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DeKalb County crime on the decline
by Andrew Cauthen
andrew@dekalbchamp.com
While some police departments have
had to consider furloughs and hiring freezes,
the Chamblee Police Department has main-
tained a ratio of one officer per 500 resi-
dents.
“Our people have free time to drive
through neighborhoods, talk to businesses
and be visible,” Chamblee Police Chief
Marc Johnson said.
The staffing level of Chamblee’s police
force is a major factor in the city’s decrease
in crime. In 2007, Chamblee reported 138
violent crimes and 732 property crimes. Last
year, there those numbers dropped to 105
violent crimes and 698 property crimes. The
bulk of the property crimes in 2010 were
546 thefts.
The drop in Part 1 crimes–major
criminal offense classifications tracked
nationwide by the Federal Bureau of Inves-
tigation–is a trend seen throughout DeKalb
County. According to statistics compiled by
The Champion Newspaper from the coun-
ty’s 10 municipal police forces and from the
FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program,
violent crime has decreased 27 percent since
2008 while property crime has gone down
approximately 18 percent.
Last year, there were approximately
3,340 violent crimes in the county. Of that
number, there were 97 murders or non-
negligent manslaughters, 205 rapes, nearly
2,200 robberies and 877 aggravated assaults.
In the property crime category, there were
approximately 10,200 burglaries and 5,240
vehicle thefts.
Proactive policing
The fact that the Chamblee Police De-
partment has a full force gives its 45 officers
the opportunity to try to find ways to prevent
crime in the city of 15,500 instead of being
stuck in a reactive mode, Johnson said.
And when the city added 6,000 resi-
dents and 1.5 square miles through an an-
nexation this year, Chamblee added 12 of-
ficers to the department.
“Our city council has always given a
very high priority for public safety,” Johnson
said.
“I empathize with the DeKalb police
department,” Johnson said. “I imagine when
you see a [DeKalb County Police] car pass
by, they are going to a call and have one or
two pending.”
But William Miller, DeKalb County’s
public safety director, said the county police
department has used selective and directed
patrolling to help decrease crime. Increased
police moral under the leadership of DeKalb
Police Chief William O’Brien has also
helped.
Miller said the department is also using
crime statistics to “massage the data to de-
termine crime trends.” A study of shootings
a few years ago pinpointed apartment com-
plexes along interstate highways as troubled
areas.
With that information, the department
began coordinating with the Georgia State
Patrol and other law enforcement agencies
to provide enhanced enforcement around
those complexes. The department also met
with apartment complex managers to pro-
mote video cameras and improved fencing,
Miller said.
Revelry and remembrance
—area Memorial Day events abound
by Kathy Mitchell
Memorial Day is a time for both
revelry and remembrance. Many fami-
lies enjoy greeting summer on this first
three-day weekend of the season with
such outdoor activities as picnics, ball
games and festivals. Of course, its true
purpose is to pay tribute to those who
gave their lives on battlefields in de-
fense of our country.
There will be many opportunities
here in DeKalb County and nearby to
honor the nation’s fallen heroes and to
welcome summer. Here are some of
them:
Stone Mountain Park introduces new
laser show
Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial
Day weekend celebration, which it
touts as “Atlanta’s largest,” will include
the introduction of an all-new laser
show. May 28-30 the park will honor
America’s troops and their families in a
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS •
“We wanted to let people know we
were not going to tolerate that type of be-
havior,” Miller said.
Crunching the numbers
The numbers given to The Champion
by the DeKalb County Police Department
are significantly different than those on file
with FBI Uniform Crime Reporting pro-
gram.
For example, statistics given to The
three-day celebration of American spirit
on its Memorial Lawn.
In addition to the park’s other attrac-
tions, including the all-new Yogi Bear
4D Adventure, which will be offered
for the first time on May 28, Memorial
Day weekend will mark the debut of
Stone Mountain Park’s Mountainvi-
sion Lasershow. “This unprecedented
new show is taller than the Statue of
Liberty and up to five times the size of
an IMAX screen and promises to wow
your family. State-of-the-art graph-
ics and awe-inspiring effects create
multi-dimensional magic on one of the
world’s largest outdoor screens—Stone
Mountain,” an announcement from the
park states.
The park will salute America’s
troops during the new laser show with a
special fireworks finale. “Marvel as the
skies above light up in a specially cho-
reographed musical tribute honoring the
brave men and women who protect our
country,” the announcement states. The
special fireworks display can be seen
Photo illustration by Travis Hudgons
Champion show that in 2008, in the county
police jurisdiction, there were 112 homi-
cides or non-negligent manslaughters, 226
rapes and 11,100 burglaries. For the same
year, FBI records show 100 homicides or
non-negligent manslaughters, 184 rapes and
11,474 burglaries.
Miller said the difference is due to
when the numbers are reported. The county
reports the prior month’s totals on the fifth
of every month to the Georgia Bureau of
Investigation. The GBI compiles all the data
See Crime on Page 13A
Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Me-
morial Weekend after the laser show.
Free passes are available to active
and retired military personnel with
valid ID along with other special offers,
including discounts on food and mer-
chandise throughout the weekend.
Elks Lodge to hold
flag-burning ceremony
Some may think that burning
the United States flag is a gesture of
disrespect—not always. The Atlanta-
Northlake Elks Lodge 78 reminds the
public each year that the Federal Citizen
Information Center of the U.S. General
Services Administration, states, “When
a flag is so worn out that it is no longer
fit to serve as a symbol of our country,
it should be destroyed by burning in a
dignified manner.”
An Elk Lodge ceremony May 28,
starting at 10 a.m., is designed to dem-
onstrate the proper method of disposing
of worn American flags and provide
See Events on Page 13A
NEWS
MARTA riders oppose fare hike
by Andrew Cauthen
P
andrew@dekalbchamp.com
atrons of MARTA
at a public hear-
ing in DeKalb
last week said
proposed fare
hikes need to accompany
improved services.
“I know that there’s a
lot of people … who would
be willing to go up $3 or
$4,” Delilah Black, of Li-
thonia, said. “Y’all went
up last year. That makes
no sense to keep going up
every year. These fare in-
creases are absurd.”
MARTA’s proposed
budget calls for a base fare
increase from $2 to $2.50.
Weekly MARTA passes
would increase $6.75 to
$23.75, while the cost for
monthly passes would rise
from $68 to $95. Monthly
passes for MARTA Mobil-
ity, the transit’s advanced
reservation, paratransit ser-
vice for persons with dis-
abilities would increase to
$122, up from $115.
“MARTA’s fiscal chal-
lenges remain very real,”
said Walter Jones, the tran-
sit authority’s director of
financial management and
budget. Transit service has
already been reduced dur-
ing the past two years.
“It is necessary for
MARTA to increase fares,”
Jones said. “Raising fares
is the most effective way to
maintain current transit ser-
vice levels.”
In its proposed 2012 op-
erating budget of $413.76
million and capital budget
of $185.5 million, sala-
ries for all workers would
continue to be frozen for a
fourth straight year. MAR-
TA also plans to modify bus
routes 3, 25, 50, 51, 99 and
181.
Francine English, a
The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 2A
senior with disabilities, said mad because I’m in a chair MARTA patrons com- but then you turn around
she already cannot afford to and I’m getting on a bus,” plained of poor service, and put a vending machine
ride MARTA Mobility. And Baker said. “I have the repeated breakdowns, dirty in every station.”
when Mobility is late for right to ride the bus just seats and seatbelts. If approved by the
her doctors’ appointment, like anybody else. As a “We’re not going to MARTA board, bus service
she has to pay $20 for being matter of fact, I fought to continue to keep spending changes would be imple-
late. get to ride the bus under money and then nothing’s mented on Sept. 24, and
Terence Courtney, Americans with Disabili- clean,” one rider said. “You fare increases would take
coordinator of the Atlanta ties Act.” say ‘no eating, no drinking’ effect Oct. 2.
Public Sector Alliance, a
union of transit riders, told
MARTA board members
that the proposed fare in-
creases were unnecessary.
“They won’t solve
MARTA’s fundamen-
tal financial problems,”
Courtney said. “MARTA’s
response is the wrong re-
sponse.”
Courtney said the num-
ber of transit riders decreas-
es with each fare increase.
“This hurts riders and
workers in their pocket-
books,” Courtney said.
“Families won’t be able to
earn incomes, won’t be able
to get to work, healthcare
[or] schools. We believe
this violates our human
right to mobility.”
Another rider, Herman
Smith, said previous sched-
ule and service changes
have been very disruptive.
“You have impacted
unemployment over the en-
tire city of Atlanta,” Smith
said. “People have lost their
jobs because somebody has
screwed up the schedule of
the buses.”
Some MARTA patrons
complained about bath-
rooms being closed to rid-
ers throughout the MARTA
system.
“It is a civil right for
us to have access to bath-
rooms,” Smith said. “It
is humanly abusive. It is
medically abusive for us to
be paying the money we are
paying and for the increases
that you are announcing for
us to be denied access to
the bathroom.
“This is where civil
rights were born,” Smith
said. “We need our civil
rights to transportation re-
stored.”
“If you’re going to raise
the fare, please do some-
thing to better the service,”
English said. “It’s really an
abomination that you all
raise the fare and the ser-
vice is getting crappier.”
MARTA’s fixed route
bus drivers need to go
through sensitivity training,
said patron Bernard Baker.
“Every time I ride my
bus I have drivers get real
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 3A

DeKalb parents rally for charter schools

by Daniel Beauregard
Daniel@dekalbchamp.com
Mark and Gina Hill said public
school was never an option for them
until the Museum School opened
in Avondale Estates. That was why
they found themselves on the steps
of the state Capitol on May 17.
The Hills, along with several
hundred parents, teachers, students
and education advocates, were gath-
ered to speak out against the recent
Georgia Supreme Court vote declar-
ing the Georgia Charter Schools
Commission (GCSC) unconstitu-
tional. There are 16 charter schools
in the state supported by the GCSC.
The 4-3 ruling struck down
HB881, which created GCSC as a
state-level commission established
to approve and fund charters that
were denied by local school boards.
Now, only local boards have
the right to create and fund charter
schools, which can be publicly fund-
ed but privately run. Some parents
are worried about what will hap-
pen to the existing charter schools
funded by the state without local
approval.
Currently there are 172 charter
schools in the state of Georgia serv-
ing approximately 72,000 students.
The schools that are impacted by the
court decision are the 16 that were
approved by the commission, nine
of which are currently open and
have approximately 6,000 students
enrolled; the other seven have plans
to open in the fall.
The Hills, who live in Avondale
Estates, said they never considered
sending their 7-year-old son Dodge
to the public schools in Avondale
because they just didn’t have a good
reputation.
“We sent him to private school
for three years before the Museum
School opened and he’s done better
at Museum School than any of the
other private schools,” Gina Hill
said.
Gina Hill said that she attended
the rally to put pressure on her
elected officials to change the con-
stitution, or do whatever needed to
be done to keep the state-funded
charter schools open.
“I don’t know about the legali-
ties of anything; to me it’s more of
a common sense issue. This school
does better so it should stay open,”
she said.
Rep. Jan Jones (R- Milton),
who authored the bill along with
Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody)
and several others, told children in
the crowd that the fight had only just
begun.
See Schools on Page 8A

