FreePress: 1-31-14

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

1/20

Suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, center, walks arm-in-arm with supporters before a hearing inis corruption case Jan. 23. Photo by Travis Hudgons

championnewspaper championnewspaper champnewspaperchampionnews

Ellis

thechampionnewspaper.com

Were SocialFRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 VOL. 16, NO. 45 FREE

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

FREEPRESS

DeKalb welcomes the

Year of the Horse

See New Year on page 13ASee Ellis on page 13A

Ellis hopes to have

indictment dismissed

by Kathy [email protected]

Many people in DeKalbCounty are celebrating theNew Year or the secondtime this January. WhileJan. 1 marks the start o theyear on the Gregorian cal-endar, this year the ChineseNew Year also alls in Janu-aryJan. 31with celebra-tions on, beore and afer theactual date.

Chinese months ollowthe lunar calendar and theNew Year is celebrated at thesecond new moon afer thewinter solstice, alling be-tween Jan. 21 and Feb. 19 onthe Gregorian calendar. NewYear estivities, one o thecultures longest celebrations,traditionally start on the firstday o the lunar monthwhen the moon is darkand continue until the 15th,when the moon is brightest.In China and around theworld, the holiday is markedwith colorul parades, music,dancing and easting.

Te year just beginning,4712, is the Year o theHorseone o 12 animal zo-diac designations that repeat

cyclically. Tose born in theYear o the Horse are said tobe energetic, independent

and enjoy travel.As the Year o the Horsecomes in there have beencelebrations large and smallaround DeKalb County, es-pecially in Chambleeoneo the most ethnically di-

verse cities in the Southeast.Tey range rom an hour-long celebration or all agesat the library to a two-dayestival at the aipei Eco-nomic & Cultural Center.

Te library event was pre-sented the morning o Jan.25 in conjunction with theAsian Pacific American His-torical Society, and includedtraditional drumming, danc-ing, crafs and storytelling.

Tat evening, the Na-tional Association o Chi-nese-Americans-Atlantaheld a undraiser that drewa capacity crowd to theCanton House Restauranton Buord Highway. WithConsul General Xu Erwinasthe guest o honor andLisaBorders, chairwoman o theCoca-Cola Foundation, giv-ing the keynote address, theevent eatured remarks rom

by Andrew [email protected]

Accused o shakingdown county contractors,uspended DeKalb County

CEO Burrell Elliswas incourt Jan. 23-24 or a mo-ions hearing.

Supporters prayed withEllis beore the hearingand crowded into SuperiorCourt Judge Courtney

ohnsons courtroom wear-ng I support Burrell Ellis

buttons.Ellis must answer to

charges o bribery, perjuryand thef by extortion ina 14-count re-indictmenthanded down Jan. 16. Hewas originally indicted bya special grand jury in June2013. Te indictment con-aining 14 elonies came six

months afer Ellis homeand offi ce were searched bynvestigators rom the DAs

Offi ce as part o a special

grand jury investigation

into possible corruption atthe countys watershed de-partment. Afer the indict-ment, he was suspendedrom offi ce by Gov. NathanDealand replaced by in-terim CEO Lee May.

In one motion heard Jan.23, the state unsuccessully

attempted to prevent Jamesrom testiying in the case.

Craig Gillen, one oEllis attorneys, said theevidence would show thatat the time o the specialpurpose grand jury wasgranted by the court, theocus was...on watershedmanagement.

Te ocus was not onthe administration o CEOEllis but o the prior CEO,

Mr. Vernon Jones, Gillensaid. I expect the evidenceto show that when Mr.James personally took overcontrol and direction o thespecial purpose grand jurythat, without any basis or areason to be investigatingMr. Ellis or anything,Mr.James changed the ocus[and]directed that theocus be centered on Mr.Ellis.

James testified that thewatershed department in-

vestigation did not ocus

primarily on Jones; several

LOCAL, 10A

Business ........................16A

Classified .......................17A

Education .............. 14-15A

Sports...................... 18-20A

QUICK FINDER MENTORS ARETHE PROVERBIAL

VILLAGE

YOUNG

AFRICANS SING

AND DANCE

CLARKSTON HAS ITS

FIRST SOMALIAN

COUNCILMAN

LOCAL, 9ALOCAL, 2A

Entertainment from Line Chacha Dance is part of the evenings festivitiesat the National Association of Chinese Americans Banquet.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

2/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 2ALOCAL NEWS

Mentors are the proverbial villageby Andrew [email protected]

At first, Brandon Fountainwas not in direneed of extra mentorship.That was five years ago when his mother Mir-

amsigned him up for the mentorship programponsored the DeKalb chapter of the 100 Black

Men of America. Brandon was in the sixth gradeand his mother and stepfather were still together.

My mom saw [the program] as a great opportu-nity for me to get extra mentorship from business-men and civil service men, said Brandon, a juniora Marist High School.

Then his mother and stepfather split up.Thats where that mentorship really starts to

help so that you dont feel that lacking for a maleigure, because I have all these male figures backing

me up, Brandon said. There are certain roles thata father fills naturally, so with the lack of a father inhe household, you quickly might start to feel thatack. I dont feel that lack.

January is National Mentoring Month, a timeet aside in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public

Health and MENTOR: The National MentoringPartnership to focus national attention on the needor mentors.

Through the 100 Black Men of America, Bran-don has three mentors: Dr. Romeo Stockett, a re-ired Morehouse College professor; Lamont Hous-on, a retired electrical engineer for Georgia Power;

and Mae Jones, executive director of 100 BlackMen of DeKalb.

Brandon, who was recently named the 2013Mentee of the Year by the 100 Black Men of Ameri-

ca, meets with his mentors every other Tuesday.The mentors are always open to being emailed

and I can call them if I have some problems, Bran-don said. They will help you out almost wheneveryou have a need. If I need help with homework ona Thursday night, I can call or email. If I have apersonal problem, I can call or email and get a re-sponse back pretty quick.

If I want someone to help teach me to drive andmy mom is too nervous, thats one way and a greatexample of how they have been mentoring me late-ly, Brandon said. You know the saying, it takes a

village to raise a child, and I feel like for me theyredefinitely my village.

Without his mentors, Brandon said his life

would be completely different.Theyve provided for me so much inspiration

and motivation to do a lot of the things that I havedone, Brandon said. I dont know where I wouldbe without that source of inspiration.

With his inspiration, the 16-year-old is a mem-ber of the Marist broadcasting club, Mosaic Diver-sity Club and debate team. The Ellenwood residentcurrently has a 4.0 GPA and has maintained honorroll for 10 consecutive school years. Brandon, amember of New Life Church, plans to attend Stan-ford University and major in computer science andbecome a software engineer.

The greatest lesson he has learned from hismentors, Brandon said, is, Be open to advise frommy elders.

Always be open to advice and direction frommy mentors because even though I may not feel likeit, theyve been where Ive been before and theyvegone through what Ive experienced, he said.

National Mentoring Month

You know the saying, it takes a vil-lage to raise a child, and I feel like,for me, theyre definitely my village.

Brandon Fountain

Brandon Fountain is the 100 Black Men of AmericasMentee of the Year. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

3/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 3A

Lithonia chosen as EcoDistrictby Daniel [email protected]

The south DeKalb County city of Li-honia has been chosen by Sustainable

Atlanta as one of three metro Atlanta

communities to participate in its Eco-District initiative. The Atlanta UniversityCenter and the Lakewood Heights areawere also chosen.

Melonie Tharpe, Sustainable AtlantaEcoDistricts coordinator, said the goalof the EcoDistrict initiative is to evaluatehe assets within a community, com-

bined with planning processes alreadyn place, to develop a long-term plan foruccess and sustainability.

Its about a year of programmingand past that were going to get somefeedback from the community on someof those things might be a bit more long-erm, Tharpe said.

The EcoDistrict model, developedn Portland, Ore., was implemented in

midtown Atlanta in 2012 and other areasuch as Boston and Washington D.C.

According to a press release, the EcoDis-rict initiative is an economic develop-

ment strategy based on environmentaltewardship.

Tharpe said over the next year, Sus-ainable Atlanta will provide guidance

and assistance to participating com-munities. During the first year of theprogram, all three groups will receivecommunity-wide training to increasecivic engagement. Additionally, the pro-gramming will focus on such issues asand-use planning, local food produc-

ion and energy efficiency.We will be doing some communityprogramming and the communities willbe gathering at the end of February,Tharpe said.

Each of the three districts were toldhat they can bring 10 public officialsmportant representatives from the com-

munity, mayors, city council members.Mayor Deborah Jackson will be one ofhe 10 participating from Lithonia.

Were very excited about the op-portunity to participate because theres a

lot of talk about developing sustainablecommunities and this will give us theopportunity to figure out how to do thatand what it looks like, Jackson said.

Jackson said the EcoDistrict programlooks at communities holistically and

directly involved stakeholders in thosecommunities to participate in redevelop-ment.

The other 10 leaders from the Litho-nia community, Jackson said, will bebusiness owners, city council membersand other community stakeholders.Jackson said the group will also formcommittees and task forces to includemore residents in the planning process.

Jackson said Lithonia will build onthe initiatives the city already has inplace such as the result of its 10-yearLivable Centers Initiative (LCI) studyfrom the Atlanta Regional Commissionand its five-year plan.

Well look at infrastructure needsand how to get more community en-gagement for the long haul, Jacksonsaid. Its really a great opportunity tosee how to help develop a model forsmaller communities that are resourcechallenged.

