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WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM • FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 • VOL. 15, NO. 50 • FREE

FREEP•RESS A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS • Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain. Judge rules against DeKalb school board remove the board members. Jester, Pamela A. Speaks and The probation triggered enforce- by Andrew Cauthen “The harm from the loss of ac- Eugene P. Walker—were removed ment of a state law that allows the [email protected] creditation to the school district and Feb. 25 by Deal on the unanimous governor to remove school boards the resulting harm to the students recommendation of the Georgia threatened with loss of accreditation A federal judge has decided the in the district are profound,” Story Board of Education (GBOE). due to “school board governance fate of six DeKalb school board stated in a court document. “To per- In December, the DeKalb related reasons.” members who sued to keep their mit the board members to continue County Board of Education was “The interest of the public in a jobs. to serve…risks substantial conse- placed on accreditation probation by healthy system outweighs the inter- Federal Judge Richard Story quences for the schoolBecause district she and gets herSouthern news updates Association online fromof Colleges the The Champion.ests of board members in serving in decided March 4 to lift a temporary its students.” Because she gets her andnews Schools updates (SACS), online from the agency the The Champion.their positions,” Story stated. restraining order and deny an in- The board members—Sarah that accredits the school district The judge acknowledged the junction against Gov. Nathan Deal. Copelin-Wood, JesseAnd “Jay” you Cun- canthrough too! its Follow parent company, us. Ad- The decision allows the governor to ningham, Donna AndElder, Nancyyou canvancED. too! Follow us. See Judge on Page 13A www.facebook.com/championnewspaper Like Us On Follow Us On www.facebook.com/championnewspaper www.twitter.com/championnews www.twitter.com/championnews Latino students visit Frida and Diego exhibit at High Museum by Daniel Beauregard www. championnewspaper.com [email protected] www. championnewspaper.com

A group of 85 Sequoyah Middle School students en- rolled in the Latin American Association’s (LAA) after- school program visited the High Museum’s bilingual Frida and Diego exhibit March 1. Isabel Perez, the man- aging director of academic achievement for LAA, said it is important students are ex- Approximately 90 student from the Latin American Association’s posed to work such as that of after-school program at Sequoyah Middle School attended the ex- hibit at the High featuring the work of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Photos by Daniel Beauregard and Diego Rivera because it embraces Latin American achievement gap and help “I told them what they culture. children struggling in school. could expect and what was “It’s the first bilingual art The program now meets going on historically, such exhibit for our students and it three times a week and stu- as the Mexican Revolution,” embraces our culture—this is dents receive tutoring, men- Gonzalez said. fabulous and we can identify toring and cultural enrich- Gonzalez said he also so it’s really important for ment. There is also a summer discussed the meaning iden- us,” Perez said. program. tity with his students and The exhibit, which runs Recently, LAA hired a asked them to think about through May 12, features high school program man- what it means to be Latin more than 120 paintings and ager who will help the stu- American. Kahlo’s father drawings by Kahlo and Ri- dents in the eight grade at was a German who traveled vera, two of Mexico’s most Sequoyah transition to Cross to Mexico in the late 1800s, famous painters. Keys. and her mother was of Amer- Sequoyah Middle is lo- Teacher Oscar Gonzalez ican Indian descent. Rivera’s said he has been preparing mother was a “converso,” cated in an area of DeKalb Students from Sequoyah Middle School stand in front of County with a large Latin his students for their visit to a Jew whose ancestors had Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. American population. Perez the High by discussing with been forced to convert to Ca- said approximately 70 per- them the cultural and historic tholicism. important to not focus too more immersed in the arts. cent of Sequoyah’s students context that both artists were Although both artists much on race but more on “It’s about politics and are Latin American; neigh- working in at the time. The were born in Mexico, they identity. passion and it’s important boring Cross Keys High exhibit, titled “Frida and came from diverse back- Sequoyah student Ashley because of how we express School has 80 percent. Diego: Passion, Politics and grounds and Gonzalez said Garcia said she had been ourselves and we’re proud of Perez said the LAA Painting” focuses on a range he discussed with his stu- looking forward to seeing the who we are. I want to show decided to begin the after- of periods in the revolution- dents why their background exhibit because she thought how I think and how I see school program to close the ary artists’ lives. is important, and why it is it would help her become the world,” Garcia said. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 2A

Legislator proposes foreclosure study committee by Andrew Cauthen that the committee would with the consumer to fi gure one of last resorts.” been “traumatic.” [email protected] recommend required out a way, if in fact they Steve Bridges, a “We have had a terrible, judicial foreclosures, in have the capacity to bring lobbyist for community terrible time in real estate Rep. Dar’shun which all foreclosures the account into some kind banks and a former banking in this state, probably since Kendrick (D-93), a self- would be brought before a of a current status and keep commissioner, agreed. 2007,” Thrash said. “Every proclaimed champion of “We usually lending institution, every foreclosure reform, wants wait quite some bank, community bank, the state government to time before we credit union—everybody’s study the problem. ‘Foreclosures are high in this would go through been affected by this.” “Foreclosures are high state. DeKalb County, which that process Kendrick said her in this state,” Kendrick because we are resolution does not advocate said Feb. 28 during a I represent is second highest trying to work with for judicial foreclosures. hearing in front of the the borrower,” “Doing nothing is not Banks and Banking Sub in the state.’ Bridges said. “We an option,” she said. “At Committee of the state’s - Dar’shun Kendrick don’t want that the end of the day, it’s up House of Representatives. property. We don’t to the committee to provide “We keep teetering want it back.” recommendations or not between fi rst and sixth Mortgage provide recommendations. [place]. DeKalb County, judge. the family in the home,” banking industry lobbyist There might be something which I represent is second “The reason…we go to Culbertson said. “The Mo Thrash said the we’re missing.” highest in the state. For a nonjudicial foreclosure foreclosure process itself is foreclosure problem has us to not recognize it as a is that the home has been problem is a big issue for abandoned,” said Mike Georgia.” Culbertson, a lobbyist Kendrick has introduced representing credit unions. a resolution calling “The longer that [home] for the creation of a stays abandoned, the more study committee on the property damage and the foreclosure crisis “to study less the value is. That’s the state foreclosure laws one of the reasons why and processes so that we can we really defend the right provide recommendations to go through nonjudicial to the Georgia General foreclosures because most Assembly about of the time when we get into legislatively [preventing] that position, the house has foreclosures.” been abandoned.” The state representative Banks and credit unions said she hopes the proposed need to be able to get in the committee would, “whether house, repair and sell it, little or big, [make] Culbertson said. recommendations about The normal foreclosure how we improve the process in Georgia takes process. There is no harm in approximately 21 months, improving our process for he said. foreclosure. In a judicial foreclosure, “I don’t think there is any it could take 37 months harm in making sure people “because the dockets and get due process when you’re the courts themselves are so taking their biggest asset,” full,” Culberton said. Kendrick said. “We need to “The last thing the credit streamline the process…to union wants to do is to be make sure the homeowner in possession of the house is very clear about the itself,” Culbertson said. process.” “That’s not the business Some attendees at the we’re in. hearing were concerned “We’ll try to work along Page 3A The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Georgia Piedmont Tech president inaugurated

by Andrew Cauthen college’s history. [email protected] Simama worked for El- lis from 2009-12, serving There was much pomp as chief policy adviser and and circumstance as a Dr. deputy chief operating offi - Jabari Simama offi cially cer of development. took the helm of Georgia Additionally, Simama Piedmont Technical College was the vice president for (GPTC) Feb. 27. community development and external relations at Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., from 2005-2009. “ Before that, he was the executive direc- We’re not just tor of community Legislator proposes foreclosure study committee technology for the educating students city of Atlanta, 2000-2005, and Jabari Simama gives his inaugural speech as president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College as his and preparing a served as Atlanta’s former boss, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, looks on. Photo by Kerry King chief of the offi ce of of the 21st century are like always look back and help marketing and com- “All fellow Georgians highly qualifi ed who don’t have the skills to family members being left bring those behind us with munications from behind,” he said. “We must us as we move forward.” workforce, we’re 1998 to 2000. meet the workforce needs His career in redeeming the souls of higher education includes teaching

