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FREEPRESS
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA SINGS TO THE HEART
LOCAL, 12A

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014 VOL. 17, NO. 3 FREE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

CLARKSTON PLUGS PUBLIC ART

LOCAL, 9A

FATHERS DISCUSS FATHERHOOD

LOCAL, 11A

Shaq tells Arabia Mountain High students to drive responsibly

Retired professional basketball player Shaquille ONeal visits Arabia Mountain High School to urge students to resist driving while intoxicated or distracted. Photos by Andrew Cauthen. See story on page 15A.

Author and East Atlanta resident Henry Bryant holds a poster detailing the Battle of Atlanta. Bryant, and coauthor Katina VanCronkhite recently released Images of America: East Atlanta, which details the history of the area.

Authors discuss images of East Atlanta, its role in Civil War

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com In the 1800s, author and East Atlanta resident Henry Bryant said the area he now calls home more resembled the Wild West than the commercial and residential district it is today. Bryant, along with co-author Katina VanCronkhite, recently released Images of America: East Atlanta, part of the Images of America series that chronicles the histories of small towns and cities across America. The image on the front of the book looks like the Wild West, Bryant said, like something out of Deadwood, but its the post office in East Atlanta. The image of the post office is just one of many included in the book to give a detailed visual description of the history of East Atlanta, and what life was like during the past several hundred years. Other metro areas and neighborhoods such as Inman Park, Avondale Estates and Ansley Park have been featured in the Images of America series. Bryant said the books are sold at many national parks and historic sites, as well as visitors centers throughout Georgia. Bryant said the book begins several hundred years ago, when Native Americans traveled what is now considered Flat Shoals Road as a trade route and the surrounding valley as hunting grounds. Additionally, Bryant said the book uses

Shaq dances with students after his talk on distracted driving.

See Civil War on page 15A

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 2A

Meet a Decatur resident with a loving heart

by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com amazing how small sensible changes can lead to positive results for both nature and people. For Erin Vilines helping For Vilines, 33, volunothers is a rewarding and fun teering is also a great way to undertaking. further a cause, support an This Decatur resident volorganization, and make a difunteers for four organizations ference in ones community. and works as a senior associAt the Refugee Resettleate director of philanthropy ment and Immigration for The Nature Conservancy, Services of Atlanta, Vilines a charitable environmenserves by teaching English to tal organization that works refugees, asylums, victims of in more than 30 countries human trafficking and lowaround the world, including income immigrants. all 50 states of the United I taught English overseas States, with the mission to for two years in the Czech protect the lands and waters. Republic and wanted to lend We all depend on nature, these skills to serve a recogand the conservancys work nized need in Atlanta. Havto protect natural resources is ing experienced firsthand the critical to our future, Vilines difficulties of adapting to a said. I am always so inspired new culture and language, I by what our organization wanted to help these guests can accomplish and leave the in Atlanta feel welcome and office every day so thankful to aid their transition, she to be a small part of it. Its other life challenges. These kids are so incredible. They face severe challenges on a daily basis with such strength, and Camp Twin Lakes gives them the opportunity to be kids for a week, she said. The Spin for Kids bike ride plays a big role in this, and I am on the planning committee to help make the day a huge success for the organization. As a cyclist and a camp supporter, its a rewarding experience. She serves children at Share Our Strength, an orgaDecatur resident Erin Vilines works nization committed to endas a senior associate director of philanthropy for The Nature ing childhood hunger in the Conservancy and volunteers for United States.
four organizations.

I have served on committees for several events that raise critical funds for their work in Georgia, she said. Vilines is involved in an upcoming event called Taste of the Nation Atlanta that will be held on May 8 at the Georgia Aquarium and will bring together talented chefs from across the metro area for a culinary evening to benefit the Share Our Strengths mission. And she also helps children making their dreams come true for Make-A-Wish Georgia, an organization that grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical

said. For Camp Twin Lakes, Vilines serves as a volunteer helping children with serious illnesses, disabilities and

Get to know the candidates for DeKalb County Sheriff

Mon. April 28 DeKalb History Center 6:30-8:30 p.m.

See Resident on Page 10A

Candidate Forum
All candidates for the office of sheriff will be invited to participate. Audience members will be allowed to suggest questions to candidates.

Candidates confirmed to participate are Dale Bernard Collins, Ted Golden, R. Tony Hughes, Melody Maddox, Jeff Mann, Melvin Mitchell and LaSalle Smith, Sr.
Be an informed voter; know the candidates!

TheChampionNewspaper.com 404.373.7779

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com

Car seat safety inspections save lives

PAGE 3A

For more than two hours, Howie Parker struggled to securely install two rear-facing car seats in his minivan. The Dunwoody resident and his wife Caroline are expecting twins by the end of June, and they want to be ready. He drove to the Dunwoody fire station located on Phipps Boulevard where one of the firemen helped him install them. I thought I got it, but after I came in here, they said. No, its wrong, Parker said. The majority of parents believe that their childs car seat is properly installed, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seven out of 10 car seats are installed incorrectly. Parents and caregivers should not assume their car seat is installed correctly and get their seat checked by a certified technician. Thoroughly read the car seat manual and vehicle owners manual, and if you arent sure seek out a certified technician.Installing a car seat is not an easy task and must be done properly to insure a childs safety, said K.C. Tate, a certified car seat technician with the Dunwoody Police. According to theNHTSA, four of every 10 children under 6 years old who die or are seriously injured in auto accidents were unrestrained or improperly restrained. However, when car seats are used correctly, they are 71 percent effective in preventing injury among infants and 54 percent effective with children ages 1 to 4. The Dunwoody Police Department will help residents install their children safety seat at no charge on April 18, from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kingswood United Methodist Church parking lot, 5015 Tilly Mill

Road in Dunwoody. Installing a car seat incorrectly could mean serious injury, or worse death for child involved in a crash, Tate said. The Dunwoody certified car seat technician said that parents and caregivers should keep a child rear facing until they are 2 years old and children under the age of 13 should not sit in the front seat. In July 2011 Georgia passed a new law where a child must remain in an approved car seat or booster seat until they reach the age of 8. Weight and height are not factors, only age. According to Tate, the Dunwoody Police Department offersfree child safety seat checks to

Some facts
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children between the ages of 3-14. Car crashes kill more children each year than all childhood diseases combined. Most fatal crashes occur at speeds less than 40 miles per hour and within 25 miles of home. Nationally, eight out of every 10 car seats are being used improperly. an estimated 8,959 lives were saved by child restraints from 1975 to 2008 Child safety seats can reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1-4.

the public several times throughout the year. For free installation and inspection, residents can send an

email to carseatcheck@dunwoodyga.gov or call (678) 382-6900 to schedule an appointment.

THE CHAmPIoN FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

oPINIoN
ONE MANS OPINIoN

PAGE 4A

Puuuhhhhlease!!!
Bill Crane

Columnist
There is honor even among thieves. Unknown Ive been self-employed since 2008, so I dont have those sterling credit scores of 850 anymore, but nevertheless I am weekly bombarded by solicitations from Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Amex and all the rest courting me with SkyMiles, Triple points, cash back and every Zero interest teaser rate package you can imagine. But Ive never seen an offer quite like this one: No interest rate, no minimum payments, no real need to even pay for using the card...unless some pesky reporters start poking around. Its called the Visa P-card, and it is apparently only available from DeKalb County government. If you have one of these, you dont make any payments, and you are not responsible for any interest, or late fees on your charges.There is also one of those mice type agreements, which, of course, none of us read, but where you promise to only use the card on official county government business, and make no personal purchases. This P-card apparently comes with being elected a member of the

DeKalb County Commission. In addition to the admittedly not exciting salary of $38,500 for the part-time commission job, commission members receive a budgeted allowance for staff, travel and the related expenses of their position. All commissioners, as well as their potentially P-card toting staff, are required to sign a statement prohibiting using the card for personal purchases. Commissioner Elaine Boyer, the DeKalb commissions sole Republican member, signed such an agreement in 2010, and has since racked up thousands of dollars in travel for personal and family airline tickets, along with more than $11,000 in restaurant meals, along with her chief of staff, Robert Lundsten. Since questions have been raised, or when Commissioner Boyer got around to it, more often than not, questionable/personal expenses were reportedly repaid to the county. But for all the rest of us with real credit cards, we dont get to escape making payments, paying interest and sometimes late fees, or experiencing the real cash crunch of having to pay bills as we incur them instead of having the largesse and benefit of possibly repaying those expenses at a more convenient time. Boyer, typically a budget hawk and chronic critic of county government mismanagement and spending, has been eerily silent on her P-card

adventures other than two recently released statements, the latter of which swears off P-card usage until the county commission develops a policy for proper P-card protocol. I have always been frugal, transparent and accountable.I deeply regret that any of my actions have led to the misperception that I was abusing the trust the voters have placed in me, says Boyers most recently released statement. Admittedly, Boyer and her husband had been experiencing financially difficulties for the past several years, twice preparing shell bankruptcy petitions to stave off foreclosure on their Smokerise home.I dont mock or belittle these financial difficulties, similar to those experienced by thousands of other DeKalb families since the financial markets and real estate bubbles burst in 2008. My challenge here is understanding how insulated a 20-year public servant has to have become to simply not say: (Warningfake quote) My husband, family and I have been experiencing significant financial difficulties these past several years.On more than one occasion, we came close to losing our home.On several occasions, to maintain our standard of living, or to facilitate bridging some of these gaps in our own income, I used my DeKalb County government Visa card for purchases which were clearly personal in nature.I was aware that

this was wrong, but also not illegal, and I made reasonable and timely efforts to repay all charge expenses of a personal nature.I regret having made these bad decisions, as well as allowing my staff to do the same. It wont happen again, pseudo quote by former DeKalb budget hawk and continuing Commissioner Elaine Boyer. But that quote simply makes too much sense.Ms. Boyer hasnt even been clear with her statement saying she will no longer use her Pcard.Did she turn it in?Was it taken from her? Will her personal charges, in violation of a signed agreement cause her to relinquish that right? Will there be an audit of her P-card account? Im not suggesting this rises to the level of prosecution, but I am suggesting that voters in her district look long and hard at their available choices in the next election and possibly send Ms. Boyer and her staff packin. Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist for The Champion, Champion Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native and business owner, living in Scottdale. You can reach him or comment on a column at billcrane@ earthlink.net.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