Like Jackson, Sustainable AtlantaCommunications Director Scott Briskeysaid the EcoDistrict model builds onother types of sustainability models suchas Community Improvement Districts(CID).

The idea with the framework is, a lotof the times EcoDistrict is a stakeholderdriven model. In some instances thatmight be a CID or other community

groups that come together, Briskey said.Briskey said the EcoDistrict initiativeis unique because it doesnt reinvent thewheel.

It looks at what you have in the com-munity from a resource standpoint andthose plans would be included as thoseresources as well, Briskey said.

Each community has put forth asmall amount of funding for the projectbut, Tharpe said, the majority of the pro-gramming will be paid for by private andcorporate funding, donations and grants.

Dunwoody working to finishconstruction projectsDunwoody residents will see

a good deal of constructionaround the city as several proj-ects are currently in differentphases of active developmentand construction.

Construction on the Dun-woody Village Main Streetproject began in December2013 with work crews remov-ing a portion of the vegetationand trees from the parkwaymedian, according to city of-ficials.

According to city officials,the Main Street project ad-dresses the need for pedestrianimprovements on Dunwoody

Village Parkway, while devel-oping a sense of communityand encouraging growth ofsmall businesses. Te parkway,expected to be completed earlyJuly, will be converted to a two-lane street with wide sidewalks,on-street bicycle lanes andlandscape buffers.

Preparations for construc-tion are under way for Phase II

of the Brook Run Park multi-use trail. Phase II is 1.3 miles ofthe 12-foot-wide and 3.3-mileconcrete trail which is behindthe playground and skate parkinside Brook Run Park. Tecity anticipates the new seg-ment will be completed bysummer of 2014.

When future phases arecompleted, the Brook Run railwill run from Brook Run Parkto Chamblee Dunwoody Roadand will cover 3.3 total miles.

City officials expect primarysections of the new George-town Park to be completed bythe end of February. Te sec-

tions include the central parksquare, pavilion area, childrensplayground and adjacent bath-room facilities. Te adjoiningconcrete path, adjacent to thecentral park square, is also nearcompletion and will connect tothe Dunwoody railway multi-use trail to create a 3.3-miletrail way.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

4/20

ONE MANS OPINION

A changing of the guard

Progress is a nice word. Butchange is its motivator. And changehas its enemies.Robert F.Ken-nedy(1925-1968), Kennedy admin-stration attorney general, U.S. Sena-or and presidential candidate at theime o his assassination in 1968.

Few institutions place greatervalue on seniority and tenure than

egislative bodies. hese customsdate back to the days o the RomanSenate.

As regular ollowers o the doingsunder the Gold Dome remember,ast year order was restored in the

State Senate, ollowing the restora-ion o many o the powers, granted

by tradition, but not by statute orhe Georgia Constitution, to theieutenant governor.

But it was coming changes un-der a dierent dome that began thecurrent low o dominoes here.Georgias senior U.S. Senator SaxbyChambliss announced early that

he will not seek re-election in2014. hree members o GeorgiasHouse delegation, including itsmost senior member, Congressmanack Kingston(District 1, Savan-

nah), are leaving behind the rea-onably sae seats they now hold, toeek membership in what remains

perhaps the worlds most exclusiveclub, the U.S. Senate.

And while this congressionalrio also has plenty o competition

or that honor, their seats, in the1st, 10th and 11th Districts, arenow ripe or the picking by an am-bitious state legislatoror two.

wo GOP House caucus leaders

approached this same challenge indierent ways. Former House GOPCaucus Chair Rep. Donna SheldonR-Suwanee) resigned her post to

allow her to ocus on the race orGeorgias 10th Congressional Dis-rict. Sheldons longtime colleague

Rep. Ed Lindsey(R-Atlanta) lethis position as majority whip, butretained his state house seat, whileseeking the 11th CongressionalDistrict GOP nomination. he dis-tinction in paths, however, betweenthe choices made by Sheldon andLindsey is not a small one.

Georgia law prohibits legislatorsas well as constitutional oicersrom undraising during the legisla-tive session. hat prohibition doesnot extend to challengers and candi-dates not holding oice. In addition,in response to direction rom theederal courts, one o the irst itemso business o this years General As-sembly has been to set a new dateor the General Primary Election touesday, May 20, 2014.

he General Assembly is thusexpected to complete its work innear record time, exiting bothchambers prior to St. Patricks Day,Monday, March 17, and leaving onlynine uesdays until Election Day,with early voting beginning as earlyas April 28. Prior to this year, candi-dates were typically qualiying thatthird week o April, ollowing thewrap o the legislative session.

While House Speaker DavidRalston (R-Blue Ridge), Speaker

Pro em Rep.Jan Jones(R-Milton)and Majority Leader Rep. LarryONeal (R-Bonaire), all remain thesame,down the leadership chain allthe other players are new to their

jobs, excluding Caucus Secretary/reasurer Rep. Allen Peake(R-Macon). Listing all changes in com-mittee leadership and assignments,which requires 41 pages to print,would consume this entire column.

A little change can be a goodthing, but back to the smooth lowo legislative bodies, it can also gumup the works. Remember only a ewyearsagothe dysunctional deathmarch o the ormer leadershipteam in the state house, helmed by adeeply lawed speaker, or the whoson irst and whos in charge ques-

tions that plagued the State Senateollowing a later coup by some lessthan happy senior members o thatchamber.

As the Georgia GOP numericallydominates both chambers, therehave been ewer changes on theDemocratic side o the aisle, wherethe bench strength is viewed as abit on the light sideand yet, StateSenator Jason Carter(D-Atlanta) isleaving behind his sae seat and ris-ing starstatus there or a grab at the

brass ring and potentially the gover-nors mansion.

Dont kid yoursel to think thatthis shorter and more concentratedsession, undraising prohibitionsand candidates being somewhat tiedto the legislative calendar, versuscampaigning and traveling acrosstheir respective districts, will notimpact the normal low o the al-ready convoluted legislative process.

here will be a roughly $20 bil-lion budget, and Georgias teach-ers will likely receive a convenientelection year pay raise, but dontexpect the 261 House bills signedby the governor, or the 71 Sen-ate bills signed into law o lastyear. Hmmmmaybe thats not abad thing.

Bill Crane also serves as a po-litical analyst and commentator forChannel 2s Action News, WSB-AM

News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, aswell as a columnist forThe Cham-

pion, Champion Free Press andGeorgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalbnative and business owner, livingin Scottdale. You can reach him orcomment on a column at [email protected].

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 4AOPINION

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

REDUCE REUSE

RECYCLE REDUCE REUSE

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

5/20

Let Us Know What You Think!

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESSencourages opinions fromits readers. Please write to us and express your views. Lettersshould be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name,address and telephone number for verification. All letters willbe considered for publication.

Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347,Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to [email protected] To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior topublication date.

EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editorsdo not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Pub-lisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. ThePublisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: John Hewitt

Chief Finan cial Offi cer Dr. Earl D. Glenn

Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell

News Editor: Andrew Cauthen

Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt

Photographer: Travis Hudgons

The Champion Free Press is published each

Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc.,

114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030

Phone (404) 373-7779.

www.championnewspaper.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110

FREEPRESS

STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding thisand any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Championwas founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum fordiscourse for allcommunity residents on all sides of anissue. We have no desire to make the news only to reportnews and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry thatwill ultimately move our community forward. We are happyto present ideas for discussion; however, we make everyeffort to avoid printing information submitted to us that isknown to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.

Printed on 100%post-consumerrecycled paper

Te other day I was driving atnight along an unlit portion oRedan Road. Suddenly my head-ights picked up a pair o moving

white sneakers. Just the sneakersIcould not see anything else, at first.As I drove by the walking sneak-ers, I could just barely detect, in theaint background light, a Black man,

dressed in black pants and a blackcoat.

Scenes such as this one happenar too ofen in DeKalb County

and around the state as pedestrians

and bicyclists alike ignore commonense rules and do not dress appro-priately or dark conditions.

I remember as a kid being taughtn school to always wear light col-

ored and reflective clothing or back-packs to be seen by drivers.

Now the Governors Offi ce oHighway Saety (GOHS) is remind-ing walkers and riders to wear re-flective gear when its dark.

According to state statistics, therewere 132 pedestrian atalities inGeorgia in 2012.

Tat accounts or 11 percento all traffi c deaths, according toa news release rom the governorsoffi ce. While that number is belowthe national average o 14 percent,it still accounts or ar too manydeaths, the majority o which arehappening at night. In 2011, 70 per-cent o all nationwide pedestrianatalities happened at night, with32 percent happening between 8p.m. and midnight and 24 percenthappening between midnight and 4

a.m.Georgia has a new rule o thumbor cyclists and pedestrians: Getglowing.

Wearing reflective clothes, espe-

cially now when the days are shorter,is an easy way to keep yoursel

visible, said GOHS Director Har-ris Blackwood, in a news release.Walking, jogging or riding yourbike is a great way to get exercise aswell as being a necessity or manypeople getting to and rom work.But we want to make sure peopleare being sae as pedestrians and cy-clists. Tis is the darkest time o yearso its essential that you wear brightclothes and reflective gear to staysae on our roads.

Te Governors Offi ce o High-way Saety offers several tips to keepdrivers, pedestrians and cyclists sae.