positions at the

our students. Georgia Institute of –Jabari“ Simama Technology, Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State Uni- versity, University of Cincinnati, and Atlanta Junior Col- PUBLIC NOTICE lege (now Atlanta NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY In introducing his “good Metropolitan College). friend,” DeKalb CEO Simama held elected Burrell Ellis said, “It’s a offi ce as a member of the DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department beautiful day to celebrate Atlanta City Council from 2012 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) the dawning of a new era at 1987-93. He also served as Georgia Piedmont Technical an appointed member of the College. Metropolitan Atlanta Olym- The DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department is preparing to submit its “The vision, passion pic Games Authority, which Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States and leadership of Dr. Jabari provided fi nancial oversight Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report covers the status of activities Simama, which I have per- for the Atlanta Olympic and programs carried out through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), sonally benefi ted from and Games Committee’s $2 bil- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds witnessed on countless oc- lion budget. during the most recently completed program year that ended December 31, 2012. casions, reaffi rm my belief “I’m ready to move this that the future of this school college to the next level,” The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is available for citizens’ review and the overall region is Simama said during his ad- and comments from March 7, 2013 through March 21, 2012 at the following address: in good hands,” Ellis said. dress. Simama was Ellis’ chief of “Were it not for this col- staff before leaving county lege and others like it in DeKalb County Community Development Department government to run GPTC. our system and elsewhere, 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330 “Georgia Piedmont Tech- many of our children, our Decatur, GA 30030 nical College, or as I like parents, our sisters and Telephone: 404-286-3308 Hearing Impaired (TDD) (404) 286-3336 to remember it—DeKalb brothers would not be able The office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tech, has always served… to attend college,” Simama students who are not afraid said. “We’re not just educat- The document may also be reviewed at the DeKalb County libraries listed below. to live their dreams,” Ellis ing students and preparing a Please contact the libraries for hours of operation. said. “At this unique mo- highly qualifi ed workforce, ment in time, I can think of we’re redeeming the souls Chamblee Branch Decatur Branch no person better to lead this of our students. We’re pro- 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur prestigious institution than viding a bridge for many (770-936-1380) (404-370-3070) Dr. Jabari Simama.” of them to cross over to the Redan-Trotti Branch Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Branch Simama was named middle class.” 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur president of GPTC after the Simama encouraged at- (770-482-3821) (404-286-6980) retirement of former presi- tendees to join him in “help- dent Robin Hoffman left ing this college and other (Written comments should be submitted to the 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue address.) the position vacant. Simama colleges bring the blessing All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. is the third president and of higher education to those fi rst Black president in the who need it.” Page 4A Opinion The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 The Newslady Simama: Right man at the right time to readings of Dr. Simama’s writings vision Dr. Simama flawlessly laid elective office himself. He was an by students Patricia Dunsha, Alix out in his remarks. His number one Atlanta city councilman from 1987 Garcia and Kai Rouillier. Dr. Si- priority is to elevate the college in to 1993. He helped start People’s mama’s best friend from kindergarten, the community; 2) increase student Cable Access Station in Atlanta and Rev. Dr. G. A. Miller from Oberlin, enrollment; 3) support student suc- served as an appointed member of Ohio, brought the invocation. cess; 4) attract visionary leaders 5) the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic One of the more touching mo- open communications; 6) make data Games Authority, which provided ments in the two-and-a-half-hour driven changes; 7) develop new, in- financial oversight for the Atlanta program was the tribute from Dr. novative industry-needed programs Olympic Games. Dr. Simama has It was the usual pomp and Simama’s eldest daughter. Ndelea and after accomplishing all the other impeccable credentials with a Ph.D. circumstance at the recent inaugu- Simama, like her father an educator goals; 8) become a Best-In-Class from Emory, a master’s from Clark ration of Dr. Jabari Simama, the and poet, traveled from Brooklyn, institution of higher learning. Dr. Atlanta University and bachelor’s first Black and third president of N. Y., to share a poem she penned in Simama ended his remarks with an from the University of Bridgeport. Georgia Piedmont Technical Col- honor of her father with whom she original poem written for the oc- TCSG Commissioner Ron lege (GPTC), but there was so much has an obvious special bond. Nde- casion and delivered with the kind Jackson says he is impressed with more. There was a genuine air of lea’s words were blended with one of passion summoned only from a Dr. Simama’s vast experience, anticipation for great things shep- of her father’s poems in a verbal firm belief in the power of personal knowledge of the community, and herded by a decent, ethical man who duet reminiscent of Natalie Cole’s conviction. vision for the college. You could knows who he is and where he is technologically edited video duet of GPTC serves more than 8,000 hear his pride at the inauguration going. the song “Unforgettable” with her students in DeKalb, Morgan, New- ceremony as he introduced his Dr. Simama’s former boss, late father Nat King Cole. ton and Rockdale counties. It is the choice to head GPTC. “Ladies and President David Swinton of South Ndelea’s moving performance 11th largest institution among the gentlemen, please give a warm wel- Carolina’s Benedict College, during drew a standing ovation. Reisha 25 schools in the Technical College come to Dr. Jabari Simama, presi- his remarks counseled Dr. Simama Lauren drew another standing ova- System of Georgia (TCSG). The dent of Georgia Piedmont Techni- to stay true to his faith and his fam- tion with her hauntingly beautiful main campus is in Clarkston. The cal College.” It was a welcomed ily and that he would continue to soprano voice-instrument that took college recently changed its name respite to witness a gathering of excel. What sage advice. Several one’s breath away. And, in a lovely from DeKalb Technical College what makes DeKalb County great. hundred people were on hand for gesture, the faculty presented Dr. to better reflect the wide area that The diversity of the good people the event, which included scores of Simama’s wife Nisha with a huge it serves. Dr. Simama has been at in that GPTC conference room, the other college presidents, elected of- bouquet of yellow roses. the helm of GPTC since last fall smiling faces, the laughter, the hope ficials, and other civic and business Included among the tributes after serving as chief of staff for in a county that needed some good leaders. to Dr. Simama was a video from DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis. news. Yes, the right man for the There were commendations and Congressman John Lewis whose The respect CEO Ellis holds for right job at the right time. accolades by everyone, from GPTC late wife Lillian gave Dr. Simama Dr. Simama was evident during the Board Chairwoman Dr. Susan Eck- his first job at Clark College. Vid- CEO’s remarks, which were upbeat Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a ert of Emory University to Alumni eotaped remarks were also played and laced with humor about his retired journalist and former Geor- Association representatives Janette from Congressman Hank Johnson. scholarly former chief of staff. gia state senator. Contact Steen Miles-Kendall and John Frechette Impressive was the eight-point Dr. Simama has also held Miles at [email protected].

Letter to the Editor Constitutional and civil rights at stake

I am dismayed but not deterred, following sentative government. With the current assault sioner, pardon and parole board member, in ad- our setback in federal court Monday. I respectful- of Section V of the voting rights act and the per- dition to my role now as a school board member. ly but wholeheartedly disagree petual gerrymandering to disenfranchise races of I believe the greatest gift I can bequeath to the with the judge’s decision, and I people, I am compelled to employ every means children of this school system at this time is a plan to continue to seek justice available to me to protect citizens’ rights. The contemporary lesson on civics, civil liberties and through the court system until governor is using SACS and the State Board of standing up for what is right. this matter with the governor is Education as a hammer and chisel to chip away If this unconstitutional act is to stand, then resolved. This is why: at the progress we have made. what is next? It will only be a matter of time I was born in Thomaston, No one on the DeKalb County Board of Edu- before another constitutional right will be taken a small town in Upson County, cation, myself included, has committed a crime away by another wayward and self-perpetuating Ga. The indignity of segrega- or misappropriated, misused or misspent funds politico under the guise of the greater good. tion and racism was the back- Walker entrusted to us. Quite the opposite: We have Minorities should not feel secure if contrived al- drop of my youth. I swore at served with honesty and integrity. In fact, this legations from anonymous sources with hidden that time that I would stand up for my rights no board under the severe stress by the downturn agendas can go to private agencies and to have matter the cost. I have not swayed from the self- of the economy has worked tirelessly to provide their civil rights stolen away. This cannot and commitment, and virtually all my adult life has a quality education to our children with a mini- shall not be allowed to stand. been dedicated to service to my fellow man, with mum amount of adverse impact on the home- Leadership calls for tough and sometimes a special dedication to education. owners of this county. It has not been easy, and unpopular decisions. Such it is with standing up I preface this to explain, again, why I am there has not always been a consensus. There is to the power brokers who seek to systematically obligated to engage the governor in the court sys- no crime in that, rather it is an inherent ingredi- erode, divide and conquer the voting strength of tem. It is morally abhorrent to sit idly by and al- ent in the democratic process. partisan and racial minorities. If I lose, so be it. low the usurping of the one man one vote rights I don’t feel the governor is personally attack- But I cannot and will not go down without a fight that has been bought and paid with the blood, ing me. This is not about Eugene Walker. When on the principles at stake here. sweat and tears of my generation. It is impera- I step aside through my own actions or through tive that public servants preserve and protect the the wisdom of the electorate, I believe I will ul- Dr. Eugene Walker constitution and adhere to all laws, including the timately be judged on my legacy as an educator, DeKalb Board of Education precept of a citizens’ right to choose their repre- coach, administrator, state senator, state commis- District 9 The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Opinion Page 5A One Man’s Opinion The wrong way to go point of pride, major or minor ac- achievement, academics and educa- over time the gap widens. complishment by a student or edu- tors with proven track records, civ- Dunwoody school parents al- cator and daily demonstrations of ic, community and business leaders ready have some pretty good tools excellence emanating from several of standing (the bank or hospital at their disposal in the new charter of our nearly 150 schools and cen- president, head of the Chamber of schools amendment that voters ters in the DCSD. Commerce), business and education passed last year. There are also DeKalb County governance is professionals and occasionally a methods in place, as well as op- troubled on many levels, admittedly parent activist. What you don’t see portunities for school accreditation some businesses and individual are superintendents on a downward without school system accredita- families will begin the process of professional spiral having left their tion. However, if the folks pushing “Fear is the main source of bailing out. Clayton County expe- prior system under a cloud, board the city of Lakeside and for a new superstition, and one of the main rienced an outward bound flood of members who are extremely paro- Dunwoody school district want to sources of cruelty. To conquer fear this nature after its school system chial or who often have no other move full speed ahead, they might is the beginning of wisdom.”— lost accreditation. But whether you source of income or employment or want to take note that those school Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), are reading these thoughts in Ellen- who began their service as a com- buildings now, as well as their sur- British aristocrat, philosopher, his- wood, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain, munity activist or retired educator. rounding grounds still belong to the torian and social critics. Chamblee or downtown Decatur, Splitting our DCSD into three people of DeKalb County and the don’t kid yourself. Further sub- or four smaller systems is guaran- DCSD. The Lakeside campus just I was born in DeKalb County, dividing our county or its school teed only to increase costs, with no completed in excess of $20 million educated in our public schools, system into a series of fiefdoms is guarantee of improved results—and in improvements last year. Perhaps and graduated from Lakeside High no guaranteed path to success. And only the potential possibility of the way out of DCSD’s deficit hole School. I’m among thousands who creating new schools systems in greater “local control.” In commu- and toward creating a nice tidy sur- graduated from the DeKalb County Georgia will require an amendment nities where the leadership, fami- plus would be to sell the Dunwoody School District during its glory to the Georgia Constitution. Creat- lies, churches and schools are fully and Lakeside clusters to these two days. So it is hard not to look at the ing a new Dunwoody school dis- vested, those schools are already new systems for, say, $200 mil- current quagmire enveloping the trict or city of Lakeside will not successful. If you look at the his- lion. That’s a whole lot of band leadership of the system with a mix improve student outcomes in those toric divide and complaints of dis- candy folks. of pity, despair and disgust. How clusters; it will only add costs, in proportionate resources being spent does a school system, with annual exchange for less fear and a percep- on DeKalb’s schools on the north revenues approaching $1 billion, tion of greater “local control.” side, what you will actually find Bill Crane also serves as a with nearly 100,000 students and Four of Georgia’s perpetually are parents, teachers, coaches, stu- political analyst and commenta- so many things going for it get so highest performing school systems dents and siblings invested in those tor for Channel 2’s Action News, screwed up? are Forsyth County, Fayette Coun- schools. PTAs, booster clubs and WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now The DeKalb County School ty, Trion City and City Schools community businesses routinely 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist District is facing multiple chal- of Decatur. Smallness is not their sponsor school teams and events in for The Champion, Champion lenges, many of them are real, some similarity, or path to greatness. Par- Dunwoody, Lakeside, Druid Hills, Free Press and Georgia Trend. are reversible, and some are trends ticipation and community leader- Chamblee and elsewhere. The same Crane is a DeKalb native and outside of the system’s control. Still ship are their keys. Look at the dollars per student are appropri- business owner, living in Scott- having a daughter currently en- school boards of those systems, as ated by the county and the state to dale. You can reach him or com- rolled in the system, I can say that well as their senior administration schools on the south side, but that ment on a column at billcrane@ I regularly witness or hear about a staff. Read the resumes. You see other support is not identical—and earthlink.net.

FREEPRESS 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 verifi cation. 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 refl ect 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.

