that you could add to your landscape.

Timothy Daly is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension. He can be reached at 678-3774010 or timothy.daly@ gwinnettcounty.com.

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 11A

Marie Beiser, left, retired from the Lawrenceville City Council Monday night. Also pictured are her husband, Bob, and Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson. (Special Photo)

Lawrenceville council honors retiring Beiser

By Randy Louis Cox Staff Correspondent

LAWRENCEVILLE — Retiring City Council Member Marie Beiser was honored Monday night by her peers, family members and friends for her seven years of service to the city.

Joined by her husband, Fourth-grade students at Riverside Elementary School talk with teacher Melisa Jeffers about how cotton was picked and cleaned during the colonial days. The annual event is an interactive way Jeffers said students can learn about Bob, Beiser was presented a plaque for her years of culture and customs that are much different than today. (Staff Photo: Keith Farner) dedicated service by Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson.

“She has been very instrumental in standing spoon or ladle. parents tell you to clean the actually experience it. In the up for what she believes

By Keith Farner keith.farner “Nothing happened … and, as mayor pro tem, bathroom, you should not (textbook) we imagined it, @gwinnettdailypost.com quickly back in that day, and grumble,” Jeffers said. “It always willing to serve as an but today we really did it.” that’s the disconnect that ambassador to the city when could be worse.”

Some of the items the SUWANEE — A bit of a our kids have,” Jeffers said.

Fourth grade is the first students learned about were I was otherwise occupied,” cultural shock arrived in the “They’re used to instant Johnson said. “We know year students learn about that slaves or indentured fourth-grade classroom of gratification and none of this this part of history, and servants were often required that she will continue to stay Melisa Jeffers on Monday. happens easily or quickly.” involved in activities in the Jeffers said it leads into the to clean 50 to 100 pounds The Riverside ElemenJeffers repeatedly told city.”

“Road to the Revolution” of cotton each day. Several tary School teacher recrestudents that in those days Having served on the section that explains the parents brought in food that ated an annual tradition of there wasn’t a Kroger on ev- differences in colonies and council since 2009, Beiser was common for that time an interactive colonial day ery corner. And the explana- beliefs and how the South also was a member of the period, like johnnycakes, experience to give students tion that got the most vocal wasn’t as strict and strucand helped the students play city’s Downtown Developa hands-on presentation of response came when Jeffers tured as the New England games from that time period. ment Authority. the social studies curricutold them about chamber Having been at the colonies.

“This is a learning thing lum. Students learned how pots used inside overnight “Back then it’s not as easy and it’s educational,” Jeffers forefront in the development life moved much slower as before indoor plumbing was as we have it today, because said. “I can always come of the Georgia Gwinnett they saw how to make but- common.

College Corridor, she was we have all the modern back to this, all year. Reter and candles and how to A common chore for presented with a street sign, technology,” fourth-grader member when we did this, pick and clean cotton. They children was to empty the “Marie Beiser Way,” which Anand Hargis said. “There, or remember when we did also learned that johnnychamber pot each morning. they had to do it all by hand. that. We’ll end by cleaning will be placed on a street cakes were a cornbread “Eww,” the students said It’s not that easy.” the cotton, which these little there to honor her work. version of pancakes, and in unison.

“She was our teacher on Added fourth-grader Au- city kids don’t have any oyster shells were used as a “That’s why when your the council,” City Councildrey Loudermilk, “We could idea.”

Riverside fourth-graders act out colonial days

man Tony Powell said. “I’m very proud of all she’s accomplished on this council.”

“I’m proud to be the newest member of the ‘Marie Beiser Fan Club’ on the council,” Councilman Keith Roche said. “Marie is a wonderful lady.”

“I want to thank everyone for such wonderful words,” Beiser said. “We’re doing everything we can to move forward. … I have served with this group … where there is no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM.’ It’s been my pleasure to serve … and I appreciate people coming here from ‘my group.’”

In other business, the council: • Denied a special use request from John B. Williams to have a used car sales lot and automotive repair shop at Hosea Road and U.S. Highway 29.

• Approved an expenditure of $4,590 for 25 mph speed humps on Collins Industrial Way. • Designated the Gwinnett Administration parking lot as the entry right of way for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

• Granted easements for sidewalk construction on city property at Sugarloaf Parkway.

12A • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Discount Picture Framing 945 Buford Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30043

770-277-8381 Shop Local

Locally Owned – Family Operated

“The Big Yellow Building” You Name It… We Can Frame It… For LESS!!!

Same day service available through December 21 299404-1

st

BARGAINFRAMER.COM

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

CLASS AAAA STATE FINAL

GREEN AND GOLD RUSH s

Buford vs. Cartersville • Saturday, 4:30 p.m. • Georgia Dome, Atlanta Buford bracing for powerful Hurricanes, 5B

Buford’s Martin Mangram runs for a big gain during the fourth quarter against Woodward Academy last Friday in Buford. Below, Xavier Gantt looks for running room during the first half of the Wolves 35-18 victory. (Photos: David McGregor)

Running back rotation key to Buford’s ground game

By David Friedlander

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

BUFORD — Having run for 3,645 yards and 68 touchdowns over its first 14 games, there is little question that Buford owns one of the top running games among high school football teams of any classification in Georgia this season.

But what makes the No. 3 state-ranked Wolves’ ground attack different from most others in the state as they prepare to go up against second-round Cartersville in the Class

AAAA state championship game Saturday at the Georgia Dome isn’t its production.

Bigger field boosts already tough meet

By David Friedlander

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

COUNTY WRESTLING

Given how competitive Gwinnett’s high school wrestling teams are and the abundance of out-ofstate tournaments in December, predicting which of the top teams will even participate in the county meet, let alone who will win, has been difficult at best.

Predicting a winner will still be difficult when the Gwinnett County wrestling championship starts today at Lanier High School, though for a different reason.

While three-time defending Class AAAAAA state duals and traditional champions Archer won’t have individuals compet-

When: Today-Saturday Where: Lanier H.S. Schedule: Today — 5 p.m.

Saturday — 9 a.m.

ing in the varsity tournament — the Tigers are attending the Dobbins Bennett Invitational in Tennessee — several others among the county’s strongest teams will compete.

In addition to defending champion Mountain View and 2013 champion Buford, which skipped the county meet last year, long-time powerhouse and five-time county See COUNTY, Page 8B

It’s how it comes about that production.

For most programs proficient in running the ball,

there is one workhorse running back who is the featured individual, with a handful of others to serve as a supporting cast.

However, Buford’s approach is completely different, as the Wolves can be counted on to employ at least five or six different backs on a regular basis.

Just how diverse is the Buford running game?

Despite running the ball an average of 36 times per game, no individual back averages more than 10 carries per game.

Nine different backs have produced at least 117 yards for the 2015 season,

with the Wolves’ top three rushers — senior Martin Mangram (106-770, 25 TDs) and sophomores Christian Turner (76-751, 10 TDs) and Anthony Grant (99-741, 9 TDs) — possessing nearly identical statistics.

That group also includes Georgia Tech-committed senior Xavier Gantt (40240, 4 TDs), who missed the first nine games of the season while recovering from a knee injury, as well as short-yardage specialist T.D. Roof (21-133, 5 TDs).

See BUFORD, Page 3B

Getting to Know … Cliff Ramos Cliff Ramos, who started the wrestling programs at Meadowcreek and Collins Hill, is a National Wrestling Hall of Fame member and now an assistant to one of his former pupils, Jim Gassman, at Mountain View.

Ramos retired in 2010 after a hugely successful run at the helm of the Collins Hill program. His overall dual-meet record was 626-80 and he guided Collins Hill to nine state team titles in the state’s largest classification.

A co-founder and past president of the Georgia Wrestling Coaches Association, Ramos was a 22-time region coach of the year and was selected the state’s coach of the year five times. His teams were nationally ranked five times in a six-year span.

His best team, in 2010,

enjoying his new role as an assistant coach, an auspicious first meeting with his future wife, Kathy, and his greatest athletic accomplishment.

Cliff Ramos, who started the wrestling programs at Meadowcreek and Collins Hill, is a National Wrestling Hall of Fame member and now an assistant to one of his former pupils, Jim Gassman, at Mountain View. (Staff Photo: Christine Troyke)

not only reached the top 10, but beat two nationally ranked teams and came within three points of beating 31-time national prep champion Blair Academy in the national semifinals.

In this installement of “Getting to Know …,” Ramos, who coached 34 individual state champions, talks to staff writer Christine Troyke about a variety of topics, including

CT: What have you been doing lately? You’re teaching at the dyslexic school? And driver’s ed?

And working with the Mountain View wrestling program?

CR: When I retired from Collins Hill five years ago, I really meant to retire. But that lasted one week.

And GAC just gave me a great opportunity. It was a lot of fun. I expected to do that for two or three years and it turned into five.

Then I thought, I’ve been in charge of a wrestling program for 40 straight years.

See RAMOS, Page 4B

2B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 IN BRIEF

GAC’s Boyd headed to Vanderbilt

Greater Atlanta Christian senior Kaylann Boyd has made a commitment to the Vanderbilt women’s soccer program.

Boyd, a four-year starter, has helped the Spartans to three state championship games, including victories the past two seasons. She had 26 goals and 18 assists last season for GAC’s state title team.

Gwinnett runners make all-metro team The Atlanta Track Club recently recognized its All-Metro High School Cross Country Team, honoring 42 of the best runners from this past season.

Three girls and two boys from Gwinnett made the club’s list.

Grayson’s Yanely Gomez and sisters Hannah and Camryn Petit of Mill Creek made the girls all-metro list. Gomez was fourth at the state meet and the Region 8-AAAAAA champion.

Hannah Petit was fifth at state and runner-up at both the county and Region 7-AAAAAA meets. Camryn Petit was seventh at state, as well as the 7-AAAAAA and Gwinnett County champion.

Brookwood teammates Zach Israel and Gruem Tesfamariam made the boys all-metro team. Israel was third at state and county, as well as the 8-AAAAAA champion. Tesfamariam was ninth at state, third at county and runner-up at region.

gwinnettdailypost.com

Top golfers eye Rio with contrasting views Golf most recently featured as an Olympic sport in St Louis in 1904 and leading players such as American world No. 1 Jordan Spieth and fifth-ranked Swede Henrik Stenson have warmly embraced its return to the Games agenda.

“When I was really young, I always thought of the Olympians that walked in the opening ceremonies as the greatest-athletes-inthe-world type of thing,” Masters and U.S. Open champion Spieth said. “But once I chose golf, I didn’t think it would ever be a reality. To be one of those athletes … I would never forget that ceremony and that walk, walking with the American flag … it will be awesome if I can make that team.”

Sixty players will compete over 72 holes of strokeplay in both the men’s and women’s events in Rio. Golfers in the top 15 of the world rankings will automatically be eligible, although no more than four players from any one country can take part.

“I see it as a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Olympics,”

By Mark Lamport-Stokes Reuters

LOS ANGELES — It will be no more than an exhibition sport.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It will be awesome.

Let’s wait and see how it feels once you get there.

These are among the wide ranging responses from top players as they prepare for golf’s return to the Olympics at next year’s Rio Summer Games after an absence of more than a century, a return embraced by many and panned by others.

For backers, the prospect of golfers walking beside swimmers and athletes at the opening ceremonies in Rio is an intoxicating one but critics argue that golf, like tennis, already has its four blue riband events and should not be an Olympic sport.

Those critics firmly believe that golf’s major championships and the grand slams in tennis represent the pinnacle of achievement in their respective sports and that the allure of an Olympic medal would always rank lower.

American Matt Kuchar, a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour who has played amateur tennis at a high level, expressed mixed feelings about the impact of his sport’s return to the Olympics.

“Most of the Olympic sports have their ‘big event’ either once every four years — at the Sum-

Matt Kuchar hits his drive on the first hole during the first round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout at the Tiburon Golf Club’s Gold Course on Thursday in Naples, Fla. (Photo: Reinhold Matay/USA Today Sports)

mer Games — or once every two years with the World Cups and world championships that go on,” Kuchar said. “In the golf world and the tennis world, we have our four majors and our four grand slams every year, and then every other week there is a big event going on with major attention.

“So historically you would say, ‘Gosh, I want to win the Masters or I want to win Wimbledon, the U.S. Opens, the British Opens that players really gear up to.’ The fact that we have an event every week, the Olympics will be another event.”

However, Kuchar felt it would be very difficult to rank a major championship victory over an Olympic gold medal without ever experiencing the “uniquely special” atmosphere of a Summer Games.

Call 770-963-9205 or visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com to subscribe to the

Gwinnett Daily Post.

“It’s hard to say without being there in the moment,” said the 37-yearold, who has represented the U.S. a combined six times at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, and twice at the two-man World Cup of Golf. “Once you get there, there’s always something special about representing your country. You always get goose bumps when you see the American flag that you are playing for … it’s uniquely special, it gets your attention more so than normal.

“For the fact that this is going to be the first time in over a hundred years for golf to be played at the Olympics, we will certainly be awfully excited. But would you rather win one of the majors or an Olympic medal? I don’t know exactly.”

said Stenson, a nine-time winner on the European Tour. “It’s a cool event and, given my age, it could be the only chance I have. I think I’d stay in the (Olympic) village, to get the feel of it. That would elevate the experience.”

Former top-ranked Aussie Adam Scott has an opposing viewpoint, and believes the focus of the Olympics should be on sports where winning a gold medal is the pinnacle, not an afterthought.

“Whether I win an Olympic medal or not is not going to define my career or change whether I’ve fulfilled my career,” Scott said. “For me, it’s all about the four majors and I think that’s the way it should stay for golf. To go and play an exhibition event down there (in Rio) … in the middle of the major (golf) season, I don’t think any other athletes in their sport would do that.

“Most of the athletes at the Olympics have probably trained four years specifically to peak at this one event. It’s the pinnacle of their sport … (golf) doesn’t need to be in the Olympics.”

Guns Wanted -Cash Paid MILITARY ITEMS WANTED

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE BUY • SELL • TRADE • NEW • USED Rifles • Pistols • Shotguns Ammunition • Scopes • Reloading Supplies

GUNS NEW & USED MONDAY-SATURDAY

DANA SAFETY SUPPLY

The Gun Room LLC

4729 Nelson Brogdon Blvd #F Buford, GA 30518 770-381-8633 296680-1

GUN APPRAISAL 678-975-7299

296656-1

170 West Athens St. • Winder, GA 30680

Free with This Ad in Store

gunroomLLC.com

THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF LINCOLN LUXURY

Lincoln Black Label signifies access to a uniquely elevated automotive experience. One that extends beyond the purchase of a luxuriously appointed vehicle to enhance your life in unexpected ways. Available in 2016 Lincoln Black Label MKC, MKZ and Lincoln MKX models.

THE ESSENCE

MEMBER PRIVILEGES

CULINARY COLLECTION

Lincoln Black Label was created for people who appreciate craftsmanship, attention to detail and high-end materials and finishes.

Makes it easy to keep your new Lincoln Black Label vehicle like new.

Ongoing access to the Culinary Collection5 — list of restaurants from coast to coast.

• Speciality Venetian leather, premium Alcantara® and exotic woods • Select palette of custom multifinish premium paints • Choose from sophisticated theme combinations

• Extended Four Year/50,000-mile Premium Maintenance Plan1 • Remote vehicle delivery 2

• Create an exclusive dining experience • Complimentary dinner for two6 courtesy of the Lincoln Motor Company

• Complimentary car washes 3 • Annual detailing 4

THE LIAISON Assistance through the entire shopping experience.

• Single point of contact • Help you from start to finish 7

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

NEw 2016 LINCOLN BLACk LABEL MkZ Stock #GR623222 • VIN #3LGR623222 Stock #GR623224 • VIN #3LGR623224 Stock #GR623223 • VIN #3LGR623223

NEw 2016 LINCOLN BLACk LABEL MkC Stock #GUJ15591 • VIN #5LGUJ15591 Stock #GUJ16102 • VIN #5LGUJ16102

Tax, tag, title and Georgia Lemon Law fee additional. Vehicle art for illustration purposes only. Expires December 31, 2015.

3230 Satellite Blvd. • Duluth, GA 30096 Phone: 866-756-2060 Online: www.GwinnettPlaceLincoln.com 1. Covers all required maintenance, including wear items such as shock absorbers, engine belts, hoses and hose clamps, brake pads and linings, wiper blades and spark plugs.

2. Remote delivery available within 30 miles of dealership. 3. Participating dealer by first registered owner. 4. Limited to first four years of ownership. 5. Special consideration for 298254-1 reservations and seating. 6. Book with Lincoln Black Label Restaurant Reservation Center. Claim within one year of vehicle purchase. 7. Customer negotiates final price.

ondeck Prep Schedule

BASKETBALL

Today

5:30 p.m. — GAC at Hapeville Charter 6 p.m. — Archer at Grayson 6 p.m. — Berkmar at Parkview 6 p.m. — Brookwood at Dacula 6 p.m. — Lakeview at Providence 6 p.m. — Meadowcreek at Norcross 6 p.m. — Peachtree Ridge at Mill Creek 6 p.m. — South at Shiloh 6:30 p.m. — Woodward Academy girls at Wesleyan

SWIMMING & DIVING

5 p.m. — Wesleyan Invitational 6:30 p.m. — Dacula, Discovery and Mountain View at Collins Hill 6:30 p.m. — Shiloh, Berkmar, Central and South at Mountain Park 6:30 p.m. — Parkview, Archer and North at West Gwinnett

WRESTLING

• Archer in Dobbins Bennett Invitational in Kingsport, Tenn.

• Duluth in Creekview Invitational 5 p.m. — Gwinnett Co. tournament at Lanier

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 3B

gwinnettdailypost.com

FBU championship comes to Buford From Staff Reports The Football University National Championship makes its way through Gwinnett County this weekend.

The single-elimination tournament, which awards national titles in youth football, began last weekend with early-round play.

The next two rounds will take place at regional sites, one at the Buford Youth Sports Complex this Saturday and Sunday.

Gwinnett Football League teams, which typically fare well in the FBU event, are still alive in all three divisions — sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

The GFL sixth-graders play Saturday’s first game against St. Louis at 8 a.m., followed by GFL seventh

YOUTH FOOTBALL What: Football University National Championship Regional When: Saturday-Sunday Where: Buford Youth Sports Complex Schedule: Saturday 8 a.m. — Sixth grade, Round 3: Gwinnett Football League vs. St. Louis 10 a.m. — Seventh grade, Round 3: Gwinnett Football League vs. Kentucky Noon — Eighth grade, Round 3: Gwinnett Football League vs. Kentucky 2 p.m. — Sixth grade, Round 3: Tampa (Fla.) vs. Broward County (Fla.) 4 p.m. — Seventh grade, Round 3: Tampa (Fla.) vs. Broward County (Fla.) 6 p.m. — Eighth grade, Round 3: Tampa (Fla.) vs. Dade County (Fla.) Sunday 9 a.m. — Sixth grade winners, Round 4 11 a.m. — Seventh grade winners, Round 4 1 p.m. — Eighth grade winners, Round 4

grade vs. Kentucky at 10 a.m. The GFL eighth-graders face Kentucky at noon.

Those games precede a trio of afternoon and evening games featuring Tampa, Broward County and Dade County teams from Florida.

The teams that advance from Saturday’s play will meet in Sunday’s quarterfinal games at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The quarterfinal winners advance to the prestigious Final Four Dec. 19-21 in Naples, Fla.

This year’s FBU championship event, in its fourth year, features 192 regionbased teams, 64 in each of the grade brackets. It will include more than 250 games, 6,000 athletes and 1,200 coaches during a three-week period.

The Home Teams

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Hawks

South Carolina Orlando at South Carolina 7:35 p.m.

Sat, 7:05 p.m.

Sun, 3 p.m.

97.7-FM 97.7-FM 97.7-FM

at Carolina at Jacksonville Off Sun, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20, 1 p.m.

FOX/92.9 FM FOX/92.9FM

San Antonio Miami Off Sat, 8 p.m.

Mon, 8 p.m.

FSSE/92.9 FM FSSE/92.9 FM End of season

Georgia

vs. Penn State# Off Jan. 2, noon ESPN/750-AM

Georgia St.

San Jose State* Off Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

CBSSP/680-AM

End of season

Gladiators

Falcons

FSSE = FOX Sports Southeast, FSS = FOX Sports South #Tax Slayer Bowl, Jacksonville, Fla.; *AutoNation Cure Bowl, Orlando

On TV

Today

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

8 p.m. — NCAA FCS quarterfinals, Charleston Southern at Jacksonville State ESPN2

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

1 p.m. — GHSA Class A (Public) Championship: Clinch County vs. Irwin County. PBS 4:30 p.m. — GHSA Class AAA Championship: Blessed Trinity vs. Westminster. PBS 8 p.m. — GHSA Class AAAAA Championship: Allatoona vs. Glynn Academy. PBS

Buford running back Christian Turner reaches for the goal line during the Wolves’ victory over North Oconee on Friday night. Grant was just short, but the Wolves scored one play later. (Photo: David McGregor)

NBA

7 p.m. — Miami Heat at Indiana ESPN 9:30 p.m. — Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio ESPN

SOCCER

•From Page 1B

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

According to head coach Jess Simpson, part of the reason for his approach to the running game has to do with the fact his team is simply fortunate to have so many athletes capable of producing when they get the ball.

Another has to do with how those many different elements are utilized.

“Fyrone Davis, our running backs coach, does as good a job of managing and taking care of those kids,” Simpson said.

“When you have the number of guys that can run the football that he’s had year in and year out and keep it balanced, I think he does a great job of that.

“But the other thing is, when you look at Martin and Xavier and how talented they are — I mean, they’re both going got be Division I (college) football players — they share the ball with those two sophomore running backs and have no problem doing it. They’re great senior leaders. They’re all unselfish. They all play defense (also). They don’t care who gets the credit. I think that’s just unique in today’s game to have kids who say, ‘You know what?

I know that if we do it this way, we’ve got a chance to be even more successful because of what everybody can do, and then what everybody else can do in other areas of our team,’ instead of being just one thing.”

Indeed, the multi-back, multi-positional running attack has been a trademark of Simpson’s 11 seasons as Buford’s coach.

Sure, the Wolves have had their share of 1,000yard rushers, such as Seon Jones and Dontravious Wilson.

2:30 p.m. — Bundesliga F.S.V. Mainz vs VfB Stuttgart.

From Coface Arena in Mainz, Germany. FS1 6 p.m. — Connecticut vs. Florida State ESPN2

Sports Calendar

ALL SPORTS

Dec. 21-23: Jack City Sports Center in Dacula will host a Kids Winterfest Camp with fun and games for children. For more information, go to www.jackcitysportscenter.com and click on the events tab.

BASEBALL

Dec. 21-22: South East Baseball will host a Christmas pitcher/catcher camp on Dec. 21 at its Norcross facility (4295 International Blvd., Suite F) and on Dec. 22 at its Athens facility (8352 Jefferson Road). The camp, open to all ages, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include basics, advanced drills and proper mechanics instruction among other workouts. The camp will be run by former pro players Adam Brandenburg, Jon Huber, Brett Teschner and James Woods.

For more information, go to southeastbaseball.net/ camps-workouts.

Ongoing through Dec. 31: Whitner Hitting Clinics are being held at Jack City Sports Center. The clinics are ongoing and cost $75 for five weeks. To sign up, email jackcitybaseball@aol. com or call 770-633-0948.

CHEERLEADING

Dec. 20: The Lawrenceville Youth Association Football/Cheer will hold

its general membership meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. at Rhodes Jordan Community Center at 100 E. Crogan St. Elections will be held for vice president and football director.

FOOTBALL

Dec. 20: The Lawrenceville Youth Association Football/Cheer will hold its general membership meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. at Rhodes Jordan Community Center at 100 E. Crogan St. Elections will be held for vice president and football director.

WEIGHTLIFTING

Jan. 23-24: No Excuses CrossFit in Suwanee is hosting the USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coaching Course and Certification. The cost is $495 and will be instructed

by C.J. Stockel. Go to www. usaw.hangastar.com/ EMS_Courses_Register. aspx to register for the course or contact the event coordinator at info@noexcusescrossfit.com for more information. The entry level course is open to anyone 17 and older and includes a one-year membership with USAW. The scope and sequence of the course includes the teaching progressions of the snatch, clean and jerk, and all associated movements.

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

www.gwinnettprepsports.com

Buford

Buford’s T.D. Roof (15) pushes off a tackle by Cartersville’s Rhodes Jones (10) during the first half of Friday’s semifinal playoff game at Cartersville High School. (Photo: Kyle Hess)

They’ve even had a season with two runners cracking the 1,000-yard mark in Cody Getz and Storm Johnson, who did so in 2008 before going on to play collegiately at Air Force and Miami/Central Florida, respectively.

But more often than not, Simpson and Davis have chosen to shuttle in players into the backfield — players who also see action on defense — every few plays or possessions.

And he isn’t about to mess with a system that works.

“That’s been a part of our recipe,” Simpson said.

“Obviously, we’re going to run it, and we want to be able to run stretch and power. That’s kind of an identity for us on offense.”

It’s an approach that has worked well for the Wolves and has been a major trademark in their run of seven

state championships in the past seven seasons.

But most people around Buford’s program agree that it only works for two main reasons.

One is the aforementioned wealth of athletes.

The other is something Simpson alluded to in his early statement — the ability of such athletes to check their egos at the door and accept sharing the running load.