Pedestrians should walk on asidewalk whenever available; walkacing traffi c i no sidewalk is avail-able; cross at crosswalks or crossroads in a well-lit area i no cross-

walk is available; make eye contactwith drivers as they approach; andwear reflective materials. Pedes-trians should not use cellphones,earphones or other electronic de-

vices while walking.Cyclists should ride on the road,

according to GOHS. Remember,bikes are not people. People walk onsidewalks. Vehicles, including bikes,should be on the road. I sidewalkswere meant or bikes, they would becalled siderides. And when ridingon the road, cyclists should obey alltraffi c laws. Drivers cannot read theminds o cyclists and can only as-sume cyclists are ollowing the rules.Cyclists should also use ront andrear lights i riding in low light or atnight; signal your intentions; and, ocourse, get glowing.

Motorists must look or pedes-trians and cyclists everywhere; beprepared to stop when approachinga crosswalk; never pass vehicles at acrosswalk; and rerain rom tailgat-ing a cyclist. According to state law,

motorists must give cyclists threeeet o passing space.Be sae and get glowing, DeKalb.

Andrew [email protected]

News Editor

Get glowing!THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 5AOPINION

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

6/20


COMMUNITY

If you would like to nominate someone

to be considered as a future Champion

of the Week, please contact Kathy

Mitchell at [email protected] or

at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.

JULIE CHILDS

ChampionoftheWeek

Decatur commission delays tree ordinance vote

DeKalb History Center tohonor women in media

The DeKalb History Center will host itseventh annual Black History Month Cel-bration by honoring five women for their

accomplishments in media and journal-sm. Awards will be presented toRashan

Ali, Streetz 94.5 FM personality;JenniferFfrench-Parker, editor and publisher ofCrossRoadsNews;Karyn Greer, 11Alive an-chorwoman; Steen Miles, former state sena-or, 11Alive anchorwoman and columnistor The Champion Newspaper; andValerie. Morgan, editor-in-chief of On Common

Ground.The presenting sponsor for thisvent is The Champion Newspaper.

Carolyn Glenn, publisher of The Cham-pion Newspaper, will serve as mistress of cer-monies for the event and entertainment will

be provided by Agnes Scott senior CarlisaN. Johnson. The celebration will take placeat the historic DeKalb County Courthousen Decatur on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m.

and includes a seated luncheon and enter-ainment.

Tickets are required and seating is lim-ted. The cost is $30 for members and $35or non-members and sponsorships are still

available.Melissa Forgey, executive director of

he DeKalb History Center, said, This isalways an exciting event where we recognizeust some of our current African-Americaneaders who are impacting our local history.

Please join us in celebrating five womenwho are leaving an enduring legacy for ourcounty.

For more information, call (404) 373-1088, extension 22, or visit www.dekalbhis-tory.org.

Areas in Decatur, Lithonianominated for NationalRegister of Historic Places

Three areas of DeKalb County been nom-inated for the National Register of HistoricPlaces.

Two of the areas are in the city of Decatur.One proposed district is the Ponce de Leon

Terrace-Ponce de Leon Heights-ClairmontEstates Historic District, roughly bounded byClairmont Avenue, Scott Boulevard, Poncede Leon Place, and Ponce de Leon Avenue/Nelson Ferry Road.

The other proposed district in Decaturis roughly bounded by Sycamore Street onthe south, Decatur Cemetery on the west,Forkner Drive on the north, and SycamoreDrive on the east.

A third area is the entire city of Lithonia.The proposed historic districts will be

considered by the Georgia National RegisterReview Board for nomination to the Nation-al Register of Historic Places at its meetingon Feb. 28.

Listing in the National Register will giveareas consideration in planning for Federal,federally licensed, and federally assistedprojects; eligibility for Federal tax provisions;eligibility for Federal grants-in-aid.

NEWS BRIEFS

In 1988, when the Ju-nior League of DeKalbCounty needed some of itsmembers to study how toset up a rape crisis center,Julie Childswas one ofthe members appointed tobe on the committee. TheRape Crisis Center openedin 1989 and Childs is stillan active supporter.

Childs, 63, said she hasnever experienced rape

but she feels that societyneeds to be aware of thishorrific crime and ad-dress it.

Twenty-five years ago,it was so often the victimwas treated as the badperson, said the Decaturresident. Part of whatwe want to accomplish isthat people understandthat nobody ask to beraped. There needs to besomeone to speak to thevictims.

Childs said one of thereasons she got involvedwith the committee wasbecause she and othermembers of the committee knew there was a needfor services in DeKalbCounty for sexual assaultvictims. She said part ofthe concern was that vic-tims from DeKalb weretaken to Grady Hospital.

One of our goals wasfor the victims to go im-mediately to DeKalb Med-ical Center and be treatedthere, which would be soconvenient to everybody,

she said. Back then, itwas just this recognitionthat there are no servicesavailable, certainly not forfree in the county.

Since founding the cri-sis center, Childs said sheis starting to see a change

in the mindset of peopleabout rape and rape vic-tims.

But there is still a lotof [negative thoughts] outthere, she said. I wishI had a magic potion orsomething that wouldchange peoples attitude. Ithink its just education.

Childs main role at thecenter now is chairing theannual Night in GoodTaste Silent Auction.

She has chaired theevent for the past fouryears. The event raisesfunds to support theprograms and servicesof DeKalb Rape CrisisCenter, such as individualcounseling, teen supportgroups, and outreach andeducation programs inschools.

Along with her volun-teer work at the center,Childs also chairs theboard of Breakthru House,a free residential treat-

ment program for womenrecovering from drug andalcohol addiction. She isalso on the DeKalb Medi-cal Foundation board anddoes volunteer work withher church, Decatur FirstUnited Methodist Church.

by Carla [email protected]

he Decatur City Commission voted Jan.21 to delay voting on a tree ordinance pro-posal until March.

he commission voted 4-1 to postpone

he vote and requested city staff to reviseportions of the proposed regulations that af-fect individual property owners. Mayor JimBaskettwas the only one against delayinghe vote.

Commissioners also voted unanimouslyo hire a full-time city arborist.

Changes were made to the proposed or-dinance due to responses from the public.At the meeting, the commission approvedan amendment that would reduce the resi-dential canopy coverage from 55 percento 50 percent, and reduce the cost for treeemoval from $1.50 per square foot to 75

cents per square foot.We have seen a serious decline in our

ree canopy, Baskett said before the vote.

We havent measured it since 2010, so theres a reason to look at it very hard.

Some residents said the added changecould jeopardize the overall ordinance.

Questions were raised at the meetingfrom the public about the tree ordinancefrom proponents and opponents. he res-ervations from supporters of the ordinancewere what led District 1 CommissionerScott Draketo decide to delay the vote.

We started something fast and weve

heard tonight that we need more time,Drake said. When you hear many com-ments about it I think we need to listen andtake that into consideration.

If we dont have good support for this,enforcement will be a nightmare, District2 Commissioner Patti Garrettsaid. here

are parts of it that I really like, but thereare other parts that I want to make sure wetweak.

In October, the Decatur City Commis-sion passed a 90-day moratorium on re-moving healthy trees on private property tostudy the effects of tree removal. here wasalso a proposed 90-day moratorium on thedemolition of single-family homes that didnot pass.

Decaturs first tree ordinance was passedin 1989 and amended in 1999. In 2008, anew tree ordinance was introduced andamended last year.

According to the city officials, the rea-sons for updating the tree ordinance are tostudy the citys aging tree population and

the urban/human impacts to soil and treesand development of new best practices fortree conservation. here are also concernsthat the majority of Decaturs tree canopy ison private property.

Officials have recommended that thecity set goals to increase its tree canopy,focus on placing trees where their functionis maximized and require compliance withstandards for soil quality, planting, pruning,mulching and watering.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

7/20


COMMUNITY

ATLANTA

Civil rights icon places papersat Emory University

Civil rights leader the Rev. C.T.Vivian, who worked alongsideDr. Martin Luther King Jr. in theSouthern Christian LeadershipConference (SCLC), is placing aportion of his and his late wifespapers with the Manuscript,Archives, and Rare Book LibraryMARBL) at Emory University.

Emory officials made theannouncement at a speech Viviangave on campus Jan. 21 as part ofEmorys King Week celebration.

Its one of the most significantadditions to our African American

and civil rights material, and agreat opportunity for students andcholars to appreciate a life so fullyived by someone who made suchmportant contributions to the

world, MARBL director RosemaryMagee said. In addition, it furtherestablishes Emory as a place thatecognizes the history of our own

era, and helps us understand howwe arrived where we are today andprojects these values into the future.

he collection includes anumber of papers from OctaviaGeans Vivian(1928-2011), whoupported her husbands work withhe SCLC and was instrumental inhe local Civil Rights Movement.

She also wrote Coretta, a biographyof Coretta Scott King, originallypublished in 1970 and revised withadditional material in 2006 afterMrs. Kings death.

he Vivians papers containbinders of notes and articlespertaining to civil rights activitiesand issues, C..s essays and SCLCwork, Octavias work onCoretta,congressional materials relatedo the creation of Martin Luther

King Jr. Day as a holiday, as wellas periodicals, programs fromKing Day celebrations across the

country, C..s outlines for speeches,ncluding notes he jotted on napkinsand event programs, and otherephemera.

BROOKHAVEN

Sidewalk construction begins onAshford Dunwoody Road

Brookhaven crews began con-truction of a new sidewalk on Ash-ord Dunwoody Road.

he new 570-foot sidewalk willtretch from Stratfield Drive to

Humility Lane and connect to theexisting sidewalk along the west sideof the street. Crews plan to workduring the daytime hours, avoidingpeak rush hour traffic. Motorists

should expect partial lane closuresand traffic delays between the hoursof 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Construction isexpected to take several weeks de-pending on weather conditions.

