gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ wednesday, may 27, 2020 ♦ A3
WORLD & NATION
WORLD
Health official: Latin America now ‘epicenter of the outbreak’ Latin America has surpassed Europe and the United States in the daily number of reported Covid-19 infections, the director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Tuesday, putting the region at the center of the global outbreak. There have been more than 2.4 million cases and more than 143,000 deaths in all of the Americas, Dr. Carissa Etienne told a press briefing, adding the region “has become the epicenter of the Covid pandemic.” PAHO is particularly concerned about Brazil, where the number of new cases reported last week “was the highest for a seven-day period since the outbreak began,” Etienne said. Peru and Chile are also reporting a high number of cases, she added, warning that for countries in the region “now is not the time to relax restrictions or scale back preventive strategies.” Peru and Chile are among the region’s worst hit. They now hold the world’s highest infection rates per capita over a seven-day rolling average, according to Our World in Data, an independent statistics website headquartered at Oxford University.
Denmark allows some ‘sweethearts’ across border to reunite Lockdowns and social distancing restrictions have pushed couples apart around the world. But Denmark is now allowing some citizens in cross-border relationships to reunite with their partners. The government eased coronavirus restrictions on Monday, allowing the fiancés and partners of some citizens to enter Denmark from neighboring countries, police and justice officials told CNN. The relaxed border controls apply only to permanent residents of Denmark’s neighboring nations — Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Couples must also have met regularly in person to be considered under the policy. The plan has caused controversy in Denmark, as those seeking to cross the border must prove to the police that their relationship is at least six months old. “The police requested people to prove the relationship by showing proof. The proof could be love letters or photos or things like that, but that was changed yesterday by the Minister of Justice,” a Danish Police spokesperson said.
Holiday revelers cram together without masks as virus spreads By Holly Yan and Christina Maxouris CNN
Packing pool parties and other Memorial Day events, many Americans marked the unofficial start of summer just like they did before coronavirus. But while the revelers shunned face masks and ignored social distancing guidelines, the virus keeps spreading unabated, killing both the elderly and the young. By Tuesday afternoon, more than 1,671,000 Americans have been infected with the coronavirus, and more than 98,400 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In 17 states, the numbers of new cases are trending upward. Those states include Georgia, Arkansas, California and Alabama. In 20 states, the numbers of new cases each day are generally going down. And 13 states, the numbers appear to be holding steady. Some Americans took warnings from health officials very seriously — wearing masks while in public, keeping their distance from strangers or celebrating the holiday weekend at home. Those precautions are especially important because
new research shows an estimated 40% of coronavirus transmissions happen before symptoms even appear. And now that states have loosened or eliminated stayat-home orders, “it is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community,” said Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all.”
‘The disease can jump out at any time’ What used to be typical summer pastimes are now potential breeding grounds for coronavirus. A cluster of new cases emerged after swim party in Arkansas. In Atlanta, several recent prep school graduates also tested positive for the coronavirus, including one who had friends over for a graduation party. In Arkansas, one of the few states that never en-
NATION
Dow soars 530 points on big hopes for a vaccine and the economy’s reopening Floor trading reopened at the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rang the opening bell, and traders exulted in cheers. It was the perfect setting for investors’ unbridled enthusiasm about the markets. The stock market rallied at the start of the shortened week after markets were closed for Memorial Day on Monday, with all three major indexes finishing higher. The Dow closed up 530 points, or 2.2%, boosted by optimism about the continued gradual reopening of the economy and a new potential coronavirus vaccine. At its high, the index was up more than 700 points and climbed above 25,000 points, a level it hasn’t closed at since March 10.
White House has plan to cap insulin costs at France to inject almost $35 a month for senior $9 billion into ailing Medicare enrollees auto industry
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an $8.8 billion aid package for the country’s embattled auto industry, which has seen sales tank during the coronavirus pandemic. Macron said around 400,000 cars are sitting in factories and parking lots unsold with an 80% drop in sales compared to the same time last year. Macron outlined the aid package during a visit to a Valeo factory for electric car parts in Northern France. — From wire reports
alex edelman/aFp via getty images
People enjoy the boardwalk during the Memorial Day holiday weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic in Ocean City, Maryland. The beach front destination has lifted its COVID-19 related beach and boardwalk restrictions May 9 and lodging restrictions May 14.
Most senior Medicare recipients will be able to get prescription plans that cap copay costs for insulin, allowing them access to various types of insulins at no more than a $35 copay for a month’s supply, the White House announced during a call with reporters on Tuesday. Senior beneficiaries will have access to the new benefit through Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. “That results in approximately a 66% or two-thirds reduction in out-of-pocket costs,” White House coun-
tayfun coskun/anadolu agency via getty images
The Wall Street Bull (The Charging Bull) is seen during COVID-19 pandemic in New York City on Tuesday. Wall Street trading floor partially reopening after coronavirus pandemic shutdown. selor Kellyanne Conway said during the call. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil details about this new Medicare benefit during a Rose Garden news conference on Tuesday. Conway added that the heads of insulin manufacturers are expected to attend, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, as well as insurance representatives and the American Diabetes Association. “These plans will begin starting in January 2021 in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico, and seniors can find a participating plan on our ‘Medicare plan finder’ during the annual open enrollment period, which begins on October 15,” Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said during Tuesday’s call.
Pence press secretary back to work after coronavirus recovery Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller has returned to work after testing positive for coronavirus earlier this month, announcing Tuesday that she has now tested negative three times. She also noted that she is
acted stay-at-home orders, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the state seemed to be experiencing a “second peak.” Despite the warning, crowds gathered over the weekend in Lake Hamilton, where Karen Lee said many people decided to forgo masks. “We’re all just embracing it,” Lee told CNN affiliate KARK. “I could get killed by COVID today or I could get hit by a bus or a car tomorrow. I am practicing proper handwashing and hygiene.” not tolerate racism of any kind at Franklin Templeton,” the company said on Twitter. Amy Cooper was walking her dog Monday morning while Christian Cooper (no relation) was bird-watching at a wooded area of Central Park called the Ramble. They both told CNN their dispute began because her dog was not on a leash, contrary to the Ramble’s rules, according to the park’s website. Christian Cooper recorded video of part of their encounter and posted it on Facebook, where it has since been shared thousands of times and became a trending topic on Twitter. “I’m taking a picture and calling the cops,” Amy Cooper is heard saying in the video. “I’m going to tell them there’s an African American man threatening my life.” In comments to CNN as the video spread widely, Amy Cooper said she wanted to “publicly apologize to everyone.”