Judge to rule on request to seal motions in Neuman trial

by Andrew Cauthen
andrew@dekalbchamp.com
A defense attorney for
Hemy Neuman
asked Superior
Court Judge
Gregory A.
Adams to
keep the media
and public out
of the hearings
of three mo-
tions.
Bruce Ru-
bin, an attor-
ney for Neu-
man, asked the Neuman
judge to seal
three motions: the motion
to suppress; the motion to
suppress the statement from
the defendant; the motion
to suppress identification
testimony.
“We are not asking the
court to close …the motions
forever,” Rubin said. Rubin
requested that the motions
be sealed until a jury is im-
paneled in the trial, which
is expected to begin in Oc-
tober.
Neuman, 45, has plead-
ed not guilty to charges of
malice murder and pos-
sessing a firearm during the
commission of a felony.
The charges stem from
the November 2010 death
of Russell Sneiderman,
36, who was shot multiple
times outside Dunwoody
Prep daycare, where he had
just dropped off his son.
Rubin said the media
coverage of the trial is “in-
flammatory” and is “affect-
ing the potential jury pool.”
“The case is being tried
in the press,” Rubin said.
“The facts are out there.
When there’s an article out
there, people actually…are
having discussions about
it, whether it’s accurate or
not.”
“We’re talking about
balancing the Sixth
Amendment right to
a fair trial against
the First Amend-
ment right of public
access to the court
proceedings,” Rubin
said. “There comes a
time when the First
Amendment actually
infringes on the right
of a defendant to a
fair trial.”
Thomas Clyde,
an attorney repre-
senting the Atlanta Journal-
Constitution and WSB-TV,
said the evidence presented
by the defense team was
solely about the volume of
media coverage.
“The Georgia Supreme
Court has repeatedly rec-
ognized that volume of
reporting is not the issue,”
Clyde said. “The issue is
prejudice.”
“There has been report-
ing about this case,” Clyde
said. “But that reporting
does not reflect a level of
prejudice or venom that
could support closing pro-
ceedings at this juncture.”
DeKalb County District
Attorney Robert James
said the prosecution did not
have a position concerning
the request by Neuman’s
defense team.
“We’re not opposed to
the media being in,” James
said. “I don’t see that the
publicity that’s taken place
thus far or that may tran-
spire in the future will com-
promise our ability to seek
justice.”
Richard Lenz, presi-
dent of Lenz Inc., a Decatur
marketing firm, testified Lenz also stated that “I told our people this
that the case has received a Google search of vari- is our highest priority go-
significant media atten- ous key phrases in the ing forward,” said Wil-
tion. An internet search case, such as “Dunwoody liams, who was a witness
resulted in 160 articles daycare killer,” netted for the defense.
published in a six-month 122,000 hits. “This is a case that has
period, Lenz said. Under Dick Williams, editor caught the public fancy,”
cross-examination, Lenz and publisher for the Dun- Williams said. “It is the
stated that there were woody Crier, testified that kind that is discussed at
many duplicates in that there is “keen public inter- the water cooler and at
number. est” in the Neuman trial. lunch.”
City Schools of Decatur
Office of Public Information
758 Scott Boulevard
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-370-4400 ext. 927
Contact: Maria Lewis
Date: 05/19/2011
PUBLIC NOTICE
On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, City Schools of Decatur Board of Education tentatively adopted a General Fund budget of
$41,502,676 for the fiscal year July 2011 through June 2012. The current millage rate of 19.90 will increase to 20.90.
From fiscal year 2004-2008 district staff developed budgets that have enabled the board to reduce the millage rate and
increase homestead exemptions in spite of reduced revenues from the state. The millage rates met the rollback
requirements as prescribed by the Tax Payer Bill of Rights three out of these four years. Additionally, the first millage
rate reduction was greater than what was required by law. Fiscal year 2009 was the first year City Schools of Decatur
raised the millage rate in four years and the millage rate for Fiscal Year 2010 and 2011 remained at 19.90. Over the
last 5 years, the digest has grown on average 3-4%. However during FY 2011, the digest did experience a reduction
of .85%. Exemptions are increasing by 2% which will reduce the sources of tax revenue. This coming year, City of
Decatur's tax digest is assumed to grow at 1%.
Factors contributing to the establishment of the budget and millage rate for 2011-2012
are:
• Opening Glenwood Elementary as a K-3 school and Fifth Avenue as the new 4-5 Academy.
• Adding teacher and paraprofessional positions for Exceptional Student Services due to growing enrollment
and the new Fifth Avenue 4-5 Academy
• Absorbing positions previously funded by federal stimulus dollars
• Assuming full cost of the nursing program due to discontinuation of partnership with DeKalb Medical
• Implementing a 1.25% cost of living adjustment for employees
Decreases in expenditures have been realized through the elimination of positions at the Central Office, Decatur High,
the middle and K-3 schools and the reduction of operating budgets at the department and school level.
The special funds show a significant decrease due to the sunset of federal stimulus funds and reductions in the areas
of Title I, Special Education and Homeless Grants.
The Capital Funds reflect an expenditure budget of $3.8 million to be expended in Fiscal Year 2012 for the completion
of Fifth Avenue and the Decatur High Career Academy. In addition, the District will make annual lease payments on
the Early Learning Center with the balance being used for the repayment of the SPLOST Bond issued in 2009.
The Board of Education will vote to adopt its final Fiscal Year 2012 General Fund Budget and millage rate on Tuesday,
June 14 at 6:30 PM in the auditorium of the Central Office at Westchester. Copies of the proposed Fiscal Year 2012
General Fund Budget may be reviewed on the district website www.decatur-city.k12.ga.us, at any of the school media
centers, at the Central Office Finance department, or in the reference section of the Decatur Public Library
.
OPINION The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 4A

We ought to end this whole nuclear business right now.
by William A. Collins
Promoters say
To have no fear;
We know it couldn’t
Happen here.
Just to be sure we’re all on
the same page, here are a few
things we ought to acknowl-
edge right off the bat about
nuclear power:
• It’s the most costly form of
electricity.
• It’s also the most dangerous.
• It’s enormously subsidized by
the federal government.
• It contributes a lot more to
climate change than you’d
think.
And about the nuclear
power industry, which:
• has a cozy relationship with
the watchdogs that suppos-
edly regulate it;
• spends a fortune on lobbying,
campaign contributions and
false advertising;
• is exempt from most liability
in case of disaster; and
• lies.
True, many of these traits
Fukushima, USA
don’t distinguish the nuclear
industry from other big busi-
nesses. But the unique dangers
of nuclear power should give
us pause. Every day, our 104
nuclear reactors turn out “spent
fuel” that we simply don’t have
a clue what to do with. Mostly,
it gathers in pools like those
you may have heard about at
the Dai-Ichi power station in
Fukushima, Japan, except that
ours are more densely packed.
Those pools, it turns out,
are even more dangerous than
the reactors themselves.
While the American
public may be misled by the
tsunami of misinformation
pooh-poohing the idea of risk,
industry leaders themselves
are not so deluded. The long
standing Price-Anderson Nu-
clear Industries Indemnity Act
severely limits their liability in
case of meltdown. Poor Tokyo
Electric Power Co. (TEPCO)
wasn’t quite smart enough
to get such a guarantee, and
may well wash out to sea on a
tide of lawsuits. Our guys are
exempt.
Our bankers are similarly
savvy. For the most part, they
steer clear of financing nuclear
reactors without federal loan
guarantees in case their opera-
tor goes belly up. Reactors are
phenomenally expensive to
build, renowned for immense
cost overruns, and subject
to agonizing delays. These
risks are on top of the mis-
chief caused by their escaped
neutrons. Obligingly, President
Barack Obama has placed
$36 billion in his budget to
cover loan guarantees for new
reactors. What a boondoggle.
Another advantage the
industry enjoys is the length
of time it takes for irradiated
victims to die. Most end up
with cancer, which incubates
and kills rather slowly. Thus
there is always the argument
that many sufferers would have
gotten cancer anyway. The
scope of the disaster is never
as immediately plain as it was
with, say, Union Carbide’s
1984 Bhopal calamity.
But the deaths are no
less real. Health statisticians
calculate that by now more
than 900,000 victims have died
from the Chernobyl accident.
Luckily we have the Nu-
clear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) to protect us from such
incidents. It’s fondly known
in the trade as the “sleep-
ing watchdog.” Recently, the
Union of Concerned Scientists
faulted the NRC’s handling
of 14 serious plant incidents.
And those are just the ones that
were reported.
Further, the NRC has
recommended that Americans
presently in Japan evacuate to
at least 50 miles from Fukushi-
ma. But its official emergency
evacuation zones around our
own reactors stretch only 10
miles from accident sites.
Fifty-mile evacuation
zones would include New York
City, which is only 25 miles
south of the Indian Point nucle-
ar power station. Meanwhile,
the outmoded plant’s corporate
operator is now applying for a
20-year permit extension. The
folks who live in the Big Apple
and its suburbs had better stock
up on those potassium iodide
pills.
Nuclear power boosters
claim that the industry can help
slow climate change because
the way it generates electricity
doesn’t release carbon into the
atmosphere. However, whole
coal-fired power plants are
devoted to processing uranium
ore for nuclear reactors, and
tanker-loads of oil are burned
for the mammoth construction
projects required to build them.
Additionally, uranium mining
can poison groundwater.
Indeed the whole nuclear
industry is so based on peril
and profit that lying becomes
increasingly inevitable. Japan
is the momentary leader in
post-disaster prevaricating, but
the United States is near the
top in danger-denying decep-
tion.
We ought to end this whole
nuclear business right now.
OtherWords columnist Wil-
liam A. Collins is a former state
representative and a former
mayor of Norwalk, Conn. www.
otherwords.org

A little less corporate

political corruption
Obama is thinking about issuing an executive order that
would mitigate some of the damage done to our democracy
by the Supreme Court's dastardly Citizens United edict.
by Jim Hightower
Columnist
Come on, Obama, do
it. Stand up, stand tall, stand
firm. Yes, you can!
President Barack Obama
is thinking about issuing an
executive order that would
mitigate some of the damage
done to our democracy by the
Supreme Court’s dastardly
Citizens United edict, which
unleashes unlimited amounts
of secret corporate cash to
pervert America’s elections.
Obama’s idea is simply to
require that those corporations
trying to get federal contracts
disclose all of their campaign
donations for the previous
two years, including money
they launder through such
front groups as the Chamber
of Commerce.
This approach says to
those giants who are sucking
up billions of our tax dollars
for endless war, the privatiza-
tion of public services, etc.:
You’re still free to shove
trainloads of your sharehold-
ers’ money into congressional
and presidential races, but —
hey, just tell the public how
much you’re giving and to
whom.
Neat. It would be a clean,
direct, and effective reform
— so, of course, the corporate
powers and their apologists
are squealing like stuck pigs.
Steven Law, a Bush-Cheney
operative who is now both a
Wall Street Journal editorial-
ist and the head of a secret
corporate money fund, re-
cently decried the very idea of
public disclosure of contrac-
tor campaign contributions:
“When I was in the executive
branch,” he sniffed, “mixing
politics with procurement was
called corruption.”
Yes, Steve, and y’all were
corruption experts. Perhaps
you’ve forgotten about Hal-
liburton, the Cheney-run cor-
poration that helped put Bush
in office and then snagged
tens of billions in contracts,
becoming the poster child of
corrupt, no-bid procurement.
Come on, Obama, don’t
back down under pressure
from these corporate sleazes
— sign that disclosure order.
If they’re going to steal our
elections, let’s at least make
them admit it.
Jim Hightower is a radio
commentator, writer, and pub-
lic speaker. He’s also editor
of the populist newsletter, The
Hightower Lowdown.
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 5A

One Man’s Opinion

The kindness of strangers
As I stood there dopey-eyed and
slack jawed, counting the change
in my hand, a helpful stock clerk,
quickly sizing up my situation
asked, “How much are you short?”
I was probably nearing a dollar
short of what I expected I’d need.
The clean-cut, tie-wearing kid—just
a few years older than me—said,
“Our Publix brand is cheaper, and
I bet you won’t be able to tell the
“I’ve always depended on the
kindness of strangers,” utters fading difference.”
me the Publix
He then smiled, handed
generic and 50 cents
southern belle Blanche DuBois, in from his own pocket and said,
Tennessee Williams ’ A Streetcar “Remember to shop at Publix when
Named Desire, 1951. you’re in Florida.”
I was hungry, sunburned and That was customer service. I did
probably a bit hung over—hardly a not ask for this assistance, and I was
candidate for charity or welcoming practically dumbfounded to have
kindness. It was high school spring the cash, and now enough food to
break in Daytona Beach, circa 1979. get me through
Though I had packed plenty of day- I’m sure you arethe now
rest of the week.
wondering
old bread and discounted cereal (I where I’m going with this. Publix
worked part-time at Winn-Dixie did not arrive in metro Atlanta
back in the day), I had not planned until 1993, but this random act of
for the consumption patterns of a kindness and excellent customer
half-dozen ravenous fellow high service made me a primarily loyal
school seniors. Publix customer ever since. Even
We had run through our money, today if you ask a Publix employee
and still had a few days left at the where to find an item, they will
beach. Our beer stock was not yet often stop what they are doing and
fully depleted, but we were almost walk you to the shelf and the item
out of food. I was staring at the
peanut butter section of what would in question. Their bag clerks who
assist shoppers in loading their cars
be my first Publix grocery store. I wear name tags requesting that you
didn’t quite have enough cash for not tip them.
the jar of Peter Pan or Jif chunky- Similarly, I eat several times
style that I was coveting. a week at Chick-fil-A, with my
favorite location being in downtown
Decatur. Those CFA clerks never
cease to smile, thank you for your
order, saying “My pleasure..” and
“How can we help you?” This
very same restaurant location
had previously been an unkempt
Hardee’s, which might as well have
been in a ghost town for all the
customers it did not have.
Chick-fil-A charges a slight
premium in its restaurant
category over such competitors
as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger
King or KFC. Industry experts say
they average two to three dollars
per head per meal more in price,
yet their per store sales volume
increases well above the industry
average. You can almost never
find an uncrowded Chick-fil-A at
meal time. And that is because for
good customer service and a quality
product, customers are willing to
pay more.
I’ve lived in DeKalb County
long enough to have been a
customer of the original Home
Depot on Memorial Drive. The
closest and replacement location
is now nearby on Lawrenceville
Highway. The newer store has
vastly more inventory, and is in a
much improved location—but in
the area of customer service, Big
Orange has taken its old motto
of “Do It Yourself” to whole
new lows. I can lug a couple of
hundred pounds of potting soil,
and several hundred dollars worth
of merchandise into my Jeep or
pick-up truck, but I can’t stand to
watch the senior citizens, stretched
soccer moms and others struggling
to simply load merchandise, or
manage their rolling cart in the store
without any offers of assistance.
As I mentioned regarding call
centers in a prior column, customer
service is largely about treating
others as you would prefer to be
treated. American businesses,
particularly the large ones, are run
by smart people. They do have
to manage and reduce costs, and
sometimes the corners they cut
impact customer service. A little of
that is understandable.
But I am often reminded of
something my mother said to me
as a young man growing up as
she was attempting to hone my
own etiquette and fashion me into
a southern gentleman of a sort.
“Manners and courtesy don’t cost
anything, and they usually pay you
back very nicely.” Thanks again,
Mom.
Bill Crane is a DeKalb County
native and business owner, living in
Scottdale, Georgia. He also serves
as chief political analyst and com-
mentator for 11Alive News and WSB
Radio, News/Talk 750. Contact Bill
Crane at Bill@dekalbchamp.com.

