WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 • VOL. 15, NO. 8 • 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. Vet invests in future vets

WHYIS SHE Dr. Paula Murray, WHYa veterinarian at Snapfinger CreekIS Animal SHE Hospital in Decatur, is the advisor for a Veterinary Explorers program. The pro- gram allows students likeSO Shawna Wilson and Micah Seals to get hands-on experience with veterinary science. Photos by Andrew Cauthen by Andrew Cauthen SO [email protected] SHE HAPPY ? WHY tudents in DeKalb County HAPPY ? are learning that veteri- SO nary science is not about playing with puppies and HAPPYkittens.S ? “It is sometimes, but most WHYIS SHE of the time…we do a lot of pre- ventative medication,” said Dr. SO Paula Murray, a veterinarian at HAPPY ? Snapfinger Creek Animal Hos- pital on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. “There are times when we are dealing with animals that are stressed or hurt or injured. “Sometimes we have to help clients make difficult decisions about their pets,” Murray said. Murray is an adviser who runs an Explorers program for students ing to learn more about those occu- “Most people just come and ask,” ment of Agriculture. ages 14-20 who are considering pations. said Murray, who has not actively “It looks good on your resume, veterinary medicine as a career. “I’ve had people in the past say, recruited for the program in DeKalb. too, when applying to vet school,” “My job is to expose them to ‘I’ve discovered this is not the path I “And I say ‘yes’ because I feel I need Murray said. all the aspects of veterinary medi- want to take,’” Murray said. “That’s to give back. If somebody needs to Shawna Wilson, a 17-year-old cine—the nice, the not so nice,” what the program is for. They dis- be mentored, I’m happy to mentor.” Southwest DeKalb High student, has said Murray, a 1984 graduate of cover whether it’s something they In addition to hands-on time, helped deliver a puppy at the animal Tuskegee University. “That way want to do or not.” the participants meet once a month hospital. they can make a true assessment.” Murray, who started working at to discuss various cases and hear Because“I she revived gets her news it and updates made online surefrom the it The was Champion. Explorers is a Boy Scout pro- the southBecause DeKalb she clinic gets in her May news 2011, updates from online guest from speakers the The such Champion. as animal breathing and screaming—healthy,” gram in which participants can began the ExplorersBecause she program gets her there news updatesdermatologists, online from ophthalmologists, the The Champion. Andsaid Wilson, you can who too! participates Follow us. in the follow career-based professions after a client asked if his son could veterinarians of large animals and program twice a week. “At first I was such as engineering or firefight- shadow AndMurray.And you you can can too! too! Followrepresentatives Follow us. us.from the U.S. Depart- nervous,www.facebook.com/ but it was exciting.”championnewspaper Because she gets her news updates online from the The Champion. www.twitter.com/See Vet onchampionnews Page 15A www.facebook.com/championnewspaper www.facebook.com/championnewspaper And you can too! Follow us. www.twitter.com/championnews www. championnewspaper.com www.twitter.com/championnews www.facebook.com/championnewspaper www.twitter.com/championnews www. championnewspaper.com www. championnewspaper.com www. championnewspaper.com HunGER kEEps

Page 2A The Champion Free Press,up Friday, On May 18, 2012 cuRREnT HEVEunGERnTs, Crime BrieFS kTOOEEps. DeKalb men Department of Transporta- up1 in 6 Am OnERicAns killed has not been released as interim president of GPC sTRuGGlEs WiTH HunGER. charged in Social tion, DeKalb County and at this time. from 2005-06 and begins the State Road and Tollway his second stint on May 14. cuRREnT Circle killing Authority. Watts has had an exten- To view a simulation of sive career in the University EVEnTs, Two DeKalb County men the I-285 and Ashford Dun- Rob Watts named System. He was chief op- were arrested May 10 for the woody Interchange DDI, erating officer for the USG TOO. killing of a man whose body visit www.perimetercid.org. interim president of until earlier this year, a was found in Social Circle. 1 in 6 AmERicAns GPC position he held since 2006. sTRuGGlEs WiTH HunGER. Corey Thomas, 20, of From 2002-05, Watts served Decatur, and Antonio Jones, as a senior policy adviser to 24, of Stone Mountain, were University System of SWAT standoff Georgia Chancellor Hank the chancellor and the in- arrested and charged with terim director of the Gwin- the murder of Akili Jabari ends with two Huckaby on May 9 named Rob Watts as interim presi- nett University Center in Stewart, whose body was arrests Lawrenceville, Ga. discovered March 29 in a dent of Georgia Perimeter College. He first joined GPC (then wooded area near I-20 in So- Two burglary suspects known as DeKalb College) cial Circle. Anthony Tricoli re- were arrested May 10, after signed as GPC president in 1986, and served for five Stewart’s body was found DeKalb County Police De- TOGETHER earlier that week and was years as director of insti- WE’RE when firefighters were called partment’s SWAT team was tutional research and plan- to put out a brush fire near reassigned to the university called to a Clarkston apart- system central office. ning. the interstate. ment complex. Watts previously served Hunger is closer than you think. Reach out to An autopsy by the Geor- your local food bank for ways to do your part. DeKalb police officers Visit FeedingAmerica.org today. gia Bureau of Investigation were following up on case Medical Examiner’s Office from May 2 in which a revealed Stewart, 36, died of Stone Mountain Police offi- gunshot wounds. cer’s home was burglarized TOGETHER The crime is being inves- and guns were among the WE’RE tigated by the Social Circle items stolen. Police Department, GBI Ath- Officers were at the com- Hunger is closer than you think. Reach out to ens Regional Office and the your local food bank for ways to do your part. plex following up on tips at Visit FeedingAmerica.org today. state Fire Marshal’s Office. a unit of the Highland Vil- lage Apartments, according to Mekka Parish, police spokeswoman. Police have Perimeter not released the names of community holding the people arrested. traffic simulation Two of the three people inside the unit came out, A new type of traffic Parish said. A third person interchange designed to in- escaped and was still at crease traffic flow is under large as of early May 11 and construction in the Perimeter police said he is a suspect area. in the burglary of the Stone Drivers can learn how to Mountain officer’s home. navigate Georgia’s first di- The person is also wanted verging diamond interchange by Clarkston Police for (DDI) when the Perimeter armed robbery. Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) hosts a test drive Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Perimeter Doraville home Mall. The demonstration will intruders identified be in the event lot on the cor- ner of Ashford Dunwoody Khaleaf Silvera and Road and Perimeter Center Alfred Wilson are facing West. charges of aggravated as- Golf carts will be used sault, armed robbery, false on a simulated track to al- imprisonment, kidnapping low drivers to experience the and felony murder after a new DDI interchange that is Doraville home invasion being created at I-285 and that left one person dead. Ashford Dunwoody Road. In the early-morning A valid driver’s license is hours of May 8, three men required to participate in the broke into a home on the test drive. 3900 block of Doral Drive Refreshments will be by climbing through a win- provided and the first 100 dow. They then tied the participants who complete hands of three of the four the DDI test drive will re- residents inside the home. ceive free “Can You DDI?” Doraville Police Sgt. T-shirts. Gene Callaway said one of The PCIDs initiated the the bound residents was able Ashford Dunwoody DDI to grab a gun and shoot one project, which is a partner- of the intruders. The name ship project with the Georgia of the suspect who was Page 3A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Police alarmed by false calls by Andrew Cauthen so you can squash that call, false alarms,” May said. [email protected] meaning no officers, no fire- “Every time a police officer fighters should come to your or firefighter is dispatched DeKalb County leaders residence. to a false alarm that means hope new fines will reduce “If that call by your they cannot be dispatched in the number of false alarms alarm company is not other areas of the county.” the police department re- responded to [is] when our Commissioner Sharon sponds to each year. firefighters and police -of Barnes Sutton said imple- In 2009, 95 percent of ficers are dispatched,” May menting the fines “is some- the alarms responded to by said. “If that call is a false thing good for the county the police department were alarm [is] when the fine and it actually works.” false alarms, according to would occur. Police Chief William county reports. “This is meant to get O’Brien said other locali- “Many people in the pub- people to be more respon- ties that have implemented lic…may be upset at first sible with their alarms,” false alarm fines have been that we would charge a fee May said. “If people have to able to reduce their number for alarms going off,” said pay money, they’ll be more of false alarms by 40-50 Commissioner Lee May. conscious.” percent. “If you do like I do For the first false alarm, “If we could reduce them sometimes, you walk the fine is waived. The by that number it would be through the door and forget second time police are dis- a tremendous workload off the alarm is on…and the patched to a residence for a the officers,” O’Brien said. alarm goes off,” May said. false alarm, the fine is $50 The department would “be “That’s not where you get and $100 the third time. able to put them back into the fine because each alarm “The point of this is to the field.” company should call you... deter people from allowing File Photo man accused of killing police officers appears in court by Daniel Beauregard said. than four years since Barker it delays the process if you several weeks and Burton [email protected] According to prosecu- and Bryant were killed and seek the death penalty.” said the trial is set to begin tors, in 2008 while the of- prosecutors are seeking the A ruling is expected on in late August. William Woodard, 34, ficers were working security death penalty against Wood- the motion within the next who is accused of killing they approached a vehicle in ard. Erik Burton, a spokes- DeKalb County police of- the apart- man ficers Eric Barker, 34, and ment for the Dr. Melvin Johnson Ricky Bryant Jr., 26, while park- DeKalb announces Board of they were working as off- ing lot. DA’s Of- duty security at the Glen- Woodard fice, said Education candidacy Dr. Melvin Johnson, retired DeKalb County wood Gardens Apartments, then got death Deputy Superintendent, announces that he is recently appeared in court. out of the penalty seeking election to the DeKalb County Board of During a motion to sup- car and cases usu- Education, District 6. A regular election is sched- press evidence found at the allegedly ally take uled for July 31, 2012. Melvin Johnson has more than thirty-seven years of experience in education crime scene, defense attor- began longer to (positions that include teacher, assistant princi- neys argued that Woodard shooting. prosecute pal, principal, area superintendent, and deputy Bryant acted in self defense after he Barker Police because of superintendent). While serving in system-wide leadership positions for eighteen years, he demonstrated excellent leadership was “snatched” from a car. said the num- skills and a clear understanding of school governance. During his tenure at However, prosecutors said Woodard shot Barker in the ber of motions and appeals. the district-wide level, DeKalb County School System was recognized as one that even if Barker and Bry- head and Bryant in the torso “He has changed attor- of the top performing school districts in Georgia. Melvin is an independent ant were in the wrong when and drove away. However, neys multiple times; I know thinker who makes data-driven and logical decisions to address essential is- sues and to solve critical problems. they approached Woodard, it a tow truck driver found the there has been some delay Dr. Johnson’s goal is to work collaboratively with the Board members and still didn’t give him the right men and called authorities. there,” Burton said of Wood- the Superintendent to: (1) improve student achievement (providing continued to allegedly open fire. One officer died at the scene ard. support for teacher and administrators), (2) increase scal and operational ef- “No matter what the offi- and the other in the hospital. “The counsel that he has ciencies, (3) re-establish community trust (by being an e ective listener and advocate for all stakeholders–families, students and community members), cers did, he stood over them Both left behind a wife and now is recently appointed and (4) promote a more harmonious, results-driven working relationship and shot at them,” District four children. counsel so he hasn’t had with the Superintendent. Attorney Robert James It has been a little more Dwight Thomas that long… Dr. Edward L. Bouie, an experienced educator in both PreK-12 and higher education, is serving as Chair of Dr. Johnson’s election committee. Dr. Bouie stated, “Dr. Johnson is an outstanding educator who not only supports all children in their educational endeavors, but who also understands the politi- CITY OF DORAVILLE cal process that is necessary to develop and implement policies that will help PUBLIC NOTICE all children rise to their highest levels of achievement.” Since retiring from the DeKalb School District in 2004, Dr. Johnson has Fiscal Year 2013 Budget served on the Redan Parent Advisory Board, DeKalb Youth Leadership Acad- Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be available for public inspection emy Development Committee and YMCA Academies Board of Directors. Dr. beginning May 29, 2012, in the City Clerk’s office from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Johnson would like to continue his service to the community in the capacity of district 6 board member. Undergirding his commitment as an aspiring Park Avenue, Doraville, GA. board member is this core value: A public hearing shall be held on the 4th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA Restore Excellence to DeKalb Schools: e Time is Now! Dr. Johnson, a native Georgian, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2013 Fort Valley State College, Masters of Education, Educational Specialist, and (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend. Educational Doctorate Degrees from Atlanta University. He is married and A regular meeting shall be held on the 18th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA the father of four children. Two are college graduates. Two are recent gradu- ates from Redan High School and attending Albany State University and before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time the Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 through June Howard University. 30, 2013) budget shall be approved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All For additional information visit FriendsofMelvinJohnson.org, email citizens of Doraville are invited to attend. [email protected] or call (404) 447-5414 Paid for by Friends of Melvin Johnson