pregnant with her first child with her husband, top Trump adviser Stephen Miller. The pair were married in February at the Trump Hotel in Washington. “Back at work today after three NEGATIVE COVID tests. Thank you to all my amazing doctors and everyone who reached out with support. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing husband who took California church going to Supreme Court on great care of his pregnant wife. #TransitionToGreatness,” in-person restrictions Miller tweeted. Miller became the second A church in California is White House staff member asking the Supreme Court to known to have tested posi- block Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tive this month. restrictions on in-person church services due to the White woman who coronavirus pandemic. called police on a black South Bay United Pentecostal Church, represented man bird-watching has by the Thomas More Society, filed an initial petition over been fired from job the weekend arguing that “alThe white woman who called though curbing the pandemic police on a black man in Cen- is a laudable goal” Newsom’s tral Park during an encounter orders “arbitrarily discrimiinvolving her unleashed dog nate against places of worship has been fired from her job, in violation of their right to her employer said Tuesday. the Free Exercise of Religion “Following our internal re- under the First Amendment view of the incident in Cen- of the U.S. Constitution.” tral Park yesterday, we have The Supreme Court has made the decision to termi- not yet formally accepted nate the employee involved, the petition. effective immediately. We do — From wire reports
PEOPLE
Chris Evans nearly turned down the ‘Captain America’ role Chris Evans almost passed on “Captain America.” The actor, who rocketed to fame playing the Marvel superhero, said he originally did not want to take the role because he had been dealing with severe anxiety for several years and questioned his acting pursuit. On Monday’s episode of The Hollywood Reporter podcast “Awards Chatter,” Evans spoke about his mental health and his first experiences with anxiety, which began around the same time as his major film debut in 2007’s “Human Torch in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” “That was back when the superhero thing was just taking off. I had just been dumped and I needed it,” he said. By the time Marvel asked him to test for the role of “Captain America,” in 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger,” he turned them down. Marvel came back, Evans said, and offered the role outright. It took talking to his therapist, family and fellow superhero “Iron Man” star Robert Downey Jr. to say yes to the role. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I really owe that to [Marvel chief] Kevin Feige for being persistent and helping me avoid making a giant mistake,” Evans said, adding, “To be honest, all the things that I was fearing never really came to fruition.”
JK Rowling releases ‘The Ickabog’ children’s book online for free “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling has announced a new story called “The Ickabog” to entertain children during coronavirus lockdown. Rowling started writing “The Ickabog” while she was still completing the original Wizarding World series, and intended to publish it following the seventh — and final — “Harry Potter” book. However, she decided to step back from children’s books and left a draft of “The Ickabog” in the attic, where it remained for nearly a decade, according to a statement on her website. The author is keen to emphasize that the new story is not a “Harry Potter” spin-off, but a “stand-alone fairy tale,” she wrote on Twitter Tuesday. It is her first book aimed at children since “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ gang’s 15th season breaks television records “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is the show that keeps on giving. FX has renewed the series for a record 15th season, making “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” the longestrunning live-action American sitcom, according to the network. (“The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” ran 14 seasons.) The series, about a group of friends who run an Irish pub in South Philadelphia, premiered on FX in 2005 and moved to FXX for its ninth season. — From wire reports
Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hit at ‘deadliest possible’ angle By Katie Hunt CNN
The city-size asteroid that hit Earth 66 million years ago and doomed the dinosaurs to extinction came from the northeast at a steep angle, maximizing the amount of climate-changing gases unleashed into the atmosphere, a new study has found. That the 125 mile wide Chicxulub crater in presentday Mexico was formed when
MUST READ the asteroid struck, ultimately killing off three-quarters of life on the planet, is a fact most scientists agree on. But the trajectory and direction of that impact is still a topic of debate. In a new study, an international team of researchers said their 3D simulations showed that the asteroid hit at an angle of 40 to 60 degrees — what Gareth Collins,
a professor of planetary science at Imperial College London’s department of earth science and engineering, described as a worst-case scenario for the dinosaurs. “The asteroid strike unleashed an incredible amount of climate-changing gases into the atmosphere, triggering a chain of events that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. This was likely worsened by the fact that it struck at one of the deadliest
possible angles,” said Collins, the lead author of the study that published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, in a statement.
Cataclysmic event “We know that this was among the worst-case scenarios for the lethality on impact, because it put more hazardous debris into the upper atmosphere and scattered it everywhere — the very
thing that led to a nuclear winter,” he added. Such a strike likely unleashed billions of tons of sulfur and other gases into the atmosphere, blocking the sun and leading to a dramatic cooling of the Earth’s climate. Older studies had found that the asteroid hit at a shallower angle and came from the southeast, Collins said. “This was based on a different interpretation of the
geophysical data, which our work overturns, and observations at the time that suggested that the ejecta from the crater was asymmetric, with more ejecta in North America (to the northwest) than elsewhere,” he explained via email, referring to the material that was forced out as a result of the impact. “More recent observations have shown that the ejecta distribution is more-or-less symmetric.”
A4 ♦ Wednesday, May 27, 2020 ♦ gWinnettdailypost.coM COLUMNIST I KEITH ROACH
WEATHER WATCH
Food has all the vitamins you need
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
80%
80%
20%
10%
0%
10%
79 65
50%
73 64
78 62
82 61
LAKE LEVELS
SOLUNAR TABLES the gwinnett daily post (Upsp 921-980, issn 1086-0096) is published Wednesday, Friday and sunday by scni, 725 old norcross Road, lawrenceville, ga 30045. periodical postage paid at lawrenceville, ga 30044. postMasteR: send address changes to gwinnett daily post, p.o. Box 603, lawrenceville, ga 30046-0603.
the solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period. MAJOR 5:34-7:34 a.m. ............ 6:01-8:01 p.m.
MINOR 12:21-1:21 a.m. .......10:47-11:47 p.m.