FREEPRESS
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from its readers. Please write to us and express your
views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain
the writer’s name, address and telephone number for
verification. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347,
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FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779
Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior
to publication date.
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editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or publishers.
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Page 6A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com
Debt ceiling Kabuki
Trying to hold down the deficit by not
raising the debt ceiling is like trying to
balance your family budget by deciding
not to pay the rent or your mortgage
by Donald Kaul
Columnist
The Kabuki tradition in Congress
over raising the federal government’s
debt ceiling is in full flower. It’s a more
reliable Washington ritual than the
Cherry Blossom Festival.
Here’s how it goes: The president,
whoever he is, says: “It’s time to raise
the debt limit because… well, we need
the money.”
The party out of power responds
with: “Oh no you don’t. Borrowing
more money is irresponsible. The na-
tional debt is too big already. We’re go-
ing to vote against it.”
They go on like that for a while and
finally the debt ceiling gets raised, with
the vote (with rare exceptions) going
pretty much along party lines.
I used to think Republicans were
guiltier of this kind of hypocrisy than
Democrats. A Wall Street Journal ar-
ticle by Gerald Seib convinced me I
was wrong.
Seib chronicled how from 2003 un-
til 2006, when Bush the Younger was
president, the debt ceiling got raised
with virtually no Democratic votes. The
junior senator from Illinois, Barack
Obama, voted against raising it, calling
the need a “leadership failure.” Now
that he’s the one leading, he calls that
vote a mistake.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc-
Connell, now a staunch opponent of
raising the ceiling without getting dra-
conian budget cuts in return, voted to
raise the ceiling six times while Bush
was in office.
So, apparently, hypocrisy exists on
both sides of the aisle in Washington.
Who knew?
When all is said and done, the debt
ceiling will be raised, despite the fact
that in a recent poll 63 percent of
Americans said they were against rais-
ing it.
It will be raised because there is
no rational alternative. Trying to hold
down the deficit by not raising the debt
ceiling is like trying to balance your
family budget by deciding not to pay
the rent or your mortgage. Life just
Printed on 100% post-
consumer recycled paper
doesn’t work like that.
The real question is whether Re-
publicans, looking over their shoulders
in terror at their wild-eyed tea party
constituents, can successfully win this
game of chicken they’re playing and
extort concessions from the Democrats. The following comments are pulled straight from our website and
The answer should be no. are not edited for content or grammar.
All the Democrats have to do is hold
their ground and the Republicans will Task force takes on rising animal euthanizations
be forced to fold their cards, which
amount to a busted flush. Don’t waste 8 months. The No-Kill Equation is solving this
As this battle reaches crisis propor- problem wherever it is implemented. You can start today.
tions, if it does, the pressure on the Re- It will also point out the misconceptions expressed here,
publicans to make a deal will become mistakes which entrench failure. Good luck, don’t reinvent
irresistible. The pressure will come not the wheel, it takes more than spay/neuter--
from the crazies in the tea party move- www.nokilladvocacycenter.org
ment but from the moneyed classes that
bankroll them. Those people under- – Jack Carone posted this on 5/20/11 at 2:13 p.m.
stand the level of disaster a Treasury
default — which is what we’re talking
about here — would trigger. Residents oppose cell towers in DeKalb Schools
They won’t let their little helpers
in Congress bring the temple down Are all of most of these schools in predominately black
around their ears — and a $1,000 bill is areas?
far more effective than a tea bag when
you’re trying to get the attention of a Adults, our job is to protect our children!!!
politician.
Were I a Democratic operative, I If bringing cell towers near our school is harmful to our
would push the issue even further. “You children, the discussion s/b over.
want to cut the deficit?” I’d say, “OK,
how about we revisit the Bush tax cuts – carolyn posted this on 5/22/11 at 8 p.m.
and get rid of them for people who earn
$200-250 thousand a year? That would
cut the deficit.” Two murder suspects arrested
The Republicans would then be
faced with defending tax cuts for the Getting out of a car with a loaded hand gun to shoot a
rich at the expense of a Treasury de- cop. This story belongs on TRU TV. Dumbest Criminals
fault.
I’m not sure President Obama is up –dennis posted this on 5/19/11 at 2:06 p.m.
for that kind of fight. That’s not his
style. He’s more of the compromising
kind.
Sooner or later he’s going to have to
learn that you can’t compromise with
tea party Republicans. They think that
Orrin Hatch is a liberal. Even Haley
Barbour isn’t conservative enough for
them.
They are, in short, nuts.
I’m encouraged by the way Obama
and the Democrats have gone after the
Republicans on the issue of tax cuts for
the rich. It’s a popular issue and Demo-
crats are on the right side of it, just as
cutting Medicare is an unpopular issue
that the Republicans are on the wrong
side of.
It gives one hope for the future. Not
much, but some.
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011
Champion of
the Week
Darryl Jennings Sr.
Darryl Jennings Sr.
developed his sense of
compassion by virtue of
being the son of a pastor.
“I’ve been an advo-
cate all my life for people
who have been left out
or locked out,” Jennings
said. “My father was a
pastor and I was raised in
the church, and that’s all I
know.”
Jennings has been
putting his passion to work
for the people of DeKalb
County for more than 20
years. He is a member
of numerous boards and
associations and particu-
larly spends time helping
seniors and residents of
T
he Champion Newspaper is used as a prop as a MARTA commercial is south DeKalb.
Jennings has a three-
filmed in Decatur. The commercial will be shown on Comcast in early
pronged philosophy about
June to promote the sixth annual Dump the Pump Day, June 16. Dump serving he calls AIM.
the Pump Day is a nationwide initiative sponsored by the American Public “Advocate, inform and
Transit Association in which commuters are encouraged to park their cars, motivate,” Jennings said. “I
use public transportation and save money. Photos by Andrew Cauthen get up every morning and
say ‘I have to aim.’ As long
as we’re aiming, we’re go-
ing to hit our target.”
That mantra has led
him to serve with many dif-
ferent organizations and
to be recognized for his
service.
Earlier this month Jen-
nings won the Liberty Bell
Award presented by the
DeKalb Bar Association.
If you would like to nominate someone to
be considered as a future Champion of the
Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at
kathy@DeKalbchamp.com or at
404-373-7779, ext. 104.
Page 7A
The award is presented to
a non-lawyer who encour-
ages residents to take an
active role and learn more
about the justice system.
Jennings balances a
full-time job and a family
with a full plate of volunteer
responsibilities. At pres-
ent, he is president of the
Gresham Park Homeown-
ers Association, chairman
of the DeKalb Neighbor-
hood Consortium, co-chair-
man of the social justice
ministry at his church, First
Iconium Baptist Church,
and is a recent graduate
of county commissioner
Larry Johnson’s leader-
ship institute.
Last year Jennings
served on the DeKalb
Schools’ Citizens Planning
Task force in the county
and has served on several
boards with the DeKalb
County chapter of the
NAACP.
He challenges all resi-
dents of DeKalb County to
get involved to help make
the area a better place to
live.
“We should embrace
what the police force, solic-
itor’s office and the district
attorney’s office are doing,”
Jennings said. “If we can
do that, it will only make
our community stronger.
“It’s all about serving,”
he continued. “We have
to understand first that
some citizens are not go-
ing to speak up and speak
out and some believe ‘my
voice doesn’t count.’ Both
are wrong. I’m willing to
lead and if we do what we
can DeKalb County will be
back to where people want
to move here again.”
 Page 8A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com

County ponders land bank to address foreclosures

by Andrew Cauthen
andrew@dekalbchamp.com
There may be a new bank coming to DeKalb
County, but don’t expect to be able to use an ATM
or take out a loan there.
DeKalb County and city of Decatur officials
are considering starting a regional land bank, a
public authority created to hold, manage and de-
velop foreclosed and other properties acquired by
the bank.
During an informational presentation to the
county’s Board of Commissioners last week, Ray
Christman, executive director of the Livable
Communities Coalition of Metro Atlanta, said the
land bank would work to address local concerns
about public safety and economic development.
“It’s a tool for converting vacant, abandoned or
distressed property into productive use,” Christman
said. “It’s taking property that’s not tax-paying
now, that is not in productive use now and making
it productive.”
Land banks do not have taxing or eminent do-
main authority and are used to complement exist-
ing government programs, Christman said. Land
banks can clear titles, extinguish liens, hold a prop-
erty tax free, and lease or manage properties. They
can also support code enforcement programs.
Last year in DeKalb County there were 18,781
foreclosures, Christman said. Of those foreclo-
sures, some houses are totally dilapidated, some
are reusable as homes, and some are good for com-
mercial development.
Commissioner Lee May said the land bank is
an excellent opportunity for economic develop-
ment.
“There are so many [PVC] pipe farms around
here: abandoned developed properties that aren’t
going anywhere because they’re in foreclosure,”
May said. “I think this is a dynamic opportunity.”
Commissioner Kathie Gannon said the land
bank is a “wonderful opportunity to take proper-
ties that are vacant…that haven’t been able to turn
around in this economy.”
The properties could be used for work-force
housing or mixed-use developments “to get the
properties back on the tax rolls,” Gannon said.
If formed, the DeKalb land bank would be the
second such entity in the region. The Fulton Coun-
ty/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority has been in
existence for 14 years. Since its inception, the Ful-
ton County land bank has acquired more than 500
properties and has conveyed approximately 350
properties back into use.
A land bank gives the county another medium
to address foreclosures that are hurting neighbor-
hoods, said Chris Morris, the county’s director of
community development.
“This is one of the ways for getting property
back into the hands of the private sector,” Morris
said.
“Right now there’s no good framework for
handling property where there are no bids” or buy-
ers, said Andrew Booth, a deputy tax commis-
sioner for the county.
The land bank would be governed by a four-
member board, two from the county and two from
each municipality, which in this case would be the
city of Decatur.
Initially, the land bank would be funded by
monies from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development that the county has available,
Morris said. That money would be used to hire a
couple of staff members.
Long-term financing for the land bank would
come from Community Development Block Grant,
HOME and Neighborhood Stabilization Program
funds. Additional funding could come from foun-
dation grants, revenue from property sales and al-
locations from municipal general funds.
Morris said some lenders are already inter-
ested in donating some properties to the land bank,
which could be started as early as late July.