2013 Public Notice Ad #1 Budget The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Opinion Page 4A The Newslady Who will speak for you? While the shapers and framers of the were illegal and the Bible was used their followers to withdraw previous Declaration of Independence and the as evidence to support that prohibi- support for the president. Comments Constitution mostly had White men tion. That thinking was born out of range from disappointment to blas- in mind in that lofty ideal, subsequent the same bigotry that would deny phemy. Some vow they won’t vote amendments have guaranteed those gay, lesbian and transgendered in- for Mr. Obama or will stay at home rights to African Americans, women dividuals the ability to enter into le- and not vote at all. That would be a and others regardless of their race, gally recognized civil unions. disaster. It would be foolhardy to al- creed, religion or sexual orientation. My personal belief is the divine low this one issue to derail the prog- It is necessary to point out that nature of “marriage” between a man ress the president is making on other In the wake of President many of the Founding Fathers were and a woman to procreate – bring critical fronts including the economy, Obama’s public support for gay mar- Deists, believers in God, but not forth new life. In the Bible, be fruit- health care, bringing our troops home riage, perhaps a reminder of this fa- necessarily Christian as many would ful and multiply was the first com- and making the wealthiest among us mous and profound quote by the late have you believe. This is a country mandment given to Adam and Eve pay their fair share in taxes. German anti-Nazi theologian Martin of many religions that speaks to re- in the Garden of Eden. But the scrip- Barack Obama is the president of Niemoller is relevant: ligious freedoms guaranteed by the tures also teach that God gave Adam the United States. He is not the pas- Constitution that grew out of the ba- and Eve something else in the garden tor, pope, rabbi, imam or swami. But “First they came for the Jews sic tenets of Deism. Thomas Jeffer- – freedom to choose and it’s been so he is modeling the kind of personal and I did not speak out because I was son, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, down through the ages. I cannot sit sacrificial leadership that includes not a Jew. John Adams, James Madison and in judgment of another. That is God’s all of the Creator’s children. Just Then they came for the Commu- George Washington believed that business. Christians believe in the imagine what this country would be nists and I did not speak out because God should be honored in a way that Bible as the inerrant Word of God. like if we all genuinely held to that I was not a Communist. the individual believes is best and But, with the religious freedoms we noble creed of the Founding Fathers Then they came for the trade most appropriate for them and that enjoy in this country, which scrip- that all men are created equal and unionists and I did not speak out be- essentially no human has more worth tures or holy writings are we going endowed by the Creator with certain cause I was not a trade unionist. than another and that each human is to employ in resolving questions of inalienable rights – life, liberty and Then they came for me and there equal in terms of the freedoms that morality? One thing I believe for the pursuit of happiness despite race, was no one left to speak out for me.” they have and in the eyes of the law. sure. One cannot legislate morality. creed, color, religious belief or sexual Methinks that is where the Another thing I know for sure is that orientation. When they come for you, Who will speak for you? One has president is coming from. If one the basic threads that run through all who will speak for you? to applaud the president for his bold, is free to worship as one pleases, religions are love, peace, tolerance courageous stand in keeping with the shouldn’t it stand to reason that one and sharing. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a guarantees of the Declaration of In- should be able to enter into a civil The debate over the president’s retired journalist and former Georgia dependence that all men are created relationship with the person of their pronouncement is raging. Some state senator. Contact Steen Milies at equal and endowed by the Creator choice? There was a time in this evangelicals and other conservative [email protected]. with certain inalienable rights... life region of the country in the not too Christian leaders, including many Af- liberty and the pursuit of happiness. distant past that interracial marriages rican-American clergy, are calling on No country for rich men From Manhattan to Monaco, the world’s wealthiest people are disconnecting into a class of stateless transients by Sam Pizzigati paid more than $151,000 to the IRS Jeremy Davidson, a London realtor constitute an assault on any healthy in any recent year. who handles properties that run at sense of urban community. The Back in 1863, a short story took But the affluent who’ve for- least £10 million, the equivalent of super rich, as they flit about, leave the American reading public by mally renounced their citizenship more than $16 million. their properties unoccupied most of storm. Edward Everett Hale’s The comprise just a tiny share of what “The more money you have,” the year. The resulting emptiness, Man without a Country told the tale the Financial Times has labeled the explains Davidson, “the more root- notes Columbia University soci- of a poor treasonous soul sentenced “stateless super rich.” These uber- less you become because everything ologist Saskia Sassen, sucks the to spend the rest of his life endlessly wealthy folks shy from the notoriety is possible.” neighborhood vitality out of great sailing the world in perpetual exile, of citizenship spurned. They just That rootlessness is keeping the urban centers. as a prisoner aboard Navy warships. live their lives as if they have no na- price of luxury real estate soaring. The super rich don’t notice. Or Today’s awesomely affluent are tion to call their own. So far this year, in Manhattan alone, care. They have no interest in put- just as transient — by choice. The most famous member of four luxury co-op apartments have ting down roots. During their brief Take Facebook co-founder this stateless-by-choice commu- sold for more than $30 million each, seasonal sojourns, they live in isola- Eduardo Saverin. This billion- nity may be Nicolas Berggruen, a notes Crain’s New York Business. tion from the greater community aire renounced his United States 52-year-old “homeless billionaire” Just how many potential state- around them. They venture out into citizenship in 2011, a move per- worth more than $2.3 billion who less super rich are currently roam- local public life only long enough fectly timed to potentially save him has spent the last decade hopping ing the world? Late last year, the to corrupt it with trinkets for local hundreds of millions in taxes when the world from one five-star hotel to Singapore-based Wealth-X consult- pols who promise to keep tax rates Facebook goes public. another. ing firm put the overall global num- toothless. Saverin has plenty of company. But few of the stateless super ber of people worth at least $500 The stateless protagonist in the The number of Americans who for- rich settle for hotel suites. Most million at about 4,650. These super classic short story Edward Everett mally renounced their United States of the vagabonding wealthy own rich together hold an estimated Hale penned nearly 150 years ago citizenship soared to 1,780 last year personal residences. Lots of them. $6.25 trillion in assets. desperately yearns to rejoin the from 235 in 2008. Typically, the Financial Times That’s more than enough, note society he so treasonously spurned. The spark for this surge? Unit- reported last month, a stateless urban planners, to create havoc in Today’s stateless super rich don’t ed States tax officials have been super-rich household will have one the hotspots where the stateless figure to display any similar yearn- clamping down on overseas tax eva- or two properties in their “country super rich most often gather. Their ing. They’re having too grand a sion. This bit of unpleasantness has of principal residence,” another in gentrification on steroids supersizes time. At our expense. some wealthy Americans, such as London, New York, or some other prices for local products and servic- the Brazilian-born Saverin, cutting “global city,” a “holiday home” in es — and prices out local residents Sam Pizzigati edits Too Much, their ties to dear old Uncle Sam. a warm climate, and maybe another in the process. the online weekly on excess and They simply pay a $450 paperwork pad somewhere snowy. The massive mansions and inequality published by the Institute fee and an “exit tax” on unrealized Among the super rich, this apartments belonging to these for Policy Studies. capital gains, if they hold assets perpetual-motion existence has homeless billionaires can also exac- worth more than $2 million or have become almost de rigueur, notes erbate local housing shortages and The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Opinion Page 5A One Man’s Opinion How sweeeeettt it is—Georgia stevia United States, are in use in 55 other rect, as it grabbed the green color for crop rotation of stevia. Stevia packets countries to sweeten your coffee or its tiny packets. Stevia has primarily are becoming so valued and rare that many diet soft drinks of choice. been commercially grown in Cali- premium coffee shops are starting to Stevia is a group of herbs and fornia and China for conversion into keep stevia behind the counter and shrubs from within the sunflower fam- sweetener. However, last month, separate from other sweeteners, as ily. And stevia sweetener is naturally Sweet Green Fields of Bellingham, well as customers attempting to hoard derived from stevia plants. I grew sev- Wash., announced a signed contract to and “stock up” on a free supply. Ste- eral of these last year in my backyard commercially grow 100 acres of Ste- via sales are also beginning to outstrip organic garden. I first encountered via in Bacon County, Ga. This bumper their peers on grocery shelves, despite the little green packets of stevia in a crop of sweetness will be converted being priced at a premium roughly vegan-minded diner in Calhoun. I had into Stevia sweetener. one-third higher than pink, blue and “Sugar, sugar…Oh, honey, hon- never heard of the stuff before. In California, stevia farmers are yellow. ey...You are my candy girl, and ya got Being a regular morning cof- forced to expensively irrigate. How- So Georgia’s other two most fa- me wantin’ you!”— Opening line of fee drinker, and a lover of iced tea, ever in Georgia, and across much of mous “sweet crops”—Georgia peach- 1970s era song “Sugar, Sugar” by The I have long been in search of the the Southeast, the region typically es and sweet Vidalia onions may soon Archies. perfect, low/no calorie, “fake sugar.” receives sufficient rainfall to keep have a run from their money across Though like many of you, I have also the soil moisture sufficient for the thousands of farms in south Georgia Sugar, real and fake, or the weighed, pun intended, the health plant’s shallow roots. The stevia all seeking the answer to the growing “sweetener” business is a multi-billion benefits and potential side effects of plant typically thrives in a growing question of just how sweeeeetttt it is? dollar industry. Coca-Cola still hears regularly consuming several of these environment very similar to that of The low-maintenance, hard to freeze from many customers requesting the products. For decades most all arti- another major but waning Georgia and non-irrigated crop, being sold at a old original, original formula, using ficial sweeteners touted their lack of cash crop—tobacco. In addition, the premium price, may bring at least two real sugar cane as the primary sweet- calories, as well as their comparative harvesting of stevia plants requires new types of “green” to hundreds of ener, instead of high fructose corn taste to sugar. Every one of these al- harvesting equipment and labor very Georgia farmers. Please pass me the syrup. And as this diet nation knows, ternatives is actually “sweeter” than similar to that needed for tobacco. “sugar bowl,” Hon’ . there are getting to be almost as many sugar to the palate, and requires less Tobacco production in Georgia has color selections in the artificial sweet- of the sweetener than a like amount been in steady decline. As recently as ener category as there are primary of sugar, but each also has its own 2002, 822 Georgia farms cultivated Bill Crane also serves as a po- colors in the rainbow—or sugar bowl: after-taste issues ranging from being 25,000 acres of tobacco, producing 50 litical analyst and commentator for pink—saacharin –Sweet n’ Low, Tab; slightly bitter to metallic to licorice- million pounds of tobacco to be cured Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-AM blue—aspartame—Nutrasweet, Diet like. I, of course, have my favorites, and sold. Five years later in 2007, the News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, as Coke; yellow—sucralose—Splenda, but today I will just stick to some acreage was down by nearly a third, well as a columnist for The Champi- Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, and now, sweet news for Georgia. and the pounds of crop had dropped on, Champion Free Press and Georgia green—stevia. The fastest growing sugar alterna- to fewer than 40 million, a decrease Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native and Anyone other than the rats re- tive in the United States at present is of 20 percent. This crop demand de- business owner, living in Scottdale. member cyclamates? Sodium cy- also judged by many to be the most cline potentially frees up thousands of You can reach him or comment on a clamates, though still banned in the “natural” and perhaps politically cor- acres for the eventual production and column at [email protected].