POLLEN COUNTS trees: low Weeds: low grass: low
LOTTERY
78 59
77 57
82 60
Lake Full Yesterday allatoona ............(840.0) .....840.51 Blackshear ......... (237.0) .... 236.94 Blue Ridge........(1690.0) ...1687.35 Burton..............(1865.0) .. 1865.65 carters.............(1072.0) ...1073.89 chatuge ........... (1927.0) .. 1926.29 Harding .............. (521.0) .....520.74 Hartwell .............(660.0) .... 662.22 Jackson..............(530.0) .... 528.59
Lake Full Yesterday lanier............... (1071.0) .....1071.8 nottely..............(1779.0) ... 1777.21 oconee ..............(435.0) ...... 434.9 seminole...............(77.5) .......77.39 sinclair ...............(339.8) .... 338.38 thurmond ..........(330.0) .......331.3 tugalo ................ (891.5) .....890.17 Walter F. george.(188.0) .... 188.56 West point..........(635.0) .... 634.59
TODAY IN HISTORY
Tuesday cash 3 Midday: 7-8-4 cash 4 Midday: 3-8-9-4 ga. 5 Midday: 8-9-1-3-5 Monday cash 3 Midday: 6-7-8 cash 3 evening: 8-8-1 cash 3 night: 3-7-2 cash 4 Midday: 0-5-9-4 cash 4 evening: 7-3-7-1 cash 4 night: 7-6-2-4 ga. 5 Midday: 6-9-9-0-5 ga. 5 evening: 0-6-7-5-6 Fantasy 5: 09-22-33-35-42 Jumbo Bucks: 16-28-35-37-38-46
TODAY’S HISTORY: in 1937, san Francisco’s golden gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. in 1941, recent german victories in World War ii prompted president Franklin d. Roosevelt to proclaim an “unlimited national emergency.” in 1999, a United nations tribunal indicted yugoslav president slobodan Milosevic for crimes against humanity. in 2006, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on the island of Java, indonesia, killed nearly 6,000 people and injured more than 38,000. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: “Wild Bill” Hickok (1837-1876), lawman/gambler; dashiell Hammett (1894-1961), author; Rachel carson (1907-1964), biologist/environmentalist; Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978), politician; Vincent price (1911-1993), actor; sam snead (1912-2002), golfer; Henry Kissinger
(1923- ), politician; adam carolla (1964- ), tV personality/radio host; Joseph Fiennes (1970- ), actor; paul Bettany (1971- ), actor; Jack McBrayer (1973- ), actor; andre 3000 (1975- ), rapper/actor; Jamie oliver (1975- ), chef/activist; chris colfer (1990- ), actor. TODAY’S FACT: president Franklin d. Roosevelt and British prime Minister Winston churchill were not only allied leaders in World War ii; they were seventh cousins once removed, through Roosevelt’s mother. TODAY’S SPORTS: in 1968, Major league Baseball awarded Montreal, canada, the first MlB franchise outside the United states (Montreal expos). TODAY’S QUOTE: “i don’t like eloquence. if it isn’t effective enough to pierce your hide, it’s tiresome, and if it is effective enough, it muddles your thoughts.” -- dashiell Hammett, “Zigzags of treachery”
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: subscription rate is $99 plus sales tax for one year, limited delivery areas. call 770-3395845 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday to start your subscription. Classified Ads: classifieds can be placed at the main office 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; phone lines open 24 hours, seven days a week by calling 770236-9988. email: classified@ gwinnettdailypost.com Legal Notices: Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. the fax number is 770-339-8082. Reach the legal resource center at 770963-9205, ext. 1161 or 1162.
To Report a News Item: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.-sat. call 770-339-5850. editor todd cline is at 770-9639205, ext. 1300; sports editor Will Hammock is at 770-9639205, ext. 1310. to request a photo, call 770-963-9205, ext. 1327. Administration/Finance: Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. call 770-963-9205. Delivery Problems: your satisfaction is our no. 1 priority. if we miss delivery, call our circulation department customer service line, 770-339-5845, or email the circulation department at circulation@gwinnettdailypost.
com between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and noon sunday. if your paper delivery is missed, we no longer redeliver on each delivery day. We only redeliver on sunday. all other delivery days that are missed, we will have this paper delivered with the next day paper delivery at the request of the customer. Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence
2018
COLUMNIST I AMY DICKINSON
This ‘full house’ isn’t a cute sitcom
D
EAR AMY: I’m a single woman with three children, ages 9, 16, and 24. Recently my mother moved in with us. Soon after, a long-
time friend of mine (and godmother to my eldest child) moved in with us, as well. During the pandemic, my house has been very busy, as no one is working due to
Gwinnett Daily Post Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/gwinnettdailypost
PUBLIC NOTICES The Braselton Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 4 p.m. to take Public Comment on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Mayor and Council will hold a called meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 5 pm to vote on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Downtown Development Authority will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. to take Public Comment on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Downtown Development Authority will meet in Called session on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. to vote on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Noon to take Public Comment on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority will meet in Called session on Tuesday June 16, 2020 at 10 a.m. to vote on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10 a.m. to take Public Comment on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. The Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency will meet in called session on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10 a.m. to vote on the proposed budget for FYE 2021. All Braselton entities hold their meetings in the Courtroom of the Braselton Police & Municipal Court building located at 5040 Highway 53. Copies of the budget are available online at www.Braselton.net
643169-1
COVID-19. until you erupt and I’ve noticed some say something harsh things about my in front of others. friend that I didn’t You are providing really notice before housing to your friend (or maybe chose to — and your family ignore). During evmembers. You have eryday conversations the responsibility, she constantly inter- Dickinson and the right, to offer rupts everyone while course-correctives in they speak, and she doesn’t order for the household to interrupt quietly, either. continue to run peacefully. Dominating a conversation Talk to her privately. Tell is actually what she does and her, quite plainly: “I’d like before anyone knows it the to offer you some feedback topic is turned on to herself. about a habit of yours that Wow! She is self-absorbed! is bothering me. You tend I’m not sure how to broach to interrupt me and others this subject, as I do not want when we’re trying to conto hurt her feelings. verse. It’s important to me Any ideas? that each of us has the oppor— About to Explode! tunity to express ourselves. D E A R A B O U T T O This includes you. But the EXPLODE!: Your friend is kids — and my mom and I not a houseguest; for now, — all need the space to say she is a member of the house- what we need to say. Can hold, and should be treated you work on that?” like one. Your friend might interYou should consider the rupt you while you are tryfact that your feelings, and ing to explain this. Wait the feelings of others in your patiently. She might react household, are just as im- defensively or tell you that portant as hers are. Each you’ve hurt her feelings. of us can usually tolerate a Wait patiently. The rest small dent to our feelings, will be up to her. as long as we feel respected. In the future, when she You need to be brave interrupts, say, “Whoops. enough to handle this de- Wait a minute. I’d like to liberately, rather than waiting finish my thought.”
