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FREEPRESS
TIME OUT FOR BULLIES
EDUCATION, 18A

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 VOL. 16, NO. 39 FREE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

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Business .......................17A Classied......................20A Education ............... 18-19A Sports ..................... 21-23A

PASSIONATE ABOUT SIGNING

LOCAL, 3A

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Former school administrator Bobbie Ward was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for abusing and taking advantage of elderly and disabled adults. Photo provided

Elder abuse and exploitation growing problem, hard to identify

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Canavan said there are lots of ways an elderly or disabled adult can be exploited and the elderly population will double over the next decade. So youve got a huge new pool of victims and a lot of people who are desperate for money and that is a really bad combination. So whatever the numbers are now thats almost irrelevant because its going to increase and it is a serious problem, Canavan said. Imagine being locked in a basement, alone, only being fed a bologna sandwich once a day. All you can think about is how much you miss your wife, who has dementia and lives at a nearby nursing home. This is exactly what happened to James Duncan, who was spent several months living locked inside Bobbie Wards basement in 2011. Ward was convicted Dec. 9 and sentenced to spend 20 years in prison and pay $14,229 in restitution to one of the victims. According to the DeKalb District Attorneys Office, Ward was convicted of 21 charges for committing crimes against six elderly adults and disabled victims. The charges included neglect and exploitation of disabled and elderly adults, false imprisonment, forgery and 13 separate counts of identity fraud. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Canavan, who focuses on white-collar crime and elder abuse, said Wards case was particularly troubling. Sometimes she would go to Grady Hospital and just pick [her victims] up because what will happen is, theyll be released from Grady and not know where to go. Once she went to a group home and basically pulled up in a van and told this man to get in, Canavan said. Once they were in Wards custody, Canavan said, she would house them in various rooms in her home and feed them one bologna sandwich a day. She also stole their checks and opened accounts in their name, deSee Abuse on Page 15A
Santa Claus presents Tucker 2014 President Sonja Szubski the Tucker feasibility study, which said the Tucker community is financially feasible to form into a city. Photos by Carla Parker

Tucker nancially feasible to form city

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com anta Claus made a special delivery to Tucker residents Dec. 21. More than 100 Tucker residents gathered at the downtown Tucker Square on Main Street to learn from Jolly Old Saint Nick that the proposed City of Tucker is financially feasible based on the study conducted by Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Frank Auman from Tucker 2014 said this was a historic day for Tucker. Its no surprised that Tucker is a great city, he said. Its just never been formally a city and now were on our way. According to the feasibility study, the city of Tucker will start with a surplus of approximately $3.3 million. Based on the mix of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and public properties taxes, Tucker expects to have annual revenue of approximately $16.6 million and annual expenses of approximately $13.3 million. These numbers are based on
See Tucker on Page 15A

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

Stone Mountain woman is Mega Millions winner

Curry was driving on the morning of Dec. 17 when she heard the retailer location and one of the winning numbers on the radio. She asked her daughter to check her ticket Curry and was stunned. I was calm because it was unbelievable, she said. According to Curry, she hasnt had a chance to think about future plans. Winning numbers from the drawing were: 8-14-17-20-39 and the Mega Ball was 7. Curry said the numbers are a combination of family birthdays. She added that seven is the familys lucky number. On a Facebook page with the name Ira Curry, Thank you JESUS! was posted at approximately 6 a.m. on Dec. 19.
Ira Curry, right, of Stone Mountain is a new multi-millionaire.

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 2A

by Gale Horton Gay gale@dekalbchamp.com The immense good fortune and financial windfall of a Stone Mountain family has sent a ripple of surprise through a local neighborhood. Ira Curry, one of two winners of the $648 million Mega Millions drawing on Dec. 17, claimed her prize the next morning at Georgia Lottery headquarters. Its unreal, said Curry, 56, in a press release from the lottery office. Its like Im still dreaming. Once her identity was known, media swarmed her Waters Edge neighborhood with three television satellite trucks parked in front of her house. Peggy Adams, who lives in Waters Edge around the corner from Curry, said she didnt know the winner but was thrilled to hear the news and hopes that maybe next time I will be the lucky one. Michael Adams called the media spotlight crazy and ridiculous and said Georgia Lottery officials shouldnt require winners names to be made public because it jeopardizes their safety. At a party in the neighborhood the night after the drawing, Currys good luck was practically all her neighbors could talk about. Curry purchased her ticket at a news stand in Atlanta. A second jackpot ticket was sold in California. Curry selected the cash option, which amounts to $173,819,742.50 before taxes. Georgia state income tax of 6 percent and federal income tax of 25 percent are withheld from prizes of more than $5,000 at the time the prize is claimed, according to lottery officials.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

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Sign language interpreter Alexa Ann Reha Wilson says she makes a difference every day she goes to work at Freedom Middle School. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Interpreter is passionate about sign language

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Alexa Ann Reha Wilson, a sign language interpreter at Freedom Middle School, began signing since she was 12. I had a church congregation that did sign language, she said. I thought it was real cool and I wanted to learn how to communicate. So she took some basic sign language classes to learn how to finger spell and do enough to communicate with a deaf person. Then, one day in her church she met a deaf girl who later became her best friend. She had no interpreter and I introduced myself because I had enough [skills]to say hello, my name is, Wilson said. I said, Where is your interpreter? I didnt know much sign language but I knew enough to have a basic conversation. The girl did not have an interpreter. She said she shows up at church because she loves feeling the vibrations of the music, butshe has no idea whats being said, Wilson said. Then Wilson volunteered to interpret for the girl. I told her, I dont know that much sign language, but I would be willing to try to figure stuff out and try to sign my way through stuff if youd be willing to help me and teach me. The new friends began attending worship services and youth group together. She was so excited and so enthusiastic that someone was willing to take the time to try to establish that communication, Wilson said. I felt like I wasnt doing anything. I felt I was insignificant. I was finger-spelling through everything. I didnt know very many signs. I could do worship but that was about it. She told me, You have no idea the difference between having no communication every single Sunday and being able to get words and worship and being able to have some kind of communication and understanding what is being said. It was just an amazing thing. She said it made [a] world of a difference, Wilson said. At that point, I was just extremely excited and thought, Im really making a difference in the world. Wilson then decided to pursue a career as a sign language interpreter. At Freedom Middle, Wilson is the lead sign language interpreter and has started a sign language club at the school. One of four sign language interpreters at the school, Wilson helps support the six students Freedom Middle students requiring interpreting services. The interpreters accompany the students in each of their classes. Wilson started the 100-member sign language club, now in its second year, to share her passion for sign language with others. Wilson also works after school with deaf students who are in extracurricular activities. She has interpreted for students in band, football, drama club, basketball and tutoring. I dont leave here until 7 p.m. some days, she said. Whatever theyre involved with I participate. Currently, Wilson works with a deaf basketball player. Interpreting during a game is a whole different ball game, with no pun intended, she said. Its very different. What I interpret mainly is whenever the coaches are speaking to the kids, explaining plays,[and] showing what a certain routine looks like. To interpret plays, Wilson has to establish a sign. The coaches illustrate what the play looks like and Wilson makes up a sign for it. Once I sign it, thats what [the player] she has to do, he said. The player signs a questions about what shes confused about and I voice it the coaches, then they explain it and I sign that back to her, Wilson said. Its a lot of explaining [and] illustrating. When shes not working, Wilson enjoys spending time with husband Cornelius and their 6-yearold daughter Mikayla. Wilson said she is very invested in students and their education. I want them to realize that just because theyre deaf it doesnt mean they are not any less than anybody else and they can achieve anything, she said. If I can play a small part in that, Im going to do whatever I can to invest in their future which usually means going above and beyond, Wilson said. I truly know every day I show up to work, Im making a difference, she said.