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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, May 18, 2012 Opinion Page 6A Our ruinous game Football fans have a high tolerance for pain –in others –and show little sympathy for the plight of the players who now are seeking redress for their injuries.

the problem of concussions seriously. Not so the fans. Football fans, par- ticularly fans of professional football, are a bloodthirsty breed. They take great delight in seeing bone-shattering collisions and hold in high regard players who can best deliver them. The apparent suicide of Junior They have a high tolerance for pain — Seau, the former NFL superstar line- in others — and show little sympathy backer, has again raised the age-old for the plight of the players who now question: are seeking redress for their injuries. “Is playing football dangerous, as Lem Barney, one of the best play- ers in the 1960s, now says he wished The following comments are pulled straight from our website and are in potentially lethal?” not edited for content or grammar. Let me think about that. Let’s see, he’d never played football. you’ve got a sport where 240-pound “Never. Never,” the former defen- people are paid to run into other sive back told The Detroit Free Press 240-pound people while 320-pound in March. Nor would he allow his sons people try to stop them. Occasionally, to play. “It would be golf or tennis,” Grand jury urges DA to investigate board of as we’ve recently learned, they get he said. education, again paid to knock opposing players from The emails that came flooding into the game by injuring them. the newspaper in response were stun- What the article doesn’t say is the reason Alexander & Associates was selcted Gee, I don’t know. What could be ning. They accused Barney of being a despite their price tag of $400,000 than the bid of an experienced education law dangerous about that? wuss, a hypocrite, a lowlife. fi rm. A BOE member stated to the grand jury they wanted to have a minority- Come on, let’s get real. “He chose to play the game. He owned fi rm representing the school and the board because “they understand the Of course football is dangerous, knew what the risks were,” seemed to culture of the kids”.... and its cumulative effects are often be the general theme. ruinous. Actually, he didn’t, not really. The – Watching posted this on 5/11/12 at 9:30 a.m. Seau’s death is merely another risks of football have been masked by stone on the growing pile of evidence a conspiracy of silence involving man- that football is not only bad for the agement, players and fans. Plans to move north police precinct may knees and back; it also destroys the Malcolm Gladwell, the author change brain. of bestselling books Blink, Outliers, His suicide follows close on the and The Tipping Point, has studied I wonder why in the world the County is even considering building a new heels of two similar suicides by for- the research for several years. He’s precinct. If Brookhaven incorporates and Chamblee annexes more land, there mer pro football players Ray East- convinced that college football should will be almost no unincorporated land west of I-85. There will be no need for erling and Dave Duerson. Both of be banned. Failing that, the players both a North and Center precinct, as most of North’s territory will be lost to the them, like Seau, had played with aban- should be paid. cities. DeKalb’s Center precinct is already located at police headquarters in the don, recklessly sacrificing their bodies “It’s a bit much both to maim and Northlake area, and it is in a good location for a slightly larger coverage area with (and heads) for the glory of victory. exploit college football players.” the addition of the few remaining North beats. For a department that isn’t able And, like Seau, they had suffered “It is the cumulative effect of to give raises or other perks to many of its offi cers, spending a bunch of money multiple concussions during their long thousands of little hits that linemen on a new building seems wasteful. I know local pols love shiny, new things they careers. Easterling, the oldest of them, and defensive backs…endure play can slap a plaque on with their names listed, but Ellis & Co. really need a reality had been diagnosed with dementia not after play,” he said in a interview with check. Slate. long before his death. Also, Mr. Beauregard, have those same nebulous “reports” also stated that Amazingly enough, researchers But die-hard fans will argue that there’s no real proof that Seau’s con- voters in Brookhaven should be aware that they will get their own police only recently began connecting the department if they incorporate? Or are you just following in Richard Elliot’s lead mental deterioration of aging former cussions caused his suicide, or Duer- by trying to scare people into voting against cityhood? football players to the concussions son’s or Easterling’s either. And they they suffered while playing the game. rail at the “overreaction” of the NFL – Jay posted this on 5/11/12 at 5:30 p.m. This is partly due to the cavalier commissioner in penalizing the New attitude taken toward concussions by Orleans Saints for offering “bounties” the football culture. Players who were on opposing players, awarding thou- DCSD cuts jobs, eliminates programs due to knocked semi-conscious during a sands to the player who could injure a game were said to have had “their bell given opponent. over staffi ng rung” and were sent back into games “It’s part of the game,” they chant at the earliest possible moment. in unison. I am a huge fan of the magnets, as well as any school choice option. That’s no longer the case. A series As indeed it is. OtherWords columnist Donald Remember, that both gifted students and EIP students have their own federal of lawsuits filed by players seeking and state money. That money must be spent on the education of those specifi c damages for the head injuries they Kaul lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. otherwords.org kids. DeKalb can’t just spend the money for each gifted child somewhere else. suffered in the service of an uncaring They would risk losing the money altogether. management has made the NFL take Honestly, if we didn’t school choice, I would probably move. It keeps me in the county paying my property taxes. DeKalb doesn’t spend any more per student from the DeKalb taxes on Kittredge students ( as well as any of the other magnet programs.) The extra funds comes from the state and federal tax dollars that Printed on 100% post- goes to fund gifted programs. Gifted kids can become MAJOR behavior problems if they are bored silly in the consumer recycled paper classroom in much the same way as a student who struggles in the classroom.

– Fan of the Magnets posted this on 5/11/12 at 7:52 p.m

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Local News Page 7A

Champion of the Week DuMarkus Davis

tives. “It’s a group of students who are all together and The City of Clarkston recently hired Jason Gaines, 33, as its new planning and development manager. everybody is there because they want to be. We have the support of the commis- Clarkston hires new development manager sioners and other adults in the county so it makes our by Daniel Beauregard tions,” Gaines said. through the city and we’ve job easier and we’re able [email protected] “From a general standpoint already got some great bi- to get a lot more accom- we want ordinances to err on cycle traffi c coming through plished,” Davis said. Jasone Gaines, 33, the the side of being less restric- but with that expanded trail Davis also volunteers for new planning and develop- tive especially in a time like we’ve got some opportunity the Magic Wand Founda- ment manager of Clarkston this when the economy is still to establish some features DuMarkus Davis, 16, tion, a nonprofit organiza- said his goal is to attract more trying to rebound. We want to for those who use the facility said volunteering is in his tion that empowers young quality development to the attract business to the city and like a bicycle depot or a bike blood and those in his im- people to find happiness, city. investment, development and shop, rental bikes, restaurants, mediate family have always live their dreams and de- Gaines who worked for construction.” smoothie bars and snack been “big givers.” velop a passion for making Cobb County the last seven Gaines said during the next bars...Clarkston could be a “It wasn’t something a positive impact on the years, started in its com- several years, the city’s focus perfect pit stop for someone I was taught but more world. munity development agency will be improving or remov- riding on the path,” Gaines something I was born into,” “I was one of the young- then transferred to its trans- ing some of the more blighted said. Davis said. est members of the first portation department. He properties, both commercial Although Gaines wouldn’t Davis volunteers for graduating class. They said working for Clarkston and residential, in the city. He discuss any specifi c develop- the DeKalb County Youth teach you entrepreneur is “light years” different than said he also sees a lot of room ment projects currently under Commission and is the skills, giving back to your working for a much larger for growth as new walking way, he said Barker had a vi- chairman of the Teen Un- city. and bike trails are built in the sion to grow the city, not just community and staying employment Initiative. true to yourself,” Davis When the Clarkston City city. in terms of revenue genera- Throughout his work for Council voted to become a “We’ve got the PATH tion or tax base, but in terms said. the initiative, Davis said he Davis, who plays violin, city manager form of govern- foundation trails that come of size as well. found that many teens are ment, Gaines said, it made a recently started his own NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE unable to obtain the jobs program called The Millen- decision to move the city in a they want or need. different direction, which is 2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET nium Music Project, where FOR THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA “Due to the economic he teaches children at one of the things that attracted downturn a lot of teens are him to the position. There will be public hearings on the proposed 2012-2013 budget for schools throughout metro the City of Decatur at 7:30 p.m. on June 4, 2012 and on June 18, 2012 going out to find jobs to Atlanta how to play vio- “The great thing about help their parents,” Davis Clarkston is that this is a in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 509 N. lin. Recently, he has been clean slate. When City Man- McDonough Street, Decatur. The proposed budget is summarized said. “We put together the working with a group of ager Keith Barker came here below and is available in its entirety for public inspection at Decatur Reality Check program, preschoolers in downtown he had to put simple things City Hall. All citizens are invited to attend the public hearings, to which helps students fig- Atlanta. in place such as an employee provide written and oral comments, and ask questions concerning the ure out what to do after “We’re going to have handbook, policies and pro- entire budget. college and helps parents our first performance next cedures for human resources FY 2012-2013 with financial education.” month. Most are between and employment, things like PROPOSED GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES Davis learned of the 4 and 6 years old and it’s that,” Gaines said. youth commission from amazing to see their transi- Since Gaines was hired REVENUES members of his church, tion in such a short amount seven weeks ago, he said he’s Taxes 14,829,600 where he also volunteers of time,” Davis said. been busy establishing poli- Licenses, Permits & Inspections 771,800 with its youth ministry and For those interested in Penalties, Fines & Forfeitures 1,575,000 is the current leader of cies and procedures to help Interest 2,000 volunteering, Davis said streamline the process of get- its creative team. He said “a lot of the time it’s as Charges for Current Services 1,359,900 his favorite thing about ting things done in the city, Intergovernmental Revenues 382,320 simple as making a phone whether it’s rezoning prop- Miscellaneous Revenue 189,000 volunteering with the call and finding out where erty, applying for variances Sale of Fixed Assets 10,000 youth commission is the the next event is and just or administering the building Operating Transfers 71,360 feeling of camaraderie he showing up ready to work.” permit process. Appropriation From (To) Fund Balance 886,980 gets from working with his One of Gaines’ fi rst goals peers on different initia- as planning and develop- TOTAL REVENUES $20,077,960 ment manager is to rewrite portions of the city’s zoning EXPENDITURES If you would like to nominate ordinances to make it easier Governmental Control Department 142,400 for city staff, residents and General Government Department 1,567,220 Community & Economic Development Department 1,219,600 someone to be considered as a potential business owners to Planning, Zoning & Inspections Division 917,630 understand. Administrative Services Department 2,828,250 future Champion of the Week, “There are some things Police Department 5,064,820 in the ordinance, from my Fire & Rescue Department 3,378,390 please contact Kathy Mitchell at perspective that are a bit Public Works-Sanitation & Facilities Maintenance 2,746,560 restrictive, some things par- Public Works-Engineering 787,010 [email protected] or at ticularly in the sign ordinance Active Living Division 1,426,080 that could be a big hindrance 404-373-7779, ext. 104. to businesses in some situa- TOTAL EXPENDITURES $20,077,960 The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Local News Page 8A County removes ‘pit bull’ reference in ordinance

by Andrew Cauthen [email protected] A change to DeKalb County’s ordinance could help it better control dangerous animals. The county’s Board of Commissioners voted May 8 to remove the term “pit bull” from the county’s ordinance. No longer will pit bulls be in a list of household pet exclusions in DeKalb. ‘Naturally,“ “This amendment in folks are very no way affects [the county’s] circumspect ability to about changing enforce the DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston said the 16-month sentence of the owner of two pit bulls that attacked a girl in 2010 was “more than fair.” The girl’s father, Tommie Ingram, said he wants the dogs’ owner to serve more than the judge ordered. Photo by Andrew Cauthen animal con- any restrictions trol ordinance for danger- on what can ous animals,” be a dangerous said Marian Owner of dogs that attacked Eisenberg, animal.’ zoning admin-