NO MORE GUTTER CLEANING, OR YOUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEED! CALL US TODAY FOR
A FREE ESTIMATE
15
%
OFF
AND!
YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*
Promo Number: 285
1-877-735-0477
10
%
OFF
SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS
+
5
%
OFF
TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS!**
643205-1
D
EAR DR. ROACH: I follow you regularly, but I haven’t heard one word on ways to build your immunity. Supplements abound, offering strength for the immune system. For me, some Roach have been a tremendous support. I’m 65 and thankfully healthy, but I take vitamin Bs and Ds, and many other body-support supplements. Why no mention of supplements? Surely you believe in commonsense vitamins and nutritional supplements. Of course, I also eat lots of fruits and vegetables, etc., but our foods simply do NOT provide enough. — S.S. ANSWER: I don’t recommend vitamins or supplements to build the immune system because I disagree with you that our foods don’t provide enough. I am all for common sense, but what one generation considers common sense can be proven completely wrong in another generation. I believe in data, and there are now strong data showing that additional vitamin supplementation in people who consume a healthy diet provides no benefit. There is also not much evidence that dietary supplements lead to any measurable improvements in healthy people. For people with an unhealthy diet, efforts to make their diet healthier are more likely to result in a better outcome than supplements. The immune system cannot be boosted through supplements. It may work poorly through frank deficiencies, but this is uncommon. I may well be proven wrong. If good data show that nutritional supplements improve the function of the immune system, or any other significant health outcome in a welldone trial, I’ll publish it in my column.
TODAY
HOROSCOPES
Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST
*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Offer valid at estimate only. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #107836585501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H
you’ll have the discipline to get things done this year. your ability to stay focused and to find new ways to perfect what you do best will help you reach your expectations. expect to face some interference from jealous adversaries. Be quick to shut down meddlers. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Minimize your spending and maximize your time and effort. your track record will be your calling card when you want to expand your business prospects as well as your friendships. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — a monetary, legal or medical change will cause uncertainty. consider all the alternatives before you jump into something unfamiliar. stick to the rules and avoid problems with authority figures. LEO (July 23-aug. 22) — someone will withhold valuable information or mislead you purposely. do your research and leave nothing to chance. trust no one with your personal information or passwords. VIRGO (aug. 23-sept. 22) — Read between the lines. What someone tells you will differ from the facts. distance yourself from others and research your options thoroughly. a change will inspire you to excel. LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) — Follow the path that you choose, not the path that someone else tries to persuade you to take. Being true to yourself will lead to success and happiness. SCORPIO (oct. 24-nov. 22) — an emotional incident will set you back. don’t mix money and emotions. you cannot buy love, or trust someone who tempts you with something that isn’t in your best interest. SAGITTARIUS (nov. 23dec. 21) — consider the consequences before you decide to get involved in someone’s tempting adventure. trust the people closest to you and beware of outsiders trying to take advantage of you. CAPRICORN (dec. 22Jan. 19) — an emotional matter will escalate if you act abruptly. try to assess a situation before you make a decision that can put a wedge in a meaningful relationship. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Make a positive change at home that will add to your entertainment, comfort or convenience. if you share your plan with loved ones, you’ll get help executing your project. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — you’ll be confused when dealing with friends, relatives or loved ones due to conflicting signals you receive. When in doubt, ask questions, get the facts and reassess your next move. ARIES (March 21-april 19) — educate yourself before you sign up to take part in something unfamiliar. don’t promise too much or overreact to what others do. Work diligently at your own speed until you reach your goal. TAURUS (april 20-May 20) — Uncertainty will cloud your vision. call on experience to help guide you through sensitive situations that call for diplomacy, compassion and understanding. How you react will determine the outcome.
gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ wednesday, may 27, 2020 ♦ A5
PERSPECTIVES
Gwinnett Daily Post www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Todd Cline,
Editor and SCNI Vice President of Content todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com
LOCAL COLUMNIST|DARRELL HUCKABY
Nothing beats sliding down a red clay hill in summertime
S
o, I guess it’s summer. Hard to know books by myself, while he read the childwhen school has been out, for all hood classics to me. practical purposes, since the mid“Heidi” was one of my favorites. It was dle of March. about a little girl in the Swiss Alps whose I wonder what summer will look like Aunt Dete dropped her off to live with amid the COVID Crisis of 2020. her grandfather, way up on a mountain. For me it will look a heck of a lot like She played with the goats and the little spring, unfortunately. I’ll be staring at the boy, Peter, who watched the goats. They same walls I have been staring at churned milk and ate cheese and all along. But I wasn’t really talking hard bread. Well, you know the about my situation. When I think story of Heidi. If your daddy never of summer, I think of lightning read it to you, you probably saw bugs and swimming pools and the movie, with Shirley Temple. bare feet and dodging sandspurs Robin Hood was another book and—well, when I think of summy daddy read me. Friar Tuck mer, I think of childhood. Mine and Little John and the evil Sherwas magnificent. It was mostly iff of Nottingham. Then there was Huckaby spent outside and my uniform for Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and June, July and August consisted King Arthur and the Knights of of step-ins and a pair of shorts. No shirt, the Round Table and Arabian Nights, no shoes, no problem. with Aladdin and his magic lamp. I wish I mean none whatsoever. every kid could have been as lucky as me. Sometimes it rained. Those might have When I got older and went to the libeen the best days, because there was brary to pick out my own books in suma big hill back behind the Presbyterian mertime, I remember reading a series by Church called, fittingly enough, Red Hill, Curtis Bishop about Larry and his Little because no grass ever graced that partic- Leagues baseball team. Reading the books ular incline regardless of the season. It didn’t help me hit, so even though Larry was compacted red clay and served as a led off and played shortstop, I was despath to the woods, down by the railroad tined to bat ninth and play right field for tracks. The Yellow River was just beyond. my entire baseball career. But when it rained hard, Red Hill beThere was another series of books, howcame the Porterdale version of Aspen in ever, called “We Were There,” and they the wintertime, because we were all go- put kids like me right in the middle of ing to grab some cardboard and do some things — at the battle of Gettysburg and serious sliding. I’m pretty sure nobody I the Boston Tea Party and the Driving of knew had ever been on a pair of skis, and the Golden Spike and the First Airplane we had never heard of a waterslide, but Flight and every historic event in our nawe would take turns sliding down that tion’s history. I loved those stories, and I muddy mountain all day long. never got over loving history. When we got tired of sliding, we would Maybe someday someone will write a play King of the Hill. I don’t know how kid’s book, “We Were There at the Panmany collar bones were splintered on demic of 2020.” Red Hill, but it was probably a respectIt will have to be someone other than able number. me, though. I’m going to try to spend my When we got home, we had the good summer reading to my grandchildren as sense to wash ourselves off, clothes and much as possible — and maybe catchall, with the hose pipe. I don’t know how ing a few lightning bugs at night. Maybe my mama got the mud out of my step-ins, I can find a swimming pool to take them but I guess she managed because I don’t to, and if it ever rains — well, maybe I’ll ever remember wearing dingy drawers. drive Henley out to Porterdale and let Of course, I didn’t spend all day every him slide down a red clay hill and see if day outside. I remember reading during my lovely wife, Lisa, can get the mud out the summer. A lot. My daddy taught me of his under-drawers. how to read when I was about 4, and I was hooked for life. I remember sitting Darrell Huckaby is an author in Rockdale in his lap, before I could manage chapter County. Email him at dhuck008@gmail.com.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: EmAil: letters@gwinnettdailypost.com mAil: 725 Old Norcross Road Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30046 the gwinnett daily post encourages letters to the editor on topics of general interest, but reserves the right to edit them for content and length. letters should be no longer than 400 words and must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes.