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OPINION

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

For those who only see the do-nothing Congress

I will admit that the TSA is among my least favored federal agencies, and though we hear repeatedly that their screening and security makes commercial aviation safer, I am continually reminded of our nations tendency to fight our next battle or war with technologies designed to respond to the prior attack.After the aerial attack on Pearl Harbor (12/7/1941), we created the Air Force, substantially expanded the air combat capabilities of the Navy and built out the avionic and air supremacy which we still hold over much of the world today. Following getting our tails handed back to us by locals in tunnels, and occasionally using their children as explosive devices in Korea and Vietnam, our U. S. Armed Forces determined that nation building, gathering local intelligence and assisting with the redevelopment and rebuilding of war-torn areas which we earlier bombed was a better path to turning insurgents into allies. And though for many of us the horrific memories of 9/11 remain fresh, I am hard pressed to understand how one shoe bomber or the use of box cutter knives by many of those 19 terrorists now merit all of us removing our shoes, grandma getting out of her wheelchair and getting a pat down as well as emptying our pockets and forgoing pocket knives and nail clippers under the guise of national security.... But I digressback to all that loose change and Congress acting as one BIG Coinstar machine. Congressman Jeff Miller (RFlorida) proposed that this money in the TSA bins would be better suited to supporting the United Service Organization (USO) and other nonprofit groups which provide airport lounges and related support services for arriving and departing troops.I am a big fan of the USO, as was Bob Hope. But back to CongressOn Dec. 3, 2013, the U. S. House passed the TSA Loose Change Act.As with any federal legislation, nothing is simple.The act required amendment to Title 49 of the U. S. Code as it relates to the transfer of unclaimed monies to certain nonprofit organizations.And, Congress additionally required the preparation and publication of an annual report, detailing the collection of the loose change and its dispersal as well as the dates of transfer to the nonprofits. The bill awaits Senate passage and a visit to President Obama for signature. Hmmm. After recounting the coins, congressional staff will assemble, prepare and print an annual report, and there should then still be a few hundred thousand left to actually be spent on the several thousand troops which arrive and depart through our nations airports, or enjoy a cup of coffee or donut supplied by the USO.Maybe we would have been better off just telling them to look for the nice new signs in baggage claim that say, Arrivederci.

One Mans Opinion

A penny saved is a penny earned, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), statesman, philosopher, printer, author and inventor.The man stayed busy. Millions of Americans, business people, families, tourists and visitors to the country travel daily through TSA security lines and eventually the metal detectors, back scatter scanners and the occasional groping pat down.While hurriedly emptying their pockets or laying their purses in a security bin, loose change is often among the casualties which dont make it home. Not including foreign currency, during the past year $531,395 in loose change was recovered, collected and turned in after lingering in those bins and bowls during fiscal 2012.The TSA spent that chump change on a project to translate common signage into multiple foreign languages and other small airport security enhancements. But no pile of pocket change is too small for our U. S. Congress to consider or reappropriate. So even the change you forgot, or didnt have time to collect, Congress is there to save the day. Interestingly the top airport for loose change, which got turned in, was Miami International Airport at $39,613.Las Vegas and lost wages was a not too distant second at $26,900again offering proof positive that nickel slots, once a McCarran Airport fixture, are now a thing of the past.Coming in third was Chicagos OHare International at $22,115. Interestingly, the worlds busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport did not even make the Top 10.Im going to be charitable, given the holiday season, and assume that those bulging jacket and pants pockets on the TSA guards at Hartsfield are full of snacks and holiday trinkets for travelers.The TSA-staffed airport with the smallest take was tiny Guam at $1.70.

Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist for The Champion, Champion Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native and business owner, living in Scottdale. You can reach him or comment on a column at billcrane@ earthlink.net.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

OPINION

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She knew I would make it

Every Christmas season brings me back to a decisive moment in my career.
Donald Kaul
Guest Columnist
Then: An earlier version of this obituary misstated the number of times Mr. OToole had been unsuccessfully nominated for an acting Oscar in 2003, when he received his honorary award. At that time, he had been nominated seven times; his eighth unsuccessful nomination came in 2007. And then: An earlier version also stated in error that he ended his honorary Oscar acceptance speech with the words, Always a bridesmaid, never a bride my foot. He began the speech with those words. And: It also misspelled the name of the film actor Errol Flynn; it is Errol, not Erroll. It also misspelled the name of the director of the 2004 film Troy. He is Wolfgang Petersen, not Peterson. Thats a masterpiece of deadpan contrition an admission of error without the slightest suggestion of apology. It reminds me of a Christmas season 50 years ago when I was a young reporter for the now-defunct Des Moines Tribune. I wasnt doing well. It seems I was having trouble mastering certain journalistic principles like getting names and addresses right. So this particular Christmas I was assigned to the journalistic equivalent of Hell the Christmas beat, all treacle and sentimental claptrap. On Monday, I was sent to a local department store where they were giving a party and presents to poor kids from around the city. A sure winner. I wrote it pretty well, except for the fact that somewhere along the way I switched the quotes of the store manager with the cab driver whod driven me over. The cab driver complained. Not a good thing. Later that week I was sent to cover a fire in which a Christmas tree and all the presents of the four children of the house had been destroyed. To an old-fashioned newspaper, a story like that was solid gold. Not only did it thrum heartstrings, it gave the paper a chance to call on the generosity of readers to send in money and toys for the children, making the paper seem generous at practically no cost. Win-win. Except that I used one name for the father in the body of the story and an entirely different one in the caption under the accompanying photo. And the address I listed turned out to be near miss, rather than a direct hit. Id saved the best for last, however, confusing a manger scene, a contestant in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas contest, with a picture of Santa on a roof. (Dont ask how.) By which point it was Christmas Eve. My city editor came over and said: You know Kaul, I dont think youre going to make it. And then, with exquisite cruelty: Oh, its Christmas Eve. Go home and enjoy yourself. I was 27 years old. I had a wife, two kids, and Id just signed a lease on my house. I went home, sat in front of the fireplace, and didnt move for a long time. Finally my wife said: Whats wrong? The city editor told me Im not going to make it, I said. Her response was instantaneous. Oh, what does he know? He looks as though his mother dresses him. Youre going to make it. Its at times like that when you know youve married the right person. And for the past five decades, in good times and bad, that person, that moment, has been the light on my personal Christmas tree. OtherWords columnist Donald Kaul lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. OtherWords.orgThe Forgotten Triumph over Plutocracy that Created the American Middle Class. OtherWords.org

After Peter OToole died in December, The New York Times gave him a worthy sendoff. The marvelous English actors obituary, which began on the front page, ran several thousand words. At the conclusion of its online version The Times ran this addendum: An earlier version of a slide show caption with this article misstated the title of release date of one of the films in which Peter OToole starred. It was How to Steal a Million, not How to Steal a Million Dollars, and it was released in 1966, not 1965.

FREEPRESS
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name, address and telephone number for verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: John Hewitt Chief Financial Ofcer Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Andrew Cauthen Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Photographer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.