istrator. “What – Jeff Rader Lithonia girl wants out of jail early this amend- DeKalb County Commissioner ment does is “ by Andrew Cauthen conduct, violation of the vi- tim] will have to face for the eliminates a [email protected] cious dog act and violation of rest of her life,” Boston said. reference to the rabies ordinance. “After serving four months, she a breed from A Lithonia woman convicted Witnesses during her trial certainly should not be released our defi nition after her dogs attacked an said that Vaughn’s pit bulls at- from jail.” of domestic 8-year-old girl in 2010 wants to tacked Erin Ingram, a Rock Boston highlighted the fact animals.” get out of jail after four months. Chapel Elementary School that Vaughn’s motion was fi led “Pit bull” is a term that has been used to An attorney for Twyann pupil, who was playing in her less than 30 days into her sen- describe American pit bull terriers, American Vaughn said her client wants to neighborhood March 2010. The tence. Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terri- be released because of “some girl lost part of an arm as a re- “Ms. Vaughn was not feeling ers and mixes that include any of these breeds, things that have come up in her sult of the attack. remorseful at this point,” Bos- according to the website of Shelter Angels Pit life.” According to a police report, ton said. “She still is concerned Bull Rescue, which has rescued more than 100 Vaughn’s son will be gradu- several witnesses unsuccess- about civil liabilities…claim- pit bulls from the county shelter in the past ating from high school this fully tried to pull the dogs away ing that she had done nothing couple of years. month “without her there to from the girl before a DeKalb wrong.” “Naturally, folks are very circumspect about support him,” said public de- County Police offi cer arrived. Boston said Vaughn had changing any restrictions on what can be a fender Jamila Montaque, dur- The offi cer shot one of the dogs “ample opportunity” before the dangerous animal,” Commissioner Jeff Rader ing a hearing in state court May in the head when it jumped trial to prepare for the pending said. 9. toward the offi cer. The other lawsuit. County offi cials said the previous ordinance Vaughn is also being sued dog, which ran away, was later “To go to jail and then claim text did not prohibit pit bull ownership; it for $15 million by the victim’s found and euthanized. after the fact that she needs to just stated that pit bulls were not considered a family, Montaque said. “This wasn’t done on pur- get out so she can raise money household pet. This created confusion and re- “She wouldn’t be able to pay pose,” Montaque said. “This or have a lawyer to defend the sulted in the dismissal in court of any citations that even if she were working,” was a horrible accident. It was civil claim is preposterous,” written by code compliance or animal services Montaque said. “She wants to negligent. It wasn’t on pur- Boston said. under that section of the ordinance. do the right thing. She under- pose.” “I am offended for the In- The way the ordinance was written was not stands that she will probably During the four-day trial, gram family…because this “an effective tool for being able to get rid of have to pay [the victim] some- DeKalb Solicitor General Sher- family has to deal with a great dangerous animals,” Rader said. thing. She simply can’t do that ry Boston portrayed Vaughn as amount of tragedy and Erin According to the county’s dangerous ani- while in custody.” a negligent dog owner. Ingram, for the rest of her life, mal ordinance, an animal is deemed dangerous State Court Judge Dax Lo- Vaughn’s neighbors testified will be disabled,” Boston said. if it “infl icts severe injury on a human being pez is considering the request. that the dogs were allowed to The victim’s father, Tommie without provocation,” “aggressively bites, Vaughn was sentenced to 16 run freely through the neigh- Ingram, said Vaughn should attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or months in jail, three years of borhood. Several witnesses serve her full sentence. any other animal without provocation,” or has probation, 240 hours of com- testified that they would not go “She got off real light from been “trained, owned, or harbored” for animal munity service and restitution. outside without a shovel, hoe, the beginning,” Ingram said. fi ghting.” She has also been ordered to baseball bat or a 9 mm gun. “I actually wanted her to have “We are better served by relying on the become an advocate for better Boston said Vaughn’s sen- more time than just 16 months, criminal code both at the local and state level animal control after release. tence was “fair and lenient.” so I want her to serve more than to identify, and to remove and punish folks who Vaughn was convicted on It was “more than fair given four.” keep dangerous animals,” Rader said. two counts each of reckless the circumstances that [the vic- NEWS BRIEFS A $17.1 million YMCA at Wade Walker Park in Stone Mountain is expected to be open this fall. Pho- tos by Andrew Cauthen

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Local News Page 9A Looking North To Perimeter Mall

Dunwoody interchange will offer challenge to drivers by Andrew Cauthen County and the State Road bridge on a median protected on the books for years,” Ma- ner of Ashford Dunwoody [email protected] and Tollway Authority. by 3-foot high walls. haffey said. Road and Perimeter Center The interchange is de- The interchange is expect- The cost to completely tear West. It’s a new traffi c inter- signed to be a low-cost solu- ed to be open for traffi c June down the existing bridge and Golf carts will be used on change that comes with its tion to improve traffi c fl ow 4, but it will not be complete. one a new bridge would be a simulated track to allow own slogan: “Arrive. Cross- and safety. When traffi c is Drivers will have to contend approximately $175 million, drivers to experience the new over. Drive.” moving freely on surrounding with detour signs and orange Mahaffey said. DDI interchange that is being Drivers will be driving on highways, particularly I-285, road construction barrels until Compare that price tag created at I-285 and Ashford left side of the road on Geor- the DDI is projected to reduce the project is fi nished later to the $4.6 million contract Dunwoody Road. A valid gia’s fi rst Diverging Diamond traffi c delays during evening this year. awarded to E.R. Snell Con- driver’s license is required to Interchange (DDI) that is be- rush hours up to 20 percent. The DDI will be the 12th tractors Inc. of Snellville, by participate in the test drive. ing constructed at I-285 and The interchange is ex- such interchange in the coun- the Georgia Department of “It’s not high-tech, but Ashford Dunwoody Road. pected to save a fraction of a try. There are fi ve in Missouri, Transportation for the DDI it will make it more real for The DDI “will eliminate second per car at a bridge that four in Utah and one each project. people,” Mahaffey said. left-hand turns,” said David handles more than 53,000 cars in Kentucky and Tennessee. “We still do need that A simulation of the I-285 Purcell, chief operating of- a day, Purcell said. Several others are under con- complete reconfi guration,” and Ashford Dunwoody Inter- fi cer for the Perimeter Com- However, the interchange struction around the country Mahaffey said. change DDI is available on- munity Improvement Districts is not a “silver bullet,” he and still others are being As part of the ongoing line at www.perimetercid.org. (PCIDs). said. “If I-285 is not moving, proposed, including some in public education campaign for Left turns are “one of the the DDI will not be an im- Gwinnett County. the interchange, the Perimeter most dangerous traffi c opera- provement.” Donna Mahaffey, chief CIDs is holding a simulation tions,” Purcell said. Purcell said the inter- of external affairs for PCIDs, of the interchange May 19, Work from Home Construction began in change will also help the said the interchange is a 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Perimeter Business Opportunity January on the project, which environment by reducing temporary, decade-long solu- Mall. The demonstration will was initiated by PCIDs. The greenhouse gases from idling tion. The bridge on Ashford be in the event lot on the cor- 770-323-3993 project is a partnership with vehicles. Dunwoody Road needs to be gayleabbott.myresidualincomeplan.com the Georgia Department Pedestrians will be able to replaced with a wider one. of Transportation, DeKalb walk across the center of the “A new bridge has been DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE TEACHERS’ Proudly presents a Free LOCAL SALARY SUPPLEMENTS

An Evening Of Great Community Music Concert Tuesday, May 22, 2012 An Evening Of Great Music Under the direction of DeKalb TIME LOCATION SymphonyJoin usOrchestra’s for a stirring Music Direc- tor & Conductor Fyodor Cherniavsky, 6:00 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room rendition of Beethoven’s Administrative & Instructional Complex the concert will feature harpist glorious Ninth Symphony 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. Nella Rigell Stone Mountain, GA 30083 onperforming Saturday Laura, Nov Zaerr’s. 8! Celtic Concert. Wednesday, May 30, 2012

TIME LOCATION June 19, 8PM 6:00 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room FirstEvening Baptist Church includes: of Decatur Administrative & Instructional Complex “Nella Rigell is a brilliant harpist from Atlanta,” Cherniavsky 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. says. “This Cocktailevocative concerto hour written beginning by Laura Zaerr at for4:30 the Celtic harp suits Stone Mountain, GA 30083 her well because she performs it with such stirring expression and imagination.”Gourmet buffet dinner at 6:00 The proposed fiscal year 2012-2013 budget includes a reduction in EveryoneConcert starts is welcomeat 7:30 to attend work calendar days to the current teachers’ salary schedule. This For reservations, call 555-1234. will result in a reduction to the local portion of the salary schedule this symphonic celebration! for all teachers. This hearing is being held as required by GA Code 20-2-212 to allow for public input regarding this matter.

Symphony Orchestra 327 Ingleside Terrace • 555-8834 The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Local News Page 10A

Recently, the Hearthstone neighborhood pool in Stone Mountain was vandalized and Tidy Cat, a kitty litter company, paid to clean up the pool as part of its PU Patrol pro- gram. Photos by Daniel Beauregard Neighborhood rebuilds vandalized pool by Daniel Beauregard “We’re going to seven places in out in the street,” Kimbrough said. Resident Emily Grossman said [email protected] the United States—Atlanta is our In addition to the work Tidy Cats the pool is important because it is fourth—and we’re listening to news is doing, a new pool house needed to a place where countless children Vernell Kimbrough, a resident coverage and looking around the be built and electrical rewiring need- learned to swim, in some cases be- of the Hearthstone neighborhood in community for things that ‘stink’ and ed to be done, which Kimbrough coming star athletes who swam in Stone Mountain, said he thought his fixing them,” said Tidy Cats spokes- said would be paid for by the neigh- high school. community was never going to be woman Lindsay Harrington. borhood. The community is holding “The creek has also offered the able to use its pool again after teen- Harrington said the company a fundraiser May 19 at Chick-fil-A same opportunities—little kids who agers vandalized it and burned down hired local contractors to clean ev- on Memorial Drive 4-8 p.m. to help played in the creek have gone on to the pool house. erything from the pool and remove raise funds. get graduate degrees in stream main- Several weeks ago, Kimbrough all of the debris in the area, includ- Ron Vaughn, who lives in the tenance and biology just because it said more than 20 students “playing ing the charred remnants of the pool Abingdon neighborhood next to stirred up a curiosity,” Grossman hooky” from the DeKalb Alternative house. One of the workers standing Hearthstone, said the local Boy said. School, a high school on Memorial nearby said it took several dump Scout troop he leads uses the pool Each year, Kimbrough said, the Drive, were seen around the pool trucks to remove all of the debris and every summer, in addition to his neighborhood deals with vandalism area. “they had thrown almost everything family. in the pool area and last year they “I guess they came down here in the pool,” including furniture. “We had a pool over in my subdi- were forced to repaint it. The pool is because this is a park area where tru- Residents of Hearthstone aren’t vision but it succumbed to the same surrounded by a barbed wire fence ants would hang out,” Kimbrough the only ones who use the pool; fate that this one succumbed to. It and Kimbrough said the neighbor- said. “They’ve charged three with Kimbrough said since it is one of the was a year or so after I moved in and hood can’t pay for any additional vandalism but the arsonists haven’t only private pools in the area, com- unfortunately the community wasn’t security. been found yet.” munity members, churches and local tight enough to rebound from it,” “I’m not happy because the peo- Kimbrough stood by the pool Boy Scout troops use it. Vaughn said. He said 14 years ago ple who committed the arson haven’t on a recent sunny morning watch- “Most of the kids who came vandals burned his neighborhood been found yet. I guess the police are ing workers squeegee the remaining down here after the vandalism hap- pool house down. doing the best they can on that, I’m gunk from the shallow end of the pened were devastated. They were Vaughn hopes the repairs being not faulting them. The responsibil- pool. A week earlier, representatives crying—my son was crying, and I made on the Hearthstone pool will ity lies on the parents and the school from Tidy Cats cat litter identified was crying. This is where we spend have a positive effect on the commu- system,” Kimbrough said. the Hearthstone pool to be part of its our summers and it gives the kids nity and also influence his neighbor- “PU Patrol” cleanup. another option instead of hanging hood to revitalize its pool area. East Atlanta Continued From Page 10A