COLUMNIST|DAVID CARROLL
W
Songs that make you smile
e all have them, tucked away in He said, “My parents played that around our memory bank. The songs the house, and they would dance to it that make us smile, often many while they worked. Now I do that with decades after we first heard them. In my kids, and they love it too.” many cases, we heard them when Beth Green’s smile song is Chiwe were growing up. They were cago’s “Saturday in the Park.” blaring from the car radio, or our She said, “My college roommate older sibling’s transistor radio, was Italian. We would lay around hidden and tucked under the and sing along with the radio. pillow. We didn’t have a care in Whenever that song came on, the world. We had our health, we would sing her favorite line our cherished family members “...singing Italian songs...” at were alive, and we did everything the top of our lungs! Every time Carroll together. We sang during family I hear it, I can’t help but smile. road trips, or living room dance It was such a happy times.” And sessions. Sometimes we didn’t even know how can you not smile while visualizing, the words, and we definitely didn’t know “people dancing, people laughing, and the meanings. It didn’t matter. a man selling ice cream?” Later, we heard a song when we fell in Sue Roman fondly recalls “A Beautiful love. There was a different song when Morning” by The Rascals. “It came out we broke up. Those songs, both happy when I was 9, growing up in Florida,” and sad, still take us back to those days. she said. “We would listen to it while We associate a face, or a place, from the looking out over the lake, and it was moment we hear the first note. indeed a beautiful morning. The lyrics Considering our recent collective state are carefree, and the instrumentation, of mind, which hasn’t been particularly harmonies, and melody are magical. It jubilant, I asked some listeners of my will always make me smile.” weekend radio show (VinylExpressRaOne of the most-played songs of all dio.com) to talk about the songs that time brings a smile to the face of Joanie make them smile. Sompayrac. She loudly sings along to To my surprise, the most-mentioned “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. She said, song was not a hit when it was released. “It makes me happy because she sang it Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful with such power. I think many of us reWorld” didn’t even crack the Hot 100 late to that song at multiple stages of our in 1968. The record company hated it, lives, and I always feel more empowered having hoped the famed trumpeter- when I hear it.” And who hasn’t spelled turned-singer would record another out R-E-S-P-E-C-T at full volume, with “Hello Dolly” type of song. the windows down on a summer day? Twenty years later, the song was feaOthers mentioned songs that have batured in the Robin Williams movie, “Good sically become anthems since the 1960s, Morning Vietnam,” and this time it took encouraging all of us to join in. You off. Unfortunately, Armstrong had long don’t have to be a good singer to enjoy since passed away, but his voice, and a true smile song. For instance, “Sweet the song’s message still makes people Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Happy Tosmile today. gether” by the Turtles, “Thank God I’m My friend Kay Parish wrote, “It’s a a Country Boy” by John Denver, “Old reminder that creation is beautiful, and Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger, and interacting with people is invigorating. “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night They feed the soul.” Kelly Cotton agreed, have been known to induce smiles from calling it “a song that reminds us to slow people ranging in age from 2 to 102. down, smile, and savor life.” Why did I write this column? Because Pam Holloway lost her husband in if you’re like me, you’re overwhelmed by 2015, but one song still makes her smile: the word “pandemic” in every other news “My Girl” by the Temptations. She said, story. If thinking about a wine-drinking “Every time we heard this in our 43 years bullfrog named Jeremiah makes you of marriage, we stopped what we were smile, crank it up and sing along. What doing, and started dancing. Even now, are your happy songs? I’d love to know. when I hear it, I smile real big, and I remember our dances, anywhere, and David Carroll, a Chattanooga news everywhere.” No wonder. Gentlemen, if anchor, is the author of “Volunteer you tell a lady that she’s your sunshine Bama Dawg,” available on his website, on a cloudy day, you’ve hit a home run. ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. You may Clint Powell loves to hear CCR sing contact him at radiotv2020@yahoo.com, “Down on the Corner,” about the ficor 900 Whitehall Road, Chattanooga, TN tional band “Willy and the Poor Boys.” 37405.
COLUMNIST|TOM PURCELL
Pandemic restrictions highlight blessings we take for granted
W
hat The Bogota Post got right about America before COVID-19 rings just as true during the pandemic – maybe even more true. In a May 2019 article, “The List of Things Americans Take for Granted,” the newspaper examined some of the freedoms and blessings that too many Americans forget they have. Amid the pandemic – as we all get a taste of having some of our freedoms curtailed – perhaps it should be easier to remember how good we’ve had it. Free speech is one right we ought never take for granted. “As we have seen recently in America, political tensions are running at an all-time high,” reported The Post. “But people are entitled to their opinion and in America, you can express this without fear of repercussions … .” Some refer to our leaders with vulgar, crass expressions. Some make allegations about politicians that facts don’t support.