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

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

COMMUNITY

PAGE 6A

Champion of
the
Jennifer Goltz said one of her biggest passions is helping animals. It can be very rewarding to see an animal open up and feel safe in your home, said Goltz, who has lived off of Columbia Drive in DeKalb County since 2005 with her husband. Overcrowding in animal shelters is nothing new, Goltz said, and even with plenty of volunteers helping, she said its tough sometimes to give the pets the love and attention that they need. They stay in cages with multiple dogs that have been abused, left behindmalnourished and sad, Goltz said. When animals go to foster homes rather than spending their time in a shelter waiting to be adopted, Goltz said, they get the one-on-one attention that can help them feel secure, which then helps in terms of being adopted. Our first foster was in the rescue program for two years, Goltz said. He had a few foster homes but always went back to the rescue. We had him for two months and he was adopted. Another one we had was in the program for a year and she was adopted after two months as well. Although there are many foster programs throughout metro Atlanta, Goltz works primarily with Orphan Annie Rescue, who pulls animals from the DeKalb and Fulton County ani-

Week

JENNIFER GOLTZ

Members of the City of Briarcliff Initiative announced the results of a feasibility study Dec. 16. Photo provided

City of Briarcliff initiative releases results of feasibility study

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchampion.com The proposed city of Briarcliff is the most financially feasible cityhood plan currently proposed for central DeKalb County. Thats according to feasibility study released Dec. 16 by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. An independent study has confirmed what so many in central DeKalb [County] already knewthat Briarcliff is positioned to be the most sensible city for central DeKalb, Allen Venet, president of the City of Briarcliff Initiative, said. We believe the members of this community deserve the chance to publicly vote on Briarcliff cityhood. To determine available revenues to fund the city, the institute looked at the revenue being paid to DeKalb County for providing services to the area. The study also looked at any additional revenue streams available to the proposed areas. The study compared the proposed city with the surrounding municipalities of Dunwoody and Smyrna to determine the areas likely operational expenses such as providing parks services, police, zoning, public works and administrative costs. Annual operating expenditures for the

city are estimated to be approximately $37 million, with annual capital expenditures estimated to be approximately $9.5 million. According to the study, there would be a $6.5 million surplus in the proposed citys first year of operation. The proposed city boundaries stretch from the southern side of I-85 in DeKalb County from the city of Atlanta and Fulton County border on the west, to the inside of I-285 on the east. The southern boundary of the study area borders Atlanta, Decatur and Avondale Estates. The total area is approximately 30 square miles. Keith Hanks, a member of the City of Briarcliff Initiatives executive board, said the next step includes refining cityhood plans, translating them into the necessary legal language and presenting the plan to legislators. The proposed city was first introduced the Georgia General Assembly by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver earlier this year when she filed several placeholder bills. At the time, Oliver said it was important to have a discussion on cityhood. Since the creation of Brookhaven last year, neighborhoods such as North Druid Hills, Lakeside, Stonecrest and Tucker have been vocal about exploring cityhood as an option.

NoticeofPublicHearing TheMayorandCityCounciloftheCityofChamblee,Georgiawillholdapublichearingat6:00 p.m.onThursday,January16,2014attheChambleeCivicCenter,3540BroadStreet, Chamblee,GA30341toreceivepubliccommentsregardingthefollowingmatters: HarrisonFrench&Associates,representingWalmartRealEstateBusinessTrust,proposesto modifyconditionsoftheexistingPlannedUnitDevelopmentfortheWalmartpropertyat1871 ChambleeTuckerRoadapprovedonApril20,2004toremovecertainconditionsofapproval regardingsignageandtoamendtheMasterSignagePlan.Thisapplicationwillalsobeheardby theArchitecturalReviewBoardatitsregularlyscheduledmeetingat7PMonJanuary7,2014in theChambleeCityHallat5468PeachtreeRoad.

mal shelters. Goltz said she has also fostered pets directly from Fulton County. Orphan Annie, run entirely by volunteers, rescues cats and dogs from all over Georgia on their last days from many of the high-kill shelters in the state. Additionally, Goltz has also volunteered her time to DeKalb County Animal Services by visiting the shelter to play with the dogs and cats and help walk the dogs. She has also donated supplies such as towels and food. Since she was younger, Goltz said she has had a love for animals. Its amazing to help them with the journey of getting them to their forever homes, Goltz said, and seeing the pictures of them with their new family and how happy they are to have that makes it all worth it.

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.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

COMMUNITY

PAGE 7A

ATLANTA

AROUNDDEKALB

check out of the old and check in to the new. Seniors and families are encouraged to participate in this intergenerational event, states an announcement from the library. The event is open to the first 35 participants. Call or visit the branch to register. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Chamblee Library. Chamblee Library is located at 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee. For more information, call (770) 936-1380.

Countys unsung foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement. Rainbow Park Baptist Church is located at 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 241-80006 or visit www.dekalbganaacp.org. Library to hold childrens events Preschool children can participate in nursery rhymes, songs, short books and finger plays that target their developmental needs at the Decatur Library Jan. 7. The session for babies up to 1 year is 10-10:30 a.m.; the session for children 3 to 5 years old is 11-11:30. Siblings are welcome come along. The Book Buddies Club for children 7 and 8 years old will meet 4-5 p.m. Parents can pick up a copy of this months book for sessions that will include discussion, activities and a snack. Parents may register their children for these events at the Childrens Department Desk. The Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 370-3070.

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb Animal Services offers holiday adoption deal Cook to lead Emory Alumni Association Sarah Craven Cook has been named senior associate vice president for the Emory Alumni Association (EAA), beginning in January 2014, according to an announcement by Susan Cruse, senior vice president for development and alumni relations (DAR) for Emory University. Sarah has played a critical role in the transformation of the Emory Alumni Association through her analytical thinking, insight and a commitment to upholding Emorys brand, Cruse said. Im delighted to have her as part of the DAR leadership team. Since 2007, Cook has served as senior director for Initiatives and Technology for EAA, responsible for strategic planning, budget management, marketing and technology. Church to hold Watch Night Services The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church has announced that it will hold Watch Night Services Tuesday, Dec., 31, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is located at 1879 Glenwood Ave., SE, Atlanta. Until Jan. 1, DeKalb County residents can adopt any dog or puppy at the DeKalb County Animal Services shelter for $20 and any cat or kitten for $10. Each adopted pet will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, heartworm tested and dewormed. According to a press release, standard adoption screening criteria still applies. Susan Feingold, director of DeKalb County Animal Services, said the goal of the promotion is to find homes for the animals during the holidays and encourage residents to adopt. For more information visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com. Deadline extended for participation in MLK parade DeKalb NAACP Branch has extended the deadline to register to participate in its 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Rally to Friday, Jan. 3. The parade will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. Volunteers and sponsors are still needed. To register or for more information, contact Sarah Copelin-Wood at schoolsandcommunity@yahoo. com.

STONE MOUNTAIN

Library hosts poetry collaboration Award-winning south DeKalb County poet and essayist Gwen Russell Green will host a Creative Collaboration in the Southeast, an event showcasing poetic works reecting on the theme There is no future without forgiveness, no adventure without suffering. The event, held at the Stonecrest Library Jan. 4 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., includes an open mic portion for audience members to share their work. Funding for the event is provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. For more information call (770) 482-3828 or visit www.dekalblibrary.org. Church holding refugee Christmas celebration Refugee families are invited to attend a Christmas celebration and dinner hosted by the Servants of the Lord Prayer Group, African Families Association and St. Joseph Alumni Association/Sierra Leone. Families will receive boxes of groceries, clothing and other surprises. The event will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church gym, 600 Mountain View Dr., Stone Mountain. Transportation to the event will be available beginning at 2 p.m. Donations are needed to make this a success. For more information, call (678) 464-9008.