CHAMBLEE

Atlanta Chinatown Mall holdsChinese New Year celebration

In celebration of the Year of theHorse, the Atlanta Chinatown Mallwill hold a Chinese New Year eventFeb. 1-2.

he mall, located at 5379 NewPeachtree Road in Chamblee, willhost an event Feb. 1, consisting of alion dance celebration at 2 p.m. heFeb. 2 event, from 1-4 p.m. will in-

clude a lion dance and musical andcultural performances.he event will also feature lo-

cal cuisine and arts and crafts. Formore information call (770) 548-6660 or visit www.atlantachinatown.com.

CLARKSTON

Library to host craft class

Crafters can hand craft their owngreeting cards at the hand-craftedgreeting card class Feb. 1 at theClarkston Library. Mary P. Rice

will teach the 12-2 p.m. class andthe class is limited to eight people.Clarkston Library is located at 951N. Indian Creek Drive. o register,call 404-508-7175.

DECATUR

Author to discuss book onLincolns legacy

he Decatur Library will hostauthor John ZeitzFeb. 4 at 7:15p.m. Zeitz will talk about his new

book Lincolns Boys: John Hay, JohnNicolay and The War for LincolnsImage. Zeitz contends that Abra-ham Lincolns legacy and thenarrative that slaverynot statesrightswas the sole cause of theCivil War come largely from a biog-raphy written by John Hay, Lincolnsprivate secretary, and John Nicolay,Lincolns assistant private secretary.he image of an humble man withan uncommon intellect who rosefrom obscurity to become a storiedwartime leader and emancipatoris very much their creation, statesan announcement from the library.Drawing on letters, diaries andmemoirs, Zeitz gives us a fascinat-ing story of friendship, politics, warand the contest over history andremembrance. he Decatur Libraryis located at 215 Sycamore Street,

Decatur. For more information, call(404) 370-3070.

Commissioner to hold budgetinformation meetings

DeKalb County CommissionerLarryJohnsonwill hold two publicinformation meetings on the coun-tys 2014 budget.

A presentation of the budgetwith an opportunity for residents toask questions will be a part of theagenda for the public informationmeeting.

he meetings will be uesday,Feb. 4, 7 p.m., at the Porter SanfordPerforming Arts and CommunityCenter, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Deca-tur; and Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.,

at the Love Life Christian FellowshipChurch, 3980 Panthersville Road,Ellenwood.

For more information contactJohnsons office at (404) 371-2988.

DUNWOODY

City appoints new communitydevelopment director

he City of Dunwoody on Jan.23announced the appointment ofSteve Footeas the citys new com-munity development director. Footecomes to Dunwoody from the Mt.Juliet, enn., where he served as thatcitys planning director since 2009.

A member of the American Insti-tute of Certified Planners, Foote hasmore than 27 years of experiencewith local government planning andcommunity development.

Steves ability to engage with thecommunity and his breadth of ex-perience in the field of communityplanning will provide the citizens ofDunwoody with a knowledgeableand passionate community devel-opment leader, said City ManagerWarren Hutmacher. Steve has

demonstrated success and inno-vation throughout his career. Imconfident well find Steve to be atremendous asset to Dunwoodysfuture efforts to maintain stable resi-dential neighborhoods and promotequality growth and development inour commercial areas.

LITHONIA

Library to host youth scienceactivity

he Stonecrest Library is hostinga Mad Scientists Club session foryouth ages 10 through 12 Saturday,Feb. 8, 23:30 p.m. he sessionincludes hands on activities anddemonstrations that explore sciencein everyday life. It is open to the first

15 participants. Funding providedby the Friends of the Stonecrest Li-brary. o register or for more infor-mation, visit the branch or call (770)482-3828. he Stonecrest Library

is located at 3123 Klondike Road,Lithonia.

STONE

MOUNTAIN

Smoke Rise Community group tohold electronics recycling event

he Smoke Rise Community As-sociationis providing the commu-nity an environmentally sound op-tion to dispose of electronic waste.On Saturday, Feb. 8,between 10 a.m.

and 2 p.m., the Smoke Rise Com-munity Associationwill be teamingup with IMS Electronics to acceptunwanted home computers andelectronics. his event is opento thepublicresidents and businesses.

Most home electronics, includingcomputers, televisions, monitors,printers, fax machines, small house-hold appliances, cell phones, will beaccepted freeof charge.

CR devices such as televisionsand monitors will also be accepted;however, there will be a $5 chargefor each CR monitor, $10 chargefor each CR television and $30

charge for each large projection orwooden console and plasma televi-sion because of the cost to recyclethese devices. Materials that will notbe accepted include items contain-ing biohazards, hazardous waste,Freon, or liquids of any type, smokedetectors or radioactive materials.

For the complete list, visit www.imselectronics.com/electronics-recycling/accepted-materials/.

IMS Electronics will have trucksand personnel in the parking lot ofthe Smoke RiseCommunity Asso-ciation, 1991 Silver Hill Road, StoneMountain.

Corporations or businesses that

would like to participate in thisevent should contact IMS Electron-ics Business Development Repre-sentative Teresa Williamsat (770)776-4210 or [email protected].

AROUNDDEKALB

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

8/20


Restaurant Health InspectionsEstablishment Name: Main Moon Chinese RestaurantAddress: 4418 Hugh Howell Road, Suite B-2Current Score/Grade: 70/CInspecon Date: 01/21/2014

Establishment Name: Carnival GroceryAddress: 5616 Redan Road, Suite DCurrent Score/Grade: 92/A

Inspecon Date: 01/21/2014

Establishment Name: Best China RestaurantAddress: 5260 Memorial Drive Ste 1205-ACurrent Score/Grade: 85/BInspecon Date: 01/21/2014

Hot-held potenally hazardous foods (rice-124F) not main-tained above 135F; no me controls/documentaon in place. Ad-vised to maintain potenally hazardous foods at 135F or above.PIC reheated rice to 166F. Corrected onsite. New Violaon.

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potenally hazardous food pre-pared and held in the establishment for more than 24 hours notclearly marked to indicate the date by which the food must beconsumed, sold, or discarded.

Observed mulple containers of cooked chicken and porkwiout dates. PIC said they were cooked on the 1/16, 1/18 and1/19. Advised to date mark within 24 hours. Repeat Violaon.

Establishment Name: Mahews CafeteriaAddress: 2299 Main Street

Current Score/Grade: 86/BInspecon Date: 01/21/2014

Establishment Name: Old Brick Pit BarbequeAddress: 4805 Peachtree RoadCurrent Score/Grade: 88/BInspecon Date: 01/21/2014

Establishment Name: Wae House #1600Address: 2255 Panola RoadCurrent Score/Grade: 88/BInspecon Date: 01/22/2014

Establishment Name: Magic WokAddress: 4857 Memorial DriveCurrent Score/Grade: 80/BInspecon Date: 01/22/2014

Establishment Name: Wendys Pilot Travel Center 331Address: 2605 Bouldercrest RoadCurrent Score/Grade: 87/BInspecon Date: 01/22/2014

Cooked potenally hazardous foods not cooled from 135F to41F within a total of 6 hours.

Observed beef burgers in walk-in cooler, cooling at 46F. PICsaid they were placed in cooler last night for cooling and had notbeen removed from cooler.

Advised the beef burgers have to cool down to 41F or belowwithin 6 hours.

Advised to discard beef burgers. PIC removed for discarding.Corrected On-Site. New Violaon.

Employee not using an eecve means of restraint for hair,beard, or mustache longer than inch.

Observed PIC and cook not using eecve means to restrainhair longer than 2 inches. Advised to restrain hair. New Violaon.Raw fruits and vegetables being washed in a sink not intended forwashing fruits and vegetables.

Observed food debris (sliced tomatoes) inside 3 compartmentsink.

Advised tomatoes cannot be prepared at 3 compartment sinkor any other vegetables.Advised to prepare at vegetable sink. New violaon. Food ser-

vice permit not posted prominently at all mes in a locaon ap -proved by the Health Department.

Advised to post food permit. New violaon. Plumbing systemnot maintained in good repair.

Observed no water available at vegetable sink. PIC said itstopped working when the pipes burst 2 weeks ago.

Advised to repair by the end of the week. New violaon.

Establishment Name:Longhorn Steaks - TuckerAddress: 4315 Hugh Howell RoadCurrent Score/Grade: 84/BInspecon Date: 01/22/2014

Observed food handling employee chewing gum while prep-ping food on serving line. Corrected employee to discard gum. In-formed PIC that chewing gum or consuming food while handling/prepping customer food is not allowed. Employee not using aneecve means of restraint for hair, beard, or mustache longer

than inch. Informed PIC that regardless of job posion, a hairrestraint is required for all loose hair when handling food.

by Daniel [email protected]

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee Maymet with local legislators Jan. 27 to discusshe countys legislative priorities for 2014;

among them are cityhood, annexation andestructuring the countys government.

May said each of the agenda items on theist had been passed by the DeKalb County

Board of Commissioners.Everything that is in our legislative

package for this year has been either pre-

ented by me or presented by a commis-ioner and also has been duly voted upon byhe board in the affirmative as part of ouregislative package, May said.