OPINION

PAGE 5A

Black clergy call for unity in DeKalb

Gene Walkerk

Columnist
You should have been there. On Friday evening March 2, 2014, an overflow crowd from throughout DeKalb County arrived at Fairfield Baptist Church. This packed house, with standing room only, was the result of a call issued by some Black ministers in the county. The ministers call was reminiscent of an old time religious revival or spiritual awakening call to address ills of the community. Without a doubt this gathering was in keeping with the Black religious tradition. However, this extraordinary happening was set in motion by Dr. Cedric Alexander, DeKalbs deputy chief operating officer for public safety, who had previously appealed to a group of DeKalb ministers for support. Alexander made his appeal many months earlier and had met several times with these ministers to collectively discuss community issues and the need for unity in addressing those issues. He specifically asked the ministers to developin their respective churchesafter school youth programs called Right Choice, for the purpose of connecting with youth to help with homework and skill-building. Pastor Collette Gunby mentioned that the ministers are currently doing some positive things, though separate from each other. She believes, the unity project would encourage and motivate the clergy to

connect and share so that the entire DeKalb community would benefit. The ministers responded favorably and immediately by establishing the programs. They did this with their own money and volunteers, with no financial assistance from local, state or federal government. Before mentioning more specifics of what transpired at Fairfield, one needs to be mindful of the historical background of Black religious tradition. Revisionist scholars document and examine closely the active role of Black churches in helping Black folk develop themselves and maintain self-respect as human beings in the face of powerful social structural forces300 years of slavery, followed by another century of racial segregation, and then discrimination and prejudice until this day. Throughout this time the Black church has played a prominent role in shaping, maintaining and enhancing social order and communal solidarity within the Black community. Alexander was dead-on in taking his appeal to the key leaders of the communitythe clergy. The people expect and history teaches that the church, the most independent institution in the community, can be depended upon to help people make the right choice. The church has been the custodian of the Black communitys most basic values. One of the most noted revisionists, C. Eric Lincoln, affirms that position by stating, The church is still in an important sense the people, and the church leaders are still the peoples representatives. Consistent with the history and meaning of the Black religious tradition, the Fairfield meeting was

reminiscent of a powerful church revival. The congregations praise and many soul-stirring songs by the mixed choir were unmatched. In that vast audience were elected officials and candidates running for office that were all recognized for their attendance, but none permitted to speak. Also in attendance was the well-respected of DeKalb School Superintendent Michael Thurmond, who answered the call for collaboration and unity. There was no written program, but the activities for the evening were moderated by Bishop Quincy Carswell. Host pastor of the magnificent facility, Dr. Michael Benton, helped set the tone and theme for unity by using the Biblical example of dry bones. In the typical and powerful tone of a Baptist preacher, he said, There is danger in being alone and freebut when the bones came together they came alive. Thus, when churches, schools, law enforcement and communities come together they become a powerful force for meaningful social change. Each of the participating ministersthose present and those on video tapemade challenging and inspirational remarks. Alexander who also participated in the program expressed his awe and appreciation to the audience by exclaiming, This is truly a great gatheringnowhere in this county, state or nation have we had clergy, police and schools come together in this manner. Pastor Woodrow Walker was selected by this distinguished group of ministers to be the keynote speaker. He chose as a topic, The Sensibility of Right Choices. If we are serious about healing the ills of DeKalb

County, he said, we should align our actions with the will of God. He went on to say that each of us should be on one accord in doing Gods work and do the best we can. Those who left Fairfield were involved in launching a prophetic political and social movement. There was no mention at this spiritual gathering of materialism or consumerism, but rather a call to unite and improve the community. Specifically, most felt the unity project has great opportunity for success, because of the three pillars that undergird it: the religious pillar, the educational pillar and the law enforcement pillar. These are the three prevailing strengths of the Black community. The leadership of this movement should be commended for their effort to resurrect and give overt meaning to the Black religious tradition.

F REE P RESS
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Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send email to Andrew@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: John Hewitt Johnh@dekalbchamp.com Chief Financial Officer: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Andrew Cauthen Andrew@dekalbchamp.com Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Kemeshah@dekalbchamp.com Photographer: Travis Hudgons Travish@dekalbchamp.com
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We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

COMMUNITY

PAGE 6A

Champion of the Week

KYLE CADWELL
About 13 years ago Kyle Cadwell was so determined to do something about the paucity of community care for older people in his neighborhood that he and other neighbors of the East Atlanta community founded a charity dedicated to providing support and services for senior citizens Neighbor in Needs mission is to help low income elderly living in the communities of East Lake, Kirkwood, Edgewood, East Atlanta and Oakhurstmake emergency home repairs. I think we are blessed to be able to do the work. There are a lot of people that support what we do and help us reach out to our long time elderly neighbors that sometimes cannot afford to make these basic home repairs, Cadwell said. If you are living on a $1,000 budget and you have a $1,200 water heater that blows, you are in a real struggle. Cadwell said that older folks have spent their lives working and building their neighborhoods into what they are today, but often find themselves without heat or air conditioning or with a leaky roof and unable to afford to fix it. The purpose is to help keep these seniors in the homes they deserve to live in, he said. As people get older, it becomes harder to do many things taken for granted, from walking to

The free starter kit is available to Dunwoody residents to participate in the energy and water challenge.

Contest helps Dunwoody save energy

by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com How much water is used to take a shower, wash a load of clothes or flush a toilet? How much electricity is consumed when a light is turned on, smart phones and tablet are charged? The Dunwoody Suseasy way to save energy and water, and that translates into resources saved for us all and more dollars in your budget. The way this challenge works is residents who want to participate have to complete a household energy and water audit, pick up a free starter kit and start usfree starter kit at 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 250, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at Dunwoody United Methodist, 1548 Mount Vernon Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Participants have until May 31 to complete the final audit to be eligible for winning the contest. Winners, Cutright said, will be determined by who made the most improvements and will receive a special energy and water saving gift pack. The energy and water challenge is part of the living and learning program that started in Dunwoody two years ago to inform community members how to make easy changes to have a more sustainable lifestyle. According to American Water Organization the average American uses 98 gallons of water a day. That is more than seven times greater than the amount an adult water needs. In terms of electricity, each American uses about 4,500 kWh per year in their home. This is about six times that of the global average per capita, or more than five times the average for those who have electricity access, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Its a competition where every participant wins.

Drew Cutright tainability Committee, in collaboration with local nonprofit Greening Neighborhoods, has developed an energy and water saving program for that city that will allow residents to evaluate the energy and water use and show how to reduce the usage and save money. Its a competition where every participant wins, said Development CoordinatorDrew Cutright. The household energy and water challenge is a quick and ing the devices included in it and the tips and energy saving ideas provided on the audit to make changes to their home. After a month or so they fill out a household energy and water audit again and see the results, she said. Little things on a day by day basis help make differences in our community and save energy, water and help preserve our natural spaces. Residents can pick up a

the store to opening a new jar of peanut butter. Senior citizens living alone can also be lonely and bored, especially if they dont have family members nearby. As a volunteer, Cadwell said there is a lot to do in order to help the older residents of the community. They do see us as companionship and help. Its a nice unexpected part of our work, Cadwell said. One lady on my street, she is 75 years old and fighting cancer, was living without water heater for more than two years. We got her an electric new water heater so she was able to take baths with hot water again. The East Atlanta Neighbor in Need program is 100 percent privately funded and raises funds through fundraisers and grants and receives donations from local churches and individuals. We need people to step up and give us money. Its the right thing to do for your neighbors.

If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Andrew Cauthen at andrew@dekalbchamp.com or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 117.

east atlanta Farmers Market to open for season

AROUNDDEKALB
Stephanie Place at splace@cityofclarkston.com or (404) 296-6489.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