Schools Continued From Page 3A

“We passed HB881 in [to create] this charter school herself included, indicated change from a legislative said.
2008 because the legislature commission to begin with,” that their job was far from standpoint, to know the dif- “Today my children are
realized how important it is Roberts said. over. ference that these charter thriving from an educational
to give children and their par- Roberts said, the Supreme “We want our voices schools are making not only standpoint and it’s a result
ents’ different types of public Court’s decision earlier in the heard and we want, more in our kids lives but our of me being given the op-
schools; you know, one size week only served to fire up importantly, for the indi- community and ultimately portunity to choose a good
doesn’t fit everyone and you Georgia’s legislators. He said viduals that can make a society at large,” Eades public school,” she said.
are evidence of that,” Jones he thinks they will step in and
said. work with the governor to
Jones also told the crowd find a solution. City Schools of Decatur
that she expected the legisla- “Right now our immedi- Budget for Fiscal Year 2012
July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012
ture to pass a constitutional ate concern is to make sure
amendment to make sure that these schools are serving General Fund Special Funds Nutrition Fund Capital Funds
that parents and children will their students well [and] will ESTIMATED REVENUES
have all the choices they need be able to continue to oper- Local Taxes 24,669,100 2,364,000
within the public school sys- ate whether they’re supported Local Other 2,707,850 671,250 123,000
tem. by the local school district or State General 11,214,340
“I’m disappointed that with a special appropriation State Other 683,700 30,000
these activist judges struck from the state level,” he said. Federal 1,734,900 550,500
down something that is wide- Anne Marie Eades, pres-
General Fund Balance Obligated 2,911,386
ly supported by the public, ident of the parent-teacher
Capital Fund Balance Restricted 1,351,189
widely supported by the leg- organization at the Museum Total Revenues 41,502,676 2,418,600 1,251,750 3,838,189
islature and it was obviously School, said that she has
a divided decision. Three out worked with a lot of the par- ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
of the seven judges did not ents and one of the beneficial Instruction 26,364,729 2,108,201
agree with what [the major- aspects of the model that the Pupil Personnel 1,264,433 19,901
ity] decided,” Jones said. school has in place is parental Improvement of Instruction 1,311,314 273,498
Tony Roberts, president involvement. Educational Media 847,666
and chief executive officer of “We all dedicate a sig- General Administration 1,053,956
the Georgia Charter Schools nificant portion of our time School Administration 3,437,836
Association, a non-profit to see to it that the school is Business Services 376,000
advocacy organization, said successful in whatever way Maintenance and Operations 4,820,792
that they were not there to we’re able to do that. It’s dev- Student Transportation 891,082 10,000
complain about the recent Su- astating to me that it could Central Support Services 540,057
Nutrition 591,524 1,242,652
preme Court decision but to all possibly go away,” Eades
Community Services 3,287 7,000
plan for the future. said. Facilities 3,838,189
“I think there’s general Eades sent her two chil- Total Expenditures 41,502,676 2,418,600 1,242,652 3,838,189
agreement by a good majority dren to private school before
in the House and the Senate the Museum School opened The Fiscal Year 2012 Tentative Budget will be considered for final adoption by the Board of Education at 6:30 PM
that this is a good idea or they in August 2010. She said that at the regular board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2011. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium
wouldn’t have passed the law many who spoke at the rally, of the Central Office at Westchester on 758 Scott Boulevard.
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011
Brown promotes Dunwoody
seven to deputy suspects accused
Seven DeKalb County of entering autos
Sheriff’s Office employees
were promoted to deputies
by Sheriff Thomas Brown.
Five detention officers and
two detention sergeants
were promoted. The two
sergeants will maintain their
rank and be assigned to the
jail while the remaining five
will take positions in the
court or field divisions.
Three of the officers
were promoted after gradu-
ating from Georgia Peace
Officer Standards and
Training Council courses at
DeKalb Technical College.
The remaining four com-
pleted their courses at Geor-
gia Public Safety Training
Center.
The new deputies are
Charles Dix Jr., Becky
Zollicoffer, Derrick Cole,
Terrell Gairy, Larre-
sia Turner; Sgt. Nicola
Walden and Sgt. Bud No-
lan.
Woman wanted
for Tucker armed
robbery
DeKalb County Police
is searching for a woman
who is suspected of robbing
a Walgreen’s at 2320 North
Druid Hills Road. The sus-
pect walked up to a clerk at
the checkout counter, pulled
out a handgun and demanded
money, according to DeKalb
County Police spokeswoman
Mekka Parish. The suspect
left the store with an undis-
closed amount of cash. The
woman drove away in a tan
or gold Jeep Liberty, police
said.
The suspect is de-
scribed as a White female,
5 feet, 6 inches tall, from
60-70 years old, weighing
approximately 130 pounds.
According to witnesses, she
has red, swollen cheeks.
She was last seen wearing
a baseball cap with a white
and red “G” in the center,
sunglasses, a brown jacket
and stone-washed blue
jeans, police said.
Anyone with informa-
tion about the suspect is
asked to call the DeKalb
County Police Depart-
ment’s Major Felony Unit
at (770) 724-7890.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Dunwoody Police
Department is seeking as-
sistance identifying two
suspects captured on video
using stolen credit cards at
a Wal-Mart in Ellenwood.
The suspects took the credit
cards from several residents
in Dunwoody since May 1,
according to police. There
have been 19 reports of en-
tering autos, with the thefts
happening between mid-
night and 7 a.m. The major-
ity of the crimes occurred
in the northern end of the
city, police said.
The suspects are de-
scribed as two White males
in their late teens to early
20s. One of the suspects
has a buzz haircut and the
other has bushy hair, police
said. They were last seen
driving a newer model sil-
ver Ford Edge—the vehicle
was seen at the Wal-Mart
on Anvil Block Road in
Ellenwood. The suspects
purchased two X-Box 360s
and some clothing. Anyone
with information on the
case is asked to contact De-
tective Andrew Thompson
at (678) 382-6921.
Volunteers age
50 and older
needed for youth
program
Volunteers are being
sought for a new intergen-
erational health program
that pairs older adults with
children to encourage
healthier eating and physi-
cal activity. Volunteers age
50 and older are needed for
the CATCH Healthy Habits
program that will be part of
the Ebster Explorer Youth
Summer Camp in Decatur.
Many of the volunteers
will work with children in
kindergarten through the
fifth grade in weekly one-
hour sessions to play active
games, learn about food
choices and make healthy
snacks. Volunteers can also
help with training, commu-
nity awareness, coordina-
tion and other leadership
roles.
The program was cre-
ated by the OASIS Insti-
tute, a national organization
dedicated to enriching the
lives of adults age 50 and
older. The camp, run by the
City of Decatur Children
and Youth Services, is June
13-July 11. Volunteer train-
ing is June 1-2.
For more information
contact Mary Newton,
CATCH Healthy Habits
program coordinator, at
(404) 463-0437, e-mail,
mnewton@atlantaregional.
com or visit www.oasisnet.
org.
Stone Mountain
man indicted on
sex trafficking
charges
A 37-year-old Stone
Mountain man was indicted
May 10 on federal charges
relating to a sex trafficking
ring operating in the Atlanta
area, according to United
States Attorney’s Office
spokesman Patrick Crosby.
Soloman Manasseh
Mustafa faces federal
charges of sex trafficking,
kidnapping, transporting
women across state lines for
prostitution and document
servitude. He also faces
charges of receiving mate-
rial involving the sexual
exploitation of a minor and
coercion and enticement of
a minor for sexual activity.
The indictment alleges
that Mustafa and a co-defen-
dant, 24-year-old Kalandra
Annette Wallace of Jones-
boro, physically assaulted
women and prevented them
from leaving hotels or apart-
ments and forcing them to
engage in commercial sex
acts. The sex trafficking,
kidnapping and coercion
of a minor charges carry a
maximum sentence of life
in prison and a fine of up to
$250,000.
Notice of Proposed Amendment to the Charter of the City of Chamblee, GA
Notice is hereby given that an ordinance has been introduced to amend the Charter of the City
of Chamblee, Georgia (Ga. L. 1935 p. 976 et seq., approved March 28, 1935) so as to amend
Article 3, Section 1.1 of the Charter so as to reapportion election districts, to repeal conflicting
portions of the Charter and for all other lawful purposes.
A copy of the proposed Ordinance to amend the Charter is on file in the Office of the City Clerk
of the City of Chamblee, Georgia and the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, DeKalb County,
Georgia for the purpose of examination and inspection by the public.
This 26th day of May, 2011.
Nancy Williams, CMC
City Clerk, City of Chamblee, Georgia
Page 9A
Lithonia
seeking
to replace
fired clerk
by Andrew Cauthen
andrew@dekalbchamp.com
Lithonia has been with-
out a city clerk for two
months, after the firing of
its former clerk.
Missye Varner, the
city’s former clerk, was
fired on March 28 over
a controversy of missing
documents.
“The blame was placed
with her,” said Lithonia
Mayor Tonya Peterson.
A temporary worker
is handling some of the
clerk’s duties.
“The city has suffered
a lot,” Peterson said. “It’s
not good for me. It’s not NOTICE OF PROPERTY
good for the city. It’s not TAX INCREASE
good for business.” The City Schools of Decatur has
tentatively adopted a millage rate
Varner was dismissed
by the city council, which
which will require an increase in
property taxes by 5.03 percent.
has the authority to hire All concerned citizens are invited
to the public hearing on this tax
and fire the city clerk and
attorney since a revision in increase to be held in the
Auditorium of the Central Office at
its charter in 2006. Westchester on Monday, June 6,
Doreen Carter, Litho- 2011 at 6:30 PM.
nia’s mayor pro tem, said Additional hearings will be held
the council terminated Var- in the Auditorium of the Central
Office at Westchester on Monday,
ner for personnel reasons.
The council will hire
June 6, 2011 at 9:00 AM and on
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 5:30
a replacement “as soon as
we find a good candidate,”
PM.
This tentative increase will result
Carter said. in a millage rate of 20.90 mills, an
increase of 1.0 mills. Without this
“Hopefully, we’ll find a tentative tax increase, the millage
great person.” rate will be no more than 19.90
Varner did not respond mills. The proposed tax increase
to calls to her cellphone. for a home with a fair market value
of $295,000 with various
exemptions applied is:
No Senior School 70 and Disabled
CHRIST THE Exemptions School Tax older Veteran
REDEEMER $147.50 $97.50 $137.50 $97.50 $97.50
ANGLICAN CHURCH And the proposed tax increase
Sundays at 9 a.m. Serving Conyers,
for nonhomestead property with a
Covington, McDonough & Stockbridge
1500 Klondike Road, Ste. A105, Conyers
fair market value of $295,000 is
ChristTheRedeemerChurch.org 404.317.0038 approximately $147.50.
Page 10A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com

School bus made green in more ways than one

by Kathy Mitchell
kathy@dekalbchamp.com
Through the efforts of
Georgia Tech and Ford Motor
Company, an Atlanta Public
Schools (APS) bus serving
Mary Lin Elementary is now
green—literally and figura-
tively.
The organizations are
partnering on the nation’s first
conversion of a traditional
school bus to a hydraulic hybrid
vehicle that runs on biofuel cre-
ated from used cooking oil. It is
expected to be operational this
summer.
Mary Lin Elementary is in
Atlanta’s Candler Park area in
DeKalb County.
On May 13, eager Mary
Lin pupils donned smocks to
complete the paint job, which
transformed an APS vehicle
from traditional school bus yel-
low to bright green decorated
with leaf images. The children
painted actual leaves in assorted
shades of green then pressed
them against the side of the bus
and pulled them away, leaving
the imprints of leaves of several
types and sizes. The children
also are involved in a drive to
collect the used cooking oil that
will fuel the bus.
“This is a pilot project. We
hope to learn whether it will be
practical to fuel more school
buses this way,” explained Mi-
chael Leamy, a Georgia Tech
assistant professor of mechani-
cal engineering, who along with
a team of students designed and
developed the hybrid system
for the 16-passenger bus.
“We expect our research
will lead to cleaner, more ef-
ficient school buses that will
help school districts like APS
significantly reduce fuel costs
and greenhouse gas emissions,”
Leamy said.
The reduction of fuel costs
is a significant goal for the proj-
ect, he pointed out. By using
recycled vegetable oil, includ-
ing filtered fryer oil from school
kitchens and local restaurants,
the school system hopes to
bring about a major reduction
in the millions of dollars spent
each year for diesel fuel.
The Georgia Tech team
analyzed two designs for a
hydraulic hybrid retrofit then
developed and installed the bet-
ter design. One of the primary
attributes of a hydraulic hybrid
power train is its recovery of
lost braking energy, which is es-
pecially helpful for vehicles that
operate in stop-and-go traffic
and on hilly terrains as Atlanta
school buses do, according to
material distributed by the Ford-
Georgia Tech team.
Mary Lin Elementary al-
ready was committed both to
being environmentally sensitive Photos by Kathy Mitchell
and educating children about
green energy. A sign in front of
the school reminds bus driv- concept into a fun and excit- the resources of colleges and
ers to shut down their engines ing reality that stimulates their universities with an urgent
while they’re parked in front of learning.” community need related to sus-
the school because “small lungs James Vella, president of tainable communities,” Vella

Enroll.
are at work.”
“Our students are eager to
learn about new ways to care
for the environment,” said
Brian Mitchell, the principal
at Mary Lin. “The Green Eco
School Bus turns a theoretical
Ford Motor Company Fund
and Community Services,
explained that Ford had given
$50,000 to Georgia Tech for
the project. “The Ford C3 grant
program is a national challenge
grant competition that matches
said. He added that five such
grants are awarded nationally
each year. To be considered for
selection, a project must in-
volve significant student lead-
ership and involvement.