According to Mangram, that isn’t that big of a deal.

In fact, it’s something he said backs learn to expect by watching the varsity team play as they are coming up through Buford’s youth, freshman and junior varsity programs.

“We’re all fine with sharing the ball,” said the 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior, who boasts scholarship offers from such college programs as Army,

East Carolina, Iowa, Iowa State, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Illinois. “It’s just a brotherhood of running backs. It also helps because teams can’t just read one person. We all have our own special talents to (gain yards) depending on the defense. We’re all pretty strong, fast and shifty guys. And we’re all pretty good friends.”

True, having different running backs of all shapes, sizes and abilities is one major benefit of Buford’s running back rotation.

However, there is another fringe benefit that Simpson mentioned, but that can’t be understated.

Since most of the running backs also contribute on defense either at linebacker or in the secondary, limiting the number of snaps on offense, and thus the wear and tear that running backs take, has only served to keep each player fresher later in games.

It’s a difference Gantt said he’s noticed throughout his career.

“It helps us a lot,” said the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior, who has been a big contributor over his career as a defensive back, but was recruited to play A-back at Tech. “You’ve got to look at it like, we’ve got around five or six backs who touch the ball each game, and all of them can take it to the house at any time. That’s the scary thing. You can’t game plan for one guy.

“You could tell last week (in Buford’s 35-18 semifinal win over Woodward Academy), it wore them down. They got tired from Martin running the ball, me running the ball, Christian or Ant (Grant) running the ball. They got tired, and that’s when we busted (the game) open.”

4B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Ramos •From Page 1B I was never an assistant.

They called me the director at GAC, but the reason that happened is because I said in the paper that I would never be a head coach again. So they gave me this really good offer, but I said I wouldn’t be a head coach anymore. They said, “we’ll call you the director.”

So I’ve been in charge of a wrestling program for 40 years and I didn’t want to do that anymore.

I do some driver’s ed whenever I have time. I teach at the Sage School two days a week, just six hours a week. There’s 45 students there in first grade through seventh grade and they all have dyslexia. I do their P.E. It’s a lot of fun.

Then I’m helping out at Mountain View. And I’m loving it.

CT: There’s something to be said for not having to be the guy with all the answers, isn’t there?

CR: I didn’t know what to expect. I had a lot of people, including members of my family, that said, “You’ll never be able to do it.” But it’s going great. I love it.

The first two practices, afterward I ate dinner with my wife at home and I got up and walked to my office to do a practice schedule. I actually got up and walked.

I said, “What am I doing? I don’t have to do that.”

For 40 years, I’ve always spent a lot of time on the practice schedule, an hour or so. I turned around and walked back. It was great.

I also spend a lot of time volunteering. On Fridays, I’m at the Co-op (in Lawrenceville). People come in and get help with food or utilities occasionally. I interview people and see how we can help them. I also volunteer with the Kids Hope program where you mentor one kid one hour every week at elementary schools. It’s really fulfilling.

CT: Now you’re an assistant to Jim Gassman at Mountain View, a guy who you coached?

CR: When I decided I wanted to stay in it, you know, I’m 62 years old, so my body doesn’t do exactly what it’s supposed to sometimes, but I’ve tried to stay fit and I can still do a lot of technique. I love the sport and I still wanted to be around it. I debated on either helping at Collins Hill or at Mountain View.

At Collins Hill, I birthed that program and I still have a lot of feelings for that program. But Jim was one of my wrestlers. He was one of my assistants. Brandon Gill is there. I coached him. Mike Bowbliss is one of the wrestling coaches. I coached him.

Then there are little brothers wrestling whose older brothers were at Collins Hill. So it’s almost like Collins Hill East. It was a really good fit for me if I was going to do it.

And Jim is just doing a great job. He really is.

They’re about to explode as one of the powers in this part of the country and I might be helping a little bit, but all the credit goes to Jim Gassman.

He built that program and he is doing a great job.

CT: You also coached with Jim’s dad, Jay? CR: Yes. He died 14 or 15 years ago, but he and Steve West and I were best friends for a long, long time.

I coached with Jay. Shoot, when Jim was 6 years old, his brother and my two boys, we’d go on vacations together. We did everything together. In fact, the newspaper back around 1995 did a story about the three musketeers.

Or three mat-keteers? It was on Jay, Steve and me. About how we were all together in Missouri and then we all inadvertently showed up down here and were coaching and best friends. Now it’s just Steve and me.

CT: You and Steve have adventures every summer?

CR: I call him Pee Wee. I always have. I write a journal every year and a lot of people who read it called it

CR: (Collins Hill’s first head football coach) Alan Fahring and I were good friends and worked together.

We always talked about how coaches use cop-outs when they’re not doing well.

CT: Your last team at The No. 1 is “I’ve got to Collins Hill was 2010, get out to spend more time which many regard as the with my family.” You hear it a lot. And it sounds great. best team this state has But Alan and I used to talk seen. Do you agree?

CR: I know the last couple about it all the time, that of Archer teams have been they’re not doing a good ranked really high, too. That job. I raised my family. We would be a good argument. were together. They would We lost by three points to come to practice and my the No. 1 team in the counwife would bring dinner. We try, Blair Academy, who had were always together. Alan already won the two biggest and I used to joke that when tournaments in the country. we retired we were going to We not only lost by three, say, “I’m retiring to spend we lost by six seconds. One less time with my family.” of our kids lost in the last It’s the opposite of what you six seconds of his match or always hear. we would have won. But, CT: Let’s rundown the you know, it’s tough to say. schools you’ve coached at, My last three years, we were starting at Butler, Mo. ranked in the top 25.

CR: I was there from Archer has been ranked 1976 to 1980. Then five real high for the last three years at East Hall in years now. So it’s hard to say. Gainesville. The reason I moved here was in 1979-80, CT: Where was your my parents lived in middle first coaching job?

Georgia. My father had heart disease and a little bit of canCR: Butler, Missouri.

Right out of college. And I cer. One day he was robbed still have contact with some and beaten up and kidnapped of them. I’m not good on and left for dead in the trunk Facebook, but I’m good at of his car. It almost killed looking at pictures of my him. We didn’t think he was grandchildren and I get going to live much longer so messages from wrestlers that’s the main reason why I’ve coached over the last 40 I moved down here to be years. closer to them. Then he lived In fact one of them, not another 23 years. But that’s too long ago, told me about why we moved to Georgia. his grandson who is wresWe had some good teams tling now. at East Hall, like top five in the state, but I could see that CT: Have things if I was really going to build changed a lot in your time a program, I needed to be as a coach? closer to Atlanta. MeadowCR: First of all, people creek opened up and I was say kids are so hard to there for eight years, from reach. I don’t agree. I think ’86 to ’94. kids are just as coachable CT: Then Collins Hill today as they were 40 years opened up? ago. They’re a little differCR: The first year for ent. They have more distrac- Collins Hill was ’94. So I tions. But once you get in was there 17 years.

CT: How many guys the practice room, they’re So I started two programs that you coached are just as great to coach as they from scratch. I had to get coaches in the county or were 40 years ago. mats and uniforms and nearby? A dozen?

They’re fun to coach. I everything.

CR: I think. And there are love working with them.

Really, three programs. a couple in Missouri where I They work hard. There’s two Because East Hall had had coached for five years. From or three that don’t, but that’s a program for one year, but 1976 to 1980. There are a how it was 40 years ago. they hadn’t competed. couple up there in that part The Collins Hill kids, the CT: Then you retired of the country.

GAC kids, the Mountain from Collins Hill.

And a couple are referView kids have all been CR: That lasted one week. ees, but I don’t claim them. respectful.

CT: And GAC hired you (chuckling) The biggest difference as the director and you CT: That goes with the I’ve noticed is the specialwere with them until last persona? Giving refs a ization. You see most athyear. How long until you hard time? letes are doing one sport. ended up joining MounCR: Heck yeah.

For my sons, it wasn’t tain View?

CT: How often do you just wrestling for them.

CR: I mean, my body is win your arguments with They were in sports all year. still doing OK. I’m trying to them on rule interpretaTheir favorite sport was stay fit. Coaching wrestling tions? whatever they were doing at is different than other sports.

CR: Always. Always. the moment.

To be effective, you’ve got (smiling) That’s one thing I think to be able to get down on the isn’t good in high school mat and help demonstrate.

CT: Since you’re sports now. It’s rare to see a I knew I wanted to stay in involved with Mountain it — even when I was giving two-sport athlete even.

View athletics, what do My son Trevor actually it up. you think about the recent did four sports. He did cross I didn’t know where, but reclassification move by I figured if I was coming country and kicked for the the GHSA to create a back, it would be with Jim football team at the same Class AAAAAAA? time. Then he wrestled and or at Collins Hill.

CR: First of all, I’ve quit was on the soccer team. using the term state chamCT: How many years in They both did real well, pion a couple of years ago. I were all-state in soccer. The a row have you been to the say class champion. I mean, thing about it is they have so NCAA wrestling champiit’s getting out of control, onships? many memories from their the number of classes. Pretty high school days that kids CR: I’ve been 29 out of soon you’re going to need the last 30 years. The only who specialize don’t. to do a tally sheet to count year I missed was after Jay People give reasons for how many A’s. Where is it why they’re specializing and died and we always went going to stop? Are we going a lot of it is the parents. But together. I just didn’t feel to have Class 16A? In fact, like going. a lot of it is the head coach this paper, when the region CT: It’s a big group that in the sport. So many head alignments, you miscounted coaches, and they won’t goes, right? the A’s. You had eight A’s.

CR: Georgia has a lot of admit it, but they play the people that go, but my group Because you can’t do it mind games on the kids. anymore. It’s too much.

You know, the “if you get in is eight. It varies a little bit.

When is it going to stop? the weight room right away, It’s Pee Wee and me, Jim Gassman, my son Taylor.

Everybody doesn’t have to you’re Division I material.” be a winner. It’s got to stop Head coaches are a big cause Pee Wee’s brother, Jim West, and Dan Lukacs. Those are sometime. of the specialization. They That’s not just Georgia. don’t want them with anyone the six that go every year.

Then sometimes my other The same kind of thing is else. And I hate seeing that. happening in many states.

I tell the kids over and over son Trevor and Dan’s son, Nick Lukacs can’t go, so we And I think it’s just because again, you’re in high school one time — experience it. find replacements. people complain that their When my sons get toprogram isn’t winning. gether with old friends, they CT: You are the threeWhen I first came to time defending LawrencevGeorgia, they had just gone have so many memories.

Part of it is the way we ille bed races champion? to Class AAAA. And I can coach now, too. We can all CR: Yeah. We’ve won see having divisions. But, three years in a row. It’s golly, when are you going to blame ourselves for that. stop? It’s out of control.

To compete, you have to be pretty big.

CT: Is it primarily a doing a lot in the summer.

CT: Who has the hardfunction of having a hand- That’s a big change from est part in winning these ful of really big schools? years past. championships?

CR: The reason is, I’m guilty of that. But I’m CR: Well, there’s four and I’ve heard it from the not guilty of saying, “don’t pushers. And without the GHSA, that they want more do other sports.” driver, it just wouldn’t hapkids to experience success.

CT: It’s good to hear pen. (chuckling) That’s the reason. that because so often you It’s so much fun though.

It doesn’t make sense in hear the opposite.

The first year we did it, it “Travels with Pee Wee.” We just get in the car. For seven summers and we never know where we’re going.

We just start driving. Who knows where we’re going from one day to the next and what we’re going to do.

This past summer, he couldn’t go. So I went with a good friend of mine, a teacher from Collins Hill, Barry Gillespie. It was great.

The summer before last, Pee Wee went with myself and Jimmy Chupp and Danny Sinnott. That might have been the best trip we’ve had.

It’s so much fun. It’s the highlight of my year.

CT: You guys go around helping people out?

CR: That’s part of it.

It sounds like that’s the purpose of the trip, and it’s not. I don’t want to sound like this big noble guy. It was an afterthought, but it’s developed into something pretty neat where we have a goal of while we’re touring around, see if we can do three good deeds per day. Then we started getting pledges per good deed and we give that to the co-op. We usually make $2-3,000 a summer for the co-op. But the purpose was to see the country on the back roads. The part of the country you never see from the interstate. And meet people that you would never meet in all parts of the country. That’s been the best part. Where you get off the road and you look at things you’d never see. You do things like from the movie “Michael,” the biggest ball of twine. We do those kind of things. We find bizarre roadside stops all over. It’s fun.

We signed a petition for New Mexico to secede from the union. This guy had a card table set up on the side of the road. I signed it and Rich Schmacher signed it.

He wasn’t with us, but I told him later he signed it.

individual sports, especially where it’s timed or a distance jumped or wrestling or swimming.

Not everybody has to be a winner.

was with my men’s group from my church and I was the oldest at 58. The others were all in their 40s and 50s.

We didn’t do so well. (smiling) I needed a new engine and I fired the four men and became the permanent driver and hired younger legs.

CT: Do the legs have to get younger each year?

CR: No, they’ve been great. It’s Taylor and Trevor, my two sons, Alex Paucar and Ben Davis. Also Jim Gassman and Danny Sinnott. They’re the extras whenever they’re available.

They’re young enough, their legs are great.

Especially Ben. He was a really good soccer player.

He wrestled, too, but he was a tiny kid in high school.

He’s like 6-foot-2, 220. He’s a monster. He’s our main cylinder.

CT: Do you keep the score at every meet on your own?

CR: The tournaments, the scoring is a whole lot different than dual meets.

We used to do everything by hand for team score. I did it for 30 of my 40 years. Now it’s all done by computer, but it doesn’t matter because a mistake could have been made by hand or by entering a score wrong into the computer. So, yeah, I’ve always kept my team score at each round and the team or two that’s closest to my team. Always.

It’s very important, even with the computer doing it.

Because a score might be written down 7-1, but it was really 9-1 and that’s a difference of a team point because it’s an extra point if you win by eight points. It helped that I’ve done it by hand so many years, I can do it in my head pretty well. It takes 30 seconds to do after a round and so many times I’ve caught mistakes.

CT: Did you once have that happen with one of your son’s matches?

CR: It was Taylor’s senior year in 1997. He was a threetime finalist. He’d finished second as a sophomore and second his junior year. Then his senior year, he’s wrestling in the finals and the score was 5-4. It wasn’t like it was hard to keep score.

But it was put for the wrong color up on the scoreboard and the referee got confused at the end. It’s all it was.

It was the most bizarre ending of any state finals match I’ve ever seen and it happened to be my own son on the team I coached. It went on for 20 minutes before his hand was raised. The referee raised the other guy’s hand three times. I kept going to him and he wouldn’t listen to me. The third time he said, “Coach, your boy lost.” I turned around, walked back to the mat and raised Taylor’s hand. I said, “Taylor, sit down, we’re going to be arrested. We’re not going anywhere.”

CT: But it was all straightened out?

CR: Another ref told him and he listened.

CT: (laughing) How did you two meet?

CR: She was a wrestling cheerleader at Southwest Missouri State.

We actually had a deaf kid and she thought I was the deaf kid because we met after a meet and she had a real thick New York accent. She’s from Long Island. I kept saying “What?

What?” She walked away and she goes, that’s the deaf kid, isn’t it? She really did.

That’s how we met.

But she’s an amazing coach’s wife. She’s so supportive. She loves wrestling.

On our 35th wedding anniversary, I took her to New York, three days and four nights, Times Square and Broadway shows. Because that’s a big anniversary. We get back and a waitress a few months later asks how long we’d been married. I go 35 years. Kathy goes 34. I go 35. She goes do the math.

It was our 34th. She never told me the whole time we were up there. I never knew.

So the next year was our 35th, but we stayed home and did our 34th.

CT: You’re in the national wrestling hall of fame — and you’re there with one of your former wrestlers, Kyle Maynard. I read an article at the time where you talked about the look in Kyle’s eyes when you first met him and seeing the determination there?

CR: It’s definitely been one of the highlights of my career, coaching Kyle Maynard. The first night I met him, I thought “this poor kid, he wants to wrestle, but he can’t. And if he does, he’ll never win a match.” Then after speaking to him for five minutes, he was in the sixth grade, and he was articulate and just so determined and well-spoken, I just changed my tune. He became a challenge. I never did feel sorry for him again. It was seven years I got to work with him, a lot in middle school.

CT: When he wasn’t winning?

CR: Yes. It was an inspiration. I’ve said many times, we’re supposed to inspire our athletes, but it was the other way around with him.

CT: His book was called “No Excuses” and in it he mentioned that was the attitude you took not just with him but all your wrestlers.

CR: The reason he came up with “No Excuses” for his book and his gym is when he first started to travel, I went with him a few times, and I never heard him give an excuse — and he has every excuse.

Ever since he left, I’ve always had a picture of him in the room. If somebody is whining, I just point and said, “That guy wishes he had a sprained ankle or a messed up knee.”

Especially after Kyle, it’s hard to give an excuse when you see a picture of him.

CT: What was the best athletic achievement of your own?

CR: It happened two CT: You’d play interest- months ago. Josh Grayson, ing music at practice the who used to be the basketweek of state? ball coach at Collins Hill, CR: It wasn’t just the and Brad Hayes, his assistant week of state. It just depend- at Collins Hill. Every year ed on how the mood was. I for 10 years we had golf played Sesame Street and battles. Jim and me versus Kumbaya and the Day O Brad and Josh. Then when song by Harry Belefonte. we all left, it kind of ended.

The wrestling season is It was always an argument so hard. There are peaks and who had won the most. So valleys and sometimes you we met two months ago for have to get them out of those the winner-take-all. Brad had valleys. It could be music, it a trophy made and the loser could be anything. The week was supposed to put on a of state, that Monday, when tiara and a tu-tu. everybody is killing their We tied because they both team, for the last 15 years, missed a foot-and-a-half I’ve had my team come in putt on the last hole. Then and they didn’t know where we played again the next week and we beat them by we were going. I’d act like it was going to be a hard 12 strokes. That’s my No. 1 practice and then we’d go athletic achievement. Over anything I did in wrestling play paint-ball or laser tag or whatever. or go to a movie.

CT: Your wife Kathy does CrossFit. Does that mean she can kick you butt?

CR: (smiling) No, not physically. Emotionally and mentally she can.

CT: Is there any skill or talent you really wish you had?

CR: Definitely singing on Broadway. I love to go to plays and Broadway shows.

I wish I could sing like that.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 5B

gwinnettdailypost.com

CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

vs.

Buford

Cartersville

SATURDAY, 4:30 P.M. @ THE GEORGIA DOME

THE BREAKDOWN

Buford’s Caleb Auer (8), Mack Legrant (34), Konnor Houston (17) and Steven Reese (5) take down Cartersville’s Trase Fezzia (9) during the first half of last year’s semifinal playoff game at Cartersville. Below, Buford’s T.D. Roof (15) takes down Cartersville’s Trevor Lawrence (16).

(Photos: Kyle Hess)

Buford bracing for powerful Hurricanes pretty talented. … And the weapons he has on the outside — he’s got two or three tailbacks that can BUFORD — In many run it, they’ve got four or ways, the last obstacle five receivers. … They’ve standing in Buford’s way got playmakers. It’s a lot as it tries for yet another like last week, but stystate football championlistically, they’re a little ship seems similar to the different on offense (from one it just over came in Woodward).” last week’s semifinals.

The biggest difference Indeed, No. 2 stateis that Cartersville is a ranked Cartersville (14-0) little more pass heavy, will bring offensive and with a quarterback weapons to Saturday’s like the aforementioned 4:30 p.m. Class AAAA Trevor Lawrence, why title game at the Georgia not?

Dome that the thirdsemifinals two of the last “They have an outstandThe 6-foot-5, ranked Wolves (13-1) saw three years, with Buford ing kicking game. … De- 191-pound sophomore during last week’s 35-18 winning all of them. fensively, I think they’re has completed 65.1 perwin over top-ranked But while the Wolves bigger. I don’t know if cent of his passes (222 of Woodward Academy. have been able to handle they’re faster because 341) and amassed 3,522 The one thing head anything Cartersville has they were really fast last yards and whopping 42 coach Jess Simpson can thrown at them over the year. But man, they’re touchdowns against just take comfort in is that the past decade, Simpson said flying around, and they’re four interceptions.

Purple Hurricanes don’t the biggest difference in not giving up a bunch The varied weapons bring anything to the table the Purple Hurricanes this of points. I think their Simpson mentioned like his Wolves haven’t seen year from the past is that offensive line is much receivers Terrius Callahan before. they’re doing a lot of the improved over a year ago. (62 rec., 1,187 yds., 16 Saturday’s game will same things, only better.

“Obviously, everyTDs) and Miller Forristall be the fifth between the “I think they’re better body knows about their (54-881, 10 TDs) and two teams over the past in every phase and facet quarterback. If there’s a tailback Tiamon Penny10 seasons, including of the game,” Simpson better quarterback around, mon (961 total yards, 24 two meetings in the state said of Cartersville. show him to me. He’s combined TDs) only add

By David Friedlander

david.friedlander@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The staff makes its predictions for this week’s prep football winners

SCORING Buford vs.

Cartersville Last week (total)

296688-2

WILL HAMMOCK

CHRISTINE TROYKE

DAVID FRIEDLANDER

PAUL THOMAS

SCOTT SMITH

KEITH FARNER*

Buford

Buford

Buford

Buford

Buford

Buford

1-3 (153-34)

1-3 (153-34)

2-2 (157-30)

1-3 (153-34)

1-3 (152-35)

1-3 (148-39)

YOU PICK ’EM: Make prep football predictions at www.gwinnettprepsports.com/contests.

Each week’s winner receives a GoPro Hero.

Look for the 271269-1

to the challenge facing the Buford defense, which has been pretty stout in allowing just 134.7 yards and 7.1 points per game behind such playmakers as Shug Frazier (68 tackles, 7 sacks), T.D. Roof (96 tackles, 5 sacks) and Jake Simpson (88 tackles, 2 INTs).

But Simpson said he’s looking forward to seeing how his Wolves react to such a challenge, and he’s counting on them reacting the same way they did when they rallied from an 18-7 deficit to beat Woodward by three scores last week.

“It’s fun to see your kids get squeezed and kind of lean on some of the past experiences they’ve had,” Simpson said. “I know a lot of the kids talked last week about some of the games they’ve been in as underclassmen were and how poised the upperclassmen were. I think that was really true for us last Friday.”

LIVE

Daily Post Picks

s

BUFORD WOLVES (8-AAAA) Coach: Jess Simpson Record: 13-1, ranked No. 3 in Class AAAA Road to the finals: Beat No. 1 Woodward Academy 35-18 in the semifinals; beat No. 7 Thomson 49-7 in the quarterfinals; beat Worth Co. 42-0 in the second round; beat Fayette Co. 35-0 in the first round of the playoffs CARTERSVILLE PURPLE HURRICANES (7-AAAA) Coach: Joey King Record: 14-0, ranked No. 2 in Class AAAA Road to the finals: Beat No. 5 Bainbridge 38-7 in the semifinals; beat No. 6 Jonesboro 38-14 in the quarterfinals; beat Liberty Co. 28-7 in the second round; beat Columbia 42-7 in the first round of the playoffs BUFORD STAT LEADERS • RUSHING (With rushes, yards and TDs) Martin Mangram 106 770 25 Christian Turner 76 751 10 Anthony Grant 99 741 9 Joshua Blackwell 27 257 5 Xavier Gantt 40 240 4 • PASSING (With completions, attempts, yards, TDs and interceptions) Mic Roof 99 144 1,404 15 4 • RECEIVING (With catches, yards and TDs) Brandon Marsh 28 438 8 Alan Bussoletti 15 250 2 Jake Simpson 14 261 3 • TACKLES T.D. Roof 96 Jake Simpson 88 Jacob Martin 75 Shug Frazier 68 Matthew Parker 61 D’Mario Lott 56 Joshua Blackwell 54 Jack Ness 52 R.J. Walker 51 • SACKS Shug Frazier 7 Caleb Auer 5 T.D. Roof 5 Matthew Parker 4 • INTERCEPTIONS Brandon Marsh 2 Jake Simpson 2 R.J. Walker 2 CARTERSVILLE STAT LEADERS • RUSHING (With rushes, yards and TDs) Tiamon Pennymon 100 6 81 20 Trey Creamer 57 436 8 Trevor Lawrence 44 233 4 • PASSING (With completions, attempts, yards, TDs and interceptions) Trevor Lawrence

222 341 3,522 42 4 • RECEIVING (With catches, yards and TDs) Terrius Callahan 62 1,187 16 Miller Forristall 54 881 10 Antione Jefferson 38 517 2 Tony Dean 24 363 7 GAME-BY-GAME RESULTS Buford Wolves Eastern Christian Academy (Md.) W 27-20 Berkmar W 77-0 at McEachern L 37-14 at White County W 49-3 Chestatee W 56-0 at North Hall W 49-0 Monroe Area W 51-0 North Oconee W 56-7 at Madison County W 49-8 Stephens County W 42-0 Fayette County W 35-0 Worth County W 42-0 at Thomson W 49-7 Woodward Academy W 35-18 Cartersville Purple Hurricanes at Cass W 41-0 North Cobb W 34-31 North Paulding W 45-7 Gilmer W 51-6 at Heritage-Catoosa W 42-6 at Ridgeland W 42-7 NW Whitfield W 58-13 at SE Whitfield W 49-3 LaFayette W 49-0 at Pickens W 35-0 Columbia W 42-7 Liberty County W 28-7 Jonesboro W 38-14 Bainbridge W 38-7

FRIDAY FOOTBALL

Sign up at twitter.com and follow gdpfootball. You’ll get Gwinnett football scoring updates and key game stats every Friday night as well as breaking news during the week.

