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Deanna Allen

Stories by Deanna

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LOCAL EVENT: New London Theatre's 'Secret Garden' brings plants, hearts back to life

All it takes is a bit of earth. In New London Theatre's latest production, a young girl awakens a long-dead garden and thaws the cold, hardened hearts of her new family.

OUT IN THE CROWD: Cultural Experience to highlight performances from 15 nations

For a second year in Gwinnett, the Asian Cultural Experience will celebrate the rich diversity of Asian cultures, inviting guests to immerse themselves in customs and traditions of Asian communities.

INSIDE THE PERIMETER: Furry broadway staple pounces on Fox Theatre

To get into character for his current role, Adam Steiner looked to a four-legged creature for guidance. The Michigan native rocks out as the wild-maned rebel feline Rum Tum Tugger in the national tour of the musical "CATS."

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Project delivers fans to seniors in need this summer

When Dorothy Chlopek's air conditioning system started blowing warm air into her house Monday morning, the Buford senior made a couple of phone calls.

School supply drive to help disadvantaged

A children's charity is conducting a school supplies drive to outfit children in need with materials necessary to start school.

Duluth sponsors public art project

DULUTH -- The city of Duluth plans to honor its firefighters, police officers and residents who are military veterans through art.

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THE DISH: Olive's Oven and Grill

Rarbaje said Olive's is a popular choice for the lunch crowds in the area.

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LOCAL EVENT: Belly dancers to hold devilish showcase

For belly dance instructors Natalie Brown and Asharah, the devil, as the saying goes, is in the details.

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OUT IN THE CROWD: Local bands take to the stage at Wild Bill's

Rock music will serve as the sound of summer 2010 at this Gwinnett venue.

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THE DISH: Olive's Oven and Grill

Olive’s Oven and Grill

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District 2 BOC candidates move on to runoff

Before a Republican will face off against the Democratic candidate for the District 2 Board of Commissioners seat in November, Gwinnett voters must once again head to the polls.

Carter to face Johnson in November

Republican Lisbeth Carter will challenge Democratic incumbent Hank Johnson in November for the District 4 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Gwinnett native named Miss USA Petite

LAWRENCEVILLE -- At 5 feet even, Sabrina Nooruddin might not have the height most pageant winners do, but her 7-inch tall crown more than makes up for that.

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Camp meeting starts today

LAWRENCEVILLE -- For 178 years, the sounds of worship have filled this open-air arbor, where countless individuals have dedicated and re-dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ, where others have seen their faith in God revived and renewed time and again.

Restaurant Week kicks off Monday

LAWRENCEVILLE -- It's a celebration of what Gwinnett has to offer in the area of dining. The Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau has brought together 14 restaurants for Gwinnett Restaurant Week 2010, which highlights a variety of dining options throughout the county.

DFCS holding drive for school supplies

LAWRENCEVILLE -- A Gwinnett organizations is collecting book bags filled with school supplies for the children it serves.

Libraries set for end of summer reading programs

The Gwinnett County Public Library's summer reading program is winding down but won't end without a big hurrah -- island-themed magic shows.

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Job search is hard work

NORCROSS -- "The job search itself is a job," Jeff Carroll said while waiting for a chance to speak to an employer at a job fair Thursday.
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Boosting economy key for District 4 hopefuls

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Budgetary, economic and tax-related issues are top priorities for the four candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the 4th Congressional District seat.

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New Dawn Theater presents 'Cheaper by the Dozen'

Duluth resident Theresa Kelly has four children. On stage in New Dawn Theater's latest production, that number is multiplied by three.

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OUT IN THE CROWD: Drivin' N' Cryin' to perform Friday at Vines Mansion

Kevn Kinney said his voice has never sounded better.

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Georgia native Corey Smith to perform at Verizon Amphitheatre

Corey Smith isn't comfortable trying to fit into a box, whether it's the one around country music as a genre or around the breed of musician that caters to the masses.

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New Dawn Theater presents 'Cheaper by the Dozen'

Duluth resident Theresa Kelly has four children. On stage in New Dawn Theater’s latest production, that number is multiplied by three.

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THE DISH: Barnacles

Barnacles

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Norcross co-op assists people during hard times

NORCROSS -- Terese Walsh sorted donated clothes at a table the basement of the Norcross Cooperative Ministry on Monday.

First winner chosen for Legacy Award

DULUTH -- The first-ever recipient of the Anna Shackelford Legacy Award was announced Wednesday.