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STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Community Page 6A ubrookhaven New manager already Champion of the Week saved $1.5 million Veteran government leader Marie Lewis Garrett Lisa Y. Kinnemore will become Brookhaven’s fi rst city manager. The Brookhaven City Council voted unanimously Feb. 26 to appoint Garrett as permanent city manager some of the different prob- on the board of Northeast for the city’s fi rst year lems that are going on and Independent Preparatory of operation. Garrett has more of an in-depth oppor- Academy for five years. She served as interim city tunity to see where I can be attends Briarlake Baptist manager since December of help.” Church. 2012. Kinnemore and her A DeKalb County native, The city conducted husband Garry have three Kinnemore was the seventh a national search and sons, Kristopher an elec- of nine children of Johnny received 79 applications trician; Joshua a student and Catherine Carr. from 23 states. The mayor at the Georgia Institute of She graduated from and council interviewed Technology; and Jonathan Chamblee High School and 10 candidates and selected a student at Georgia State attended West Georgia Col- Garrett because of her University and in the Army lege before transferring to Garrret experience and knowledge Reserves. Georgia State University of Georgia municipalities. A homeschooling fam- where she earned her bach- “The job she has done and her expertise have been ily for 15 years, Kinnemore elor’s degree in political sci- invaluable to the city, and we want that to continue,” When the Georgia Board said that experience will ence. Upon graduating, she Mayor J. Max Davis said. “For Brookhaven right now, of Education (GBOE) re- help her role on GBOE worked in sales and as an there was no other choice. She gives us the best chance cently voted unanimously because she believes “all account manager for various to succeed and excel. We are extremely excited she will to recommend to Gov. kids, regardless of the edu- companies before deciding continue to be our partner in building this city.” Nathan Deal to remove cation”—whether public to leave the workplace to The mayor credits Garrett with already saving the six members of the DeKalb school, charter school or raise her boys. new city more than $1.5 million through strategic school board members, homeschool—“can advance In 2012, Kinnemore contract negotiations for city services. Stone Mountain’s own Lisa to do well in life.” made an unsuccessful bid Garrett has spent the past 30 years working with Y. Kinnemore was there. Kinnemore said she as a Republican for the governments in Georgia, including working as a Kinnemore, who was ap- wants to engage community state house District 86 seat top-level administrator or consultant in the cities pointed by Deal in February members “to hear what against incumbent Demo- of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Canton and Milton. to the state board, said the concerns they have and take crat Michelle Henson. Since 1996 she has run a business providing position gives her the op- those back” to GBOE. Kinnemore said she consulting services in planning, development, public portunity “to represent not “My ears are here and pursues community involve- administration and budgeting for a wide range of just the kids that are edu- my heart is open,” she said. ment “to help those who governments and organizations. In addition, she has cated in public schools, but In addition to GBOE, are in need of help” and “to taught government courses at Georgia State University those in the homeschool Kinnemore volunteers for become personally familiar and served on numerous boards and committees. and charter school arena.” a homeless shelter, the with people in the area so “This is an opportunity to build the framework The 14-hour GBOE DeKalb GOP and Truth that I can help them meet and structure for the city and enable it to serve the meeting gave Kinnemore Tabernacle of Praise in need that I can help with.” community at large,” Garrett said. “You only get one “an opportunity to hear Stone Mountain. She was chance to create a fi rst impression. Brookhaven has the opportunity to come out of the gate and get it right, and I want to be part of this.” Garrett, who comes from Alpharetta, has a master’s degree in public and urban affairs from Georgia State If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a University and a bachelor’s degree from the University future Champion of the Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at of Georgia. [email protected] or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Community Page 7A AROUND DEKALB writing coach Wayne Smith. Limit At Side by Side Clubhouse people and event programming. AVONDALE ESTATES works to 500 words or five minutes of living with the lifelong effects of trau- The VIP reception and the teen gala Pug Meet and Greet to be held at reading time. All readings must be ap- matic brain injury go from being medical start at 6 p.m.; the concert starts at Second Life propriate for family audiences. patients to living full and satisfying life, 8 p.m. General admission tickets are The 2-3 p.m. event is opened to the according to a statement from the spon- $35 in advance, $45 at the door; the Pugs and pugs mixes looking for a first 20 participants. No registration re- soring organizations. VIP reception is $75 advance only; and home will be available for a “Meet and quired. To purchase tickets or to learn more the teen gala is $10. Proceeds from Greet” Saturday, March 9, at Second Brookhaven library is at 1242 N. about the Side by Side Brain Injury Club- the concert will benefit programs and Life Upscale Resale in Avondale Estates. Druid Hills Road, NE in Atlanta. For more house, visit www.sidebysideclubhouse. services offered by both foundations, Dog lovers can meet the dogs noon- information, call (404) 848-7140. org or contact Marian Dickson, Side including donation of musical instru- 4 p.m. All dogs are up for adoption by Side’s resource development direc- ments, mentorships, music advocacy through Southeast Pug Rescue & Adop- tor, at [email protected] or at (770) and scholarships. tion. DECATUR 469-9355. The Porter Sanford III Performing Second Life is an upscale resale Arts Center is located at 3181 Rainbow store that was created with the mis- Decatur Active Living to host Bluegrass Evening to be fundraiser Drive, Decatur. For more information, sion of giving homeless pets a second Touch-a-Truck for the library system visit www.howbigisyourdream.org and chance at life. Second Life Upscale www.thekenfordfoundation.org. Resale is located at 1 N. Clarendon Av- Children of all ages can to touch, An evening of pickin’ and prose enue. For more information, visit www. explore and see their favorite trucks awaits those attending Bluegrass Eve- Cafeteria to donate proceeds to secondlifeatlanta.org. or equipment on wheels at the annual ning at the Decatur Library on Saturday, help neighbor Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, March March 9, 7-10:30 p.m. Proceeds will 9, in Decatur. benefit DeKalb County Public Library. The Peach Cafeteria at The 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. event will fea- The evening will include Bridge Ca- 4437 Cowan Road in Tucker, just ATLANTA ture city of Decatur and DeKalb County tering’s “Southern fixin’s” – shrimp and grits, fried chicken, cornbread, collards across from the burned out Handy Carlos Museum to honor dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors, police Hardware, will have a fundraiser for contributions of Michael Graves cars and motorcycles and many other with smoked turkey, berry tarts and Ken- types of vehicles will be on display. tucky buttercake—a silent auction, with Handy’s more than 30 displaced employees. On Friday, March 8, 11 The Michael C. Carlos Museum cel- Touch-a-Truck takes place in the Cal- items that include four passes to Disney ebrates the 20th anniversary of the 1993 laway Building Parking lot located at 120 World in Orlando, Fla.; an opportunity to a.m.-8 p.m., Peach owners will do- expansion designed by famed architect West Trinity Place. In case of inclement meet and mingle with Southern authors nate 50 percent of the proceeds from Michael Graves, paying tribute to his weather, the event will be rescheduled Joshilyn Jackson and Karen White all the food sales. To ask about the direct and lasting contribution to Emory for Saturday, April 20. and a concert by Atlanta bluegrass band benefit details or the food, call the University. Graves will serve as honorary For more information, contact Cheryl Dappled Grays. ladies at (770) 558-2166. chairman of the museum’s signature an- Burnette at (678) 553-6541 or cheryl. Dappled Grays will perform original nual fundraiser, Veneralia, to be held on [email protected]. music played by vocalist and fiddler Chili cook-off to benefit Rape Cri- Leah Calvert, banjoist Greg Earnest, Saturday, March 16. sis Center When Graves agreed to come to Author to give lecture on Churchill bassist Keith Morris, mandolinist Emory in the early 1980s to design the Michael Smith and guitarist Casey Author Michael Shelden will give a Cook. Named best bluegrass band in The second annual Tucker Chili renovation of a historic campus build- Cook-off to benefit the DeKalb Rape ing, it was considered an architectural lecture at the Decatur Library Wednes- Atlanta by Creative Loafing magazine, coup, according to a statement from the day, March 13, 7:15-9 p.m., about his this American bluegrass band has re- Crisis Center will be held Saturday, university. One of the “New York Five,” new book, Young Titan: The Making leased two albums, In the Gait and Doin’ March 16. Sponsored by the Old Graves was a rising superstar in archi- of Winston Churchill, an exploration of My Job. Most recently, the band scored Town Tucker Merchants Association, tecture and design. Churchill’s life between 1901 and 1915. several songs for the Clint Eastwood this year’s event is expected to be “What followed was a long and fruit- Pulitzer Prize-winner Jon Meacham movie Trouble with the Curve. bigger than last year’s, which drew ful relationship between Graves and the calls it “a memorable portrait” of Jackson will sign copies of her more than 3,000 guests. Carlos Museum, leading to a 1993 ad- Churchill’s life and loves in this period. books, including her recent book A Guests can sample 75 different dition, several gallery renovations, and Shelden, who teaches at Indiana State Grown Up Kind of Pretty, and White also will sign copies of her books, including recipes of chili and listen to live music multiple visits and creative conversations University, is a former writer for the 1-5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown about the museum’s facility and future. London Daily Telegraph and the author her latest work of Southern women’s of four honored biographies, including fiction, Sea Change. Tucker. The chili cook-off will be held Winner of a National AIA Honor Award, rain or shine. Admission will be $5 Graves’ projects for the Carlos Museum Mark Twain: Man in White and Orwell: Tickets are $65 online at dekalbli- involved historic preservation and adap- The Authorized Biography. Decatur Li- brary.org/foundation or $75 at the door per person at the gates. Official en- tive re-use of a landmark law school de- brary is located at 215 Sycamore Street, or send a check to the DeKalb Library trance gates will be located at Main signed by Henry Hornbostel in 1916.” Decatur. For more information, call (404) Foundation. For more information, con- and Railroad outside Local 7, and at Graves commented, “I am pleased to 370-3070. tact (404) 370-8450, ext. 2238 or foun- Lynburn and Main outside Tucker Pet return to Emory University and the Car- [email protected]. Supply. los Museum. It’s a joy to see firsthand Basketball game to raise funds for Volunteers are also needed to as- how this institution continues to play brain injury clubhouse Ken Ford Foundation to host Unity sist with the event. Those interested Concert an important role within the University in volunteering at the event should and the larger Atlanta community in the The GFWC Stone Mountain Wom- email info@dekalbrapecrisiscenter. same way that the building contributes an’s Club and the GFWC Lilburn Wom- Award-winning musician Ken Ford an’s Club are again helping to sponsor a and the board of directors of The Ken org. Those interested in participating to the character of Hornbostel’s historic as chili cook-off contestants should quadrangle.” family-oriented fundraising event for Side Ford Foundation are joining forces with by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse in Stone drummer Jorel “JFly” Flynn and How visit www.tuckerchilicookoff.com. Mountain. Big Is Your Dream? Foundation to host For more information on the DeKalb The lawyers (Jawbones) will chal- the second annual Unity Concert and Rape Crisis Center, visit www.dekal- BROOKHAVEN lenge last year’s basketball game win- fundraiser on Saturday, March 23, at The brapecrisiscenter.org. ning doctors (Sawbones) on Saturday, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Cen- Library hosts writer’s forum with March 16, at the Decatur High School ter. This concert will provide a platform Wayne Smith gym for bragging rights for a full year. where talented newcomers and profes- Doors open at 6 p.m. and the game sionals share the stage as they learn and Writers of every skill level can share starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Last practice major aspects of music diversity their original creative writings at the year’s event raised more than $20,000, through live entertainment. Also, a teen Brookhaven library on Wednesday, all of which went to the programs at gala called U-N-I-TY will be hosted by March 13. Side by Side. A silent auction will be teens as a leadership project to design Readings will be followed by audi- added to the festivities this year. and implement all the aspects of concert ence feedback and discussion led by Local News The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Page 8A North DeKalb cities consider forming own fire department by Carla Parker Mullen said they have he has heard about the [email protected] initiated discussion with discussion of a new fire the other cities about a fire department but is not aware The cities of department, but they have of details. Brookhaven, Chamblee, not received an official “I don’t know what their Doraville and Dunwoody response from the cities. plan is or what they’re could have their own “North “The next step will talking about,” he said. DeKalb” fire department. probably be to find a way He added that the county Dunwoody’s Public over the next several department works well with Relations Director Bob months to perhaps set up those cities and they haven’t Mullen said the discussion times for meetings and start received any complaints of a Dunwoody fire discussions,” he said. from them. department was brought Mullen added that “We really provide a up among Dunwoody city the idea of a new fire lot [of services] across officials during a retreat. department has nothing to the county,” he said. “I’m “The topic of the do with the current services anxious to hear what they fire department and the they are receiving from may have and what their feasibility of that were DeKalb County. There are thoughts are.” discussed among council three stations in Chamblee, O’Brien said if a new members, as well as the and one each in Dunwoody fire department is created he potential for a partnership and Brookhaven. could lose some employees. between the four North “I think it is about an “If I had some that DeKalb cities of Dunwoody, opportunity for additional or applied and they took them Brookhaven, Doraville enhanced service that led to I would lose them, but they and Chamblee,” he said, the possibility of exploring wouldn’t just assume all “possibly working together a fire department,” he said. of our people,” he said. to form sort of a North DeKalb County Fire “They’re our employees.” DeKalb fire service.” Chief Eddie O’Brien said ubrookhaven Officials say city will not raise taxes or cut service by Carla Parker made up in one of two ways ticipates enough revenue to The proposed budget force in 2013, which is ex- [email protected] – a property tax increase as support a “responsive and includes funds that will be pected to be budgeted at noted above or cuts in ser- transparent” organization used for such service en- $2.25 million. Brookhaven city offi- vices to be provided by the and provides economic sta- hancements as parks and The budget also recom- cials are united in denying a [city of Brookhaven] during bility to create a well-main- recreation, community de- mends remaining within the statement made by a council our first year of operations. tained, safe and financially velopment, public works 3.35 millage rate cap. member that the city could When asked for a re- sound city. and the start of the police raise taxes or cut services sponse to Eyre’s statement, because of a budget short- Davis and the city council, fall. including Eyre, decided to The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on In an email sent Feb. 25, answer in a unified voice. Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA District 2 city councilman “Council and even staff 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments regarding the following zoning matters: Jim Eyre said Brookhaven firmly believe that over the Mayor J. Max Davis’s pro- long term, the incorporation 1) Appendix A, “Zoning Ordinance,” Section 207, “Planned unit development procedure”. posed budget will result in a of Brookhaven will lead to revenue shortfall for 2013. higher service levels with- The subject property is Turnbury Gates subdivision, located at 2401 Johnson Ferry “The dilemma we have is out it costing the citizens Road. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Planned Unit Development to that the [city of Brookhav- more than unincorporated reduce the total number of units and make minor site modifications. en] revenue for 2013 is residents pay,” Davis said. 2) The subject property located at 5647 Peachtree Boulevard (former Piccadilly site) is substantially lower than it “The residents would be will be in later years as the best served through adher- requesting the following variances: Section 905, to allow metal building materials; timing of the city start up as ence to a long-term vision Section 1203, to allowing additional parking spaces above the maximum permitted; detailed in our city charter and plan.” Section 1201, to allow parking between the building and the street; Sections 1205 and does not allow us to collect In January, Davis pro- $7 million to $9 million in posed a $15,715,000 budget 1208, to construct a parking deck without required landscaping; and Sections 1101 and taxes and fees until 2014,” for the 2013 fiscal year. 1102, to allow construction of a smaller buffer. he said. “Therefore, we are In a memorandum sent to 3) The subject property located at 5805 Peachtree Boulevard (existing auto dealer) is facing a one year budget the city council on Jan. 25, requesting the following variances and waiver: Section 905, to allow metal building shortfall that can only be Davis said the budget an- materials; Section 1004, to allow existing parking deck to encroach within the rear 20’ setback; Section 1203, to allow appropriate parking for a new automobile dealership; Printed on 100% Section 1201, to allow parking and access between the buildings and the street; Sections 1205 and 1208, to construct a parking deck without required landscaping; and post-consumer a Waiver to Section 93, to allow the facility to be designed using LEED standards without going through the LEED application and certification process with USGBC.