*Each week’s picks feature a guest picker. This week’s guest picker is Daily Post education reporter Keith Farner

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL In print & online at gwinnettprepsports.com & gwinnettdailypost.com

6B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett TD Club honors best in county football From Staff Reports The Touchdown Club of Gwinnett celebrated the 2015 high school football season Thursday night with its annual banquet at the Sonesta Gwinnett Place.

A crowd of roughly 600 players, parents and supporters packed into a ballroom for a dinner and evening of awards, highlighted by 10 athletes who earned top player of the year honors.

Collins Hill and Mill Creek each had two individual award winners.

The Eagles’ Robert Snyder was linebacker of the year and teammate Tomon Fox was defensive lineman of the year. Mill Creek’s Brenton King was specialist of the year and the Hawks’ Tyler Fannin was offensive lineman of the year.

Lanier’s Derrick Brown was voted athlete of the year and Peachtree Ridge’s DeAngelo Gibbs was the defensive back of the year.

The other top offensive awards went to Greater Atlanta Christian’s Davis Mills (quarterback of the year), Archer’s Jamyest Williams (running back of the year), Central Gwinnett’s Major Bellamy (wide receiver of the year) and Grayson’s Ryan Carriere (tight end of the year).

Tommy Jones and the Dacula football team received the Sports Medicine South Beyond Better Award for outstanding character and leadership.

Derrick Brown from Lanier High School receives the Athlete of the Year Award at the 2015 Gwinnett County Touchdown Club Awards Banquet on Thursday night in Duluth.

Presenting the award was Dr. Saadiq F. El-Amin, Dr. Chris Sellars and Dr. Gary A. Levengood of Sports Medicine South. (Photo: Chris Roughgarden)

The following is a breakdown of the other players, coaches and boosters honored at the event: All-County First Team Offense QB Chase Brice, Grayson RB Martin Mangram, Buford RB Cameryn Brent, Grayson WR Kyle Davis, Archer WR Dorian Miles, Brookwood WR Canyon Slade, Collins Hill WR Tyler Fleetwood, Parkview WR Erron Price, Central Gwinnett TE Caleb Auer, Buford OL Cooper Simpson, Buford OL Ethan Stokes, Dacula OL Devin Cochran, GAC OL Jack Franklin, Mill Creek OL Tony Gray, Central Gwinnett PK Will Chandler, Parkview KR Matthew Hill, Brookwood Defense DL Kobe Smith, Archer DL Shug Frazier, Buford DL Robert Beal, Norcross DL Chris Martin, Grayson LB Leonard Warner, Brookwood LB T.D. Roof, Buford LB Denzel Wright, Grayson LB Sidney Otiwu, Mill Creek

FANS CHOICE BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK Who: Colby Leifson School: North Gwinnett Class: Senior Position: Guard Height: 6-foot-4 Highlights: Scored 34 points on a schoolrecord 10 of 11 from 3-point range and 12 of 16 shooting, along with five assists, in a 91-60 win over South Gwinnett Coach Matt Garner’s take: “It was just impressive. The most impressive part about it is he did it within the flow of the offense. He did it while other guys were shooting 3’s and we’re calling plays for others kids to get shots. … I don’t know if I called a single play especially for him all night. He just did it in the flow of the offense. He played a very unselfish game. By no means am I comparing Colby to Steph Curry, he’s a great player. But it’s very similar to what you see with Steph Curry scoring all his points in an unselfish manner.”

FANS CHOICE GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK Who: Hylan Clayton School: Berkmar Class: Senior Position: Forward Height: 5-foot-6 Highlights: Scored a team-high 16 points in a 47-38 victory over Central Gwinnett Coach Kari Slaten’s take: “Hylan is one of our seniors, and she has really stepped up this year as a scorer and a leader on and off the court.

Her effort and desire to win are contagious. Having her at practice is like having another assistant coach because she is always helping the younger players on our team get better.

I’m proud of the way that she is playing right now and hope that she continues to get better throughout the year.”

Henry honored again The Sports Xchange Alabama running back Derrick Henry, considered the favorite for the Heisman Trophy, won the Walter Camp Award and

Basketball NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto............... 14....9.....609...... — Boston............... 13....9.....591........5 New York............ 10..13.....435........4 Brooklyn...............7..15.... .318.....6.5 Philadelphia.........1..22.....043......13 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Charlotte............ 13....8.... .619...... — Atlanta............... 14....9.....609...... — Miami................. 12....8.....600.....0.5 Orlando.............. 12..10.....545..... 1.5 Washington..........9.. 11.....450.....3.5 Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland........... 14....7.....667...... — Indiana............... 12....8.....600..... 1.5 Chicago............. 11....8.....579........2 Detroit................ 12.. 11.....522........3 Milwaukee............9..14.....391........6 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio....... 18....5.....783...... — Memphis............ 13..10.....565........5 Dallas................. 13..10.....565........5 Houston............. 11..12.....478........7 New Orleans........5..16.....238......12 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City... 13....8.... .619...... — Utah................... 10..10.....500.....2.5

Maxwell Award as college football honors were handed out Thursday night in Atlanta. The Camp and Maxwell awards are given to the best college football player in the country.

LB Jakob Brashear, Dacula DB Dylan Singleton, Archer DB Isaiah Pryor, Archer DB Nigel Warrior, Peachtree Ridge DB Adesola Abisoye, Grayson P Jake Camarda, Norcross All-County Second Team Offense QB Jack Chambers, Parkview RB Jesse Brown, Brookwood RB Marcko Baity, Lanier RB Jordan Argilagos, Wesleyan WR Jalen Virgil, Mountain View WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, North Gwinnett WR Ernest Tiller, Grayson TE Johnathan Grant, Dacula OL E.J. Price, Archer OL Innis Claud, Buford OL Michael Faulkner, Collins Hill OL Matthew Agnew, Dacula OL Robbie Bell, Mill Creek PK Brooks Buce, GAC KR Chase Turner, Mill Creek Defense DL Emmanuel Belmar, Collins Hill DL K’maron Patterson, Mountain View DL Justin Mascoll, South Gwinnett DL Tyler Vernon, Mill Creek LB Frank Finch, Archer LB Matthew Andryusky, North Gwinnett LB Nigel Adams, Central Gwinnett LB Malik Robinson, South Gwinnett LB Chris Allen, Norcross

DB Jaylon Jones, Dacula DB Kishawn Miller, Mill Creek DB Jarett Cole, Norcross DB Chad Clay, Peachtree Ridge DB Jordan Mack, Wesleyan P Terrance Newborn, Meadowcreek Kevin Maloof Award (for player who puts team above himself) Archer: Will Bearden Berkmar: Negash Desta Brookwood: Frank Robinson Buford: Alan Bussoletti Central Gwinnett: Micah Maxey Collins Hill: Jonathan Husbands Dacula: Corey Ames Duluth: Cordell Creighton Grayson: Payton Shaddix GAC: Ford Higgins Hebron: John Dussling Lanier: Devin Miller Meadowcreek: Will Giron Mill Creek: Aaron Anderson Mountain View: Keashaun Hill Norcross: Kyle Jones North Gwinnett: Colby Jenkins Parkview: M.J. Hart Peachtree Ridge: Cam Brown Providence: Ben Ellison Shiloh: Dominic Taylor South Gwinnett: Josh Shim Wesleyan: Tyler Harper Cecil Morris Award (all-countycaliber player whose season was cut short by injury)

Archer: Quinn Miller Buford: Xavier Gantt Collins Hill: Jeremy Lewis Grayson: Will Taylor Hebron: Chandler Schultheis Lanier: Ashton Barnes Mountain View: Nick Harris Norcross: Jared Simpkins North Gwinnett: Alex Mollette Wesleyan: Cedric Lynch Scholar-Athlete Award Archer: Taylor Stein Berkmar: ChaQuan Bacote Brookwood: Tyler Montgomery Buford: Cooper Simpson Central Gwinnett: Bella Simaga Collins Hill: Bobby Sheehan Dacula: Ethan Stokes Duluth: Cameren Carter Grayson: Austin Nash GAC: Liam Sullivan Hebron: Evan Barnes Lanier: Ashton Barnes Meadowcreek: Airon Buick Mill Creek: Micah Bull Mountain View: Andrew Pettit Norcross: Luke D’Agostino North Gwinnett: Brennan Small Parkview: Devin Orr Peachtree Ridge: J.J. Stewart Providence: John Lyons Shiloh: Kaleem Minor South Gwinnett: Chris Skyers Wesleyan: Drew Aspinwall Tally Johnson Award (assistant coach of the year) Archer: Byron Shells Berkmar: Matt Welch Brookwood: John Poitevint Buford: Stan Luttrell Central Gwinnett: Eric Bona Collins Hill: Justin Meyer Dacula: Ken Czar Duluth: Billy Johnson Grayson: Christian Hunnicutt GAC: Tom Meeker Hebron: Brian Pettigrew Lanier: Todd Welborn Meadowcreek: Bryant Harrison Mill Creek: Jed Hodges Mountain View: Ricky Aspinwall Parkview: Mikey Henderson Peachtree Ridge: Brad Carroll Providence: Tom Duncan Shiloh: Waymond Jackson South Gwinnett: Greg Revis Wesleyan: Joseph Koch Dave Hunter Award (for outstanding community service) Brookwood: Lisa Chavis Central Gwinnett: Clyde Strickland Dacula: Marlon Allen, Dustin Wilbanks Duluth: Chris Romanchuk GAC: Chad Dybdahl Meadowcreek: Rod Coleman Mill Creek: John and Anjie McEnaney Norcross: Tye Hanna North Gwinnett: Bill Andryusky Parkview: Danny Ozburn Peachtree Ridge: Ene Coffey Providence: Kevin Lee Shiloh: Eugene Taylor

South Gwinnett: Larry Roberts All-County Honorable Mention Clifford Amazan, Archer; Zane Ashley, Peachtree Ridge; ChaQuan Bacote, Berkmar; Kaseem Bagley, Central Gwinnett; Will Bearden, Archer; Jordan Bertrand, Collins Hill; Joshua Blackwell, Buford; Kahlil Blakely, Collins Hill; John Boyd, Parkview; Justyn Brinson, Shiloh; Austin Brown, Mountain View; Baylen Buchanan, Peachtree Ridge; Tucker Cannon, Wesleyan; Malik Carrasco, Dacula; Blake Carroll, Mountain View; Cameren Carter, Duluth; Max Carter, Providence; Keanan Cason, Meadowcreek; Harrison Cook, Wesleyan; Robert Cooper, South Gwinnett; Jamarious Craft, Meadowcreek; Cordell Creighton, Duluth; Allen Daniels, Dacula; Philip Davis, Norcross; Shane DeFreitas, Brookwood; Steve Dubose, Hebron; John Dussling, Hebron; Ben Ellison, Providence; Donta Evans, Archer; Willie Floyd, Berkmar; Ty’Quan Garrett, Dacula; Tim Gary, Central Gwinnett; Jared Gee, Mountain View; Will Giron, Meadowcreek; Kendrec Grady, Norcross; Edmond Graham, Mill Creek; Darion Hammons, Meadowcreek; Cole Hanna, Norcross; Jeremy Hardnett, Providence; Ty Harris, Dacula; Nick Harris, Mountain View; Steve Harwell, Collins Hill; Semaj Hayden, Brookwood; Connor Heyward, Peachtree Ridge; Ford Higgins, GAC; Casey Holman, Brookwood; Ellison Hubbard, Grayson; Ryan Hughes, Wesleyan; William Huzzie, Duluth; Juwuan Jones, Lanier; Kam Jones, Peachtree Ridge; Drew Jordan, North Gwinnett; Ryan Lovelace, North Gwinnett; Guillermo Luna, Brookwood; Juan Marin, Lanier; Micah Maxey, Central Gwinnett; Julian McDuffie, Shiloh; Chris McGee, Hebron; Mitchell Miller, Providence; Peyton Moore, Mill Creek; Stephen Moye, Parkview; Rey Orocio, Berkmar; Josh Pickens, GAC; Jonathan Postell, Collins Hill; Dean Powell, Buford; Banks Ramsey, Wesleyan; Braxton Richburg, Mill Creek; Bryce Riley, Hebron; Mic Roof, Buford; Cameron Sample, Shiloh; Jake Simpson, Buford; Bryce Smith, Grayson; Delon Smith, North Gwinnett; Michael Stephens, South Gwinnett; Evan Sturgill, Grayson; Liam Sullivan, GAC; Will Taylor, Grayson; Tyler Taylor, Lanier; Tahj Tolbert, Lanier; Bruce Trigg, South Gwinnett; Cameron Turley, Mill Creek; Treyvon Vallery, Central Gwinnett; Austin Wagner, Parkview; Derrion Warner, Parkview; Brandon Washington, GAC; Marcus Webster, Duluth; Bryce White, South Gwinnett; Da’Meon Williams, Norcross; Jarren Williams, Shiloh; George Wortham, Berkmar; Sam Wright, Archer; Dixon Yellott, North Gwinnett

Mitchell leads Wildcats over North visiting North Gwinnett.

North led by seven points in the third quarter, DULUTH — With no but Duluth closed on a seniors on the roster and 37-8 run over the final 11 two freshmen as starters, minutes. you’d think the future “I’m really happy with would hardly be now for the way we finished,” the Duluth girls. coach Charlie Parker said.

The Wildcats, though, “We’re young, but we play are ahead of schedule hard and learn from our and atop the Region mistakes. We keep getting 7-AAAAAA standings at better each game.” least for the moment.

It helps, of course, to Deja Mitchell scored a have a duo to build around career-high 29 points and like Mitchell and Banks. fellow junior Endia Banks Both had doublehad a stellar all-around doubles, with Mitchell game as Duluth improved adding 10 rebounds to to 4-0 in the region and 7-2 her point total and Banks overall with a 67-45 viccontributed 17 points, 10 tory Thursday night over rebounds, four assists and

By Guy Curtright Staff Correspondent

four blocked shots.

“They are really good players and I’m proud of the way they played defensively as well as what they did offensively,” Parker said.

North, 0-3 in the region and 2-6 overall, matched Duluth for all except the final quarter.

Kathleen Wilson had a trio of 3-pointers and led North with 15 points.

Jessica Belcher had 10 points and Sydnee Jackson scored nine.

Destinee Auzenne hit Duluth’s only two 3-pointers and finished with 12 points.

Duluth led 15-5 early

in the second quarter, but Belcher tied it at 23 with the Bulldogs’ fifth 3-pointer of the period just before the halftime buzzer.

Jackson scored the first five points of the second half and North built a 37-30 lead a little past the midway point of the third quarter. After that, though, it was all Duluth as the Wildcats dominated the boards and shut down North’s outside shooting.

Duluth has one more game before semester exams, facing Stephenson on Saturday in the Berkmar showcase. North plays in a showcase event at East Hall on Saturday.

Duluth overcomes long-range ’Dogs It was the fourth victory without a loss in Region 7-AAAAAA for Duluth DULUTH — The North and gave the Wildcats a Gwinnett boys, giving a 7-3 overall record going long-range shooting clinic, into a trip to Tennessee on hit six 3-pointers in the Saturday for a showcase first quarter and added event in Nashville. three more in the second.

“The team we’re playAfter that, though, it ing is 6-0, so it should be was Duluth who put on an a real good test,” Duluth offensive show. coach Eddie Hood said.

The Wildcats took the Duluth was tested by lead with an 11-0 run to North, which finished with start the third quarter and 14 3-pointers. But the scored 47 points in the Wildcats passed the test. second half en route to an Senior Javis Diaz led 86-73 victory Thursday Duluth with 23 points and night over visiting North. sophomore Adam Flagler

By Guy Curtright Staff Correspondent

scored 20 — 15 coming in the decisive third quarter.

Flagler made four of Duluth’s seven 3-pointers.

Obinna Ofodile, a 6-foot-7 senior, had 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots, while junior Jalen Hodges scored 13.

“We wanted it a little more in the second half,” Hood said. “We picked up the pace and executed much better.”

Senior Colby Leifson and junior Ethan Smith each had 19 points for North, with Smith hitting

five treys and Leifson four. Junior Adam James made four 3-pointers and scored 13 points for the Bulldogs.

North, 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the region, led 2219 after the first quarter and 41-39 at halftime, but Duluth was up 67-54 after the third quarter and kept that lead in the final period.

“North still made some 3-pointers, but we did a better job following the scouting report and getting out on them in the second half,” Hood said.

(Montgomery, Ala.) Ohio vs.

Appalachian State, 5:30 p.m.

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL, (New Orleans) Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech, 9 p.m.

GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL (Albuquerque, N.M.) Arizona vs. New Mexico, 2 p.m.

ROYAL PURPLE LAS VEGAS BOWL (Las Vegas) Brigham Young vs.

Utah 3:30 p.m.

AIR FORCE RESERVE CELEBRATION BOWL (Atlanta) Alcorn State vs. North Carolina A&T, Noon AUTONATION CURE BOWL (Orlando, Fla.) San Jose State vs.

Georgia State 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 21 MIAMI BEACH BOWL (Miami) Western Kentucky vs. South Florida 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22 FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL (Boise, Idaho) Akron vs. Utah State 3:30 p.m.

MARMOT BOCA RATON BOWL (Boca Raton, Fla.) Toledo vs. Temple 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL (San Diego) Boise State vs. Northern llinois, 4:30 p.m.

GODADDY BOWL (Mobile, Ala.) Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24

POPEYES BAHAMAS BOWL (Nassau) Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan, Noon HAWAI’I BOWL (Honolulu) San Diego State vs. Cincinnati, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 26 ST. PETERSBURG BOWL (St. Petersburg, Fla.) Connecticut vs.

Marshall 11 a.m.

NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL (Bronx, New York) Indiana vs. Duke, 3:30 p.m.

CAMPING WORLD INDEPENDENCE BOWL (Shreveport, La.) Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech, 5:45 p.m.

FOSTER FARMS BOWL (Santa Clara, Calif.) UCLA vs. Nebraska, 9:15 p.m.

HYUNDAI SUN BOWL (El Paso, Texas) Miami vs. Washington State, 2 p.m.

ZAXBY’S HEART OF DALLAS BOWL (Dallas) Washington vs.

Southern Mississippi, 2:20 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28 MILITARY BOWL PRESENTED BY NORTHROP GRUMMAN (Annapolis, Md.) Pittsburgh vs. Navy, 2:30 p.m.

QUICK LANE BOWL (Detroit) Central Michigan vs. Minnesota, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 LOCKHEED MARTIN ARMED FORCES BOWL (Fort Worth, Texas) California vs. Air Force, 2 p.m.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL (Orlando, Fla.) North Carolina vs.

Baylor, 5:30 p.m.

SPORTS AT A GLANCE Minnesota............9..12.....429........4 Portland...............9..14.....391........5 Denver.................8..14.....364.....5.5 Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State......23....0.. 1.000...... — L.A. Clippers...... 13....9.....591.....9.5 Phoenix.............. 10..13.....435......13 Sacramento.........8..15.....348......15 L.A. Lakers...........3..19.... .136...19.5 Wednesday’s Games Boston 105, Chicago 100 Charlotte 99, Miami 81 Houston 109, Washington 103 Memphis 93, Detroit 92 Toronto 97, San Antonio 94 L.A. Clippers 109, Milwaukee 95 Minnesota 123, L.A. Lakers 122, OT Phoenix 107, Orlando 104 Utah 106, New York 85 Atlanta 98, Dallas 95 Thursday’s Games Brooklyn 100, Philadelphia 91 L.A. Clippers at Chicago, late Atlanta at Oklahoma City, late New York at Sacramento, late Today’s Games Miami at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Golden State at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Washington at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Denver, 9 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Utah, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.

Portland at Phoenix, 9:30 p.m.

Football National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA New England.10... 2... 0...833...375...247 N.Y. Jets.......... 7... 5... 0...583...295...248 Buffalo............. 6... 6... 0...500...296...278 Miami.............. 5... 7... 0.. .417...240...300 South

W L T Pct PF PA Houston.......... 6... 6... 0...500...253...264 Indianapolis.... 6... 6... 0...500...259...305 Jacksonville.... 4... 8... 0...333...275...341 Tennessee...... 3... 9... 0...250...245...296 North

W L T Pct PF PA Cincinnati...... 10... 2... 0...833...334...196 Pittsburgh........ 7... 5... 0...583... 311...240 Baltimore........ 4... 8... 0...333...272...291 Cleveland........ 2.10... 0.. .167...216...347 West

W L T Pct PF PA Denver.......... 10... 2... 0...833...269...210 Kansas City.... 7... 5... 0...583...321...240 Oakland.......... 5... 7... 0.. .417...284...314 San Diego....... 3... 9... 0...250...247...324 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Giants...... 5... 7... 0.. .417...307...296 Philadelphia.... 5... 7... 0.. .417...278...302 Washington..... 5... 7... 0.. .417...257...286 Dallas.............. 4... 8... 0...333...223...277 South

W L T Pct PF PA

Carolina........ 12... 0... 0.1.000...373...243 Atlanta............ 6... 6... 0...500...279...257 Tampa Bay...... 6... 6... 0...500...271...298 New Orleans... 4... 8... 0...333...299...380 North

W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay...... 8... 4... 0...667...289...238 Minnesota....... 8... 4... 0...667...238...232 Chicago.......... 5... 7... 0.. .417...251...290 Detroit............. 4... 8... 0...333...253...315 West

W L T Pct PF PA Arizona......... 10... 2... 0...833...382...232 Seattle............ 7... 5... 0...583...305...229 St. Louis.......... 4... 8... 0...333...189...257 San Francisco.4... 8... 0...333...178...291 Thursday Minnesota at Arizona, late Sunday Buffalo at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Detroit at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

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

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Washington at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Seattle at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Oakland at Denver, 4:05 p.m.

Dallas at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

New England at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Monday N.Y. Giants at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

NCAA Football Bowl Glance Saturday, Dec. 19 RAYCOM MEDIA CAMELLIA BOWL

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 7B

INFORMATION

When & Where

YOU WANT gwinnettdailypost.com | gwinnettprepsports.com

ALL NEW! CHECK US OUT!

299859-1

8B• •FRIDAY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER B8 DECEMBER 11, 201511,

2015

Super Storm

gwinnettdailypost.com gwinnettdailypost.com

County

•From Page 1B

Providence Christian held a ceremony last Friday to retire the first two numbers in the history of its baseball program, honoring Christin Stewart, left, and Collin McHugh. McHugh, a 2005 Providence grad, was a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros’ playoff team this season. Stewart, a 2012 grad, was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2015 MLB Draft and played last year with the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps. (Special photo)

tlers also off to a strong start of the season, such champion Collins Hill will as undefeated (16-0) be sending many of its 106-pounder Carlos Gonfrontline wrestlers to the zalez, defending county meet for the first time in 126-pound champion Justin George (now up to 152) seven years. and undefeated 195-pound“It’s good to be back,” er Austin Brown (last said Danny Sinnott, in his year’s runner-up at 182), second season as Collins Bears coach Jim Gassman Hill’s head coach after welcomes the opportunity coaching at Peachtree to square off against added Ridge several years. “We competition. figured it was time to “The competition will get back to the Gwinbe a little different this nett County meet. … It’s year because Collins Hill hard to tell how we’ll do because we’re still missing Buford’s Trent Ferguson battles against Ridgeland’s Ca- and Buford weren’t there leb Mariakis in the Class AAAA 138-pound weight class last year,” Gassman said. a couple of kids who just during last year’s state finals at the Macon Centreplex. “And Brookwood’s lookcame back from football, (Photo: Kyle Hess) ing strong so far. I always and we’ll be missing say when more teams are another one who’s taking at 138 pounds, freshman with others off to a strong there, the better the tournathe ACT (on Saturday).

Ryan Heard at 145 pounds start like Brookwood, ment is.

But we’ll give it everything and Tavion Askew at 195. figure to give Mountain “There’s so many state we’ve got with who we’ve Also returning after a View quite a bit of work to placers (from last year got.” shorter absence is Buford, do to defend its title from competing) that it’s going The Eagles will still which should bring Super last year. to be tough.” have several strong wresSix selection and defendBut with several wrestlers available, including ing Class AAAA state 2014-15 state qualifier 138-pound champion Trent Tariq Malik at 106 pounds, Ferguson. as well as Josh Harger Those two teams, along

www.gwinnettprepsports.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE NOTICE Business name : Agraffe LLC dba Hwy 29 Lqr Sole Owner : Gail M. Anglin Address : 3242 N. Embry circle Chamblee, GA 30347 Retail Liquor Store selling Beer, Wine and Liquor Located at : 4132 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn, GA 30047 904-290612, 10/30-1/7

PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to the Georgia Self-Service Storage Facility Act, Ga. Code Ann. §§ 10-4210 et seq., the undersigned will conduct a public auction on December 22nd, 2015 of the below-listed units. Each of the below units generally contain the following: furniture, clothing, tools, and other household/business items.

PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 28138 3679 McElroy Rd Doraville, GA. 30340 (770) 452-8144 TIME: 9:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: A037–WHITLEY, THOMAS A081–ACEITUNO- VELASQUEZ, BRENDA A110–Isidore, Angeleah B007–WHITLEY, THOMAS C021–Johnson, Mark D033–Butler, Takiya E002–Kilson, Keon E066–Hutchinson, Ashley E090–Pyon, Sok F630–Morgan, Tammie F839–Campbell, Thomas G033–Pyon, Sok PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 29104 3265 Holcomb Bridge Rd Peachtree Corners, GA. 30092 (770) 449-0384 TIME: 10:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 1223–Sands, Bianca R 1308–Lalande, Michael 2218–Harris, Kenyatta 2410–Trust, Ryan 3312–Fryer, Amber 3506–Dudley, Christopher 3527–Reid, Derrick 3703–Harris, Ahnjel 3721–Carbonell, Christine PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 20171 6289 Jimmy Carter Blvd Norcross, GA. 30071 (770) 416-9275 TIME: 11:00 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: C024–Florence, Erica D011–Hayward, Markia D018–Dennard, Patricia D046–Acuna, Ralph E008–Lewis, Travis E046–Spain, Kelly E057–Williams, Ashwin E115–Lindsay Jr, Richard E134–Outlaw, Douglas F002–Garvin, Orlondo G024–Inga, Gallardo PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 28150 6770 Dawson Blvd Norcross, GA. 30093 (770) 448-2130 TIME: 11:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: C123–Brown, Terrace C261–Woods, Elizabeth D129–Maresette, Rotricia E120–Malewo, Rebeka E180C–Drones, Tamara F157–villalobos, eduardo G101–Essex, Tayvon G115–Joseph, Renee I247–odom, william J115–Williams, marcus All sales are subject to cancellation. Public auction terms, rules, and regulations will be made available prior to the sale. Dated this 4th day of December and 11th day of December 2015 by PS Orangeco, Inc., 701 Western Avenue, Glendale, CA 91201.

(818) 244-8080, Bond No. 6004928.

928-298577, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 2025 MAIN ST EAST, SNELVILLE GA 30068 (Yr/Make) 2002 FORD EXPLORER (VIN#) 1FMZU73K52UD66223 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/30/2015.

928-298053, 12/4,11

PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The City of Lawrenceville, Georgia hereby notifies the public that on December 7, 2015, the Mayor and Council of the City of Lawrenceville adopted a Resolution approving and designating the location of the roadway known as the Collins Hill Extension. This roadway runs approximately 0.908 miles through Land Lots 145, 146, and 176, 5th Land District of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and through Land Lot 10 of the 7th Land District of Gwinnett County, Georgia, passing through approximately fifty parcels of property which parcels are more particularly described in the “Resolution of Approval and Designation of the Roadway known as the Collins Hill Extension” which Resolution was adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City of Lawrenceville. The location of the roadway is more particularly shown on documents entitled “Plan and Profile of Proposed Collins Hill Extension” prepared by Jacobs Engineering, which plans are maintained in the Office of Public Utilities of the City of Lawrenceville, located at 70 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. A copy of the “Resolution of Approval and Designation of the roadway known as the Collins Hill Extension”, a copy of this advertisement and a copy of the “Plan and Profile of Proposed Collins Hill Extension” have been provided to the Georgia Department of Transportation, One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Any interested party may obtain a copy of the Resolution and the “Plan and Profile of Proposed Collins Hill Extension” by paying a nominal cost therefor. This advertisement is provided in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. 32-3-5.

9 2 8 - 3 0 0 0 7 7 , 12/11,18,25,1/1

MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 11/30/15 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 1500 Ridgebrook Trl Duluth, Ga on 11/24/15, at the request of the property owner or manager.

2006 Chrysler 300 VIN# 2C3KA43R96H465943 Tag# No Tag 928-298557, 12/4,11

Issuer in amounts sufficient, after taking into account rent payments received by the Issuer from commercial tenants of the Facilities, to enable the Issuer to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Series 2015/2016 Bonds when due and (2) will agree to levy an annual ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within the corporate limits of the Lessee, at such rates, without limitation as to rate or amount, as may be necessary to produce in each year revenues that are sufficient to fulfill the Lessee’s obligations under the Lease Agreement.

All questions of law and fact pertaining to the right to issue the Series 2015/2016 Bonds and to provide the security therefor will be heard and determined. Any citizen of the State of Georgia residing in the City of Sugar Hill, Georgia, or any person wherever residing who has a right to object, may intervene and become a party to this proceeding.

WAIVER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY: NO PERFORMANCE AUDIT OR PERFORMANCE REVIEW UNDER SECTION 36-82-100 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA ANNOTATED SHALL BE CONDUCTED WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2015/2016 BONDS. This the 7th day of December 2015. /s/ Richard T. Alexander, Jr. Clerk, Superior Court of Gwinnett County 928-298295, 12/4,11

NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 3890 LAWRENCEVILLE HWY, TUCKER GA 30084 (Yr/Make) 1999 ISUZU RODEO (VIN#) 4S2CK58W2X4333871 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/30/2015.

928-298047, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 509 BUFORD DR, STE. A, LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30045 (Yr/Make) 2003 BMW 745I (VIN#) WBAGN63453DR09086 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/30/2015.

928-298039, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 317 ARDSLEY PL, NORCROSS, GA 30093 (Yr/Make) 2005 MAZDA RX8 (VIN#) JM1FE17N450155919 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/30/2015.

928-298053, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE The following motor vehicle, advertised pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code Section 4011-2, is being stored at: (Address) 509 BUFORD DR, STE. A, LAWRENCEVILLE GA 30045 (Yr/Make) 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER (VIN#) 2B3CJ4DV9AH270074 This vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be disposed of if not claimed by the legal owner or lienholder by (Date) 11/30/2015.

928-298050, 12/4,11

MCCULLOUGH TOWING 4431 BUFORD HWY NORCROSS, GA 30071 770-263-8483 12/3/15 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 3446 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, Ga on 11/27/15, at the request of the property owner or manager.

Scooter VIN# LHJTLB1F5ABL00500 Tag# No Tag 928-298630, 12/4,11 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on December 23, 2015, at 8:30 a.m., at the Gwinnett County Courthouse in the City of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Judge Tom Davis of the Superior Court of Gwinnett County will hear the case of STATE OF GEORGIA vs.

THE CITY OF SUGAR HILL DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY and CITY OF SUGAR HILL, GEORGIA, Civil Action File No. 15A 12444-9, in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, the same being a proceeding to confirm and validate the revenue bonds designated “The City of Sugar Hill Downtown Development Authority Revenue Bonds (EpiCenter Project), Series 2015A,” “The City of Sugar Hill Downtown Development Authority Revenue Bonds (EpiCenter Project), Federally Taxable Series 2015B,” and “The City of Sugar Hill Downtown Development Authority Revenue Bonds (EpiCenter Project), Series 2016” (collectively the “Series 2015/2016 Bonds”), in the original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $32,000,000, to be issued by The City of Sugar Hill Downtown Development Authority (the “Issuer”) for the purpose of providing funds to finance the costs of acquiring, constructing, and installing mixed use facilities (the “Facilities”) consisting of (1) a performing arts center, a gymnasium, a walking track, and classrooms and community rooms (the “Public Component”); (2) restaurant, retail, and office space (the “Commercial Component”); and (3) a parking garage (the “Parking Component”), and to finance related costs, all in accordance with the terms of a Master Bond Resolution adopted by the Issuer on November 17, 2015. The purpose of the proceeding is also to confirm and pass upon the validity of the security for the payment of the Series 2015/2016 Bonds, which consists of (1) rent payments to be made by commercial tenants of the Facilities to the Issuer and (2) the rent payments to be made by the City of Sugar Hill, Georgia (the “Lessee”) to the Issuer pursuant to a Lease Agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) to be entered into between the Issuer and the Lessee. The Issuer will rent the Commercial Component and a portion of the Parking Component to commercial tenants. Under the terms of the Lease Agreement, the Lessee (1) will agree to rent the Public Component and a portion of the Parking Component from the Issuer and to make rent payments to the I

Please Recycle This Newspaper PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS ABANDONED VEHICLE The following vehicle(s) have been deemed abandoned and filed with the Magistrate Court to be sold at public auction on 01/24/2016 at 10am. This notice is given pursuant to Georgia Law: ‘10 Mercedes VIN: WDDNG8GB4AA315523 @ Regal Ventures and Associates-Auto Sales 485 Buford Drive Lawrenceville GA 30046 929-300094, 12/11,18 NOTICE OF SALE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DATE OF AUCTION JANUARY 7, AT 11:00AM According to the lease by and between: Unit 215 Rishonda Robertson Unit 281 Patrice Harper Unit 541 Marissa Eastwood Unit 545 Bobbi Freeman and TKG-StorageMart, DBA StorageMart #701, and its related parties, assigns and affiliates In order to perfect the lien on the goods contained in the storage unit the manager has cut the lock on their units and upon a cursory inspection the units were found to contain hair drier, flat screen tv, statues, fake trees, mirror, mattress, couch, vacuum, luggage, shoes, heater, mannequin, purses, artwork, coffee tables, chairs, rugs, Christmas tree, night stand, bar stools, armoire, bed frames, china, cabinets, mirror,stove, chest of drawers, night stand , dresses, couches, microwave, motorcycle helmet, and many other items used in and around the home.

ITEMS WILL BE SOLD OR DISPOSED OF AT THIS SITE ON, Jan 7, 2016 AT 11:00 AM AT ADDRESS LISTED BELOW TO SATISFY OWNERS LIEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE STATUTES. TERMS OF SALE ARE CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ALL GOODS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION. TAX MUST BE PAID OR RESALE NUMBERS FURNISHED. BUYERS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN LOCKS IF NEEDED. SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO OVERRIDE ALL BIDS. ALL ITEMS OR SPACES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON DATE OF SALE. StorageMart 701 794 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30046 7702369260 929-298080, 12/4,11

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC AUCTION There will be sold at public outcry for cash at Eagle Towing, located at 115 Arcado Rd. , Lilburn , GA , 30047 , 770-279-1646. Saturday December 12th , 2015 @ 11:00 am. The following vehicles, declared abandoned and foreclosed vehicles pursuant to OCGA Section 40-11-5 as follows: 2006 Nissan Maxima VIN:1N4BA41E36C857711 NO TAG 2004 Volkswagon Toureg VIN:WVGBC77L04D079740 Tag: PXT 8494 GA 2003 Ford F150 VIN:1FTRX17W23NA54992 Tag:PYE 7508 GA 1999 Honda Civic VIN:1HGEJ8247XL080392 Tag:PVA 8133 GA 2001 Chevrolet Impala VIN: 2G1WF52E319337566 Tag: BNB 7970 GA 2004 Chevrolet Impala VIN:2G1WH52K349239917 Tag: AWX 9122 GA 2001 Mercedes ML 320 VIN:4JGAB54E51A233882 Tag: 543 AC IN 2006 Chrysler Pacifica VIN: 2A4GF68486R612558 Tag:51A91Y6 AL 929-298676, 12/4,11

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 12 DICIEMBRE 2015 . LOS SIGUIENTES VEHICULOS AN SIDO DECLARADOS ABANDONADOS Y CERRADOS DE ACUERDO A OCGA 40-11-5 NUEVA LOCALIZACION 770-381-1140 www.swsatlanta.com 2003 PETERBILT 330 2NPNHZ7X93M588826

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2, PEACH STATE FREIGHTLINER, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S).

1995 FORD F700 1FDWF80C1SVA80718 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 18, 2015 AT 10 AM at 6535 CRECENT DR NORCROSS, GA 30071 --7255 929-298305, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2, RICH HENDRICK CHEVROLET, WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S).

2006 CHEVROLET COLORADO IGCDS136468180532 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 18, 2015 AT 10 AM at 3277 SATELLITE BLVD DULUTH GA 30096 --7254 929-298304, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCGA 40-11-2, JAIME’S AUTO REPAIR, INC., WILL HOLD AN AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S).

2008 FORD F250 1FTSW21R08EC56542 WILL BE AUCTIONED ON DECEMBER 18, 2015 AT 10 AM at 65 EAST CROGAN ST SUITE B LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30045 --7252 929-295844, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE In accordance with Georgia Law Chapter 40-11-5 the following vehicles have been deemed abandoned and will be sold at a public sale on 12-18-15 @ 11:00 Said Vehicles are located at: 1386 INDIAN TRAIL-LILBURN RD #100 NORCROSS, GA 30093 VIN# 2G1WC583681202380 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA VIN# 2GCEC19T5Y1230763 2000 CHEV SILVERADO Sale will be held at 1:00 on 12-18-15 Location: 484 MITCHELL RD NORCROSS, GA 30071 VIN# 1FACP40M5MF101028 1991 FORD MUSTANG Sale will be held at 3:00 on 12-18-15 Location: 1955 BUFORD HWY BUFORD, GA 30518 929-298686, 12/4,11 PUBLIC AUCTION THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC OUTCRY FOR CASH AT STATEWIDE WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2775 SIMPSON CIRCLE, NORCROSS, GEORGIA AT 10:00 A.M. ON DECEMBER 12, 2015. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE DECLARED ABANDONED AND FORECLOSED VEHICLES PURSUANT TO OCGA 40-11-5.

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

2006 HYUNDAI SONATA 5NPEU46F56H071896 1998 BUICK LESABRE 1G4HP52K3WH494726 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA JN1CA31D3YT505234 1999 FORD ESCORT 1FAFP13P7XW104681 2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WVWMA23B7YP350204 2003 HONDA ACCORD 1HGCM66523A066038 1999 HONDA ACCORD 1HGCG3245XA000575 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU 1G1ZC5EU9BF291324 1992 LEXUS SC400 JT8UZ30C8N0011613 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 1J8GW68J34C329799 2002 HONDA CIVIC 2HGES26772H506053 1978 FRUEHAUF TRAILER HPV664804 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER 4A3AE45G03E008638 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA 5NPEU46F87H242318 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE 1G6KF57902U223324 2006 SCION tC JTKDE177560105775 2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2G1WH55K719153145 1999 NISSAN MAXIMA JN1CA21A6XT706253 1996 HONDA ACCORD 1HGCD5531TA197794 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2G2WP542341361252 1999 HONDA PRELUDE JHMBB6246XC006768 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA 5NPET4AC4AH579740 2007 CHEVROLET AVEO KL1TD56697B130195 1998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 1B4GP44G5WB627375 1996 LEXUS ES 300 JT8BF12G1T0149253 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING 1C3EL46RX4N202142 1997 LEXUS ES 300 JT8BF22G2V0052197 1993 FORD EXPLORER 1FMDU32X5PUC55341 2004 JEEP LIBERTY 1J4GL58KX4W183140 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 3VWSG71K87M037721 1992 HONDA ACCORD 1HGCB7578NA085727 2007 CHEVROLET AVEO KL1TD56617B103475 2003 BUICK LESABRE 1G4HP52K43U226481 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM 1G2NF12F82C114426 1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN 1GNDM19W2VB148138 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 WDBRF61J04E015055 2002 FORD FOCUS 1FAFP34PX2W236921 2000 TRAILMOBILE TRAILER 1PT01JAH7Y6011805 2000 FORD FOCUS 1FAFP34373W180791 *** REBUILT ***

53’

2002 FORD EXPEDITION 1FMRU15W62LA79203 1999 ACURA 3.2 TL 19UUA5642XA043914 2000 HONDA CIVIC 2HGEJ6676YH523929 1996 HONDA CIVIC 1HGEJ612XTL083401 2000 HONDA CIVIC 1HGEJ8240YL106381 929-298584, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that Extra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisfy the lien of the owner, personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated: 3357 Breckinridge Blvd Duluth GA, 30096 770-891-4639 December 19,2015 @ 5:00PM 1416 Stephanie Harmon Household Items 2611 Melissa Smith Household Items 3129 Theresa Roundtree Household Items 2055 Troysean Smith Household Items 0115 Roderick Jackson Household Items 1110 Nicole Parker Household Items 2037 Micyala Mitchell Household Items 3309 Janet Fleming Household Items 1708 Chris Reme Household Items 2214 Kendrick Collins Household Items 0108 Matthew Melchiore Household Items 1154 Darling Manzano Household Items 0095 Edgar Araya Volkswagon Passat (Grey) 2430 Jose Alejandro Household Items 3327 Antonio Williams Sr. Household Items The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. 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 929-298677, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding via www.storagetreasures.com on December 23, 2015 9:00 am and will continue until December 30, 2015 9:00 AM for the Space Shop storage facility located at: 2050 Gravel Springs Rd Buford, GA 30519 770.271.4220 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

A113 Jason Sciavacco Household Goods A164 Jason Sciavacco Household Goods E709 Kevin Smith Household Goods A143 Joey Wilson Household Goods A125 Joey Wilson Household Goods 929-299575, 12/9,11,18 PUBLIC AUCTION The following rooms will be sold at the public auction on Dec 19, 2015 starting at 4360 Covington Hwy Dec Ga, 30032 @ 8:30a.m.

4360 Covington Hwy Decatur Ga, 30032 404-284-0918 FRANK SELKRK 1054

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS ALEISHIA FEASTER 1135 KATIA USHER 0141 LAURA ALLEN 1046 ROBERT PINCKNEY 1026 SONIA BOZE 1114 4940 Memorial Dr Stn Mtn Ga, 30083 404-296-9737 RANDALL POLOVITCH 841 BRADLEY ALFRED 640 SONIA QUINN 621-30 DORTHY COOK 882 CHARLENE TAYLOR 760 CHEVANIQUE WILLIAMS 204-05 SAMUEL RICHBURG 441 MPOYI MBWEBWE 479 JAMES CHRISTIEL 568 ANTHONY CHAPPELL 751 ANTHONY CHAPPELL 130 RUFUS DICKERSON III 538 CURLILA NICOLE THOMAS 627 KARTEL RITZ 118 HERMAN WOODS 729 LYNNETTE STEWART 313 CORTEZ BROWN 707 LUCRETIA SMART 461 LATISHA RODGERS 277 JOAN MORRISON 318 CHARLES WHEELER 606 885 Northern Ave Clarkston Ga, 30021 404-294-7368 LAURA HEADEN 4007 TRINA RHODES 2074 PAMELA EDWARDS 1212 LYNN SEALS 2085 CHARLESTON JONES 2094 PATRICK I MOORE JR 2067 RODNEY MOORE 2034 ADONICA VINES 3004 3605 Sams Rd Clarkston Ga, 30021 404-296-1492 JOY PEDERSEN C33D LES ROBERTS D41 LISA FOSTER D39 STEPHEN PIERCE D44 TIFFANY HAMPTON C17 DEMARIO GEARING C15U ERICA PORTER C21 2161 Hewatt Rd Snellville Ga, 30039 770-979-5237 TAMMY BROWN 229 MELISSA MOORE 144 JENNIFER LEE 173 CAMURI NEWSOME 169 2040 Scenic Hwy Snellville Ga, 30078 770-736-4992 BEN HARDEN 2533 TALON MATTHEWS 2613 JIMI BARROLLE 1247 140 Rockbridge Rd Lilburn Ga, 30047 770-717-9666 JESSICA CARBAJAL 454 MAURICE WALKER 3120 LISA CALLENS 4133-94 JASMINE DANIEL 316 JOSEPH HESKOOR 3132 SHANTIKA EMANUEL 432 5365 Jimmy Carter Blvd Norcross Ga, 30093 770447-5017 JUAN MANUEL 1042 SOEL ORTEGA AA4259F SOEL ORTEGA AA5911D SABRINA SLATON B113 RAJSOMBATH SAMNANE B215 DEBRA WHITE B107-09 ESSENCE MOODY 1005 VINCENT MCSWAIN 1033 TERRY WILSON 1076

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS 1076 MALCOM DEON JACKSON 1030 KERMIT TYLER B112 KENYON HARLEY 1121 GREG HARDIN 1018 929-298582, 12/11,18 PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 875 Marathon Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 678-242-1441; And, due notice having been given, to the owner 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 at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 2015, @ 10:30 AM. SPACE NO.; CUSTOMER NAME; INVENTORY 2179; Josephine Randleson; Furniture, TV/Stereo Equipment, Boxes 3102; Stacey L. Tyler; Household Goods/Furniture 3153; Roney Dixon; Household Goods/Furniture 4061; Qiana Heath; Household Goods/ Furniture 4103; Shani Nuncio; Household Goods, Furniture 929-299087, 12/11,18 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY In accordance with the GA Self Service Storage Facilities Act notice is hereby given that the undersigned will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder in order to satisfy lien of the owner. The auction will be held at www. storagetreasures.com on 12/30/15 for the Space Shop Storage facility located at 530 Athens Hwy Loganville GA 30052.

UNIT: B138 Daniel PerezHousehold goods, boxes UNIT: B179 Chris GrajalesHousehold goods, boxes, furniture, Sporting goods The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Space Shop Self Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

929-299583, 12/11,18 NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES: K.O. TOWING 344 KATHLEEN DR MARIETTA,GA.30067 770-650-1413 In accordance with OCGA Section 40-11-2, the following described vehicles/ vessels have been towed / deemed abandoned and will be sold at Public Auction if not claimed. The vehicles are stored at K.O.Towing, 344 Kathleen dr, Marietta,Ga.30067. 770650-1413.

2012 Jeep Patriot, Blue, No Tag#, VIN# 1C4NJRBB1CD576599, From 3655 Westchase Village Lane, Norcross, Ga 30093.

929-298481, 12/4,11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to the Georgia Self-Service Storage Facility Act, Ga. Code Ann. §§ 10-4210 et seq., the undersigned will conduct a public auction on December 23rd , 2015 of the below-listed units. Each of the below units generally contain the following: furniture, clothing, tools, and other household/business items.

PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 20489 6000 Lawrenceville Hwy. Tucker, GA. 30084 (770) 923-9400 TIME: 9:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: A014–Bryant, Manuela B015–cutley, kelvin D001–SELLS, ALLYN D015–Johnson, Kevin PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 08049 5010 Jimmy Carter Blvd Norcross, GA. 30093 (770) 446-8358 TIME: 9:30 AM S

1211_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 12/10/2015 4:56 PM Page B9

gwinnettdailypost.com PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

PUBLIC SALES/ AUCTIONS

STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 0308–Bankston, Floydzell 0408–Colbert, Kewanee 0420–Sanders, Michael 0514–Cabuto, Ofelia 0528–Simmons, Tracy 0634–Whitehead, Sabriah 0636–VASQUEZ, WALTER 0704–Brown, Barbara 0741–Murphy, Cloyd 0753–Caballeros-Nunez, Edith 0847–McCline, Marcus 1006–Salazar, Denise 1013–Pollard, Diane 1143–Menefee, Kesha PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 28149 3055 Jones Mill Rd Peachtree Corners, GA. 30071 (770) 447-9755 TIME: 10:00 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 11–Pavelcik, Shandira 155–Shaw, Joslyn 208–Dillon, Sean 211–White, Grelika 305–Buchanan, Donte 314–Baker, Keraun 340–Trueheart, Jessica 444–Harris, Nicole 445–Ortiz, Laura 539–Tennhue, Viola 544B–Mitchell, Jerry 99–C and V Construction PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 29135 1755 Indian Trail Rd Norcross, GA. 30093 (678) 924-0203 TIME: 10:00 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 1019–Monroe, Mathis 1118–Echols Jr, Ramon 1202–De Marros, Marco 1221–Melendez, Trina 1242–Middebrooks, Micheal 1265–Foote, Sade 1330–Sanchez, Naylea 1331–McCree, Alysha 1332–Cleggett, Jeremy 2053–dempsey, jontey 2092–Cruz, Tiffany 2128–Homles, Tierra 2234–Frazier, Jacqueline 2384–harris, jamila 3064–washington, gary 3111–Boxley, Bobby 3122–Littles, Melinda 3214–Jones, Melisha 3232–McElroy, David 3291–Robinson, Tina 3303–Mcray, Jimmy 3352–Richardson, Takiyah 3425–GUZIK, DARIA 3426–Turner, John E009–Banks, Marilyn E038–CARMONEY, ALBERT E043–Kendrick, Kim PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 24346 615 Indian Trail Rd Lilburn, GA. 30047 (770) 638-0498 TIME: 10:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: A011–foote, Tyrone B028–Memon, Nehad B054–Ogletree, Dwayne B074–Ramos, Frances D002–Gano, Natasha D021–Candley, Allison E020–Baker, Desmon (Vehicle) PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 21901 95 Arcado Rd Lilburn, GA. 30047 (770) 638-9211 TIME: 11:00 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: A003–Singnoff, John B009–Emanuel, Wayne B030–Witherspoon, Natalie B121–Cowan, Thorene C003–Ruiz, Simone C032–Williams, Michaele D011–Williams, Robert D056–Nolley, Doreen E033–Ristich, Sandy E045–FLANNIGAN, DAVID F020–Hepburn, Chamar PUBLIC STORAGE PROPERTY: 23106 460 Beaver Ruin Rd Lilburn, GA. 30047 (770) 638-1196 TIME: 11:30 AM STORED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: D243–Reynolds, Patrick D244–Wheeler, Mark E295–McNeish, Brittany E307–GEBREMARIAM, Henok E310–Bullard, James E312–Clayton, Stevan E317–Murray, Timothy E336–Hill, Valsherri E346–Buamah, Amy F398–Pearson, Bernadette F416–McNeely, Ingrid F436–Bland-Porter, Charmaine F461–Cockfield, Aysia F477–Harmon, Yvonne G531–Johnson, Paul G538–frazier, shante All sales are subject to cancellation. Public auction terms, rules, and regulations will be made available prior to the sale. Dated this 4th day of December and 11th day of December 2015 by PS Orangeco, Inc., 701 Western Avenue, Glendale, CA 91201.