Job fair set for Norcross

About 35 employers, educational institutions and resource agencies that provide assistance to those seeking employment will be on hand today in Norcross for CareerFest 2010 and a coinciding job fair.

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Residents share lifetime of recipes at assisted-living facility

TUCKER -- Mary Hack oversaw preparation Tuesday of her special recipe, chicken paprika.

3 candidates vie for District 2 board of commissioners seat

Gwinnett voters will decide July 20 which of three Republican candidates will run against the lone, unopposed Democrat for the District 2 Board of Commissioners seat.

Chick-fil-A to award patrons with free food

Stopping in at a Chick-fil-A restaurant clad in cow-like attire today will net customers free food.

Buford's Live on Main series kicks off Thursday

Beginning this Thursday, the downtown area will kick off Historic Buford Live on Main, an ongoing series of events to bring visitors to Main Street, where businesses will open their doors offering specials on merchandise, hosting live music and presenting demos.

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THE DISH: Rice Station

Rice Station offers a fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections, with more than 140 items on its menu.

Norcross festival celebrates the tastes and sounds of summer

Norcross will celebrate blues music and blueberries during an event Saturday.

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Exhibit brings reptiles of all shapes, sizes to Gwinnett

The reptile and exotic animal expo Repticon will be held Saturday and Sunday, drawing both people looking for pets -- anything from bearded dragons and leopard geckos to boas and pythons -- along with guests attending for the educational aspects.

Buford's Live on Main series kicks off Thursday

BUFORD — Main Street in Buford will be busier than usual the third Thursday of every month.

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Back in the water: With Lake Lanier near full pool, boat business is booming

A business sign along Holiday Road reads, "The lake is back buy a boat." The body of water to which that sign refers -- Lake Sidney Lanier -- was less than a quarter of a foot shy of full pool Monday.

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'Eclipse' star visits mall

BUFORD -- The movie trailers that rolled before the 7 p.m. IMAX showing of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" at the Mall of Georgia on Saturday were interrupted.

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Lawrenceville holds 7th Prelude to the Fourth

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Sisters Lauren, 6, and Adriana Kieser, 3, had a front row seat for fireworks in Lawrenceville on Saturday night, both dressed for the occasion in red, white and blue dresses.
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Religious convention draws 9,000

DULUTH -- One by one, they came as individuals to the baptismal pools. After submitting themselves to be immersed in the water, they emerged part of a worldwide family of believers. Sixty-two individuals of all ages, races and ethnicities were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday during a district convention held at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. More than 9,000 were in attendance, with about a hundred of those gathered beside the two baptismal pools set up on the floor level to celebrate with those baptized.
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Twi-hards could get surprise of a lifetime

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Movie-goers at Mall of Georgia and Discover Mills on Saturday may recognize a familiar face in the crowd -- that of an actor from the recently released film "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." An unnamed male cast member is set to make appearances at the two Gwinnett theaters this evening.

Winder music venue to host open mic night

WINDER -- Got a song to share? Here's a chance to take the stage.

DOT: Weekend holiday means heavier traffic

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising drivers to prepare for delays as travel during the Fourth of July weekend is expected to increase this year.

Best spots for Gwinnett fireworks

Here's a look at what's happening, when and where, and the best places to get the best views for the Fourth.

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THE DISH: Dakota's Bar and Grill

Typical sports bar fare -- wings and burgers -- is complemented by more elaborate preparings for steaks and seafood.

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'Phantom' runs through July 18 at the Fox Theatre

Tim Martin Gleason had performed the role of the Phantom more than 100 times as an understudy before taking over as the masked musical genius lurking beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House.

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The Dish: Dakota's Bar and Grill

Dakota’s Bar and Grill

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Touring America: Swedish bluegrass band to play Music Barn

Bluegrass bands aren’t too common in Sweden, native Jens Koch said, but enthusiasm for the musical genre is growing thanks to an American film.

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The new crop: Farmers markets not just for fruits, veggies anymore

The name "farmers market" is perhaps becoming a misnomer for the annual outdoor summer markets where vendors peddle their wares. While fresh produce -- primarily fruits and vegetables -- is still the staple, vendors have diversified, selling anything from handmade soaps to homemade dog treats.
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6 local gardens featured in Master Gardeners' tour

The backyard at 498 Ridgecrest Drive in Norcross was a blank slate when Tom and Julie Foster bought the house there in 2007.