WANTED.
GPC ALUMNI.
• Choose from over 100 career paths
We’re looking for you.
• $75 per credit hour
Whether you attended DeKalb College, DeKalb Community
College or Georgia Perimeter College, we’re all family.
• Apply by July 19th for Fall Semester All former students who completed at least one credit hour
are eligible to join our Alumni Association. Access outstanding
benefits, special programs, athletic events and so much more.

Don’t miss out on the fun – Join Today!

DeKalb Technical College
404-297-9522
gpc.edu/Alumni ALUMNI RELATIONS
www.dekalbtech.edu
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 11A

Avondale residents take to the streets

by Daniel Beauregard “They received $1,000 ing areas such as Oakhurst
daniel@dekalbchamp.com from the city to put this event and Kirkwood into Avondale.
on, plus we helped them get “It brings people to our
Avondale Estates resident things set up. It was $15,000 businesses,” Stevens said.
Suzanne Kosmerl said nowa- total and then it was broken She also said it was im-
days it is too easy for kids up into the four events,” Ste- portant to have events that
to spend time inside playing vens said. highlight pedestrian safety.
video games. That was why To get additional funding Organizers were working with
she made it a point to get her for the event, yard signs were the Museum School, a charter
son out of the house for the sold to residents for donations school in Avondale serving
Sunday Ride. of $50 that said “Friends of kindergarten through eighth
“Things like this are re- the Sunday Ride,” and accord- grade, to develop a Safe
ally great for getting everyone ing to Stevens, the organizers Routes to School Program.
together outside. I think the made close to $2,000. “A lot of people don’t
biggest thing is community; it Stevens said that events even know we’re here. It’s
gets everybody out and active, like the Sunday Ride are im- just important to get the word
which is really important these portant because they promote out that we have these kinds Avondale residents came out on May 22 to enjoy the weather
days,” Kosmerl said as she the city and also bring a lot of of community events,” Ste- and participate in the Sunday Ride. Photo by Daniel Beauregard
stood under a shady tree and people who live in surround- vens said.
watched her 7-year-old ride
his bike.
Kosmerl, who has been DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You
living in Avondale Estates for
a year, said that events like Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal
the Sunday Ride were good with Comcast Cable Communications
because they helped people
get to know their neighbors. Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcast’s current performance under
She also said her son bikes a the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of
lot in the neighborhood and your community to cable@co.dekalb.ga.us.
“it teaches the kids the impor-
tance of wearing a helmet and The Champion Weather May 26, 2011
how to ride.”
On May 22, several Seven Day Forecast In-Depth Local Forecast Today's Regional Map Weather History
streets in the center of Avon- THURSDAY
Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a May 26, 1917 - A tornado
dale Estates were closed 10 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, touched down near Louisiana,
Isolated T-storms high of 86º, humidity of 38%. South wind 5 to Mo. about noon and remained on
a.m. - 2 p.m. and residents High: 86 Low: 67
Dunwoody
15 mph. The record high for today is 94º set in 84/66 Lilburn the ground for a distance of 293
were encouraged to meet with 1936. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with Smyrna Doraville miles, finally lifting seven hours
85/67
neighbors and enjoy any type FRIDAY a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. 85/67 and 20 minutes later in eastern
of “active” transportation. The 85/67
Isolated T-storms Snellville Jennings County, Ind. The
Decatur
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition was High: 82 Low: 66 *Last Week’s Almanac
Atlanta
86/67 twister cut a path of destruction
86/67
also there doing helmet checks Date Hi Lo Normals Precip
86/67 two and a half miles wide.
and a tire-changing clinic, SATURDAY Tuesday 62 49 80/60 0.00" Lithonia
May 27, 1896 - A massive
College Park
and there was a bicycle safety Partly Cloudy Wednesday 68 46 80/60 0.00" 87/67
tornado struck St. Louis,
Thursday 78 48 81/60 0.00" 87/67
rodeo for kids, which took High: 86 Low: 67 Morrow killing 306 people and causing
Friday 88 55 81/61 0.00"
children through a path around Union City
87/67 13 million dollars in damage.
SUNDAY Saturday 91 61 81/61 0.00"
the street marked off in chalk Sunday 93 63 81/61 0.00" 87/67 The tornado’s path was short
Mostly Sunny
to illustrate bike safety. High: 88 Low: 68 Monday 90 64 82/62 0.00" but cut across a densely
Carol and Tom Brooks, Rainfall . . . . . . .0.00" Average temp . .68.3
Hampton populated area. It was the
who helped organize the Sun- MONDAY Normal rainfall . .0.91" Average normal 70.8
88/68 most destructive tornado of
day Ride, modeled it after one Mostly Sunny Departure . . . . .-0.91" Departure . . . . .-2.5 record in the United States at
they attended several years *Data as reported from De Kalb-Peachtree Airport that time.
High: 90 Low: 65
ago while visiting their son Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week Tonight's Planets
in Portland, Ore. The streets TUESDAY Day Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset
Rise Set
were closed so the community Sunny New Thursday 6:30 a.m. 8:39 p.m. 2:39 a.m. 3:13 p.m. Full
Mercury 5:36 a.m. 7:05 p.m.
could come together for a day High: 91 Low: 67 6/1 Friday 6:29 a.m. 8:40 p.m. 3:07 a.m. 4:07 p.m. 6/15
Venus 5:24 a.m. 6:49 p.m.
to walk, bike, rollerblade and Saturday 6:29 a.m. 8:40 p.m. 3:36 a.m. 5:02 p.m.
Mars 5:15 a.m. 6:42 p.m.
do anything else on wheels WEDNESDAY Sunday 6:28 a.m. 8:41 p.m. 4:07 a.m. 5:58 p.m.
Jupiter 4:40 a.m. 5:36 p.m.
without worrying about traffic. Mostly Sunny First Monday 6:28 a.m. 8:42 p.m. 4:42 a.m. 6:56 p.m. Last Saturn 4:07 p.m. 4:04 a.m.
The Brookses saw no rea- High: 88 Low: 64 6/8 Tuesday 6:28 a.m. 8:42 p.m. 5:21 a.m. 7:53 p.m. 6/23 Uranus 3:33 a.m. 3:41 p.m.
son why they couldn’t do the Wednesday 6:27 a.m. 8:43 p.m. 6:06 a.m. 8:49 p.m.
same thing in Avondale Es- Local UV Index National Weather Summary This Week Weather Trivia
tates so they and fellow resi-
?
The Northeast will see isolated showers and thunderstorms today, widespread
dents Angie and Tom Graver showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature of
How many planets from
contacted City Manager Clai the sun is the Earth?
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ 89º in Philadelphia, Pa. The Southeast will see mostly clear to partly cloudy
Brown to get the idea off the UV Index
skies with scattered thunderstorms today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 96º
Answer: Earth is the third
ground. 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, in Columbia, S.C. The Northwest will see scattered showers today through Saturday, with the
planet from the sun.
“I think the first one was 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High highest temperature of 78º in Ontario, Ore. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies today
in Bogotá, Columbia and it 11+: Extreme Exposure through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 100º in Gila Bend, Ariz. www.WhatsOurWeather.com
was called a ‘ciclovia.’ We StarWatch By Gary Becker - Safe Solar Viewing
started back in February so On all Christmas Eves into my late 30s my family would gather at my grandparents’ apartment. My grandfather, Ewald Marcus, would always have his shortwave radio
it took about three months to tuned to a station in Germany. It was six hours later there, early on Christmas day. Inevitably during the course of our vigil he would say, “In just 24 hours it will all be over.”
plan. We wanted to do it in Often with tears in his eyes he lamented the end of Christmas before it had even begun. In just one year the annular (solar) eclipse will be just a memory. The moon covers
the spring and it’s also bike the sun during the late afternoon of May 20, 2012. It happens across a relatively narrow path from northern California southeastward to the central Texas plains. Here dur-
month,” Carol Brooks said. ing mid-eclipse, a smaller moon will be placed in front of a larger sun, forming an annulus (ring), around the moon. If you are planning to watch this eclipse, you will need some type of
City Planner Keri Ste- apparatus to project the sun or a filtering system to guard your eyes from dangerous infrared radiation which is what causes blindness if you stare at the sun. Projection systems can be as
simple as being near a tree with leaves in motion or crisscrossing your fingers. In both instances tiny pinholes are created which will easily project the eclipsed sun. A long tube, similar to
vens said that the Sunday Ride those used for wrapping gifts, can be made into a projection system by capping one end with tinfoil perforated by a pinhole. Light projects down the tube to fall on a white “screen” at the
was one of four events funded other end. Near the bottom of the cylinder, a much larger hole is placed in the tube which allows the observer to see the screen. Another very inexpensive way to observe the eclipse is to
by the city’s new Community buy solar glasses. These glasses will not only diminish the sun’s brightness to a comfortable level but prevent harmful IR and UV light from entering the eye. Go to http://www.3dglass-
Participation Program. esonline.com/our-products/eclipsers to purchase these glasses for safe solar watching. www.astronomy.org
Page 12A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com

COMBINED NOTICE
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
AND NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

May 26, 2011

DeKalb County Community Development Department

150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Telephone (404) 286-3308

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:

The DeKalb County Community Development Department gives notice that it will submit a request for release of grant funds and an environmental
certification pertaining to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 15 days following this publication. The request and certification
relate to the following projects.
Project # 1: NSP 3 Program: Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3
Location: The DeKalb County Neighborhood Stabilization Program will take place in Areas of Greatest Need as outlined in the NSP 3 Substantial
Amendment to HUD dated February 28, 2011. The areas of greatest need were determined based on public input, coordination with local
stake holders, a partnership with Emory University and a local market analysis. A HUD Foreclosure Need Score 18, 19, & 20 Map for the
County was developed. These Need Score Maps identify the Hidden Hills Neighborhood Area in Stone Mountain, GA as the target area.
Purpose: The NSP 3 Program will provide emergency assistance to acquire and redevelop abandoned and foreclosed properties. The activities
include acquisition of abandoned, foreclosed properties; rehabilitation and resale of those properties; funding mechanisms to assist
buyers of the foreclosed redeveloped properties; and demolition of blighted structures.
Project # 2: CDBG Program - North DeKalb Community Senior Center Project
Location: 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee GA 30341
Purpose: DeKalb County plans to build a new North DeKalb Community Senior Center to better serve the aging population and the growing
demands for senior services and community needs in the northern portion of the County. The new Senior Center will provide proposed
activities that augment and substantially improve the County’s efforts towards supporting seniors in this targeted area of the County.
Project # 3: CDBG Program - South DeKalb Community Senior Center Project
Location: 1931 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032
Purpose: DeKalb County plans to build a new South DeKalb Community Senior Center to better serve the aging population and the growing
demands for senior services and community needs in the southern portion of the County. The new Senior Center will provide
proposed activities that augment and substantially improve the County’s efforts towards supporting seniors in this targeted area of the
County.
PROJECT #1 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
as the specific sites are unspecified at this time. Prior to approving any loan or grant, all projects, as they are selected, will be subject to site specific
environmental compliance including Historical Preservation, Explosive and Flammable Operations, Airport Clear Zones, Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Materials. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) is not required.
The Environmental Review Record, respecting the proposed project, has been made by DeKalb County which documents the environmental review
of the projects and fully sets forth the reasons why such Environmental Impact Statements are not required.
The Environmental Review Records are on file at the DeKalb County Community Development Department, 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330,
Decatur, Georgia 30030 and is available for public examination and copying upon request between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
PROJECT #2 and #3 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
and, accordingly, DeKalb County has decided not to prepare Environmental Impact Statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L.
91-190).
The reasons for such decision not to prepare such Statements are as follows:
An Environmental Assessment has been made for the project which concludes that all adverse effects will be minor, and any short-term impacts will
be mitigated by either the requirements of the construction contract documents or by the requirements of applicable local, state or federal permits and
environmental ordinances. The positive effects of providing activities that augment and substantially improve the county’s efforts towards supporting
seniors the targeted areas of the County outweigh any potential negative impacts. This project is consistent with the goals and objectives of DeKalb
County Government and the Community Development Department.
The Environmental Review Records, respecting the proposed projects, has been made by DeKalb County which documents the environmental
review of the projects and fully sets forth the reasons why such Environmental Impact Statements are not required.
The Environmental Review Records are on file at the DeKalb County Community Development Department, 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330,
Decatur, Georgia 30030 and is available for public examination and copying upon request between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
No further environmental reviews of the subject project are proposed to be conducted prior to the request for release of Federal funds.
Public Comments on FONSI
All interested agencies, groups, and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by DeKalb County
to the Community Development Director. Written comments will be received at 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330, Decatur, Georgia on or before
June 10, 2011. All comments received will be considered and DeKalb County will not request the release of Federal funds or take any administrative
action on the proposed projects prior to the date specified in the preceding sentence.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/RROF)
At least one day after the termination of the public comment period for the FONSI, but not before comments on the FONSI have been considered
and resolved, DeKalb County will submit a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and certification to HUD. By so doing DeKalb County will ask HUD
to allow it to commit funds to these projects, certifying that (1) it has performed the environmental reviews prescribed by HUD regulations
(“Environmental Review Procedures for Title I Community Development Block Grant Program” - 24 CFR part 58), and (2) the Certifying Officer, Chris
Morris, Director, DeKalb County Community Development Department, consents to accept and enforce responsibilities in relation to the
environmental reviews or resulting decision-making and action. The legal effect of the certification is that by approving it, HUD will have satisfied its
responsibilities under the National Environmental Act, thus allowing DeKalb County to commit CDBG funds or NSP Program Income funds to these
projects.
Objection to Release of Funds
HUD will accept objections to its approval of the release of funds and the certification only if it is on one of the following basis: (a) that the certification
was not in fact executed by the Certifying Officer; or (b) that the applicant’s Environmental Review Record for the project indicated omission of a required
decision, funding, or step applicable to the project in the environmental review process. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance to
HUD at the Regional Environmental Branch, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 40 Marietta Street N.W., 15 th floor, Atlanta, Georgia
30303-9812.
Objections to the release of funds on basis other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD. No objection received after June 28, 2011 will
be considered by HUD.
Chris H. Morris, Director
DeKalb County CommunityDevelopment Department
150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330, Decatur, Georgia 30030
Date of Publication and
Dissemination of Notice
May 26, 2011
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 13A