(818) 244-8080, Bond No. 6004928.

929-298570, 12/4,11

Household Goods/Furniture, TV/Stereo Equipment,Tools/ Appliances, Office Furniture/Machines/Equipment, Account Records/Sales Samples, Boxes

PUBLIC SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 2655 Langford Rd. Norcross, Ga. 30071, 770-2420468; And, due notice having been given, to the owner 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 at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015, @ 10:00 AM. SPACE NO.; CUSTOMER NAME; INVENTORY 096 Steve Batts Household Goods/Furniture 126 Andrew Tuck Household Goods/Furniture, TV/Stereo Equipment, Landscaping/ Construction Equipment, Boxes 188 Garner Cohron Household Goods/Furniture, Tools/Appliances 252 Alfredo Ambrosini Household Goods/Furniture 263 Quincy Pickett Household Goods/Furniture 316 Augusto HernandezMilanes Household Goods/ Furniture 320 Nathan Foreman Household Goods/Furniture

484 Crutchfield, Tamika Household Goods/Furniture, Boxes 535 Barbara Dixon Household Goods/Furniture, TV/ Stereo Equipment,Tools/ Appliances, Office Furniture/Machines/Equipment, Boxes 548 Reza Sharkey Household Goods/Furniture, TV/ Stereo Equipment,Tools/Appliances, Office Furniture/ Machines/Equipment, Account Records/Sales Samples, Sporting Goods, Boxes 929-294532, 12/11,18

ZONINGS LEGAL NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE Notice is hereby given that an application (SU-15-19) has been made by David Manchester for a Change in Conditions of a previously approved Special Use Permit (SU-14-09) for the property described by the attached legal description.

The City Council of the City of Lawrenceville will hold a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. on January 4, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, which is located at 70 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Legal Description 2675 Sugarloaf Parkway All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in land lots 107 and 108 of the 5th Land District of Gwinnett County, Georgia, containing 4.013 acres, as shown and delineated on a plat prepared for Alvin L. Lindstrom by Sam R. Fields, dated June 12, 1974, and showing a revision date of July 8, 1974, and being more particularly described as follows: To located the point of beginning, begin at an iron pin which marks the corner common to Land Lots 107, 108, 117 and 118 of said District, and run thence North 32° 00’ West a distance of 584.99 feet to a rock located on the land lot line common to Land Lots 108 and 117; run thence South 57° 49’ West 741.3 feet to an iron pin, WHICH IS THE PLACE OR POINT OF BEGINNING; run thence South 57° 49’ West 240.8 feet to an iron pin; run thence South 16° 51’ West 759 feet to an iron pin on the northeasterly right-of-way line of Johnson Road; run thence South 61° 07’ East along said right-of-way line 172.6 feet to an iron pin; and continuing along said right-of-way line South 63 ° 27’ East 68 feet to an iron pin; run thence North 12° 20’ East 991.3 feet to an iron pin, which is the place or point of beginning.

2665 Sugarloaf Parkway All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 107 and 108 of the 5th district, Gwinnett County, Georgia, as shown on a Plat of a survey for David Manchester prepared from a reference plat of S.R. Fields, surveyor dated July 8, 1974, which Plat shows said property as 4.04 acres designated as “DAVID MANCHESTER” said plat recorded in Plat Book Page 4, Gwinnett County Plat Records, Clerks Office Gwinnett Superior Court, and incorporated herein by reference thereto, and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at the western corner of the property shown as Perry Voyles at its intersection with Johnson Road as shown on said Plat, running thence along Johnson Road North 70° 00’ West 143.25 feet to a point; thence North 66° 42’ West 100.6 feet to a point; thence North 63° 27’ West 32.5 feet to an iron pin; thence North 12° 20’ East 826.28 feet to a point; thence South 164.86 feet to a point; thence South 04° 21’ East 830.44 feet to the point of beginning.

934-300075, 12/11 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CITY OF LAWRENCEVILLE Notice is hereby given that an application has been made

by Tim Williamson on behalf of Enterprise Rent-A-Truck for a Special Use Permit to allow Transportation Rental – Passenger/Commercial Vehicles in a LM zoning district (SU-15-21) for the property described by the attached legal description.

The City Council of the City of Lawrenceville will hold a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. on January 4, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, which is located at 70 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Legal Description 489 Hurricane Shoals Road

ZONINGS

FORECLOSURES

All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 177 of the 5th District of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a ½ inch rebar set on the northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road (an 80 foot right-of-way), which iron pin is located a distance of 502.00 feet northeasterly, as measured along the northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road, from the point of intersection of the northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road with the centerline of Hosea Road, if extended; thence leaving said northwesterly right-of-way of Hurricane Shoals Road and run North 30° 46’ 44” West a distance of 399.50 feet to a ½ inch rebar found; thence run North 46° 39’ 27” East a distance of 310.66 feet to a ½ inch rebar found; thence run South 30° 42’ 08” East a distance of 400.34 feet to a ½ inch rebar found on the northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road; thence run southwesterly along the northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road having an arc of 6,513.94 foot radius curve an arc distance of 121.07 feet, said arc being subtended by a chord having a bearing of South 46° 03’ 33” West a distance of 121.07 feet to a point; thence continuing along said northwesterly right-of-way line of Hurricane Shoals Road and run South 46° 37’ 24” West a distance of 120.09 feet to a point; thence continuing along said northwesterly right-ofway line of Hurricane Shoals Road and the curvature of 68.84 feet, said arc being subtended by a chord having a bearing of South 48° 21’ 28” West a distance of 68.84 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. 934-300072, 12/11

America Mortgage Corporation dated June 10, 1999, filed and recorded June 18, 1999 in Deed Book 18615, Page 131, Gwinnett County, Georgia Records; all zoning ordinances; matters which would be disclosed by an accurate survey or by inspection of the property; any outstanding taxes, including, but not limited to, ad valorem taxes, which constitute liens upon said property; special assessments; and all outstanding bills for public utilities which constitute liens upon said property; To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the party in possession of the property is EDWARD M.C. OLINGER AND CASSTELLIA M. OLINGER or tenant(s).

The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the United States Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the Security Deed. Asset Management and its counsel are acting as debt collectors. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Asset Management as Attorney-in-Fact for EDWARD M.C. OLINGER AND CASSTELLIA M. OLINGER Contact: Brian Pierce, Esq. Busch White Norton, LLP 3330 Cumberland Boulevard, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Telephone (770) 790-3550 9 5 0 - 2 9 9 1 5 8 , 12/10,17,24,31

FORECLOSURES This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER GEORGIA, GWINNETT COUNTY By virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Security Deed from EDWARD M.C. OLINGER AND CASSTELLIA M. OLINGER to Asset Management Holdings II, LLLC (by virtue of that certain Assignment of Mortgage or Deed of Trust, filed and recorded December 8, 2015, Gwinnett County, Georgia Records, assignee of Sarsenstone Corporation, Successor in Interest to Old Canal Financial Corporation, Successor in Interest to HomeGold, Inc.) (“Asset Management”), dated May 17, 2001, filed and recorded June 11, 2001 in Deed Book 23454, Page 49, Gwinnett County, Georgia Records (as amended, modified, or revised from time to time, “Security Deed”), said Security Deed having been given to secure a Note in the original principal amount of THIRTY THOUSAND AND NO/100THS DOLLARS ($30,000.00) (as amended, modified, or revised from time to time, the “Note”), with interest thereon as provided for therein, there will be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the courthouse door of GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia, within the legal hours for sale on the first Tuesday in January, 2016, all property described in said Security Deed, including, but not limited to, declarant’s rights, if any, and, without limitation, the following described property (or so much thereof as has not, as of said first Tuesday, by duly executed and recorded instrument, previously been released from the lien of the Security Deed): ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN DUNCAN’S GMD 1745 OF GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA, BEING LOT 91 , BLOCK F OF APALACHEE PLANTATION, UNIT THREE A, AS PER PLAT RECORDED AT PLAT BOOK 77, PAGE 298, GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA RECORDS, WHICH PLAT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND MADE A PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE. The indebtedness secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby declared due because of default under the terms of said Security Deed and Note, including, but not limited to, the nonpayment of the indebtedness as and when due. The indebtedness remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same, all expenses of the sale, including attorneys’ fees and other payments provided for under the terms of the Security Deed and Note.

Said property will be sold subject to the following items which may affect the title to said property: That certain Security Deed in favor of Sun A

SERVICES

FLOORING

CLEANING

HARDWOOD FLOORS

FREE REMOVAL

The Doctor Is In

• Oak • Maple • Cherry • Walnut New Homes Repairs Refinishing Renovations

We pick up any of the following items: All scrap metal such as all appliances, air conditioners, lawn mowers, metal windows & doors, garage doors, motorcycles, house & barn tin, gutters & awnings, metal signs, junk cars, old batteries, etc.

SPECIALTY WORK

• Borders • Stairways • Medallions Free Estimates Insured/Certified Michael Nanni

*No TVs or computer monitors.

770-867-9670

sdlovern@yahoo.com

Call 770-601-8495 404-545-3299

334 Carl Martin Household Goods/Furniture

PROTECT OUR PLANET

347 David Nelson Household Goods/Furniture, TV/ Stereo Equipment,Tools/ Appliances 383 Arif Advantage Care Household Goods/Furniture, TV/Stereo Equipment,Tools/ Appliances, Office Furniture/Machines/Equipment, Boxes

386 Arif (Advantage Care)

If you are interested in working for an energetic team and a fast paced environment Rockdale Healthcare Center Is seeking applicants for

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

404-670-3087

LAKE/RIVER/COASTAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

SOUTH CAROLINA, LAKE KEOWEE Waterfront Cottages Gated, Luxury Amenities! Lodge, Pool, Fitness Center, Boat Slips & more.

Other New & Resale Cottages From $130’s to $299’s!

1-888-663-1133 www.backwaterlanding. com Office Hours: Fri 8:30-4:00 Sat & Sun By Appointment Only

CONYERS - Two adjacent mausoleum crypts at Green Meadows Memorial Gardens located at 677 Legion Road in Conyers, GA. These are located in the Interior Chapel A, Level B, Grave Sites B3, B4.

This price is below current price. $9000.

770-317-4776 REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

PART-TIME

770-962-SELL

MEDICAL

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE

We are a busy pediatric office located in Duluth, GA and are currently seeking a P/T MEDICAL ASSISTANT. 3 days a week

BARROW, HAMILTON MILL EXIT. 3BR/2BA, 2 car gar., DR, kitchen, deck, full bsmt.

1 ac. Built in 2000, exc. cond. $995/mo.

770-377-3703

LILBURN - Nice 4BR, LR, DR, sunken den w/ fplc., garage, computer room, fenced. Pool/Tennis n’hood. Reference. $1175. Available 11/25.

770-925-2127

HEAVY DUTY TRUCK MECHANIC/ SHOP FOREMAN 3 years exp. diesel engine & hydraulic system repair. Must have own tools.

CDL Class B pref.

Email: stub@ redoaksanitation.com or fax to 770-536-3288

PROTECT OUR PLANET MEDICAL

Willow Wood Nursing

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR • Full time Admin Assistant needed.

Must have experience in payroll and accounts payable.

Good customer service and computer skills, filing, organizing and answering phones.

8:30-5:00 p.m.

Mon - Fri., some weekends.

• LPN and RN’s needed days and evening for charge nurse positions • C.N.A.’s needed days and evenings APPLY IN PERSON: 4595 Cantrell Rd. Flowery Branch Email Resumes to: sjones@sterling-health. com

OR CALL: 770-967-2070

BACK ON MARKET! COMMERCIAL LISTING! REDUCED! 2302 S.E. EBENEZER RD Great Commercial Property In High Traffic Area Of Rockdale County At The Corner Of Ga Hwy 138 & Ebenezer Rd With Double Road Frontage $1,100,000 • EHO Peters Realty Professionals 770-466-2885 www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com

All Home Remodeling Projects & General Repairs Including: HVAC troubleshooting & more!

Over 25 years of exp. in all home repairs & improvements. *Licensed & Insured*

Call for a Free Estimate

GWINNETT

GWINNETT, LAWRENCEVILLE: HOUSEMATE $475 mo. Private entry X-Lrg Room & Closet, micro kit, lounge/dining area. 678-689-8821 text

WANTED FOR RENT

WANTED TO RENT Single Male, 68, clean, quiet, seeking a large room, rooms, or efficiency apartment with full bathroom that only I will be using and cleaning. Unrestricted kitchen privileges and laundry machine privileges are required. No drugs, drama, drunks. Call 470-248-5275 and listen carefully to my message. Gwinnett/South Hall or Jackson area.

Mu ust st h have avve ve at least east aast st 5 yyears eear arrs web pre pr reesss ex exp xper eri rie ience. ence. nce ce. Posi sit iti tio ion on wiilll be rreesp eesp pon on nsi n siiib ble b l for le mai m aiint nte ten en nan anc nce ce an and nd pr pre reess op per p era rat ati tio ion on iin a fast ast st paced pac p ace ceed envir envi env en viirro on nme meent ntt.

REPORTER CLAYTON NEWS HAS AN OPENING FOR A GOVERNMENT REPORTER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. The reporter will be responsible for covering Clayton County Board of Commission and the county’s municipalities. Other duties include features in Clayton and Henry counties and photography. The position requires night hours and occasionally weekend events.

The Clayton News is an award-winning community newspaper that produces quality print reporting every Wednesday and Saturday, and digital reporting every day through our website and social media. Check out our website at www.news-daily.com. Come join our staff in putting out the best local news south of Atlanta.

Applicants must have a four-year college degree, preferably in journalism or mass communications. Experience is preferred, even at the college level, but this is a perfect position for a graduate eager to set the journalism world on fire. A knowledge of local government and basic politics will put a candidate over the rest.

Candidates who live locally in the Southern Crescent are also preferred. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Send cover letters and resumes to Editor Kathy Jefcoats at kjefcoats@news-daily.com.

FOREST

770-962-2071

ROOMMATE WANTED /ROOM FOR RENT

COUNTRY BOY TREE REMOVAL

Call John

One on Singleton Rd. & One on Law’villeSuwanee Rd.! 2BR & 3BR, 2BA, Fireplace, vaulted ceilings, off street parking.

Starting @ $900/mo.

B.C. PROPERTIES 770-446-1550 770-995-8828

298837 1 298837-1

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

•Finished Basements •Bathroom Remodeling •Kitchen Remodeling •Custom Cabinets •Room Additions •Garages/Carports •Screened Porches •Custom Decks •Siding All Types

LAWRENCEVILLE RECORDING STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE Office/Warehouses 1200 up to 18000 sf Mike 404-375-5438.

Gw Gwi wiin nne net ett tt Dai aiily ly Post h haas a fullfful ulllltiime me 2n nd S Sh hiift ft p po osi sit iti tio ion on fo for or a qu q ual alliifie fieed in ndi nd div ivi vid idu du ual al.

HOME REPAIR/ REMODELING

REMODELING, INC.

GWINNETT DUPLEXES

2 Communities!

Web Press Operator

Recreational Therapist To coordinate recreational based treatment for our Residents Please email resume: agrace@rockdalehc. com or apply within @ 1510 Renaissance Drive NE Conyers, GA 30012

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

LAWRENCEVILLE Share 5/BR, 3BA home. Priv. bath, furn., cable, int., alarm. Util. incl. No Smoking/drug/pets.

404-667-3880 Lin88@bellsouth.net.

CONYERS, GA 30094

Experience with Greenway Prime Suite a plus.

APTS/DUP/CONDOS/ T’HOMES FOR RENT

HOUSES FOR RENT

If your old stuff is collecting dust, it could be collecting cash!

classifieds

Please email: Resume, Salary Requirements and a minimum of 3 references to HR@medlockpediatrics.com

NOW HIRING

hcorrales17@gmail.com

300018-1

WAREHOUSE WORKER NEEDED Requirements: Carpentry (nail gun, saws, etc.) experience required.

Forklift experience a plus. Suwanee, GA area. Email: ccurrier@southernperformance.net for job application.

Call for details 770-888-9386.

May fax resume to 770-888-3503.

HEALTHCARE

678-482-1702

385 Donna Barger Household Goods/Furniture

WANTED FULL TIME PUNCH OUT SPECIALIST FOR PRODUCTION HOME BUILDER. MUST BE SELF SUFFICIENT AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY. MUST ALSO HAVE OWN TOOLS AND TRANSPORTATION. PLEASE CALL 770-616-7513

REQUIREMENTS: MA certification is required. Candidate must be experienced with administration of vaccines and general patient care, must work well with children, and be able to multi-task.

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONS

BY HERNANDO

Leave message if no answer.

PUNCH OUT SPECIALIST

DRIVERS WRECKER DRIVERS Experience Necessary.

CDL & non-CDL Join Our Team With Insurance & Benefits Paid Vacation Lance Wrecker Service, Inc. 770-963-5816

BY M.D. NANNI

SERVICE

CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE

FULL TIME

ASSISTANT

FULL TIME

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • B9

Expert Take Downs √ 20Years Experience √ Insured √ Free Estimates √ Stump Grinding Bucket Truck Summer Seasoned

Oak 1/2 Cord - $100 1 Cord - $190

Delivered & Dumped LICENSED

770-932-1751 Cell 770-313-5751

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE

MIKE’S TREE SERVICE Experienced Tree Work 20+ Years We offer 24 hour Emergency Service •Licensed & Insured •All Tree Service Needs •Landscaping •Fencing •Land Clearing

All Phases of Tree Work

-

Tree Removal Prunning Stump Grinding Wood Chipper

References Available

***CALL TODAY!*** For a Free Estimate

Free Estimate!

770-905-2072

770-714-8250 770-271-7127

www.mandgtreeservice.com

SERENITY LAWN CARE • Any Lawn Work!

If it’s in your yard, we do it!

Landscape Design using any material Trimming & debris Clean Up • Pressure Washing

Call 706-525-1881 or 904-874-1809

Made in USA

POWER WASHING

PERSONAL SERVICES

PRESSURE WASHING

CHILDCARE PROVIDED

HOUSES STARTING AT $89 • Roof Cleaning • Black streaks removed from roof • Mold & Mildew removed from homes • Drives-WalkwaysPatios-Decks cleaned/sealed • Gutters cleaned For a FREE Estimate

CALL OR TEXT

404.886.3587 Established 1989

Go Into The Holidays & New Year Knowing That Your Childcare Worries Are Solved Seasoned Christian Childcare Provider is seeking the right situation to provide excellent care for your child or children in my home or possibly yours. Offering a loving, safe, clean and structured environment.

Willing to teach reading, math, etc. Most of all character training from a Biblical prospective.

If interested contact Mary Beth, Hoschton, Ga., 770-940-1605

1211_GDP_FRI_CLASS_Classifieds 12/10/2015 4:56 PM Page B10

B10 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

MISC. FOR SALE

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

VEHICLES

FORD FUSION SE, 2011 Bordeaux Reserv, Stk#P7835A $11,000 800-PREOWNED

INFINITI M35, 2008 Platinum Graphite, Stk#P5066A $14,996 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

LEXUS GS 350, 2013 Liquid Platinum, Stk#U40604 $38,990 770-680-1000

MAZDA MAZDA 3, Meteor Gray, Stk#P7791B $16,000 800-PREOWNED

NISSAN SENTRA, 2012 Super Black, Stk#P5099 $10,982 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

Extension Ladder, 16 ft., $100; Inversion Table, $100; NordicTrac, $50; Oak Entertainment Unit, $50. Call 770-513-2560

GARAGE SALES

PETS/LIVESTOCK AUBURN HOLIDAY SALE, Sat., Dec. 12.

Collectible high-end almost new decor.

Must sale everything.

Call 770-237-5571 or come in and make an offer.

1005 Liberty Ives Dr. Mineral Springs subdivision off Fence Rd.

BMW Z3 ROADSTER, 2000. 99K MILES • $6450. M SPORTS OPTIONS. Best you’ll find. Fabulous & priced way under the market.

Auto trans, silver w/ black convert top and leather. Super CarFax & beautiful. Comparable cars are selling for over $9000. Owned

by California collector and babied. Drive daily, very collectable and should appreciate in price while you’re having fun. 770-882-4605.

DOGS CHIHUAHUA Beautiful Chihuahua Puppies for sale. Born 09/12/2015. 2 boys and 3 girls. Also I have a brother and sister Chihuahua puppies.

Born 05/27/2015.

404-285-2602 please leave a message.

SNELLVILLE, GA GARAGE SALE FRI & SAT, 10-5.

66 YEARS OF ACCUMULATION 1891 DRIFTWOOD

PAPILLON PUP - Female. CKC reg. Parents on site. Hand raised in home. 1st shots & dewormed. Does not have Papillon white blaze markings, but very cute. $350, cash only please.

706-677-5229 or 770-262-9957

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

FORD ESCAPE XLT, 2011 Steel Blue, Stk#G5207623A $14,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD EXPEDITION XLT, 2013 Oxford White, Stk#P7886A $24,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD EXPEDITION, 1998. Red, 257k mi., does not run, needs repair. Call for details. Call Stacy 678-768-8420 CADILLAC DEVILLE, 2004. Purchased new.

Black with black leather interior, high mileage but well maintained.

New transmission 4 years ago. No dents or scratches. Seals recently replaced but without a warranty. New starter installed in Nov. $3300 404-906-8938

FIREWOOD

ALL OAK FIREWOOD FOR SALE $120 “Heaping Truckload”, Stacked, Gwinnett Area.

404-805-1783

VEHICLES

FORD FOCUS SE, 2005. 169k mi. VERY WELL KEPT. Exc. mechanical condition.

Clean inside/out, zero accidents. Everything works. $2950.

678-200-0812

LEXUS IS 250, 2015 Atomic Silver, Stk#G150285L, $33,993 770-680-1000

FORD MUSTANG, Performance WHI, Stk#G5111788A. $17,000 800-PREOWNED

LEXUS CT 200H, 2011 Obsidian, Stk#G152331A $15,490 770-680-1000

FORD TAURUS SE, 1999. Elderly owner, leather bucket seats, auto. roof. Perfect, extra clean! $1995 Firm.

770-616-7399

FORD TAURUS, 2012 Tuxedo Black, Stk#P7904 $14,500 800-PREOWNED

LEXUS RX 330, 2005 Bamboo Pearl, Stk#G152316A $12,990 770-680-1000

770-962-8744 678-557-8536 ACURA TSX, 2011 Crystal Black Pearl, Stk#U40549B $14,993 770-680-1000

FIREWOOD Select, Seasoned Hickory & Oak, $180/Cord or $120/Half Cord.

Delivered. MORE FOR YOUR MONEY! Gary, 404-772-1268

DAIMLER DODGE RAM 1500, 2012 Flame Red, Stk#FFC18920A $24,000 800-PREOWNED

FORD FOCUS SE, 2012 Sterling Gray, Stk#FC334060A $10,987 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

GMC SUBURBAN, 1997, 4-WHD, leather, 3rd seat, clean, almost new tires, 270,386 road mileage, very clean, great orig paint, tow pkg, very comfortable ride, 3rd seat incl, 17 mpg hwy. 2 owners.

Low mileage on 4 Michelins. $3500 CASH. 770-736-2643

NISSAN 300ZX, 1984.

LEXUS RX 350, 2011 Obsidian, Stk#U40535 $29,990 770-680-1000

LEXUS ES 350, 2011 Obsidian, Stk#U40502 $24,990 770-680-1000

BMW 328I, 2009 Monaco Blue, Stk#GN707705A $14,975 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

FORD EDGE LIMITED, 2012 Ingot Silver, Stk#GGA42213A $16,000 800-PREOWNED

HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS, 2013 Desert Bronze, Stk#P5117A $10,988 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

FORD FOCUS SE, 2014 Tuxedo Black, Stk#P7933 $11,000 800-PREOWNED

LEXUS ES300H, 2013 Nebula Gray Pearl, Stk#U40588 $29,993 770-680-1000

UTILITY TRAILER 5X8 $150 OBO 770-464-2574

Your Dealership Should Be Easy To Find!

Duluth Hwy 12

0

400

Boggs Rd

Boggs Rd

Hwy 316

CUMMING

GAINESVILLE 60

Hwy

COMMERCE

53

4

wy DULUTH 5

PERIMETER MALL

PEA CH IND TREE BLV D

400

GWINNETT PLACE MALL

1

MERCURY SABLE, 2005. Great tires, good body, cold air, runs good. Needs transmission. Sold for parts. $800 OBO. 770-866-5509

LAWRENCEVILLE 3

BE

AV

LILBURN HEWATT RD

N'LAKE MALL

DECATUR

WINDER

MALL OF GA

2

E IN R R D

RU

TUCKER

BUFORD

Dr. Buford

ROSWELL

MALL OF GA

Dr. Buford

NORTHPOINT MALL

Bu

BUFORD

for

dH

9

SNELLVILLE

LOGANVILLE

AL

ORI

MEM

20

20

CONYERS

This map is not to scale and is for illustration purposes only.

