Watson. Photo provided.
Renowned sculptor Basil Watson will conduct a free artist tour, Saturday, April 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., and host a closing exhibition reception and book signing on April 15, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning in Duluth.
Watson’s solo exhibition of sculptures and drawings titled, “My People: The Drawings and Sculpture of Basil Watson” is on display in the Fowler Gallery of the Hudgens Center. The show highlights Watson’s 45 years as a working artist.
The festivities on April 15 will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m.“My People: The Drawings and Sculpture of Basil Watson” will run through April 15.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Watson is the son of internationally renowned painter Barrington Watson and studied at the Jamaica School of Art. He then established a successful career as Jamaica’s leading sculptor and his work there includes monumental works on the campuses of the nation’s three primary universities and signature works at the two major stadia.
In 2016, the Government of Jamaica awarded Watson the Order of Distinction (Commander) in recognition of his contributions to the field of art.
Watson emigrated to the United States in 2002 and established his home and studio in Lawrenceville. He has completed major works in China, Guatemala, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States.
He created the Martin Luther King “Hope Moving Forward” statue in Atlanta. His other works have honored the Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, Queen Elizabeth II and Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt.
Gwinnett Stripers opening night coming on March 31
In advance of Opening Night on March 31, the Gwinnett Stripers announced today the updates and new additions that fans will experience at Coolray Field in 2023.
Through a new partnership with the all-in-one digital personal finance company, SoFi, Coolray Field’s premium location for groups of 100-plus will now be known as the “SoFi Super Suite.” The entire space has been updated with SoFi’s vibrant turquoise colorway and includes sleek, modern furniture.
The Stripers have partnered with another innovative Georgia-based brand, Pontoon Brewing Company, to introduce the “Pontoon Brewing Boathouse.” Located behind Section 105, they will also have a menu of premium food options, including new additions like Pontoon Wings, the Cuban Sandwich, Crab Cake Sandwich, and Fish Tacos.
On Opening Night (March 31) at Coolray Field, the Stripers take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at 7:05 p.m. Single-game tickets for all 2023 home games are on sale now at GoStripers.com/tickets.
Gwinnett Chamber announces winners of VALOR awards
The Gwinnett Chamber VALOR Awards honor local public safety officials for their exceptional acts of bravery and service to the local community. They were presented last week. The event honored award winners in multiple categories including two civilian life-saving awards, a first in the program’s 18-year history; and one Purple Heart award.
Senior Correctional Officer Scott Ozburn Riner who was killed in the line of duty while serving his community, was awarded the Purple Heart. This rare award was presented in grateful memory of Officer Riner for his exceptional legacy and ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the people of Gwinnett. His wife, Elana, and son, Taylor, were in attendance to accept this award on his behalf. The Purple Heart, not awarded every year, is a rare and exceptional honor bestowed on a public safety professional who has been critically injured or killed in the line of duty.
Lt. Bill Stevens was posthumously honored with the Legacy Award for his lifelong public service, and his work to help launch and grow the VALOR Awards program.
Two Public Safety Civilian Partnership Awards were bestowed for the first time in the VALOR program’s 18-year history to Rocio Rocha for her bravery to lead several family members to safety amid a house fire. A similar award went to Patricia Rodriguez who courageously drove a bus full of children from an active shooter situation, keeping every child free from injury during the incident.
The Medal of Merit, given to a public safety professional who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community both on- and off-duty, was presented to Corporal Mike Johnson with the Lilburn Police Department.
The Public Safety Awards honored those individuals who have performed their jobs with exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, and results. This year, a person, a unit, and a communications officer received this honor.
- The Public Safety Person of the Year went to Corporal Danielle Reed with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
- The Gwinnett County Police Department Homicide Unit received the Public Safety Unit of the Year award.
- Communications Officer II Andrea Goins with the Gwinnett County Police Department received the Public Safety Communications Officer of the Year award.
The Life Saving Award, presented to a public safety professional who acted in a life-threatening situation where an individual’s life was in jeopardy, was given to School Resource Officer Ronetta Coates with Gwinnett County Public Schools Police.
The Medal of Valor – gold, silver, and bronze levels – recognized those individuals who exhibited bravery and heroism in situations of extreme danger, heightened emergency, and/or risk of injury and death.
- The Gold Medal of Valor was presented to Firefighter/Paramedic Captain Jason Weese, Firemedic Senior Fred Rosser, and Firemedic Senior Matthew Burton with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.
- The Silver Medal of Valor was awarded to Corporal Aaron Carlyle and K-9 Officer Kai and Officers Anthony Ottilo and Nicholas Senchak with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
- The Bronze Medal of Valor was given to Lt. Bryan Reavis, Sergeants Todd Heller and Richard Lacey, and Corporals William Webb and David Duren of the Gwinnett County Police Department SWAT team.
More cameras coming and Jimmy Carter Blvd.
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several new initiatives this week. Here’s a recap:
More cameras: Gwinnett Police will soon install more cameras across the county. The Flock cameras record passing vehicles’ tag number and categorize each vehicle by its build, make and color. Police are notified in real time if a car is stolen, a person is wanted or someone is missing. Since 2020, Gwinnett Police have recovered 585 stolen cars and 526 wanted persons using the Flock cameras. Gwinnett Police currently have access to 772 Flock cameras, most of which are owned by homeowners associations and community improvement districts. The Board authorized the purchase of 97 new cameras at a cost of $279,600 to enhance coverage around Gwinnett.
Businesses relief: The County will work with the FORWARD firm to help Gwinnett businesses impacted by the effects of the pandemic. Nearly $6 million is available, and applications will be available on GwinnettCounty.com within the next month.
JCB update: Redevelopment of Jimmy Carter Boulevard is one step closer to becoming a reality. As part of an ongoing Livable Centers Initiative study looking into the viability of progress in the area, the 10-year plan includes water infrastructure improvements, traffic and sidewalk infrastructure improvements, and Gwinnett County’s involvement in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing.
Jackson EMC Foundation awards $69,559 in grants
A $15,000 Jackson EMC Foundation check to Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity will provide supplies for its latest house build. At the check presentation were from left Jennifer Fennell, Jackson EMC Gwinnett district manager; Beauty Baldwin, Jackson EMC Foundation Board member; and Brent Bohanan, Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $69,550 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $35,000 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $15,000 to Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity, to provide a HVAC unit, interior trim, doors, cabinets, flooring and vanities for house #154 in Gwinnett County.
- $10,000 to Angel House, to provide entrance and program fees at the Gainesville recovery residence for women throughout the Jackson EMC service area with alcohol and/or drug addiction.
- $10,000 to H.O.P.E., Inc.(Helping Other People Be Empowered) in Duluth to help low-income single parents in Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties with childcare and housing, enabling them to attend classes and earn a college degree.
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