WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM • FRIDAY, JuLY 1, 2011 • VOL. 14, NO. 14 • FREE

FreeP•ress A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS • Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.

Celebrating 20 years of DeKalb County news coverage.

20th Anniversary Issue 1991-2011

Hurray for the red, white and blue See 20th Anniversary Issue inside –it’s America’s Time running out for DeKalb 235th birthday superintendent

by Kathy Mitchell 4, at 2 p.m. Activities continue until 4 p.m. search Residents and visitors are invited to decorate by Daniel Beauregard lags, patriotic banners and hot dogs bikes, cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, [email protected] galore mean it’s once again the wagons—“or whatever.” The city promises Fourth of July. All around DeKalb prizes, hot dogs and fun. A leak to the press has once County and in surrounding areas again shown that in-fighting on The people will be joining Americans from sea to Decatur DeKalb County School Board is The Champion staff members, from left, Kathy Mitchell, Dan- seaF in celebrating America’s 235th birthday. iel Beauregard, Gale Horton Gay, Robert Naddra and Andrew making it difficult for members to Cauthen. Photo by John Hewitt As usual, the festivities will include parades, Decatur will hold its traditional Fourth of agree on hiring a new superinten- picnics and fireworks. Here are some of July Pied Piper Parade in which decorated dent by its self-imposed deadline of the activities that will be going on July 4 in vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, wagons July 1. DeKalb County. and walkers—starting at 6 p.m.—follow a This past week an unidentified route from First Baptist Church of Decatur board member told members of Avondale Estates through downtown Decatur to the Decatur the media the name of a candidate Avondale Estates will continue its time- Square. This year, watch for The Champion who was favored by several other honored tradition of celebrating the Fourth Newspaper’s vehicle as the DeKalb County members, once again breaking the of July with a parade and fireworks at the legal organ celebrates its 20th anniversary— board’s confidentiality policy. lake. Residents and friends are invited to also on July 4. The concert on the square, Board Chairman Tom Bowen be part of this year’s celebration. Here’s the featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, said that the leak was primarily schedule: begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at about Robert Duron, superin- dark. The events, sponsored by the Decatur tendent of the San Antonio Inde- 9:15 a.m. - Parade line-up at Avondale High Business Association, are free. pendent School District in San School Antonio, Texas, not getting enough 10 a.m. - Parade begins up Clarendon Dunwoody votes to be endorsed by the board Avenue as a final candidate. 7:30 p.m. - Atlanta Blue Notes perform at Dunwoody will get things started early Duron was favored by board the lake the morning of July 4. Hosted by the members Nancy Jester, Donald Dusk - Fireworks begin at the Lake Dunwoody Homeowners Association and the McChesney, Pam Speaks and Dunwoody Crier Newspaper, the Dunwoody Vice-Chairman Paul Womack and Visit www.avondaleestates.org to view parade will feature marching bands, floats, shortly after the leak they sent out traffic plan for Fireworks at Lake Avondale. clowns, animal units and local celebrities. a letter to constituents. The letter, Last year’s parade attracted more than 2,500 penned by Jester, was in support of Clarkston participants and 32,000 spectators. Duron and urged residents to e-mail The parade route is 2.7 miles. Step off their board members and ask them The Clarkston Fourth of July Parade from the intersection of Mount Vernon and to vote for Duron as a finalist. starts at Clarkston City Hall, Monday, July Jett Ferry is at 9:30 a.m. The parade will In the letter, Jester said that they believed the board needed to See July 4 on Page 13A See Superintendent on Page 13A