Additionally, May said, there are severaltems on the agenda that were carried over

from last year.At the top of the agenda items is a call for

egislators to enact a one-year pause on thecreation of new municipalities, townshipsand other forms of government, as well asannexation.

Originally introduced as a three-yearmoratorium, May said he and the board ofcommissioners agreed on lessening the timeo one year and changing the language of

he resolution.I really believe that the future of ourcounty lies on the foundation of dialogue,May said. I am in support of a communitysight to incorporate if they so choose but I

do believe it ought to be a more balancedand fair approach where the county is con-cerned.

Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sut-on said the residents on the fringes of the

borders of new cities are being affected byncorporation but dont have a say in the

outcome.hats not fair to them, Sutton said. I

hink thats something we need to keep inmind and something we need to act on.

Rep. Karla Drenner said she understand

he countys positition regarding cityhoodand annexation but told May that it seemsike the train has already left the station.

Drenner also asked why current citieswouldnt be allowed to annex properties.

I also want to know, if in fact this mora-torium does not hold, why would our exist-ing cities not be allowed to annex in proper-ties, Drenner asked.

Sometimes annexation makes sense,if there are geographical boundaries thatround out a city that makes sense, Maysaid, but the same issues that we have beenhaving with the proposed cities are reflec-tive of how weve dealt with annexation aswell.

May listed several ways that newly incor-porated cities have had a negative impact

on the county including loss of revenue forcapital projects, problems with the countyspension fund and issues with proposed cit-ies fighting for large commercial propertiesto increase their tax base.

We are holding millions of dollars ofpension liability that we have to shoulderourselves and the newly formed cities dont,May said. Each year we learn of more andmore affects that newly-incorporated areashave on the county.

Recently, the board of commissionersvoted in favor of a resolution requesting theGeneral Assembly to form a charter com-mission to study the governance structureof the county. Currently, power is shared

between the CEO and the board of com-missioners. May has said in the past that hesupports a change in government.

Since being appointed interim CEO byGov. Nathan Deal last year after then CEOBurrell Ellis was suspended, May said hehas heard from residents that they wantbetter outcomes from their county govern-ment.

We want the form that will help us yielda better outcome. Im in support of a changein the form of governmentwe need to puta process in place to allow people to discussour current governance structure, Maysaid.

Other areas on the countys legislativeagenda are amending the countys purchas-

ing policies to allow for more transparencyand implementing a study committee toaddress issues related to the HomesteadOptional Sales ax used for capital improve-ment projects.

Cityhood, annexation on top of

countys 2014 legislative agenda

DeKalb County legislators met with members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and Interim CEOee May Jan. 27 to discuss the countys legislative requests for 2014.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

9/20


by Daniel [email protected]

Ahmed Hassan, the firstSomali-born city councilmember in Clarkston, saidhe wants to make it a betterplace to live for everybodymmigrants and residents

alike.Basically, at this stage

m not a politician; Im justan accountant, Hassan said.Im here for everybody, im-

migrants and alike, becausewe have to answer to every-body.

Hassan moved toClarkston from New York in

987 after graduating fromNew York University. Heand his wife wanted to moveo a city where the cost ofiving was cheaper.

I was paying $2,500 fora two bedroom and heret was just like $300, Has-an said. I moved here andtarted working for Wacho-

via Bank and went to gradu-ate school at Mercer Uni-versity and one thing led toanother and Ive been hereever since.

When Hassan movedo Clarkston he was one ofhe first immigrants to liven the area. Later, when the

United States governmentdentified Clarkston as a

efugee resettlement area,Hassan said he wanted tohelp newcomers.

o make them feel athome I established the firstestaurant, grocery, musictore, clothing store andravel agencyyou nameteverything they neededo the community never felt

out of place when they camehere, Hassan said.

Hassan also began vol-unteering to help newlyelocated refugees and im-

migrants acclimate to theworkings of the citys gov-

ernment.No matter what ethnic

background they are in, theycome here, Hassan said, ofhis office located off Northndian Creek Drive. I end-

ed up being a volunteer foreverything and then I begano get to know the commu-

nity.Hassan said the more he

got to know the communityof Clarkston, the more heealized there is a missinginka crisis in the small

city which encompasses a

ittle more than one squaremile.Ninety percent of the

people live outside the citylimits but all of their dailylives are affected by the cityof Clarkston, Hassan said.

Much like Clarkston City

Manager Keith Barker andnewly elected Mayor TedTerry, Hassan said the cityneeds to annex certain areasto increase the tax base andbring the community closertogether.

We need to bring thisethnic community togetherand show them that this istheir city; they live in thiscity and they have to be in-

volved, Hassan said.Hassan believes that for

the city to be financially vi-able and sustainable in thelong term it must increaseits tax base by incorporatingmany residents who alreadyreceive city services.

Im part of all these dif-ferent communities and Ican explain to them whatannexation is going to dofor them better than anyoneelse, Hassan said. Its a bigtask that Im taking on butthats why I want to inde-pendently talk to every com-munity, sit down with theirleaders and explain to theprivate sector.

Another issue is

Clarkston High School,which is currently outsidethe citys boundaries. o

spur economic developmentand encourage businesses torelocate to Clarkston, Has-san said the school needsimprovement. It is a low-

performing DeKalb Countyschool and Hassan said, itposes unique difficulties foradministrators and teach-ers because approximately50 different languages arespoken by students at theschool.

hey have to under-stand the people and thestudents that theyre dealingwith and the immigrantsthemselves need education;they have to understand thatthey have a responsibility;they need to participate inthe PA. here has got to besome sort of understandingand mutual learning, Has-san said.

However, until the citycan successfully annex thearea surrounding the highschool, Hassan said, leaderscan only petition school dis-trict officials to take noticeof the issues.

According to Hassan, 84percent of the businessesin the city of Clarkston areowned by immigrants. Healso said there needs to be a

viable downtown center that

will help spur economic de-velopment.he best thing is to at-

tract businesses and educatethe current businesses toimprove the way they dobusinessthats part of de-

velopment. Its going to be

difficult in a way but we arerevising the zoning and codeordinance, Hassan said.

Clarkston officials hopeto persuade members of theDeKalb County delegationof the General Assembly topresent a bill this sessionthat would allow Clarkston

residents to vote on an-nexation. Barker said thatprocess is ongoing. he cityis also competing with otherproposed cities that border

Clarkstons boundaries.Annexation is the key.You want economic devel-opment? hen let the city gobeyond its limits.heyremissing revenue; and withannexations, the projectedworkforce is going to dou-ble, Hassan said.

Somali-born councilman talks initiatives, annexation in Clarkston

Old House Fair

Newly elected Clarkston City Councilman Ahmed Hassan is the citys rst Somali-born elected ofcial. Photo by Travis Hudgons

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

10/20


The YoungAfricans

he Young Africans, a group of sing-ers, musicians and dancers who wereonce members of the world-renownedAfrican Childrens Choir, delighted apacked house Jan. 24 at Grace Presby-erian Church, located at 650 Rowland

Road, Stone Mountain.he performers, all in their early 20s,

performed various cultural elementsrom their countries of Kenya and

Uganda with a stomp-inspired danceas well as highlighting unique Africannstruments. For its finale, the Young

Africans were joined on stage by theStephenson High School gospel choir.

he African Childrens Choir tourshe world to raise awareness of the need

of destitute and orphaned children inAfrica and to raise funds for its variousprojects. In the past 29 years, the choirhas raised funds to educate more than50,000 children and has helped morehan 100,000 children through variouselief and education projects.

Stone Mountain was the only Geor-gia stop for the Young Africans as thegroup tours the United States this year.

The Stephenson High School gospel choir joined the Young Africans for one song. Photos by Corinthia Zimmerman

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

11/20


Once-a-week trash pick-up coming

Searching for Our Sons and Daughters:

For a programming guide, visit www.yourdekalb.com/dctvNow showing on DCTV!

Finding DeKalb Countys Missing

Stories of our missing residents offer profoundinsights and hope for a positive reunion.

DCTV Your Emmy Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23.

Photos brought to you by DCTV

WEEKPICTURESIn

ithonia wrestling coach Patrick Ryan and the Lithonia varsity wrestling team pose withhe rst place trophy after winning the Last Man Standing Tournament Jan. 25. Photo

provided by Patrick Ryan

Chamblee Charter High School cheerleaders perform in the schools new gym before theschools ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 22. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Volunteers for Community Bucket help out at Medshare in Decatur on Martin Luther King Day.Photo by Anna Akpele

onstruction of the Yates Campus facility of the Charles R. Drew Charter Schools SeniorAcademy is well under way in the East Lake area. Upon completion, it will serve 1,000unior and senior academy students, bringing Drews total student population to almost,000 by the 2022-2023 school year. Photo by Kathy Mitchell

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

12/20


Dunwoody earned goldevel certification from the

Atlanta Regional Commis-ions Green Communitiesrogram for the citys out-tanding sustainable effortsnd activities. he regionalecognition demonstrates

Dunwoodys commitmentnd resolve to sustainable

ractices ranging from en-rgy efficiency and greenuilding to transportationnd water efficiency, accord-ng to ARCs.