COMMUNITY

Page 7a

The public is invited to shop for fairly traded tea, coffee, chocolate, jewelry, scarves and other handcrafted items from farmers and artisans living in developing regions by attending a Work of Human Hands sale on Tuesday, April 29, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., in the Immaculate Heart of Mary School Library, 2855 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta. The sale is part of the Work of Human Hands program, a partnership between Catholic Relief ServicClarkston to hold open house for es and SERRV, nonprofit organizaresidents tions dedicated to fighting poverty. Every purchase made at the Work of In celebration of Georgia Cities Human Hands sale enables an artiWeek, Clarkston will hold an open san or farmer to better provide for house April 17, from 1-5 p.m., at the basic necessities of life, to eduthe city hall annex, located at 3921 Church to host easter egg hunt cate her or his children, and to work Church Street. in a safe environment. Elected officials will be present Living Faith East Church will For more information contact to meet with residents and city staff host an Easter Egg Hunt April 19 Carmen Graciaa at cgraciaa@ihmwill provide tours of city hall and the from 15 p.m. The event will include school.org or (404) 636-4488. police department. food, fun and games such as face Additionally, there will be light painting, jumpers and more. The Parenting tips and basic baby food and refreshments available for church will also have an Easter serattendees. vice April 20 at 11 a.m. Living Faith skincare in Dunwoody East is located at 599 Hempstead Laura Hunter, pediatric nurse Clarkston to hold ribbon-cutting, Street in Scottdale. For more information, email SaRonda Davis at and mother of five from Moms on open house saronda.davis@gmail.com. Call, will host a Q&A session at the Cutie Pies Childrens Boutique in Clarkston will host two events Dunwoody. next week in celebration of Georgia City to host creek cleanup Guests will receive a free gift and Cities Week as well as to honor its there will be an Easter craft station, own efforts. The first North Peachtree Creek play area and snack for toddlers who The city will host an open house cleanup will be held April 19 from 9 attend the event. with city staff and police from 1-5 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet The event will be on Saturday, p.m. April 17 at the city hall annex. at the Salvation Armys lower parkApril 12, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Clarkston hosts a ribbon cutting ing lot located at 1424 Northeast 5473 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. at its new public works facility, loExpressway NE. Due to the steep For more information, call (770) cated at 3620 Montreal Creek Court, incline of the stream banks, organizfrom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18. ers are asking that children not par- 396-1392 or email babypibu@ thereynoldsgroupinc.com. Both events are free and open to ticipate. The cleanup is the start of the public. For more information, more beatification efforts to come, Lemonade days are back in visit www.cityofclarkston.com. stemming from a new partnership with Keep Brookhaven Beautiful, a Dunwoody component of Keep DeKalb BeautiClarkston celebrates grand ful. To sign up, visit www.northforkOn April 23-27 Dunwoody opening of public works facility connectors.org. Preservation Trust, will host Lemonade Days, its annual fund raising The city of Clarkston completed Lemonade days are back in event. It will have outdoor activities construction for its new public including amusement park rides, Dunwoody works facility in March. To celgames, live music, food vending ebrate, the city is hosting a grand On April 23-27, 2014Dunwoody and other individual and family acopening and ribbon cutting ceremo- Preservation Trust (DPT) will host tivities. Additionally there will be a ny April 18, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at face painting and a petting zoo on Lemonade Days, its annual fund both Saturday and Sunday. the facility, located at 3620 Monraising event. It will have outdoor Admittance into the festival treal Creek Ct. activities including amusement park The ribbon cutting will take rides, games, food vending and oth- grounds at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody and concerts are free of place at noon and the facility will be er individual and family activities charge. Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to open for residents to tour the buildThe hours are: Wednesday and 10:00 PM, Friday from 4 to 11 PM, ing. There will also be music and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM and food at the event. Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., SatSunday from 12 to 6:00 PM. AddiFor more information contact tionally there will be a face painting urday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Clarkston Administrative Assistant booth and a petting zoo on both Sat- Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The East Atlanta Farmers Market, located at 561 Flat Shoals Ave., will be open April 10 from 4-8 p.m. Additionally, there will be a tree planting ceremony, fire poi dancers, a childrens story time with the East Atlanta Library, neighborhood chef demonstrations and more, including an after-party at the Midway pub. The market has more than 30 vendors and accepts cash, credit, debit and EBT. For more information visit www. farmeav.com.

Decaturs Wylde Center to host earth Day celebration

The city of Decatur, in partnership with the Wylde Center, will hold its annual Decatur Earth Day Festival April 19, from 1-4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Garden, located at 435 Oakview Road. This years celebration, the 45 anniversary of Decaturs earth day party, will be pirate themed. The event will start with a parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. that will go from Harmony Park to the Oakhurst Garden. Additionally, the event will feature free arts and crafts for children, live music, a special Earth Day tshirt contest, a pirate-themed cake contest and more than 40 vendors.

urday and Sunday. It will be held at Brook Run Park located on 4770 N Peachtree Road Dunwoody, GA.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School Town Brookhaven to host to host fair trade sale easter on the Town

For volunteer opportunities and more information about this years Festival, follow on Twitter @Lemonadedays or on Facebook.

Children can meet the Easter Bunny April 12 at Town Brookhavens Easter on the Town event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include face painting, balloon art, a bounce house, music and games. Town Brookhaven is located at 4330 Peachtree Road, NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit www. townbrookhaven.net.

Free car seat safety check available in Dunwoody

On April 18 Dunwoody Police Departments certified child safety seat technicians will check or help install child safety seats for free. The event will take place at the Kingswood United Methodist Church located on 5015 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Participants can alsoregister at the event to win a Safety 1st BoostApak car seat.

Decaturs Wylde Center to host earth Day celebration

The city of Decatur, in partnership with the Wylde Center, will hold its annual Decatur Earth Day Festival April 19, from 1-4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Garden, located at 435 Oakview Road. This years celebration, the 45th anniversary of Decaturs Earth Day, will be pirate themed. The event will start with a parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. that will go from Harmony Park to the Oakhurst Garden. Additionally, the event will feature free arts and crafts for children, live music, a special Earth Day Tshirt contest, a pirate-themed cake contest and more than 40 vendors.

Organization to host river cleanup

To celebrate Earth Day, the South River Watershed Alliance will host a cleanup at the South River April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cleanup will take place at Constitution Lakes, S. River Industrial Boulevard SE in Atlanta; and Panola Shoals on Snapfinger Road in Lithonia. For more information, call (404) 2853756.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

LOcAL NEWS
Establishment Name: New Wonder Wok Address: 3365 Glenwood Road Current Score/Grade: 55/U Inspection Date: 04/01/2014

Page 8A

Restaurant Health Inspections

Brookhaven City Hall moved to a new location at 4362 Peachtree Road on March 31. The 24,000-square-foot building was previously occupied by Georgia State University.

The building is three levels and city staff is currently occupying the first floor of the building until construction is completed on the second and third floors. Photos by Carla Parker

Brookhaven officials move into new city hall building

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Brookhaven elected officials and city staff have a new home. Brookhaven City Hall moved to a building located at 4362 Peachtree Road. The three-story building, which was previously occupied by Georgia State University, is 24,000 square feet and centrally located in the city next door to Town Brookhaven. All city departments opened for business at the new location March 31. City staff is currently occupying the first floor of the building until construction is completed on the second and third floors, which is expected to be complete by the end of the month. The city paid for the building by square footage $7.50 per square foot on the first floor and $15 per square footage on the second and third floor. The new Brookhaven City Hall is centrally located and about three miles from any point in the city, making it convenient for all citizens and businesses, Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis said. An easy to find, accessible, and affordable city hall was an important goal for us and I am pleased that we were able to secure exactly that. The first floor is used for the public entrance, permitting and reception, the purchasing and facility management department, and the business incubator. The second floor will house the community development and public works department, and used for meeting space. The third floor house the city council meeting chambers, the mayor and city council offices, the city manager office, the city clerk department, finance department, information technology department, human resources department, communications department and addition meeting space. The Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department will remain at Lynwood Recreation Center. The municipal court and the police department will remain at their respective locations at 2 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 125 and 2665 Buford Highway. We are very excited to be in our new city hall building and pleased with how smooth this transition has been, Brookhaven City Manager Marie Garrett said. We packed up on a Friday, moved over a weekend and were open to the public at our new location by Monday morning.

Observed employee in kitchen rubbing face and neck during the inspection several times and employee did not wash hands afterward. Inspector tried several times to inform and show employee to wash hands. Advised PIC to speak to employee on when to wash hands. No paper towels provided at the handsink in the kitchen. Advised PIC paper towels must provided at all times at the handsink. COS- PIC placed paper towels in the restroom. Corrected On-Site. Food not protected from contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, prep, holding, and display from cooked or raw ready-to-eat foods. In WIC, raw chicken was dispersed throughout the cooler with cooked and ready to eat foods. Observed raw chopped chicken in corn starch and thawing raw chopped chicken stored with raw ready to eat vegetables. Raw chicken and raw chicken livers stored on top of ready to eat brown sauces, raw chicken cut up stored between ready to eat bean sprouts and cooked noodle. Advised PIC raw animal foods must be completely separate from cooked and ready to eat foods. COS- raw animal product was separated from ready to eat foods. Raw animal foods not separated from each other during storage, preparation, holding, and display. Raw chicken and raw chicken livers stored with raw shrimp on shelves, and then raw shrimp stored on shelves with raw chicken. Raw chicken stored with raw shelled eggs. Raw beef was stored with no separation from raw chicken (wings, livers, or chopped/diced). PIC advised to separate different types of raw animal foods from each other according to the final minimum cook temperature. COS- raw animal products were separated according to the minimum cook temperature. Food not stored in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. COS-Broccoli, onions, frozen fried shrimp, crab rangoon, orange sauces were covered. Observed employee washing and rinsing dishes and not sanitizing them. Advised PIC to first sanitize all sinks and then set sinks up to wash, rinse, and sanitize. COS- sink was set up to sanitize at 50 ppm Chlorine. PIC advised that proper cold hold temperature shall not exceed 41F. Lowest ambient was 62F. PIC was advised to discard all PHF at the prep cooler and advised to NOT place PHF at the prep cooler. COS-all PHF were discarded. Corrected On-Site. New Violation. Food not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Oil in bulk container was stored on the floor in the kitchen. PIC was advised to not place food on floor and to relocate 6 inches above the floor. COS- bulk container of oil was removed from floor to at least 6 inches above the floor. Female employee hair is in a ponytail but longer hair down her back is not restrained. Advised PIC and employee hair needs more restraint. COS- employee put hair in a bun to restrain. Food Service permit not posted in facility. Advised PIC to locate food service permit and post. COS- permit was located and posted in facility. Establishment Name: Little Caesars Pizza Address: 2375 Wesley Chapel Road, Suite 7 Current Score/Grade: 87/B Inspection Date: 04/01/2014 Establishment Name: Movie Tavern Address: 4043 Lavista Road Current Score/Grade: 84/B Inspection Date: 04/01/2014

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

Clarkston plugs public art as part of beautification efforts

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Clarkston city councilwoman Dianne Leonetti said many residents want to see more public art in the citya little beauty to look at as they go about their day. It cant do anything but benefit us, Leonetti said. Public art is a great thing and there are so many artists in Clarkston. Leonetti is a member of the new Clarkston Public Art Committee. In the past three years Clarkston has undergone beautification efforts such as redeveloping its public pool and improving sidewalks and streetscapes. Leonetti said the public art committee is part of the beautification process. Its just part of that whole process of the redevelopment of Clarkston, Leonetti said. With anything like that you need to have some parameters around it. Since its inception, the public art committee has met twice and is in the process of developing an application process to allow artists an avenue to submit their ideas to the city. Additionally, Leonetti said, the members are looking at the resources available through grants and art policy was one of his initiatives when running for mayor. Terry said that areas with a public art policy in place often see a drop in crime rates and more economic development. When you put a new coat of paint on a [blighted area] or better yet, you actually do a mural, all of a sudden this old building has something that adds a little character to it, and it actually looks niceits not an eyesore, Terry said. Terry said when residents and city officials got together to paint the first mural in Clarkston, more than 60 people came out to help. He said part of the public art initiative is also building community. When I was inaugurated, one of the first resident committees that I formed was the public arts one, Terry said. What were really trying to focus on with this public art thing is how we can engage the kids and residents to be a part of it. During the next several weeks, Leonetti said the committee will be finalizing its policies and artist application form. Any resident interested in joining the committee can email publicart. clarkston@yahoo.com for more information.