HAYES LAWRENCEVILLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP

4

719 Pike St, Lawrenceville 770-963-5251 www.hayeschrysler.com

2

JIM ELLIS BUICK GMC MALL OF GA 3600 Buford Drive, Buford, GA 770-945-8700 www.jimellisbuickgmcmog.com

3

RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET OF BUFORD 4490 South Lee St., Buford, GA 30518 888-804-2957 www.hendrickbuford.com

5

RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET OF DULUTH 3277 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096 888-475-8808 www.hendrickatlanta.com

NASH CHEVROLET 630 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville 770-963-9266 www.nashchevy.com 280565-1

1

LINCOLN TOWN CAR, 2004 This one-owner, Lincoln Town Car Signature Series has been pampered and garaged most of its life. Less than 55,000 original miles on the car! Almost new Michelin tires.

It’s packed with loads of features including: wood-grain dash, leather, alloy wheels, dual power front seats, dual automatic climate control, steering wheel audio and ac control, remote key-less entry, automatic headlights, automatic loadleveling, ABS brakes, adjustable foot pedals and more. Drives and rides like a dream. $8750 404-663-1299 after 6pm.

MAZDA 3, 2006 5 door. Automatic. Well maintained, premium tires, alarm. Great stereo w/CD player, front airbags, exc. mileage. $6995. 404-667-6768

.

ALPHARETTA

75

WN'S BRO E G BRID

I-85N, Exit 105 or I-85S, Exit 107.

Follow the signs to Boggs Road.

1

d Bl v

ATLANTA

PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, 2006 Good Condition Loaded With Leather Cold A/C• Remote Start Asking $3400 darenwh@hotmail.com 678-896-6178

ONLY $3950.

One owner, driven 4,700 miles per year.

WOW CAR. Lady owner had leg operation and cannot drive 5 speed anymore. Super example, 2+2. Very desirable collectible 80’s car. Gorgeous red body and T Tops. Drive it daily or for fun while it goes up in price. Avg. price on AutoTrader is over $10,000. Exceptional and original.

Call 770-899-5856

LEXUS RX 350, 2014 Claret Mica, Stk#U40569 $34,993 770-680-1000

LAWN & GARDEN

llite Sate

NISSAN VERSA NOTE, 2014 Super Black, Stk#GR210681A $11,000 800-PREOWNED

LEXUS CT 200H, 2013 Matador Red Mica, Stk#U40659 $22,590 770-680-1000

FIREWOOD Seasoned Oak & Hickory. Free delivery.

Call for prices.

MERCEDES-BENZ 450SL, 1977. Driven 2,500 miles/year. Wow, Fabulous. $7000 just spent on preventive maintenance, new red custom paint and Michelin tires. Tan leather.

Two tops. Owned & cherished by university pres. Extensive records. Looks super, drives great. NADA & Hagerty value $17,00036,000. Appreciating, spectacular, super bargain at only $10,700.

Call 770-895-7161

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5, 2010 Tuscan Sun, Stk#FC219299A $9,992 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5, 2013 Metallic Slate, Stk#GC398809A $12,994 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S, 2005. 124K MILES. Excellent drive anywhere car. Beautiful white with gray interior, great Car Fax. Exceptional and only $4950.

Call 770-895-7161 OLDSMOBILE 88, 1999. Anniversary edition, 68,592 mi., good condition. $2800 Firm, cash only.

Call 770-633-9067

TOYOTA COROLLA LE, 2014 Super White, Stk#P5073 $11,998 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, 2010 Sandy Beach, Stk#FC652679A $15,988 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

TOYOTA RAV4, 2011 Classic Silver, Stk#FP571566A $13,963 866-697-9241 Gwinnett Place

gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 11B

12B • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

T H E

L E X U S

DECEMBER TO

REMEMBER SALES

EVENT

ES

RX F SPORT

IS F SPORT

UP TO $10,000 OFF MSRP* RATES AS LOW AS .9% APR* UP TO $1,500.00 FIRST PAYMENT ALLOWANCE* *on select models. See dealer for details. Offer good through December 31, 2015.

293093-1 293093-1

FOR LIMITED TIME

we

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 11, 2015

Gwinnett Daily Post

weekend entertainment

Gwinnett Ballet Theater brings back Christmas classic “The Nutcracker”

a look ahead

page 5C

Aurora Theatre offering three holiday productions page 4C

10 spot the

Thursday, Dec. 17 • Home by Dark: Christmas Edition — Home By Dark: Christmas Edition featuring Pat Terry and The Greater Atlanta Girls Choir, and with an appearance by Lisa Kelly, will be at 8 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Theatre in Duluth.

• Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball — The Power 96.1 Jingle Ball 2015, featuring Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, Shawn Mendes, Hailee Steinfeld and more, will be at 7 p.m. at Atlanta’s Philips Arena.

Friday, Dec. 18 • Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith — Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will perform a Christmas concert with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Arena.

• Elf on the Shelf dinner — There will be an Elf on the Shelf dinner from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse located at 185 Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

EVITE’S TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARTY THEMES FOR 2015

Excluding general holiday-themed parties, the Top 10 themed parties planned for the 2015 holiday season so far include (in order of popularity):

1.Cookie Exchange 2. Ornament Exchange 3. Ugly Sweater Party 4. Open House 5. Cookie Baking/Decorating Party 6. White Elephant Party 7. Oktoberfest

8. Friendsgiving 9. Gingerbread Party 10. Toy Drive — Evite, which has sent over 2 billion event invitations in its history, based its findings on an analysis of the parties planned using Evite in 39 metro areas across the U. S.

Saturday, Dec. 19 • Suzy Bogguss Christmas Concert — Grammy winning singersongwriter Suzy Bogguss will perform a double-set of songs from her two Christmas albums at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth.

• Family Winter Fest — The 2015 Family Winter Fest will be at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds starting at 9 a.m. The event is free to enter and includes dance groups, a DJ, a kids zone, a petting zoo, vendors, crafts, food trucks and much more. For more information, visit gwinnettcountyfair. com.

get YouR

on • suwanee.com

UPCOMING FUN: Prancer’s Pancake 5K • family fun • arts • parks • eats • treats • trails • events • family fun • arts • parks • Tomorrow • 8 am • Town Center Park • www.suwanee.com

294188-2

Tastes of the holidays 2C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

dining

Learn to cook what families around Georgia eat together CRANBERRY BRIE BITES Ingredients: • 1 package of frozen puff pastry • 1 can of cranberry sauce • ½ pound of Brie cheese • Mini-muffin pan Directions: Follow directions on the puff pastry package to thaw out the pastry.

While the pastry is thawing out, cut off the rind of the Brie cheese and cut the cheese into small bite-size cubes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray non-stick cooking spray in the muffin tins.

After the pastry is thawed out, spread the pastry sheets out on parchment paper, and cut the sheet into 3-by-3-inch squares. (A pizza cutter works great for cutting the pastry into squares.)

Press each square into a muffin cavity, only using every other muffin cavity; this allows room in the muffin tin for the pastry corners to not overlap.

Place a cube of Brie into each pastry square, topping with 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pastry corners are toasted lightly brown.

Tip: For a little added sweet flavoring, lightly sprinkle sugar on the pastry corner before baking.

SWEET POTATO MEDALLIONS Ingredients: • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled • ½ cup of butter, melted • Cinnamon • Nutmeg • Mini-marshmallows Directions: Slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick pieces.

Place the sweet potato slices on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.

Mix the butter, about a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg together.

Using a basting brush, brush the butter and cinnamon mixture on top of the slices of sweet potatoes.

Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Remove the sweet potato medallions from the oven, turn over them over, and baste with the butter cinnamon mixture.

Bake for another 20 minutes, or until desired tenderness.

Take medallions out of the oven, top with two or three mini-marshmallows.

Place them back in the oven and bake until the marshmallows are slightly melted. Avoid letting the marshmallows bake too long because they will melt off the medallions.

Tip: If you don’t like marshmallows on your sweet potatoes, top with a brown sugar and chopped nut mixture.

SAUSAGE SQUARES Ingredients: • 1 pound of sausage (hot

or mild) • 6 ounces of cream cheese, softened • ½ cup of shredded cheese • 1 to 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard • salt and pepper, to taste • 2 packages of crescent rolls Directions: Brown the sausage in a saute pan and then drain.

In a medium sized bowl, add the sausage and blend in the cream cheese until it is melted in with the sausage.

Add the shredded cheese, mustard and salt and pepper.

Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place it on a baking sheet.

Using your fingers, gently press the seams together to seal them.

Spread the sausage mixture over the crescent roll dough, leaving about a 1/4-inch border along the edges.

Unroll the remaining package of crescent rolls and place on top of the sausage mixture.

Be sure to press the edges together to seal the dough and then press the seams together.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until crescent roll dough is golden brown.

Cut into squares and serve.

Tip: Turkey sausage can be used instead of regular pork sausage.

Clockwise from top left, sweet potato medallions topped with slightly melted mini-marshmallows, Brussels sprouts with just a few ingredients, cranberry Brie bites and ROLO pretzel delights are just some of the holiday favorites that keep families coming back to the table. (Staff Photos: Julie Wells) • 1 1/2 cups coarsely Place the Brussels sprouts • 1 cup whipped topping cracker crumbs chopped pecans in a gallon-size Ziploc bag For pumpkin layer: Melt peanut butter, choco• 1 cup sweetened flaked and pour the olive oil in the • 2 ½ cups milk late chips and butterscotch coconut bag. Shake until the Brussels • 3 small pkgs. vanilla chips in saucepan over low • 1/2 cup toffee bits sprouts are evenly coated with heat instant pudding mix Directions: the olive oil.

• 15 oz. can pumpkin puree Spread over club cracker Add the Brussels sprouts • 1 tsp. cinnamon layer Preheat oven to 350 dein a single layer to a roasting For topping: Cut into bars when cool grees. pan, which has been coated • 1 cup whipped topping Yield: 3 dozen In medium bowl, whisk ROLO PRETZEL with a non-stick cooking spray.

• ¼ cup chopped toasted Note: If you like Twix candy, together brown sugar, all corn DELIGHTS Sprinkle Brussels sprouts pecans this is great! syrup, and melted butter until Ingredients: Directions: smooth. Add eggs, bourbon, • One bag of small pretzels, with the desired amounts of Preheat the oven to 350 POTATO CHIP COOKIES and salt, whisking until comthe square ones (Snyder’s But- salt and pepper.

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, degrees.

Ingredients: bined. Stir in pecans, coconut, ter Snaps) or just under tender.

Mix flour, butter and ½ cup • 1 lb. margarine and toffee bits. Pour mixture • One package of pecan Top the Brussels sprouts pecans, press into 9-by-13 • 1 cup sugar into deep dish pie shell. halves with Parmesan cheese and baking dish and bake for 20 • 3 cups flour Bake for 50 to 60 minutes • One bag of Rolo Chewy walnuts and cook for about minutes, remove from the oven or until center of pie is set. Let • 2 cups crushed potato Caramels in Milk Chocolate 5 more minutes, or until the and let it cool completely. chips cool completely on wire rack.

Directions: Brussels sprouts are tender.

Mix cream cheese and • 1 cup chopped pecans — Recipe courtesy of Preheat the oven to 350 — Recipes courtesy of powdered sugar until light and • 1 teaspoon vanilla Marideane Maxwell via degrees.

Julie Wells fluffy, add 1 cup whipped top• Powdered sugar the Albany Herald Line a cookie sheet with ping and spread over cooled Directions: parchment paper or foil.

BETTER-THAN-TWIX-BARS Cream margarine and sugar. crust. Refrigerate while making WOODBRIDGE BY Place pretzels on prepared Ingredients: Add flour, then potato chips, pumpkin mixture.

ROBERT MONDAVI cookie sheet.

• 1/2 cup crushed club Mix milk and vanilla instant nuts and vanilla.

HARVEST SPICED PUNCH Top each pretzel with one crackers pudding mix, add pumpkin Shape dough into small Ingredients: Rolo.

• 1/2 cup packed light brown balls and place on ungreased puree and cinnamon and mix • 2 750 mL bottles WoodBake 3 to 5 minutes or until sugar until it is smooth. Spread over cookie sheet. bridge by Robert Mondavi the Rolo begins to soften, but • 1/2 sugar Flatten with a fork dipped in top of cheesecake layer.

Harvest Spiced Red Blend not melt.

• 1/2 cup butter or margaSpread remaining 1 cup of cold water.

• 1 cup orange liqueur Remove from oven and top rine Bake at 525 for 20 minutes. whipped topping and sprinkle • 1 cup fresh orange juice with pecan half or additional • 1/4 cup milk pecans and refrigerate for 3 Cool.

• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice pretzel.

• 1 cup crushed graham hours. (It is better if refrigerated Sift powdered sugar on top • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Allow the Rolo pretzels to crackers overnight).

Yield: 7-8 dozen cookies • 4 cinnamon sticks completely cool. (It is very • 1/2 cup crushed club Cook’s Note: May also Note: Best cookie ever!

• 1 orange, sliced into 5 important to allow them to cool crackers (again) sprinkle with pecans and Someone always asks for the rounds or they will not set properly.)

• 1/2 cup peanut butter Nestle Pumpkin Spice Morrecipe!

• 1 lemon, sliced into 5 Tip: Be sure to allow plenty • 1 cup semi-sweet choco— Recipes courtesy of sels. They are available in the rounds of time for unwrapping all the late chips Barbara Akridge via fall. I found them at Walmart.

• Seeds from 1/2 medium individual Rolo candies. the Albany Herald Serves 12 pomegranate • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips — Recipe courtesy of Directions: Directions: ROASTED BRUSSELS Regina Mansfield via PUMPKIN LASAGNA Combine wine, orange Line a 9-by-13 dish with 1/2 SPROUTS the Albany Herald liqueur, orange juice, pomeDESSERT cup club cracker crumbs Ingredients: Ingredients: granate juice, lemon juice and Combine brown sugar, • Two 12-ounce bags of CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE For crust: cinnamon sticks in a large sugar, butter and milk in a frozen Brussels sprouts Ingredients: • 1 cup all-purpose flour punch bowl. Refrigerate for at saucepan • 2 tablespoon of olive oil • 1 cup firmly packed brown least 4 hours.

• ½ cup softened butter (not Simmer over low heat for • Salt and pepper, to taste sugar melted) Just before serving, add 5 minutes then remove from • 1/3 cup of Parmesan • 1/2 cup light corn syrup • ½ cup chopped toasted orange and lemon slices, and heat cheese • 1/2 cup dark corn syrup pecans sprinkle pomegranate seeds Stir in graham cracker • ½ cup of walnuts, chopped • 1/4 cup melted butter For cheesecake layer: over top. crumbs (optional) • 3 large eggs • 8 oz. softened cream Serve over ice, and enjoy!

Spread over prepared layer Directions: • 2 tbsp. bourbon cheese in dish — Recipe courtesy of Preheat the oven to 350 • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1 cup powdered sugar Sprinkle with 1/2 cup club Robert Mondavi degrees.

®

$5 OFF TRUE BREW AND HONEST FOOD. 2-ATLANTA LOCATIONS 3242 Peachtree Rd. NE • 848 Peachtree St. NE

THIS IS GB LIFE.

$5 OFF $20 PURCHASE 297002-1

Clip this coupon for savings at GB. Valid for 30 days. Void where prohibited by law. No cash value. For promotional purposes only. Not valid towards gift card purchases.

One per table. Valid at participating restaurants only. Not valid at airport locations. Alcohol purchase may be prohibited. Not valid with any other offer or discount. No stored value. Must be used in a single visit. A printed copy of this offer or a digital copy via mobile device must be presented to your server to qualify for this discount. Excludes tax and gratuity. Must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Promo to 5off20ATL. Offer Expires 1/31/16.

283902-1

®

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 3C

gwinnettdailypost.com

Home by Dark ending season with songwriter showcase Everyone knows the stars who sing the songs we love, but what about the talent that created the song? Celebrating songwriters and creating “meaningful musical experiences” is at the heart of Home By Dark.

The group will end its 2015 concert series at the Infinite Energy Theater in Duluth on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. with a special holiday event showcasing some of the music world’s most celebrated songwriters.

Tickets range from $20 to $50 and can be purchased by visiting www.infiniteenergycenter.com, by calling 770626-2464, or at the Arena Box Office.

Art Beat

storytelling as well as music.

The songwriting success of the guest artists is stellar.

Pat Terry, a Georgia native, has written songs for the Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Chesney, John Anderson, and Tracy Byrd. Most notably, Terry has written two No. 1 hits, Tanya Tucker’s “A little Too Late,” and Sammy KerHolley Calmes shaw’s “National Working Woman’s Holiday.”

This special concert will Lisa Kelly was born in feature songwriter Pat Terry, Dublin, Ireland, and is a former Celtic Woman Lisa founding member of the Kelly, and The Greater popular musical group Atlanta Girls Choir. The “Celtic Women” which has intimate evening is hosted toured all over the world and

by Home by Dark founder sold over 9 million records. and fellow songwriter James Kelly has performed the Castro. Audiences will enjoy songs “May It Be” from the

movie “Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” and “If You Believe” from Disney’s “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.”

The Greater Atlanta Girls Choir is based in Roswell United Methodist Church in Roswell, Ga., and is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization for girls in grades 3-12. It includes Tour, Apprentice & Training Choirs, and music chosen for presentation covers a wide range of composers and styles.

Home By Dark, founded in 2007, is a “Nashville meets New York meets Atlanta, storytelling, romantic, pierce your heart, laugh

til it hurts, reminds me of momma, dance in the aisle, that’s my favorite song, evening you’ll never forget” according to Casto who adds, “ A song can change your life.”

The concert is more than music, it includes stories of the songs and how they were written.

“Creating authentic musical experiences that leave audiences with something meaningful is what ‘Home

By Dark’ is really all about,” Casto says. “As songwriters, our hope is that people truly connect with the lyrics, and these concerts give audiences a firsthand look at the stories behind some of their

favorite songs.”

Home By Dark is also committed to community support and outreach. The group supports a different nonprofit partner for each performance. For the Dec. 17 show, the partner is Canine Assistants based in Milton, GA. For more information about “Home By Dark” visit the website at www. homebydark.com. For more information about Canine Assistants, visit their website at CanineAssistants.org.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

BY VENUE — ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

KUDZU ART ZONE 116 Carlyle St., Norcross 770-840-9844 www.kudzuartzone.org • Jan. 15 — Feb. 25: “Something of Value” exhibition • Jan. 15: “Something of Value” Opening Reception

HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite LIONHEART THEATRE 300, Duluth 10 College St. N.W., Norcross 770-623-6002 678-938-8518 www.thehudgens.org www.lionhearttheatre.org • Oct. 10 — Dec. 19: • Dec. 11-13, 17-20: “The “Works by Warhol: From the Harmony Baptist Church Cochran Collection” Ladies Auxiliary Christmas • Oct. 10 — Dec. 19: The Jubilee” Hudgens 4th Annual Juried Member’s Exhibition NEW DAWN THEATER • Jan. 30, Feb. 27, Mar. 27: Mall Corners, Toddler Fridays 3650-A Satellite Blvd., Duluth • Ongoing: Selected works 678-887-5015 from the permanent collection www.newdawntheater on display company.com • Dec. 10-13, 17-20: “It’s A INFINITE ENERGY ARENA Wonderful Life” 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth NEW LONDON THEATRE 770-813-7500 2338 Henry Clower Blvd., www.gwinnettcenter.com Snellville • Jan. 2-4: Passion 2016

770-559-1484 www.newlondontheatre.org • Jan. 15-31: “Fiddler on the Roof” R. ALEXANDER FINE ART 5650 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 770-609-8662 www.ralexanderfineart.com • Through Dec. 18: Second annual holiday sale SYLVIA BEARD THEATRE Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford 770-945-6762 www.bufordcommunitycenter. com • Dec. 3-20: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” • Jan. 15-16: Mike Farris: Soul of America TANNERY ROW ARTIST COLONY 554 West Main St., Buford 770-856-8145 www.tanneryrowartistcolony. com • Jan. 9 — Feb. 12: Artist’s Studio Works ATLANTA ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org • Through Dec. 24: “A Christmas Carol” • Through Dec. 19: “Merry %#!*ing Christmas” • Jan. 12 — Feb. 14: “A Bucket of Blessings” • Jan. 27 — Feb. 14: “Disgraced”

• Feb. 13 — March 6: “Start Down” ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-876-5859 www.atlantabg.org • Through Jan. 9: Holiday Garden Lights, Holiday Model Train Show • Through Dec. 27: The Botanical Express children’s train • Ongoing: Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen cooking demos every weekend • Ongoing: Science Café second Sundays through October ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta 404-814-4000 www.atlantahistorycenter.com • Dec. 11 and 18: Candlelight Nights • Dec. 14: Magic Monday: Merry Christmas!

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta 404-873-3391 www.puppet.org • Through Dec. 27: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” • Through Jan. 10: “Pinnocchio” • Jan. 13-24: “Brother Coyote and Sister Fox” • Jan. 28 — March 10: “SPACE!” • Feb. 23-28: “The Secret

Garden” CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta 404-659-5437 www.childrensmuseumatlanta. org • Dec. 12: Grand Re-Opening of Museum COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • Dec. 12-13: Disney Live! presents “Three Classic Fairy Tales” • Dec. 31: Dancing With The Stars: Live! “Dance All Night Tour” • Jan. 15-17: Shen Yun • Jan. 28: ArtsBridge — “Elephant & Piggie We Are in a Play” FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • Dec. 11-27: Atlanta Ballet’s “Nutcracker” • Dec. 21: “Keith and Kristyn Getty: An Irish Christmas” • Jan. 1: “HeartByrne — A Tribute to Talking Heads” • Jan. 10: State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents “Romeo and Juliet” • Jan. 12-24: “The Book of Mormon” • Jan. 30: “Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage”

FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org • Through Jan. 23: “Searching for the Queen of Sheba” exhibit • Through Jan. 23: “Women of Vision” exhibit • Through Jan. 10: “Winter Wonderland” exhibit • Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4400 www.high.org • Through Jan. 10: “Seriously Silly!” The art & whimsy of Mo Willems, Brett Weston • Through Jan. 17: “Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collections” • Through Jan. 31: “American Encounters: The Simple Pleasures of Still Life” • Through May 15: “Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion” • Through May 29: Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks • Ongoing: Molly Hatch: Physic Garden • Ongoing: Howard Finster: Paradise Garden • Ongoing: African Art: Building the Collection • Ongoing: The Golden Rule: Works from Lenore and Burton Gold To submit an event for By Venue Arts & Entertainment, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Tickets On Tickets On Sale SaleNOW! NOW! DEC. DEC. 12 12&&13 13

COBB ENERGY COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Buy Tickets: ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office of 10 or more, call 770-578-5125 Buy Tickets: Groups ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office 339485

AURORA THEATRE 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre.com • Nov. 19 — Dec. 20: “Christmas Canteen 2015” • Nov. 27 — Dec. 20: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” • Nov. 28 — Dec. 19: “The 12 Dates of Christmas” • Dec. 12: Aurora Children’s Playhouse: “Santa’s Missing Mail” by All Hands Productions • Dec. 19: Aurora Children’s Playhouse: “The North Pole Fa-La-La-La Follies” • Jan. 14 — Feb. 2: “Wit” • Jan. 29 — Feb. 21: “I and You”

INFINITE ENERGY THEATER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com • Dec. 14: Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents Make-a-Wish Georgia Christmas Gala Concert • Dec. 17: Home by Dark: Christmas Edition • Dec. 30: Complexions • Jan. 24: Enchanted Theatre Company presents “Peter Rabbit Tales”

339485

GWINNETT

Groups of 10DisneyLive.com or more, call 770-578-5125

#DisneyLive

#DisneyLive

DisneyLive.com 297423-1

4C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Fox Theatre offering festive holiday tours

By Katie Morris katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

The Fox Theatre offers visitors an ornate atmosphere, complete with twinkling stars on the ceiling and gold accents throughout, all year round.

During the holidays, the historic Atlanta venue’s picturesque setting is enhanced with festive holiday decor. The Fox invites visitors to experience the spirit of the season during its special holiday tours, offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Dec. 31.

During each 60-minute tour, visitors will walk through more than 10 locations within the theater, including the orchestra pit

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is offering special holiday tours throughout the month of December. (Special Photo: David Kosmos)

and the Men’s Lounge, which features the original furniture chosen by the wife of movie-mogul William Fox, as well as Mighty Mo’ the largest working Moller theater organ in the world. The tour also includes a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider.

Ticket prices range from $15 for military and seniors, $18 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Specific tour times and tickets are available at FoxTheatre.org, by calling 855-285-8499 or at the Fox Theatre Ticket Office.

Actors, from left to right, Lyndsay Ricketson Brown, Jen MacQueen, Brandon O’Dell, Travis Smith, Diany Rodriguez and Brian Walker in Aurora Theatre’s 20th anniversary Christmas Canteen. (Special Photo: Chris Bartelski)

Aurora Theatre celebrates season with shows, events

By Katie Morris katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Families looking for festive entertainment this holiday season can find three holiday shows — “Christmas Canteen 2015,” “A Christmas Carol” and “The 12 Dates of Christmas” — as well as activities for all ages at Aurora Theatre.

The Lawrenceville theater’s annual holiday revue, “Christmas Canteen 2015,” is bringing audiences the sounds of the season for its 20th anniversary through Dec. 20. Directed

by Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora’s Producing Artistic Director, the upbeat, holiday show features comedy and musical numbers and commemorates two decades of Aurora Theatre and Christmas Canteen.