A previous recipient ofhe silver level certificationn 2011, Dunwoody earnedhe gold level green commu-ity certification after imple-

menting sustainable policiesnd practices, which carrygreater reach and overall

mpact.he ARCs Green Com-

munities Program, devel-ped as a way to assist localovernments in reducingheir overall environmentalmpact, is a voluntary certi-ication program for juris-ictions in the 10-county

Atlanta Region to encour-age local governments tobecome more sustainable.ARCs Green Communitiesprogram is the first programin the country that seeksto transform a region bypromoting sustainabilitythrough a green certifica-tion program for local gov-

ernments.By earning gold levelcertification, Dunwoodyleads the way to creating amore sustainable region byreducing our overall envi-ronmental footprint, saidDunwoody Mayor MichaelG. Davis. his distin-guished acknowledgment re-iterates the citys dedicationto being a meaningful placeto live and conduct business,which also promotes a great-er quality of life for all.

he Green Communi-ties certification is based onhow well local governmentsimplement and carry outsustainable practices andpolicies across 10 categories:green building, energy ef-

ficiency, green power, wateruse reduction and efficiency,trees and greenspace, trans-portation, recycling andwaste reduction, and landuse: education and innova-tion. Depending on thelevel of difficulty and overall

impact, local governmentscan earn points to receiveone of three certificationlevelsbronze, silver or gold.

he ARC is pleased torecognize the city of Dun-woody as one of its leadinggreen communities, said

ARC Chairman Kerry Arm-strong. Dunwoody is oneof many cities in the regionfocused on sustainabilityfrom an economic, socialand environmental perspec-tive.

County establishesVacant Property Registryby Carla [email protected]

Many neighborhoods in

DeKalb County are dealingwith vacant homes that arebringing down the qual-ty of the neighborhood. To

address that issue DeKalbCounty has established aVacant Property Registry Or-dinance.

The registry is designed toprotect neighborhoods fromhe lack of adequate mainte-

nance and security of vacantproperties. In 2010, thecounty created a foreclosureegistry to protect neighbor-

hoods, but residents wanted

omething that would ad-dress vacant homes.At the time we didnt

have a solution [for vacanthomes] because there wasno clear definition on whatconstitutes a vacancy, saidTonza Clark, DeKalbs fore-closure registry manager.Last year the state legisla-or instituted a foreclosure/

vacancy ordinance and thatallowed us to go back andaddress the vacant and aban-doned properties.

County officials saidmproperly maintained and

unsecured vacant propertiescan become a hazard to the

health and safety to the pub-lic and negatively affect theaesthetic and economic attri-butes of communities. Clark

said it is often difficult tolocate the person responsiblefor maintenance of vacantproperties.

Were seeing a definiteshift in the housing marketfrom that of a homeowner-ship market to a rental en-vironment, she said. Wereseeing investors purchaseproperties in bulk. The issuewere now facing is the inves-tors are holding the proper-ties. Theyre not in DeKalbCounty; theyre not inGeorgia; and some of them

are not even in the UnitedStates.Approved by the DeKalb

County Board of Commis-sioners in November 2013,the Vacant Property Registrywill be used to comprehen-sively address those issuesand help identify the ownersof the vacant properties.

In the ordinance, a prop-erty is classified as vacantbased on the lack of utilityusage.

If the house has no utilityusagewater bill, gas bill orelectricity within 60 days

that property can be classi-fied as vacant, Clark said.

Owners of vacant prop-erties will be required toregister the property within90 days of vacancy, desig-nate a local property agent,report changes in contactinformation and pay a $100fee. If property owners fail tocomply with the ordinance,the case will go to DeKalbCounty Recorders Court andowners may have to pay afine of up to $1,000 per vio-lation.

Vacant property own-

ers must designate a localproperty agent to ensure

security and maintenance ofthe property. Owners mustcomply with county codeenforcement orders and pro-vide a trespass authorizationupon request of an enforce-ment officer.

Owners must also con-duct inspections of the prop-erty, accept rental paymentsfrom tenants if no manage-ment company is otherwiseemployed and serve as anagent authorized to receivecode enforcement citations

and notices.Clark said the goal of her

department is to address theneeds of the community.

When we get phone callsand we go out on cases everyday and we see the qual-ity of neighborhoods goingdown, she said. Its goingto take resources that thecounty may or may not haveto really turn the neighbor-hood around. But the thingwere trying to do is developpartnerships and work moreclosely with the residentsin the community, provide

more resources and be moretransparent.

Gold Rings (A21661053)is a three year old male Bull-dog mix. Three years oldis such a great age!! Thinkabout how calm he will be,

but still young enough tohave plenty of fun and play.Gold Rings has a golden per-sonality. He gets along wellwith other dogs and could be

a wonderful companion foryour furry friend. He onlyweighs 40 lbs; just the rightsize to cuddle with while eat-ing popcorn and watching amovie. Gold Rings is sucha sweetheart and longs for ahome and a new life. Pleasehelp him find it.

Gold RingsMale

Pet Weekofthe

The adoptions number: (404) 294-2165For adoption inquiries: [email protected]

For rescue inquiries: [email protected] volunteer and foster inquiries: [email protected]

Dunwoody recognized for sustainable policies and practices

The new Vacant Property Registry was designed to protect neighborhoods from the lack of adequatemaintenance and security of vacant properties, such as the one pictured above. File photo

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

13/20

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

14/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 14AEDUCATION

Leaders celebrate new Chamblee Charter High buildingby Andrew [email protected]

DeKalb school SuperintendentMike Thurmondcalled the newChamblee Charter High Schoolbuilding an educational jewel forDeKalb County.

Its a wonderful facilitystate ofthe art, hurmond said after a rib-bon-cutting ceremony at the schoolJan. 22.

hurmond said the new buildingis evidence that we support highacademic achievement as a dis-trictand its a major step forwardin terms of what were doing throughcapital construction throughout thedistrict.

It prepares the students andteachers and administrators whowill work here for the 21st century,he said. his is one of the highestperforming high schools in the state,if not the nation. And now we havea facility equal to the performancethats already taking place.

Chamblee Charter High has anew academic building, gymna-sium and natatorium as part of thefirst phase of the construction. Anauditorium and athletic fields arealso planned for Chamblee. heconstruction is one of the projectsfunded by the school districts tax-payer-approved $500 million schoolbuilding program.

By the time the constructionproject is finished it will be a com-pletely new building, said Rochelle

Lowery, Chamblee Charters princi-pal.

Lowery said it is an awesomefeeling to have the building phasecompleted.

Everyone is in love with thebuilding, Lowery said. Its just abreath of fresh air. We just love it.

Dr. Karen Carter, a memberof the DeKalb County Board ofEducation, said, With a capacity toserve more than 1,600 students, thisschool represents the best of the bestin our district.

It provides for us a model ofwhat every child in the DeKalbCounty should have the opportunityto experienceacademic classroomsthat are highly equipped and tech-

nologically excellent as well as theother learning tools that we need tobe whole and well-rounded people,Carter said.

With its elegant open hallways,topnotch athletic facilities,spa-cious classrooms and even a newfacility for broadcast media, Cham-blee Charter High is an impressivelycrafted complex in which our com-munity can take great pride, saidschool board member John Cole-man.

But we expect an impressivebuilding here at Chamblee CharterHigh because whats happening in-side Chamblee Charter is so impres-sive, Coleman said. hese studentsand teachers have a building almostas impressive as the people and ac-complishments housed within it.

From left, DeKalb County school board member Karen Carter, DeKalb School Superintendent Mike Thurmond and Chamblee Charter High School Principal Rochelle Lowery cut theceremonial ribbon for the schools new building. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

The rst phase of Chamblee Highs construction is complete. An auditorium and newathletic elds are still to come as the old building is still being demolished.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

15/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 15AEDUCATION

by Andrew [email protected]

Students at orah Day School of Atlanta havebeen seeing yellow as the school celebrates Na-ional School Choice Week, Jan. 27-31.

Were wearing yellow and doing things yel-ow because yellow stands for freedom and forhe ability to be able to choose, which is whathis country was founded on, said Sydney

Rubin-Lewis, the schools student scholarshiporganization administrator.

During the five-day celebration, studentsdressed in yellow -shirts; wore yellow scarves;participated in an art and essay contest in whichhey were to show why they love their school;

flew a yellow flag on the schools flagpole; ateyellow foods including bananas, popcorn andcrambled eggs; hung yellow ribbons around thechool. he schools newsletter was even printed

on yellow paper.National School Choice Week is an inde-

pendent campaign designed to raise publicawareness of the need to provide parents withaccess to effective education environments forheir children, from traditional public schools to

public charter schools, magnet schools, privatechools, online learning and homeschooling,

according to a statement from the campaign or-ganizers.

Rubin-Lewis said orah Day has celebratedNational School Choice Week since its inceptionn 2011.

his is not a new thing, but usually we justdid the eighth graders going to the state Capitolteps, she said. his year we decided to do a

whole week of activities and generate excite-ment, enthusiasm and education for the greaterpopulation.

School choice is important, Rubin-Lewis said,because private schools cost more money ingeneral than to send a kid to public school.

he government had $58 million for 2014hat they were handing out and people gohrough a student scholarship organization to

give the money to the private school of theirchoice.

Currently more than 70 percent of thechools students receive tuition assistancehrough the Georgia State ax Credit Program.

Because of the quality of the education it pro-vides, orah Day School is a Blue Ribbon school,Rubin-Lewis said. It costs money to educatekids at the top level. his way anybody can comeo our school regardless of how much their par-

ents make.We do not need to worry about how muchhe children can bring in because the govern-

ment is helping to subsidize this quality educa-ion, Rubin-Lewis said.

he school, located at 1985 Lavista RoadNortheast, began in 1985. It currently has 352tudents in grades kindergarten through eight.