recycled paper

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 9A NEWS Briefs DeKalb school board gets ‘Rotten public servants are mounting legal available. served with the department for four Apple’ award action to preserve their jobs,” she Applications are available online years before they were killed at an said. “These shameful actions have at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks. apartment complex on Glenwood The DeKalb County Board of led us to ‘award’ them the Rotten Applications can be printed and Road in January 2008. Education has been awarded the Apple.” submitted to a recreation center “It is a pleasure to continue Rotten Apple Award by Americans along with the fi rst week’s fee. to honor the memory of the two for Prosperity-Georgia (AFP). County recreation department For more information, call the offi cers whose lives were taken in The award, bestowed during accepting summer camp Department of Recreation, Parks & 2008,” Johnson said about the park, a news conference Feb. 28 in registration Cultural Affairs at (404) 371-2711. which has been adopted by the the state Capitol, was given after East Lake Terrace Community as Gov. Nathan Deal “was forced to The DeKalb County Camp Community garden named for a community garden. “The offi cers remove six of 10 board members Superstars summer camp fallen offi cers Barker and Bryant were well-known after a report revealed rampant registration is now open at 12 in the community and I am glad to political gamesmanship and fi scal recreation centers. A park in unincorporated Decatur have sponsored this resolution.” irresponsibility that has contributed Camp Superstars is a summer will be named for two DeKalb “Offi cers Barker and Bryant to the decline of what used to be a day camp for ages 5-15 and runs County offi cers killed in line of gave the ultimate sacrifi ce of their well-functioning district,” according June 3 to Aug. 2, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., duty. lives in serving the community. It a statement from AFP. Monday through Friday, at a charge The DeKalb Board of is our privilege to name this garden “I am frustrated and disheartened of $55 per week. Breakfast and Commissioners voted unanimously in their honor as it will serve as by the reprehensible conduct of our lunch are provided. Feb. 19 to name the property a lasting tribute for their valiant DeKalb County Board of Education, Children who participate in located at 2309 Hillside Ave. service to the community,” Johnson which forced Gov. Deal to act in the Camp Superstars summer day the Barker Bryant Memorial said. the best interests of students and camp will experience a variety of Community Garden at Buena “We are working steadily to remove six of them from their activities, including fi eld trips, swim Vista Lake. The naming resolution make the garden a success and I am posts,” said AFP-Georgia State lessons, arts and crafts, nature, was introduced by Commissioner happy that Commissioner Johnson Director Virginia Galloway. sports, health and wellness clinics, Larry Johnson, who used district was able to name the garden in “Our students are the ones that team games and more. Registration greenspace funds to purchase the honor of the two offi cers who suffer the most when adults put is under way at all centers. The property. patrolled our area,” said Veronica their own desires ahead of a child’s camp will not be held at N.H. Offi cer Ricky Bryant Jr. was Gilyard, an East Lake Terrace education,” Galloway said. Scott Recreation Center because of a Marines veteran and had served resident. “As if it weren’t enough that renovations. with the police department for two their embarrassing behavior was Early registration is encouraged years and Offi cer Eric Barker brought to light, these so-called due to the limited number of slots was an Army veteran who had ubrookhaven A new nightclub may be coming to city by Carla Parker [email protected] Nightlife entertainment could be expanding in Brookhaven. PUBLIC WORKS The Suntan Shopping Center at 2847 Buford Highway CONSULTING HOUSINGROADWORK ROADWORK CONSULTING ROADWORK PUBLIC WORKS is seeking to rezone to accommodate a 4,835-square foot I.T. HUMAN RESOURCE ROADWORK ROADWORK CONSULTINGI.T. HOUSINGROADWORK SERVICE nightclub. The shopping center, represented by Tung ROADWORK PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS CONSULTING ROADWORK ROADWORK CONSULTINGI.T. HUMAN RESOURCE HOUSING Lin Wang, came before the DeKalb County Board of SERVICE HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS CONSULTING CONSULTING Commissioners on Feb. 12 with its rezoning request. HUMAN RESOURCE HOUSING CONSULTING HOUSING HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS ROADWORK The county’s planning commission had recommended CONSULTING SERVICE approval of the rezoning with conditions after the district’s CONSULTING HOUSING ROADWORK PUBLIC WORKS I.T. PUBLIC WORKS community council voted 11-0-1 to deny the request, SERVICE PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS I.T. PUBLIC WORKS I.T. CONSULTING claiming that there are too many nightclubs in the area ROADWORKSERVICE PUBLIC WORKS HOUSING SERVICE and because of the shopping center’s close proximity to I.T. CONSULTING SERVICEI.T. ROADWORK I.T. ROADWORK ROADWORK SERVICE HOUSING residential properties. HOUSING SERVICE PUBLIC WORKS HUMAN RESOURCE FinSERVICEAncingI.T. ROADWORK I.T.GovernmentHOUSING ContrActsI.T. However, the center withdrew its rezoning request ROADWORK ROADWORK HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS HUMAN RESOURCE after the county’s planning commission was informed HOUSING I.T. HUMAN RESOURCEROADWORK ROADWORKSince 1993 that the shopping center is located in Brookhaven city PUBLIC WORKS HOUSING HUMAN RESOURCE ROADWORK I.T. limits. Brookhaven City Manager Marie Garrett said the HUMAN RESOURCE ROADWORK I.T.CONSULTING HOUSING HUMAN RESOURCE PUBLIC WORKS shopping center’s rezoning and special land use permit I.T. PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CONSULTINGPUBLIC WORKS ROADWORK I.T. I.T.CONSULTING PUBLIC WORKS HOUSING request were transferred from the county and they are in the PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS JLC-FiNANCiAL.COMSERVICE CONSULTING CONSULTING404.229.7743 PUBLIC WORKS ROADWORK process of reviewing them. HOUSING I.T. • I.T. SERVICE HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS In the appropriate zoning district, a business must have PUBLIC WORKS a special land use permit to open a nightclub, according to Garrett. “Before this can be done for the specifi c parcel in question, they must get the rezoning request approved,” she said. “This will go through the planning commission and ultimately be voted on by the mayor and city council.” There are currently three nightclubs in Brookhaven. Nightclubs are controlled by zoning maps and the ordinances controlling zoning. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 10A Bill would allow conversion of failing schools into charter schools by Daniel Beauregard ment improvement plan and dent of the Georgia Federa- improve schools and called working its way through the [email protected] require restructuring of the tion of Teachers, said in an for an alternative to HB 123. Senate for approval. school’s internal organiza- open letter to the House and She said that throughout the “We have nationally fol- Rep. Edward Lindsey tion. Senate education committees country, the trigger bill has lowed the success or lack of (R-Atlanta) proposed a bill “This act will give parents that the bill is creating a rift allowed some improvement thereof of these companies,” recently that would allow and teachers the fundamental among parents, teachers and to lower-income communi- Turner said. “We must be parents to petition to convert tools they need to exercise the community. ties, but also opened the door careful to avoid any ‘for- existing schools into charter true local control of their Turner said that a “col- to “private and for-profit profit’ motives as it relates to schools or imposed models to school,” Harkness said. laborative and sustainable” companies.” our children and our futures.” help failing schools. Verdaillia Turner, presi- plan should be in order to A similar bill, SB 162, is House Bill 123 calls for the implementation of the Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act, which allows parents or teachers to petition a lo- cal school board to convert a failing school into a charter school. The act also provides for several turnaround processes for a school’s administration if the school is low-achieving and the parents or teachers feel such steps are necessary. “As I have said in the past, charter schools are not the magic silver bullet to fix Geor- gia’s education problems— there is no silver bullet,” said Lindsey. Lindsey, who represents parts of north Atlanta, said the bill reflects his approach to serve beyond his district and represent the best interests of all Georgia’s residents. “This bill will further the viability of options for parents and teachers across the state,” Lindsey said. According to the bill, if any petition, conversion or turn- around, is supported by more than 60 percent of parents or teachers, the board must have a 2/3 vote to reject the petition within 60 days of receiving it. “This bill simply offers the opportunity to place the power of our children’s education in the hands of those closest to the children, their teachers and parents,” added Lindsey. Rae Harkness, whose daughter attends Ivy Prepara- tory Academy in Kirkwood, said she likes the legislation because it allows both parents and teachers to initiate chang- es in public schools. Harkness said it might be easier to implement the teach- er turnaround method rather than converting a school into a charter school. “It is not a simple task to get signatures from half of the parents in an enrollment area,” Harkness said. Teachers at failing schools with poor parental involve- ment, Harkness said, would have the ability to implement changes including replacing ineffective teachers, bringing in a management or monitor- ing team, implementing an intensive student achieve- The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 11A Judge candidate arraigned for theft charges by Daniel Beauregard According to the District trict Attorney Robert James sonal banking account, ac- [email protected] Attorney’s Offi ce, Rothen- said. “He would frequent cording to the indictment. berg received more than local DeKalb County spots Between March and No- A former candidate for $1.3 million in funds from a such as Farm Burger, J. vember 2010, Rothenberg DeKalb Superior Court Colorado-based investment Christopher’s and Walmart allegedly used the funds at charged with felony theft group named Winterhawk on other people’s dimes.” various businesses including waived arraignment March Energy and Development Rothenberg, a Decatur the Marcus Jewish Commu- 4. Corporation for an invest- attorney, was running to nity Center of Atlanta, Mas- Booth Michael Rothenberg, ment deal. unseat Superior Court Judge sage Associates of Atlanta, was indicted in July 2012, “Michael Rothenberg Gail Flake. Walmart, Enterprise Rent-A- on six felony counts of theft unlawfully transferred Some of those funds Car, three local newspapers Man accused by taking. Prosecutors al- $440,000 into accounts that were redirected into vari- and various restaurants. of murdering, lege that Rothenberg stole he controlled and then il- ous accounts controlled by $440,000 from a campaign legally used those funds for Rothenberg, including a disfiguring investor. his own personal use,” Dis- campaign account and a per- girlfriend sentenced to life Nominate a 2013 CEO’s Community Hero by Daniel Beauregard Nomination forms, criteria and additional information are available by [email protected] visiting www.dekalbcountyga.gov or http://thechampionnewspaper.com/nominate A DeKalb County man A hard copy of the nomination form is also available in the current issue of who was found guilty of The Champion Newspaper and The Champion Free Press. murdering and sexually as- saulting his girlfriend in For a programming guide, visit www.yourdekalb.com/dctv February 2007 has been sen- DCTV – Your Emmy® Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23. tenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. The Champion Weather March 7, 2013 Delroy Booth, 31, was Seven Day Forecast Detailed Local Forecast Today’s Regional Map Weather History found guilty March 1 of tor- Today we will see sunny skies with a high March 7, 1990 - A major THURSDAY turing and beating to death temperature of 57º, humidity of 40%. Northwest ice storm left much of Iowa Sunny his mentally handicapped wind 10 mph. The record high temperature for Dunwoody under a thick coat of ice. It High: 57 Low: 34 55/33 girlfriend. Booth will serve today is 80º set in 1974. Expect clear skies Lilburn was the worst ice storm in at two consecutive life sentenc- tonight with an overnight low of 34º. The Smyrna least 25 years for Iowa. Up FRIDAY Doraville 56/34 es and 20 years in prison. record low for tonight is 21º set in 1966. 56/34 to two inches of ice coated Sunny 56/34 Booth was charged with Decatur Snellville much of western and central High: 62 Low: 37 Last Week's Local Almanac malice murder, felony mur- Atlanta 57/34 57/34 Iowa, with three inches der, aggravated assault, two Date Hi Lo Normals Precip 57/34 reported in Crawford County counts of aggravated battery, SATURDAY Tuesday 51 36 60/39 1.11" Lithonia and Carroll County. Sunny Wednesday 58 41 60/39 0.00" College Park 58/34 aggravated sexual battery High: 65 Low: 42 58/34 and aggravated sodomy. Thursday 47 36 60/40 0.00" Morrow March 8, 1717 - On Fishers Friday 42 34 61/40 0.00" 58/34 Island in Long Island Sound, According to prosecutors, Union City SUNDAY Saturday 40 34 61/40 0.00" 1,200 sheep were discovered Booth beat Shantle Vison 58/34 Partly Cloudy Sunday 41 29 61/40 0.00" to have been buried under a to death and sodomized her High: 67 Low: 47 Monday 58 27 62/41 0.00" with a candlestick. One of Hampton snow drift for four weeks. Rainfall...... 1.11" Average temp..41.0 59/35 When finally uncovered, 100 the aggravated battery charg- MONDAY Normal rainfall.. 1.24" Average normal 50.3 sheep were still alive. es is for “seriously disfi gur- Few Showers Departure ...... -0.13" Departure . . . . . -9.3 ing” Vison’s face. High: 66 Low: 45 According to the indict- Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week Tonight’s Planets ment, Booth killed Vison by TUESDAY Day Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Rise Set “striking her about the head Few Showers New Thursday 6:57 a.m. 6:39 p.m. 3:47 a.m. 2:35 p.m. Full Mercury 6:30 a.m. 6:08 p.m. and body” and “maliciously High: 68 Low: 49 3/11 Friday 6:56 a.m. 6:40 p.m. 4:32 a.m. 3:41 p.m. 3/27 Venus 6:51 a.m. 6:11 p.m. causing bodily harm to Shan- Saturday 6:55 a.m. 6:41 p.m. 5:14 a.m. 4:46 p.m. Mars 7:26 a.m. 7:20 p.m. tle Vason by rendering her WEDNESDAY Sunday 7:54 a.m. 7:42 p.m. 6:52 a.m. 6:49 p.m. Jupiter 10:59 a.m. 1:07 a.m. Monday brain useless. Mostly Cloudy First 7:52 a.m. 7:42 p.m. 7:27 a.m. 7:51 p.m. Last Saturn 10:44 p.m. 9:42 a.m. Tuesday “This was an immensely High: 64 Low: 46 3/19 7:51 a.m. 7:43 p.m. 8:02 a.m. 8:52 p.m. 4/2 Uranus 7:55 a.m. 8:10 p.m. troubling case,” District At- Wednesday 7:50 a.m. 7:44 p.m. 8:37 a.m. 9:51 p.m. torney Robert James said. Local UV Index National Weather Summary This Week Weather Trivia James did not seek the The Northeast will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with scattered rain and snow What U.S. city holds the death penalty in the case. today and Friday, mostly clear skies Saturday, with the highest temperature of 52º in record for the lowest high However, when Booth was 0 - 23 4 5 6 798 10 11+ Cincinnati, Ohio. The Southeast will experience mostly clear skies today through Saturday, temperature?