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Local Page 11A News Station put DeKalb on the air

by Andrew Cauthen habilitated fire station, the [email protected] CEO’s annual state of the county address, DeKalb’s Before 2003, the schedule Martin Luther King Day cele- of DeKalb County’s cable bration and the opening of the television station, DCTV, was renewable natural gas facility filled with reader boards— are all examples of special scrolling text about various programming on DCTV. county events, announce- “We produce program- ments and services. ming with a goal of informing “It was a visual reposi- our viewers,” Brennan said. tory of written material,” said “It is informative program- Burke Brennan, the county’s ming that is entertaining as chief communications officer. well.” “It was the lowest form of The station, which is plan- television.” Then, “the folks in DeKalb County administration started paying attention to DCTV,” Diamond Miller Lewis, director of the county’s Office of Cable Opera- tions which runs DCTV, coaches Sam Goldman, executive director of Brennan said. “We made it Callonwolde Fine Arts Center, during a shooting of a public service into the award-winning insti- announcement. Photos by Andrew Cauthen tution that it is today.” Just this year, the station station is “a labor intensive the CEO’s budget to form its has received two Bronze endeavor,” Brennan said. own communications office. Telly awards, three Pegasus “You want to make it easy to After overriding Ellis’ veto of awards of honor and four understand and visually ap- the measure, commissioners Pegasus awards of distinc- pealing. We’re talking about want to use the money as an tion. DCTV has won more television and a lot goes into incentive to urge Ellis’ ad- than 60 national awards since television.” ministration to discuss giving 2006, including 31 Pegasus For example, producing commissioners more airtime awards, 14 National Associa- the three- to four-hour Board on DCTV. tion of Telecommunication of Commissioners regular “We have severe fiscal Officers and Advisors awards, meetings—a live broadcast obstacles to overcome and nine National Association of with no edits—may take 20 we are going to work with County Information Officers man hours, Brennan said. the Board of Commissioners awards, two Atlanta Asso- ning to add animal services ing stories that are important to whatever department they “Very few people really to overcome the obstacles,” ciation of Black Journalists public service announcements understand what it takes to Brennan said. “We are awards and an Emmy award. and coverage of commis- work in,” Lewis said. “We are using people make television,” Brennan optimistic that DCTV will DCTV is DeKalb County’s sioner’s Committee of Whole said. “It is a subtlety of this continue its legacy of quality government access sta- meetings to its lineup, is who work in DeKalb County to help us tell the stories of operation that is very hard to programming that educates, tion, which airs on Comcast never short of ideas, Brennan educate people on.” informs and communicates Channel 23 and has video on said. DeKalb County,” Lewis said. “That furthers our mission DCTV itself has been in the official business of demand at www.dekalbcoun- “The requests far outweigh the news this year after the DeKalb County,” Brennan tyga.gov/dctv. DCTV has the resources,” Brennan said. and impact.” Producing quality pro- Board of Commissioners said. produced more than a dozen “We hear from all corners— voted to take $75,000 from different county-related pro- county departments and state gramming for a 24-hour grams and features, including departments.” Inside DeKalb, Let’s Talk The round-the-clock DeKalb, DeKalb Salutes You, programming on DCTV is NOTICE OF STONE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT Check It Out, Arts, Culture produced by a four-person DISTRICT ADOPTION OF MILLAGE RATE & Entertainment Living and staff headed by Lewis. various public service an- “The programming you In compliance with O.C.G.A. §48-5, the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District hereby nouncements. see is a labor of love,” Lewis provides notice that at its meeting on June 1, 2012, beginning at 7:30 AM at Pierre Construction Group, “It shows that there are said. “That’s what we do each 1677 Lewis Way, Stone Mountain, Georgia, 30083, the Stone Mountain CID Board of Directors will vote activities in DeKalb …that and every day.” upon a proposal to levy an ad valorem taxation rate of 5 mills, and will set its millage rate for the lawful you can come out and enjoy,” Brennan said that it is purposes of the District for the current calendar year. Set forth below are the assessed taxable values of said Diamond Miller Lewis, commonplace for him to the properties subject to taxes for the current year and the immediately preceding calendar year, the total director of the county’s Office receive calls on Saturdays or dollar amount of ad valorem taxes proposed to be levied for the current year and levied in the immediately of Cable Operations. Sundays from DCTV’s “mag- preceding calendar year, as well as the percentage and total dollar increases with respect to the On JobTV, the station has nanimous” staff. immediately preceding calendar year. All property levied upon is real property. The millage rate for 2011 teamed with the Georgia De- “When they’re on dead- was 5 mills. partment of Labor to inform line, they work until the job is Assessed Value Taxes Levied % Increase $ Increase viewers about more than 150 done,” Brennan said. jobs that are available. The To aid its staff, DCTV gets 2011 $99,233,165.00 $463,693.00 N/A N/A 30-minute program is updated help from other county em- daily and runs several times ployees “interested in learn- 2012(proposed) $99,233,165.00 $463,693.00 0% $0.00 throughout the day. ing more about being behind The twice-a-month meet- the camera and learning about J. David Gussio ings of the county’s Board of production,” Lewis said. Georgia Bar No. 332107 Commissioners are aired on “Because they work and Webb, Tanner, Powell, DCTV to allow residents to do the day-to-day opera- Mertz & Wilson, LLP see “where the actual busi- tions and services in each of 10 Lumpkin Street ness of the county transpires,” DeKalb County’s depart- Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Brennan said. ments, we’re working with (770)236-9433 The reopening of a re- them to help us out in produc- Attorney for Stone Mountain CID

After $1 billion, experts see progress on discovering autism’s causes

Page 12A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012

Photos By Daniel Beauregard National Bike to School Day On May 9, City Schools of Decatur stu- and city officials, teachers and parent vol- dents celebrated national Bike to School unteers greeted students as they arrived. It Day, an event sponsored by the National was a cloudy, rainy morning but that didn’t Center for Safe Routes to School to promote stop one group of students riding from bicycle awareness and a healthy lifestyle. Glennwood Elementary to Renfroe Middle Bikes lined the entrance to Glennwood School, as they do every day, in a bike train Elementary School in downtown Decatur, organized by one of the students.

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Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After $1 billion, experts see progress on discovering autism’s causes Grand jury urges DA to investigate board of education, again

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Page 13A

DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal Good with Comcast Cable Communications Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcast’s current performance under the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of neighbor your community to www.dekalbcountyga.gov. The Champion Weather May 17, 2012 Seven Day Forecast In-Depth Local Forecast Today's Regional Map Weather History Day Today we will see mostly sunny skies with a high May 17, 1983 - A golfer, playing A large crowd enjoyed THURSDAY temperature of 84º, humidity of 42%. East wind the Fox Meadows Course in mild temperatures May 12 at Mostly Sunny 5 mph. The record high temperature for today is Memphis, Tenn., was struck by a High: 84 Low: 61 Dunwoody the annual Good Neighbor 90º set in 1944. Expect partly cloudy skies 82/60 Lilburn bolt of lightning that went through tonight with an overnight low of 61º. The record Smyrna 83/61 his neck and down his spine, Day open house at DeKalb- FRIDAY Doraville low for tonight is 46º set in 1956. 83/61 83/61 came out a pocket containing Peachtree Airport. Some of Mostly Sunny Snellville Decatur his key, and went into a nearby the nation’s top acrobatic pi- High: 81 Low: 59 *Last Week’s Almanac 84/61 Atlanta tree. Miraculously, he survived to Date Hi Lo Normals Precip 84/61 lots participated in the event. 84/61 tell the tale. In addition to the air show, SATURDAY Tuesday 81 66 78/57 0.13" Lithonia Mostly Sunny Wednesday 76 56 78/57 0.11" College Park 85/61 May 18, 1989 - Low pressure visitors got a chance to view 85/61 anchored over eastern Virginia a large selection of restored, High: 81 Low: 58 Thursday 74 49 79/58 0.00" Morrow Friday 77 48 79/58 0.00" 85/61 kept showers and thunder- antique aircraft from World SUNDAY Saturday 77 63 79/58 0.02" Union City storms over the Middle Atlantic War II. Photos by David Di- Mostly Sunny Sunday 72 58 79/59 1.44" 85/61 Coast Region. Flash flooding Monday 80 64 80/59 0.02" was reported in Pennsylvania. Cristina High: 82 Low: 60 Hampton Rainfall ...... 1.72" Average temp . .67.2 Up to five inches of rain 86/62 MONDAY Normal rainfall . .0.91" Average normal 68.4 drenched Franklin County, Mostly Sunny Departure . . . . .+0.81" Departure . . . . .-1.2 Penn. in 24 hours. High: 83 Low: 61 *Data as reported from De Kalb-Peachtree Airport Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week Tonight's Planets TUESDAY Day Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Rise Set Mostly Sunny New Thursday 6:34 a.m. 8:33 p.m. 4:25 a.m. 5:51 p.m. Full Mercury 6:03 a.m. 7:36 p.m. High: 86 Low: 62 5/20 Friday 6:34 a.m. 8:34 p.m. 4:58 a.m. 6:45 p.m. 6/4 Venus 8:04 a.m. 10:48 p.m. Saturday 6:33 a.m. 8:35 p.m. 5:33 a.m. 7:40 p.m. Mars 2:13 p.m. 3:10 a.m. WEDNESDAY Sunday 6:32 a.m. 8:36 p.m. 6:12 a.m. 8:33 p.m. Jupiter 6:30 a.m. 8:14 p.m. Partly Cloudy Monday 6:32 a.m. 8:36 p.m. 6:55 a.m. 9:25 p.m. First Last Saturn 5:41 p.m. 5:13 a.m. High: 84 Low: 65 Tuesday 6:31 a.m. 8:37 p.m. 7:42 a.m. 10:14 p.m. 5/28 6/11 Uranus 4:15 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday 6:31 a.m. 8:38 p.m. 8:34 a.m. 10:59 p.m. Local UV Index National Weather Summary This Week Weather Trivia The Northeast will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies today through Saturday, What is the difference with the highest temperature of 83º in Carbondale, Ill. The Southeast will see mostly between a hurricane watch 0 - 23 4 5 6 798 10 11+ clear to partly cloudy skies with a few thunderstorms today through Saturday, with and a hurricane warning? ? the highest temperature of 90º in Crestview, Fla. The Northwest will see mostly clear to partly cloudy UV Index Answer: In a watch, hurricane 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, skies today, isolated showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature conditions are possible; in a 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High of 88º in Wolf Point, Mont. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies today through Saturday, with warning, they are expected. 11+: Extreme Exposure the highest temperature of 107º in Bullhead City, Ariz. www.WhatsOurWeather.com StarWatch By Gary Becker - Rare Venus Transit, June 5 On Tuesday, June 5, North America is posed for the rarest of astronomical events, a transit of Venus. Transits occur when a much smaller body passes in front of a much larger body. In order for a transit to occur, Venus must be crossing the plane of the Earth’s orbit at the exact time it is between the Earth and the sun. Because Venus makes almost exactly 13 circuits around the sun during the time that Earth makes eight revolutions, transits of Venus occur in pairs separated by eight years. The time interval between two pairs of transits is what makes this such an extraordinary phenomenon. Those intervals are 121.5 years and 105.5 years. The last pair took place in Decembers 1874 and 1882, while the next pair debuts in December 2117 and December 2125. The 243 year interval between 1882 and 2125 also reflect a periodicity relationship between the orbital intervals of the Earth and Venus equal to 243:395. With the proper filtration to dim the sun (See last week’s StarWatch article), Venus will appear as an easily seen black dot slowly mov- ing in front of old Sol. Venus makes first contact with the sun at 6:10 p.m., EDT, June 5. For the next 18 minutes, Venus’ disk moves to a point of inner tangency with the sun (Contact II) at 6:28 p.m. For the next six hours and four minutes, Venus “sails” slowly across the speckled solar disk passing closest to the sun’s center at 9:30 p.m. At 12:32 a.m. June 6, Venus reach- es inner tangency for the second time (Contact III) and slides off the solar disk 18 minutes later at 12:50 a.m. (Contact IV). Most of North America, except for the eastern third of the coun- try, sees the transit past the point where it is closest to the sun’s center. Only Alaska and Hawaii view the entire transit from start to finish. Check Fred Espenak’s great website about eclipses and transits at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/ transit/venus0412.html for more material. www.astronomy.org Place Your Ad Here! The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Health Page 14A mArS liver support system offers new option for acute liver failure patients For patients in acute liv- time that is critical to wait er failure, time is precious. for a transplant.” In many cases, a patient’s Patients in acute liver only hope is a liver trans- failure are unable to clear plant, but the wait for a vi- certain toxins from their able—and matching—organ systems, so the MARS sys- can be too long. tem does the work for them Emory University by drawing blood from Healthcare now offers Mo- patients and cleansing it lecular Adsorbents Recir- with a solution containing culating System (MARS), albumin. Albumin is pro- a liver dialysis system ap- duced by healthy livers and proved by the U.S. Food binds to certain medications and Drug Administration and other bodily substances (FDA) to treat select pa- to transport them through- tients with acute liver fail- out the body. It also binds ure due to drugs or toxins. toxins, protecting the body Acute liver failure often re- from their toxic effects. The sults from drug overdose or cleansed blood is returned idiosyncratic medication re- to the patient’s circulatory actions. The most common system to attract more tox- cause of acute liver failure ins. is acetaminophen overdose. While MARS currently “We have long had kid- is FDA approved only for ney dialysis to stabilize treatment of acute liver fail- patients in renal failure, but ure, MARS has been used until now, we have not had successfully in clinical tri- a corresponding method als to treat forms of chronic of treatment for patients liver illness. in acute liver failure,” said “Several studies in Eu- transplant hepatologist and rope have demonstrated that intensivist Ram Subra- MARS is effective in treat- manian, M.D., assistant ing chronic liver failure as professor at Emory Univer- well,” said Subramanian. sity School of Medicine. “My hope is that it becomes “MARS is a potential game another tool for us in offer- changer for patients who ei- ing hope to patients who ther don’t qualify for trans- are dealing with all kinds of T:11.5” plant or who don’t have the liver failure.” emory resident physician gets behind-the-scenes media exposure