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Clarkston recently formed a public art committee to have more murals like this one, located on the corner of East Ponce de Leon Avenue and North Indian Creek Drive. Photo by Travis Hudgons

is soliciting volunteers. Were going to work on the public art policy and application process, and were going to try and keep it as simple as possible, Leonetti said. Leonetti said last year she and other city officials saw the need for a comprehensive public art policy after the creation of the citys first mu-

ral, located at the corner of North Indian Creek Road and East Ponce De Leon Avenue. We came to the realization that we needed to organize the process to make sure that all of the concerns were taken care of such as zoning and code issues, Leonetti said. Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry said developing a comprehensive public

UNITED WAY IN DEKALB COUNTY

DID YOU KNOW?
For nearly 100 years, United Way has been committed to making DeKalb County a better place to live and work. Last year, because of your generosity, United Way helped DeKalb County residents with rent, utilities and feeding their families.

United Way of Greater Atlanta earned four stars - the highest rating - from charitynavigator.com.

Dunwoody police chief named acting city manager

by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan will serve as acting city manager while the city searches for a permanent one. Members of the Dunwoody City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Grogan as acting city manager effective April 25. Grogan will continue in his duties as chief of police and also serve as acting city manager. I am honored to be chosen and appreciative of the city councils confidence in my ability to provide continuity for the citys operations during this transitional period, Grogan said. There are decisions that I have to make as chief, and I will continue to make those decisions. My department is very supportive. The appointment of Grogan as acting city manager comes shortly after former City Manager Warren Hutmacher submitted his resignation to accept a position as the city manager in Johns Creek. Hutmacher will work with Grogan through the transition period and continue as city manager of Dunwoody until April 25. We unanimously agreed on the appointment of Chief Grogan for the acting city manager position based on his five years of experience as chief of police for the city of Dunwoody as well as his 33-plus years in municipal law enforcement, said Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis. His familiarity with current city staff, the unique needs of our citizens and the customer service focus of our city departments made

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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Karen Armstrong won the TED award in 2008 and received $100,000 to help her create Charter for Compassion, crafted by a group of leading inspirational thinkers from the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and based on the fundamental principles of universal justice and respect.

From right, Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry with Karen Armstrong, an internationally renowned author on comparative religion and founder of the Charter for Compassion.

Clarkston joins the Atlanta compassionate campaign

by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com On April 3, a Celebration of Compassion was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan Morehouse College to celeis acting city manager. brate the international campaign for Compassionate Cities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the him the ideal candidate to benefits of compassionate help take us through this action in the Greater Atlanta intermediate period until we appoint a permanent city area. Karen Armstrong, an inmanager. ternationally renowned auGrogan said hed never thor on comparative religion held a city managers post and founder of the Charter before, but Davis said Grofor Compassion, talked gan was the logical choice for the job because city sur- about increasing compassion through local initiaveys show his department tives, policy and projects. is one of the most popular We have to create awarewith residents. ness among civic and corpoI was the second emrate leaders about the need ployer hired, and I have to shift the public conversabeen working very closely tion from dwelling on whats with the city manager and wrong in Atlanta to focus on the city council in the last the multitude of ways that five years serving the community. I definitively have a a diverse, robust Atlanta is high knowledge about whats working every day to create going on in the city of Dun- new energy and dynamic new possibilities, she said. woody, Grogan said. Clarkston was the first According to Grogan, he metro Atlanta city to adopt is not considering getting the city manager position as the Charter of Compassion. Its Mayor Ted Terry is aca permanent one. tively involved in the initiaI think I have the best job in the world, and I really tive that he said is perfect for Clarkson, known for being enjoy what I do. one of the most ethnically Grogan has a masters of public administration degree diverse cities in America. When you have so from Kennesaw State Unimany different cultures, versity and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. ethnicities and many different religions, having something like the Charter of with hope, strength and joy. Vilines is also marathon and half marathon runner, likes to bike, swim and do yoga. Being physically active is like meditation. I run 30-50 miles a week, depending on what Im training for, and thats a lot of time to spend with myself. It helps me center and focus Compassion is great, Terry said. From a government perspective, we want our citizens, our new refugee arrivals, our new Americans and our long-term residents to know that we want to be a more compassionate city and we want people to feel that they can have a faith and prosper environment in Clarkston. The initiative encourages residents and elected officials to engage in more compassionate actions. It can be something as simple as picking up some trash or giving a neighbor a ride on a rainy day. The mayor is working on a compassionate action plan that will include the Compassionate Games, scheduled for Sep. 11 and design to bring residents together for 10 days to make a difference in the community. Nothing happens overnight so we have to make a concerted effort. The first step was just recognize that we want to be a more compassionate city and from that point the real hard work begins to put those words into a resolution of action and thats where we are going to be working for the next four years Decatur, Pine Lake and numerous other cities around Atlanta have begun the process to also create a circle of compassion. In 2008 Armstrong won the TED prize, the acronym for Technology Entertainment Design, a private nonprofit organization that gives awards each year to people it thinks has made a difference but who, with its help, could make even more of an impact. She received $100,000 to help her create, launch and propagate a Charter for Compassion, crafted by a group of leading inspirational thinkers from the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is based on the fundamental principles of universal justice and respect. Other winners have included former U.S. president Bill Clinton, the scientist E. O. Wilson, and the British chef Jamie Oliver. I want people to hear the compassionate voice of religion, Armstrong said. I want to change the conversation and bring compassion to the forefront of peoples attention. Armstrong believes that while all human beings are intrinsically compassionate, each person needs to work to cultivate and expand his or her capacity for this important instinct. On Feb. 12, the Atlanta City Council endorsed the Charter for Compassion and Atlanta officially became a Compassionate City. With this endorsement, Atlanta joined 30 other cities across the country in becoming an official Compassionate City.

Resident

Continued From Page 2A

conditions. As a Wish volunteer, I get to meet with wish kids to identify their core wish and to then craft it into a lifechanging experience for that child

on issues I would otherwise avoid, Vilines said. She enjoys being outdoor with her husband Gregory and has a passion for languages; she speaks German, Czech and is also fluent in Spanish, a language that she loves to practice every time she has a chance. I believe in the power of doing

good, and that our collective good can bring about real change by inspiring others to follow suit, Vilines said. Ive been the recipient of others good will and know what a difference it made in my life. I have nothing but time on this Earth, and so I choose to give it back.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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DFCS event all about dads

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Fathers Day is still a couple of months away, but it was all about dads April 2 at the inaugural Fatherhood Awareness Kickoff, sponsored by DeKalb Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The keynote speaker at the event was Henry M. Carter, director for the Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males, which, according to its website, provides a concentrated emphasis on increasing the enrollment, retention and graduation rates of boys and men of color through personal development, professional development, leadership development, civic engagement and mentoring. A panel of fathers discusses the challenges of fatherhood during an event sponsored by the Carter reminded the fathers that DeKalb Department of Family and Children Services. Photo by Andrew Cauthen children are legacies and fathers Fathers who allow their children plicate what they see. have an obligation to be an example to be surrounded with question muCarter said it is important for fafor the children. sic and media are giving their chilthers to read to their children. They are the sum total of what dren a legacy of negativity, Carter I learned early on that if I they hear, what they see, what they said. wanted to develop the mind of my read and who they associate with. They are what they see, Carter children, I had to read to them. As Unfortunately, as fathers, we [nesaid. They see when you are rolling fathers you have to read to your glect] to develop the minds of our up that fat one. They see you when children because that a special time children as a part of our legacy, youre doing negative, and they duwhen you are developing a bond Carter said. with your son or daughter and you also increase their intellectual prowess. Fathers must also protect the environment around their children, Carter said. You cant have your children hanging around everybody, Carter said. I have some cousins who cant be around my children. If you want them to be great youve got to associate them with people who are doing great things. Carter said fatherhood is not theoretical for him. We all have our story. We all have our journey. I understand from a very personal and unique perspective [about] fatherhood, Carter said, adding that his father was killed when Carter was 2 years old and his mother died when he was 22. I had my first son when I was 20 years old in college, said Carter, who now has five children. I had another child when I was in college. I understood that I did not want my past to look like my future, he said. I had an obligation to keep pushing forward even though there were days when there was no money there.

See Dads on page 16A

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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by Marta Garcia marta@dekalbchamp.com

Music from the soul to the heart

Grammy awards between 2001 and 2008four of them consecutivelyfor best traditional gospel album and were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Any time we can make people feel good, I feel great about it, said McKinnie. When the people enjoy what youre doing, you know, whats from the heart reaches the heart. Any time you can touch a soul thats what its all is about. They remained true to their rich gospel heritage while adapting to the changing times experimenting with blues, country and hip-hop and collaborating with Lou Reed, Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, George Clinton, Ben Harper and many others. With their new album Ill Find a Way, released in October 2013 produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, the wheel of invention keeps turning. It features some gospel favorites, but there are a few modern selections as well. We try to involve more young people in our music and working with young artists has been working great, Carter said. We found out since we partner with new artists that young people come to our concerts more than ever before. They enjoy it, they feel it, they have a good time with us, McKinnie added. For the Blind Boys of Alabama, settling down isnt part of the plan. They are on world tour more than 200 days a year, and they said theres no slowing down. McKinnie loves to give back to the community thats why he and Carter will be performing live with DejaBlue Grass Band at Eddies Attic in Decatur on August 24 to benefit Neighbor In Need, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help low- income elderly people make emergency home repairs in the communities of East Lake, Kirkwood and Edgewood, East Atlanta and Oakhurst Community. The best way to give back to the community is to give of yourself and that is what we do, McKinnie said. We believe in prayer, and we believe in doing well. People need people.