1st Place General Excellence Award Winner Georgia Press Association ‘Better Newspaper Contest’ 2007, 2009, 2010 & 2011 The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 2A Newspaper seeks to recognize Community Champions Dr. Earl and Carolyn Glenn, publish- ers of The Champion Newspaper, have announced details of the 2011 Community Champions nomination process. We are seeking nominations from the public of community members and/or organizations who have dedicated their time, talents and in many cases financial resources, to mak- ing DeKalb County a better place for all. This is an opportunity to honor a com- Among this year’s Dough Getters are, front from left, Lillian munity servant, organization or individual Arnold, Aurielle Purdue, Nevaeh Sutherland and Sarah Tawfeek; in the DeKalb community who tireless- back from left, Gabrielle Latimore, Mallori Sewell, Jordan Brown, ly volunteers his or her service for the bet- Imani Golden and Tasneem Tawfeek. Not pictured are Jessica Carr, Amber Roberts, Tamya Rosborough, Emily Tichenor and Katherine terment of DeKalb County. Those individu- Whisnant. Photo provided als or organizations selected will be rec- nate a community champion: Visit www. ognized at our Celebration of Community ChampionNewspaper.com and click on Champions Gala luncheon in September, the Community Champions logo on the 14 DeKalb County girls are will receive a commemorative trophy and a home page. Nominations can be completed financial contribution to enable them to do and submitted online or returned via fax top Girl Scout cookie sellers even more great work in DeKalb. to (404) 373-7721. Nominations may Those who nominate a community also be mailed to: The Champion News- champion will need to provide an explana- paper, Community Champions Nomina- Fourteen girls from use in her daily life: goal tion of why the individual or organization tions, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30030 DeKalb County were setting, money manage- deserves the award, and those chosen for For additional information contact Lou- among 241 Girl Scouts ment, people skills, busi- recognition will be asked to submit ad- ise Dyrenforth Acker at (404) 373-7779, recently honored as mem- ness ethics and decision ditional information prior to the awards Ext. 102, [email protected] or bers of the Dough Getters making. luncheon. John Hewitt at (404) 373-7779, Ext. 110, Club for selling 1,000 Girl Scouts of Greater There are a number of ways to nomi- [email protected]. boxes or more of Girl Atlanta announced that Scout Cookies during the 29,601 girls from 2,900 2011 Girl Scout Cookie troops participated in the Program. Lillian Arnold, 2011 Girl Scout Cookie EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATES Jordan Brown, Jessica Program. These Girl Scouts Carr, Imani Golden, Ga- generated $2.5 million to The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted millage rates brielle Latimore, Aurielle support their troop programs which will require an increase in property tax rates as listed below. Perdue, Amber Roberts, and community service. Tamya Rosborough, Girl Scout Cookies Mallori Sewell, Nevaeh have long been a major 2011 Rollback Rate % Increase Sutherland Sarah Taw- fundraiser for girls and feek, Tasneem Tawfeek, their troops across the Atlanta 10.39 8.938 16.25% Emily Tichenor and region, and is an integral Avondale Estates 15.41 13.464 14.45% Katherine Whisnant were part of Girl Scouting’s the top-selling Girl Scouts business and economic Chamblee 13.71 12.223 12.17% from DeKalb County. “By literacy initiative for girls Clarkston 15.06 13.242 13.73% selling 1,000 boxes or ages 5-17. The program Decatur 10.82 10.087 7.27% more, these ‘Dough Get- provides finance, market- Doraville 13.60 12.607 7.88% ters’ demonstrated with ing and public speaking Dunwoody 13.35 11.357 17.55% Girl Scout Cookies they skills as well as experi- have what it takes for suc- ences that develop girls’ Lithonia 15.33 13.280 15.44% cess as entrepreneurs,” personal leadership style. Pine Lake 15.61 13.541 15.28% states an announcement “No other program offers Stone Mountain 13.90 12.980 7.09% from the Girl Scouts girls so much in develop- Unincorporated 19.62 18.017 8.90% of Greater Atlanta Inc. ing courage, confidence “Along the way they also and character – and it all learned their economic starts with a box of cook- Countywide Debt 1.08 0.647 66.92% ABC’s and gained valu- ies. Many troops use cook- Unincorporated Debt 0.66 1.631 -59.53% able life skills.” ie proceeds to help fund The Girl Scout Cookie the more than 1.5 million This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 21.36 mills in the unincorporated Program is the premier hours of community ser- area, an increase of 4.50 mills. financial literacy and en- vice projects completed trepreneurial program by girls every year,” ac- for young girls. Many of cording to Girl Scouts of All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at today’s leaders, includ- Greater Atlanta. the Maloof Administration Building Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA ing former Atlanta mayor Proceeds from the on: Shirley Franklin, TV Girl Scout Cookie Pro- Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 10:00 AM news anchor Monica gram fund activities for Pearson, and former Su- individual troops as well Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 6:00 PM preme Court Justice San- as Girl Scouts of Greater Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM dra Day O’Connor, were Atlanta, including finan- once part of the Girl Scout cial assistance for girls These millage rates are prior to the application of the Homestead Exemptions and credits Cookie Program. This to participate in events, from the Homestead Option Sales Tax. In 2010, the Board of Commissioners granted a business – run by girls – program fees, volunteer provides the opportunity recruitment, training and 56.6% HOST Credit for County operations and maintenance based upon the use of 97.3% for each girl who partici- maintenance of eight camp of last year’s HOST receipts. In 2011, the Board of Commissioners has voted to use 80% pates to learn five skills to properties. for the HOST Credit. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 3A Senate Democrats Kidnapped woman still missing after four years elect new leaders by Andrew Cauthen ment complex, police found a paper [email protected] bag containing a large amount of cash. The Georgia Senate Bennett, who has a criminal re- Democratic Caucus vot- our years ago, Monica Renee cord in Fulton County containing var- ed June 20 to install two Bowie, 34, an energetic, outgo- ious narcotics charges, theft and sexu- members to their leader- ing, free spirit, was kidnapped in al battery charges, was not charged in ship team. F Sen. Steve Henson (D- broad daylight in front of witnesses, the kidnapping case. never to be seen again. A missing person flyer release Tucker) and Sen. Vincent “There’s no way on God’s green after the kidnapping said the five-foot- Fort (D-Atlanta) were earth you can totally disappear,” said four, 135-pound Bowie, who was 34 elected as Senate Demo- Linda Howard, Bowie’s mother. at the time, was last seen wearing a cratic Caucus Leader and “People were standing there when she dark green dress shirt and blue denim Senate Democratic Cau- was taken. Nobody knows anything.” pants. She had braces on her teeth. cus Whip, respectively. Bowie grew up in Pittsburgh liv- Bowie has not been seen or heard Henson was elected to ing with her mother, stepfather James from since. fill the position of caucus and four siblings. After graduating leader after Sen. Robert high school, Bowie attended Cheney New leads needed Brown resigned to become University in Pennsylvania, where she a candidate for mayor of graduated as valedictorian of her class In her search for answers, Howard Macon. Fort was elected with an accounting degree has solicited the help of Jean and to fill the position of whip “She was a very smart girl,” How- Suzanne Vincent, two sisters who are vacated by Henson. Both ard said. “She was very active in ev- psychic criminal investigators. are long-time members of erything. You name it, she did it.” “She was somebody’s daughter the Georgia legislature. Bowie moved to Delaware to ac- and she deserves to be brought home,” “Both Steve and Vin- cept an accounting job with Mitsubi- Bowie claimed she knew noth- Suzanne Vincent said. “Somebody cent bring valuable leader- shi. From there, she moved to Atlanta ing about the drugs and gun, and the knows where she is.” ship skills to our Caucus in 1997. For about six weeks, Bowie charges against the pair were eventu- After profiling the crime, the Vin- team,” said Caucus Chair- worked as an exotic dancer at Blue ally dismissed. Because Walters was cents believe Bowie’s body is within a man Sen. Doug Stoner. Flame Lounge, an adult club in At- on parole at time, he was taken to jail, three-mile radius of where the burned “This has been a seam- lanta. where he remained on the day Bowie vehicle was found and is “encased in less process within a cau- “She had to make ends meet,” disappeared. something.” cus that honors individual Howard said. Bowie and Walters planned to get The Vincents, who have not vis- opinion, while working Bowie was an entrepreneur. She married in 2008. ited the site where the kidnapping oc- together to advance Demo- owned Go2girl Promotions Inc., a curred, hope to come to Atlanta some- cratic principals.” company that promoted hip-hop acts Screams for help time this summer to search for leads. Voting for the posi- in Atlanta, and LaCoca Wear Cloth- “We are still diligently hoping that a tions was by acclamation. ing, a boutique in southwest Atlanta. Bowie was last seen at approxi- new lead will turn up,” said attorney While in Atlanta, Bowie remained mately 11:14 p.m. on July 5, 2007. Gerald Griggs who represented Bow- very close to her family. She had apparently had an evening ie on her criminal charges which were Rep. Oliver “She came home to visit all the out. Five witnesses at her apartment dropped before she disappeared. time,” Howard said. “There was not a complex, Berkshire at Lenox Park, “She was a wonderful, open per- receives award holiday she missed.” located on Gables Drive near Lenox son in love with life. When she came from Common Bowie also made a lot of friends Mall, heard screams for help coming into a room, the whole room lit up,” who still keep in touch with Howard. from the parking deck. Griggs said. “I just wish at some point Cause Georgia “They call me on her birthday. The witnesses told police they saw we could give some closure to her They call me on Mother’s Day. They Bowie leaving the scene in a burgun- family.” State Representative call me on my birthday. They still call dy 2002 Mercury Sable with two men. Bowie’s case is officially classi- Mary Margaret Oliver me,” Howard said. The driver of the car was a heavyset fied as “open, but suspended,” said (D-Decatur) recently Black male with fair skin, a beard and Mekka Parish, public information received a 2011 Democracy Monica loved life low haircut. The other man was de- officer for DeKalb County Police. Award from Common scribed as a small, dark-skinned Black The case will remain suspended until Cause Georgia, a self- One such friend is D. L. Sparks, male. Witnesses recorded the license “new, viable information” comes for- described statewide, non- Bowie’s best friend in high school. plate number and called 911. ward. partisan, cross-ideology Bowie moved to Atlanta to join her Police said there was a sign of The department has “worked all education and advocacy friend. They were roommates for struggle where the car had been the leads from the past,” Parish said. group dedicated to a couple of years in Atlanta, until parked. On the ground at the scene, Sparks said the trouble that caused openness, accountability Sparks got engaged. police found a woman’s green jacket, Bowie’s disappearance came from and ethics in government. “We had a ball all the time,” eyeglasses, earring, a gold necklace whoever she was hanging around. “We face many Sparks said. “Monica didn’t want any- with a cross pendant, a broken bottle “At some point it’s apparent that challenges at the Gold body not laughing in her presence.” of perfume, a manila folder contain- she crossed paths with the wrong Dome when working to “She loved life,” said Sparks, an ing miscellaneous paperwork, a white crowd,” Sparks said. “The trouble was improve our ethics statutes, author who has dedicated a book to food container with chicken wings, brought to her. She was not a mean or but we must do better and Bowie. “I can remember her life. I re- and two broken fingernails. spiteful person.” implement higher standards member her driving me crazy sucking When the car was found later, it Bowie’s family and friends still to earn the public’s trust her thumb. I would say, ‘Stop, you’re was abandoned and burned. miss her a lot. Her mother still sets a and confidence,” Oliver grown now.’ Two days after Bowie’s disappear- place for Bowie at Thanksgiving and said. “I am grateful to have “She knew me better than any- ance, Jasper Keels, 24, of Decatur, Christmas dinners. had the opportunity to work body. Whenever she was around, ev- was arrested for stealing the car from Balloons and cake were on hand with Common Cause on erything was going to be OK.” an acquaintance, and for possession of on March 30 as approximately 50 this noble effort.” Bowie’s only brush with the law drugs. He denied any involvement in people gathered at Howard’s Pitts- Each year, Common came two weeks before she disap- Bowie’s disappearance. burgh home to remember Bowie’s Cause Georgia recognizes peared. Her fiancé,Shernotta Wal- After the kidnapping, DeKalb birthday. Howard still has the un- individuals for their ters, borrowed Bowie’s car and was Police arrested 27-year-old Lon- opened birthday cards. commitment to improving arrested after police found marijuana nie Bennett of Atlanta. Bennett was “It’s still fresh for a lot of peo- democracy in Georgia. and a gun in the car during a traffic seen “coming out of or near” Bowie’s ple,” Sparks said. “Every year, it The organization chose stop. When Bowie arrived at the scene apartment after the alleged kidnap- doesn’t get easier.” to retrieve her vehicle, she too was ar- ping. When his car was stopped leav- See Oliver on Page 9A rested. ing the parking deck of Bowie’s apart- The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Opinion Page 4A The Newslady Commissioners beware! boiling over. They are the dragging art of knowing what or who not to vocal and more engaged. They also of your feet on a tough new code overlook. have longer memories. Suggestion: enforcement ordinance advanced Now instead of marching in Move that code enforcement by a citizen’s task force and the the street as he did recently under ordinance out of committee. Don’t administration along with the lights, cameras, action, Presiding be content with the monitoring June 14 vote to approve a biomass Officer Larry Johnson might of the gasification plant but gasification plant in Lithonia. have done better to march into immediately impose hefty fines Commissioner Lee May, who Commissioner Sharon Barnes and strict sanctions for violations championed the plant and within Sutton’s office and urge her to dig before it rises to state and federal whose district the plant would up the code enforcement ordinance levels. Help voters understand DeKalb County Commissioners, be located, disagreed with his that is buried in her committee. the implications in DeKalb of the especially those representing community about the so-called Community activist Gil Turman nearly $30 billion Transportation south and east DeKalb, beware. dangers of the plant and put out a led a citizen’s task force that Investment Act. Stop decimating Something huge is brewing rather lengthy missive attempting worked for months with the Ellis county services and delaying the among your constituents. They to debunk what he called “myths” administration to craft the measure. minor mil tax increase that you are discouraged. They are restless circulated by opponents. Question: It has been vetted and stands legal know is inevitable. If you want to and they are angry–feeling When did we come to a place muster. There is no reason that it make a job seem harder, just keep ignored and taken for granted. in government where we no should not be enacted. People are putting it off. They are tired of your “dog and longer represent the wishes of an watching. People are sick and tired Charles Peagler, president of pony show” stunts like “take back overwhelming number of one’s of being sick and tired. People want the King’s Ridge Neighborhood the street” marches designed to constituents and simply ignore responsive leadership. The march Association, perhaps said it best attract television news live shots such them? It is not wise to ignore in the street was cute. Voting for a when he told the commissioners as if real work is being done. Your the people who voted you into film commission is wonderful. But that residents are not asking them to constituents are especially angry office. It is not wise to ignore such that’s like putting perfume on a pig. do something they are not legislated over the vote on the gasification pastors as Bishop Miles Fower Neither makes a scintilla of progress to do. Just act. Legislate. Just do plant. They are tired of what of Big Miller Grove, Rev. Dr. toward cleaning up the blight in the the right thing. Remember, when they view as a lot of palavering, Mark Lomax of First African county nor makes us attractive to well-respected prominent preachers pontificating and posturing without Presbyterian and Rev. Dr.–as in the film industry or any other high get out of their pulpits and into the true representation. A word of medical–Michael Crawford of value industry for that matter. streets with their flocks, you might advice, dear commissioners. When First St. Paul A.M.E. They were In case our elected officials want to prepare for a stampede that you see prominent, well-respected joined by Ralph Thompson, haven’t yet gotten the message, it’s when the dust settles might make pastors standing in the streets and moderator of the United Ministers a new day in DeKalb. The Wizard you a casualty come election time. at commission meetings with their Alliance that represents more than of Oz behind the curtain style Steen Miles, The Newslady, flocks, you might want to take heed. 20 interdenominational churches. machinations creating illusions of is a retired journalist and former Two hot issues are sitting on I’m still shaking my head on that leadership just won’t cut it anymore. Georgia state senator. Contact Steen the front burners at the point of one. The art of being wise is the Voters are better informed, more Milies at [email protected].

Perry's prayer-palooza I'm fairly certain that God doesn't want anything to do with this goober's show.