When the managing medical producers and into medical school after editor of medical coverage writers at ABC. He will working at the Law and for ABC News sent an even pitch a few Emory Economics Consulting email asking for medical stories, and may get a crack Group. He said he enjoys school residents to serve at writing an article or two doing research and, when as volunteers at ABC’s for ABC News.com. he is not treating patients, T:21” headquarters in New York He also said he is looking spends time in the lab City, Emory emergency forward to being in contact implementing an Emory medicine resident Dr. with medical experts and study that involves a novel Murtaza Akhter was not researchers from all over the treatment for traumatic brain shy about coming forward. country. “Although it would injury. “When I found out about be great to be the person Competition for this this opportunity, I thought who is well known and assignment with ABC it would be interesting to respected, I think it is even was strong. Hundreds of see the inner workings of a better to meet a variety of residents from all over the news organization,” said the people who are considered country applied and many Chicago native. to be at the top of their of them are scheduled into Akhter is spending May field.” 2013—including another in New York, researching A second-year resident, Emory Emergency Medicine story ideas and recruiting Akhter studied economics resident, Amit Pandit. comments from experts at the University of Chicago around the country for and then transitioned

CLIENT AD COUNCIL FONTS None JOB NUMBER ADCCO11001R39 IMAGES 140788_Thursday_bw.tif (Gray; 223 ppi; 134.45%), Letsmove.gov_rev.eps, APPROVAL JOB DESCRIPTION LET’S MOVE B/W ADS adCouncil_rev.eps, hhs_logo_rev.eps, usda.rev.eps PROOFREADER FILE NAME ADCCO11001R39_m39v00_Thur.indd COLORS Black STUDIO MANAGER DATE 2-25-2011 2:50 PM NOTES B/W PRODUCTION REVISION 0 PAGE 1 TRAFFIC

GRAPHIC ARTIST Sean Devlin ART DIRECTOR PUB VARIUS NEWSPAPER COPYWRITER BLEED None CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRIM 11.5” x 21” ACCOUNT MANAGER LIVE None SCALE 100% MANAGING DIR. BURRELL MECHANICAL

233 N. MICHIGAN AVE. SUITE 2900, CHICAGO, IL 60601, P:312-297-9600, F: 312-297-9601 PRINTOUT 100% CLIENT The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18 , 2012 Local News Page 15A

Vet Continued From Page 1A Wilson, who wants to be a veterinarian someday, said “It looks good on your resume, she has clipped nails and taken blood tests of animals. She also has examined stool samples, too, when applying to vet school.” checking for tapeworms and hookworms.” “And we get to watch sur- – Dr. Paula Murray geries,” Wilson said. “It’s what I want to do. The program, which costs Murray, who has worked $10 a year, is very “interactive as a relief veterinarian for and hands-on,” said Micah the past decade in Gwinnett, Seals, 15, a student at South- DeKalb and Cobb counties, west DeKalb High School. currently has 16 registered “We learn a lot,” Seals said. students in DeKalb and 20 in “It’s a new experience every Gwinnett where she worked time I come here.” previously. Murray said she enjoys “They shadow me,” Mur- teaching and “being able to ray said. “They come in the make a difference in a young [examination] room with just person’s life.” about every patient that we “I like the fact that they get see. I won’t have them come to see firsthand what’s going in the room with me if the on,” Murray said. animal is scared of too many When she was young and people being around or if the considering the veterinarian owner requests” a private con- field, Murray’s mother insisted sultation. that she learn more about the The Explorers are not occupation. present in consultations for “I grew up in the islands and clients who are considering had no real contact with a vet, euthanization for their pets. but she did find somebody who “If there’s a surgery go- would let me [follow] around ing on, they get to see what after them,” Murray said. “It it looks like,” Murray said. was the most enlightening activ- “They see the good, the bad, ity I’ve been through. I saw so the ugly because we have the much that day.” good, bad and ugly.”

Wind Continued From Page 1A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Education Page 16A News and events of the DEKALB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA, 30030 • 404.378.8000• www.DeKalbchamberofcommerce.org

Decision Time for our Region For the fi rst ti me in de- of the South”. If our traffi c con- period if approved. 85% of the cades, citi zens throughout the gesti on reputati on doesn’t im- funding, or $6.1 billion, would Metro region will have an un- prove quickly, we will conti nue go toward specifi c projects on precedented opportunity to to lose those opportuniti es for the list with the remaining 15% do something to help fi x our corporate headquarters, busi- allocated to local governments transportati on challenges. Aft er ness expansion and retenti on for discreti onary use on trans- years of inacti on and no politi - and att racti ng freshly minted portati on related projects. cal consensus on funding solu- college graduates looking for For DeKalb County, an invest- ti ons to pay for new transit ex- a progressive city off ering the ment of $800 million from the pansion and road, bike and pe- best quality of life, to those sales tax would yield a healthy destrian improvements, voters competi tor citi es that are seri- return of $1.3 billion, or a 160% now have an opti on to make up ous about moving their citi zens ROI, for transit and infrastruc- for lost ti me--Lost ti me sitti ng around seamlessly. ture projects, which would then in traffi c congesti on, missing On July 31, Georgia voters generate thousands of jobs for important meeti ngs and events will go to the polls to select our citi zens, provide transit and ti me with family. As we their choice of candidates in alternati ves to employment were busy losing valuable ti me, the General Primary. They will centers and improve economic we were also losing potenti al also have an extraordinary op- vitality and quality of life. With business opportuniti es to other portunity to vote on a regional state and federal coff ers in- citi es across the country. Citi es transportati on referendum for creasingly shrinking, there are see a travel ti me savings of like Charlott e, Dallas, Houston, a one penny sales tax to be no other opti ons that are able $9.2 billion by 2040 and per- Denver, Seatt le, Phoenix and dedicated to specifi c transpor- to provide the amount of fund- sonal income would increase Portland that understand the tati on projects and improve- ing needed to invest in these by $18 billion from reduced value of transit to economic ments approved last October by criti cal transportati on projects. fuel cost and travel ti me sav- development and quality of life elected offi cials representi ng 12 If the referendum is approved ings by 2040. The choice is and found ways to fund it. We regions throughout the State. by voters in July, 200,000 ad- up to you when you go to the have a lot of catching up to do In the 10-county Metro Atlanta diti onal jobs would be created polls on July 31. YOU decide if we want to conti nue to be the region, the tax would generate from 2013-2040 in the Metro what is best for DeKalb’s fu- thriving and dynamic “Capitol $7.22 billion over a ten year Atlanta region. We would also ture! Hank Huckaby to keynote the DeKalb Chamber’s June 4 First Monday Lunch

Just as the summer months from statewide legislati on to assumed the helm of USG in are heati ng up, so is the line-up higher educati on. The Cham- 2011 has proposed signifi cant of speakers set to keynote the ber’s June 4th luncheon will changes with the most con- DeKalb Chamber First Mon- feature University System of troversial being to consolidate day Lunch Speaker Series. In Georgia Chancellor, Hank Huck- colleges. Chamber members the months ahead, Chamber aby who will share informati on and friends are encouraged to members and interested parti es on the changes aff ecti ng the 35 register quickly. For details such will receive informati on from insti tuti ons of higher learning as locati on and cost, please visit a broad array of topics ranging within the state. Huckaby, who www.dekalbchamber.org.

Save these important dates for may and June: Brought to you in partnership with: May 21 – APEX Small Business of the Year & Small Business Champion of the Year – Presented by the Atlanta Journal Consti tuti on – Holiday Inn Perimer – 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. May 24 – Business Aft er-Hours May 25 – Capacity Building Series – Branding Your Business in Today’s Market – 8:30 am – 12:30 pm May 28 – Memorial Day Holiday – Offi ce Closed June 1 – Coff ee & Conversati on – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. June 4 – First Monday Lunch – Hank Huckaby, Chancellor, The University System of Georgia – Presented by DeVry University – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Business Page 17A

Chris Williams, left, and Madilyn Holmes, visitors to Perimeter Mall, try the Me-Ality A shopping guide profile tells the Me-Ality user which stores in the mall have gar- system and are pleased with the result. ments that will fit him or her. Photos by Kathy Mitchell mall debuts ‘fitting room of the future’ by Kathy Mitchell that can be used indefinitely [email protected] as long as the person stays the same size. “I love that I Shoppers who dislike can take this to other malls,” going to several stores at said Holmes, who lives in the mall and trying several Stockbridge. “I’m a simple sizes before finding a good shopper. This makes life fit may be pleased to know easier.” some malls now have a way If the system becomes to make the process easier. popular, it may also mean Me-Ality™—Measured stores have fewer fitting Reality, a booth in which room discards to return to a 10-second body scan the racks and fewer clothes takes a shopper’s exact that become wrinkled or measurements at 20,000 stained during the try-on data points, matches a process. person’s size with items “We are so excited available in the mall. If, for to give shoppers the example, the shopper needs opportunity to preview new jeans, the scan will the fitting room of the tell the person the type and future at some of the most size that will fit at specific innovative shopping malls stores. A Me-Ality booth in Georgia,” stated Tanya opened at Perimeter Mall in Shaw, president and CEO Dunwoody on May 10. of Me-Ality, in a news The biggest challenge release. “Right now we are initially for this “fitting in the preview phase of our room of the future” may launch, which means we’re be convincing people that A 10-second body scan inside the booth takes a shopper’s measurements at 20,000 data points. able to match people with it really is quick and free. a range of denim and pants For nearly an hour around styles. We’ll be expanding lunchtime the day the squealing with delight at the Tunisia Serrat who was the garment recommended to cover all clothing in the station opened at Perimeter results. “I was surprised; operating the booth. The by the Me-Ality to gauge very near future.” Mall shoppers shook their it got my size—exactly,” scan is done with low- the look—and, as Serrat Me-Ality stations are heads at invitations to try Holmes said. “I was power radio waves. The noted, some people like opening at malls across the scan, the cost of which skeptical at first, but this shopper doesn’t have to a looser fit and some like the country and officials is born by clothing stores— really works.” remove anything except a a snugger fit. Me-Ality, at Unique Solutions Ltd., shoppers aren’t charged. Williams added, “I’m coat or jacket. The process however, eliminates trying owners of Me-Ality, say Finally, shoppers impressed; it got it right— start to finish takes about 10 clothes that don’t fit at all. that during the next two Madilyn Holmes and Chris and it was fun.” minutes. Once the shopper has years the kiosks will open at Williams decided to give It’s also safe since no Shoppers probably still been scanned, he or she is more than 300 malls across it a try. They both were radiation is used, explained are likely to want to try on given a personal bar code the United States.

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, May 18, 2012 Education Page 18A

Mariangela Jordan recently graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. Jordan was also awarded the university’s 2012 Lucius Lamar McMul- len Award, one of Emory’s highest student honors, which came with a $20,000 prize. Photo provided emory grad achieves dreams by doing whatever it takes by Daniel Beauregard Jordan lived in England for a her passions. Through Emo- dreams. One of the biggest ations but you move on and [email protected] year then moved to Clemson, ry’s Center for Ethics, Jordan failures in life is not to fail try your best,” Jordan said. S.C., in 2003. She lived in did an internship with Bur- but to not even try. It’s a In the fall Jordan will be Since Mariangela Jor- Clemson for three years, go- mese refugees in Clarkston gamble, I know, and you may pursuing a Ph.D. in anthro- dan, 31, left Romania she has ing to a community college and became fascinated with not always achieve what you pology at Cornell University. worked as a roofer, a gas sta- and working full time. a group of Burmese refugees want. I haven’t in many situ- tion attendant, a janitor and “I was working two jobs, called the Chin people. a cross-country truck driver, around 80 to 100 hours a This summer Jordan is all to follow her passion and week, and taking classes traveling to Mizoram, India, receive the best education full time. Eventually I real- to further her study and work possible. ized I needed to concentrate with Chin refugees who have DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Jordan recently obtained a on school but to do that I traveled into the city in north- bachelor’s degree in anthro- couldn’t continue working so ern India to escape Burma. BUDGET HEARINGS pology from Emory Universi- much, so I gave my jobs no- “Indians from Chin are FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013 ty. She was also awarded the tice,” Jordan said. considered illegal immi- 2012 Lucius Lamar McMul- Jordan calculated how grants. They kind of had to Tuesday, May 22, 2012 lan Award, one of Emory’s much money she needed to escape Burma and they’re not highest student honors which go to school full time without really accepted in Mizoram— TIME LOCATION came with a $20,000 prize. working and decided, against they have a lot of difficulties When she graduated high advice from friends, to take with the local people there,” 6:00 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room school in Romania the coun- a job as a semi-truck driver. Jordan said. Administrative & Instructional Complex try was reeling from the fall After getting her rig license, Additionally, Jordan will 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. of communism. She said her she spent the next year driv- continue her work with Pur- Stone Mountain, GA 30083 decision to come to the Unit- ing across the United States. ple Mind Productions, a com- ed States was partly to escape Jordan said much of her pany she co-founded with Wednesday, May 30, 2012 what she saw, in many ways, downtime during that year Romanian journalist Liliana was a corrupt system going was spent sleeping. Ciobanu, that launched last TIME LOCATION through a difficult transition “But there were many mo- year. She said the goal of the 6:00 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room toward democracy. ments when I drove through organization is to provide Administrative & Instructional Complex “The country was under the night and the morning Romanians with a “truly” communism for 40 years and would come, the sun would independent media, because 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 in 1989 communism fell,” rise and there would be an many media organizations Jordan said. “When I finished amazing sight with moun- there are run by the govern- high school and started nurs- tains,” Jordan said. “America ment or political organiza- Citizens interested in reviewing a detailed copy of the program ing school I realized I didn’t is really beautiful and I got a tions. based budget may do so beginning Wednesday, May 23, 2012 by want to live in that corrupt chance to see that.” Jordan said she doesn’t visiting the DeKalb County School District website at system. I realized that if I After a year of truck driv- have many words of wisdom www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. wanted to try and fulfill my ing, she finished school in for someone who wants to true potential that I had to go Clemson and transferred to follow in her footsteps except find my place in a different Emory, where she said a few “follow you own footsteps.” FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE country.” mentors helped her flourish “Don’t be afraid to dream CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069. After leaving Romania, by encouraging her to follow and try to achieve your The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Page 19A