re-indicted in 2011, James UV Index with the highest temperature of 71º in Ft. Myers, Fla. In the Northwest, there will be scattered rain and record high of only 87 degrees. 87 only of high ? record

said the level of violence 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, snow today, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature of 58º in Eureka, Calif., with a a with Calif., Eureka, in Booth’s case was “gratu- 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, Medford, Ore. The Southwest will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies today, scattered showers Friday Answer: itous.” 11+: Extreme Exposure and Saturday, with the highest temperature of 81º in Artesia, N.M. “It’s a scenario we see StarWatch By Gary Becker -Drinking Gourd on the Rise far too often in DeKalb. Do- If you go outside about 8 p.m. and look towards the NE, you’ll notice the familiar pattern of the Big Dipper, beginning its springtime ascent, handle down—cup up, rising above mestic violence situations the tree line of your local neighborhood. The bright moon may hamper seeing its seven stars at the beginning of the week, but by week’s end, Luna will be gone from the early have various [results]. In this evening sky. The Dipper is purely American, not even a constellation, possibly originating from the Drinking Gourd song taught to slaves by itinerant carpenter and abolitionist, case, Shantle lost her life Peg Leg Joe. Its lyrics gave slaves in Mississippi and Alabama, where Joe worked, a coded message to follow the Tombigbee and Tennessee rivers to the Ohio River, and across and Delroy will spend the it to Illinois and their freedom. The song began with, “When the sun comes back, and the first quail calls” which signified mating season and starting the journey during the remainder of his life behind spring. It told slaves, “The riverbank will make a mighty good road, /the dead trees show you the way” with markings of Joe’s “left foot, peg foot,” indicating that they were on the correct route. bars for these heinous acts. Every verse ended with “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” which always kept people in a general northbound direction. At the headwaters of the Tombigbee, “between two hills, /There’s another river on the other side,” the Tennessee. So “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” And “When the great big river (Ohio) meets the little river (Tennessee), /Follow the Drinking Gourd.” The dangerous We hope that this victim will trip along the hundreds of miles of snaking riverbanks, took escapees about a year to traverse, bringing them to the Ohio, hopefully, when it was frozen and easier to cross. Newer interpretations be another step in the healing of the Drinking Gourd song say that it is all folklore, but even in a tale there is usually an element of truth. For “the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom, /If you follow the Drinking process for Shantle’s loved Gourd.” That was written 80 years after the Civil War’s end. www.astronomy.org ones,” James said. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 12A Human trafficking case set to begin by Daniel Beauregard [email protected] A DeKalb County man ac- cused of forcing minors into prostitution will be asked to an- swer to those charges March 12. Darryl Curry was indicted in 2011 for allegedly transporting two girls under the age of 18 for sexual servitude and running a place of prostitution. Curry will appear in DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gail Flake’s courtroom. He faces 18 charges, which include trafficking of persons for sexual Lakeside cityhood proponents “look forward to continuing to fine-tune the map,” said Mary Kay oodworth,W a leader of the move- servitude, pimping, false impris- ment. onment, cruelty to children and keeping a place of prostitution for persons under 18. John Anderson, a codefen- Group revises boundaries of dant charged with keeping a place of prostitution and pro- viding a false name to police, pleaded guilty. proposed Lakeside city The indictment states that sometime between September and October 2011, Curry trans- by Andrew Cauthen “It is still a draft map,” Woodworth ahead.” ported two girls younger than 18 [email protected] said. Several hundred people attended for “the purpose of sexual servi- The new boundaries, which would the alliance’s second public meeting tude.” The tentative map of the proposed encompass a city of approximately in February. Woodworth said it was an According to court docu- city of Lakeside has changed. 60,000 residents, removed areas west older crowd with “good questions and ments, a 17-year-old girl escaped “That doesn’t mean it won’t change of I-85, including Century Center, very good points.” a home in Decatur where she again,” said Mary Kay Woodworth, Clairmont Terrace and areas in the “It’s exciting to see so much inter- was being held against her will chairwoman of the Lakeside City Alli- Dresden East Civic Association. est and support in this community for and being forced into prostitu- ance (LCA), a nonprofit citizens group Residents in these areas “are ac- this proposal, and I look forward to tion. The girl also told police an- studying the possibility of establishing tively pursuing annexation into Cham- keeping the conversation going as we other 16-year-old girl was being a new city in north DeKalb County. blee, so we’re listening to them,” move ahead with our study,” Wood- held there. The revised boundaries include Woodworth said. worth said. The 17-year-old girl reported- the areas between Interstate 85 on the “We have been listening to our fel- LCA is in the process of forming a ly called 911 and told police she west, North Druid Hills Road to the low residents since our first meeting board of directors and soliciting dona- was being held against her will at south, and Chamblee-Tucker Road on and exchanged ideas through emails, tions to fund a cityhood study. 2113 Miriam Lane. the north and east. telephone calls and various social “The goal is to get as much infor- Curry is also charged with Drawn into the proposed bound- media outlets,” Woodworth said. “We mation to as many people as we can,” sexual exploitation of a minor for aries are Sagamore and Leafmore have made some significant changes Woodworth said. possessing “sexually explicit” neighborhoods and parts of Toco Hills, from our first draft based on the feed- More information about Lakeside photographs and material depict- “based on conversations and feedback back that we have been getting and City Alliance can be found at www. ing a minor engaged in touching of people in that area,” Woodworth look forward to continuing to fine- lakesidealliance.org. another female while naked in said. tune the map in the weeks and months the shower. Curry is also accused of unlawfully confining both girls and causing them undue Proposed law would allow new cities to form school systems mental anguish. Additionally, Curry is charged by Carla Parker such as Dunwoody, Brookhaven, has not formally discussed creation with two counts of aggravated [email protected] Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton of a city school system but they have assault for allegedly beating both and Peachtree Corners to establish been in communication with DeKalb girls, once with a belt and once State Reps. Tom Taylor, Mike an individual or collective school delegation representatives. with a coat hanger. Jacobs and others have proposed a systems. “Our focus is on our citizens Curry is also charged with law that will allow cities created on According to reports, the bill and their families,” Brookhaven two counts of contributing to the or after Jan. 1, 2005, to establish an was originally written for the city of spokeswoman Michelle Erste said. delinquency of a minor for forc- independent school systems. Dunwoody, but Taylor expanded the “We want to stay close to the issue ing both girls to purchase the Taylor introduced House bill for other cities after receiving and be in tune to explore potential drug MDMA (ecstasy) for him. Resolution 486 on Feb. 25, the same support from representatives in options for K-12 education – At the time of their arrest, day Gov. Nathan Deal announced Fulton and Gwinnett. The bill would especially for our residents and their Curry was held on a $510,000 his decision to suspend six DeKalb allow cities to form a school system children for the long term.” cash-only bond and Anderson on County school board members. The across county lines. a $120,000 cash-only bond. proposed law would allow new cities Brookhaven officials said the city The Champion Free Press, Friday, March. 8, 2013 Local News Page 13A