Others – a regrettably small persaid The Post, “some countries have centage – take the high road by a one-party system where you can making reasoned arguments about only vote for candidates who stand what they think of ideas or policies. for that party. Other countries don’t Whatever Americans say publiceven (have) an illusion of democraly or post on social media, nobody cy – they have a dictator in charge fears government hit squads kickand his or her word is what makes ing down their doors in the middle the law.” Purcell of the night. Comparing the U.S. to developTry that in many other countries ing countries, The Post noted that and see what happens. clean tap water and abundant electricity “In China, Thailand or, as has recently are taken for granted. Both result from been seen in Hong Kong, expressing your the freedoms that unleash massive wealth political views, even in a diplomatic way, creation. Our economic horsepower funds can lead to your imprisonment or even massive projects that deliver power and worse, the death penalty,” reported The Post. drinking water across our great land. Another right too many Americans take Before COVID-19 did a number on our for granted is voting – choosing our gov- economy, some Americans took abundant ernment’s leaders and policies. jobs for granted. Our robust free markets The integrity of the vote is central to a enable entrepreneurs to innovate, creating well-functioning republic. It lets us settle jobs that enable millions to thrive. our differences at the ballot box, not on Earlier generations were happy just to the battlefield. have a good-paying job. Today’s AmeriOur two-party system has its flaws, but, cans can choose paths that are meaning-
ful to them. Don’t like what you’re doing? Try something else – open a restaurant, start an online business, get training for the job you want. The Post article captures well the great irony of America: The better off we become, the more we complain about how bad things are. “Americans often take for granted these freedoms and privileges and with social media and a consumerist society it is easy to feel unhappy with what you haven’t got rather than what you have got.” Exactly. COVID-19 is temporarily restricting some of our freedoms and blessings. Let’s make sure they’re fully restored when that challenge has ended. Let’s make sure we preserve them for future generations to fully experience and appreciate. Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.
A6 ♦ Wednesday, May 27, 2020 ♦ gWinnettdailypost.coM CLOSE TO HOME
John McPherson
FAMILY CIRCUS
Bill Keane
Today’s Solution
BEETLE BAILEY Mort & Greg Walker
BLONDIE Dean Young & John Marshall
DILBERT®
Scott Adams
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Chris Browne
Zits Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
PEANUTS
GARFIELD Jim Davis
POOCH CAFE Paul Gilligan
Charles M. Schulz
PICKLES Brian Crane
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same numSolution to today's Sudoku ber only once.
WHATZIT SOLUTION:
Today’s Answer: Bathrooms
gwinnettdailypost.com ♦ wednesday, may 27, 2020 ♦ A7
GCPS honored for its support of music education communities that offer outstanding programs, show support for the arts, and are intentional about ensuring a quality music education to students. It publically recognizes our school board, superintendent, local schools and stakeholders and their commitment and work to put action and practice behind the belief that music education is essential to our students’ success.” The BCME award recognizes the commitment of school administrators, community leaders, teachers and parents who believe in music education and who are working to ensure that it is part of a complete education for all children. It also enables educators to draw attention to music programs that are sometimes overlooked or not fully understood by members of the public beyond the school community.
From staff reports The National Association of Music Merchants has named Gwinnett County Public Schools one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. BCME is a signature program of the NAMM Foundation that recognizes and celebrates school districts for their support and commitment to music education. “It means a great deal for me personally to have our community receive this recognition as it is based on so many factors,” David DuBose, GCPS’ director of Fine Arts, said. “The award spotlights
photo: gwinnett county public schools
The National Association of Music Merchants has named Gwinnett County Public Schools one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education.
MASKS
BOOKS
From A1
From A1
Georgia, the Secretary of State’s Office said. The masks purchased from Marena Group for poll workers contains a Silvadur antibacterial protection which is designed to protect the wearers face, including the nose and mouth. Silvadur is USDA approved. The masks are also made with a TriFlex fabric that has a #D stretch and is designed to be skin-friendly and reusable, with users able to wash them up to 50 times before they begin to lose their effectiveness. Marena normally produces postsurgical garments, but it announced in late April that it had received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA to begin producing the masks to help address a need for personal protection equipment among health care workers. “Being an FDA approved medical device manufacturer, our company, production lines and employees are uniquely qualified to respond to the current epidemic and shortage of face masks,” said Marena Group
program,” Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead said. “Engaging young people and encouraging reading and appreciation for public art will help them to succeed. Resources are always scarce and anything our department can do to assist or facilitate access to them is part of our mission.” Snellville Police Department officials said the department believes in community-oriented policing to ensure a collaborative partnership with its citizens in order to improve the quality of life and livability of everyone in the city. Already, the police department’s donation site has several books, including “If I Were an Atlanta Brave” and “Dragons Love Tacos 2.” G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds is a public art and public
photo: marena group
Employees at Lawrenceville-based Marena Group make face masks. The company has been making thousands of face masks that the Secretary of State’s Office is distributing to poll workers across the state for the June 9 primary election. president and chief executive officer Dale Clendon said in late April. “We felt the obligation to answer the call to produce these new Reusable Antibacterial non-surgical PPE masks. “They meet the criteria of the FDA guidance as a Class I medical device to be used by the general public and by health care professionals in a healthcare setting. The Marena masks are reusable, durable and machine-washable up to 50 times without losing effective-
ness; they can also be steam cleaned and ironed at high temperatures to help eliminate germ particles. They are thoughtfully designed for comfort and active, long-term use.” Marena Group is not the only Georgia company providing supplies to protect poll workers, however. Albany-based Pretoria Fields Collective is providing 30,000 eight-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer that are being used in county polling locations.
awareness campaign designed to inspire the love of reading, provide access to early learning children’s books in areas where books are scarce and encourage appreciation for public art in Gwinnett County. With only 48% of students entering Gwinnett County Public Schools ready for kindergarten curriculum, increasing access to books over the summer is critical, Young said. New or gently used children’s books in any language for ages 0-8 will be accepted at the Snellville Police Department Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department is located at 2315 Wisteria Drive SW, Snellville. The book exchanges function on an honor system. D If someone takes a book, they do not need to return that exact book, but should contribute another book to ensure there are always quality books inside.