We believe children have the right to have aeligious education, said Rabbi Joshua Einzig,

head of the school. his country was foundedon the idea of freedom of religion. Being Jew-sh and orthodox, we take our study of religion

very seriously. Our parents pay a lot of tuitionand many of them wouldnt be able to afford thischool without having this school choice option.

In addition to the government funding, the

chool itself gives out a lot of scholarships andfinancial aid, Einzig said. We subsidize our-elves a great number of our students. We dont

want anybody to not come to our school becauseof finances.

Torah Day School celebrates School Choice Week

Students at Torah Day School of Atlanta donned yellow shirts supporting National School Choice Week. Photos byAndrew Cauthen

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

16/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 16ABUSINESS

The Voice of Business in DeKalb CountyDeKalb Chamber of Commerce

404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030

by Kathy [email protected]

The evening of Feb. 2 as foot-ball lovers across the nation settlen to watch the big game, fans willee the Broncos orange and the

Seahawks blue, but retailers seegreen. The National Retail Federa-ion (NRF) lists the Super Bowl

among Americas top nine spendingevents.As an occasion that prompts

Americans to spend money, the Su-per Bowl is ahead of both Hallow-een and St. Patricks Day, accordingo NRF, and is almost neck-and

neck with Fathers Day. With thepurchase of big screen televisions,eating for the game-watching

crowd and mountains of snacks,Americans spend more than $12billion each year related to the an-nual event as more than 181 millionfans gather in front of televisions in

restaurants and bars, at home or atfriends homes.

As football fans gear up for themost anticipated game of the sea-son, retailers are making sure theyhave an ample assortment of acces-sories, dcor, athletic apparel itemsand even new televisions, saidNRF President and CEO MatthewShay.

And, according to NRFs SuperBowl Spending survey conductedby Prosper Insights and Analytics,those viewers will spend an average$68.27 on game day grub, athleticwear, decorations and televisions,which is a slight decrease from lastyears $68.54.

The Super Bowl is one of themost beloved events for sports fans,and those celebrating this year willlook to make the most of the bigday while also keeping in line withtheir budgets, said Prospers Con-sumer Insights Director Pam Good-

fellow.Results from this years NRFs

annual survey, released Jan. 27, in-dicate there will be no shortage ofparty-goers as the Broncos and theSeahawks take the field. The surveyfound this year nearly 39 millionviewers plan to throw a party andapproximately 62 million viewersplan to attend a party. Restaurants

and bars will see their share of fans;the survey found 10 million fanswill watch the game at a restaurantor a bar.

According to the survey, morethan three-quarters (77 percent) willpurchase food and beverages, 8.1percent will purchase team apparelor accessories, and 7.2 percent areplanning on buying a new televisionto watch the game with friends andfamily.

A number of DeKalb Countyretailers are ready to serve the par-tiers. For example, Sweet Dees

Bakeshop in Tucker is offeringlogoed cupcakes, football cookiesand football-shaped brownie popssweeten up the party.

Tin Lizzys Cantina, whichhas two DeKalb locationsthePerimeter Mall area and EmoryPointalso has announced that itsprepared to provide big game partyfood for any size group, including

half pans of cheese, steak, grilledchicken and veggie quesadillas aswell as party-size portions of chipsand salsa, queso or guacamole.

Those looking for snack ideas fortheir party guests can visit a WholeFoods Market such as the one onBriarcliff Road on Friday, Jan. 31,and Saturday, Feb. 1, for demonstra-tions of recipes for the big game.From dips, burgers, brats and wingsto shrimp, pizza and healthy-eatingoptions, the market covers thespread.

Consumers spend big bucks before the big game

Sweet Dees Bakeshop in Tucker is featuring Super Bowl inspired cookies and cupcakes for big game parties. Otherlocal retailers such as Tin Lizzys Cantina and Whole Foods are making sure game-time snacks are plentiful. SweetDees photo by Kathy Mitchell. Other photos provided.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

17/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 17ACLASSIFIEDS

AUCTIONS

ADVERTISE YOUR AUC-TION in over 100 news-papers for only $350.Your 25-word classiedad will reach more than1million readers. Call Jen-nifer Labon at the Geor-gia Newspaper Service,

770-454-6776.

BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES

Be your own boss! Owna yogurt, dollar, mailbox,party, teen, clothing ortness store. Worldwide,100% Financing, OAC.From $55,900 Completeturnkey. (800)385-2160.

www.drss3.com

DRIVERS

25 New Driver Train-ees Needed! Become adriver for TMC Transpor-taon! Earn $750 perweek! No CDL? No Prob-em! Local 15 day train-ng! 1-877-648-2755.

Drivers: Run FB withWTI. Be home throughthe week and weekends.Start Up to 28% plusfuel bonus. New equip-ment. BCBS. Experienceneeded. LP available. Call877-693-1305.

Drivers HOME WEEKLY& BIWEEKLY Earn $900-$1200/WK. Major bene-

ts available. Class A CDL& 6 months exp. Req.No Canada, HAZMAT orNYC! 877-705-9261.

Experienced OTR FlatbedDrivers earn 50 up to 55cpm loaded. $1000 signon to Qualied drivers.Home most weekends.

Call 843-266-3731/www.bulldoghiway.com EOE.

COVENANT NEEDS DRIV-ERS! Truck Drivers are inDemand! Great benets,stability, and earningpotenal! The avg. truckdriver earns $700+/wk*!No CDL? 16 Day trainingavail! CALL TODAY! N. GA866-494-7434 OR S. GA866-557-9244. *DOL/BLS

2012.

START THE NEW YEARwith a Great Career byJoining our Team. Class AProfessional Drivers Call877-277-7298 for moredetails or visit SuperSer-viceLLC.com

Train to be a PROFES-SIONAL TRUCK DRIVERthrough Primes StudentDriver Program. Obtainyour commercial DriversLicense, then get paidwhile training. 1-800-277-0212. www.drive-forprime.com

Train and work for us!Professional, focusedCDL Training available.Choose Company Driver,Owner Operator, Lease

Operator or Lease Train-er. (877) 369-6712. www.CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com

FOR RENT-RESIDENTIAL

House For Rent 4 bed-room, 2.5 baths N litho-

nia, living room withre place, dining room,kitchen with all appli-ances, laundry room andtwo car garage. Homeis over 2700 square feetwith ceiling fans in eachbedroom and carpetthroughout. Built in 2000this home is located inLithonia in a great themeschool district. 1150/month 1000/deposit.

Contact jim 770-331-3641

HEALTH/BEAUTY

PELVIC/TRANSVAGINALMESH? Did you undergotransvaginal placementof mesh for pelvic or-gan prolapse or stressurinary inconnencebetween 2005 and pres-

ent? If the mesh causedcomplicaons, you maybe entled to compen-saon. Call Charles H.Johnson Law and speakwith femal sta mem-bers.1-800-535-5727.

HELP WANTED

Make 2014 your year!

Earn $100K+ annually.Recruing, FranchiseSales, Home Improve-ments, or Copier Sales aplud. For more informa-on send resume to JimKinning: [email protected]

MISCELLANEOUS

WELDING CARRERS Hands on training for ca-reer opportuies in avia-on, automove, manu-facturing and more.Financial aid for qualiedstudents housing avail-able. Job placement as-sistance. Call AIM (877)205-2968.

REAL ESTATE

MOUNTAIN STREAMBARGAIN! Beaufullywooded acreage 390crystal clear stream,natural yr-round spring,prime Blue Ridge Moun-tain locaon. Pavedroads, ulies munici-

pal water, more. Only$27,900. Excellent -nancing, lile down. Callnow 866-952-5303 ext112.

DISCLAIMER:We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisementsthat are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits

discrimination based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.

The Championis not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales nal.

RATES: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60.All ads are prepaid! All Major credit cards accepted!

For Prices, Deadlines and Information

Visit www.championclassieds.com

Classifieds

TheChampion

Ads Due By Friday - Noonfor next publication date.

For a Free Brochure Call:

800-841-9400

www.hudsonmarshall.comGAL 274

Also Selling in the Atlanta Sale:

AuctionSelling By Order of the

Court Appointed Receiver

4001 Presidenal Drive, Atlanta, Dekalb County, GA 3.576+/- Acres Vacant Land Zoned Light Industrial

Great Locaon - Easy Access to I-85 & I-285 Approximately 416 of Road Frontage

80.5 Acres Kimberly Road at Cascade Road, Fulton Co. 1.055 Acres Commercial - 1940 Dallas Highway, Cobb Co.

19.94 Acres at Tributary Way, Fayette Co.

2 Commercial Lots on Tara Blvd, Clayton Co.

3 Residential Lots in Longview Creekside S/D, Newton Co.

Gas Station/Mini Mart at 4350 Lawrenceville Road, Loganville

3 BR/2 BA Home at 6042 Creekford Dr, Lithonia

Sale Date: February 20th @ 11 A.M.Sale Site: Marrio Courtyard Atlanta Northlake

Located at 4083 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA (exit 37 o I-285)

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

18/20

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PAGE 18ASPORTS

New coach brings new attitude

he Champion chooses amale and female high school

Athlete of the Week each

week throughout the schoolyear. The choices are basedon performance and nomina-tions by coaches. Please emailnominations to [email protected] by Monday atnoon.