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The free block party will feature and remember Scott-Heron and his AVONDALE live entertainment, prizes, community DUNWOODY body of work, 6 - 8 p.m. Stonecrest information and games. Library is located at 3123 Klondike ESTATES The event will be held 11:30 a.m. Road, Lithonia. For more informa- - 3 p.m. at the Macy’s stage at the tion, call (770) 482-3828. Silent auction to benefi t lake Gallery at South DeKalb, 2840 Can- house dler Road, Decatur. The block party is in support of A silent auction is scheduled for National Youth Traffic Safety Month. PINE LAKE May 19, 7 - 9:30 p.m., at the his- TOADD is a nonprofit organization Lake open early for swimming toric Avondale Lake House. Tickets dedicated to creating a safer mobile are $20 and appetizers and a cash environment by addressing issues After the completion of a dredg- bar will be available. Some of the such as being distracted while driv- ing project, the lake opened May 1 items up for auction include the use ing, sexting and cyberbullying. for swimming. The official opening of of vacation homes in Jekyll Island, For more information contact the beach, along with the customary Lake Oconee, Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Marie Burrell at (480) 788-6233 or cookout, will take place on May 26 Other items include restaurant gift send an email to [email protected]. during Memorial Day weekend. The certifi cates, Atlanta Braves tickets, Pine Lake Association of Involved original art and more. Proceeds will Decatur implements Smart911 Neighbors also will hold an ice cream help maintain the lake house and program Pressler and Elias social on the same day. grounds. For more information, call Anne Frank relatives to be at Connie Bryans at (404) 408-9644 Decatur has implemented the MJCCA or email [email protected]. national safety database Smart911 service to improve 911 services for Buddy Elias, Anne Frank’s first STONE residents and business owners. cousin and closest living relative, and Smart911 allows residents to his wife, Gertrude Elias will be at MOUNTAN DECATUR create a safety profile of vital per- the Marcus Jewish Community Cen- sonal and household data, including ter of Atlanta (MJCCA) on May 21, Stone Mountain sundown movie Author to discuss book on household members, photos, medi- as part of the Page from the Book series set architect cations or medical conditions and Festival. She is a co-author of the pets, which will be displayed to 911 book Anne Frank’s Family along with The lawn of Stone Mountain First Author Robert M. Craig will be call takers immediately when a resi- German author Mirjam Pressler. Baptist Church will be the site of at the Decatur Library on Wednes- dent places an emergency call. Anne Frank’s Family recounts the several sundown movies this year in day, May 23, to discuss about his This safety profile provides more letters, drawings, poems, photo- Stone Mountain. new book about one of the premier extensive information than is cur- graphs, postcards and other types Footloose will be shown at dark early 20th century architects of the rently available on incoming calls of correspondence found in a trunk on the lawn of the church on Main American South, Francis Palmer and can contain the specific details in the attic of Helene Elias—Anne’s Street, compliments of the Stone Smith. Critics call it “a thoroughly that first responders can use to save aunt and Buddy’s mother—following Mountain Street Downtown Develop- captivating and beautifully illustrated lives, a press release said. her death in 2001. ment Authority. study” of an architect who taught Decatur Fire Chief Toni Dixon The event is at 7:30 p.m. at the Refreshments are available for generations of students at Georgia said Smart911 enhances communi- MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dun- purchase. Tech and built hundreds of houses cation with residents and assists in woody, and is in partnership with the Future movies planned include of all styles, churches, cathedrals, locating them. The service is free to Georgia Commission on the Holo- Dolphin Tales on June 2, Puss in schools, Coca-Cola bottling plants all residents and business owners, caust’s Anne Frank Exhibit. Tickets Boots on June 16, and We Bought a and high rises. Smith was an ar- and is private and secure. Safety are $8 for members and $13 for Zoo on June 30. chitectural pioneer, and this biog- profiles can be created at www. non-members. For more information, raphy—The Architecture of Francis Smart911.com. visit www.atlantajcc.org, or call (678) CID gets $20,000 grant Palmer Smith, Atlanta’s Scholar For more information about 812-4002. Architect (University of Georgia Smart911 email toni.dixon@deca- The Stone Mountain Community Press)—is considered the defi nitive turga.com or call (404) 373-5092. Improvement District (CID) recently account of his life and work. Craig received a $20,000 grant from the is professor emeritus of architecture Free concert announced LITHONIA DeKalb Development Authority. The at Georgia Tech and the author of money will help the CID with its goal several notable books, including Bethesda Cathedral of the Ap- Library to present Gil Scott- of creating 2,000 jobs by the end Atlanta Architecture: Art Deco to ostolic Faith has announced a Pre- Heron tribute of 2013. The funds will match an Modern Classic, 1929-1959 and Founder’s Day Celebration concert, $80,000 grant award to the CID by John Portman: Art and Architecture. featuring Angetta Christie and Gil Scott-Heron often referred to the Atlanta Regional Commission. The event, to be held at 7:15 p.m. Darlene McCoy. The concert himself as a “bluesologist,” in defer- “Our CID is keenly aware of the at the library, is part of its week-long honors Dr. Stewart Reese Jr. and ence to his roots in the blues and the need to see at least 2,000 new jobs celebration of the Decatur Arts Festi- Navoria Reese; Sir Charles is the music of the common people. On become available in this part of val. Decatur Library is located at 215 guest master of ceremonies. The Tuesday, May 22, Stonecrest Library DeKalb County, and we are work- Sycamore St., Decatur. For informa- event is Sunday, May 27, at 6 p.m. will honor Scott-Heron as south ing to help meet that need,” Stone tion, call (404) 370-8450, ext. 2225 It is free and open to the public. DeKalb’s own Langston Hughes Mountain CID president Award-winning poet and essayist Emory or visit georgiacenterforthebook.org Bethesda Cathedral of the Apostolic Morsberger said. “This economic or dekalblibrary.org. Faith is located at 1989 Austin Drive, Gwen Russell Green hosts a spe- development effort is focused on Decatur. For more information, visit cial tribute to the master wordsmith, recreating our area as a destination Block party to promote safety www.bethesdacathedral.org. an expert cultural chronicler of the for investment and redevelopment. 1970s and beyond. Scott-Heron The more businesses that we have Commissioner Stan Watson and was a man of vision whose words filling our available spaces, the more Texting Organization Against Dis- helped to clear a path still followed employment opportunities will open tracted Driving (TOADD) will hold a by many younger artists, accord- where they are needed most.” Safe Block Party on May 19. ing to library officials. Visitors to the library can learn, share, explore The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Sports Page 21A Adapted sports star became coach’s eyes on the court dribble. was able to begin making out the years on the varsity club. He also Little did Miller know his new goal and was able to make baskets led the teams in scoring as a senior. prodigy was sight impaired and without just using the backboard.” “I realized after several years could barely see the basket. Handball, which is played on a how much the older players taught Twelve years and many adapted basketball court with players throw- me how to play the games,” Hunt sports football, basketball and hand- ing the ball at a soccer-like goal, said. “Then I began to notice I was ball games later, Dontrey Hunt was a bit harder because Hunt had teaching the younger players my- is graduating from Tucker High to find the goalie to know where to self.” School after becoming the leader of throw the ball. Some of Hunt’s fondest memo- his adapted sports teams. “I would find the goalie and ries over the years was getting to “I had no idea Dontrey’s disabil- then throw it as hard as I could to- play at Gwinnett Arena in the state ity was impaired sight,” said Miller. ward him,” said Hunt. championship game on more than “I was amazed that at his age at the Miller said most goalies would one occassion. time he could shoot and hit baskets move because they didn’t want to “It was exciting to be in that big from the free-throw line. It made it be hit by one of Hunt’s throws. “I building with all the lights and tele- more amazing when I realized what wouldn’t want to play goalie against vision cameras,” said Hunt. “People it took for him to make the baskets.” him,” Miller laughed. saw me on television and would Hunt’s sight problem is caused It took Hunt some time to learn call. I never thought I would get to by retinitis pigmentosa, astigmatism how to play the games, but he got see myself on television. The only and scarring on his eyes from birth. help from older teammates and problem was it took me four quar- “The doctor said my sight never Miller. ters (games are six quarters) to get developed as a kid,” Hunt said. “When I first started I had no over the butterflies in my stomach.” Dontrey Hunt “Playing sports helped me work sense of teamwork and was lucky I Graduation is nearing at Tucker hard to see and helped my mind was pretty good at it,” Hunt said. “I High School and Hunt, a music by Mark Brock work with my eyes to get my sight was also one of the slowest guys in lover, has plans to attend the Atlanta where it is today. It would never the wheelchairs and everyone would Institute of Music. More than 10 years ago, adapted have developed this far without get- roll past me so fast.” “I love all kinds of music from sports coach Mark Miller noticed ting involved in adapted sports.” Hard work paid off for Hunt as R and B to rap to rock and roll,” a first grader shooting baskets in the Hunt began by using the back- he eventually became faster than said Hunt. “If I see someone has the gym from a long distance for his board in basketball because he most in the chairs. He also began to music in them I always pull it out. age. could see it better and gradually be- get the hang of teamwork and com- Singing and dancing are some of He asked the boy to try it from a gan to find the goal itself. municating. my favorite things to do.” wheelchair and the youngster began “I could not see the net at all He moved up to the varsity Sil- “Whatever Dontrey decides to to hit baskets sitting down while and using the backboard made it ver Streaks after just two years with do in life I know he will be success- learning to move in the chair and possible to hit shots,” Hunt said. “I the junior varsity and played 10 ful,” said Miller. Three county players nominated County team wins youth baseball tournament for U.S. Army Bowl wo DeKalb Three DeKalb County football players are among County teams 34 Georgians nominated to play in the 2013 U.S. Twere among Army All-American Bowl. Nominees from the county 16 that recently are Stephenson defensive back Ali Groves, Cedar participated in the Grove quarterback Jonathan McCrary and M.L. Jackie Robinson King offensive lineman Joshua Outlaw. Youth Baseball A total of 400 high school players across the Invitational. The county were nominated and later this year 90 will be tournament, hosted chosen to play in the bowl game. The U.S. Army All by the Atlanta American Bowl will be played Jan. 5 in San Antonio Braves and held at and televised live on NBC. the Carver YMCA in Atlanta, was to commemorate the Oglethorpe chooses athletics 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson director becoming the first Rebecca “Becky” Hall is the new director of ath- Black player in letics at Oglethorpe University, the school announced modern Major recently. League Baseball. Hall is the assistant athletics director and senior The Gresham woman administrator at Wittenberg University and Park Bulldogs won will become Oglethorpe’s fourth director of athletics the 9-10 age division since reassigning to NCAA Division III in 1990. She and the Browns will replace Jay Gardiner who served as director Mill Georgia Reds since 2004. Gardiner left Oglethorpe to become the participated in the inaugural commissioner of the new Southern Athletic 11-12 division. Association. A 1998 graduate of Urbana University where she was a star softball player, Hall was hired by Witten- berg University as an assistant coach and was pro- moted to head softball coach in 1999. She served as Wittenberg’s director of intramurals and club sports from 2003-07 before being promoted to assistant di- rector of athletics and senior woman administrator in July of 2007.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Sports Page 22A DeKalb High School Sports Highlights BASEBALL nated with a 4-0 loss to McIntosh in the second round of the Class AAAA Marist: The War Eagles are the only tournament. team in DeKalb County remaining in the state baseball playoffs. Marist GIRLS SOCCER defeated Mundy’s Mill in the sec- ond round by winning two straight St. Pius: The Golden Lions’ had games after losing the opener in the their 17-game winning streak in the best-of-three series. Marist was held playoffs snapped in a 2-1 loss to to two hits in a 7-0 loss in Game 1. Oconee County in the third round of The War Eagles responded with six the Class AAA state playoffs May runs in the second inning on their 12. St. Pius had won the past three way to a 12-1 win in Game 2. Ste- state championships. Taylor Glenn ven Taylor and Thomas Seitz each scored the team’s only goal against had two hits. Sean Guenther was Oconee. Glenn scored two goals the winning pitcher, allowing four May 8 to lead the Golden Lions to hits with one runner advancing to a 6-0 win over Spalding in the sec- second base. In the deciding game ond round of the tournament. Scor- on May 10, Marist scored two runs ing one goal each were Amanda in the bottom of the fi fth inning and Vocelka, Kaitlyn Orman, Avery held on for a 3-1 win. A walk, a hit McKenna and Grace May. St. Pius batsman and a sacrifi ce bunt left run- ends the season 18-2-1. ners at second and third for Marist in the fi fth. Griffi n Davis then hit a Marist: The War Eagles faced Nyonkouor Karlar of Tucker kicks the ball away from Dutchtown players during the Tigers' chopper that was misplayed by the McIntosh on May 16 in the Class 1-0 win in the second round of the Class AAAA state tournament. Mundy’s Mill third baseman, al- AAAA state semifi nals after winning lowing two runs to score. Marist’s games May 8 and May 11. Stepha- other run came on a squeeze bunt in nie Krouskas scored two goals and the fourth inning. Guenther pitched Francis Monardo had two assists as three innings in relief to earn his the War Eagles defeated Starr’s Mill third win of the tournament. The 2-1 in the second round of the tour- War Eagles played at Greenbrier in nament. Marist defeated Greenbrier Augusta in the third round which 7-1 in the third round with three began May 15. goals from Mary Beth Bleekrode. Monardo scored two goals while BOYS SOCCER Marie Athaide and Krouskas each scored one. St. Pius: Alex Kowalski scored the game’s only goal May 11 to help GOLF the Golden Lions defeat Southwest Whitfi eld 1-0 in the third round Girls’ state championship: Sarah of the Class AA state tournament. Kuranga of Columbia shot an 83 Drew Morgan and Kowalski each and fi nished sixth in the Class AAA scored three goals as the Golden Li- tournament. She had the best score ons defeated Drew 11-1 on May 8 in of any golfer for a county team, re- the second round. Edmundo Rob- gardless of classifi cation. Kuranga, inson, JD Manzo, Devin Hurley, a junior, was 11 strokes better than Thomas Glenn and David McNabb her 2011 state tournament perfor- each added one goal. The Golden mance. St. Pius tied for seventh in Lions (17-2-2) played Gainesville on the team standings and was led by May 15 in the semifi nals. Wallis Fairvalley with an 87. In the Class AAAA tournament, Marist Marist: The War Eagles advanced was 13th led by Ashlyn Johns (104) Solomon Roberts scored the only goal of Kevin Frazier works against a Dutchtown de- to the Class AAAA state semifi nals and Lakeside placed 15th led by Su- the game. fender. Photos by Travis Hudgons by defeating East Paulding 2-1 in the sanne Boden (102). second round and Glynn Academy 3-1 in the quarterfi nals. The War TENNIS Eagles faced Lambert on May 15 in the semifi nals. Henry Chancy St. Pius girls: The Golden Lions de- scored all three goals in the win over feated Allatoona 3-0 to win the Class Glynn. AAA state championship. Scoring points for St. Pius were singles play- Tucker: The Tigers’ deepest run into ers Blaine Boaz and Jennifer Leib, the state playoffs ended May 11 with and the doubles team of Ansley Jones a 4-0 loss to Greenbrier in the Class and Grace Mendzef. Other members AAAA state quarterfi nals. On May of the state championship team are 8 Tucker won a second-round game Katie Bachman, Rachel Rieder, for the fi rst time 1-0 over Dutch- Barrett Batson, Hannah Provost, town. Solomon Roberts scored Caroline McMullen, Audrey Men- with 14:58 to play. Defender Josiah dzef and Sarah Huff Moore. Saydee helped save the shutout min- utes earlier when he headed a ball Marist girls: The War Eagles fi n- from in front of his own net. ished second in the Class AAAA state tournament, falling to Johns Other playoff games: Paideia Creek 3-1 on May 12 in the cham- advanced to the Class A state semi- pionship match. Marielle Williams fi nals after defeating Mount Paran scored the War Eagles’ only point 6-1 on May 8 and Hebron Christian with a win at No. 3 singles. The War 5-1 on May 11. The Pythons faced Eagles, who ended the season 22-3, Atlanta International on May 15 in defeated Greenbrier 3-0 in the semi- Taylor Glenn, middle, scored the only Caroline Wootten. Photos by David DiCristina the semifi nals. Lakeside was elimi- fi nals May 11. goal for St. Pius in a 2-1 loss to Oconee County. The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012 Sports Page 23A