Crime Continued From Page 1A

for the state and conveys that infor-
mation to the FBI.
Often, the county has to
change the category of a crime.
For example, if a call comes in as
an aggravated assault but is later
downgraded to an attempted ag-
gravated assault, the county would
change its statistics.
“But we can’t change what
the GBI has,” Miller said.
There is another difficulty
in comparing the crime data: the
DeKalb County Police Department
does not track most Part 1 larce-
nies, according to Mekka Parish,
police department spokeswoman.
The only Part 1 larcenies tracked
by the county police are vehicle
thefts and charges of a suspect en-
tering a vehicle.
According to its website, the
UCR Program defines larceny-
theft as “the unlawful taking,
carrying, leading, or riding away
of property from the possession
or constructive possession of an-
other.”
“We don’t track that in-
depth,” Parish said.
Nonetheless, county police re-
cords show that theft was lowered
from approximately 9,300 in 2008
to nearly 8,100 in 2010. During
that same time, there was a slight
decrease in shoplifting, from 2,200
to 2,000.
Traffic crackdown
Between 2007 and 2009, vio-
lent crime in Clarkston dropped
from 77 to 61, while property
crimes dropped from 343 to 281.
Clarkston Police Chief Tony
Scipio said crime is decreasing
in the city as the department ag-
gressively enforce code and traffic
violations. That’s the benefit of
Clarkston being a small city.
“We’re able to be visible and
out there,” Scipio said.
The image of crime in
Clarkston is skewed by the amount
of crime just beyond the city’s bor- district. The department holds to keep residents informed about
ders, Scipio said. monthly in-house crime meetings crime.
Much of the crime reported to review crime trends and prob- Although the county’s new-
in the news media as being in lems and there are plans to create a est police department only has 24
Clarkston is not really in the city bicycle patrol. months of crime data to analyze,
limits. “When you watch the news Officers also regularly attend Dunwoody Police Chief Billy
you see DeKalb County Police community meetings where they Grogan said there is a down-
cars,” Scipio said. collect information about problems ward trend in his city. Crime has
in the city. dropped 3.7 percent in the first
“You can’t prevent it all from quarter of 2011 as compared to the
Staffing helps Decatur happening,” Booker said. “But our same time period in 2010.
officers are very proactive.” Grogan said he hopes to keep
Staffing has been a key to In 2007, there were 65 violent the momentum through the sum-
lower crime rates in Decatur, Chief crimes in Decatur. Last year, that mer months, which are typically
Mike Booker said. number dropped to 35. In that times of higher crime.
“We’ve been fortunate,” Photo
sameprovided
span, property crimes de- The crime prevention efforts
Booker said. “We’ve gotten more creased from 728 to 577. in DeKalb County are aided by
help.” “I’m very happy with what a regular meeting to the DeKalb
For the first time in several we’ve done,” Booker said. “We’re County Police Chiefs Association,
years, there are only a couple of very proud of our efforts.” Grogan said
openings among the 47 sworn “We really work closely
positions in the Decatur Police together to try to disseminate
Department. Implementing social media information and share training op-
Because of its staffing, the portunities,” said Grogan, the as-
department formed a visible traf- In Dunwoody, the police de- sociation’s president.
fic unit and placed extra officers partment has been recognized for
in Decatur’s downtown business its use of Facebook and Twitter

Events Continued From Page 1A

area residents a way to dispose of their
tattered or torn flags. The DeKalb Police
Color Guard will participate in this year’s
ceremony, presenting the colors during the
ritual followed by a POW-MIA dedication.
The ceremony will be at lodge headquar-
ters at 1775 Montreal Road in Tucker.
The event will include a traditional hol-
iday meal of a hot dog or hamburger plate,
including chips and a drink, which is free
to those wearing a military uniform or who
show military ID. The meal is available to
others at for a break-even price of $2.
This is the fifth year the Northlake Elks
Lodge has provided a venue to help local
residents properly dispose of their worn
American flags.
“Many citizens know there are proce-
dures for properly disposing of a torn or
worn flag, but aren’t sure exactly what they
are,” said Edward Carmine, a member of
the Northlake Elks Lodge 78 who coordi-
nates the annual event.
“Our ceremony creates a particularly
dignified and solemn occasion for the re-
tirement of unserviceable flags,” Carmine
said. The ceremony is expected to last be-
tween 30-45 minutes.
The public is invited and encouraged
to bring their worn American flags for dis-
posal at the ceremony. Area residents also
can drop worn flags off at the lodge, where
a closed container will be provided in front
of the building for drop offs when the lodge
is closed. For more information, call (770)
908-0835.
DeKalb County Memorial Day com-
memoration event
County offices will be closed May 30,
but the Maloof Building will open that
morning for this year’s annual DeKalb
County Memorial Day commemoration
event. Vietnam veteran and aviator Marvin
Myers, president of the Georgia Vietnam
Veterans Alliance, will be the guest speaker.
The theme of this year’s program,
“Vietnam Veterans: A Tribute to Service
and Sacrifice,” is part of the continued
celebration of welcome home events for all
Vietnam veterans, who historically were
not well received upon their return home,
according to an announcement from the
county.
“The United States Senate (Senate Bill
74) recently declared that March 30, 2011,
be designated as ‘Welcome Home Vietnam
Veterans Day,’” the county announcement
states. “It marks the 38th anniversary of the
withdrawal of U.S. combat and combat-
support units from Vietnam. Senator
Johnny Isakson was a co-sponsor of the
bill. The significance of the date was March
30, 1973, when all U.S. troops withdrew
from Vietnam. Upon these soldiers return,
there were no marches or speeches as there
had been at the end of each of the World
Wars and no ticker-tape parades honoring
these Veterans. America’s Vietnam Vet-
erans returned home to silence and unfair
criticism having served their country during
a divisive war.”
The event will be at the Manuel Maloof
Auditorium at 1300 Commerce Drive at 11
a.m. in downtown Decatur. The list of those
invited to participate in the program in-
cludes the DeKalb County Board of Com-
missioners, Sen. Johnny Isakson, Con-
gressman Hank Johnson, Major General
James Donald (ret.) and Chaplain Tommy
Thompson, LTC (ret.).
Traveling Memorial Vietnam Wall
comes to Griffin
Another opportunity to honor those
who fought and died in Vietnam requires
driving a short distance to the south. Help-
ing to mark the 50th anniversary of the
beginning of the Vietnam War, the Dignity
Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter-
scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Vet-
erans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will
be open for public viewing May 27-30 at
Wiomia Tyus Olympic Park, 1301 Cowan
Road in Griffin. Viewing is free and open
to the public 24 hours a day.
The replica is 8 feet high and 240 feet
long. Its black reflective surface is inscribed
with the names of more than 58,000 ser-
vicemen and women who died or are miss-
ing in Vietnam. Paper and pencils will be
provided so visitors can make rubbings of
names etched on the wall.
An opening ceremony will take place at
10 a.m. Friday, May 27. Multiple groups,
including branches of service as well as
veterans and government organizations,
will hold several ceremonies throughout
the Memorial Day weekend. A closing cer-
emony will take place at 4 p.m. Monday,
May 30, as part of the annual local VFW
Memorial Day service.
Decatur Arts Festival returns
Among the Memorial Day events many
families look forward to is the popular
Decatur Arts Festival.
More than 160 artists from around the
nation will be selling paintings, jewelry
and more. There also will be cutting-edge
dance; storytellers and improvisational
comedy; a parade and balloon art for chil-
dren at the 23rd annual Decatur Arts Festi-
val Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29.
This interactive, inclusive arts ex-
travaganza, presented by the Decatur Arts
Alliance, includes art and artists from all
disciplines and features hands-on participa-
tory art as well as demonstrating and per-
forming arts at venues throughout Decatur.
All events are free.
Among the events at the Decatur Arts
Festival are:
ArtWalk – Held on Friday, May 27, 5-10
p.m., the Decatur ArtWalk gives local busi-
nesses and galleries an opportunity to get
involved. Attendees visit the local busi-
nesses that have invited an artist or have
displayed a collection of art. Many offer
complimentary food and beverages. Music
will be playing from the Community Band-
stand on the Square.
Artists Market – Saturday, May 28, 10am-
6pm, Sunday, May 29, 11a.m. -6 p.m. –
Artists set up tents to display and sell their
works on the Square in downtown Decatur.
This highly competitive, juried show offers
talent from all over the nation.
Performing Arts Stage – Saturday, May 28,
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, May 29, noon-5
p.m. There will be continuous performing
arts every hour from the community band-
stand on the Square. This year’s line-up
includes performances by ConunDrums,
Cowboy Envy, Nicole Chillemi Band,
Mieka Pauley, Von Grey, 7 Day Fool, Se-
whee Village Percussion, Doria Roberts,
The Bonaventure Quartet, Davin McCoy
and The Coming Attractions and ending the
weekend with Delta Moon.
Fine Arts Exhibition – The annual juried
Fine Arts Exhibition will open on May 24
through June 5. The exhibition features
works from more than 60 artists and is held
at Agnes Scott College’s Dalton Gallery
within walking distance from the weekend
festival.
Kids and Teen’s Arts Festival – Saturday,
May 28, 9:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be
activities for toddlers, elementary-aged
kids and teens with lots of hands-on art
projects, performers, balloon artists and a
rock climbing wall. Located on the lawn
of Decatur First Baptist Church, the Kids
and Teen’s Festival kicks off with the Chil-
dren’s Parade led by the city fire depart-
ment.
Theater and Literary Arts Festival –
through May 29 – It is a celebration of
theater and literary arts that includes short
plays, improvisational comedy, poetry, sto-
rytelling, author readings and more. Events
are held throughout the week in conjunc-
tion with the Georgia Center for the Book.
The Theater and Literary Arts Tent on the
Old Courthouse lawn will be open all day
Saturday and Sunday with a full line-up
of performers for both adults and children.
Family events are on Sunday. New this
year is the Decatur LOL stage located on
Clairemont Avenue, which will feature lo-
cal comedians and open mic opportunities
for the public.
The “Speak…Easy!” – Friday, May 27, 7-9
p.m. – This evening of storytelling and mu-
sic for the soul and spirit, at the Old Court-
house on the Square, kicks off the theater
and literary arts festival for the weekend.
New Dance Festival – The Beacon Dance
Company will present three shows at the
Beacon Hill Arts Center, 410 West Trin-
ity Place on May 27 and May 28 at 8 p.m.
These performances feature the newest
works by local and national choreogra-
phers. “With a roster of cutting-edge artists,
Breaking New Ground promises a rich eve-
ning of thought- provoking entertainment
and excitement,” the festival announcement
states. A reception will follow each perfor-
mance. Seating is limited and reservations
are strongly encouraged.
For more information and a program guide,
visit www.decaturartsfestival.com or call
(404) 371-9583.
business The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 14A