OBITUARIES Carol Faye Buffington (Simonton) Carol Simonton Buffington, lifelong resident of Lawrenceville Georgia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 14, 2020 at the age of 73. Carol was born on April 14, 1947, the daughter of Emily Shackelford Simonton and Leon Oliver Washington Simonton both of Lawrenceville. After graduating with honors from Central Gwinnett High School in 1965 she remained extremely close with the members of her graduating class. They maintained a special bond that she held close in her heart throughout the rest of her lifetime. She especially adored her time with the Ya Yas as they affectionately referred to one another. Post graduation she attended Georgia State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Education. In 1984 She graduated from the University of Georgia and received her Master’s degree in Education. Carol spent her career working in Adult Education at Gwinnett Technical College. She valued her time spent in Adult literacy, Job Training, and in Grant writing for Adult programs at Gwinnett Tech. She was a fierce advocate for those that wanted a better life. Countless people achieved a better life as a result not only of her love but of her tenacity and her general “pushing of them” to better themselves. She adored her colleagues at Gwinnett Tech. They were family to her as well. Carol was well loved by her colleagues and staff at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, GA. She was also well regarded by her cohort throughout the state of GA. She retired in 2004 after more than 30 years of service from i h i l l
Gwinnett Technical College. Carol was a longtime and faithful member of the Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club. She served her community in that organization from 11/18/1996– 1/8/2012. She served as a very active president of the organization for the 2003-2004 year. As a part of Kiwanis she was dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Of all these things her family was the great love of her life. She fiercely loved her family especially her daughter, grandchildren, siblings and cousins and she would have done or given anything for them. Carol is survived by her daughter Emily Buffington Embry, son in law Headen Davidson Embry, beloved grandchildren Anna Kate Embry, Davidson Lane Embry, and Collins Pierce Embry, beloved sister Brenda Simonton Purvis, brother in law Joe Purvis, brother Stanley Simonton, sister in law Mary Ann Seagraves Simonton, Beloved nieces and nephews Bryant and Tebbi Purvis, Beth Purvis Leonard and Rob Leonard, Lori Simonton Kwilecki and Chris Kwilecki, Matt and Brittaney Simonton and much beloved great nieces and nephews and K. Michael Buffington her former husband, friend, and father of her daughter. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Lawrenceville Foundation in honor of Carol Simonton Buffington. A scholarship is being created in her honor. 2344 Mitford Court Dacula, GA 30019 C $15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices
Call for details
770.963.9205
Ext. 1161 or Ext. 1162
Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Flowery Branch
grandchildren, Linzy Baker, Sydney Kent, Ashton Butler, Megan and Jacob Jones, and Kaylie Guthrie; great grandchildren, Avery and Lincoln Baker. We will miss her big smile, contagious laugh, kind and generous spirit, encouragement and wisdom. Heaven has truly received an angel. The family will have a private graveside service. A “Celebration of Joanne’s Life” will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) at give.bcrf.org.
Joanne Butler (Glaze) Joanne Glaze Butler, 76, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was surrounded by family when she went to be with Lord on Monday, May 18th, 2020. Joanne was born on December 28, 1943 to the late Johnnie Glaze and Tom Glaze. She graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1962 and became an Administrative Assistant at Reynolds Metals Company. Joanne was often described as selfless and giving. She enjoyed spending time outside planting flowers and working in the yard. She loved traveling and beach trips with her family and friends. Joanne’s adult life was spent being an amazing mother and wife with her greatest pleasure coming from spending time with her children and grandchildren. She made every family event special and built many family traditions that will live on forever. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, William (Bill) Butler, sister Gwen Jones, brother Tommy Glaze (Bonnie); daughters Wendi Guthrie (Scott) and Cristy Jones (Mike), stepson Cole Butler and stepdaughter Kelli Lane; d hild i
Grayson
Mr. Richard Kip Howard Howard, Richard K. “Dick” age 74, of Stevens Point WI, passed away in Grayson GA on May 21, 2020, following a 4-year battle with cancer. He was born November 12, 1945, in Indianapolis, IN, to Clifford K. and Eloise. He was preceded in death by his sister Judith Lyons. Dick is survived by his wife Epie of 53 years, sons Rick and wife Debbie, Todd and wife Amy, and Brett, grandchildren Zack, Grayson, Sarah, Joshua, Catherine, Thomas, and Emily. He loved to drive through the mountains with his wife and friends, either in his Miata or on hi l d j d
his Harley and enjoyed Beer, Brats, and Wisconsin football. Spending time with his sons and grandchildren was his greatest joy. Memorial service will be held at Grace New Hope, Lawrenceville, GA at a date to be determined. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Randy Rainwater and the congregation at Grace New Hope for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Grace New Hope Church, Lawrenceville, GA. Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements
GUARANTEED*
PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION *If we don’t reduce your Property Taxes, you owe us NOTHING! Hurry! Time to file is running out!
CALL TODAY! 404-468-5187
Property
TAX RELIEF, LLC Locally Owned & Operated 642703-1
Lawrencville, GA
40 Years Experience in Property Tax Appeals! GDP 0527
sports
gwinnettdailypost.com
PAGE A8 ♦ WEdnEsdAy, MAy 27, 2020 In MEMORIAM
LACROssE
North alum Miles remembered for his toughness By Will Hammock will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com
After battling a brain tumor for a year, North Gwinnett alum Christopher Miles died Monday. Miles was a standout athlete in football and basketball at North, where he graduated in 2019. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2019 that required surgery. He had been a student at Georgia Southern. “Chris was a determined young man,” North head football coach Bill Stewart said. “Because of his toughness and grit, he was able to earn GwinChristopher Miles nett Touchdown Club All-County honors his senior year. All of his coaches and teammates loved him. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the North Gwinnett family. We pray for God’s peace for the Miles family during this difficult time.” Miles was a first-team all-county selection by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club as a senior in 2018, when he had 73 tackles and nine sacks, helping the Bulldogs to the state quarterfinals. North won the state football championship for the first time his junior year. Miles was equally respected for his toughness within the North basketball program. “Chris, or ‘The Deputy’ as he was called in our locker room, was a fighter,” North boys basketball coach Matt Garner said. “He fought his way from being a little known athlete in Gwinnett to an all-county player in 2018. Injuries hampered his senior year in basketball, but instead of electing to end his season early for surgery, he fought through the pain to compete with his brothers every day. He was a big-hearted kid with one of the best smiles. “Christopher’s presence will be felt in our locker room for years to come. The North Gwinnett hoops brotherhood lost a brother today and we are saddened, but at the same time we are grateful for the time we got with ‘The Deputy.’ The North Gwinnett community is sending prayers and love to the Miles family during this time.” North’s basketball program recognized Miles’ fight against the brain tumor with shooting shirts for warmups during the 201920 season. The shirts featured the words, “North Gwinnett Brotherhood, Fighting For The Deputy.” Miles’ younger brother Josh is a rising senior in the Bulldogs’ basketball program.