Southwest DeKalb track athletes, from left, Gréciana Cooper, Demetria Dickens, Victoria Perez and Charlotte Williams signed track or cross country scholarships recently. Photos provided Southwest DeKalb athletes sign scholarships by Robert Naddra well signed with Clark Atlanta Uni- meters, and has a part of two state University in West Point, Ga. She [email protected] versity and Jasmine Coleman signed track championships. Cooper, who finished in the top 20 at the Region with Wallace State Community Col- sports a 3.3 grade point average, is a 6-AAAA cross country meet over the Seven Southwest DeKalb ath- lege in Alabama. Sockwell, a point two-time Region 6-AAAA champion past three years. She also participated letes signed scholarships May 9 and guard, led the team in scoring with in the 800 and won the 1,600 region in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 on the 10 at ceremonies at the school. 10.1 points per game. Coleman, a for- title once. track team. Three players signed on May ward, averaged 7.7 points and 6.6 re- Dickens, who will graduate Williams ran track for four sea- 9 and four track athletes signed on bounds per game. She also had a team- with a 3.7 GPA, signed with North sons and cross country for two, and May 10. high 63 blocks on the season. The pair Carolina A&T and will compete as signed a track scholarship with Ar- In the May 9 signing ceremony, helped the Panthers reach the Class a thrower. She won the shot put and kansas State. She was a member of Sydnee Walton signed an acrobatics AAAA state championship game. discus as a senior this year at the three DeKalb County championship and tumbling scholarship with the The following day, senior track 6-AAAA meet, then placed third in track teams and the 2011 state Class University of Oregon, which won the athletes Greciana Cooper, Deme- the shot put and fourth in the discus AAAA championship track team. NCATA national championship this tria Dickens, Charlotte Williams in the AAAA state meet. Dickens In her junior and senior seasons, year. Walton is a four-year honor roll and Victoria Perez also signed also was part of Southwest’s state Williams was part of the Panthers’ student and a member of the Beta scholarships. championship team in 2011. She sprint medley relay team that was Club, French Club, National Honors Cooper, a four-year letter-winner plans to major in architectural engi- ranked No. 1 in the nation. She Society and Future Business Lead- in track and cross country, signed neering. placed sixth in the state meet in the ers of America. She also holds the with Kennesaw State and will par- Perez, who ran track and cross 400 as a junior and was the Region school record in the pole vault. ticipate in both sports. She holds the country for three years, signed a 6-AAAA champion in that event as Basketball players Nekia Sock- school record in the 5K and 3,200 cross country scholarship with Point a senior. Pace setters: Johnson, relay team make history for Stone mountain by Robert Naddra expected to sign a track scholarship with Mars [email protected] Hill College, Sibley has signed a football schol- arship with Portland State and Scott will attend By the end of the boys’ high school state Johnson C. Smith University on a football schol- track championships on May 11, John Williams arship. felt the same way he did 13 years ago. The win in the 4x400 relay was a statement The Stone Mountain boys track coach had of sorts for the Pirates. The event is something good reason to feel nostalgic. He watched his that Williams has focused on since becoming the team finish sixth in the Class AAA meet, paced Stone Mountain track coach in 2010. He keeps by first-place finishes in the 200 and 400 meters the advice of former Pirates’ coach Jay Roller- by senior Tamaric Johnson. The Pirates also son (who is now at Clarkston) in the front of his broke a 28-year-old state record in the 4x400 me- mind. ter relay with a winning time of 3:15.28. “The first thing he said was the state meet Johnson’s feat was the first back-to-back comes down to the 4x400,” Williams said. “It’s Tamaric Johnson nears the finish line during his victory sweep in both events by a county athlete since in the 200 meters at the Class AAA state championship. the final race of the meet. If you’re going to be Southwest DeKalb’s Hasan Graham did it in Photo by Tim McCollough competitive, you’ve got to do well in the 4x400.” 1989-90. Johnson also was the first county run- The 4x400 is an event runners often shy ner to win consecutive state titles in the 200 since “Tamaric sets the tone at practice,” Williams away from because it is at the end of the meet, Williams did it for the Pirates in 1999-2000. continued. “He does everything 100 percent and but Williams has tried to make it a source of “As a coach, I felt the same way when Tama- this was his just reward.” pride for the team. ric won as I did when I was in high school as a Johnson, who has signed a football scholar- “Usually more kids shy away from it than runner,” Williams said. “To see all the hard work ship with Jackson State, also ran the anchor leg embrace it,” Williams said. “We’ve tried to em- materialize is an indescribable feeling. For every- on the relay team. The other members of the brace the challenge of the 4x400 and make it a thing to pan out 100 percent was a very special Pirates’ winning relay team are Korey Bryant, cool thing to do. We wanted to create an atmo- moment to see him repeat. Aaron Sibley and Fredarious Scott. Bryant is sphere where kids want to run it and now we See Track on Page 24A Page 24A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 18, 2012

Track Continued From Page 23A have JV kids asking to be a part seconds. He won the two previ- of it.” ous years while attending Union Breaking the state record Grove. should only enhance the appeal. Several other athletes from The Pirates have done well schools in the county placed at county and region meets in the among the top five. event in the past three years, but this is the first year the Pirates Class AA have run in the state finals in the Decatur: Djiby Sy, second, 4x400 under Williams. In 2010, 800; Joey Ronca, second, 1,600. the Pirates did not qualify in the 4x400, then last year the team Class AAA was disqualified in the prelimi- St. Pius: Calvin Tirrell, naries for a uniform violation. fourth, 1,600; Austin Sprague, This time the Pirates were among third, 3,200; Paul Mitchell, the favorites after winning the fourth, 3,200. Columbia: Darin Stone Mountain's winning 4x400 relay team, from left, Aaron Sibley, Tamaric Johnson, Region 5-AAA meet with a time Hicks, third, triple jump. Cedar Korey Bryant and Fredarious Scott. Photos by Tim McCollough of 3:15.84. Grove: Kareem Nicholas, fourth, “Last year left a sour taste in triple jump. our mouth and we really turned up the focus after the region Class AAAA meet,” Williams said. Lakeside: Brent Reynolds, “It was really special for the third, 800; Jeff Jernigan, fourth, guys to break that record,” Wil- pole vault. Marist: Kenneth liams continued. “I can’t be more Brinson, second, discus; Na- proud of them. They all worked than Daniel, second, pole vault; really hard.” Michael Thurston, fifth, 1,600. Two other athletes won state Redan: Donald Daley, third, dis- titles over the weekend. Quincy cus; Troy Howard, fourth, 110 Tiller of Towers won the Class hurdles. AAA triple jump with an effort of 46 feet, 3.75 inches. Jordan Class AAAAA Moore won his third straight 110 M.L. King: 4x100 relay, meter hurdles title, the first at fourth. Stephenson: Amos Harp- M.L. King, with a time of 13.45 er, third, shot put. Tamaric Johnson on the victory stand after winning the 200 meters. He also won the 400.

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