Blind Boys of Alabama:

The metro area is home to many award-winning talented people. Ricky McKinnie, a member of the gospel-singing group Blind Boys of Alabama, is one of those talented individuals and he calls Atlanta home. Born and raised in Kirkwood, a historic neighborhood on the east side of Atlanta, the gospel artist joined the band in 1991. He started out as the groups business manager, then became the drummer and is now one of the main singers. The talented musician wasnt born blind. Glaucoma robbed his sight at 23, a little more than a decade after he started playing drums. People have come to understand that our disability doesnt have to be a handicap, McKinnie said. I never underestimated myself as to who I am and what Im about. Its not who people say you are. Its who you know you are. When The Champion interviewed him on April 2 he was in the back room of his home in Kirkwood, rehearsing at the studio with the legendary Jimmy Carter, the only founding still living. According to Carter, the Blind Boys is a group whose members have lost their sight, but they never lost their direction. Ive always said Im not blind, I just cant see. So I cant tell you what its like to be blind. I can tell you what its like performing. Its great, Carter said. The Blind Boys started out in a Talladega, Ala., in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Blind, and the quartet went on the road professionally in 1944. Our ambition was just to sing for the people that didnt know about God. We didnt think about money or fame, Carter said. On stage we feel that this is our calling. We feel that God called us to do this work and we try to get the message over to the people that we are singing to. Since then, the band has recorded more than 50 albums and received scores of awards and honors, most notably an induction into the Gospel Hall of Fame. They received five

The Blind Boys of Alabama is a gospel group formed in 1944. Since then, the groups output has spanned seven decades of tours and appearances, and produced a successful discography. Photo by Erika Goldring

Ricky McKinnie (left) and Jimmy Carter were rehearsing at the studio in Kirkwood on April 2.

In his home in Kirkwood, Ricky McKinnie holds two of the five Grammy awards the band received between 2001 and 2008four of them consecutivelyfor best traditional gospel album. In 2009 they were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Photos by Marta Garcia

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

WEEK

In

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PICTURES

Former DeKalb CEO and sheriff candidate Vernon Jones participates in the American Association of Kickballers kickball league opening ceremony April 6 at Southeast Athletic Complex in Lithonia. Photo by Carla Parker

DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson, left, and DeKalb Sheriff candidate Romaldo Tony Hughes attend a service at Allgood Road United Methodist Church in Stone Mountain. Photo by Travis Hudgons

DeKalb firefighters assess damage to a Church's Chicken restaurant, 1805 Candler Road, after an April 8 fire started in the kitchen. No injuries were reported. Photos by Travis Hudgons

The Emory-Tibet program at Emory University recently received a $1 million grant to implement science curriculum in Tibetan monastic universities. Photo provided

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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From rural town to potential thriving city

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com In the past, Stone Mountain was like any rural community in DeKalb County with a mom-and-pop grocery store, hardware store, a local doctor and dentist. Years later, the city, along with other rural cities in the area began developing into suburban areas with apartment complexes, strip malls and department stores. Those types of development hurt small businesses, and, with the inconsistent economy, cities that rely on income from small businesses suffered. That definitely had an impact on the city, said longtime resident and city manager Gary Peet. The rural town center model doesnt meet the suburban development model. We dont have any mom and pop grocery stores. The city of Stone Mountain went through that predicament but the city survived. With small businesses along Main Street and some historic landmarks still intact, Stone Mountain has found a way to grow while maintaining some of the characteristics it had when it was formed 175 years ago. Stone Mountain was first incorporated as the town of New Gibralter on Dec. 31, 1839. However, in 1822, Stone Mountain was made a part of the newly formed DeKalb County. A post office was created in 1834 on the old Augusta Road, and a hotel was built along the road in 1836. A general store was added and a village was established under the name New Gibraltar in December 1839. The name was officially changed to Stone Mountain by the Georgia legislature in 1847. Stone Mountain Park has become one of the top tourist destinations in the country. However, the city has struggled to develop its downtown into a thriving area similar other small cities, such as Decatur. Part of that is due to the up-anddown economy. Stone Mountain Mayor Patricia Wheeler, who was also mayor from 1985-1997, said when she was in office the first time there was not much they could do to make city thrive due to the lack of funding. We looked to the future but at that time there wasnt a lot of money floating around to help do a lot of asset things, she said. When the Summer Olympics came to the city of Atlanta in 1996, it was expected to benefit not only Atlanta, but areas outside the city as well. Stone Mountain hosted events such as tennis, archery and cycling. However, Stone Mountain, as well as other areas, did not benefit from the Olympics, according to Wheeler. Most people on the outskirts suffered after the Olympics because they didnt get the things they were promised, Wheeler said. But we survived. When Peet was mayor from 2002-2009, the city began being awarded grants from the Atlanta Regional Commission to update its 2003 Livable Centers Initiative plan. However, the capital projects that were initiated during his term were based on funding programs that required a 20 percent match, according to Peet. With the downturn in the economy, the funding got strapped and everything was going slow, he said. Peet said the city is on its way to begin projects that will revitalize the city. One of those projects includes the renovation of historic train depot, with a projected completion date in July. We got pretty close to $2.5 million worth of capital projects plan, which we already have the design phase down, Peet said. Were on the right-of-way acquisition for them. Were going to have quite a bit of revelation in the next few years. As the city commemorates its 175th anniversary, officials and residents will celebrate its history as well as the future projects that will help the city evolve more. Wheeler said she wants to see downtown thriving again. I want to see these 30,000 cars that go up and down Main Street every day stop in town, Wheeler said. And were beginning to see that. We have a couple of new businesses that are going to open that will make people stop.

Stone Mountain:

As the city of Stone Mountain commemorates its 175th anniversary, the city is working to revitalize downtown. Photos by Carla Parker

Police searching for suspect in deadly hit-and-run

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County police are searching for a suspect that was involved in a hitand-run that killed a toddler. The incident occurred April 5 at approximately 5 p.m. Caleb Lindsay, 2, and his 4-year-old sister, Meyaria, were standing at the entrance to the Walmart shopping center, located at 3201 Tucker Norcross Road, along with their mother, Vashti Lindsay of Tucker. The family was waiting to cross the road, according to DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish. The suspect pulled up to the stop sign, and then made a right turn onto Tucker Norcross Road. As he did, the suspects vehicle ran over the two children, Parish said. Both children were transported to the hospital, but the 2-year-old boy died from his injuries. His sister is expected to recover, according to Parish. The suspect, who is described as a Hispanic male, fled the scene. He was driving a white Toyota Tacoma with a cover on the rear. A picture of the truck involved taken from surveillance video prior to the accident.

THE CHAmPIoN FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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Chief Assistant District Attorney Nicole Golden talks to Arabia Mountain High students about the dangers of distracted driving.

Shaq lifts a student and dances with others. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Shaq tells Arabia Mountain High students to drive responsibly

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbhchamp.com Why risk it? Thats what retired NBA star Shaquille ONeal asked Arabia Mountain High School students about driving while distracted. I know how it is when youre in your car and somebody texts you and you try to text back, ONeal said. Reckless driving: dont do it. ONeal visited Arabia Mountain High School on April 3 to encourage students to refrain from driving drunk or distracted. Three things can happen when you drive recklessly, ONeal said. One, you can be arrested. Two, you can cause serious or horrible injuries to someone else. Three, you can die. More teens your age will die from driving recklessly than from homicide or suicide. Sponsored by the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office, DeKalb County Fire Rescue and Georgia Department of Highway Safety, ONeals Arabia Mountain High visit was part of Ghost Out, an annual program that highlights the impact of dangerous driving practices and distracted driving. The event also featured a mock hearing for DUI defendant, portrayed by Arabia Mountain student Alexis Smoot. Our goal is to teach young student drivers the affects and consequences of driving under the influence, texting while driving and more, said DA Robert James in a statement. I know we have all seen cars swerve on the road when a person is talking on the phone or trying to text and drive. A split second can change someones life forever. We see lives lost every day due to reckless behavior behind the wheel. This is a great message for young people to hear as we approach the prom season, James added. Hopefully our efforts will help change behaviors and save lives down the road. DeKalb County Chief Assistant District Attorney Nicole Marchand Golden portrayed a judge in the mock hearing in which the defendant was sentence to 10 years of prison, five years of community service, five years of probation and fined $1,000 for causing a death while driving while intoxicated. Id like to go easy on you, but the family wants me to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, Golden said during the mock hearing. More importantly, I have to teach you a lesson. And through you, I have to teach a lesson to all of your friends and everyone in high school around you. This is not something that the court takes lightly. You made bad decision to drink, Golden told the minor. And you made a bad decision to drive after you had been drinking. During a news conference, ONeal said he talks to students all the time. Mom always told me if you can help other people, especially the children, just go out and do it, he said. I think why Im still relevant at the age of 42 is because I speak the language, he said. I have six children. Im this cool guy and I think the kids can relate to that. I speak to all the children. I speak all languages, he said. What I want them to get out of this is Shaq can do it, I can do it. I wasnt the smartest kid in the class, ONeal said. I wasnt the most athletic kid in the class. What I did have was respect for my elders and I did have dreams.