Missi Wolf says equipment at the studios is state of the art. Photos by Kathy Mitchell

Fitness studio in Dunwoody

makes working out a BLAST Instructor Nathan Rogers demonstrates a stretch near the end of a class.

more than 10 years ago in an effort to get in treadmills.

shape after the birth of her second child.
Just 5 feet tall, Wolf had reached more
than 200 pounds and found herself uncom-
fortable even sitting on airplanes. She tried
boot camps, spinning classes and marathon
training. She was meeting her goals, but
only with a huge investment of time. “I was
training for three or four hours a day to get
everything in—aerobics, strength training. I
decided there had to be a better way,” Wolf
recalled. Ultimately she decided that if there
was to be a better way, she would have to cre- service.”
ate it. From there she started to design her
own fitness regimen.  but come in and work out. We clean up and
Wolf said that her sessions are priced at
mid-range to slightly above mid-range com-
pared to other studios. “It’s important to
realize that you’re not only getting state-of-
the-art equipment, but you’re also essentially
getting the services of a personal trainer.” She
added that each of her instructors is certified
and no two classes are ever the same.
Another factor that makes BLAST900
stand out from other fitness studios, accord-
ing to Wolf, is “it’s totally about customer
“Our clients don’t have to do anything

So many reasons to join!

The result was the high-intensity 60-min- put the equipment away. We even provide wa-
ute workout that’s the basis for BLAST900. ter and towels as they need them,” she said.
The BLAST is for balance, levels, aerobics Instructor Nathan Rogers explained that
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
and strength training; 900 is the approximate
number of calories a person burns in a one-
clients are treated as individuals. “Not every-
body is at the same point; everybody is dif-
hour session, she explained. Wolf lost 100
100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) ferent,” he said. www.DeKalbChamber.org
378-8000 “Each client gets a workout
pounds, but she also was inspired to teach customized for him or her.”
others how to reach their own fitness goals Rogers, who has trained athletes, said the
Looking for new customers? We can help!
Wolf shows a client the correct way to use hand-held
while investing just an hour a day.
In 2008, BLAST 900 opened as a busi-
ness. The wife of Wolf Camera founder
regimen not only makes people fit physically
but it also heightens mental acumen. “Your
thinking is clearer, sharper when you’re fit.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
weights.
Chuck Wolf, she said she has an entrepre- That’s important in sports and it’s important
neurial spirit that’s independent of his. “I
by Kathy Mitchell 100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org in everyday life,” he said.
have a passion for fitness and talent for busi- The business has a staff of about 15, of

A
kathy@dekalbchamp.com
ness,” she said. “The two fit together per- whom 10 are instructors. The Dunwoody stu-
sweat-soaked client on her way fectly.” dio is one of two now operating—the other
Each 60-minute workout consists of short is in Buckhead. Wolf said she plans to build
The Voice of Business in DeKalb County
out the door of BLAST900 on
Chamblee-Dunwoody Road in but intense
challenging
treadmill
full-body
blocks
strength
alternating
training.
with
“If
13 more studios along the Eastern Seaboard
within the next five to six years.
Dunwoody shouted, “That’s the
best workout I’ve ever had.” DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
you’re not
waitCenter
enjoying
about 45 seconds
what
and
you’re
you’ll
doing,
be doing
just
“They all feel that way,” said Missi100 Wolf,
Crescent Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084
founder and owner of BLAST900, a fitness something
404-378-8000 else,” one of the instructors
www.DeKalbChamber.org shout-
studio designed around a regime she created ed to the class members as they ran on the

Your competitor is likely a member!

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
education The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011  Page 15A

GPC president receives national award Lithonia students awarded James L.

Dr. Anthony Tricoli is the first two-year col-
Thornton Memorial Scholarship
lege president in the nation to receive The Ameri- The James L. Thorn-
can Association of University Professors Ralph S. ton Memorial Scholarship
Brown Award for Shared Governance. The award Fund awarded scholarships
is created in memory of Ralph S. Brown, a Yale May 16 to three Lithonia
law professor and former AAUP president and High School seniors.
general counsel.  The 2010-11 recipients
The national AAUP presents the award only are Rodny Joseph ($2,100)
when an individual’s accomplishments in the area who plans to attend DeVry
of shared governance are identified as “outstand- University, Clayton State
ing.” The successful candidate must demonstrate University or Georgia State
a strong commitment to shared governance and University; Erin Levering
an ability to work with multiple constituencies to ($1,600) whose list of pos-
implement effective change. sible schools includes Polytechnic Institute NY, Ohio State and Harvard; and Andrae
Only five college presidents have been hon- Tricoli Phillips ($1,100), who plans to attend either Georgia Southern University, Georgia
ored with the award since its inception in 1998; State University, West Georgia or Georgia Gwinnett.
Tricoli will be the sixth recipient in the award’s 12-year history. The award The scholarships are awarded to Lithonia High School seniors in memory of
was last presented in 2007. James L. Thornton who was a 2002 rising senior at the school and was a passenger in
The AAUP expressed its appreciation to Tricoli for his accomplish- a fatal automobile accident in August 2002.
ments in making governance at George Perimeter College a collegial and To be eligible for the scholarship, each student is required to write an essay on
collaborative endeavor. safety, have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be in good academic standing. If the
“Although I am being acknowledged by the AAUP, I believe that all of our student possesses a driver’s license he or she must not have had any moving violations
faculty, staff, administrators and students should be recognized for their will- in the past 12 months and must attend an accredited institution of higher education.
ingness to participate in a genuine shared governance model,” Tricoli said.
Tricoli will receive the Ralph S. Brown Award for Shared Governance
and speak at the AAUP banquet on June 11 in Washington, D.C.   Agnes Scott College announces budget cuts
As part of a long-term plan to strengthen the financial future of the college,
Victoria Weiss receives Oglethorpe Agnes Scott College has cut 16 staff positions.
Staff who held eliminated positions will receive severance pay of two weeks per
University’s School Bell Award year of service with a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 26 weeks. They
will also receive two weeks’ notice pay and up to four weeks of vacation pay. The
college is providing outplacement services and counseling support.
Oglethorpe University honored outstanding alumni and faculty during
The college also offered retirement packages to eligible faculty and staff older
the 2011 Alumni Weekend gala awards ceremony. Oglethorpe University
than 62 and with at least 10 years of service to the college; nine members of the fac-
Professor of English Victoria Weiss, a resident of Atlanta, was awarded
ulty and 15 staff members accepted the package and will retire at the end of June.
the School Bell Award, presented to alumni or past or present faculty
Earlier this year, Agnes Scott committed to cutting $3 million in spending out
members who have made lasting contributions to the field of education.
of its $43 million budget to better align the college’s budget with its revenue. The
Weiss recently retired after more than 30 years at Oglethorpe
spending cuts represent one component of a long-term strategic financial plan devel-
University, including decades as professor of English and stints as
oped by the college’s Board of Trustees. Other strategies include increasing enroll-
director of the theater program, director of the core curriculum program,
ment, reducing debt and decreasing the college’s annual draw on its endowment.
retention specialist, director of development, vice president for university
relations and interim provost.

City Schools of Decatur

Estimated Tax Digest for
2012 Fiscal Year Budget
NOTICE OF PROPERTY July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012
TAX INCREASE
The City Schools of Decatur has
tentatively adopted a millage rate Fiscal Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 (est)
which will require an increase in
property taxes by 5.03 percent. Assessment Ratio 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%
All concerned citizens are invited
to the public hearing on this tax
increase to be held in the Real Property $1,040,878,000 $1,088,563,600 $1,124,007,000 $1,162,026,535 $1,159,205,210 $1,170,797,262
Auditorium of the Central Office at Personal Property $18,709,100 $17,577,800 $18,342,500 $20,387,550 $21,391,124 $21,391,124
Westchester on Monday, June 6, Public Utilities $19,348,397 $18,632,600 $16,893,389 $16,473,600 $11,673,736 $11,673,736
2011 at 9:00 AM. Motor Vehicle $43,697,000 $47,267,600 $49,014,800 $50,081,000 $46,119,588 $46,119,588
Additional hearings will be held
in the Auditorium of the Central
Office at Westchester on Monday, Total Digest $1,122,632,497 $1,172,041,600 $1,208,257,689 $1,248,968,685 $1,238,389,658 $1,249,981,710
June 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM and on
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 5:30 School Fund Exemptions $60,537,475 $66,510,000 $64,210,729 $66,710,729 $63,620,529 $65,078,635
PM.
This tentative increase will result
in a millage rate of 20.90 mills, an Net School Operations Digest $1,062,095,022 $1,105,531,600 $1,144,046,960 $1,182,257,956 $1,174,769,129 $1,184,903,075
increase of 1.0 mills. Without this
tentative tax increase, the millage School System Millage 18.95 18.90 19.90 19.90 19.90 20.90
rate will be no more than 19.90
mills. The proposed tax increase
for a home with a fair market value Levy $20,126,701 $20,894,547 $22,766,535 $23,526,933 $23,377,906 $24,764,474
of $295,000 with various
exemptions applied is:
Percent Change 11.05% 3.82% 8.96% 3.34% -0.63% 5.93%
No Senior School 70 and Disabled Dollar Amount Change $2,003,420 $767,846 $1,871,988 $760,398 ($149,027) $1,386,568
Exemptions School Tax older Veteran
$147.50 $97.50 $137.50 $97.50 $97.50

And the proposed tax increase The Fiscal Year 2012 Tentative Budget will be considered for final adoption by the Board of Education at 6:30 PM
for nonhomestead property with a at the regular board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2011. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium
fair market value of $295,000 is of the Central Office at Westchester on 758 Scott Boulevard.
approximately $147.50.
Page 16A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com
Around DeKalb
ATLANTA
Saxophonist opens
Callanwolde series
Callanwolde Fine Arts Cen-
ter opens its 2011 Jazz on the
Lawn outdoor concert series
with saxophone artist Nick
Longo on Friday, June 3 at
7:30 pm. “His powerful style,
amazing solos and ensemble
of top jazz musicians create a
lively, energetic opening night
performance,” according to an
announcement from the fine
arts center. In case of rain, the
concert will be moved to Callan-
wolde’s indoor courtyard. Tick-
ets are $15 through advance
purchase online at TicketLeap
or $20 at the door. Parking is
free and on-site. For more infor-
mation, call (404) 872-5338 or
visit www.callanwolde.org.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Cen-
ter is located at 980 Briarcliff
Rd, NE, Atlanta. 
DECATUR
Decatur Active
Living to offer free
“Supermarket Tours”
The City of Decatur Active
Living Department has part-
nered with Kroger to offer free
supermarket tours led by a
trained nutritionist. The nutri-
tionist will take participants on
a “tour” of the Decatur Kroger
using a hands-on approach
to label reading, healthy meal
planning and avoiding market-
ing traps. Participants will have
nutrition questions answered
and learn how to eat healthy.
The one-hour tours will be
held in June and July on Tues-
day mornings at 9 a.m. and
Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at
the Kroger located in downtown
Decatur. The tours are free and
participants will receive a free
gift.
Tours are limited to six par-
ticipants and reservations are
required. To register, e-mail
cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com
or call (678) 553-6541 or (678)
553-6541. When requesting a
reservation, indicate preferred
date and time.
 
Story event to focus
on pioneer life
In a June 1 DeKalb History
Center Log Cabin story telling
event, Fran Frantz presents
storytelling and authentic fron-
tier crafts “with a twist.”  Frantz
is a local historian and enthusi-
astic storyteller who creatively
weaves fascinating tales of
pioneer life including children’s
chores, entertainment, bartering
and science. The session will
be presented by B.J. Abraham
and Feriel Feldman.  on October 15 to close out the
Log Cabin storytelling ac-
tivities are Wednesdays, 10 -
11:30 a.m., at the historic Biffle
Cabin, located at 720 West Trin-
ity Place (behind the Swanton
House).  The programs are for
children ages 6-12.  Ages 4-5
may attend if accompanied by
an adult.  The cost is $6 per
child per session.  Tickets are
required; call Stacey at (404)
373-1088 extension 26 or e-mail
assistant@dekalbhistory.org for
reservations or more information.
 