Judge Continued From Page 1A

school district had “refuted for college” and are “ineligible some [of] SACS’ allegations for certain scholarship funds,” which served as part of the ba- including HOPE. sis for the recommendation of Parents generally don’t want [GBOE].” to live in districts that are unac- But Story found that there credited, said Holliday, a former was sufficient evidence that the public school teacher and for- DeKalb school board was in mer head of the Governor’s Of- “violation of applicable stan- fice of Student Achievement. dards and policies.” Stephan Ritter, a senior During the hearing on the assistant attorney general rep- preliminary injunction, Bob resenting the GBOE, said the Wilson, an attorney represent- school district would not be in ing the six school board mem- its current accreditation quan- bers in their legal battle, argued dary if it had another accredita- that “there are some very seri- tion. ous constitutional issues sur- “There are many school rounding this statute. I don’t be- boards that have multiple ac- lieve for a minute that citizens creditations,” Ritter said. want elected officials removed “DeKalb chose not to do that.” by unconstitutional means. That Responding to arguments question has to be answered by that the six board members the courts.” should have been suspended Wilson said his team argued individually for specific rea- that “for a multiplicity of rea- sons and not as a group, Ritter sons that it is unconstitutional said the problem was about the both as to the Georgia Constitu- board’s governance as a group. tion and the U. S. Constitution “We are talking about how and …because of that, the stat- that board has functioned,” Rit- ute is void.” ter said. “It is entirely appropri- Wilson said there are ques- ate to treat them as a group for tions whether due process has that purpose.” been properly followed. Gov. Deal has formed a “We do not accuse people nominating committee that of things and then deny them will recommend replacement the right to face their accusers,” members for the DeKalb school Wilson said. “We do not take board. That creates even more property rights from people uncertainty in the school dis- without them having due pro- trict, said Stephen Quinn, an cess. We do not deny citizens attorney representing school the privilege of citizenship district. without due process. Those are “We simply don’t know serious issues.” what the appointed replace- There are very serious con- ments will do in office,” Quinn sequences when an elected of- said. “It’s the citizens…who ficial is removed from office, have the right choose who is Purpoz Continued From Page 1A Wilson said. going to represent them on the “These people sitting on school board,” he said. that school board, no matter In a statement after the how you feel about them, were judge’s decision, Deal said, elected,” Wilson said. “They “The court’s decision today will were elected by their communi- allow us to take the next steps ties to serve. Whether they’re toward protecting the futures of doing it well or not, that’s up to DeKalb’s students and main- the community to decide at the taining the school system’s ac- next ballot box unless you have creditation. constitutional laws that allow “Time is of the essence removal. because we cannot have this “I have no beef against the cloud hang over the county state board of education ,” Wil- or the state,” Deal said. “The son said. “I have no beef against nominating panel appointed last the prosecutor who handled that week will continue to collect case. I have no beef against the applications through [March 6], governor. They’re trying to fol- and it will get to work quickly low a law that’s been passed by on filling the open seats so the the General Assembly, but the board can become a functioning question is, ‘Is that law consti- body.” tutional?’” Deal also announced that The cnsequences of loss of Robert Brown, a state trans- accreditation could be wide- portation board member from spread, said Bonnie Holliday, DeKalb County, will join Brad executive director of Georgia Bryant, executive director of Charter School Commission. the Georgia Foundation for Ed- Holliday told the judge that ucation for the Georgia Depart- students who attend unaccred- ment of Education, as a second ited schools face “significant liaison to the school board to impediments when they apply monitor progress. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 14A Polly Meriwether Lewis to News Briefs be laid to rest March 7 Clarkston begins streetscape fence between the edge of the program road and CSX right of way, by Carla Parker and Leadership DeKalb. decorative pedestrian lighting, [email protected] Lewis served as a The city of Clarkston mast arms at intersections, board member of the is preparing to develop new ADA sidewalks, The life of south YMCA Academies from a $6 million streetscape replacement of wooden power DeKalb County com- 1993 till the time of her improvement project with poles, new bus shelters and munity activist Polly death. YMCA Academies funding provided by the improvements at the CSX Meriwether Lewis will executive director Tamra Georgia Roadway and track crossovers. be celebrated Thursday, Shepherd said Lewis Tollway and Federal Highway March 7, at Greater Trav- was instrumental in Administration authorities. Decatur offers free Wi-Fi elers Rest Baptist Church opening the two academy Lewis The funding will provide in Decatur. locations on Snapfinger for streetscape and pedestrian The city of Decatur began Lewis, 63, was found was also a former liaison Road and Evans Mill and corporate secretary enhancements on several offering free wireless March dead in her Decatur home Road. streets including portions 1 in several areas throughout on March 1. for Grady Healthcare “She was a true vol- System, and retired from of East Ponce de Leon Ave, the city including downtown Born in Clarksville, unteer,” Shepherd said. Church, and Market streets, Tenn., Lewis was a grad- the Fulton-DeKalb Hos- “I will miss her presence. Decatur, the Oakhurst business uate of Burt High School pital Authority as an ex- She was always there to and Norman Road. district, Oakhurst Park, and Austin Peay State ecutive liaison. talk to you. We both have City Manager Keith Glenlake Park, McKoy Park University in Clarksville. She was active at boys and we would al- Barker said the project is and Adair Park. She also graduated from Greater Travelers Rest ways talk about them.” expected to begin no later than To use the service, residents Georgia State University. Baptist Church, where She is survived by two summer and it was a larger and visitors can connect to the Lewis served in she was a member for 39 sons, Barry Lewis of part of an effort to strengthen network named Decatur Free DeKalb County for more years. She served on lo- New Jersey; and Justin the “vitality of the town-center Wi-Fi. than 30 years. She was a cal boards including the Lewis of Atlanta. Her 11 district.” For more information visit charter member of Alpha South DeKalb YMCA a.m. service will be held According to a press www.decaturga.com. Kappa Alpha - Eta Mu Academies, the South at Greater Travelers Rest release, the project will Chapter sorority at Geor- DeKalb Business Associ- Baptist Church, 4650 Flat include a decorative safety gia State University. She ation, DeKalb EOA Inc, Shoals Parkway.