Anthony P. Rodriguez returns for a ninth year with his solo performance of the holiday classic, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Presented in Aurora’s intimate Studio, audiences are transported back to the late 1800s on a cold Christmas eve in London.

During the one-man show, Rodriguez brings to life a collection of characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the ghosts.

Adapted and directed

by Tony Brown, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be presented through Dec. 20.

Running in repertory with “A Christmas Carol” is the holiday comedy “The 12 Dates of Christmas,” starring Jaclyn Hofmann. The one-woman show takes audiences on an adventure into the dating mishaps of Mary, who is hooked up, set up and fed up over the course of a year. Recommended for teens and adults, “The 12

As part of tradition, Anthony Rodriguez, pictured at top, plays all characters in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” a one-man show playing at Aurora Theatre through Dec. 20. Jaclyn Hofmann, above, returns to the stage for a second season starring as Mary, a woman struggling with the world of dating, in the comedy “The 12 Dates of Christmas.” (Photos: James Helms)

Dates of Christmas” will be presented in Aurora’s Studio through Dec. 19.

Aurora Theatre is offering its Children’s Playhouse holiday series including a performance of “Santa’s Missing Mail”

by All Hands Productions on Saturday, Dec. 12, and “The North Pole Fa-La-LaLa Follies” by That Puppet Guy on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The shows are at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; tickets are $7 and reservations are recommended.

The community is invited to send someone special holiday cheer from the Aurora Christmas Carolers, who will bring festive songs and an Aurora custom cocoa gift set to someone’s doorstep,

holiday party or office.

There are day options offered for Dec. 16 and and night options for Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Aurora Christmas Carolers are $45; all proceeds benefit the Aurora Apprentice Program.

Aurora Theatre Academy’s Jingle Bell Rock Workshop for students of all grades will be Dec. 21 and 29. There will be will be theater games, kooky characters, pizza and more.

Tuition is $35 and includes lunch.

For more information about shows and events offered during December at Aurora Theatre, visit visit www.auroratheatre.com or call the Box Office at 678226-6222.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 5C

gwinnettdailypost.com

PRESENTING A CLASSIC

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is presenting its traditionally told production of “The Nutcracker” through Dec. 20 at the Infinite Energy Theater in Duluth. (Special Photo: Richard Calmes)

Gwinnett Ballet performing ‘The Nutcracker’ for holidays

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has brought local audiences its traditional telling of the Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” since 1981.

The beloved ballet is set in two acts featuring GBT company dancers and young students telling the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel from a Victorian holiday party to a battle with the Mouse King, ending up in the Land of Sweets.

IF YOU GO • What: Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” • Where: Infinite Energy Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

• When: Dec. 11-20 • Tickets: $28 to $35 • More Info: www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

Company dancer Madeline Whitehead has performed in GBT’s production since she was 3 years old. Her first role was a baby mouse, and

she remembers watching in awe as the older dancers performed roles such as the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy.

“I thought they were so cool, and I think that’s what helped me keep (dancing),” Whitehead said.

Now 14 years later, the high school senior is taking the stage this year in her dream role of Sugar Plum Fairy, which has turned out to be a very unique experience.

“It’s a lot different than anything I’ve ever learned,” she said. “I did Snow Queen

last year, and that’s a really good role, but I think what makes Sugar Plum so different is the romanticism of it and how delicate it is.”

For Whitehead, flowing through the difficult movements with poise and grace is one of the biggest challenges of the role.

“All of the choreography is very challenging and you have to hide that and portray the character,” she said.

Whitehead and the cast began working on their roles since October and then started rehearsing almost everyday around mid No-

vember, in addition to their regular ballet, modern and jazz training classes.

Ballet is a large part of Whitehead’s life, and she has aspirations of becoming a professional ballerina. The rigorous training, rehearsals and stage experience are moving her closer to that goal, she said.

Whitehead said it’s been a great experience to now be that senior dancer who the younger performers look up to during rehearsals.

“I’ve had a couple of rehearsals where the younger girls are in there and when

I finish, they are waving at me and smiling,” she said.

“It’s really cute.”

GBT’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed at the Infinite Energy Theater in Duluth on weekends through Dec. 20.

The 33-piece Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Predrag Gosta, will perform live during the final two weekends. Tickets are $18 to $35 and are available at www. infiniteenergycenter.com, by visiting the Arena Box Office or by calling 770626-2464.

Fernbank celebrating Christmas around the world Fernbank is hosting many festive events throughout December.

Visitors to Fernbank MuWinter Wonderland seum can witness diverse, Celebration Days will be cultural, holiday traditions offered Saturday, Dec. on display as part of the Mu- 12 and 19. Various films, seum’s Winter Wonderland: performances and holidayCelebrations and Traditions themed activities will be Around the World exhibit. available for the whole famThe cultural exhibit, ily, including scenes from featured through Jan. 10, “The Nutcracker,” Fil-Am presents different holiday Christmas Carolers and displays from various culP.A.W.A.G. Filipino dancers tures located across North to name a few.

America, South America, From 7 to 11 p.m. on Africa, Europe and Asia.

Dec. 18, adults are invited From vibrant corn husk to Fernbank’s Martinis and dolls of Mexico to Peruvian IMAX. As adults make their retablos, museum goers way through the Winter can experience the diversity Wonderland experience, of the holidays celebrated they can continue to learn around the world through about the numerous different many examples. cultures through films and In addition to the Winmovies such as “Jerusalem” ter Wonderland exhibit, and “Wonders of the Arctic.”

Staff Intern

To kick off the new year, Fernbank will host its “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. There will be a balloon drop at noon, DJ Willy Wow with music and fun activities offered for the entire family.

Winter Wonderland tickets are included with Fernbank Museum admission and free for museum members. Admission to the museum is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $16 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and under and museum members. Tickets are available at FernbankMuseum.org.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit FernbankMuseum. Fernbank Museum’s “Winter Wonderland,” on view through Jan. 10, features festive org or call 404-929-6300. trees throughout the exhibit. (Special Photo)

ENTER FOR YOUR

CHANCE TO WIN!

MAIL COMPLETED ENTRY TO: GDP/Roger Waters • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or gwinnettdailypost.com/contests to enter at

Name _______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ Phone ____________ Email ____________________________________

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by December 18th, 2015. Winners will be notified by phone.

297247-2

By Zach Miles

NOW AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL HD

6C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Duran Duran bringing Paper Gods Tour to Philips Arena

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Duran Duran announced Tuesday they will hit the road next year performing at arenas and amphitheatres across North American, including Atlanta’s Philips Arena in April.

The multi-platinum selling band’s 2016 tour is in support its current album “Paper Gods,” released Sept. 11. The album debuted at No. 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart, earning Duran Duran its highest-

Duran.

Tickets for the April 15 Philips Arena show go on sale to the general public on Saturday at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com, Philips Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster Multi-platinum selling band Duran Duran is set to bring their 2016 Paper Gods Tour to outlets.

Every ticket purchased Philips Arena in Atlanta on Friday, April 15. (Special Photo) online for Duran Ducharting album in 22 April 15. appear as special guests ran’s 2016 headline tour years.-The Paper Gods The second leg of the on almost all of the will receive a standard Tour will kick off on tour begins in July with dates with an additional physical copy of “Paper March 28 — Duran Dushows in Las Vegas, Irsupport act to be anGods.” Fans will receive ran will perform up and vine, San Diego, Toronto nounced. Rodgers served an email 10 to 14 days down the East Coast and and more. Iconic band as a producer on “Paper after purchase containing into Canada, including a CHIC, led by guitarGods” and is a longtime redemption instructions. stop at Philips Arena on ist Nile Rodgers, will collaborator with Duran Members of the Duran

Duran Fan Community have access to pre-sale tickets and exclusive VIP packages through www. duranduranmusic.com.

Citi cardmembers have access to pre-sale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete pre-sale details, visit www.citiprivatepass. com.

Fans with the Live Nation mobile app will have access to a password-free presale starting today at 10 a.m. at Ticketmasterticketed venues. For more information on Duran Duran, visit www.duranduran.com.

BY VENUE — MUSIC 37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 www.buford.37main.com • Dec. 11: Grunge Night • Dec. 12: Krotona 37 MAIN 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek 678-580-2329 www.johnscreek.37main. com • Dec. 11: Slippery when Wet • Dec. 12: Man in the Mirror • Dec. 17: Nick Dima’s 3rd Annual Rock for Tots • Dec. 18: Yacht Rock Schooner • Dec. 19: Queen Nation • Dec. 26: The Ruckus • Dec. 31: Departure 40 WATT CLUB 285 W. Washington St., Athens

706-549-7871 www.40watt.com • Dec. 11: Showtime, The Norm, The Swank, Blacknerdninja • Dec. 12: Warehouse, Hot Fudge, Penny Lame • Dec. 18: Holidaze Bash • Dec. 19: Linear Downfall • Dec. 22: Nana Grizol, Toby Foster, Wanda • Dec. 29: Ceiling Fan, Pilgrim, Los Cantares, Jay Gonzalez • Dec. 31: New Madrid, Muuy Biien, Mothers, Grand Vapids INFINITE ENERGY CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.infiniteenergycenter. com • Dec. 13: Luis Miguel • Dec. 16: Trans-Siberian

Orchestra • Dec. 17: Home by Dark • Dec. 18: Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL 1280 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4900 www.atlantasymphony.org • Dec. 12-13: Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra • Dec. 14: Michael McDonald: This Christmas, An Evening of Holiday Hits • Dec. 17, 19: A Very Merry Holiday Pops • Dec. 20: Celtic Woman: Home For Christmas • Dec. 30-31: Gregg Allman BUCKHEAD THEATRE 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta 404-843-2825

www.thebuckheadtheatre. com • Dec. 17: Rocket Man • Dec. 18: Abbey Road Live • Dec. 31: The Revivalists, Stokeswood, WRENN • Jan. 29: Art Farfunkel In Close-Up CENTER STAGE THEATRE 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta. com • Dec. 15: August Burns Red • Dec. 18: EBI COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com • Dec. 4: Will Downing’s Soulful Sounds of Christmas • Dec. 5: Brian Setzer Orchestra • Dec. 6: The Forgotten Carols EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com • Dec. 11: Atlanta Rhythm Section • Dec. 12: Bi-Annual Songwriter’s Open Mic Shootout • Dec. 13: Dr. Ralph Stanley • Dec. 14-16: Ed Roland • Dec. 17: Whitehorse, Mike Cooley • Dec. 18-19: 6th Annual Christmas Extravaganza • Dec. 19-20: Drivin’ N Cryin’ • Dec. 20: Joe Gransden • Dec. 21: David Ryan Harris • Dec. 22: Laughlin • Dec. 23: Cartel • Dec. 26: Sarah Peacock, Mike Willis • Dec. 27: 4 Wheel Drive • Dec. 28: Lloyd Cole • Dec. 29: Tyler Lyle • Dec. 30: Asleep at the Wall • Dec. 31: Michelle Malone EVERETT’S MUSIC BARN 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee

Your Local Church Welcomes You Friendship Baptist Church

A Purpose Driven Church

3375 Church Lane, Duluth, GA Church Office: 770-497-8227 • Fax: 770-497-9775 Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor 2015 Christmas Presentation Warmer through Fellowship “Awaythrough from theDiscipleship Manger” Deeper Sunday, 20, 3:30 PM Larger December through Evangelism Sharing Ministries onthrough stage in our AND Stronger through and the Word of God FamilyWorship Life Center

Rev. Ronald L. Bowens 284001-1

Pastor

SUWANEE WORSHIP CENTER

A United Methodist Congregation

Two services 9:00 and 11:00 am

Regency

Church of God 1132 Buford Hwy 770-271-5610

770.945.6131

234 Shadburn Ave, Buford Pastor: Rev. Avery Headd B.A., M. Div.

Dr. Terry Reece • Senior Pastor

“Come and get Jesus” “A Church forconnected Hurting to People”

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

283998-1

“A Christ Centered Church Where Love is the Greatest” 134557

Rev. Ted Rollins

754 Brogdon Rd • Suwanee www.suwaneeworshipcenter.org

To advertise your church service or event here, contact Mary London

770.963.9205 x1211

275684-1

Times of Worship Sunday • 8 a.m.~11 a.m.

Times of Instruction Sunday • 9:45 a.m. Church School Sunday • 10:00 a.m. Invitational Counseling Wednesday • Youth Bible Studies 7 p.m.

Wednesday • Adult Bible Studies 7 p.m.

281736-1

Changing Lives through Faith

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

Poplar Hill Baptist Church 132nd Church Anniversary Sept. 27 9AM - Guest Speaker

Building People of Prayer, Purpose and Power

284004-1

275683-1

678-858-5363 everettsmusicbarn.net • Dec. 12: Bluegrass Alliance • Dec. 19: Volume Five FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 foxtheatre.org • Dec. 14: Star 94 Jingle Jam • Dec. 21: Keith and Kristyn Getty: Joy – An Irish Christmas • Dec. 29-31: Widespread Panic THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta. com/shows/the-loft/ www.centerstage-atlanta. com • Jan. 23: Jukebox the Ghost THE MASQUERADE 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-577-8178 www.masqueradeatlanta. com • Dec. 11: The Balck Dahlia Murder, Torch, Ascension: A Goth Industrial Night • Dec. 12: Northbound, Mosura, Bash of the Empire V • Dec. 13: RDGLDGRN, Afton Presents • Dec. 16: Mothership • Dec. 17: The Night Shift • Dec. 18: Clay Cages, Big K.R.I.T, Hyperspace • Dec. 19: Bad Luck, Sunnycide, Big K.R.I.T. • Dec. 21: Nana Grizol • Dec. 31: Dante’s Labyrinth PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com • Dec. 15: The Weeknd • Dec. 17: Jingle Ball • Dec. 19: V103 40th Anniversary Winterfest Concert • Dec. 20: Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular • Dec. 22: The Oak Ridge Boys RED CLAY MUSIC FOUNDRY 3116 Main St., Duluth 678-957-7283 www.eddieowenpresents. com • Dec. 11: LuKas • Dec. 12: Caroline Aiken, Michelle Malone, Dede Vogt • Dec. 16: Shawn Mullins, Matthew Kahler, Eliot Bronson • Dec. 17: An Evening with Clay Cook • Dec. 18: Alison Brown Quartet • Dec. 19: Suzy Bogguss Christmas Concert • Dec. 20: Big Dreams Concert with Dana Rice and Students • Dec. 22: Joe Gransden’s Big Band Holiday Show with Theresa Hightower • Dec. 26: Jamie Laval’s Scottish Solstice Celebration • Dec. 31: New Years Eve Celebration with The Elgin Wells Group RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 redlightcafe.com • Dec. 11: Speakeasy Electroswing • Dec. 12: The Vaudevillains’ Ugly Christmas Sweater Concert featuring Thom Bresh • Dec. 13: MKG Band, Jhelisa Anderson • Dec. 14: BAAT’s Motown Versus Stax Tribute

Jam • Dec. 16 and 23 and Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 : The Gordon Vernick Quartet — Wednesday JAZZ JAM • Dec. 17: BAAT’s XMAS JAM featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” • Dec. 18: SUSTO featuring Jordan Igoe • Dec. 19: Todd Prusin Experience and As of Yet and The Jangling Sparrows • Dec. 20: The First Annual Guitar Shed Winter Recital • Dec. 30: Absynthe Makes the Art Garfunkel: Fourth Anniversary Show • Dec. 31: New Years Eve Party with The Clermonts, Humdinger and Friends RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727 www.rialtocenter.org • Dec. 19-20: Celtic Christmas SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com • Dec. 11: Eric Dodd, The Night Owls, Dapper Slap, Michael Shane • Dec. 12: Will Kimbrough, Sunny Ledfurd, Fanny Pack, Runaway Gin Late Show • Dec. 13: Atlanta Beer and Hymns • Dec. 17: Kenny George Band • Dec. 18: Stonewall Station/Heartless Romantic/ The Ides of June, The Sundogs’ Tom Petty Show • Dec. 19: Those Cats, Dr. Strangelove • Dec. 24: B.O.B • Dec. 26: The Swinging Richards, Silver Alchemy • Dec. 30: Sam Holt Band • Dec. 31: Clashinta, Smithsonian, The Backyardbirds THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 tabernacleatl.com • Dec. 11: P.A.L Guns-NHoses Fundraiser • Dec. 13: Kid Cudi • Dec. 17: AWOLNATION, Metric • Dec. 18: The Arcs • Dec. 19: Papadosio’s “Earth Night” • Dec. 30 — Jan. 2: STS9 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta 404-521-1786 www.variety-playhouse.com • Dec. 11: Dawes • Dec. 12: Kingsized Holiday Jubilee • Dec. 13: A John Waters’ Christmas • Dec. 15: Festival of Light • Dec. 18: Rising Appalachia • Dec. 19: A Johnnyswim Christmas • Dec. 27: Dave Rawlings Machine • Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with The Motet VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.vzwamp.com • April 16: Bryan Adams WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com • Dec. 12: 94.9 The Bull’s Georgia Country Christmas Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or ticketmaster.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 7C

gwinnettdailypost.com

H LIDAY EVENTS Local happenings this season

Dec. 11

The Bogan Park and Aquatic Center presents its Holiday Night Out for the Bogan Kids Club from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The night will be filled with swimming, dinner, games, crafts and more. Make sure you bring your swimsuit, a towel and a seperate set of clothes as well. The Bogan Park and Aquatic Center is located at 2723 North Bogan Road in Buford. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty. com.

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center invites guests to its “Night Treks: Holiday Hike” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to enjoy the forest beauty and creature dwellers of the night that fill the winter atmosphere.

Registration online is required, and guests should meet at the front entrance outside of the Environmental and Heritage Center to begin the hike. The Gwinnett EHC is located at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford. For more information, visit gwinnettEHC.org.

Dec. 12

Wild Bill’s Atlanta along with 94.9 The Bull presents various artists at its Georgia Country Christmas event. Some of the artists include Granger Smith, A Thousand Horses and Lindsey Ell. All of these country artists will be performing their favorite holiday classics. Wild Bill’s Atlanta is located at 2075 Market Street in Duluth. For more information, visit wildbillsatlanta.com.

There will be a Polar Express pajama party beginning at 5 p.m. at Rhodes Jordan Park. Parents can drop off children in their pajamas so they can finish holiday shopping or just have the night off. For $21, the kids will enjoy pizza, writing letters to Santa, making Christmas ornaments and more. To end the night, hot chocolate will be provided as the kids enjoy “The Polar Express” movie. Rhodes Jordan Park is located at 100 East Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit gwinnettcounty.com.

There will be a cookie swap and craft sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Wynne-Russell House, located at 4685 Wynne-Russell Drive in Lilburn. Guests can come swap their cookies with others, browse the crafts or both. Vendor tables will also be on display and cost $15 to host a vendor table. For more

The Southeastern Railway Museum will host its Polar Express Experience on selected dates through Dec. ec 19 at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Mall of Georgia is hostGuests will watch the popular ing a pet night with Santa “Polar Express” movie as they from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests are embark on the classic holiday encouraged to bring their pets tale. For $25 and free admiswith them to take a family picsion for children 2 and under, ture with Santa and your pets. attendees will receive cookies, Shoppers are asked to use hot chocolate and a special the entrance between Savvii holiday gift. The Southeastern Formal Wear and Armani Railway Museum is located Exchange if they are bringing at 3595 Peachtree Road in ngoing their pets to the picture set.

Duluth. For more information, The Mall of Georgia is located Stone Mountain Christvisit southeasternrailwaymuat 3333 Buford Drive in Buford. mas will be held through Jan. seum.com.

For more information, visit 2 at Stone Mountain Park, Historic Downtown Normallofgeorgia.com. located at 1000 Robert E. Lee cross presents its SPARKLE! Boulevard in Stone Mountain. event on selected dates Guests are invited to enjoy through Dec. 24. The event will ec over two million holiday lights feature a celebration of kids, There will be a Christmas and their favorite music and creativity and magic as elves tea party from 2 to 4 p.m. at characters. A 4-D “Ice Age” ex- play peek-a-boo through trees George Pierce Park located perience, North Pole favorites and plants. There will also be at 55 Buford Highway in Suand a snow angel palace are a horse drawn carriage and wanee. Guests can enjoy the just a few of the many acguests can also visit Santa’s decorated community building tivities available for the whole Workshop. The event is with festive treats, music and family. For more information, located at 65 Lwarenceville St. fellowship as they sip their visit stonemountainpark.com. in Norcross. For more informaChristmas tea. For more inforThe Bowl at Sugar Hill City tion, visit aplacetoimagine. mation, visit gwinnettcounty.

Hall is hosting its ice skating com. com. rink on selected times and Gwinnett Place Mall weldates through Feb. 28. Show comes Santa Claus for the off your ice skating skills by holiday season. Santa will be ec skating on the Sugar Hill ice at the mall through Dec. 24 There will be an Elf on the during the 90-minute sesat the the front entrance near Shelf dinner from 6:30 to 8 sions. The Bowl at Sugar Hill Lens Crafters. On Nov. 21, p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic is located at 5039 Wess Broad upon Santa’s arrival, there will Courthouse. For only $12, Street in Buford. For more be a parade featuring Spongeguests can come eat a pizza information, visit icerinkatsug- Bob and members of “Frozen.” dinner with their favorite elves arhill.com.

The Gwinnett Place Mall is and even a visit from Santa.

Lake Lanier Islands will located at 2100 Pleasant Hill There will also be crafts, story host its Magical Nights of Road in Duluth. For more time, a hot cocoa bar and Lights every night through information, visit shopgwincookie decorating. The GwinJan. 3. Millions of twinkling nettmall.com. nett Historic Courthouse is lights are on display as guests Downtown Braselton is oflocated at 185 Crogan Street drive through the magical exfering its “Let’s Go Caroling in Lawrenceville. For more inperience. At the end, the family and Downtown Businesses formation, visit gwinnettcounty. can enjoy Santa’s Holiday Decorated Tree Competicom.

Village and meet Santa Claus tion” on selected dates himself. Beginning at 11 a.m. through Dec. 12. There will during these dates, guests be maps available as guests ec can enjoy Lanier Islands’ Win- can follow the luminara trail The 2015 Family Winter ter Adventure, which features and enjoy the various caroling Fest will be at the Gwinnett a snow-packed winter play groups. Guests can also vote County Fairgrounds starting land. Lake Lanier Islands is for their favorite decorated at 9 a.m. The event is free located at 7000 Lanier Islands trees as the online contest will to enter and includes dance Parkway in Buford. For more continue through Christmas groups, a DJ, a kids zone, information, visit lanierislands. Eve. Downtown Braselton is a petting zoo, face painting, com. located at 65 Frances Street in vendors, crafts, food trucks, The Gwinnett Environman- Braselton. For more informaa bouncy house, raffles and tal and Heritage Center is tion, visit downtownbraselton. much more. The Gwinnett com.

County Fairgrounds is located offering Candlelight Tours at McDaniel Farm on selected The Southeastern Railway at 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in dates through Dec. 21 at 7 Museum hosts the Duluth Lawrenceville. For more inforand 8:30 p.m. The 1930s Festival of Trees on selected mation, visit gwinnettcountyMcDaniel Farm presents dates through Jan. 2. The fair.com. costumed, guided tours as Duluth Festival of Trees will The city of Duluth will host guests have the opportunity to be on display for all who visit Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon at discover historic traditions and the museum, and all proceeds will benefit the Southeastern Red Clay Music Foundry. Chil- customs around the holiday season at the McDaniel Farm. Railway Museum and the dren will have the opportunity The McDaniel Farm is located Duluth Historical Society. to share a cookie or two and at 3251 McDaniel Road in The Southeastern Railway hot chocolate with Santa as Museum is located at 3595 well as bring their letter to him. Duluth. For more information, visit gwinnettehc.com.

Peachtree Road in Duluth. For The Red Clay Music Foundry

information, visit lilburnevents. com.

D . 13

is located at 3116 Main Street in Duluth. For more information, visit duluthga.net.

The Simon Kidgits Club will host its Winterfest from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Food Court at Sugarloaf Mills. Enjoy all of the fun, holiday-themed activities as a family. Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit simon. com.

O

D . 17

D . 18

D . 19

more information, visit duluthhistorical.org.

The South Gwinnett Rotary Club presents its “Christmas Trees for Charity” through Dec. 24 at the Mall of Georgia.

Four Christmas trees will be decorated by the following charities: Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club, Annandale Village, Covenant Counseling and Family Resource Center, and Family Promise of Gwinnett. The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford. For more information, visit simon.com.

The Mall of Georgia hosts Photos with Santa through Dec. 24 by the Mountain Court. Papa Elf will be at the Santa Set on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Simon Kidgits members will receive a special discount at the Santa Set. The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford.

For more information, visit mallofgeorgia.com or make an appointment at noerrsanta. com.

Sugarloaf Mills will also host Photos with Santa through Dec. 24 by the AMC Theaters. Families and guests can take their picture with Santa and keep a photo memory that can last forever.

Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit simon.com.

The Salvation Army presents its annual Angel Tree program through Dec. 12 at the Mall of Georgia and Sugarloaf Mills. The program provides children of families in need with new clothing and toys. The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford, and Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit simon. com.

The Mall of Georgia presents its United Hospice Tree of Memories through Dec. 24.

The tree will be located at the upper level of the mall across from Macy’s. The Tree of Memories allows guests to share their favorite memory with a loved one that they have lost.

The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford.

For more information, visit mallofgeorgia.com.