When Texas became a republic in 1836, its Undeterred, the gubernatorial padre simply constitution banned “ministers of the gospel” doubled down on prayer politics. Proclaiming from holding any political office. Aug. 6 as a “Day of Prayer and Fasting,” he Our prob- invited all other governors to join him in Houston lem these days, for a seven-hour prayer-palooza, dubbed “The

by Jim Hightower however, isn’t Response.” Columnist ministers in of- It’s billed as “a nondenominational, apolitical, fice, but politi- Christian” event to unify all Americans by calling cians posing as upon Jesus “to guide us through unprecedented ministers, seiz- struggles.” Wait...What about all those Americans ing the pulpit to preach and proselytize. To see who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or members of such Elmer Gantryism in action, look no further other faiths? No room at the inn for them? than the showboating Texas governor, Rick “The Adding to this fiasco, Perry’s co-sponsor for Pious” Perry. Embarrassingly inept at govern- The Response is the American Family Associ- ing, he has lately turned to prayer as his official ation–a Mississippi-based extremist outfit infa- solution for all problems. I don’t mean a quiet, mous for bashing gays and Muslims. contemplative kind of praying, but garish public The governor’s spokeswoman loudly insists displays. that his Prayerfest “doesn’t have anything to do In April, with a Biblical-level drought and with (Perry’s presidential ambitions)”–which, of some 800 wildfires ravaging the state, Perry’s course, means that it does. But I’m fairly certain gubernatorial response was to proclaim three that God doesn’t want anything to do with this “Days of Prayer for Rain.” Three days came and goober’s show. went, but no rain. Presumably, Perry the Pious Jim Hightower is a radio commentator, was praying up a storm, but not a drop fell from writer, and public speaker. He’s also editor of the the heavens. populist newsletter, The Hightower Lowdown. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Opinion Page 5A One Man’s Opinion Cheers for The Champion! size, scope and and associations, leading differences, perspectives given that The Champion circulation. mission trips abroad and and cultures. You can is among the youngest Today we will establishing themselves as easily see the DeKalb members of GPA, an spend a moment community leaders, while that the Glenns might organization dominated by reflecting onThe adding a free circulation envision by visiting the tradition and still including Champion, which edition of their Champion, DeKalb Farmer’s Market, families who have owned celebrates its 20th called The Champion International Village their local community daily birthday this month, Free Press, which is more along Buford Highway or or weekly newspaper for as well as its owners broadly circulated but the fast-growing region generations. and publishers, Dr. without the legal advertising still springing up around So, as you celebrate our “The press in our free Earl and Carolyn Glenn. sections. Panola Road and Lithonia’s nation’s birthday and the country is reliable and The first edition ofThe But competing for Arabia Mountain (Stone Fourth of July holiday, and useful not because of its Champion was modestly readers and advertisers in Mountain’s slightly smaller reflect upon our Declaration good character but because circulated, primarily a top 10 media market, and lesser known sibling). of Independence, and of its great diversity. As among churches and small dominated by group-owned In more recent years, later forward thinking long as there are many businesses on the south media giants, is not a course The Champion has also Constitution, and the owners, each pursuing his side of DeKalb County. of action for the timid or become an active member guarantees it brings of a own brand of truth, we the Doc and Carolyn Glenn, faint of heart. And yet, The of the Georgia Press free and unfettered press, people have the opportunity both with backgrounds in Champion survived, and Association (GPA). The perhaps consider adding to arrive at the truth and education, felt that DeKalb eventually thrived, drawing offices of ACE III, and halls a toast or a cheer for your to dwell in the light. The needed a new community both a wide cross section of The Champion are lined community Champion, multiplicity of ownership voice, more reflective of of readers and subscribers, with plaques, honors and or lighting a sparkler or is crucial. It’s only when the fast-growing south as well as a growing list of awards from GPA and other bottle rocket in its honor. there are few owners, or, as side of the county, which national advertisers. entities, recognizing either Congratulations Doc and in a government-controlled would soon grow to become The diversity of opinion excellence in journalism, or Carolyn Glenn, Happy press, one owner, that the a major part of making and voices contained in each support for the community. anniversary! truth becomes elusive and metro Atlanta a mecca for Champion and/or Champion At the recent 125th Bill Crane is a DeKalb the light fails,” said author educated, upwardly mobile Free Press is as easily annual GPA Convention’s County native and business E.B. White (1899-1985) in and middle-income Black demonstrated as opening to Better Newspaper Awards owner, living in Scottdale, a letter to W.B. Jones on families, as well as an pages 4-5A each week. My on Jekyll Island, The Georgia. He also serves as Jan. 30, 1976. expanding cadre of Black good friend, colleague and Champion team took home chief political analyst and If E.B. White is right, entrepreneurs. former state senator, the another wheelbarrow full commentator for 11Alive and he usually was, then The early Champion was “News Lady” Steen Miles of plaques, including the News and WSB Radio, News/ we are blessed in DeKalb a community newspaper shares her thinking on the General Excellence Award Talk 750. Contact Bill Crane County, both with a finding its niche until left hand page, while my for the third consecutive at [email protected]. diversity of opinion and changes in demographics own ramblings and singular year, and fourth time in five ownership of our area and local politics also opinions form more to right years. This is no small feat press. DeKalb County is brought the distinction of of center on the flanking covered by the AJC, Atlanta being the DeKalb County page. Business Chronicle, The legal organ to the paper, This is the kind of Champion and Champion boosting both circulation community dialogue that Free Press, The Dunwoody and revenues. The Glenns Doc and Carolyn Glenn Crier, CrossRoads News, became increasingly active hope will eventually bring On Common Ground and in a wide array of civic us a more unified DeKalb, FreePress other outlets of varying and charitable causes respectful of each others’ Let us Know What You Think! THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writer’s name, address and telephone number for verification. All letters will be considered for publication. Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to [email protected] FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITOR’S 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: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Robert Naddra Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons

The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779. www.championnewspaper.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 The Champion, Thursday, June 30 - July 6, 2011 Opinion Page 6A My favorite Fourth of July speech One well-rehearsed performance in a single debate shouldn’t wipe out the memory of Michele Bachmann’s long public career filled with absurd misstatements of fact and bizarre conspiracy theories ety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. by Donald Kaul “There is not a nation on the Columnist earth guilty of practices more shocking and more bloody than are The following comments are pulled straight from our website and the people of these United States at are not edited for content or grammar. this very hour.” I like the Fourth of July. Al- That was Douglass’ most signif- most everyone does. Friends and icant contribution to our “patriotic” South DeKalb residents rally against crime neighbors gathered in parks and holiday — the truth. backyards throughout the nation, We eliminated slavery, of My experience(s) with DeKalb Police Dept., with home having been sharing food and drink and happy course, and it was a heavy lift that robbed several times and the first response took the police 5hrs. to thoughts in a festive atmosphere. left some 625,000 dead and hun- come, the final straw that made me abandon my home was a home What’s not to like? dreds of thousands more wounded. invasion, in which they took almost an hour to respond and did not Well the patriotic claptrap, of We have a right to pat ourselves on get out the car, and told me to open the front door, never pulled his course. That I could do without. the back about that. I don’t recall gun, didn’t bother to go around the back of the house where the door I’m not talking about patriot- any other nation fighting a civil was kicked in at 11:30PM, it was an absolute nightmare. Then when ism. Acts of citizenship and service the car was stolen, the officer was rude, never came to take the re- war on behalf of an enslaved peo- port, and made it clear that they were not going to look for my new honor this country’s traditions. I’m ple. car that had be stolen...gave the case number, when I received the talking about the empty speechify- But we shouldn’t pat ourselves report the name of the officer was entirely different from the officer;’s ing, often by politicians wearing too hard. A few weeks ago we name who took the report, which also falsely stated that she met with faces gleaming with corruption, commemorated (or rather, failed me! All Dekalb police are good for are giving tickets...not interested which passes for patriotism these to commemorate) the 90th an- serving or protecting their residents...can’t wait to leave out of Dekalb days. niversary of the Tulsa race riot, a County... And the flag-waving. I’m not shameful chapter in our history that big on flag-waving. we conveniently forgot about for — Sandra posted this on 6/24/11 at 9:33 a.m. Not that there’s anything wrong nearly a century. with the flag, of course. It’s a On May 31, 1921, a Black man My observations of the DeKalb police is that they focus on writing beautiful symbol of the things we reports, not on detecting or preventing crime. I’ve seen this from my in Tulsa was arrested on charges of own and others’ experiences—when a theft or break-in happens, value. But too often it is waved to sexually assaulting a White woman there is no investigation at all. They don’t talk to neighbors or other substitute emotionalism for rational (a charge never validated, by the witnesses, they don’t collect evidence, they just give you a file num- behavior. way). ber for your insurance company. The crooks certainly know this, and War, for example. How many He was taken to jail where a depend on it. This is not the way police operate in safe communities. times have nations been led into lynch mob made up of White men I wish the S DeKalb residents all the best in making the changes they truly stupid wars behind a flowing began to gather. Soon a group of need to be safe! flag? Does the word Iraq suggest armed Black men showed up to anything to you? protect the suspect. — Jo posted this on 6/24/11 at 7:49 a.m. But I digress. I was talking Predictably, a gun battle broke about the Fourth of July. My fa- out and the Black men retreated vorite Fourth of July speech is the to the “colored” side of town. Time running out for DeKalb superintendent search one the great 19th-century orator The Tulsa police chief deputized and civil rights leader Frederick hundreds of White men who gave Dr. Walker thinks things are great in DeKalb. Make sure you all let him Douglass delivered to a Rochester, chase. know otherwise. Here is a quote from a letter he sent in response to N.Y., audience in 1852. The former In the hours that followed, the an email angry about the Board’s performance. slave said: African-American section of town “What, to the American slave, was burned to the ground. As many “I hasten to tell you that we don’t need to clean house because our is your Fourth of July? I answer, a as 300 people, most of them Black, System is not toxic.” day that reveals to him, more than were killed. Thousands were left all other days in the year, the gross homeless. [email protected]> injustice and cruelty to which he is Did you ever read about that in the constant victim. Let him know if you think things are going well. your history books? I didn’t think “To him, your celebration is so. You didn’t hear it in any Fourth Someone should suggest he look at the system’s test scores. Check a sham; your boasted liberty, an of July speech either. Frederick out the front of the AJC’s metro section. DCSS had the lowest or unholy license; your national Douglass had passed away decades nearly the lowest test scores in all key subject and grade levels in the greatness, swelling vanity; your earlier. metro area. Lower than Atlanta and Clayton. sounds of rejoicing are empty and So I say to you, enjoy your heartless; your denunciations of Fourth of July picnic and feel joy If you want to see improvements in housing values in S. DeKalb, tyrants, brass-fronted impudence; that we live in this wonderful coun- someone better demand improving schools. your shouts of liberty and equality, try, albeit one with a tragic past. hollow mockery; your prayers and But don’t forget to keep it real. hymn, your sermons and thanksgiv- We’ve come a long way but — yes i am worried posted this on 6/23/11 at 12:45 p.m. ings, with all your religious parade we’ve got a long way to go. Have a and solemnity, are to Him, mere happy Fourth. bombast, fraud, deception, impi- The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 7A