In BRIEF staley commits to Kansas Brookwood outside linebacker Trey Staley committed Saturday to the University of Kansas football program. The 6-3, 215-pound rising senior was a first-team, All-Region 7-AAAAAAA selection last season. He made 64 tackles and three sacks as a junior.
Walters signs with Georgia College North Gwinnett outfielder and designated hitter Tyler Walters will continue his baseball career at Georgia College. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Walters, a 2020 honor graduate of North, hit .333 as a senior.
Billings signs with delta state Derrick Billings Jr., a 2020 South Gwinnett grad, has signed with the Delta State University (Miss.) football program. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Billings is a prospect at defensive end.
Morrison transferring to Point Wesleyan grad Jason Morrison has signed with the Point University men’s basketball program. The 6-foot-5 wing is a transfer from Birmingham Southern College. He previously played at Snead State Community College.
Special photo
The Buford boys lacrosse team’s seniors helped the Wolves to a 7-0 start in 2020 before the coronavirus ended the season prematurely.
NO FLUKE
Buford boys lacrosse backed up success with sizzling start By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com
The 2019 Buford boys lacrosse team left quite the legacy. It made the deepest playoff run in school history, and advanced to the state semifinals before falling 11-8 to Lovett. Its talented roster had the biggest senior class in program history. With that group gone, there was uncertainty about how the 2020 team would rebound — but the Wolves answered that quickly this year. They sported a 7-0 record when the coronavirus pandemic paused, and eventually ended, the spring season. “We were cooking to be quite honest with you,” Buford boys head coach Kevin Peek said. “It was supposed to be kind of in rebuilding mode because we lost all of those seniors last year. But the kids this year just kept stepping up and taking on challenges from preseason conditioning up through the season to the last game we played, a thriller against Mill Creek.” The attack already amassed 106 goals in seven games, the first five won in convincing fashion despite a challenging schedule. Buford’s final two victories, their only really close games, were particularly noteworthy. It won back-toback nail-biters over Tennessee power McCallie 15-13 and Class AAAAAAA Mill Creek 11-10. The Mill Creek victory was a satisfying finish because the players have known each other
Special photo: Andrew Hinze
Buford’s Danny Reymond looks to make a pass during the Wolves’ 2019 state semifinal matchup with Lovett. for years. “It was a real good one,” Peek said. “Most of our kids grew up playing with or against each other since they started playing. We played over there on their turf. It was back and forth.” Those final two victories ratcheted up expectations for the remainder of the season, though the players and coaches didn’t get to see a proper finish because of the coronavirus stoppage. “(The goals) were starting to develop pretty high because we had a reasonably tough early schedule,” Peek said. “Mill Creek was (ranked) 3 or 4 in
7A. McCallie School from Tennessee is a perennial power with a national schedule. We handled Marist early on and McIntosh, we handled them pretty easy. It was really a small group of seniors and a really young team. We were looking forward to seeing where they could take it.” Senior Danny Reymond and junior Mikey Canavan were off to great starts in the attack. Reymond had 27 goals and 21 assists, and Canavan had 24 goals and 24 assists. Sophomores Zack Salo (13 goals, 10 assists, 10 ground balls) and Ashton Daniels (15 goals, six
assists) boosted the offense from the midfield. Senior goalie Eric Warnstrom, who had a save percentage of 63 in the fourth quarter, was solid along with senior Jason Roche (29 ground balls, eight caused turnovers, 50 percent face-off wins) and sophomore Davis Peek (23 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers, 50 percent face-off wins) in the defense. “The kids never flinched,” Kevin Peek said. “They would get behind in a big game and they kept coming back. They really showed a lot of character this season.”
sOCCER
South boys impressed in 11-0 start to season By Jack Leo Staff Correspondent
Though their season may not have ended in the glamorous fashion that a state contender would hope for, head coach Chad Riley and his South Gwinnett boys soccer team put on quite a show in the 11 games they were allowed to play. Following a disappointing firstround exit in the state playoffs the year before, the Comets were hungry to defend their Region 8-AAAAAAA championship and make a deep playoff run. This fuel propelled South Gwinnett to an 11-0 start to the season before its untimely finish from the coronavirus pandemic. “Going into this year, I knew we would do well, but I didn’t see us going undefeated at the
point we were at,” Riley deem Agard both scored said. “The confidence the in a 2-0 win to start reguys had and the way gion play. the team was playing Following another together, we just started three lopsided victories, clicking and doing well.” South Gwinnett travThe Comets started eled to Archer looking their year with five nonto sweep the first round Kadeem region victories, including of region play. After 80 Agard two overtime nail-biters. minutes and two over“I told the guys when time periods, a late goal everything ended that lifted the Comets over we won in every way. the Tigers and South We won in comebacks, Gwinnett improved to we won in penalty kicks, 5-0 in the region. and we won in overThe Comets’ second time,” Riley said. round of region play beSouth Gwinnett startgan with Grayson again, ed region play on the Sekou Agard this time at home. road at Grayson, which “We were warming up, had beaten the Comets there and I got a phone call from the the year before. History failed county saying that we would to repeat itself this year, though, be out of school for the next as juniors Sekou Agard and Ka- week,” Riley said. “I told the
boys before the game that while we didn’t know what was going to happen, we just had to take care of business that night.” Riley’s team did just that, winning its final game by a score of 3-1. South Gwinnett had beaten Grayson twice in one year, a feat that was last accomplished in 2013. With such a hot start and backto-back region championship hopes crowning, Riley’s team was devastated by the cancellation of the season due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, Riley is trying to put those negative thoughts aside to begin preparations for next season. “We have four seniors from this season and only two are starters,” Riley said. “As for next year, the sky is the limit as far as I can see.”