BROOKHAVEN

DECATUR

Police department to open headquarters The Brookhaven Police will move into a permanent police station on Buford Highway. The station is scheduled to open in February, if renovations are completed. The Brookhaven City Council voted unanimously Dec. 17 to enter into a five-year lease to relocate the police headquarters to 2665 Buford Highway. The 59-officer department, which launched in July, has been operating out of two temporary locations: the citys municipal court in Corporate Square and the interim city hall in Dunwoody. Renovations to the new station, which is 16,268 square feet, are under way. The police command staff will relocate to the new station beginning Dec. 27. The patrol division is scheduled to move later. The new police headquarters will include evidence rooms, interview offices, locker rooms, squad room, holding cell, crime lab and court clerks office.

Jeweler named one of best Decatur jewelry store Worthmore Jewelers was recently named to Atlanta Magazines Best of Atlanta list for 2013. The award highlights the jewelry stores diverse range of products from a 2.5-carat engagement ring to a diamond snake-shaped cuff to a mens Batman ring, and its reputation as the go-to place for commitment rings within the Atlanta LGBT community. Business association announces membership renewal deadline The Decatur Business Association announced that its membership renewal deadline is Jan. 15, 2014. The organization states that more than 98 percent of its members renewed their membership online in 2013. On-time renewal assures inclusion in the DBA Membership Directory. Renewals can be completed at www.DecaturDBA.com. Membership meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month except for November and December; a meeting is held on the first Tuesday of December. DeKalb NAACP to hold Jubilee Day celebration The DeKalb NAACPs annual Jubilee Day celebration will be held Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Rainbow Park Baptist Church. The event celebrates the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Honored guests will be DeKalb

TUCKER

Yoga program designed for those with limited mobility Mariam Gilmer, certified Hatha yoga instructor, is offering an eight-week introduction to the practice of yoga while seated in a chair. The program is at the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, 3772 Lavista Road, Tucker. Participants will work on gentle Hatha yoga poses while focusing on breathing. This style of yoga is ideal for seniors and those with mobility issues, according to an announcement from the library. The sessions are each Tuesday, 3-4 p.m., starting Jan. 7. The sessions are open to the first 15 people to register. Participants may register by calling or visiting the branch. The program is sponsored by Friends of the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library For more information, call (404) 6794408.

CHAMBLEE

Library to hold New Years Eve celebration The Chamblee Library will host its second annual New Years Eve Celebration Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1-3 p.m. Experience a new Chamblee Library tradition by bringing in the New Year with the Book Drop! Come and celebrate by making crafts, playing games, singing songs and more. Join us as we

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 8A

The Northlake Children Chorus, which formed four years ago, features elementary students from Brockett, Henderson Mill and Midvale elementary schools. Photo by Carla Parker

Lifting spirits through song

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Four years ago, when Beverly Blissit heard one of her piano students sing and noticed how beautiful his voice was, she was sure his schools chorus loved his voice as well. However, she was surprised when she found out that boys school, Midvale Elementary School, did not have a music class. I told him Ill come over to your school and teach a chorus class for you, she said. I went over to the school, got the approval to teach the class and we had about 50 children show up. After Blissit began the after school chorus program at Midvale, she later found out that Henderson Mill and Brockett Elementary school did not offer chorus either, so she began chorus programs at those schools as well. Blissit saw the high interest in the chorus program and decided to start a nonprofit: the Northlake Childrens Chorus. Were kind of a mom and pop organization but with just a lot of children, Blissit said. Its been a great thing for me and I hope its been a great thing for the community and the children. Blissit, a childrens choir director for more than 30 years, teaches chorus after school at Brockett on Tuesdays and at Midvale on Thursdays. On Sunday afternoons, she teaches a chorus class at Briarcliff United Methodist Church. More than 50 students participate in the Midvale chorus and more than 90 in the Brockett chorus. She said there are eight schools represented in the Sunday afternoon group, which is a smaller group. The first year we started we had about 20 students in the Sunday afternoon group, she said. And then we extended to the Midvale group and that was another 50 students. So the numbers keep growing year after year and as people hear about it they want to participate. The chorus program is open to students from any school. Blissit said the difference between the Northlake Childrens Chorus and any other chorus programs in Atlanta is that it is open to all students, even those who cannot sing well. Were not an audition choir, she said. There are so many fantastic children choruses in the Atlanta area but they do charge a lot of and do have an auditioning process. But I want children who cant manage pitch to sing in my choir because I will teach them how to sing and how to sing in pitch. Well teach them how to sing, she added.
See Chorus on Page 16A

Northlake Childrens Chorus:

The Decatur City Council voted to create a domestic partnership registry that would allow homosexual couples and unmarried heterosexual couples to register for a domestic partnership certificate. File Photo

Decatur approves domestic partnership registry

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Homosexual couples and unmarried heterosexual couples in Decatur can now register for a domestic partnership certificate. The Decatur City Commission voted unanimously Dec. 16 to create a domestic partnership registry that would allow the couples to receive a domestic partnership certificate from the city after they establish residency. This has been something that weve been considering for quite a while, Commissioner Kecia Cunningham said during the commission meeting. Not only on this side from the commission but from our residents. Im happy to do this, Mayor Jim Baskett added. In a memorandum, Decatur assistant city manager Lyn Menne said the city upholds the importance of creating a community that is welcoming to all people. This commitment to encouraging and maintaining the diversity of our community is stated in our Strategic Plan 2010 and is strongly supported by our residents, Menne said in the memorandum. The 2010 Strategic Plan includes Principle B, which states the city will encourage a diverse and engaged community as part of the communitys visions and goals and supports an open and inclusive definition of family. Georgia is among 33 states that ban gay marriage and Georgia does not recognize domestic partnership. The local registry will allow city officials to provide local recognition of domestic partnership. A local domestic partner registry allows our residents to register their partnership with the Decatur City Clerk and receive a certificate confirming that their partnership is recognized by the city of Decatur, Menne said.

Pet
Female

of the

Rascal

Week
very sweet. She would love a home with a kind person who will give her time to develop her confidence. This little sweetie is wishing for a home for the holidays and beyond.

Rascal (A21692317) is an approximately 10 month old female torti. She is shy, but give her a little time and she will be cuddling up with you like an old friend. Rascal is

The adoptions number: 404-294-2165 For adoption inquiries: adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com For rescue inquiries: rescue@dekalbanimalservices.com For volunteer and foster inquiries: volunteer@dekalbanimalservices.com

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

Brookhaven approves 2014 budget

In our first year of operations, we set a millage rate below the cap and established a $1 million reserve fund. We plan to continue to spend and save responsibly in the next year. City officials anticipate receiving $5.1 million in real property tax, $250,000 in personal property tax and $100,000 in motor vehicle tax, along with $3.5 million in franchise fees. The city also expects to
DeKalb County School District Projects Constructed with SPLOST IV Sales Tax Proceeds Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013)
Expenditures3 Prior Years (June 30, Current Fiscal Year (July 1, 2012 2012 or June 20, 2013) earlier) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $53,651.31 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,055,173.61 Excess Proceeds Not Expended $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