Champion of the Week John Mullins

He said that he decided to work for the DeKalb Habitat for Humanity because Panelists discuss he wanted to work in the county where he lives. “It is also a small criminal justice reform organization, so there is always a need for by Andrew Cauthen “We have to teach these people skills … my services some- [email protected] so they can successfully enter the workforce,” where,” said Mullins. Miller said. “Prevention is key; education is Mullins retired from Rep. Jay Neal once believed “that the best key; training is key.” the Army, was regional way to deal with criminal activity is to punish The objective of the council on criminal planning director and punish more if we don’t feel like we’re justice reform will be to initiate criminal jus- for the Southeast at getting the results.” tice reform by studying Georgia’s criminal jus- President Jimmy Travelers Insurance “That’s the way Georgia has pretty much tice system, particularly criminal sentencing Company and national done things over the last couple of decades,” procedures for nonviolent offenders. Carter and his wife Rosalyn are famous account executive with Neal said. “What we’ve been doing over the “We now know, based on a lot of evidence Aetna and has lived in past couple of decades has complicated the and a lot of data, that sometimes punishing advocates for Habi- tat for Humanity and Atlanta since 1969. situation, increased our prison population… addictive behaviors and mental illness issues, Being a Habitat for and it has taken men and women out of their instead of correcting that, it makes it worse– helped bring the once little known non-profit Humanity volunteer families.” just like putting water on a grease fire makes it can be long, arduous Neal, who sponsored House Bill 265 that worse,” Neal said. into the spotlight. However there are and rewarding experi- will establish a special council on criminal jus- Incarcerating nonviolent offenders with ence, said Mullins, who tice reform, made the comments at Fernbank addiction or a mental illness issues gives them those who are less rec- ognized for their work has done work “from Museum during a June 22 panel discussion on “a criminal mindset because they’ve spent a cutting grass at home the bill. The bill was signed by Gov. Nathan lot of time around criminals,” Neal said. “It’s with the organization such as John Mullins. sites not yet under Deal in April. an ongoing problem that’s increasing and in- development, or clean- The panel, which included DeKalb County creasing.” He has been part of Habitat for Humanity, ing and re-processing Public Safety Director William Miller, dis- Eldrin Bell, Clayton County Commission donated fountain coins cussed prisoner re-entry into society and the chairman and former Atlanta police chief, said as a weekly volunteer, since 2003. He was from Perimeter Mall, to impact of incarceration on Georgia and local the state needs to correct how convicted felons serving as president of counties. The discussion was part of a sym- are reintegrated into society. one of four awarded the prestigious Golden the board of directors posium sponsored by STAND Inc., a DeKalb “You take him to prison and you teach him of the DeKalb Habitat County based, non-profit organization that how to do a simple thing like cut hair, Bell Hammer Award on April 16. As a volun- Community Housing focuses on comprehensive services for reentry, said. “And then when he comes out you deny Development, LLC at HIV/AIDS and substance abuse intervention him a license or ability to do what you taught teer, he worked on more than 30 homes in its inception.” He has and prevention. him to do. been involved over the According to statistics provided by “I don’t know why we call it a correctional DeKalb County. Habitat for Human- years with almost all STAND, Georgia has the fifth-largest prison institution, because I’ve never known in all aspects of Habitat op- population in the country, and the Georgia De- my 33 years that I served [in law enforcement] ity is an international organization that builds erations. partment of Corrections is spending $3 million that it corrects anything,” Bell said. “We can’t Mullins is from Roa- a day on corrections. lock up America to save America.” homes for low-income families worldwide. noke, Va., and gradu- The non-profit was ated from Virginia founded in 1976 by Tech. Millard and Linda “My goal is to be Fuller. Today, Habitat of use to Habitat com- Subscribe now for Humanity is a world mensurate with my leader in addressing abilities. I am quite the issues of poverty content to be an Indian Save 20% housing. and not a chief.” If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at •Opinions •Sports •Health •Education •Business •Business [email protected] or at •LifeStyle •Local news •Legal notices 404-373-7779, ext. 104. Complete the subscription form below to start your subscription. One Year (52 issues) at just $31.00.$31.00$31.00 Name:______Address:______Phone: ( )- ____ - ______E-mail address: ______Printed on 100% post- Method of payment: check enclosed ___; VISA ___; Master Card ___ AMEX____ Credit card No: ______Expiration date:______consumer recycled paper Return to: The Champion, P.O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347 For additional information call 404-373-7779 or visit us on line at ChampionNewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 8A

Payroll and Bookkeeping Services for small business – Photos by Ricky Riley and Andrew Cauthen. Visit www.facebook.com/championnewspaper for additional photos includes quarterly and annual tax filing. 770-322-3545. Go Skateboarding Day NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

celebrated in Dunwoody park The City Schools of Decatur has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an by Andrew Cauthen School, said Go Skateboard- “I’m nervous about him increase in property taxes by 5.03 percent. [email protected] ing Day is “one day skate- getting hurt,” Humphrey boarders can go out and said. “I don’t think I will Dai Duong, 15, who has skate everywhere.” ever be OK with it.” All concerned citizens are invited to the public been skateboarding for two Cole said he enjoys the At 27,000 square feet, hearing on this tax increase to be held in the years, said he likes every- sport for three reasons: “It’s the Brook Run Skate Park is thing about the sport. just fun. You can express the largest in the Atlanta area Auditorium of the Central Office at Westchester “It’s frikkin’ wicked,” yourself. You never get per- and has a variety of skate ter- on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 9:00 AM. Duong said. “It’s the rush fect at it.” rain for all skill levels. you feel when you go really Vickie Humphrey, who Fulton Science Academy fast and people acknowledge brought her 13-year-old son student Jonathan Owens, Additional hearings will be held in the you.” Sharef Grady to the event, 14, said he goes to the Brook When asked how long he said skateboarding is a way Run skate park almost every Auditorium of the Central Office at Westchester plans to skateboard, Duong to provide positive activities week. on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 5:30 PM and on said “until I’m like dead.” for him. “I like the atmosphere; Duong was one of ap- “He likes it and it keeps it’s sick,” Owens said. “The Tuesday, July 12 at 6:00 PM. proximately 80 contestants, him out of trouble,” Hum- people are cool. Everybody’s ages 4-50, and many more phrey said about Grady, who pretty nice.” This tentative increase will result in a millage spectators, on hand June 21 wants to be a professional Owens said he liked the for Go Skateboarding Day at skateboarder. The contest idea of Go Skateboarding rate of 20.90 mills, an increase of 1.0 mills. the skate park at Brook Run was the second for Grady, day. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage Park in Dunwoody. who has been skating since “We do that every day,” The contests were part of he was 9. Owens said. “But it’s recog- rate will be no more than 19.90 mills. The a national event sponsored Humphrey said she only nized today.” proposed tax increase for a home with a fair every year by the Interna- has one problem with skate- tional Association of Skate- boarding. market value of $295,000 with various board Companies to increase exemptions applied is: the visibility of skateboard- ing as a sport and to encour- PUBLIC NOTICE age municipalities to con- No Senior School 70 and Disabled struct skateboard parks. Notice that the DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals “It’s a day to get people hearing was advertised in error for Wednesday, July 8, Exemptions School Tax older Veteran out to celebrate skateboard- 2011 at 1:00 P.M. will be held Wednesday July 13, 2011 $147.50 $97.50 $137.50 $97.50 $97.50 ing,” said John Karg, the at 1:00 P.M. in the Auditorium of the Manuel J. Maloof Dunwoody event’s orga- nizer. “It’s just a community Administration Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, And the proposed tax increase for awareness thing.” Georgia 30030, to consider the previously advertised nonhomestead property with a fair market Slater Cole, 13, who cases from the legal section of the June 16th, 2011 attends Berkmar Middle Champion newspaper. value of $295,000 is approximately $147.50

The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 9A DeKalb Police Public hearings on rate increase set DeKalb County will host public hearings 2011 Rollback Rate % Increase bust AC theft ring to discuss a proposed increase in property tax Atlanta 10.39 8.938 16.25% by Daniel Beauregard rates on Tuesday, July Avondale Estates 15.41 13.464 14.45% [email protected] Chamblee 13.71 12.223 12.17% 5, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Clarkston 15.06 13.242 13.73% and on Tuesday, July 12, DeKalb County Police have arrested a man Decatur 10.82 10.087 7.27% at 10 a.m. in the Maloof Doraville 13.60 12.607 7.88% thought to be the ringleader of an air conditioner Auditorium, 1300 Com- Dunwoody 13.35 11.357 17.55% theft ring that stole more than 30 AC units through- merce Drive in Decatur. Lithonia 15.33 13.280 15.44% out the Tucker area. The DeKalb County Pine Lake 15.61 13.541 15.28% Police arrested 20-year-old Board of Commis- Stone Mountain 13.90 12.980 7.09% Tariq Zachery on June 13 af- sioners has tentatively Unincorporated 19.62 18.017 8.90% ter an investigation led them to adopted millage rates, believe that Zachery and several which will require an Countywide Debt 1.08 0.647 66.92% others were responsible for steal- increase in property tax Unincorporated Debt 0.66 1.631 -59.53% ing approximately $200,000 rates as listed at right. worth of AC units. This tentative in- According to DeKalb County crease will result in a Tariq Zachery tion of the Homestead Credit for county opera- voted to use 80 percent Police spokeswoman Mekka millage rate of 21.36 Exemptions and credits tions and maintenance for the HOST Credit. Parish, the department received mills in the unincorpo- from the Homestead based upon the use of The hearings are information regarding the thefts that led police to an rated area, an increase Option Sales Tax. In 97.3 percent of last open to the public and abandoned house at 752 North Indian Creek Drive. of 4.50 mills. 2010, the Board of year’s HOST receipts. citizens are encouraged Parish said that when officers arrived at the loca- These millage rates Commissioners granted In 2011, the Board of to attend. tion they found a number of stolen AC units and a are prior to the applica- a 56.6 percent HOST Commissioners has stolen U-Haul truck. The ring was thought to have stolen several AC units a day over the past five or six weeks. Oliver Continued From Page 3A “Officers believed that they would go out and steal the AC units with the stolen U-Haul then take Oliver for a 2011 Democracy Rep. Oliver also took a strong Perry, executive director of them back to the house where they would disas- award because of her long stand against lifting the 36-year Common Cause Georgia. “When semble them for parts,” Parish said. Parish said that standing commitment to ethics ban on contributions to state someone is needed to make the the thieves were mainly interested in the copper wire and transparency in government. campaigns from regulated utility tough choices or carry a banner and the compressors in the stolen air conditioners. This was evident this year when companies. that might not be popular under Parish said that Zachery will be charged with she co-sponsored an amendment “Common Cause Georgia’s the Gold Dome, Representative theft by taking, a felony, as well as some other unre- to Senate Bill 160 that improved slogan is ‘holding power Oliver is always there to stand up lated drug charges. language in Georgia’s ethics accountable’ and there is no and take on the challenge. You The names of the other members involved could laws by making it clear that one that meets this description can always count on her to do not be released because the investigation is ongoing. lobbyists must disclose gifts to better than Representative Mary what’s right for her constituents staff members of public officials. Margaret Oliver,” said William and the people of Georgia.”