MALE AHLEE OFHE WEEK

Cash DeLoache, ucker(swimming): he juniorswimmer broke two of hisown records in the DeKalbCounty Swim and DiveChampionship Jan. 25. Hebroke his record of 52.52seconds in the backstrokewith a time of 51.48 and hebroke his record of 50.90seconds in the butterfly witha time of 50.35.

FEMALE AHLEE OFHE WEEK

Raleigh Bentz, Lakeside(swimming): he freshmanswimmer broke a 19-yearrecord of 59.92 seconds inthe backstroke with a timeof 59.81 seconds.

Each week he Cham-pionspotlights former highschool players from thecounty who are succeeding inathletics on the college level.

Tony Parker, UCLA(basketball): he sophomoreforward from Miller Groveled the team in scoring with

22 points and added sevenrebounds on the 91-74 winover Stanford Jan. 23. Parkeris averaging 8.0 points and5.3 rebounds per game.

Tahj Shamsid-Deen, Au-burn (basketball): he fresh-man guard from Columbiascored 12 points in the 86-67 loss to Arkansas Jan. 25.Shamsid-Deen is averaging8.9 points per game.

Tashi Thompson, PalmBeach State (basketball):he freshman forwardfrom Miller Grove scored33 points and added sevenassists and five rebounds inthe 83-57 win over MiamiDade Jan. 18.


he Paideia 2013 baseball seasonwas a season that lacked most of thegood aspects that a baseball teamhould have if they want to win.

here was a lack of effort, lack ofcommitment in practice and overall

eam development, said Paideia juniorcatcher John Micheal Boswell.Last season lacked a lot of effort,

unity and leadership within our se-niors, added junior pitcher John Mel-en.

Paideia finished the 2013 seasonwith a 7-15 record and has had six los-ng seasons in the last nine seasons. o

change the culture within the program,Paideia hired Millard Dawsontocoach the Pythons. Although the teamhas not played a game yet, the playershave already seen a major change inhe program.

Hes done such a great job withputting us together as a team and mak-ng us a full unit, Boswell said. Now

were connected, committed and readyo get after it.

Weve already seen a whole new

level of work and unity and I think ev-eryone is really ready to get out thereand bring home a championship thisyear, Mellen said.

Dawson comes to Paideia afterspending some time playing baseballin the minor league. He has a few yearsof coaching under his belt, which in-cludes coaching the East Cobb Rock-ies travel baseball team. Dawson said

he decided to come back to the highschool level to teach young baseballplayers some of the intangibles helearned in the minor leagues.

I just want to help them and showthem some of the things that will helpthem get to where Ive been, he said.

Dawson said this years team is veryhungry and competitive and haswhat it takes to get back to the stateplayoffs.

If we just take it one pitch at a timeand one inning at a time I think every-thing will play out in our favor cometournament time, Dawson said.

With Boswell and Mellen as cap-tains along with new senior leadership,the team is hoping that the new leader-ship, along with the experience, willhelp them get over that playoff hump.However, Dawson said he wants all the

players on the roster to step up andcompete.

Im looking for every single playeracross the board to help contribute,Dawson said. Its going to take a fullteam to get where we want to get at theseason.

With most of the players havingexperienced losing in the past two orthree years, Dawson is also teaching

the team how to deal with adversity aswell maintaining a competitive drive.I want them to learn to compete

and be comfortable in an uncomfort-able situation because thats whatits going to take to be competitivethroughout the season because its along season, he said. Baseball is amarathon not a sprint. As long as wecan compete every single day and staytogether and work together as a teameverything will work out for us.

Boswell expressed the same senti-ments as his coach.

As a team were going to play hardas we ever played before, Boswell said.I think the level of effort is new, wereall committed, hungry and ready to getafter it.

Paideia baseball:

The Paideia baseball program is entering the 2014 baseball season with a new coach, Millard Dawson, who has brought in unity and a newattitude to the program. Photo by Travis Hudgons

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

19/20


DeKalb baseball teams gearing up for 2014 seasonby Carla [email protected]

he 2013 baseball seasonended on a high note forDeKalb County high schoolbaseball as Redan won itsfirst state title.

It was the first statebaseball title for a DeKalbprogram since 2007 and Re-dan is hoping to repeat forsecond consecutive year. AllDeKalb baseball programs,along with Decatur, Paid-eia and St. Pius, gatheredat ucker High School Jan.23 for the 2014 media day;

there were a lot of excite-ment and high expectationsfor the upcoming season.

Although the RedanRaiders lost pitcher Bran-don Baker, head coachMarvin Pruittis confidentin his returning players,which include pitchersCorderius Dorseyand Dar-ian Osby.

Were looking for a greatdeal of things from our re-turning players, Pruitt said.

With seven consecu-tive appearances in thestate playoffs, the St. Pius

Golden Lions are hopingthat this is the year they getover the hump and win theprivate catholic school itsfirst baseball state title. hey

advanced to the Class AAAstate semifinals last year butlost to Cartersville.

Head Coach J. T. Gilberthopes his team can get backto the semifinals and go far-ther.

Like any year, we wantto get out the region and

make it to the state play-offs and try to make a run,Gilbert said. hats whereany baseball team wants topeak.

his is a rebuilding yearfor Gilbert and his GoldenLions team and he is lookingfor his players to step up thisyear.

I lost all three of mystarting pitchers from lastyears team, Gilbert said.We got the arms, they just

need to step up and provethemselves this year.Dunwoody is another

team that is in a rebuildingyear. he 2013 6-AAAAA

region champions also lostall of its starting pitchersfrom last years team andhead coach Chan Englishisexpecting his younger play-ers to step up.

We do have a greatyoung class and there aresome guys that played a lot

of innings last year, Englishsaid. If we had to start to-day well probably be look-ing to start [junior] KevinSmithand [senior] Chan-

dler Dinsmoreas startingpitchers. We also have sixyounger guys that had a little

bit of experience on varsitylast year.

With Dunwoody in arebuilding year, other teamsin the region believe theyhave a chance to win the6-AAAAA region title withmore experience playerson their roster. SouthwestDeKalb has six seniors re-turning this season. Withthat many returning players,head coach Tyrus Taylorsaid his team is lookingvery strong this year.

We have a lot of pitch-

ing coming back, he said.It was good to have thatchance to get to the regionplayoffs last year but I ex-pect to go further this year. Ireally expect to finish in thetop three of the region.

he M.L. King Lions alsoexpect to compete for the6-AAAAA region title. Headcoach Richard Gainessaidhis pitching staff should bebetter this season with theexperienced players on thestaff.

We have players thatplayed a lot when they were

sophomores and now theyhave a year under theirbelts, Gaines said. So werelooking to make some noisein the region.

Baseball players from DeKalb Countys high school and private school pose for pictures during media day at Tucker High School. Photos by Travis Hudgons

Stephenson coach Marco Jackson (left), Columbia coach Steve Dennis, Dunwoody coach Chan English andLakeside head coach Bill Newsome talk baseball during media day.

8/13/2019 FreePress: 1-31-14

20/20


Pruitt, Taylor looking to reach milestone wins

Love To Shop Here. Love To Save Here.

For a list of current Buy One Get One Free

deals, weekly specials, and coupons, visit

publix.com/save.To view deals on

your smartphone, scan the code.

Whether shopping for the week or for the items you need to prepare your favorite

dish, with a little planning, you can take advantage of savings that are just as satisfying

as the meal itself. There are deals throughout the store. Bring in your coupons and

save even more. With all the ways Publix helps you stretch your grocery dollars, you

can plan on leftovers of the green kind regularly. And we dont mean lettuce.

Add a side of Savingsto every meal.


The 2013 season wasbittersweet for Redan headbaseball coach MarvinPruitt.

His team won the ClassAAAA state title; however,he had to watch the champi-onship run from the standsand not his usual spot in thedugout due to health issues.Many thought Pruitt wouldetire now that he finally has

a state championship.However, Pruitt decided

o come back for his 35theason for a couple of rea-ons.

I miss being in the dug-out most of the season last

year and on a personal note Iam 12 games away from 500career wins, he said. Thatsa milestone I would like tomeet.

Pruitt, DeKalbs win-ningest coach and a GeorgiaDugout Hall of Fame mem-ber, would become the firstcoach in any sport in DeKalbCounty to reach 500 wins.

Pruitt said it would mean agreat deal if he reaches his500th win.

As far as our countycoaches are concerned, noone has reached 500 wins,he said. If I reach 500 winsyou can contribute that to

the length of time as well asthe great athlete Ive had.

Some of those athletesinclude current MLB play-ers Brandon Phillips,Chris Nelsonand DominicBrown.

With his health still a

concern, Pruitt plans to re-tire after the 2014 season.Before he celebrates hisretirement, he hopes to cel-ebrate his 500th win.

Another baseball coachthat hopes to reach a mile-stone win this season is

Southwest DeKalb headcoach Tyrus Taylor, whois two wins away fromhis 100th win. Taylor hasbeen coaching baseball for13 years, all at SouthwestDeKalb (four years as juniorvarsity coach and nine yearsas varsity coach).

Taylor said it would be ablessing to reach that 100thwin.

I would feel blessed justto have the opportunity to becoaching this long knowingcoaching is not easy, he said.There is always a coachingcarousel. Not many coachesstay at the same place for along time. So to have 100wins at the same place isvery special.

Southwest DeKalb senior

pitcher and outfielder JasonDavissaid the teams firstgoal is to win the first twogames o

Date post:	04-Jun-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	champion-newspaper
View:	222 times
Download:	0 times

FreePress: 1-31-14

Documents