LOCAL NEWS

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by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Brookhaven police officers and other city employees will see a 3.5 percent increase in their paychecks next year. The Brookhaven City Council voted 3-1 Dec. 17 in support of the $26.34 million proposed budget for fiscal year 2014. The budget includes operating expenses for the city, including administration, police, parks and recreation, community development, public works, municipal court and other city services. The budget will also fund proposed planning initiatives parks and recreation plan, Buford Highway improvement plan and transportation. The budget also includes a 3.5 percent raise for city employees, which are police officers. The budget originally proposed a 4 percent increase for employees, but councilwoman Rebecca Chase Williams suggested lowering the number to 3.5 percent. Councilman Bates Mattison, who was the lone vote against the budget, argued that decreasing the raise to 3.5 percent would send the wrong message to police officers. To send the message that were going to nickel and dime our police officers will send the wrong message to personnel, Mattison said. It would be foolish to send that message to our police officers who have gone above and beyond. Councilman Jim Eyre disagreed with Mattison and supported lowering the raise to 3.5 percent. There is no doubt that we support out officers 200 percent, Eyre said. This is about being fiscally responsible. This is about being consistent with other jurisdictions in the area. This is about being responsible to our taxpayers and residents. The raises will be given on the anniversary of employees hire dates and awarded based on performance, according to city officials. The 2014 budget includes the citys tax rate of 2.85 mills, which was approved in June. Brookhavens city charter prohibits the council from raising the millage rate above 3.35 mills. We kept our promise to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars by maintaining a lean budget, Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis said.

city receive revenue from DeKalb County, as well as franchise fees from Georgia Power.

2012 Sales Tax - Authorized Projects 1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements 2. Stadiums 3. Capital Renewal Program 4. Code Requirements 5. Coralwood Diagnostic Center Addition 6. Early Learning Center 7. Arts School at former Avondale MS 8. Renovation of Southwest DeKalb HS and Stone Mountain HS5 9. Replacement of Austin ES, Fernbank ES, GreshamPark ES, Pleasantdale ES, Peachcrest ES, Rockbridge ES, Smoke Rise ES 10. Henderson MS Renovation/Addition 11. Redan HS Renovation/Addition 12. Chamblee HS Replacement 13. McNair MS Replacement 14. Local School Priority Requests 15. Demolition 16. Safety/Security Systems Upgrade 17. Technology Equipment and Infrastructure Refresh 18. School Buses 19. Service Vehicles 20. Other capital improvements and supporting services All Projects In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48-8-122

FY 2012 FY 2013 Original Estimated Current Estimated Cost1 Cost2 $2,342,500.00 $2,067,989.90 $9,557,400.00 $9,434,239.05 $84,892,200.00 $85,391,523.01 $2,342,500.00 $1,920,248.23 $9,932,200.00 $9,804,210.01 $2,717,300.00 $2,682,284.00 $4,029,100.00 $3,977,179.00 $11,056,600.00 $33,224,370.02

Total $0.00 $0.00 $53,651.31 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,055,173.61

Estimated Completion Date4 Dec 2018 Dec 2018 Dec 2018 Dec 2018 Dec 2018 Dec 2018 Aug 2016 Feb 2017

$135,021,700.00 $14,992,000.00 $20,988,800.00 $55,001,900.00 $35,043,800.00 $5,153,500.00 $2,342,500.00 $2,342,500.00 $36,261,900.00 $9,463,700.00 $1,592,900.00 $29,925,000.00 $475,000,000.00

$130,198,959.93 $14,798,807.99 $20,718,330.00 $54,992,632.00 $34,592,213.00 $3,202,478.00 $2,312,313.00 $2,312,313.00 $35,955,789.00 $9,341,746.99 $1,572,373.00 $75,500,000.87 $534,000,000.00

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

$454,579.93 $29,000.00 $0.00 $251,839.54 $0.00 $0.00 $10,783.00 $0.00 $3,039,288.42 $381,097.50 $19,620.00 $2,965,570.62 $10,260,603.93

$454,579.93 $29,000.00 $0.00 $251,839.54 $0.00 $0.00 $10,783.00 $0.00 $3,039,288.42 $381,097.50 $19,620.00 $2,965,570.62 $10,260,603.93

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Jul 2018 Jul 2015 Jun 2015 Jun 2019 Dec 2017 Jul 2015 Jul 2015 Jun 2014 Dec 2017 Jul 2016 Jun 2013 Jun 2019 Jun 2019

1 - $475 million is each of the first 19 projects minus the 6.3% taken off and the sum of the 6.3% dollars provided to Project #20, as described in the literature provided to the public prior to the November 2011 SPLOST vote at http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost-iv/referendum. 2 - Current estimated revenues increase from $475 million to $534 million by the increase of $21 million from the Georgia DOE reimbursements expected plus the $38 million in bond revenues for partial program financing. 3 - Total expenditures as presented in this SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this SPLOST expenditures report, relative to contracts payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable. 4 - All estimated completion dates are per the "October 24, 2012" schedule, approved by the Board of Education on November 5, 2012. 5 - The Board of Education moved the Southwest DeKalb HS project from SPLOST III to SPLOST IV, increasing its total project budget by $22.3 million, in accordance with the SPLOST Corrective Action Plan approved on April 27, 2012. This Board action can be found at https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/ViewMeetingOrder.aspx?S=4054&MID=25181.

DeKalb County School District Projects Constructed with SPLOST III Sales Tax Proceeds Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013)
Expenditures3 FY 2007 FY 2013 Prior Years (June Current Fiscal Original Estimated Current Estimated 30, 2012 or Year (July 1, 2012 1 2 earlier) June 20, 2013) Cost Cost
$66,000,000.00 $25,000,000.00 $16,927,348.00 $66,330,016.00 $9,677,168.00 $17,168,224.00 $4,730,336.00 $5,156,419.00 $13,417,986.00 $9,739,800.00 $10,000,000.00 $29,836,296.00 $3,000,000.00 $63,292,805.00 $19,418,581.00 $11,447,624.00 $10,178,779.00 $5,874,487.00 $4,819,395.00 $4,000,000.00 $10,716,737.00 $10,681,471.00 $2,052,729.00 $12,000,000.00 $10,000,000.00 $17,408,662.00 $7,125,137.00 $67,267,516.60 $20,543,141.00 $18,078,925.00 $60,347,982.00 $12,255,524.00 $12,448,271.00 $3,285,617.00 $7,707,025.00 $9,221,216.00 $17,995,937.00 $5,583,335.00 $31,565,706.00 $11,350.00 $55,338,929.00 $19,036,430.65 $22,874,975.23 $17,725,912.61 $60,348,813.17 $12,238,001.23 $10,437,054.60 $2,418,740.60 $6,194,327.05 $5,350,148.78 $17,890,023.55 $5,308,355.17 $31,379,114.71 $11,350.00 $32,667,577.47 $4,300,438.75 $13,040.12 $6,615.00 $10,780.00 $0.00 $66,433.27 $62,167.58 $161,598.74 $596,492.73 $25,375.00 $92,558.80 $37,933.12 $0.00 $4,320,795.68

2007 Sales Tax - Authorized Projects 1. Lease-hold improvements for Rock Chapel ES, Princeton ES, and Dunwoody ES (COPS 05/07) 2. Renovations/expansion at SWD HS, Towers HS, Columbia HS, McNair HS, and emergency HVAC 3. Cross Keys HS Renovation and Career Tech 4. Tucker HS replacement 5. Roofing Portfolio #1 6. HVAC Portfolio #1 7. ADA Code Requirements Portfolio #1 8. Local School Priority Requests (LSPR) 9. Site improvements 10. Druid Hills HS improvements 11. Renovation and expansion of relocated DeKalb School of the Arts 12. Renovation and expansion of Mountain Industrial Center 13. Purchase of land 14. Additions to Chamblee HS, Clarkston HS, Druid Hills HS, Dunwoody HS, Lakeside HS, and Redan HS 15. Technology--Refresh cycle 16. Lithonia HS addition and improvements 17. MLK Jr HS addition and improvements 18. Miller Grove HS addition and improvements 19. Dunwoody HS addition and improvements 20. Clarkston HS improvements 21. HVAC Portfolio #2 22. Roofing Portfolio #2 23. ADA Code Requirements Portfolio #2 24. School buses 25. Technology-Media Center upgrades 26. HVAC Portfolio #3 27. Roofing Portfolio #3 28. Other improvements and supporting services4 All Projects In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48-8-122