Civil War Continued From Page 1A

text and images to touch on major racial, economic and transportation changes the area went through. All the transitions that happened in [East Atlanta] are there, from Flat Shoals being the I-20 for the Native Americans, to the Twilight Criterium Bicycle Race held in East Atlanta Village in 2012, Bryant said. Over the years, the East Atlanta area transitioned from a hunting ground for Native Americans and early pioneers to a battle ground during the Civil War to the developed area that exists today. East Atlanta also had one of the first four high schools, Murphy High School, to be desegregated in Georgia. We tried to touch on all of it, as much as we could, Bryant said. East Atlanta, and the surrounding areas of Kirkwood and Decatur, played a major role during the Battle of Atlanta, which took place 150 years ago. A chapter in the book is dedicated to the battle, which unfolded over one day in July, 1864. Bryant is also the founder of BATL, a nonprofit he began to celebrate the history behind the Battle of Atlanta. He has been giving tours based on the battle for the past 25 years. Much of the battle was fought in a two-square-mile radius centered primarily in DeKalb County. Another interesting place featured in the book, Bryant said, is Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, located off Flat Shoals. Bryant said the church, which began in East Atlanta nearly 150 years ago, has a unique story to tell. The church was actually started here in East Atlanta and was located in the same general area where the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market takes place today, Bryant said. According to Bryant, the original church building used to be a rest home where travelers could stop and get a bite to eat, water their horses and relax before continuing on their way. After the Civil War ended, Bryant said many former slaves became tenant farmers who wanted a place to worship away from White parishioners. They started meeting for Sunday school at this old house, Bryant said. It was an old travelers rest home that was vacant until they started using it on Sunday mornings.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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Ellis and attorneys argue pretrial motions

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Attorneys for suspended CEO Burrell Ellis argued in pretrial motions April 1, that the embattled CEO was lured to testify in front of a special grand jury last year as his home and office were searched. Ellis is charged with bribery, perjury and theft by extortion in a 14-count indictment. Prosecutors allege Ellis strong-armed county vendors into donating to his political campaign. Shortly after being indicted last year, he was suspended from office by Gov. Nathan Deal and replaced by interim CEO Lee May. Defense attorneys argued that the search warrant allowing investigators to search Ellis home wasnt properly obtained and the suspended CEOs case should be dismissed because much of the prosecutions case hinges on recorded testimony the defense claims was illegally obtained. Much of the case hinges on testimony from county purchasing director Kelvin Walton, who cooperated with the DeKalb County District Attorneys office by secretly recording Ellis. Defense attorneys argued that Ellis had an expectation of privacy while in his county office. Additionally, defense attorneys accused Walton of perjuring himself several times during his testimony in front of the grand jury. Dwight Thomas, one of Ellis attorneys, argued that since it was a private office Ellis had to consent to be taped. Thomas also argued that Ellis isnt an employee of the county but rather, he is the county, therefore that taped evidence against him shouldnt hold up due to Georgia law. Assistant District Attorney Ann Kurtz argued that nowhere in the county charter does it say that Ellis is not an employee of the county. I understand Mr. Thomas argument as: the CEO is the county, therefore the laws dont apply. Being the CEO does not make him above the law, Kurtz said. There is absolutely no argument that the CEOs office is a county office, hes a public official. In addition to the motions presented by Ellis defense team, prosecutors also argued a motion requesting Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to make an affidavit from former DeKalb County Assistant District Attorney Don Geary inadmissible on the grounds of hearsay. Assistant District Attorney Lee Grant said Gearys affidavit contained more than 30 hearsay statements. Grant said the affidavit was entered into evidence without an admissibility hearing. All this hearsay of course is not admissible, Grant said. You have a credibility issue here before you. Judge Johnson is expected to rule on all pending motions within the next week.

Lithonia City Councilman Al Franklin was sworn in April 7 during the city council meeting. Franklin replaces former councilwoman Patricia Miller on the five-member council. Photos by Carla Parker

Al Franklin sworn in to Lithonia City Council

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Former Lithonia City Councilman Al Franklin is back in his old seat on the city council. Franklin was sworn in April 7 after winning a special election March 18. The special election was held to fill the seat held by former councilmember Patricia Miller, whose four-year term ended in January. She decided not to run for reelection but served until the special election could be held to fill her seat on the five-member council. Franklin, a career adviser, said he decided to run again for the city council seat because the city needed experienced leadership. [Because I] have the experience of having leadership and knowing thats an anchor area that the city could really use, I thought that it was necessary to step in and utilize my experience from serving on council, he said. Out of the 56 voters that cast a ballot, Franklin received 30 votes. Timalyne Horton, a novice political contender, received eight votes and Nakkeya Sparrow received 18 votes. Franklin was first elected to the Lithonia City Council in 2009. He left his seat in 2011 to run for mayor, challenging then-Mayor Tonya Anderson. Deborah Jackson was elected as mayor. In his second go-round as councilman, Franklin said he will focus more on beautification. I plan to implement some programs from the zoning side that will become a little bit more stringent so that we can work towards more of a beautification side of the city, Franklin said. In addition to that I plan on working with the residents so that we can work to improve actual neighborhoods and [the citys] imaging.

Dads Continued From Page 11A

Carter said he has never received food stamps because he understood the importance of work. I didnt have time to hang out with the homies because I was building a legacy, Carter said. I didnt have time to spend money on six packs and Jordans because a man makes sure that his children can eat and have clothes before he eats and has clothes. Some of you all will stand in line and get some Jordans before your children got some clothes and thats not manhood, he said. There were times when I was younger and I made sure my children ate, and I had to go on an involuntary fast. Thats what manhood is all about. Thats what fatherhood is all about. During a panel discussion five fathers discussed the challenges of being fathers at various stages of life. One father is a single parent to his son. Another man, who grew up in the foster care system, has a daughter in DFCS custody. One man was incarcerated during his sons entire childhood. It is difficult. Yes, its difficult, Carter said about fatherhood. It is challenging. Yes, it is challenging, but it is rewarding when we can build that legacy.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

BUSINESS

Page 17A

Winter storms were rough on many area businesses

by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com The last week in January, DeKalb County along with other parts of north and central Georgia, experienced the first significant winter storm since 2011. Two weeks later the area was hit a second time with snow and ice that closed schools, businesses and other facilities and institutions. According to the office of the Georgia Insurance Commission losses from those stormswhen the final tally is incould exceed $100 million. Although DeKalb was not among the counties included in the federal disaster declaration, businesses in the county suffered serious, though difficult to document, losses, according to accounting firm Bennett Thrasher, LLP. DeKalb County, which according to its website, contains nearly a fifth of the businesses located in metro Atlantas 20 counties, did not meet the disaster declaration threshold of $3.50 per person set by the federal government for damage caused by the February storm, and many losses were not eligible for insurance reimbursement, making it difficult to document total losses for businesses in the county. Because the county called more than 150,000 residences asking people to stay home when ice and snow were interfering with travel, its safe to assume many businesses suffered huge losses, according to Chris Frederick and Kyle Aldridge of Bennett Thrasher. In general, losses were greater during the January storm because of the road conditions, according to Frederick and Aldridge. The February storm was significant but the roads were treated quickly to prevent the extreme icing, they said. There are always certain pockets of town or isolated businesses that suffer more than others. Its certainly possible that restaurants and florists saw a decline on Friday, Feb. 14 [Valentines Day], but those losses were more than likely non-insurable. Policies dont necessarily reimburse them for increased cancellations due to weather conditions during that week, Aldridge said. Hardly any businesses went unscathed but those that allowed for operations to continue by having employees work from home suffered minimal impact, Frederick and Aldridge said. Obviously, those companies that only make money when customers come to their store are impacted more, Frederick said. Examples would include retail facilities such as clothing and grocery stores, restaurants, massage/nail salons, auto repair, etc. Other examples of companies that were hit the hardest were service companies such as landscapers, tree trimmers, home repair (windows, gutters etc.) and/or other home repair type companies. There are many ways a business could lose money during a winter storm, Frederick and Aldridge noted, including spoiled inventory and lost business hours. Some businesses were forced to close because of damage to their facility such as flooding from a burst pipe, fallen tree, etc. Others simply closed because of safety concerns for their employees, customers and/or suppliers. Power outages also contributed to business closures, the Bennett Thrasher experts said. Its important to note that virtually all business interruption insurance policies require some type of physical damage to take place to trigger coverage. If no physical damage occurs, its possible to recover lost earnings through other coverage such as service interruption, ingress/egress, civil authority and contingent business interruption coverage, Aldridge said. But the news wasnt all bad for businesses in and around DeKalb County. Ironically, some businesses such as hotels in the Dunwoody and Brookhaven areas actually experienced an uptick in their sales as stranded commuters stayed there rather than their cars. Virtually every hotel in the I-285 corridor was sold out on the Tuesday of the Snowpocalypse, The Bennett Thrasher executives reported. Frederick and Aldridge said its beyond the control of individual businesses to prevent roads from icing, but there are steps to limit the impact caused from these storms, including purchasing generators, salting and clearing areas surrounding the business, having data backup services, allowing employees to know work from home, etc. They also recommend reviewing business insurance to what is covered and what deductibles are.