City Schools of Decatur Estimated Tax Digest for 2012 Fiscal Year Budget July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012

Fiscal Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 (est)

Assessment Ratio 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%

Real Property $1,040,878,000 $1,088,563,600 $1,124,007,000 $1,162,026,535 $1,159,205,210 $1,170,797,262 Personal Property $18,709,100 $17,577,800 $18,342,500 $20,387,550 $21,391,124 $21,391,124 Public Utilities $19,348,397 $18,632,600 $16,893,389 $16,473,600 $11,673,736 $11,673,736 Motor Vehicle $43,697,000 $47,267,600 $49,014,800 $50,081,000 $46,119,588 $46,119,588

Total Digest $1,122,632,497 $1,172,041,600 $1,208,257,689 $1,248,968,685 $1,238,389,658 $1,249,981,710

School Fund Exemptions $60,537,475 $66,510,000 $64,210,729 $66,710,729 $63,620,529 $65,078,635

Net School Operations Digest $1,062,095,022 $1,105,531,600 $1,144,046,960 $1,182,257,956 $1,174,769,129 $1,184,903,075

School System Millage 18.95 18.90 19.90 19.90 19.90 20.90

Levy $20,126,701 $20,894,547 $22,766,535 $23,526,933 $23,377,906 $24,764,474

Percent Change 11.05% 3.82% 8.96% 3.34% -0.63% 5.93% Dollar Amount Change $2,003,420 $767,846 $1,871,988 $760,398 ($149,027) $1,386,568

The Fiscal Year 2012 Tentative Budget will be considered for final adoption by the Board of Education at 6:30 PM at the regular board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2011. The FY 2012 Tentative Millage will be considered for final adoption on July 12, 2011 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of the Central Office at Westchester on 758 Scott Boulevard. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 10A Apartment fire leaves 12 displaced

by Daniel Beauregard [email protected] ightning may be responsible for an apartment fire in Stone Mountain that left one firefighter injured and 12 people displaced on June 24. LAccording to DeKalb County Fire Battalion Chief Christopher Morrison, firefighters arrived at the Landmark at Mountainview apartments on Woodbend Drive at approximately 7 p.m. that Friday evening. “We don’t know how it started right now…one witness said she saw some lightning come down and strike the building and then it started smoldering,” Morrison said. A firefighter, whose name Morrison was not at liberty to release, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after being hit by debris after a breezeway collapsed. According to Morrison, no civilians were injured and firefighters at the scene had the blaze out by approximately 7:35 p.m. The fire burned through six units on the top floor of the apartment building.

Photos by Travis Hudgons

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DeKalb Technical College 404-297-9522 www.dekalbtech.edu The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 11A Apartment fire leaves 12 displaced Film on Black Republicans features DeKalb candidate by Gale Horton Gay in the film, she is pleased political power.” with the outcome. Williams said he spent A film that recently “He told the truth,” a good deal of time in made its world premiere said Davis “The Republi- Georgia following Davis’s in Atlanta bears a provoc- can Party did not support campaign while filming ative title and a complex my campaign because of her at meet-and-greets subject matter. the nature of the district. and other events. He said Fear of a Black Re- There was little to no ex- he was surprised that as publican is a documentary pectation that the Black a 43-year-old Yankee (he about Black Republican community would support grew up and resides in candidates, how they are a Black Republican.” New Jersey) he was treat- treated by the Republican The movie shows the ed so graciously while in and Democratic parties “lack of regard that the the South. Republican Congressional Candidate and DeKalb County, GA resi- and how the parties view party has for some of its Williams explained dent Catherine Davis campaigns the weekend before the 2006 Elec- and treat African-Amer- candidates,” according to that Fear of a Black Re- tion. Photo provided ican voters. A good por- Davis, who added, “As publican provides an Asked what was his don’t see the larger picture.” tion of the documentary long as the African-Amer- “intimate profile of what biggest surprise from his For more information was filmed in DeKalb and ican community remains it’s like to be a candidate” research, he said “how fo- on the film, visit www. Gwinnett counties. primarily a one-party vot- and how hard Black Re- cused the parties are on the fearofablackrepublican. Some 100 people ing block, we lack real publicans have to work. very next election…They com. were interviewed for the film, including former president George W. DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You Bush, former Republi- can National Committee Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal chairman Michael Steele, with Comcast Cable Communications former New Jersey Gov. Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcast’s current performance under Christine Todd Whit- the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of man, Sen. John McCain, your community to [email protected]. former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and com- mentator Tavis Smiley. The film’s director Kevin Williams said he’s been working on the proj- ect for the past six and a half years. A Georgia woman whose story plays a prominent role in the film is Stone Mountain’s Catherine Davis, who in 2006 ran unsuccessfully against Hank Johnson for then-Rep. Cynthia McKinney’s 4th Congres- sional District seat. Wil- liams said he met Davis in 2006 at a conservative action conference, the two hit it off and she agreed to grant him access to her campaign. The film debuted on June 23 at the Landmark Theatre in Atlanta. It also had screenings in North Carolina in Charlotte and Greensboro. Williams, who’s White and Republican, said the film isn’t partisan and his goal was to fairly portray why both parties act as they do toward the Afri- can-American electorate. And he said he wanted to “explore why there are so few Black Republicans and what that means for the greater two-party sys- tem.” “It’s a movie every- body should see,” said Williams. Davis said although she didn’t know she would be featured so extensively The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Local News Page 12A Superintendent July 4 Continued From Page 1A Continued From Page 1A hire a superintendent from out- to make those choices…The then proceed west on Mount Vernon heroes carving. side of the district. She wrote question is, is the district bet- to Dunwoody Village Parkway, turn But before nightfall, when the that, although there are plenty ter off withholding another 18 right and follow the right side of laser show starts, there’s plenty of capable people within the months? The board believes the median to Calico Corners and to do in the park, including live system, there is a real structural that it wouldn’t be prudent to turn left into Dunwoody Village entertainment throughout the park impediment to success and a put off having a permanent parking lot. Volunteers will guide all Independence Day weekend, lack of public trust. superintendent for that long,” spectators to parade parking. It takes July 2-4. Picnicking, hiking and “As you know, our search Bowen said. approximately one hour to walk the splashing in the park’s manmade has already been plagued by Bowen said that [the board] entire parade route. lake are all popular family activities leaks that were purposefully will likely ask Tyson to extend as are such attractions as Sky Hike, made to undermine the will of her contract for several months Stone Mountain one of the nation’s largest adventure the board and caused candi- in anticipation of October, ropes courses. Premiering this year dates to withdraw from con- when they will be revisited by Once again the skies over Stone is the animated Yogi Bear 4-D sideration…We are convinced SACS after being placed on Mountain Park will light up in Adventure, starring Dan Aykroyd as that the latest leak has made warning earlier in the year. celebration of Independence Day Yogi and Justin Timberlake as Boo DeKalb radioactive to potential Having a permanent su- as the park hosts its 44th annual Boo. candidates,” Jester said. perintendent in place is one Fantastic Fourth Celebration. The To learn about other park Earlier in the search process of eight points the association popular patriotically themed laser features, activities and special details of contractual nego- wanted the school system to show has been revamped this year family deals, visit www. tiations caused finalistLillie address before they could be and includes some eye-popping Stonemountainpark.com. Stone Cox, who has since taken a job placed back on a cleared status. new special effects as the mountain Mountain Park typically experiences with the Alamance Burlington “In terms of the timing, the appears at points to open up and at large crowds on the Fourth of July, School System in North Caro- current superintendent contract other points to crumble. The show so visitors are urged to come early. lina, to pull out of the running. runs out June 30, and as a result ends with a several minutes of Gates may close early if parking As for the letter penned of us having not identified a fireworks lighting up the sky above reaches capacity. by Jester, Bowen said that the candidate we’re going to have Stone Mountain’s Confederate law requires certain items to to ask for a slight extension,” be confidential but there is no Bowen said. language to address when there According to Bowen, the has already been a leak. search is moving forward and “It doesn’t address where the board is still working with there has been a leak already, search firm Ray and Associates whether that releases the board to find a candidate all the mem- members from maintaining bers can support, which he said confidentiality,” he said. “The could be difficult at times. answer should have been to err “The goal at this point is to on the side of no disclosure.” find a candidate that the board Marshall Orson, president will have some consensus of the Emory LaVista Parents around…the issue really comes Council, said that the leaking down to if you ask nine people was symptomatic of a larger what quality is needed to im- problem: a lack of trust among prove the district at this point school board members. Orson in time you get nine different suggested extending Interim answers,” Bowen said. Superintendent Ramona Ty- Jerrie Williams, whose son son’s contract for a few months is a DeKalb County student, longer, stating that she had a said that she has not been com- proven track record so far. fortable with any of the candi- “Part of my reasoning dates that Ray and Associates would be that would allow us has come up with so far. to get past the election next “One particular candidate year,” Orson said. had 10 jobs in eight years and Next year the board will I just feel like the superinten- be reduced from nine to seven dent search firm really needs to members because of a bill look at the background of these passed recently by the general people,” Williams said of the assembly, and Orson said that first three finalists who all came this might help balance out the from systems with fewer than board. 10,000 students compared to The DeKalb Chamber of DeKalb’s nearly 100,000. Commerce also said that the Williams said that she board should hire Tyson at least thinks the superintendent until the next election cycle search is important but she is rather than having board mem- more concerned about the way bers who might not even be the board functions as a whole. re-elected make the important She said that board members decision of hiring a new super- need to take a personal inven- intendent. However, Bowen tory and focus on serving the said that the board is looking students and the voters of for someone who can be in DeKalb County rather than place, sooner rather than later, petty politics. to begin making the more long- “I’m not sure if some of term choices that the system the board members really real- needs. ize the repercussion of making “When you operate in drastic choices like this,” Wil- an interim capacity it’s hard liams said. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Health Page 13A