Total
$23,336,869.40 $22,888,015.35 $17,732,527.61 $60,359,593.17 $12,238,001.23 $10,503,487.87 $2,480,908.18 $6,355,925.79 $5,946,641.51 $17,915,398.55 $5,400,913.97 $31,417,047.83 $11,350.00 $36,988,373.15

Excess Proceeds Not Expended

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Estimated Completion Date Dec 2027 Jul 2014 Jul 2014 Completed Completed Aug 2014 Oct 2014 Oct 2014 Oct 2014 Completed Completed Completed Completed Aug 2014 Completed Deemed Unnecessary Aug 2014 Feb 2014 Aug 2014 Completed Dec 2014 Aug 2018 Oct 2014 Completed Completed Dec 2014 Completed Jul 2015

$0.005 $466,000,000.00

$25,376,646.00 $24,319,433.42 $25,488.00 $25,488.00 $16,932,814.00 $324,466.51 $6,095,989.00 $257,898.20 $20,530,480.00 $19,170,880.22 $11,952,500.00 $11,695,318.97 $8,759,599.00 $5,820,973.47 $4,277,803.00 $4,124,513.16 $2,214,373.00 $570,126.97 $11,999,776.00 $11,999,761.12 $9,975,100.00 $9,652,209.21 $7,649,918.00 $114,989.60 $2,928,473.00 $2,926,166.09 $71,704,448.30 $41,132,329.20 $522,073,881.90 $376,015,378.96

$0.00 $24,319,433.42 $0.00 $25,488.00 $5,180,306.76 $5,504,773.27 $1,948,898.60 $2,206,796.80 $518,672.42 $19,689,552.64 $64,668.16 $11,759,987.13 $87,578.00 $5,908,551.47 $0.00 $4,124,513.16 $164,720.75 $734,847.72 $0.00 $11,999,761.12 $0.00 $9,652,209.21 $218,646.37 $333,635.97 $0.00 $2,926,166.09 $2,180,426.46 $43,312,755.66 $20,058,146.31 $396,073,525.27

1 - $466 million is the projects approved by the Board of Education on November 17, 2006 (please see https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=4054&AID=83684&MID=4751). 2 - Current estimated revenues increase from $466.000 million to $522.074 million by: (1) re-estimation of SPLOST III revenues to $490.117 million, (2) the addition of $18.720 million from the Georgia DOE reimbursements expected for SPLOST III projects, and (3) an addition of $13.237 million for local-funded projects (which are included). 3 - Total expenditures as presented in this SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this SPLOST expenditures report, relative to contracts payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable. 4 - The current project estimate for "other improvements and supporting services" includes $20,050,000 for principal payments for the $300 million bond, approximately $13,237,011.30 for local-funded capital projects, and other projects added during the mid-term assessment. 5 -The original budget for this was allocated to each individual project and contained therein for projects #1 - #27.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 10A

Farmers bring healthier food options to Tucker

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com For more than a year, Tucker residents have had access to fresh Georgia produce thanks to the Tucker Farmers Market. Every Thursday from April 5 through Dec. 19, farmers and artists have come to 2333 Main Street to offer their products. The Tucker Farmers Market formed in April 2012 with the mission to bring healthful options and produce to residents; to support small, local businesses and independent producers; to encourage people to buy local; and to promote the continued rejuvenation of Main Street. Items sold at the market include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, bread and arts and crafts. Nancy Qarmout, who heads the market and is co-owner of Festival Unique Gifts and Fine Arts on Main Street, said the market started with seven vendors when it opened April 5, 2012. It was a rainy day but all the vendors sold out, she said. And then we increased to probably more than 35 vendors a week. Dillwood Farms manager Seth Hancock said his farm joined the market because of the location and because it is a weekday market. A weekday market is kind of nice because you can get off work, come by and get fresh produce for the week, he said. Its a good market for us and we enjoy the customers. Dillwood Farms is a year-round farm that grows collards, turnips, carrots, cabbage and broccoli in the fall and spring, and tomatoes, squash and blueberries in the summer. Hancock said one of the advantages of buying produce from a market, instead of a grocery store, is the fresh produce the customers are buying. Were trying to offer a chemical-free, fresh alternative to grocery stores, he said. Were really passionate about people eating healthy, also helping to fight obesity and childhood obesity, and showing people that there is an alternative. The Tucker Farmers Market also features live music from local musicians, cooking demos and a free booth for community organizations to share what is going on in the community. Qarmout said they also added food trucks to come in on the first Thursdays of the month. The food trucks have brought a different crowd to the market that may not be privy to healthy food options or arent traditionally looking for farmers markets, Qarmout said. But they found the food The Tucker Farmers Market, which opened in April 2012, includes more than 30 vendors that sell healthy foods from Georgia farms and arts and crafts. Photos by Travis Hudgons trucks and then, in the process found the farmers market, and hopefully started enjoying other food and will come back week after week. The market also hosts special activities such as pony rides and games for children and a peach festival during the summer. Qarmout added that the market has become a place for people to socialize with friends and meet new people. Its become not just a place where farmers and artists get to offer their products to the community but its where community members get to come and meet their friends and hang out, she said. If they dont pick something up at the market they can visit one of the many local restaurants on Main Street. Qarmout said she plans to do a small winter market once a month in January, February and March so the regular customers can still visit their favorite vendors. The official market will open back up the first Thursday in April and well continue to have the vendors we have and were hoping to add regular weekly cooking demos, she said. Its an honor to be able to do this and have it be such a success for Tucker. Tucker is a special place, she added.

2013

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

YEAR

In

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PICTURES

Pastor Rick Neale, right, blesses Ginger as the owner of the dog, Lisa Moultrie, prays during the "blessing of the dogs" at the Dog Dayz of Summer at Church of the New Covenant in Doraville. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Tim Byrd of Conyers with his Penny-farthing bicycle. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Aug. 30: Traffic is at a stand-still on the top-end of I-285, in Dunwoody. The delay was due to a three-vehicle wreck near Riverside Drive. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Aug. 31: Hallford Stadium, Clarkston - University of South Carolina commit Arden Key (49) leaps onto the field as he leads the ML King Lions in their game against Florida's Blanche Ely in game one of the Battle of the Borders. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Aug. 22, 7 a.m., parent Kesha McDougal assures third grade son Brenden Clayborn that he will be safe returning to McNair Discovery Learning Academy after a gunman was found inside the building. Photo by John Hewitt

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

YEAR iN piCTURES

PAGE 12A

August. Farm Burger birthday. Photo by Donna Turner

Sept. 9. The City of Avondale Estates remembered the victims of the 9-11 tragedy. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Sept. 13. Towers High School celebrates its annual homecoming by parading down Columbia Drive with a full band and homecoming court. The Towers Titans faced off against the Clarkston Angoras at Avondale Stadium winning 26-7. Photo by Donna Turner