Two significant winter storms earlier this year caused $100 million in losses, according to the Georgia Insurance Commission. Photo by Travis Hudgons

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

TheCityofDoravillewillbeacceptingsealedbidsforits2014LMIGresurfacingprogram.The scopeconsistsofpotholerepairsthroughouttheCityandapproximately3.35milesof pavementresurfacingalongvariousstreets(DruryCourt,NorthCarverDrive,StewartRoad, AutumnDrive,ClearviewPlace,PeachtreeSquare,GlendaWay,GreenOakDrive,DoralDrive, ClayDriveandChicopeeDrive).BidswillbereceivedbytheCityatCityHall(3725ParkAvenue, Doraville,GA30340)until2:00P.M.localtime,May1,2014.Atthattime,thebidswillbe openedandreadaloud.Fordetails,pleasevisittheCityswebsiteatwww.doravillega.us.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

EDUCATION

Page 18a

With help from The Nature Conservancy, students at Arabia Mountain High School did some gardening and landscaping April 3. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Arabia Mountain High students play in the dirt

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Arabia Mountain High School senior Jason Brown, 17, spent part of his school day on April 3 using a weedwacker, mulching and planting flower and vegetable beds at the school. We shoveled up some old, bad dirt that we had in some other beds we had over here and put some new mulch and new plant food down there so we could plant some grass, sunflowers and collard greens, Jason said. His green-thumb activities were sponsored by The Nature Conservancys Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF) program and the Captain Planet Foundation. The partnership between the two organizations brought together Arabia Mountain students to create the garden. Arabia Mountain is one of 10 metro Atlanta schools selected as winners of the Nature Works Everywhere garden grants. Deron Davis, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, said the gardens at the school will allow all students to benefit from working in a garden and understanding more about nature. Regardless of what the students decide is their future careerdoctor, lawyer, environmental scientist,

Regardless of what the students decide is their future careerdoctor, lawyer, environmental scientist, whatever path they chooseits important that they understand the value that nature gives their lives.
Deron Davis
whatever path they chooseits important that they understand the value that nature gives their lives, Davis said. Clean water, clean air, foodwe take all of those things largely for granted in our society today. But without nature we have none of them. The degree to which [students] understand that will hopefully help them move with an ethic into a future that helps them better take care of the environment. The conservancys LEAF program sends Arabia Mountain High students to the conservancys preserves across the country to work with our scientists for a month doing a variety of conservation activities, Davis said. Its important that as the world is changing, both in terms of population but also in terms of environmental changes, that we understand how the leaders of tomorrow are going to know what to do, Davis said. These kids are being given an opportunity today as well as through the curriculum at Arabia Mountain High School to think about conservation and to know how to be the environmental leaders that we need. Jason said he was not really too big on the environment before joining LEAF. LEAF just really changed my whole mindset on the environmental aspects of education and keeping up nature and the stuff around you because it makes your world better, Jason said. Now Jason is considering majoring in environmental engineering in college, a change from mechanical

or civil engineering. Eryn Whitfield, a social studies and behavioral sciences teacher at the school since 2009, is also an advisor for LEAF. They learn so much, Whitfield said about LEAF. The main focus is the environmentconservation, how to preserve the environment, how to take care of the environment and about the chain effects of [their] different actions. Students also learn life skills such as teamwork, budgeting, cooking and other skills theyre going to need when they leave mommys and daddys house and go off to college, Whitfield said. Senior Brittney Thompson, who wants to be an environmental engineer, joined LEAF because she loves the environment. When finding out about the program, I thought it was really interesting and a good opportunity to make connections in this field with all of the nice environmental work that were doing, Brittney said. Brittney said LEAF is teaching her about the various job opportunities in the field of conservation such as hydrology and environmental history. If you have a love of nature, you should definitely join, Brittney said. It is a lot of hard work but that definitely is a benefit.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

EDUcAtION

Page 19A

Group gives students blessing bags of food for spring break

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com While some students are thinking about vacations, fun and entertainment during spring break, others are thinking about when they will get their next meal. My mama dont have a job, and she has been struggling to feed us even though she gets food stamps, said 11-year-old Alexia Springer, a sixth-grader at McNair Middle School. Because her mother is on disability and her brother has multiple medical issues, Alexia said, bags of food she received at school will be very helpful for her family. Approximately 300 blessing bags were provided by Street Grace, a faith-based organization seeking to end domestic minor sex trafficking. Each bag consisted of breakfast, lunch and dinner items for two days, including oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, apple sauce, granola bars, water and other nonperishable food items. Street Grace coordinated with metro Atlanta churches, organizations, businesses and community volunteers to contribute 10,000 bags with food items to Communities In Schools of Atlanta. On April 4, CIS Atlanta site coordinators distributed the bags to students at Cedar Grove High, McNair, McNair Middle, Stone Mountain High and Towers High schools. We have five basics that we believe every child needs and deserves, said Cliff Albright, director of communications for CIS Atlanta, an award-winning dropout prevention organization. One of those basicsis we believe every child needs and deserves a healthy start. We recognize that at the schools we serve a lot of our students face food insecurity, Albright said. The schools helped by CIS, Albright said, have approximately 80-85 percent of the students receiving free and reduced price lunch. For many of them the meals that they get at the schoolsthat free and reduced price lunchis either the best meal of the day or, in some cases, is the only meal of the day, Albright said. Toni Burse, a McNair Middle sixth-grader, said she doesnt have a food problem at home, but knows students who do. I see many kids that come to school and they look like they were really hungry, Toni said. You see everybody asking for change and money to get food. CIS helps people like that. They help little girls and little boys get food on their table. [CIS is] really helping us out because [some] people dont have food over the holidays. Twelve-year-old Kaliyah Moore said her family will benefit from the food; their apartment was destroyed by fire in March. My mom [doesnt] have Principal Ronald Mitchell stands with students Alexia Springer, Toni Burse and Kaliyah Moore, who are to spend all of her money on McNair holding blessing bags from Communities in Schools of Atlanta. Photos by Andrew Cauthen stuff we have to eat, Kaliyah said. She can spend more money on stuff that we need now. Debra Haynes, parent of a seventh-grader at McNair Middle, said the food donation shows that the school cares about not only our kids but the family as well. It will [help] my household because I dont get my food until the 19th, Haynes said. It will help my family. Im on a fixed income and money comes once a month, and my food stamps come toward the end of the month. McNair Middle School DeKalb County Principal Ronald Mitchell Department of Watershed Management said, Sometimes unfortunately school is the only Public Advisory [place] where they get breakfast and lunch. We Johnson Ferry Sewer System Maintenance dont want those kids to go needy during spring break. Spring break is supposed to April 10, 2014 May 1, 2014 be a happy time. Advisory Issue Date Advisory Close Date Mitchell said he did not want to think about what This advisory is issued to inform the public of a receipt of an Application for a variance submitted pursuant the students would have to to a State environmental Law. The public is invited to comment during the 30-day period on the proposed eat were it not for the donaactivity. Since the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has no authority to zone property or tions. determine land use, only those comments addressing environmental issues related to air, water, and land As I do breakfast and protection will be considered in the application review process. Written comments should be submitted to: cafeteria duty I get to see Program Manager, NonPoint Source Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. how very few trays [of food] Drive, S.W., Suite 1456, Atlanta, Georgia 30034. are thrown away, he said. Type of Permit Application: Variance to encroach within the 25-foot State waters buffer. Our job is not only to teach reading and math and Applicable Law: Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act O.C.G.A. 12-7-1 et seq. responsibility and accountability, its to make sure that Applicable Rules: Erosion and Sedimentation Control Chapter 391-3-7 our kids get the best out of life that they can, Mitchell Basis under which variance shall be considered {391-3-7.05(2)(A-K)}: A said. Its supposed to be Description and Location of Proposed Activity: The proposed project involves buffer encroachments a happy time. Its not supnecessary to construct temporary roads along sewer easements to provide access for vehicles required for posed a time when theyre maintenance inspections and activities. The project will also involve the removal of 12 trees and the dealing with grownup isinstallation of temporary BMPs necessary for maintenance activities. The project is located near London sues. Road in the City of Chamblee and will result in 1,180 linear feet of buffer impacts along an unnamed
tributary to Nancy Creek. The Public can review site plans at 1580 Roadhaven Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. Phone 770-621-7200.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

PAGE 21A

Decatur defeats Marist in lacrosse matchup

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com The Decatur Bulldogs lacrosse team was down 7-5 heading into the fourth quarter of its matchup with Marist. However, the Bulldogs fought back in the final quarter and defeated Marist 12-8. Decatur coach Wesley Hatfield said his teams performance in the second half was the best half of lacrosse Ive seen us play. Ive never seen fight like that in any team weve played against or in us, Hatfield said. The combination of fight and skill was incredible. The game was close in the first quarter with the teams tied at one, but Marist opened it up in the second quarter. Goals by Stephen Grove (2) and Walter Viers (1) gave Marist a 4-1 lead in the second quarter. Decaturs Lang Rodgers scored a goal to cut the score to 4-2 before halftime. Decatur was able to again tie the game in the third quarter with scores from Edward Henderson and Rodgers. Marist took a 5-4 lead midway through the quarter on a Viers goal, but Decatur responded with a goal by Matt Tatum. Goals by Charles Utsch and Ryan Prater gave Marist a 7-5 lead heading into the fourth quarter. That is when Decatur took over. Jonah Florence opened the quarter with an early score to cut the lead to 7-6. Henderson tied the game at seven, and Nick Bentley gave Decatur its second lead of the game since the first quarter. Will Swank gave Decatur a 9-7 lead and two consecutive scores by Deangelo Watkins extended the score to 11-7. Joseph Arlotto gave Marist its only score of the fourth quarter to cut the score to 11-8. Good defense and a score by Tatum ended a potential comeback for Marist. With the win, Decatur (7-3) entered the Class A-AAAAA top 10 rankings at No. 9. Marist (8-2), which was ranked No. 8 before the game, fell out of the rankings. Hatfield said defeating a tough Marist team was a great end to the first half of their season. It was a great way to go into spring break, he said. Well build on this coming out [of spring break].

Marists Todd Mudd (left) and Decaturs Nate Scully wait for the ball to drop at midfield before the region matchup between the two schools.