STONE
MOUNTAIN
Alumni to picnic in park
Fisk University alumni will
hold their annual Family Day
Picnic June 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
in Stone Mountain Park. This
is also the Kiss 104.1 SoulFest
Day in the park. There will be a
general alumni meeting before
the picnic and fireworks after- LITHONIA
ward.
Golf tournament
Movie night in Stone to benefit abused
Mountain children  
Main Street Stone Mountain,
Comcast and SunTrust Bank
DeKalb CASA (Court
Appointed Special Advocates)
will be hosting Movies on Main, will host a golf tournament on
a free outdoor community movie Friday, June 3 at Mystery Valley
event. The summer movie se- Golf Course, 6094 Shadow
ries will be held on the lawn Rock Dr. in Lithonia. Proceeds
in Stone Mountain Village. All from the event will be used
movies will begin at dusk be- to help represent abused and
ginning on May 28 with Shrek neglected children who are
Forever After. The other movies under court protection.
planned are MegaMind on June The event will include a
18, Never say Never on July 4-person best ball tournament,
16, Rango on August 20, Rio breakfast/lunch, green fees, cart
on September 17 and Tangled and an awards reception. Reg-
istration and breakfast begin at
series. These movies are open 7:30 a.m., shotgun start begins
seating on a first come basis. at 9 a.m. For additional informa-
Restaurants and shops in the tion call (678) 830-7791 or visit
village will also have movie www.dekalbcasa.org and click
night specials. on the golf link.
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 Page 17A

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SPORTS

Working for smiles

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011  Page18A

Long hours worth it for adapted sports coach

Lisa Fogle-Patterson
by Mark Brock
DeKalb Eagles coach Lisa
Fogle-Patterson joined the DeKalb
Schools Adapted Sports program
as a volunteer seven years ago and
could not be happier working with
her athletes.
Fogle-Patterson, a para-profes-
sional at Laurel Ridge Elementary,
spent four years as a volunteer and
assistant coach with the DeKalb
Adapted Sports junior varsity Ea-
gles team before becoming the head
coach of the Eagles for the past
three seasons.
“I wouldn’t trade working with
these kids for anything,” said Fogle-
Patterson. “Just being able to see
them light up and be so happy at
practice and the games is a great
reward. It is a great outlet for them
and we always have fun, win or
lose.”
The Eagles won the adapted
sports junior varsity basketball state
title in 2010 under her leadership
and took second in the handball
state championships.
“She does a very good job teach-
ing and working with the athletes,”
said DeKalb Schools Adapted
Sports Coordinator Scott Coleman.
“These kids are learning funda-
mentals and skills working with
her.” The adapted sports program
competes in junior varsity (Eagles)
and varsity (Silver Streaks) sports
including wheelchair handball, bas-
ketball and football throughout the
school year. Each sport has a state
championship with the basketball
state title game played on Friday
before the Class AAAA and Class
AAAAA high school basketball
championships at Gwinnett Arena.
The athletes that compete have
physical disabilities, including cere-
bral palsy and spinal bifida. “These
kids have little or no social interac-
tion except through these sports,
and they get so excited just to come
to practice,” said Fogle-Patterson.
“It takes a lot of strength for them to
participate from a wheelchair.”
Coleman’s extended teaching du-
ties have limited his time for plan-
ning and paperwork.
“Lisa picked up and started tak-
ing care of acquiring transportation
without even asking,” said Cole-
man. “She does a lot more of the
planning and paperwork that I used
to do. She goes above and beyond
just being a coach.”
Travel and roster paperwork
such as eligibility for the athletes to
play adapted sports, along with her
coaching duties, keeps Fogle-Patter-
son on the run.
On Saturdays, Fogle-Patterson
arrives at school at 7:30 a.m., to
prepare for the teams to travel as
far away as Warm Springs to play
games.
The away-game preparations
include getting wheelchairs loaded
and ready for competition as well
as having bathroom equipment/sup-
plies and lunches ready for travel.
Home games require setting up
the gym with equipment needed for
the various sports and then taking it
all down afterwards.
It can make for some long days
for someone who works a full-time
job, but Fogle-Patterson can’t resist
seeing the smiles and enthusiasm
that result from her preparations.

Miller Grove Middle wins Lee member of
2011 all-sports trophy Oglethorpe’s hall of
Miller Grove Middle School won fame team
the 2011 all-sports award by the nar-
rowest margin in the four-year history
of the competition.  Miller Grove
won county championships in foot-
ball and girls’ basketball and finished
as the county runner-up in boys’ track
on the way to compiling 86 points to
win the all-sports trophy for the sec-
ond time.
Miller Grove also won the award
in 2009 with a then-record of 94
points. Stephenson Middle won with
94.5 points in 2010. The Wolverines
won the county football champion-
ship in both 2009 and 2011.
Champion Middle School has
made a steady climb up the rankings,
moving from 13th in 2008 to second
in 2011 with a total of 77 points.
Champion won county championships
in boys’ basketball and girls’ track.
Chapel Hill and Columbia tied for
third in the points’ standings with
76 points each. Columbia claimed the
runner-up spot in the county football
championship. Henderson Middle
was fifth overall in the standings with
71 points and won the county cham-
pionship in boys’ track.
A Stone Mountain resident is
among several players from the
Oglethorpe University 1968-69 bas-
ketball team recently inducted into the
school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Randy
Lee played on the team that won the
NCAA South Atlantic Regional tour-
nament by beating St. Mary’s 74-56 in
the championship game. The Petrels
were among the top 20 teams in the
country that season.
Southwest DeKalb
sponsors tennis camp
The Southwest DeKalb Panther
Community Camp, for boys and girls
ages 5-18, will be held June 6-10 and
July 11-15. The camp is at the Dottie
Bridges Tennis Center at Flat Shoals
Park, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway in De-
catur. Each camp is 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Campers are expected to report at 8:15
a.m. each day. Lunch and a light snack
will be provided. For more informa-
tion or to register, call (404) 610-1840
or visit www.swdtennis.com
Columbia holding Middle school players
charity golf tournament  chosen for all-star game
The Columbia High School Ath-
letic Association is hosting a charity
golf tournament June 25 at Southland
Country Club.
The proceeds of the tournament are
to benefit the athletic programs at
Columbia, including the boys and girls’
basketball teams as well as the baseball,
football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and
track teams. The boys basketball team
has won two straight state titles and the
girls won a state championship in 2010.
The entry fee is $120 per player,
and includes lunch and the awards cer-
emony. The tournament is set for a 9
a.m. shotgun start and is presented by
CYC Enterprises and National Christian
Golfers Association. A pairing party is
scheduled for June 24 at CYC located at
2724 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Suite
205, Tucker.
Sponsorships for teams, holes and
the tournament are available by calling
Michea Randolph at (770) 820-4997
or the CYC offices at (770) 987-3558.
Several different levels for giving are set
for sponsors to choose. Registration is
available online at http://www.ncgatour.
com/NCGACYCCHS_TourRegistra-
tion.html.
More than 20 middle school foot-
ball players from DeKalb County
have been chosen to represent Geor-
gia in the 2011 Georgia-Florida Fu-
ture Stars Game on June 18 at Wood-
ward Academy. Players were selected
from a field of hundreds of players
at recent tryouts. Prior to the game
the team will spend a week at Emory
University practicing. Khalil Ladler
of Stephenson Middle School was
named the most outstanding seventh
grader at tryouts.
The other players from DeKalb
selected to the team are sixth graders
Marque’ Andrews, Breon Dixon,
Shaun Jolly, London Lewis, Cam-
ryen Makins, Khalil Newton and
Darren Peterson; seventh graders
Myles Donaldson, Shomar Jackson,
Colby Patterson, Akeem Peters,
Tabarius Peterson, Alex Sands, Jer-
emiah Shelley, Kameron Smith and
Derrion Warner; and eighth graders
Javon Barnes, Darius Goodwin,
Nick Lundie and Duke Shelley.
www.championnewspaper.com The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011
Marist had gone 12 straight games without allowing more than two runs in a game, but Loganville snapped the streak with an 8-2 win in the state semifinals. Marist tied the
series 1-1 with a 4-3 win in the second game of the double-header May 24. Photos by Robert Naddra
Marist pitching tested in state semifinals
by Robert Naddra
robert@dekalbchamp.com
Runs have been hard to come
by for Marist opponents all sea-
son.
The War Eagles entered their
Class AAAA baseball state semifi-
nal series with Loganville having
allowed only seven runs in the
past 12 games. In the previous 25
games, Marist had allowed more
than two runs only twice on its
way to compiling a 29-3 record
after the state quarterfinals.
Loganville ended Marist’s 12-
game streak of not allowing more
than two runs in a game in an 8-2
win May 23 in the first game of a
three-game series. The War Eagles
won Game 2 4-3 in eight innings
and the deciding game was played
May 24 after The Champion dead-
line.
The 12 runs scored by Logan-
ville equaled the number of runs
Marist had given up in the previ-
ous 16 games.
“I have enough respect for
Loganville to know exactly what
we’re going to get when we play
them,” Marist coach Mike Strick-
land said.
Loganville has advanced at
least to the second round eight
times in the past 11 seasons with
a state championship in 2008 and
a runner-up finish in 2002. Marist
needed three games to eliminate
Loganville in the second round
last season.
Having allowed only one home
run in the previous 12 games,
Marist gave up five to Loganville
in the double-header. Starting
pitcher Blake Stevens allowed
four home runs as Loganville built
a 5-2 lead, then the Red Devils
added a two-run homer in the
sixth inning.
A two-run home run off un-
defeated Marist starter Brandon
Liebrandt, a Florida State signee,
gave Loganville a 3-2 lead in the
seventh inning of Game 2. But
the War Eagles battled back to
tie the game 3-3 on a sacrifice fly
by Chesny Young. Jack Mohan
walked with the bases loaded to
drive in the winning run in the
eighth inning. Liebrandt ran his
record to 11-0 and struck out 12
batters.
Marist’s hitters were chal-
lenged by Loganville as much as
Stevens and Liebrandt were on the
mound. Marist had scored 54 runs
in its previous six state playoffs
games and had scored at least four
runs in 15 of the past 16 games.
“The pitching we’ve faced
in this series is a little different
than what we’ve seen up to this
point,” Strickland said. “We had to
scratch to get something positive
to happen, and it’s been a while
since we needed to do that.”
Daniel Spingola had two hits
and a home run, and Mitchell An-
derson had a home run in Game 1.
Anthony Sherlag and Kevin Gale
Page 19A
each had an RBI in Game 2.
The War Eagles beat Greenbri-
er 6-2 and 10-1 in the third round
May 17 to advance to the semifi-
nals. Spingola and Gale each had
two-run homers and three RBIs
in the series. Stevens and Sherlag
hit solo homers. Stevens pitched
a four-hitter with nine strikeouts
to win Game 1 against Greenbrier
and Liebrandt struck out 10 bat-
ters in the second game.
Dunwoody, the No. 2 seed
from Region 6-AAAA, closed out
its season with a loss to Effingham
County on May 17 in the state
quarterfinals. The Wildcats lost the
opener 10-0 in five innings despite
allowing only two earned runs.
Dunwoody lost the second game
5-2 as the Wildcats ended the
season 24-9. It was the first time
the Wildcats have advanced to the
state quarterfinals since winning
with Class AAA state champion-
ship in 2007.
Page 20A The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 27, 2011 www.championnewspaper.com

P U B L I X S UN DAY D I N N ER CHE F.
For me, the week’s not complete without a big Sunday Dinner with lots of family and friends. I plan my
menu all week and then head to Publix. Nothing but the finest, freshest ingredients go into my spread!
My specialty is making traditional dishes healthier. For instance, I’ll add flavor with fresh herbs instead
of salt. That’s why every Sunday people ask me the same two questions: “Beverly, how do you
make your food taste so good and so good for you?” and “What’s for dinner next Sunday?”.

Herb Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce, Sugar Snap Peas

and Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
© 2011 Publix Asset Management Company

Find recipes, tips and more at publix.com/sundaydinners

Don’t forget your neighborhood Publix will be open during

regular store hours Memorial Day, Monday May 30, 2011.