Retired chimps may cost Emory millions by Melissa Abbey April whether to adopt pro- millions of dollars for space construction and mainte- A lack of retirement op- posed, costlier standards for that will have limited use nance. tions isn’t a problem only ATLANTA (AP) Emory chimpanzee housing. given our aging colony and Jim Anderson said that for Yerkes: It’s a major con- University might have to Yerkes is one of eight our hope to send additional cap will be reached in July cern for the NIH. spend tens of millions of NlH-funded national pri- chimpanzees to Chimp Ha- when the NIH renews its If Francis Collins, direc- dollars to renovate the home mate research centers. The ven,” Newbern wrote. contract with Chimp Haven. tor of the NIH, approves the of its research chimpan- center’s two campuses–one Chimp Haven, a sanctu- Anderson is the deputy di- proposed new standards, zees–all for aging chimps it at Emory and one in Law- ary in Louisiana, is the only rector for program coordina- about 300 NIH-owned doesn’t necessarily need. renceville–are home to one meeting a lab-animal ac- tion, planning and strategic chimps will be retired. The National Institutes of nearly 3,400 nonhuman crediting agency’s standards. initiatives at NIH. But right now they also Health, Yerkes’ only source primates. Researchers there But it has no vacancies. There are other sanctuar- have nowhere to go. Feder- of chimp-research funding, study topics that have practi- How did Yerkes come ies, but Chimp Haven is the ally owned chimps can only is phasing out biomedical cal implications for human to have so many excess only federal sanctuary, and be retired to Chimp Haven. chimpanzee research–now health, like progressive ill- chimps? “In the 1980s, the the one accredited by the Raising the $30 million deemed “largely unneces- nesses, memory, vaccines prevailing thinking was that Association for Assessment cap would require congres- sary”–and may soon raise and immunizations, brain chimpanzees would be the and Accreditation of Labora- sional action, Anderson said. standards for the housing activity and behavior. best animal model for HIV/ tory Animal Care. All feder- For the time being, the NIH of chimps that do remain in “We are very concerned AIDS research,” said New- ally owned chimps must be could continue using taxpay- research. about what it will cost bern. “As such, the NIH retired there. Yerkes, whose er money to maintain feder- Only five of the 78 our center to adhere to the asked the research centers chimps are federally funded, ally owned retired chimpan- chimps at Yerkes National recommendations for the with chimpanzees to breed wants the same standards for zees where they are. Primate Research Center are ethologically appropriate them.” its animals. Chimp Haven is trying to being used for NIH-funded physical and social envi- And so they did. But now “We would want our expand without federal dol- research right now, but find- ronments,” Yerkes spokes- other primates are preferred chimpanzees to be guaran- lars. The sanctuary is work- ing another retirement home woman Lisa Newbern said for HIV/AIDS research. teed the same level of care ing with the Foundation for for many of the others is a in an email. Yerkes was among the we provide as well as regu- the NIH to raise $5 million, problem: The only chimp She said the new recom- first centers to send retired latory oversight to which we said Cathy Willis Spraetz, sanctuary Yerkes is willing mendations “would provide chimpanzees to Chimp Ha- are subject,” said Newbern. enough to expand and cover to send them to doesn’t have larger space per chimpanzee ven, said Newbern, but re- Yerkes has been AAALAC- costs for 110 retired chimps the money to make room for than many humans have in quests to send more—many accredited since 1985. from a research center in them. their own homes.” more—have been denied. But since then Yerkes Louisiana. Willis Spraetz, Unless Yerkes finds new Requests for a phone The sanctuary is full, and has been cited by the United a native Atlantan, took over funds or abandons chimp conversation or a visit to there are no federal funds to States Department of Ag- as president of the sanctuary research altogether, it must Yerkes were made, but New- expand or build a new one. riculture for the accidental recently. meet NIH standards, and bern insisted on email com- The federal Chimpanzee deaths of multiple animals To expand the sanctu- that’s what could cost mil- munication only. Health Improvement, Main- and unclean or unsafe hous- ary and care for additional lions. “Based on recent con- tenance, and Protection Act, ing. In 2007 Yerkes was chimps–like those from The NIH will decide at struction costs, we estimate passed in 2000, places a cap fined $15,000 for “willful” Yerkes—would require a lot the end of March or early in this will be in the tens of of $30 million on sanctuary legal violations. more fundraising. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Education Page 15A Henderson Middle teacher named a LifeChanger by Andrew Cauthen vidual award and a matching with the qualities that Mr. [email protected] $1,500 contribution to Hen- Duncan has, there would be derson Middle School. no problem in education any- It wasn’t very quiet in the Duncan received several where in this country.” Henderson Middle School nominations for the award Rodney Keyes of library March 1 as more than from students and parents, ValuTeachers, who presented 100 students, along with par- and more than 300 current the award, told Duncan that he ents and teachers, gathered to and former students, parents is “making a great difference surprise the school’s chorus and colleagues who posted in this community and in this instructor. comments about him on his school.” Dale Duncan was teary- online nominee profile at “It takes special people to eyed as students cheered http://lifechangeroftheyear- make special individuals to when he was named a 2013 nominees.com/2012/11/13/ rise up and become leaders LifeChanger of the Year by dale-duncan/. in society,” Keyes said. “You National Life Group. Selected “We’re so thankful and have done a tremendous job from more than 400 nomina- lucky and grateful to have him in doing that. It’s amazing tions in 33 states, Duncan at Henderson Middle School,” the number of lives you have is one of 10 K-12 educators said Allyson Gevertz, a moth- touched over your career. from around the country rec- er who nominated Duncan. “Your peers, the students ognized for making a positive “This is an amazing expe- you have mentored and those difference in the lives of stu- rience also for the children,” who have gone on to have dents by exemplifying excel- Gevertz said. “There are four professional careers in the arts lence, positive influence and kids who initially nominated have have truly complimented leadership. Mr. Duncan…because he had and referenced you as decid- “It means so much,” Dun- made a huge impact on their ing factor that led their lives can said. “I can’t even express lives. They didn’t know that to become what they have be- it. It’s so surreal. It brings it there would be people who come today,” Keyes said. all in full focus when you get had had Mr. Duncan 20 years Duncan said he hopes the a moment like this. It’s just ago that are still saying the award will bring “some posi- overwhelming. Doing the same things about him. tive press for our district.” work every day is not always “He not only inspires every “There are a lot of good easy. No job is. child to participate, but he things going on here,” Duncan “I drive [the students] to also challenges them to reach said. “There are a lot of great the ends of the earth,” Duncan heights they never though things at Henderson. I hope it said. “Sometimes I know they they could achieve,” she said. brings more positive energy to want to kill me. But I appreci- “I cannot imagine a school our schools here.” ate enormously what [they] do with a better chorus program Dale Duncan is surprised when in that classroom every day.” or a more dedicated teacher.” he receives a national award for As a LifeChanger of the Terese Allen, Henderson his work with students. Photo by Year, Duncan receives a Middle’s principal, said, “If Andrew Cauthen. Bottom, Duncan accepts the award as Henderson $3,000 cash prize, which is I could, as an educator, put Middle principal Terese Allen looks split between a $1,500 indi- a teacher in every classroom on. Photo by Kerry King Education Briefs Fernbank team entering robotics competition Decatur student wins spelling bee USA. Tree Campus USA is a national program cre- The Fernbank LINKS Robotics Team and Arbitrage. ated in 2008 to honor colleges and universities its robot, Bellatrickz, will be competing in the That was the final for effective campus forest management and FIRST Robotics Peachtree Regional Competition word in the Georgia for engaging staff and students in conservation at the Gwinnett Civic Center, March 15-16. Thir- Association of Educa- goals. ty team members from 16 school groups have tors’ Dictrict 4 spelling Agnes Scott achieved the title by meeting dedicated six weeks’ of evenings and weekends bee Feb. 23. Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which in- to building Bellatrickz in the engineering lab at Lua Adwet Sa- clude maintaining a tree advisory committee, a Lakeside High School. mandari, 12, a fifth- campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expendi- This year’s competition requires students to grade student at City tures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance and design, construct and drive a robot that throws Schools’ of Decatur student service-learning projects. a Frisbee at a 10-foot tall, 4-foot wide target 50 4/5 Academy, was the “Agnes Scott has valued the importance of feet away. Students have six weeks to produce winner after 12 rounds both care and planting of trees for a long time so the most innovative and successful robot. The Lua Adwet Samandari of competition. it’s wonderful to receive this official recognition build season will culminate in the Peachtree Re- Photo by Regina Patterson The spelling bee for our efforts,” said Susan Kidd, director of gional, which features 30 high school teams from had 132 words divided sustainability at Agnes Scott. around the south. The LINKS team will be com- among 28 contestants, 18 girls and 10 boys. Agnes Scott has an arboretum advisory com- peting this year as one of 10 rookie teams. Samandari, whose brother Andalib, was the mittee, made up of students, faculty, staff and The FIRST mission is to inspire young people state runner-up last year, will compete in the community members, to oversee and plan care to be science and technology leaders by engag- state finals March 15 at Georgia State University. for the campus’ many trees. The college also ing them in mentor-based programs that build GAE’s District 4 includes school systems in works frequently with Trees Atlanta on campus science, engineering and technology skills; that DeKalb, Fulton, Paulding and Douglas counties, and surrounding community projects. inspire innovation; and that foster well-rounded Decatur and Atlanta. Tree Campus USA is a partnership between life capabilities, including self-confidence, com- Toyota and The Arbor Day Foundation, a non- munication and leadership. profit conservation and education organization of For more information on FIRST Robotics, Agnes Scott named Tree Campus USA one million members with the mission to inspire visit www.usfirst.org. To learn more about the people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Fernbank LINKS Robotics Team, visit its web- Agnes Scott College, with a canopy of more site at www.fernbanklinks.com. than 2,000 trees, has been named a Tree Campus Page 16A The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013

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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. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Business Page 17A

La Tagliatella offers sharable portions of foods inspired by Italy’s rustic culinary traditions in a setting designed to suggest a northern Italian home. At bottom right, U.S. Division President Mike Muldoon, left, and General Manager Daniel Gibson explain the dining concept brought from Europe to Atlanta. La Tagliatella brings European-based Italian concept to Emory Point by Kathy Mitchell said. “Europeans have been enjoying the unique the pork was tender and tasty and the tomatoes [email protected] cuisine, warm hospitality and generosity of La were unusually flavorful. Tagliatella for the past two decades; now Ameri- An ultra-thin crust pizza topped with eggplant Although La Tagliatella has more than 130 cans can enjoy them, too.” slices was an unexpected hit. It was one of more restaurants across Europe and Asia, the one that According to information released by the than 20 handcrafted Napoletano-style pizzas of- opened earlier this year at Emory Point is only company, “La Tagliatella draws inspiration from fered at the restaurant. Other distinctive toppings the second in the United States. The first opened Italy’s rustic culinary traditions with a menu fo- available include foie gras, duck ham, pesto, Tus- in December 2012 in Atlanta’s Midtown area. cused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors, can bacon and sautéed spinach. Diners with more The European-based restaurant chain features all served in large, sharable portions that foster a adventurous tastes might want to try the sal- “traditional Italian recipes served in a relaxed, more communal dining experience.” ume pizza with tomato, mozzarella and chorizo yet distinctive atmosphere,” according to mate- Key ingredients are imported from the north- dressed with a fresh-cracked egg and oregano. rial provided by the restaurant. ern region of Italy. The pizza comes to the table whole with a The décor, “designed to suggest a northern La Tagliatella also offers a wide selection of pizza cutter so that diners can cut their own slices Italian home,” is eye-catching with heavily specialty cocktails and more than 50 wine variet- as they would at home. The entire meal, in fact, wooded walls, ceilings and floors, Old World ies. is served family style so that diners pass dishes style mirrors and stained glass. It’s easy to forget Although basics such as pasta and pizza that around taking as much or as little as they want of that outside the restaurant’s doors is one the busi- Americans often associate with Italian food are each. est sections of Atlanta. For the American debut on the menu, many are prepared in ways differ- The only item that one of the diners was less of the concept, the restaurant owners engaged ent from what the typical American pizza parlor than enthusiastic about was the risotto. While it Atlanta firm ai3 to assist European designers of or spaghetti house will offer. The restaurant seeks was tasty, the rice was closer to the type Ameri- DecoRetro “to create a special ambiance with a to “infuse the genuine tastes of Italy with artisan cans normally find on their tables thanthe su- rich tapestry of textures, colors and patterns… homemade flavors,”Daniel Gibson, the general perfino rice most often used in a creamy Italian transporting guests to a real and true experience manager, said. risotto. The comment drew serious attention from of European dining,” a restaurant news release Gibson recently hosted a media dinner at the Muldoon, who said he is genuinely seeking feed- states. restaurant and offered journalists the opportu- back from American diners so it can adjust to “We’re thrilled to introduce this popular nity to taste such dishes as spiedino Napoletano their expectations. Italian concept to the Emory and Decatur com- with skewered pork tenderloin, Sole di Puglia La Tagliatella at Emory Point in the Clifton munity. The thriving neighborhood is an ideal tomatoes and balsamic onions layered with fresh Corridor is open daily for lunch and dinner. location for our expansion in the Atlanta area,” whole-leaf basil and served with a special Taglia- Mike Muldoon, president of La Tagliatella LLC, tella sauce and fried gnocchi. The group agreed