Decaturs Deangelo Watkins looks to pass the ball to teammate Decaturs Jonah Florence (left) looks for an open man as Edward Henderson. Marists Kevin Coughlin defends. Photos by Carla Parker

Redans Marvin Pruitt makes history with 500th win

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Redan High School baseball coach Marvin Pruitt reached an historic milestone April 1 as the veteran skipper won his 500th game. Pruitt became the first DeKalb County baseball coach to reach the feat after Redan beat Banneker 14-0. Pruitt joins former Columbia High School basketball coach Phil McCrary as the only coaches in DeKalb with 500 victories. Along with the 500 victories, Pruitt won a state championship last season, led Redan to two other state Final Four berths in 2003 and 2010 and led Lakeside to its only state semifinal appearance in school history in his inaugural season as a head coach in 1983. Pruitt has taken Redan to the state playoffs in 12 of his 13 seasons prior to this year. The Raiders missed out in 2009 as they went 13-13 in Pruitts only non-winning season at the school (2001-2014). As of April 1, Pruitt has a 281-1163 record at Redan. He went 71-34 during his four years at Lakeside with the one playoff appearance, and he compiled a 53-28-1 record and one playoff appearance in three seasons at Southwest DeKalb High School. Pruitts other accomplishments include starting the Stephenson High School program in 1997, where he went 34-60-2 in four seasons. His only non-DeKalb coaching stint was at Rockdale County High School from 19871992 where he went 61-91 in six seasons. His coaching career includes 31 years in the dugout since 1983 with the 1996 season being his only non-coaching season. Pruitt will retire after this season. Last season, he had to watch Redans championship run from the stands and not his usual spot in the dugout due to health issues. Pruitt said in January that he came back for his 35th season because he missed being in the dugout most of the season last year and on a personal note I am 12 games away from 500 career wins, he said. Thats a milestone I would like to meet.

Redan High School principal Greg Goodwin (left) presents Redan baseball coach Marvin Pruitt with a cake in honor of his 500th career victory.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

SPORTS

PAGE 22A

Arabia Mountain, Dunwoody tie for boys county golf title

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com It took three playoff holes and nightfall to declare Dunwoody and Arabia Mountain co-champions of the 2014 DeKalb County Golf Championships March 31. The two teams finished regulation play tied at a score of 318 before heading into the sudden death rounds. Arabia Mountain went into the playoff with senior Darius Davis, who shot a 74, freshman Noah Kuranga (76), freshman Nylan Washington (78) and senior Miles Bizzle (90). Dunwoody was led by freshman Will Bentson (77), and senior Raul Oviedo (78), junior Corey Sullivan (81) and senior Lain Barclay (82). The two teams headed to the 10th hole (par 4) at Sugar Creek Golf Course for the GHSA playoff format. Each teams six members paired up in three foursomes with the top four scores for each team counting in the playoff. The first foursome featured Arabia Mountains Davis and Kuranga and Dunwoodys Bentson and Oviedo. Dunwoody led by one stroke as the second group approached the green. Washington (par) and Bizzle (bogey) made up the one stroke for Arabia against Sullivan and Barclary and had Dunwoody trailing by one. Dunwoodys freshman Davis Brainard, who shot an 86 in regulation, pulled Dunwoody even with his bogey to send the teams to the second playoff hole. At the 11th hole, a par 3, the first group had one par and one bogey to stay even as Dunwoodys Oviedo hit a downhill putt for a par. Dunwoodys Corey Sullivan had a par and Barclay a bogey to give Dunwoody a two shot lead with the third group teeing off. Arabia Mountain senior Ashton Sullivan had a downhill putt that rolled in for a par to tie the match again. The teams moved on to the 12th hole (par 4) and Arabia Mountain opened up a 2-stroke lead behind a par by Kuranga after the first group. Sullivan and Barclay responded with pars for Dunwoody to tie the match again with the final group to play. The final four players could not improve the score for either team and with darkness coming the match was declared a tie and the two teams as co-champions of the tournament. It was the 12th county title for Dunwoody and the first for Arabia Mountain. Arabia Mountain Coach Bobbie Burkes said she is very proud of her team. The playoff was stressful but it was a blessing for my team, Burkes said. Hopefully this is just the beginning of what can possibly happen in the future. Sophomore Cameron Wyatt of Martin Luther King Jr. High School took home honors with an even par 71 on the day for a three-stroke advantage over Arabia Mountains Davis. Chamblee sophomore Jonathon Moore finished third with a 75 on the day. Lakeside took third in the tournament with a team score of 367 and Druid Hills was fourth with a 402. The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats ended the two-year reign of Lakeside with a team score of 223 as the only team to qualify for the team championship. Lauren Callahan (105) and Olivia Vergura (118) finished fourth and sixth overall in the individual standings to lead Dunwoody. Arabia Mountains Mariah Kuranga joined her sister Sarah, a three-time winner, as a DeKalb County medalist with an 83 to beat Chamblees Kayla McClendon, who finished as the runner-

Dunwoody and Arabia Mountain boys golf teams tied for the boys county golf title after three playoff holes.

Arabia Mountains Mariah Kuranga finished first in the girls individual standings.

M.L. Kings Cameron Wyatt finished first in the boys individual standings.

Dunwoody won the girls county title. Photos by Mark Brock

up for the second consecutive season. Redans Sabontu Ahma-

do finished third in the final standings with a 103. Martin Luther Kings Tyler Jackson

shot a 108 to finish fifth to round out the top six finishers on the day.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, fRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014

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Lakeside High School gymnastics team won its third consecutive county title April 3. Photos by Carla Parker

Dunwoodys Lizzie Marra performs a routine on the balance beam. Marra won the silver medal in the beam event.

Arabia Mountains Camille Cassar performs a routine on the bars. She won the bronze medal in the event.

Lakeside wins third consecutive county gymnastics title

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com It was a close competition, but for the third consecutive year, the Lakeside Lady Vikings are DeKalb County gymnastics champions. Lakeside pulled out the win with 99.425 points, just 4.375 points better than Dunwoody High (95.05) and 8.85 better than Arabia Mountain High School. Dunwoody finished second for the third consecutive year after winning the previous three years (2009-11). Arabia Mountain finished third for the second consecutive year. Lakeside coach Elizabeth Krieger said she is proud of her gymnasts and their performance. We have a really strong team this year, Krieger said. We have a lot new people on the team too, but I think we did great tonight, and Im really proud of them. Senior Meg Stephens led the Lady Vikings, winning gold in two of the four individual events and the all-around with a score of 35.075. Dunwoodys Lizzie Marra and Arabia Mountains Camille Cassar were just 2.5 points behind with a score of 32.575 to tie for the silver medal. Lakesides Paige Munro finished fourth in the allaround with a score of 32.225, while her sister Mira Munro was fifth (31.70) and Arabia Mountains Nia Freeman was sixth (29.70). Stephens finished first in the bars (9.05) and beam (9.3). She tied with Cassar, Chamblees Maulana Young and Southwest DeKalbs Lauren Jones for second with a score of 8.50 in the floor exercise. Dunwoodys Virginia Loeb won the floor routine with a score of 9.25, and Freeman took the vault with an 8.40. The championship title was Lakesides 19th county championship since the event started in 1966. Stephens became just the third competitor to win the all-around gold three times and the second to win three consecutive titles. Redans Terri Duffy was the first to win three titles consecutively (1985-1987) while Tuckers Kathryn Rouse won three titles (1999, 2001, 2002) to become the second to take three. Decatur Bulldogs

Ethics complaint filed against commissioner

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Two residents have filed an ethics complaint against a DeKalb County commissioner and her aide, alleging improper use of her county-issued credit card and using tax payer money as a bank for bridge loans. Filed by Thomas Mitchell Owens and Joseph Wesley Newton April 2, the complaint states that DeKalb County Commissioner Elaine Boyer and her aide Bob Lundsten have shown a pattern of abusing their county credit card for personal purchases. Joining Owens and Newton in the complaint are Viola Davis and Joel Edwards, members of Restore DeKalb, a local advocacy organization. After the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Boyers questionable use of her county credit card, she issued a statement saying that she had done nothing wrong and had paid back all of the money borrowed, except for a small amount which she was unaware of. Over the past several years I have on occasion purchased airfare and related travel expenses using my County P-Card which is a debit card, Boyer said. Over that same period I reimbursed over 90 percent of these chargesthere was no expense to the county taxpayers. However, the AJC reported that Boyer had not paid back all of the money from 2012 and 2013, basing their claims on an open records request from DeKalb County. Boyer apologized for the oversight and released a subsequent statement saying the remaining money was reimbursed immediately. I want to point out that over the years when I have written these checks to the county I was never informed that what I was doing was in violation of any county policy. In fact these checks were cashed and no one said a word to me, Boyer said. DeKalb County policy dictates that commissioners are responsible for governing the use of their P-Cards, which means there is no oversight. Boyer said she realized she has been part of the problem and will work with the Board of Commissioners to develop a stricter, more transparent P-Card policy. In an email sent from the countys finance department to Purchasing and Contracting Director Kelvin Walton, county staff outlines the results of an internal P-Card compliance audit conducted for Boyers district several years ago, which found Boyer did not follow proper procedures. According to the audit, out of 50 transactions from Dec. 1 2010-May 31, 2011, only 12 receipts were available and 60 percent of all the purchases were food related. Spending records released by the county show that this type of card use has not stopped and Boyer and Lundsten spent more than $11,000 on meals in 2012 and 2013 at the expense of DeKalb County taxpayers. Boyer said the expenses were from meals with constituents, local officials and business owners. It is an accepted practice in corporate America to deduct these expenses and I understand it is one of the reasons we even have P-Cards, Boyer said. Boyer said she pays for any business meals so she wont be criticized for taking any favors that might be misconstrued as an attempt to sway her opinions. Additionally, she said she views the items as valid business expenses.

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Of the more expensive restaurant visits: Boyer spent $458.93 at Pig N Chik; $340 at Jimmy Johns; $281 at Capital Grille; $135 at A Piece of Cake and thousands of dollars elsewhere. During the public comment section of the April 8 DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting, Davis said she joined the complaint against Boyer after receiving several letters and phone calls from concerned residents. Weve got to restore our public trust, Davis told commissioners. Many people think that since youre elected officials and you pass the laws and make the policies, you dont have to adhere to it. It is the taxpayers vote that hire you and its our tax money that pays you and as such, the taxpayers and voters are the employers and the elected officials are the employees, Davis said. So when you write those laws and policies and procedures, you have to understand that you have to adhere to them, you cant just write them for the employees because remember, the citizens are your employees.