Quinton Moore Trial drug helps Decatur man overcome Hepatitis C by Nigel Roberts depression from the drug. “I didn’t feel better until after the trial, when I stopped Hepatitis C was “the missing piece of taking the medication,” he stated. the puzzle” that explained Quinton Moore’s In its analysis, the FDA reported that 79 weight loss and fatigue. A routine blood test percent of those taking Incivek had clean to refill a prescription revealed abnormal blood tests 24 weeks after stopping treat- liver function. Upon further examination, ment. his doctor found that Moore was in the final Dr. Norman Gitlin, an Emory doctor stages of liver disease and would need a who has been treating hepatitis C patients transplant if the disease progressed. since 1985, explained that the disease is After weighing his options, Moore de- completely curable if caught early. He said cided to participate in a clinical drug trial of it will not show up on routine physicals. Incivek (also known as Telaprevir), which “So, demand to be tested for hepatitis C,” offered a better chance than the standard he exclaimed. Approximately 8,000 to treatment of curing the disease. The side 10,000 people die every year from hepatitis effects were uncomfortable, but he perse- C related liver disease. vered with the six-month drug trial. He was Hepatitis C is transmitted from ex- among the more than 2,200 people in the posure to the blood of someone infected trial that led the U.S. Food and Drug Ad- with the virus. Gitlin stated that IV drug ministration in May to approve Incivek for use, from sharing contaminated needles, is treatment of chronic hepatitis C. the number one method of contracting the Today, Moore is completely cured of disease. Tattoo and body piercing—under the disease. “I feel wonderful,” said the unsanitary conditions—are also common 62-year-old Decatur resident. “I’m optimis- sources. Also, those receiving blood trans- tic about living many more decades.” fusions before 1992, when widespread According to the U.S. Centers for Dis- screening of the blood supply began, may ease Control and Prevention, about 3.2 be at risk for hepatitis C. million people in the United States have Moore said he has never been a drug chronic hepatitis C infection, a viral disease user and has none of the other risk factors. that causes inflammation of the liver that But Moore suspects that he contracted the can lead to diminished liver function or liv- disease in 2006 at a construction site ac- er failure. Most people with hepatitis have cident. When a beam struck an electrician no symptoms of the disease until liver dam- in his head, Moore rushed to put a towel age occurs, which could take several years. under his head to stop the bleeding. Moore As the FDA’s statement noted, fewer was not wearing gloves and believes cuts than 50 percent of hepatitis C patients re- on his hand from doing construction work spond to the standard treatment. So when for many years provided the opening for Moore’s Emory specialist, Dr. Kimberly the infection. Workowski, told him about the Incivek, he He encourages people in the advance didn’t hesitate to join the trial group. stages of liver disease to talk with their Moore recalled that the six-month doctor about trying Incivek. And most of treatment (which consisted of taking the all, he says it’s important to get tested. standard treatment plus the trial drug) was With the disease behind him, Moore looks a challenge. He developed rashes that pre- forward to enjoying his retirement with his vented him from sleeping well. Some peo- wife—who supported him throughout his ple in the trial group, he noted, experienced clinical trial. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Business Page 14A

Bacon waits to be sliced on a machine Bowers says he’s “really proud of.”

Rusty Bowers shows off “the cave,” where a precise temperature and air flow are maintained as meats are cured. All items sold at Pine Street Market are produced in Photos by Kathy Mitchell Georgia. Pine Street Market has a cure for the common meat Owner Rusty Bowers explained that many are served at several local restaurants, including choose the handcrafted cured meats processed at Brick Store Pub and Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen, the little market over supermarket brands because both in Decatur. “they’re made the old fashioned way—no crazy, “We love this area,” Bowers said of the trendy ingredients, just good honest food.” Avondale Estates-Decatur part of DeKalb Coun- Bowers said he’s a fan of the “slow food, ty. “We have so many friends here and there are farm-to-table” movement that’s receiving a lot of so many people here who, like us, really appreci- attention in the area. Unlike some mass-produced ate good food.” cured meats, he said, those from Pine Street Mar- The heart of Pine Street Market is the area ket don’t use wheat protein as a filler and binding Bowers calls “the cave,” the room that the own- agent and contain no gluten or dairy. The meats ers built themselves to keep meats at precisely the are made by adding all natural seasonings to right temperature and air flow as they are cured, pork—but not just any pork. It all comes from a a process that sometimes takes months. “It’s pos- west Georgia farm where antibiotic-free Berkshire sible to buy curing rooms, and taking it on as a pigs are raised in pastures that are not treated with do-it-yourself project was a lot of work, but the insecticides or herbicides. end result was something so much better than we SoThe resultmany apparently is not only reasons more health- could have bought to ready join!made,” Bowers said. ful than mass produced meats, but also tastier. Pine Street Market’s first prosciutto will be Pine StreetDeKalb Market’s coppa—a Chamber traditional Italian ofready Commerce in August and the shop is planning a pro- 100 Crescentcold Center cut—earned Pkwy., one Suite of 71 680. Good Tucker, Food GAAwards 30084 (404)sciutto 378-8000 party to celebrate, www.DeKalbChamber.org said Bowers, who ex- Bowers says he’s fortunate to have a team of top-notch presented earlier this year in San Francisco. It plained that the Italian-style dry-cured ham takes employees such as Arilene Galeana. was the only Georgia entry recognized at the first 18 months to cure. Good Food national competition. “It’s the best The shop’s four fulltime employees include by Kathy Mitchell Looking for thingnew we make,” customers? Bowers said of the coppa. Wehis brothercan Kyle help!, also a veteran of the restaurant [email protected] After years in the food industry, including business, who is the market’s director of opera- DeKalbBowers’ 15Chamber years as a chef at anof upscale Commerce Atlanta tions, overseeing both day-to-day kitchen pro- n unassuming little100 shopCrescent on a short Center side Pkwy., restaurant, Suite 680. he Tucker, and his GA wife 30084 decided (404) to follow 378-8000 their www.DeKalbChamber.orgduction and market staffing, and his wife,Travis . street in Avondale Estates, Pine Street Mar- passion for meat and begin producing their own She often is the face of the business behind the Aket would be easy to overlook. Certainly sausages, bacon, cold cuts and other cured meats. counter at the retail store or at one of the farmers from appearance alone few would guess that in- In 2009, they opened Pine Street Market. markets where Pine Street’s meats are also sold. side foods were being produced that are served at “At first we thought nearly all of our busi- In addition to the meats, the market also sells restaurants and private homes across the country ness would be shipping nationally, but the retail a number of items that might be served with his and have received national acclaim.The Voice ofstore Business has really taken off,” in Bowers DeKalb said, adding Countymeats, including breads, pickles, relishes and The artisan meats processed at PineDeKalb Street that Chamber although it’s not the mostof Commercelucrative end of cheeses. All are from small Georgia cottage busi- Market are the choice of several restaurants100 and Crescent the business Center Pkwy.,it’s his favoriteSuite 680. because Tucker, he enjoysGA 30084 nesses. “I like the fact that our shop celebrates all are ordered online by customers around the404-378-8000 coun- interacting with customers, www.DeKalbChamber.org getting their feedback that’s good about Georgia grown food,” Bowers try. and suggestions. Pine Street Market’s meats also said.

Your competitor is likely a member! DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Business Page 15A

News and events of the DeKalb Chamber of CommerCe 100 Crescent Center Pkwy, Suite 680, Tucker, GA 30084 • 404.378.8000• www.DeKalbchamberofcommerce.org

ccording to the U.S. Bureau of the Cen- Asus, Advocacy, small businesses have generated up to 80 percent of new jobs annually over the last decade. As a supporter and advocate of small busi- nesses, the DeKalb Cham- ber continues to explore and facilitate ways to bring value to their members’ investment in the Chamber G.L.E.A.M. – Gregory B. Levett and to help as they con- Betsy Mercier Arnie Silverman tinue to contribute to the stands behind today’s youth county in which members bership it serves. Serving tions manager with the DeKalb Chamber board Levett is the founder, owner reside. Recognizing the im- on the Small Business DeKalb Chamber. member, Gregory B. Levett and chief executive officer portance of small business- Committee are co-chairs The overall program Sr. puts his name and action of Gregory B. Levett & Sons es, the role they play in the Arnie Silverman, president goals of the committee behind the initiative to groom Funeral Home Inc. Born and economy, in the county and of Silverman Construction are to bring together small young people for success- raised in Conyers, he was in- with the membership-at- Program Management, and businesses for seminars ful entrepreneurial ventures. troduced to the funeral service large, the Chamber is proud Betsy Mercier, president aimed at helping them run G.L.E.A.M., an extension of industry at a very early age by to re-launch its Small Busi- of the CDC Federal Credit the day-to-day operations the 100 Black Men of DeKalb’s his father and has been serving ness Committee initiative Union. Additional com- of their business. In 2012, Leadership Academy stands for families throughout the metro with the help of its board of mittee members are Earl the Small Business Com- the Gregory Levett Academy Atlanta area for more than 30 directors and select busi- Walker, owner of Indigo mittee will launch a series for Minorities. The program is years. nesses from the members Signs; Quincy Sampson, of presentations that will geared toward assisting McNair Levett, a devoted and com- of the Chamber. president, DeKalb County, serve to round out a busi- High School students grades munity minded citizen states, “I The Chamber has East Atlanta District/Atlanta ness person’s portfolio 10 – 12 in the quest to learn work hard simply to help provide assembled a panel of in- Region of Wells Fargo; Al of information in running about entrepreneurship from the opportunity and assistance to vested business partners Edwards, managing direc- and sustaining a business. ground up. Every participant the community.” Destined to from varying industries to tor of Corporate Environ- Speakers will be selected of the program is groomed and leave a positive footprint in the create programs that will mental Risk Management, from various partner agen- encouraged to use their positive paths many will take to fulfill bring even more value to and Janniece Leonard, cies, Chamber members leadership skills in his or her entrepreneurial aspirations, we the small business mem- marketing & communica- and industry experts. development as positive and say, “well done, Gregory. Well enlightened community citizens. done.” Georgia Work Ready, helping businesses remain competitive in the global economy As the unemployment rate continues the competition. to Work Ready Certificates which mea- A business of any size can take ad- to exceed national levels Georgia has Georgia Work Ready can give you sure core skills to ensure the right person vantage of Work Ready to improve their made a commitment to creating the best access to a qualified workforce that can is placed in the right job. hiring processes. While larger companies possible environment for businesses. In boost your bottom line. It’s available at no Businesses implementing Work Ready should have a job profile completed before order to compete in a global economy, cost for businesses that meet the mini- invest time in developing strong job listing the Work Ready certificate as a part companies must have access to long- mum hiring requirements and is readily profiles. This initial investment can reap of their hiring criteria; small companies term, qualified labor pools. The unique de- available through the state’s network of great rewards including improved hiring can use occupational profiles and request sign of Work Ready provides a thorough technical colleges. Georgia businesses procedures, reduced turnover, reduced that job candidates complete the Work understanding of the skills of a company’s can implement Work Ready through job training costs, increased productivity and Ready assessment as part of the applica- current workforce, a roadmap for develop- profiling and Work Ready Certificates. profitability. In fact, a recent survey among tion process. ing training programs and reliable hiring Work Ready job profiles identify the job companies that are using Work Ready Special acknowledgements given to criteria to ensure they find the best talent tasks and skill levels necessary to be suc- found that 90 percent would recommend DeKalb Workforce Development for their for their specific needs to stay ahead of cessful in any job and match those profiles the initiative to others businesses. contributions to this article.