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Sports Page 18A

Southwest DeKalb girls and Miller Grove boys and girls are among five DeKalb County basketball teams that advanced to the Georgia High School Association state championship games. Photos by Travis Hudgons

uBASKETBALL Five DeKalb teams, two private schools to play in championship games by Carla Parker 41. It will be the fifth meeting this Miller Grove boys are the other 2008. [email protected] year between the two teams with defending state champions that Columbia will play Eagles’ Miller Grove leading the series 3-1. are making consecutive title game Landing March 7 at 8:45 p.m. Five DeKalb County school The Lady Wolverines defeated appearances. The Miller Grove The Lady Eagles will play for basketball teams, along with two Southwest DeKalb in last year’s Wolverines advanced to their fifth their third state title in four seasons private school teams have advance championship game 46-39. South- straight title game after defeating on March 7 against Sandy Creek at to the Georgia High School Asso- west DeKalb head coach Kathy Northside-Columbus 72-38 in the 7 p.m. Columbia defeated Jones- ciation state championship games. Walton said it will be hard to pre- Class AAAAA semifinals. boro 49-44 in the Class AAAA Columbia boys and girls, Miller pare for a team that is familiar with The Wolverines won four con- semifinals. Grove boys and girls, Southwest them. secutive Class AAAA state titles St. Pius X girls’ basketball will DeKalb girls, Green Forest boys “They know us and we know and will compete for their first Class be playing for a fourth state title in and St. Pius X girls will play for a them,” she said. “I think you just AAAAA state title. They are look- school history on March 9 against state title on March 8 and 9 at the toss the ball up and go play.” ing to become the first boys’ team Dawson County at 3 p.m. The Lady Macon Centreplex. Walton added that her team does in Georgia to win five consecutive Golden Lions defeated Chapel Hill The girls, Class AAAAA title have unfinished business from last state titles. 59-51 in the Class AAA semifinals. game features the rematch of the year’s championship loss to Miller Miller Grove will face Gaines- St. Pius X won the Class AAAA 2012 Class AAAA title game be- Grove. ville on March 8 at 8:45 p.m. state title in 2004, 2006 and 2007. tween regional rivals Miller Grove “We graduated four starters The Columbia Eagles advanced Greenforest boys’ basketball ad- Lady Wolverines and the Southwest from last year’s team and I think to their fourth consecutive state vanced to the Class A Private state DeKalb Lady Panthers. [the team] wants to finish it for championship game with a 69-42 title game after defeating Athens Miller Grove advanced to the them,” she said. win over Statesboro in the Class Christian 60-55 in the semifinals. title game with a 49-23 win over Miller Grove and Southwest AAAA semifinals. The Eagles won Greenforest will play St. Francis on Effingham County in the semifinals DeKalb will face off March 8 at 7 the 2010-12 Class AAA state cham- March 9 at 12.54 p.m. and Southwest DeKalb had to come p.m. pionships and they also won the from behind to beat Forest Park 43- Columbia boys and girls and Class AAAA state title in 2006 and The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Sports Page 19A Buck Godfrey: Loyal to one program for 30 years by Carla Parker versity where he also played base- “I saw some things happening [email protected] ball. He played center fi eld and hit but I didn’t want to leave it at the .511 in 1965. He served as captain time because I wanted to keep that t is surprising to hear a man of both teams as a junior and senior program vertical,” he said. “The last who has coached football for and helped lead the baseball team three years we didn’t have the best more than 30 successful years to conference championships three talent but we still had some people say he had never intended to times. tugging at us, trying to pull us the coachI football. But, that was the He earned a Woodrow Wilson wrong way and I didn’t want them The Champion chooses a male and fe- case with retired Southwest DeKalb Fellowship to Columbia for gradu- doing that.” male high school Athlete of the Week each High School football coach Wil- ate school and then went to New Godfrey said he lost some play- week throughout the school year. The liam “Buck” Godfrey. York University on another partial ers to other schools during that time choices are based on performance and Godfrey, who got his fi rst head scholarship. After trying out for the and a lot of people blamed him for nominations by coaches. Please e-mail football coaching job at Southwest New York Mets and stepping into that. But his program continued to DeKalb in 1983, was a baseball the ring to participate in Golden be a successful. nominations to [email protected] coach fi rst. He coached baseball, his Gloves boxing, he began to use “We took the kids that we had by Monday at noon. fi rst love, at Gordon High School his degree as an English teacher in and coached them up,” he said. from 1974-1976. His team won 24 Manhattan at Spanish Harlem Ju- “And we still got to the playoffs and to 26 games playing against all- nior High School 120 in 1967. some of the ones that left didn’t get MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK White schools and went deep into He moved to DeKalb County in to the playoffs.” Tahj Shamsid-Deen, Columbia the playoffs. When schools began 1974 and became an English teacher Although some of his coaching (basketball): The senior guard scored integrating, Godfrey was moved to and baseball coach at Gordon. tactics were questioned during his 32 points, with 25 in the fi rst half, in Towers High School. During his 30 years at South- last years, his loyalty to the program Columbia’s 69-42 win over Statesboro in “From that point on I never west DeKalb he won 273 games, and school were never questioned. the Class AAAA semifi nals playoff game coached baseball again except for won the 1995 Class AAAA Geor- In 2005, Godfrey had to fi ght three on March 2. He averaged 25.8 points per when I did a favor for a friend and gia High School Association state bouts of cancers, but he continued game this season. coached the B squads at Towers and championship, 13 region titles, and to coach. He also had surgery on Southwest DeKalb,” he said. “When helped hundreds of players earn both of his knees so he could con- FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK they took that program away from scholarships to college. Godfrey tinue to walk the sidelines. Tynice Martin, Southwest DeKalb me I just fell in line.” never had a losing record at South- “I wanted the kids to see my (basketball): The sophomore forward had Godfrey, 69, said he had to learn west DeKalb and missed the post- sense of loyalty to them and the a double-double with 12 points and 13 how to coach football and swim- season just three times. program,” he said. “Unfortunately, rebounds in the Lady Panthers 43-41 win ming. He began coaching swim- While coaching football, he es- some didn’t see it. But, I was always over Forest Park in the Class AAAAA ming and led Towers to a second- tablished a community swim team loyal to Southwest.” semifi nals playoff game on March 2. place fi nish behind Dunwoody at in DeKalb County, the Worthington Since he will no longer walk the Martin averaged 16.8 points and 10.2 the DeKalb County swimming and Valley Swim Team. sidelines, Godfrey plans to fi nish rebounds per game this season. diving championships in 1978. “We became one of the pre- writing his second book on one of “I went from baseball to eight miere swim programs in the coun- his mentors, legendary college foot- grade football and swimming,” he ty,” he said. “I just wanted to give ball coach Eddie Robinson. His said. back to the community.” fi rst book, The Team Nobody Would Godfrey was offensive coordi- Godfrey’s 30-year tenure has Play, was released in 2008. nator for the Towers football team been fi lled with ups and downs, in- He also plans to work with the before becoming the head football cluding his last game as a coach that Southwest DeKalb baseball team, coach at Southwest DeKalb. He ended in a 19-14 loss to Kell in the fi sh and spend a lot of time with his became the fi rst Black male teacher fi rst round of the playoffs. But the four grandchildren. and coach at Towers and was the ups certainly outweigh the downs. While he is enjoying his re- Each week The Champion spotlights fi rst Black head football coach at “I’ve seen so many guys grow tirement, he hopes his former and former high school players from the Southwest DeKalb. up, grow out and give back,” he current players and the Southwest county who are succeeding in athletics “I had never intended to be a said. “I have seven former play- DeKalb community remembers and on the college level. head football coach at all,” he said. ers that are police offi cers, seven maintains the success of the football “But during those years I studied preachers, chefs, and engineers that program. Langston Hall, Mercer the game, studied a lot of fi lms and are making a lot of money. These “In 30 years that school aver- (basketball): The junior went to coaching clinics. I never are people that made a difference in aged nine wins a season and didn’t guard from Chamblee anticipated becoming a head coach. society.” have a losing season,” he said. scored 12 points and had I had played the game but coaching Three years ago, Godfrey knew “That’s something to build on and nine assists in the 77-65 is different.” his years as a head football coach improve on. The standard is set. win over Stetson on March Godfrey, a native of Charles- were coming to an end soon. But, Most kids out there are proud to 2. Hall is averaging 10.7 ton, S.C., grew up playing baseball he stayed with the program to make have been there and in the end I points and 4.5 assists per and football. He received a football sure it would continue to move in hope I have made a difference. I game. scholarship to Delaware State Uni- the right direction after he left. know I have.” Nic Wilson, Georgia State ubaSkeTbaLL (baseball): The junior infi elder from Decatur Former Columbia player reaches career milestone at Howard scored one run and had one run batted in (RBI) in Howard Univer- career points. Doyle sur- Georgia State’s 5-4 win sity senior Saadia Doyle passed former Howard over Boston College on made history Feb. 18 standout Alisha “Tuff” March 1. Wilson has a .281 when she became the Hill (1994-98). batting average, eight runs, and four RBIs all-time leading scorer in Doyle is also third on the season. the Mid-Eastern Athletic on the all-time list for Conference and at How- career rebounds at How- Conisha Hicks, Clark Atlanta (basketball): The ard. ard with 1,125 rebounds. junior from Miller Grove The former Columbia The Health Education was named MVP of the High School basketball and Childcare major was 2013 SIAC Women’s and volleyball player named the 2012-13 Mid- Basketball Tournament, scored 22 points in the Eastern Athletic Confer- as she had game highs of 61-27 win over Bethune- ence Pre-Season Player 20 points, seven assists, Cookman to reach 2,197 of the year. and fi ve steals to lead Clark Atlanta over Saadia Doyle and Howard University Coach Niki Reid Benedict College 75-58 in March 2. She Geckeler averaged 15.5 points per game this season. The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 8, 2013 Local News Page 20A Chickens, bees, goats part of school’s curriculum by Kerry King private high school located on New Street in Decatur, has a history of be- Every day, Avery takes time to ing environmentally friendly. In addi- feed, play with and take care of sev- tion to its chicken coop, Academe has eral chickens that often rush around lavish flower and vegetable gardens, the door of their coop when she ap- and is known for the honey that its proaches. bees produce. Recently, three new Since Avery’s arrival at Academe chicks joined the school’s family. of the Oaks High School, she has In February, Academe received taken it upon herself to watch over several goats and sheep from Ewe- the school’s hens, a responsibility she niversally Green, a company that embraces. eliminates unwelcome plants such as “They’re just fun to have around,” kudzu and poison ivy. The animals said Avery, a sophomore who has had have since been returned, but there are an affinity for animals since she was a plans for two goats to be housed at the small child. The chickens have a spe- school indefinitely. cific purpose at the school: to produce Avery said the goats will just be eggs. there “for petting.” The school “collects their eggs and Eva Handschin, the school’s ad- then gives them away,” Avery said. ministrator, believes that the goats are Although rarely a problem, eggs for the students as much as they are don’t just arrive in an abundant supply. for the school’s grounds. “It really depends on the weather,” The students “liked them so much,” Avery cares for chicken at Academe of the Oaks, a private school in Decatur. Photo Avery said when asked how often they Handschin said about the goats’ previ- by Kerry King produce. “There’s usually one [egg] a ous visit. day in the winter. But in the summer, Handschin said the goats are just to living without human help,” she Another interesting difference, Av- there could be six a day.” a part of the growing process that said. ery said, is that “these chicks lay blue Chickens must be in a calm envi- will make Academe greener. The pro- Instead, Avery said she has her eggs instead of brown.” The eggs of ronment to lay eggs, so Avery spends cess also includes expansive gardens hands full with three small chicks that the adults have a light brown or peach a lot of time tending to the coop. throughout the campus and added are considerably different from the color. The chicks, which are of the ar- “Cleaning out the wood shavings and work with the school’s bees that have adult chickens. aucana species, lay blue eggs. the boxes [they lay eggs in] is the dif- won the school multiple honey-related “Chicks are more difficult because When asked if she has a favorite ficult part, but giving them food and awards. they’re really delicate,” Avery said. chicken, Avery said, “I don’t choose water is easy.” Avery said she will not likely be “You have to watch them a lot and favorites because I take care of them. Academe of the Oaks, a small, taking care of the goats. “They’re used they have to be fed constantly.” That’d be mean and unfair to them.”

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