Simon presents its Spread Love Photo Booth from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec.12 and 19 at the Mall of Georgia. The photo booth will be availabe for families and friends to show the holiday spirit in a photo. The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive

in Buford. For more information, visit simon.com.

The Mall of Georgia will host its Sounds of the Season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 11. Local elementary, middle and high school choirs and orchestra groups from throughout the community will be performing holiday classics in the Food Court. The Mall of Georgia is located at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford. For more information, visit mallofgeorgia.com.

Sugarloaf Mills will host its “Pet Photos with Santa” Dec. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring their pets with them to take a family picture with Santa and your pets. Shoppers are asked to not bring exotic pets or reptiles. Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more information, visit simon. com.

Ongoing Metro

Six Flags Over Georgia presents Holiday in the Park through Jan. 3. LED lights and many Christmas trees will fill the park as the Christmas theme provides a magical atmosphere to capture the true holiday season. Six Flags Over Georgia is located at 275 Riverside Parkway in Austell.

For more information, visit sixflags.com.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden will host its Garden Lights from 5 to 10 p.m. every night through Jan. 9. The Atlanta Botanical Garden will present its annual light display, and this year features the Tunnel of Light, Orchestral Orbs, and Radiant Rainforest. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit atlantabg.org.

Lenox Square presents the famous Macy’s Pink Pig through Jan. 3 at selected times. The tradition has continued for over 50 years as Atlanta’s most beloved holiday ride. Macy’s Lenox Square is located at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit macys.com.

The Georgia Aquarium features its Festival of the SEAson through Dec. 25.

The event provides guests with the Holidazzle light and music show, the Scuba Claus dive show, the Symphony of Snow and more. The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in Atlanta. For more information, visit georgiaaquarium.org.

TALKING THE TALK

Marion Cotillard, pictured at left, stars as Lady Macbeth and Michael Fassbender, at right, stars as Macbeth in the film adaptation of “Macbeth.” (Special Photo: The Weinstein Company)

Accents hold back otherwise solid ‘Macbeth’ adaptation Macbeth Macbeth (R) (R) 3 outHHHH of 4 stars

to the table.

While Australian director Justin Kurzel and his committee of three screenwriters don’t do much that hasn’t been done before

By Michael Clark from a narrative perspecMovie Critic tive, they do lend their verSecond only to “Rosion of “Macbeth” a lot of meo & Juliet” in number bite, albeit of the recycled of screen adaptations, variety. It will surely click “Macbeth” is also William with dedicated fans of the Shakespeare’s shortest trag- Bard, ardent followers of edy and — in the opinion of members the principal cast some — it’s his best written and cultists of a previous and most tightly conmulti-Oscar winning flick structed. With its themes of from the ’90s but beyond power struggles, paranoia, that, commercial windfall mental cruelty, wrath and seems slim if not impossiretribution, it is as rich as ble and awards recognition any play ever conceived. It minimal. also comes with Herculean The best tools in Kurexpectations. Any filmzel’s arsenal are Michael maker wishing to tackle it Fassbender (Macbeth) and better bring something new Marion Cotillard (Lady

Macbeth) as his leads. Each is immensely talented (and, more importantly, camera friendly) thespians who, despite the often difficult and challenging nature of the source material, could pull off these roles while sleeping. The difficulty with Shakespeare isn’t memorizing the lines as much as it is cadence, rhythm, and conviction and these two actors can handle those duties without breaking much of a sweat.

This version of “Macbeth” is more akin to “Braveheart” than any other screen adaptation of the play, which is both good and bad. From an action/ realism perspective, it’s great. The battle scenes are violent and graphic, as they

should be. As both films are set in Scotland at relatively the same time, it makes sense that they could mirror each visually.

The problem — and it’s huge — is the dialogue. As is often the case with many Shakespeare films, the Old English construction and sometimes overwrought nature of the words comes in garbled thickets of verbiage few people can understand.

Some members of the press were afforded the chance to screen the film via DVD which came with optional English subtitles and made navigating much easier, but most American audiences won’t be afforded that luxury — and it indeed was a luxury.

Even though the char-

acters in “Braveheart” also spoke with thick Scottish accents it was done while speaking “new,” some might even say Americanized English, yet this did nothing to lessen or cheapen the impact. Even though the themes in Shakespeare’s plays are timeless and universal and the writing impeccable, few could argue that it’s beyond dated.

Shakespearean purists will vehemently argue these observations and decry that simplifying, modernizing or “dumbing down” the dialogue for the sake of larger audiences is literary heresy and their points are valid.

But there is something they need to take into account.

If you want these works to appeal to those beyond

those who will go see them no matter what, you should consider retaining the blueprints and building new structures around them. This was done way back in 1961 when “Romeo and Juliet” became “West Side Story,” won 10 Oscars (including Best Picture) and to this day remains the highest-grossing Shakespeare adaptation of all-time.

Shakespeare has more than stood the test of time.

It is because the stories themselves are so pure and perfect that reincarnating them will only make it obvious to new audiences just what they’ve been missing all this time.

(The Weinstein Company)

8C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

movies

‘The Good Dinosaur’ film fans

WHO WILL LIKE THIS...

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

PASS/FAIL

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the movie of the week: “The Good Dinosaur.” To be a film fan, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

SEE IT NOW OR WAIT

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Pass: The animation of the scenery is probably the best I’ve ever seen come out of Pixar. There were times I thought I was watching real images of trees, mountains and water: very realistic.

Fail: On the flip side, the dinosaurs were a stark contrast to this. They came across as more cartoony and not a good compliment to the beautiful background.

Unfortunately, no one really gave an exceptional performance as there were few speaking parts in the first place.

Obviously fans of Pixar movies will want to see this one.

However, it is very much geared toward younger audiences despite some of the more darker moments.

Unless you just want to get out of the house for a few hours, this one can probably wait for the home experience.

Surprisingly, “The Good Dinosaur” didn’t live up to the standard we’ve all come to appreciate from Pixar. Although the background animation was amazing and very realistic, the story fell a little short. It came across as a weak imitation of “The Lion King” minus the fun and music.

I particularly did not like the scenes with the T-Rex characters. They felt completely out of place with awkward Southern accents and cowboy themes.

In the end, “The Good Dinosaur” is just OK, but probably not worth the price of admission.

Pass: Jaw-dropping animation that makes the screen come alive.

Fail: A storyline that’s very contrived; humorous parts are few and far between; almost no character development; the movie drags at times, then explodes with heaps of violence; very little in the way of snappy dialogue. “The Good Dinosaur” was a real let-down for the kids in my audience, who just sat there quiet and kinda bored for nearly the whole film.

The “bonding” between Arlo (the title character) and Spot (the human child who follows Arlo around on all fours like an animal throughout the film) just doesn’t seem to come about with any sense of logic or purpose. Reportedly, at least two different directors worked on this film, whose release was delayed twice since 2013; the unevenness of the story and characters seem to bear evidence of this.

The animators for Pixar/Disney. They really make “The Good Dinosaur” a wondrous viewing experience.

Anyone who has seen Pixar films from the days of “Toy Story” onward will marvel at the realistic details and breathtaking scenery that are featured in “The Good Dinosaur.” However, this flick is woefully lacking in heart and likable characters whom you can root for.

Wait for the Blu-ray, but watch it on the largest honkin’ screen you can.

It’s really a feast for the eyes.

Like the kiddies around me in the theater, I mostly just sat there and watched “The Good Dinosaur.” It wasn’t funny (except for the part where Arlo and Spot get stoned on some fermented peaches — and that scene only lasts for about two minutes).

This is NOT a kid-friendly flick, in my mind, since there is quite a lot of killing and critters being bashed, drowned or eaten alive. I was really disappointed in how a Pixar film with such stunning animation could be so blah. All in all, I would re-title this as “The Fair-to-Middling Dinosaur.”

Pass: The animation is very good here, with impressive graphics and an effective soundtrack featuring booming brass choirs, soaring strings and tons of dramatic percussion. The voice-over work is fine, but not exemplary. Most of these voice actors were unfamiliar to me, though I recognized a couple names in the credits (including Frances McDormand and Steve Zahn).

Fail: The plot is worn out; there is hardly any new ground broken here, or anything that is particularly inventive.

By Pixar standards, the story is weak with very little that is unpredictable.

Sam Elliott voices Butch and I found his performance to be the most layered and memorable. He demonstrates nuances within his character in the brief ten minutes in which he appears.

This Pixar/Disney collaboration is aimed directly at the pre-teen market with its PG rating and relatively short running time of approximately 90 minutes.

For families, this one is worth a matinee. While there were efforts to have some fun 3-D moments, 2-D will suffice for this two-star wonder. If you own a decent television, wait for the DVD or stream it at home to save some dough.

Ho-hum. Even the movie’s title is non-descriptive and vague. There is very little in the way of laugh-out-loud comedy here, and few jokes that go over the heads of the children as you might have experienced in “The Lego Movie” or even the “Toy Story” series.

Toward the end, however, there is one very poignant scene in which the leading character, Arlo, parts ways with his companion, Spot. Even the toughest of adults will have a hard time keeping it together during this wordless moment. I just wish there had been more excitement, more emotion, more story, more poignant moments. Just more!

Arrive on time, as there is a Pixar short film entitled “Sanjay’s Super Team” before “The Good Dinosaur” begins. I wish I could rave about it, but it was subpar for Pixar, too.

Kenny Grams, Lawrenceville

HHHH

Tim Weekley, Suwanee

HHHH

Paul Tate, Sugar Hill

HHHH tion did the Geena Davis character play in “A League of Their Own?” A: Catcher Now, for this week’s questions: 1. Madonna was the original choice for the female Test your lead in what romantic drama film knowledge with that was eventually played by another, now deceased Michael Clark singer?

So, you think you’re good 2. After starring in what at movie trivia? Every week, movie did Warren Beatty we give readers the opbecome a multi-millionaire? portunity to flex their movie 3. What character from muscles by answering five “The Godfather” trilogy trivia questions from our was played by three or more movie critic, Michael Clark. performers?

Congratulations to 4. Name the movie to win last week’s winner, Lou the most Oscars without also Laughman of Lawrencev- winning Best Picture. ille.

5. What College Football Here are last week’s Hall of Fame member was questions again and the also a character in “Forrest answers: Gump?”

1. According to Buddy The first person (located the Elf in “Elf,” what are the within the US) to respond four major food groups? with all of the correct anA: Candy, Candy Canes, swers receives a prize of an Candy Corn and Syrup item or items (movie T-shirts, 2. What Beatles album hats, posters, etc.). The does the Tommy Lee Jones winner also gets their name character in “Men in Black” published in the next Weekmention by name? end section. Please email A: “The Beatles” aka your answers, along with “The White Album” your name to clarkwriter@ 3. The final scene in “Out mindspring.com. Include of Sight” is set in what city? “Gwinnett Daily Post Trivia A: Detroit Contest” in the subject line.

4. Name the last female In the event no one answers to win two acting Oscars all of the questions correctly, in films made by the same the person with the most director. correct answers submitted A: Diane Wiest (Woody by 6 p.m. the Monday after Allen) in “Hannah & Her the contest is posted will be Sisters” and “Bullets Over the winner. Only one winner Broadway” per household is eligible for 5. What (baseball) posieach 30-day period.

DISC SPOTLIGHT

Lights, camera,

MICHAEL CLARK

Ant-Man

Blu-ray 3-D (PG-13) Movie: HHHH Disc: HHHH

questions

NOW SHOWING Recently reviewed films by movie critic Michael Clark now playing in metro area theaters • Chi-Raq (R) — 1 ½ stars Spike Lee brings his usual in-your-face bluster to his adaptation of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” — an ancient Greek tragedy. Lee uses the present day violence in Chicago as the backdrop yet is completely tone-deaf regarding the bone-dry satire of the

source material.

• Creed (PG-13) — 2 ½ stars Or… “Rocky VII.” Good but not the great movie many are hailing it, “Creed” does its own thing for the first act then essentially follows the blueprint of every “Rocky” flick for the remainder. Recommendable for Sylvester Stallone turning in his best Rocky ever.

• Trumbo (R) — 3 stars

As the Ant-Man character is one of the least well-known in the Marvel universe, the commercial and creative expectations for it were relatively low and by anyone’s standards the “AntMan” movie exceeded them all.

The unlikely Paul Rudd stars as unwilling hero Scott Lang — a convicted thief hand-picked by mysterious scientist Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) who, in tandem with his estranged daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly), whips Scott into shape and prepares him for the inevitable showdown with Darren Cross a.k.a. Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll).

Look for the sequel coming out in 2018.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1/1080p), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 7.1, 2.0), French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1), subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include: • Deleted scenes • Commentaries • 3 Making-of featurettes • First edition slipcover packaging • Includes 3-D and standard 2-D Blu-ray discs • Digital copy (Disney, $39.99)

COMING SOON TO OWN • “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” (Dec. 15) — Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is an agent without an agency after the CIA shuts down his team. (PG-13) • “Ted 2” (Dec. 15) — The talking teddy bear (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) runs into trouble in becoming an adoptive parent; Mark Wahlberg also returns. (R and unrated versions) • “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” (Dec. 15) — In the sequel, the Gladers find new hurdles in opposing the organization WCKD; star Dylan O’Brien returns. (PG-13) • “Fantastic Four” (Dec. 15) — Miles Teller and Kate Mara are among those playing the latest screen incarnations of the Marvel Comics characters. (PG-13) • “War Room” (Dec. 22) — A

Bryan Cranston leads a brilliant cast in this comedic drama based on the career of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, an admitted Communist who was blacklisted in the ‘50s yet was still able to continue working, albeit via slippery, backdoor, less-than-desired methods.

• Victor Frankenstein (PG13) — 1 star Yet another origin adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel

maritally challenged couple (Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stallings) is affected by a woman (Karen Abercrombie) who inspires them to fight for their family.

(PG) • “Black Mass” (Dec. 22) — Johnny Depp stars as Boston-mob figure James “Whitey” Bulger, an informant for an FBI agent and childhood friend (Joel Edgerton). (R) • “Pan” (Dec. 22) — The young Peter Pan (Levi Miller) discovers Neverland, the Captain Hook-to-be (Garrett Hedlund) and the pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). (PG) • “The Perfect Guy” (Dec. 29) — A woman (Sanaa Lathan) comes to regret getting involved with a stranger (Michael Ealy) who begins stalking her; Morris Chestnut also stars.

(PG-13)

and perhaps the worst ever made. James McAvoy plays the spastic title character and almost ruins his sterling reputation in the process.

Daniel Radcliffe co-stars and emerges unscathed.

• Brooklyn (PG-13) — 3 stars Mixing sweet and charming, old-fashioned 1940s simplicity with slightly edgier art-house underpinnings, “Brooklyn” isn’t

terribly original yet at around 90 minutes does it’s thing efficiently without making too many errors. Well-crafted but kind of dull.

• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13) — 2 ½ stars After app. 10 hours of narrative spread out over three previous films, “The Hunger Games” saga ends with a relatively muted whimper with

leading lady Jennifer Lawrence looking spent, relieved and largely uninspired.

• Secret in Their Eyes (PG-13) — 3 stars A serviceable if not above average remake of the 2009 Oscar-winning Argentine original, this noirish murder mystery thriller starring Chitwetel Ejiofor, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman presents an interesting take on the meaning of justice.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 • 9C

gwinnettdailypost.com

BIG FLOP

The seafarers get up close and personal with the monstrous whale in “In the Heart of the Sea.” (Special Photo: Warner Bros.)

of the movie interviewing Thomas Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) in 1850, the last survivor of the doomed Nantucket-based Essex whaling ship that went down in the Pacific Ocean in 1820.

By Michael Clark Philbrick’s non-fiction Movie Critic novel was itself based in part on other books written by Showing up to the table a Nickerson and Owen Chase day late and a dollar short, (Chris Hemsworth), the first Ron Howard tosses his hat mate on the Essex. into the fickle and temThere’s lots of “based on” peramental 3-D ring with stuff going on here which abysmal results in what only gets murkier thanks to might be the worst film he’s all of the various text’s conever made and, based on the nections to Melville’s classic opening weekend receipts “Moby-Dick,” which was overseas, could become his made into four other films, biggest-ever box office flop. most notably the one from A former child/teen actor 1956 starring Gregory Peck. and Academy Award winning We can tell Howard is director (“A Beautiful Mind”), grasping for straws early on Howard has proven he knows when the (most likely reconhow to do action (“Rush”) figured in post-production) and period drama (“Apollo 3-D is largely close-ups of 13,” “Cinderella Man”) and people’s hands, the sharpwhile “In the Heart of the ening of an axe blade on Sea” has plenty of both, next a grindstone and animals to none of it gels and almost eating corn. There are a all of it looks horrible. handful of instances where Based on the 2000 Nathe 3-D makes semi-positive tional Book Award winner impressions later on — like of almost the same name by when the Essex going down Nathaniel Philbrick, “Sea” in flames, for instance — but brings with it a terrific prem- for the most part, it’s a waste ise. Determined and focused of time and is visually inert. to pen a novel worthy of his It doesn’t help matters idol Nathaniel Hawthorne, that a good 75 percent of author Herman Melville (Ben the movie takes place at sea Whishaw) spends the entirety where the color palette is

largely variations of muddled blues, pea greens and brownish blacks that were shot at night while raining or under water.

What Howard and his committee of three screenwriters does get right has little to do with what goes on at sea but rather the politically charged, possibly criminal-based plans considered in hushed, mahoganylined New England seaside offices before and after the years’ long voyage and the interview sequences between Melville and Nickerson.

In 1820, whaling was to the nation what the petroleum business is today.

Propelled by burgeoning industry and the still-strong slave trade, the demand for whale oil was at its peak and it was a decided seller’s market. With electricity still in its infancy, there were few fuel/power alternatives and those pulling the strings were mercilessly ruthless.

Had the narrative put the focus on this angle of the story, the result would have certainly been more interesting.

Adding to Howard’s woes was his ill-advised decision to reveal his “beast” way too early. He should have taken a cue from Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” by waiting until at

least the start of the third act to fully present the movie’s Moby-Dick-inspired creature which, admittedly, is an impressive concoction of CGI know-how and wherewithal.

Given their closed-quarters setting, Whishaw and Gleeson are afforded plenty of room to stretch and they do reasonably well. With one trying to prod the other into revealing what he’s held secret for decades, theirs is a tense chess game that often suggests Howard’s winning

“Frost/Nixon.” As for Hemsworth … it’s yet another career bust.

Not even five years ago, Hemsworth (for good reason) was being hailed as the next Brad Pitt, and apart from his participation in “Rush,” he’s yet to land a true breakout lead role. Yes, he was in two “Avengers” movies (in supporting roles) and two “Thor” movies as the lead. But the success of those four features had little to do with him as an actor and more with the

Marvel juggernaut.

What Hemsworth needs to do is what he did in “Vacation” earlier this year. Do a little self-deprecating comedy, show some range and stop trying to channel Marlon Brando in “Mutiny on the Bounty” as he did here. He’d better do it soon though; Hollywood is thoroughly unforgiving when it comes to keeping the windows of opportunity open for lucrative, would-be matinee idols.

(Warner Bros.)

WIN A 4 PACK OF TICKETS!

GEORGIA DOME

JAN. 9 & MAR. 5

Buy Tickets: ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office

MONSTERJAM.COM Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2015 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Phone: _______________ Email: __________________________ Mail your complete entry form to GDP/MonsterJam PO Box 603. Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com/contests to enter at Contest Central.

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Sponsor and their families are not eligible. All entries must be completely filled out to be eligible.

Void where prohibited & restricted by law.

Entries must be received by December 31, 2015. Winners will be notified.

297986-1

In the Heart of the Sea (PG-13) IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (PG-13) HHHH 1 1/2 out of 4 stars

‘In the Heart of the Sea’ marks Ron Howard’s worst effort to date

Please send me more information on Monster Jam or Feld Entertainment.

10C • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

television

Mariah Carey croons Mystery covers a broad ‘A Christmas Melody’ ‘Expanse’ in Syfy series

By Jay Bobbin

By Jay Bobbin

Your TV Link

Your TV Link

It’s logical to assume just about any Mariah Carey project will involve her singing, but “A Christmas Melody” involves much more for her.

The five-time Grammy winner not only is a star but also the director of Hallmark Channel’s new Saturday, Dec. 19, movie about a youngster (played by Fina Strazza, alias Broadway’s “Matilda”) who’s relocated from Manhattan to her divorced mother’s (Lacey Chabert) Ohio hometown.

They run into problems with the local PTA president (Carey) — Mom’s highschool rival — but a music teacher (Brennan Elliott, of Hallmark’s series “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove”) and a coffee-shop owner (Kathy Najimy) try to make things better for them.

“Dreamlover,” “Fantasy” and “Always Be My Baby” hitmaker Carey explained that directing is “something I’ve done behind the scenes, on music videos, for a long time. I’ve never really talked about it that much because I didn’t want people to think I was doing it as a vanity thing. Really, it’s just because I care about the outcome of a project.

“When it came to looking at ‘A Christmas Melody,’ it really was so I could direct it. I wasn’t even going to act in it, which would have been easier … but this was a really good experience for me.

I like my role in it, because she’s kind of a funny stage mom who’s not the nicest person on Earth, so Lacey and I have some fun scenes

How different will detective work be in the future?

Different enough to justify a new series hybrid of mystery and science-fiction, inspired by a best-selling book franchise. Syfy gives “The Expanse” a two-night premiere Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 14 and 15, with Thomas Jane among its stars as a sleuth who’s weary of his world 200 years from now, when the solar system has been colonized.

Steven Strait (“Magic City”) also stars as a spaceship captain united with him in the search for a missing woman, which ultimately has implications for all of mankind.

Though the “Expanse” novels (five, to date), novellas (two) and short stories (two) state the author as James S.A. Corey, that’s actually the pen name used by the team of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.

Executive producer Naren Shankar, an alum of such sci-fi-oriented series as “Almost Human” and “Farscape,” credits the writers with devising “a truly living, believable, fully rendered, fleshed-out place.

And in terms of where the series can go, it can just keep going, and that’s a wonderful thing to have underneath everything we’re doing.”

Jane has done his share of feature films, including “Magnolia” and “Deep Blue Sea,” but he also has done series work before with HBO’s “Hung” and History’s limited-run “Texas Rising.”

He said he appreciates

Mariah Carey directs and appears in Saturday’s new Hallmark Channel movie “A Christmas Melody.” (Special Photo: Your TV Link)

together.”

And yes, there is plentiful music in “A Christmas Melody,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean Carey’s is the film’s dominant voice in that sense.

“We hear a lot of Christmas music in it,” she said, “and an original song that I wrote and recorded, but I changed the lyrics for Fina Strazza so that it would work for the movie. She re-recorded it in my studio in my house, and it’s a good performance. Her acting is the main thing, though. She kind of lights up the screen; she’s really a special talent.”

After her appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, another part of Carey’s holiday season is her second year of concerts at New York’s Beacon Theatre, wrapping up just before “A Christmas Melody” debuts. Those shows are named for her seasonal standard “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and she said she enjoys its use in the popular 2003 movie comedy “Love Actually,” as sung by young Olivia Olson.

“I think it’s great! I think

it was really cute. I don’t think I ever knew at the time, when I said that they could use it, that it would become such a big movie … kind of a classic. As the cowriter of the song, it makes me happy to see people enjoy it during the holidays.

It’s a great feeling.”

Among the filmmakers Carey — who recently got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — has worked with is Lee Daniels (in his drama “The Butler”). Though her immediate future entails a return to Las Vegas to finish up her concert residency at Caesars Palace, and evidently an appearance on Fox’s “American Idol” by former judge Carey during its upcoming final season — there’s a possibility she could turn up on Daniels’ Fox series “Empire.”

“I want to play a character, and not myself, if I go on it,” she said, “so we have to talk about it. I think he wants me to be in an episode that he directs, so we’ll see if it works out. And if not, the show will still be there, but I’d be excited to do it.”

Shohreh Aghdashloo stars in the series “The Expanse,” premiering Monday, Dec. 14, on Syfy. (Special Photo: Your TV Link)

weekly television for its “much broader opportunity to really dig in and flesh out a character, provided you have great writing, which this show does. And that’s why I’m here, because great writing turns me on. And this show has exceptional writing … starting with the books that we all (in the ‘Expanse’ cast) read and turned us on, and then sitting down with the (TV-series) team.”

Also notable among the “Expanse” performers is Shohreh Aghdashloo (“24,” “House of Sand and Fog”), playing a political wheelerdealer whose United Nations position helps her keep the interests of Earth in clear view.

She applauds “the diversity on this show — which is amazing — (and) all the amount of work and the thought and the money that this the production is putting into this, which is making it really huge. I’ve worked 35 years. I’ve never seen anything like this. Every time I go to work, (there are) dif-

ferent stages, Martians, this and that. I am like, ‘How many films are we making here?’”

Indeed, earthlings, Martians and the edge-of-society Belters comprise the three factions of “The Expanse.”

Shankar explained that “when people get to the point where they can identify somebody else as different from them, that’s when conflict starts to happen … when you can say that person is not the same color as you, or is not the same tribe as you. That gives you a reason to fight.

“One of the themes we have at the heart of the show,” Shankar added, “is this sense that that same quality that enables human beings to conquer space and to do great, great things are the same qualities that cause us to fight and cause us to wage war. Think of it as humanity at another one of those points where it’s a powder keg just waiting for a spark to happen. And then lots of bad things will happen after that.”