Upcoming Events: July 20th - Network DeKalb Leads Group Brought to you in partnership with th th July 26 - Email Marketing & Social Media Seminar – July 4 - Independence Day Holiday – Office Closed Constant Contact July 12th - New Members Lunch Reception July 14th - Executive Speaker Series – Raymond King, Save the Date: Zoo Atlanta August 1st - First Monday Lunch – Location Villa Christina The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Education Page 16A DeKalb students learn media literacy from CNN by Daniel Beauregard [email protected] The Georgia Institute of Technology hosted the sixth annual Leadership Un- plugged: A CNN Experience June 19-24; 75 high school students from around the state attended the workshops. Among them, 13 students from DeKalb County attended the weeklong event, which included workshops and discussions focused on media literacy. “When you’re little everyone kind of wants to be the anchor but then you find out that there’s so much more going on behind the scenes,” Sophia Baur-Wais- bord said. Baur-Waisbord, a rising junior at Lakeside High School, said that she wanted to attend the workshop because her dad teaches journalism and she wanted to see if it was something she would be interested in pursuing as a ca- reer. “Before this camp I wanted to do sports psychology but now I’m weighing between sports psychology and market- ing in journalism,” Baur-Waisbord said. Eugene Sanders, a spokesman for CNN, said that there were 584 appli- at Lakeside’s student newspaper Angra cants statewide and only 75 students also teaches Taekwondo at the Tucker were selected to participate in the pro- Recreation Center and volunteers at gram. public libraries. Williams is a cheer- NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE “Basically, we’re looking for an leader at Southwest DeKalb and said average student; they don’t have to be she loves to volunteer any chance she a valedictorian and they don’t need to can get. Baur-Waisbord plays varsity The City Schools of Decatur has tentatively have a 3.9 grade point average. We want softball at Lakeside, is captain of the adopted a millage rate which will require an someone that actually has leadership varsity basketball team, sports editor of skills and is interested in media,” Sand- the yearbook. She coaches young girls increase in property taxes by 5.03 percent. ers said. in softball and basketball and also sings Lakeside senior Akshita Angra said in her church choir. that her favorite workshop of the week The program was developed by All concerned citizens are invited to the public had been the diversity workshop. CNN’s Student News Team and execu- hearing on this tax increase to be held in the “I’m Indian and there’s not that tive producer of CNN Student News many Indians at Lakeside in my grade Donna Krache, who said curriculum of Auditorium of the Central Office at Westchester so there’s not that much diversity in my the program is focused on helping stu- on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 6:00 PM. classes. But, it was really good to see dents be savvy news consumers. a whole lot of people coming together “The media literacy skills they learn, and, regardless of race and gender and combined with the exposure to CNN ex- Additional hearings will be held in the Auditorium sexuality, they were all just working to- ecutives and media professionals, gives gether,” Angra said. students a unique opportunity to experi- of the Central Office at Westchester on Tuesday, Angra, who is one of the editors ence journalism and the business of me- June 14, 2011 at 5:30 PM and on Tuesday, July of the school newspaper at Lakeside, dia,” Krache said. said that she was planning on attending Students agreed that one of the most 12 at 9:00 AM. Georgia Tech in the fall as an engineer- interesting things they learned through- ing student but the weeklong program out the week was the importance of what might have changed her mind. She also goes on behind the scenes and the way This tentative increase will result in a millage rate said she likes the fact that it was held on that a diverse group of people have to of 20.90 mills, an increase of 1.0 mills. Without a college campus. come together to make a story happen. “We lived in their dorms and now “A lot of our peers don’t get the this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be we’re going to go to the recreation cen- same opportunity. When I first came no more than 19.90 mills. The proposed tax ter. I kind of feel like a college kid al- all I thought about was the people you ready, so it’s a good experience,” Angra actually see on the air at CNN; I didn’t increase for a home with a fair market value of said. think about the people that work behind $295,000 with various exemptions applied is: Brittany Williams, a rising junior at the scenes to make it happen,” Williams Southwest DeKalb, said that she was not said. really interested in pursuing journalism “Today in the diversity workshop, as a career; she attended the program to one thing that really stuck out to me that No Senior School 70 and Disabled develop her leadership skills. I’ll leave here with is, we think so much Exemptions School Tax older Veteran “Personally, I feel that you can never about diversity as what’s on the outside have too much leadership training and and what’s on the surface but it really is $147.50 $97.50 $137.50 $97.50 $97.50 I’ve jumped at every opportunity to what’s on the inside that counts because improve my leadership skills,” said Wil- diversity comes from our experiences liams, who wants to eventually pursue a and our background,” Baur-Waisbord And the proposed tax increase for nonhomestead career in medicine. said. property with a fair market value of $295,000 is Aside from being one of the editors approximately $147.50 The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Page 17A Around deKAlb

of the road and more. This event is offered free to the community. ATLANTA Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call (678) 553-6541, or email [email protected] Callanwolde summer jazz series continues

Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn Summer Concert Series contin- Church announces new schedule ues as singer-songwriter Lindsay Appel blends pop, rock and blues to create a sound that is all her own Friday, July 8, at 7:30 p.m. A resi- Pastor Junaldo and Co-Pastor Tiffany Lee invite the community dent of Atlanta, Appel was Creative Loafing Reader’s Pick for Best- to Impact Ministries International-Atlanta’s new “The Shift Is On” Sat- Local Singer-Songwriter 2008, and she has built an avid fan base urday Services, starting July 2 at 11 a.m. The church is located at around the Atlanta area. The concert will be held on the front lawn of 1600 Agape Way Decatur. For more information, visit imiatlanta.org or the historic mansion at 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. In case of rain, call (770) 771-3299. the concert will be moved to Callanwolde’s indoor courtyard. Tickets are $15 advance purchase online or $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at TicketLeap. Parking is free and on-site. For more Book discussion announced information, call (404) 872-5338. A group discussion of the book The Once and Future King by T.H. White will be held Tuesday, July 5, at10:15 a.m. at the Toco Hill-Avis Carnival to visit Northlake G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Dr., Decatur. For more informa- Mega Midways Carnival is coming to Northlake Mall July 7-17. tion, call (404) 679-4404. There will be such typical carnival offerings as funnel cakes, candied apples, a Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl and games of chance and skill. Mega Midways Carnival at Northlake Mall will be open weekdays Family movie to be shown 4-10 p.m. and weekends 1-11 p.m. The carnival will be at Northlake Mall, in the front parking lot, 4800 Briarcliff Road, N.E., Atlanta. For The Flat Shoals Library has announced that it will show The Kara- more information, call (770) 938-3564 or visit www.northlakemall.com. te Kid, the remake of the classic 1984 film Friday, July 8, 1 - 3:30 p.m. Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith star in this tale of a boy’s discovery of Chinese culture and his own inner strength. Flat Shoals Library is Free summer concert announced located at 4022 Flat Shoals Pkwy., Decatur. For more information, call (404) 244-4370. The Emory Summer Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Scott A. Stewart, director of wind studies at Emory University, pres- ents the annual “Twilight Concerts” in the Jenkins Courtyard of the Goizueta Business School on the Emory campus. Music includes STONE MOUNTAIN light summer fare, and picnics are encouraged. The event is Thurs- day, July 7, at 8 p.m. The Goizueta Business School is located at Computer class offered 1300 Clifton Road, Atlanta. Admission is free, and free parking is available in the Fishburne Parking Deck. For more information, visit A computer class introducing mouse, computer and keyboard ba- www.arts.emory.edu. sics will be offered Wednesday, July 6, at Hairston Crossing Library, 10 a.m. - noon. Instructors will teach the basic parts of a computer, basic terminology and how to use a mouse. This class is for those with no previous computer experience, but some ability to type is re- DECATUR quired. Registration is now open to first 12 participants. Call or visit the branch to register. Hairston Crossing Library is located at 4911 Redan Congressman to speak at youth breakfast Road, Stone Mountain. For more information, call (404) 508-7170. DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton recently announced that the second annual Youth Empowerment Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 9, at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Decatur. TUCKER The guest speaker will be 2010 Medal of Freedom recipient Con- gressman John Lewis. The mistress of ceremonies will be news TCA board to meet anchor Karyn Greer. Proceeds will benefit the Youth Leadership Academy. For more information, call Barnes Sutton’s office at (404) Tucker Civic Association Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, 371-4907. July 14, at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4882 LaV- ista Road, Tucker. For more information, contact Tom Lawrence at [email protected]. Bicycle registration and safety fair plans announced Friday matinee announced Join the Decatur Police Department and Decatur Active Living for their Bike Registration and Safety Fair to be held on Saturday, July 9, The Northlake-Barbara Loar Library offers popcorn and a movie 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of Decatur High School. The the second Friday afternoon of every month. Some old favorites and parking lot is located at the corner of North McDonough Street and newer releases are scheduled to be shown. July’s movie is Tron: Leg- West Howard Avenue in downtown Decatur. acy. It will be shown Friday, July 8, 2-4 p.m. The Northlake-Barbara Visitors can register bikes, receive a bike and helmet safety Loar Library is located at 3772 LaVista Road, Tucker. For more infor- check, ride the safety course to learn bike safety, hand signals, rules mation, call (404) 679-4408. ATL-GA Template:Layout 1 5/19/2011 2:27 PM Page 21

1 COL. X 4 CLASSIFIED DISPLAY SALE #1 G.N.A.T.S (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) Page 18A The Champion FreeDecatur Press, Champion Friday, July 1, 2011 Rep: Louise D

Ads due ByA PDF Friday of this - Ad noon will Follow TheChampion for next publicationvia date. Email For Prices, DeadlinesClassifieds and Information The Champion is not responsible Visit www.championclassifieds.com for any damages resulting from RAtes: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid! All Major credit cards accepted! advertisements. All sales final.

DISCLAIMER We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.

AnnounCeMents is proposed on the south side of Lake Hearn Drive/Perimeter Summit Parkway extending from NOTICE OF LOCATION AND DESIGN AP- Perimeter Center Parkway to Ashford Dunwoody HOME PROVAL Streetscape Design Services: Lake Road. This project is located in DeKalb County AUCTION Hearn Drive, Perimeter Summit Parkway, and in Land Lots 329 and 330; and is in Land District 190+ GEORGIA Parkside Place DeKalb County P. I. No. 0010164 18. Drawings or maps or plats of the proposed ank- wned Notice is hereby given in compliance with Geor- project, as approved, are on file and are available B O HOMES gia Code 22-2-109 and 32-3-5 that the Georgia for public inspection at the Georgia Department SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Department of Transportation has approved the of Transportation: Thomas Parker Area Engineer at 1:00 P.M. at the Location and Design of this project. The date 805 George Luther Drive Decatur, GA 30032 Atlanta Marriott of location approval is April 18,2011 Proposed 404-299-4386 tparker@dot. ga.gov Any inter- Century Center streetscape construction along Perimeter Summit ested party may obtain a copy of the drawings Don’t wait for the market to “recover” and the Parkway (0.74 miles), Lake Hearn Drive (0.61 or maps or plats or portions thereof by paying a prices on these homes to go up. Get your next home at the price you set with miles), and Parkside Place (0.27 miles) includes nominal fee and requesting in writing to: Bobby NO STARTING BIDS. overall pedestrian access improvements that in- Hilliard, P. E. State Program Delivery Engineer Up to 2.5% Get The Details At: to Buyer’s clude the addition and/or renovation of sidewalks, Georgia Department of Transportation 600 West BidNowGA.com Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308 404-631- Agents! facilities, street and pedestrian lighting, street 1122 bhilliard@dot. ga.gov Any written request OR CALL 866.539.9551 furniture, landscape improvements including or communication in reference to this project OPEN HOUSE: • No Back Taxes Sat & Sun, June 4 & 5 • No Liens new/larger medians and islands, restriping and/ or notice SHOULD include the Project and P. I. 1:00 - 3:00 pm • Insurable Title or addition of crosswalks. Lane widths will be Numbers as noted at the top of this notice. narrowed on Lake Hearn Drive, Perimeter Sum-

mit Parkway (from Parkside Place to Ashford H&M GAL274 Dunwoody Road), and Parkside Place for traffic Bids & PRoPosALs $2,500 down in cash or certified funds for each property. 5% premium on each sale. calming and to accommodate the landscape All sales subject to seller’s approval. and pedestrian improvements. Furthermore, the Lanier Contracting Company is soliciting bids driveway for the Hilton Garden Inn hotel on the for the Emerency Modifications of High Service one way portion of Lake Hearn Drive will be modi- Pump Station at the Scott Candler WTP project, fied to restrict exiting traffic to turning movements Dekalb County, GA. This projection bids July 7, in one direction only. Intersection improvements 2011@3 PM. Types of work to be performed will consist of traffic signal upgrades to mast arm will consist of: Masonry, Painting, Electrical, type installations at the intersections of Perimeter and HVAC. This project is an opportunity for Summit Parkway and Parkside Place and Lake all subcontractors. LSBE, MBE, and WBE sub- Hearn Drive and Parkside Place. The intersec- contractors are strongly encouraged to submit tions of Lake Hearn Drive and Parkside Place bids. Project specifications and drawings are and Lake Hearn Drive at the Cox Enterprises, available: please contact Lanier Contracting Inc. driveway will be raised to help mitigate ex- Company at 770-932-1800 or email: lboggs@ cessive vehicle speed along Lake Hearn Drive. laniercontracting.com or tankerich@laniercon- An 8 foot to 10 foot wide concrete multi-use trail tracting.com. 21 The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Sports Page 19A Braves deliver fun time for young campers by Robert Naddra [email protected]

There was no Tomahawk Chop chant, no roar from a large crowd in appreciation of a home run or a string of strikeouts. Instead, broad smiles and high fives from a group of 8- and 9-year-olds was all the motivation a group of Atlanta Braves players needed. Pitchers Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel, and third base- man Brooks Conrad helped out June 21 in a free skills clinic for 104 Boys and Girls Club members at the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club in Decatur. “Personally, it’s just fun,” Conrad said of the Junior Braves/RBI Youth Baseball League event. “I have kids of my own and I went to camps when I was little. I have a lot of good memories and hope we can give that to these kids. Whatever they get out of it is great. I can teach them about what I know and if they learn one thing from this, that’s what it’s all about.” Conrad helped out on a hitting drill, while Venters gave pitching tips and Kimbrel assisted in fielding drills. Most of the campers had never played organized baseball, but being around the big leagu- ers was a special treat. Venters watched as eyes wid- ened when he answered the question “How hard can we throw?” with “As hard as you can; let it rip.” In addition to helping with baseball skills, the Braves threesome also spoke to the campers about the importance of teamwork, leadership and respect. Kimbrel, a 23-year-old reliever in his second sea- son with the Braves, said he enjoyed his first time help- ing out with a camp. Kimbrel could relate to the group, having grown up in Huntsville, Ala., a Braves fan. “I like to interact with the kids,” he said. “When I was younger if I had a chance to have a Braves player teach me something, I’d be there. Now that I’m playing for the Braves and have seen what the organization is made of, I’m just happy to be a part of such a high-class organization. It’s just fun to be able to help out with something like this.” Eric Osborne, the health and fitness coordinator for 25 Boys and Girls Clubs in Georgia, estimated that 85 percent of the campers in attendance had never played organized ball before. “Most of our kids are pretty priced out of play- ing in a league,” Osborne said. “Either the travel demands on the parents are too much or it’s too ex- pensive. We encourage the kids to get involved and play as much ball as they can. Our hope is that they can get some confidence and skills, and want to play more. If not, it’s a fun summer.” Draft pick top Dugout Club all-county team by Mark Brock senior outfielderDavid Richards. outfielder Tevin Martin. Bryant be- quarterfinals of the Class AAAA state DeKalb County Senior All-Star came the first DeKalb County player playoffs, had junior catcher Jared Redan senior shortstop and Classic South MVP Uwem Udofia to start on the mound in both the ju- Martin and senior pitcher Wes Ban- Washington Nationals draft pick was also selected to the first team nior and senior all-star games. croft named to the first team. Deion Williams leads a group of after a solid senior campaign at Cedar Grove had a pair of fresh- Several schools had one selec- 20 DeKalb County baseball players Miller Grove. Udofia had a pair of men selected to the first team—in- tion to the first team, including Co- selected to the 2011 DeKalb Dugout hits and pitched three solid innings fielder Deion Sellers (.486 with 25 lumbia senior catcher Quinneton Club All-County first team. of relief to help the South stay close RBI) and pitcher Codorius Dorsey Osby, Decatur senior pitcher James Williams was taken in the 16th in a 5-2 loss to the North All-Stars. (5-6 with a 2.15 ERA and .343 bat- Burrell, Lakeside senior outfielder round by the Nationals as the 487th Udofia’s junior teammate, outfielder ting average). Bradley Dennis, Lithonia senior pick of the 2011 Major League Sean Charleston (a Junior All-Star Chamblee junior outfielderDa - outfielder D’Angelo Smith, Martin Baseball Draft. He batted .350 with Classic selection), was also selected vid Coble (tied record for most hits Luther King Jr. senior utility player doubles, 20 RBIs and 26 runs as the to the first team. in the Junior All-Star Classic with Cedric Daniel, Stephenson senior Raiders reached the Class AAAA Arabia Mountain had a pair three) and senior pitcher Joe Alber- infielder Jordan Tarver and South- state playoffs in 2011. of selections to the first team af- ston (pitched two innings for a save west DeKalb senior pitcher Andre Williams, one of three Raiders ter making the school’s first state in the Senior All-Star Classic) were Wilson. All but Decatur’s Burrell to make the first team, was joined by playoff appearance in 2011—senior also first-team selections. played in the Senior All-Star Clas- senior infielderMason Davis and pitcher John Bryant and junior Dunwoody, which reached the sic. The Champion Free Press, Friday, July 1, 2011 Sports Page 20A Former NBA great creates hoop dreams for deaf youth by Matt Amato involvement has included scout- more lately Miller Grove and Co- ing basketball talent, establishing lumbia,” he said. “We really ap- Mike Glenn once graced the scholarships and holding fund- preciate how they’re welcoming floors of the NBA as a prolific raising events. us with open doors.” player, sharing court time with And this year, he has recruited Also pitching in are local some of basketball’s greatest a couple of esteemed assistants to churches. Daily practices for the stars. However, fame was never help out – Josh Smith of the At- five-day event, starting at 8 a.m., a distraction for a man once lanta Hawks and Jamaal Ander- were held last week at Clairmont known as “The Stinger.” It be- son of the Atlanta Falcons, whose Presbyterian Church, which has came a force for positive change. father is deaf. In the past, Glenn’s provided full use of its gym fa- This weekend marks the NBA connections have brought in cilities. 32nd anniversary of Glenn’s bas- other luminaries, such as Domi- During the evenings, teams ketball camp for deaf and hear- nique Wilkins and Doc Rivers. are organized for competitive ing impaired youth, an enduring However, further help has also games designed to give partici- event that started when he was come from within DeKalb Coun- pants an opportunity to test skills the toast of Madison Square Gar- ty’s wider basketball community. acquired from days filled with den as a New York Knick. And Games are being held at South- practicing drills and three-on- the desire to help others hasn’t west DeKalb High School, which three matchups. diminished since. had some of its basketball players The camp culminated with “I grew up around deaf kids; Mike Glenn rally behind the cause. an all-star game, which drew in they taught me how to play bas- Glenn, who also played with many from the local deaf com- ketball,” he said, harking back to school. I always thought that it the Atlanta Hawks and Milwau- munity. a childhood spent in the shadow was a shame that they couldn’t be kee Bucks, believes camp attend- “We’re celebrating diversity of the Georgia School for the included in camps.” ees have benefitted from work- through basketball,” said Glenn. Deaf, where his father taught. Since he started the nation’s ing with the county’s top talent. “It’s been a blessing. I wouldn’t “[Starting a camp] has been in first deaf and hearing impaired “[DeKalb County] has great tal- change it for the world.” the back of my mind since high basketball camp in 1980, Glenn’s ent. We have Southwest DeKalb,

PUBLIX SUNDAY DINNER CHEF.

My family calls me the grilling king. Folks like my food so much they put me in charge of the family reunion this

year. Of course I’m going straight to Publix. They always have these amazing cuts of meat and they know a lot of © 2011 Publix Asset Management Company great recipes and tips too. In fact, now on Sundays my friends come over and I make my whole meal right on the grill. Yeah, it’s not the kind of Sunday Dinner most people expect but it’s definitely one they’ll never forget.

Grilled Flank Steak with Grilled Veggie Salad. Find recipes, tips and more at publix.com/sundaydinners

Don’t forget your neighborhood Publix will be open during regular store hours Independence Day, Monday, July 4, 2011.