Nov. 1. Adam Fitzgerald Jordan II proudly displays the Brazilian flag in the parade of nations at the International Community School. Photo by Clay Walker

Sept. 28. DeKalb residents Hazel Turner, left, and Norma Washington, right, pose with Commissioner Larry Johnson at The Heart of South DeKalb Festival in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Photo by Travis Hudgons

October. Allgood Road United Methodist Pastor Tariq Cummings holds a sign and shouts invitations to the churchs fall festival to those passing by. Photo by Travis Hudgons.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

YEAR iN piCTURES

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Oct. 23. The Champion News Editor Andrew Cauthen talks with Dr. Vernitria V. Rice of Southwest DeKalb High School about The Prowler student newspaper. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Sept. 21. Zombie Dead Dee Dee raised the creep factor at the grand opening of Studio Z in Tucker. Photo by Travis Hudgons

October. A spooky house in East Atlanta is decorated with pumpkins, spider webs and old plastic dolls for Halloween. Photo by Daniel Beauregard

November. Is that snow? Yes! Crews have prepared for the opening of Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park. They have the ability to produce 360 tons of snow per day. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Searching for Our Sons and Daughters:

Stories of our missing residents offer profound insights and hope for a positive reunion.
For a programming guide, visit www.yourdekalb.com/dctv

This week in photos brought to you by DCTV

Finding DeKalb Countys Missing
Now showing on DCTV!

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

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

YEAR iN piCTURES

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Oct. 4. Heather Whitman, a teacher at Oakhurst Elementary School in Decatur, dressed in costume to educate students about bike safety. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Nov. 7. Hosea Feed the Hungry hosted its annual Great Turkey Drop-off on Nov. 7, at the September. Atlanta skater Gavin Bakos, 14, displays his skateboard tricks at the annual DeKalb County Jail. Through donations from Aaron Rents, Kroger and Publix Supermarkets Skater Aid event in Decatur. Photo by Travis Hudgons approximately 1,000 turkeys and hams were loaded in preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Lewis

December. The grand opening celebration of Global Winter Wonderland at Turner Field showcased larger than life lantern designs of landmarks from countries all over the globe. Photos by Donna Turner

Nov. 29. ConunDrums is an all-women drumming group, which plays West African rhythms. From left, Jewel Hopson, Amy Jackson, Safiyah Pankey, Cherri Villines and Cindy Stark Reid performed Nov. 29 at the gazebo in downtown Stone Mountain during the citys Christmas parade festivities. Photo by Travis Hudgons

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013PAGE 15A

LOCAL NEWS

Michelle Penkava (left) from Tucker 2014 smiles as Santa Claus announces that Tucker is financially feasible to become a city. Photo by Carla Parker

Tucker

Continued From Page 1A

the current tax level which means no property tax increase is necessary, Auman said. The study also said a Tucker city councilmember would represent 7,000 residents, which is a 93 percent decrease in the current 100,000 plus residents per DeKalb County Commissioner. Tucker 2014 President Sonja Szubski said Tucker residents have factors in their favor that do not exist in other cityhood efforts. Tucker has dozens of active civic and citizen groups already fully engaged in the services being proposed initially for the City, she said. Those services include parks and recreation, planning and zoning and code enforcement. This means that Tucker can hit the ground running from day one with local expertise that allows the city to standup on a solid foundation, Szubski added. As the city moves forward, the community can determine if there are additional services to be added such as public works and public safety that make sense both fiscally and effectively. With the results of the study, Tucker 2014 officials expects state legislators to pass the bill that will define the city of Tucker and give residents of Tucker in the proposed map the opportunity to vote on it May 20, 2014. The proposed map overlaps parts of the proposed cities of Lakeside and Briarcliff. Lakeside proposed map includes Northlake and north to Chamblee-Tucker Road. It also includes part of Tuckers 30084 ZIP code. State legislators will have to pass one or two maps that do not overlap each other. Were winning on the merits of the arguments. Were winning the public, Auman said. Were going to be talking about Tucker and all the reasons why its important for Tucker to become a city. Were going to respect our neighbors to the instinct that they respect us. We want to talk to them about working that out, Auman added. They can have the same benefits we have.

Bobbie Ward, convicted of elder abuse, kept several residents locked in her basement, feeding them one bologna sandwich a day, while stealing their retirement checks. Photos provided

Abuse

Continued From Page 1A

stroying her victims credit in the process. Canavan said Duncan, who wanted to see his wife at a nearby nursing home, ended up sneaking out of a window and breaking his foot in the process. He found a ride to the hospital and eventually was able to briefly see his wife before being sent back to the hospital, and placed back into Wards custody. When he was in the hospital and they told him his foot was broken and that they were going to have to put a cast on it, he didnt want to wait because he wanted to see his wife was afraid that Bobbie Ward would come and pick him up. So he hobbled out on his broken foot and got a ride to the nursing home and went to see his wife because thats all he wanted to do, Canavan said. Two days later, Duncan left Wards residence again, through the window. This time since he was on crutches he was unable to take anything with him so he left all the pictures of his and wife he owned. When Duncan came back to the home to retrieve the photos, Canavan said Ward had already moved and everything was gone. Duncans wife later died and he was left without a single photo of her. On the day that I met him he said he only wished he had a picture of his wife, because she had passed away, Canavan said. Cases similar to Wards arent common, Canavan said, but theyre also not unusual. She said elder abuse and exploitation is a growing problem in DeKalb County and statewide. Additionally, Canavan said the cases of unlicensed care homes usually fall into two categories: people who make their living caring for vulnerable and elderly adults who are not licensed but are generally

doing the right thing, and criminals that are trafficking in vulnerable adults, such as Ward. Theres an unlicensed personal care home issue in this county and this state but some are much worse than others and some arent licensed and they need to be licensed because of the oversight of that comes with having a license, even if its minimal oversight, to make sure the safety regulations are there, Canavan said. Additionally, Canavan said the exploitation of the elderly also frequently happens when theyre in the comfort their own home. She said there are lots of cases where someone comes to their door or calls them on the phones and rips them off. A recent case involved three defendants who bought cell phones under the name Georgia Powers and used the phone book to scan for names that appeared to be the names of elderly residents. I always heard the phrase con man and I didnt really understand it until I got into this business and I realized that it means gaining the confidence of your victim, Canavan said. According to Canavan, the three defendants in this case managed to fool nearly 200 victims in the metro Atlanta area by calling them and threatening to turn their power off unless they made an immediate payment. Just by a few little tricks with each phone call they managed to do thatthey often bring up Godmany of our elderly are very religious. Theyll say, You sound like a Christian woman, or God be praised, or whatever it is, the victim on the other end thinks if they bring up God they must be a good Christian and they are so wrong about

that, Canavan said. There are also frequently cases of someone knocking on an elderly or disabled persons door and offering to do yard work or home repairs for a cheap price, Canavan said. However, when they first speak with the victim, the con man wont state a price, then when the work is over they will try to charge the victim $1,200 for something as simple as cutting down a tree limb. Elder abuse is a hard thing to quantify, Canavan said, but it is growing because the economy has gotten worse and people are looking for easy marks. Additionally, the population is growing and many the baby boomers generation are now more than 65 years old. The elderly population in DeKalb County is going to double in the next 10 years. So youve got a huge new pool of victims and a lot of people who are desperate for money and that is a really bad combination. So whatever the numbers are now thats almost irrelevant because its going to increase and it is a serious problem, Canavan said. However, Canavan said recent state-run programs and legislation have made it easier to identify and prosecute those who are taking advantage or abusing the elderly or disabled. She also said that there are ways to one is never the victim of a scam. For example, she said, one should not agree to hire someone who shows up uninvited asking to work on the house. Canavan also its important to realize that any financial institution or company will never ask for personal information over the phone. Next week, The Champion will feature a story about the toll elder abuse takes on its victims, such as James Duncan.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 16A

Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Public Safety Cedric Alexander and other county officials were present Dec. 16 to celebrate a successful year of the Tucker police precinct. Photos by Daniel Beauregard

Luncheon celebrates Tucker police precinct

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Police officers, residents and DeKalb County officials celebrated the Tucker Police Precinct Dec. 16 with an awards luncheon, which was sponsored by the Stone Mountain and Tucker community improvement districts (CID). Also present at the event was former DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander, who was recently promoted to public safety director. I really do want to thank the business and civic community because its your support of these men and women that really makes them feel valuable in terms of the work that they do, Alexander said. Well never be able to pay them enough or give them enough for what they have to go out and do and confront each and every day, and then go home in one piece and deal with what we all have to deal with in our own personal lives. Alexanders recent promotion came after the newly-elected mayor of Rochester, N. Y., named Alexander, who previously served as the citys police chief, as her top choice. My function is to make sure that we complete the business here that we started and thats why Im here todaythats why I chose to stay hereto help us move forward and elevate ourselves as one of the premier police departments in the country, Alexander said. Officer T. L. Churchill was named the Tucker Police Precinct Officer of the Year. Churchill, who has been an officer at the precinct for five years, issued 135 citations and made 282 arrests102 of those feloniesin 2013. Additionally, Churchill fielded 2,978 calls for service; 2,291 of those calls were selfinitiated. Officials said Churchill averaged 23.5 arrests per month. He was also named officer of the month on two separate occasions in 2013 and received a special commendation from the Stone Mountain CID for apprehending a burglary suspect while working a part-time job. If it werent for the officers I work with it wouldnt have happened, Churchill said of the award. Acting DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy shared his gratitude with the community for its support of the officers. This does mean a lot to them Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkahtheyre going to be spending it on the road while were with our families. This is their holiday celebration, Conroy said. Conroy also said there are several initiatives in the works for officers including a future pay raises, a takehome car program and a college incentive, all of which are included in the proposed county budget. Supporting the officers is whats really important. I know we managed to get a 3 percent bonus last weekwe havent gotten a raise in six years, Conroy said.

Chorus Continued From Page 8A

The cost of the chorus is $15 per month per family, which covers the cost of music, snacks and instruction. The chorus performs at PTA meetings and special events, such as the Christmas on Main Street event in Tucker and at Black History Month programs. They have also performed at a Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game and a Gwinnett Braves game. We really believe in just having children sing in the community so that our community can enjoy the music that they make and then see what talented children that we have, Blissit said. The chorus program also hosts a Musical-a-thon at Northlake Mall every April. Thats a weekend in April where we provide continuous music at the mall for the entire weekend, Blissit said. The children sign up for a 10-minute time slot for two days and we raise about $4,000 through sponsors. The Northlake Childrens Chorus also includes a piano academy with three teachers that offer 30 minutes lessons Monday through Saturday. Blissit said she believes so many

The Northlake Childrens Chorus which performed at the Christmas on Main Street event in Tucker (above), performs school PTA meetings and other events across metro Atlanta. Photo by Carla Parker

children join the chorus because children genuinely love to sing. They love the comraderie in a chorus and they love to be chal-

lenged, she said. I really believe children want to be a part of something thats excellent and when they join a group and are inspired to do

great, that makes them feel good about themselves.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

bUSiNESS

PAGE 17A

Healthful water brings income stream

by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com Dawn Robertson said her venture into the world of business started with a decision to improve her own health habits. My wake-up call came when I was diagnosed with diabetes, even though I thought I was relatively healthy and I had just lost 40 pounds. When I was diagnosed, I was a normal weight. I learned that you cant always make diabetes go away by losing weight, and I also learned that I needed to be proactive in my health management, and not just go with the flow, eating anything I want, thinking I could work it off next week, she said. Robertson decided to become formally trained in nutrition by enrolling in a nutrition specialist program. She now operates a website promoting healthful eating and has a Lithonia-based business selling specially treated water. A friend who knew of her interest in nutrition suggested she try filtered alkaline water. My husband and I looked into it, and liked what we learned about the product. We began drinking it, and after a couple of years, decided to make it available to others, Robertson said. Our product is Living Water pH9, she said, explaining that her company uses a stateof-the-art water ionizer to produce ultra-filtered ionized alkaline water. Alkaline water has many benefits, according to Robertson. It supports our bodys blood alkaline target of 7.365. If consumers were to test the pH level of some popular bottled water, they may be surprised to find that they are acidic. She described the alkaline level in her product as higher than the bodys target pH level to help neutralize excess acidic waste in our body. She said the concept is based on the work of Dr. Otto Warburg, the 1931 Nobel Prize winner in medicine, whom she said demonstrated that cancer is accompanied by acidosis (excess acid) and a lack of oxygen in cells. So, I encourage my customers to consume lots of alkaline foods (generally produce) and ionized, alkaline water, to decrease their risk of developing cancer, or even other diseases, she said. Another benefit of drinking alkaline water, Robertson asserted, is that youll likely maintain a healthy weight, or even lose weight. Drinking alkaline water can help reduce excess acid, which decreases the bodys need to retain or create fat. Robertson said in addition to being ionized, the water is oxygenated through electrolysis, making it more similar to water found in rapidly flowing springs and streams. Oxygenated water promotes increased energy, memory enhancement and better workout recovery. We did product development in 2012, whereby we developed our branding, packaging and product line for alkaline Living Water pH9. Then this year, we launched it on our information website and accompanying online store, she said. For a new product introduction, its been selling as well as we expected, with good growth each month, Robertson said. The single serve bottle is being carried at the three stores that we pitched it at, and we look forward to having more stores pick up our water in upcoming months. So were pleased, and look forward to continued growth next year. Robertson recently hosted a tasting event at Vitamin Unlimited in Lithonia, noting that such demonstrations are one way she acquaints potential customers with her product. She said she also promotes the product, which is available in some health food stores and can be ordered directly from Robertson, at community health and wellness events. My primary goal is to promote the health and wellness of the people that we serve. Im passionate about helping people stay healthy or become healthier, she said. As my business grows, I look forward to expanding and hiring people to continue meeting demand.

Dawn Robertson participates in a local health fair.

At a recent tasting event at Vitamin Unlimited in Lithonia, Robertson explains benefits of her water. Photos provided.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

EDUCATiON

PAGE 18A

Ex-Braves player gives antibullying talk, book

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Former Braves player and current broadcaster Brian Jordan brought his antibullying message to Meadowview Elementary Dec. 19. Bullying is wrong and weve got to stop that bullying, said Jordan, author of Time Out for Bullies. Meadowview students received a free copy of the hardback book. Jordan, who said he has never been bullied, said he was introduced to the subject as a child by his mother, a teacher. One day she told me about bullying, Jordan said. A couple of her kids were getting bullied. Every day they were late for her class. She was wondering why and they would never tell because they were afraid. One day Jordans mother hid behind a door and caught the bully in the act, Jordan said. The bully was suspended. By her telling me that story, I wanted to be a protector, Jordan said. The next day I went to school, Imonitored the hallway to see if there was bullying going on. He said he saw a shy classmate being bullied. I saw this bully knocking [my classmates] books down, getting in his face and really scaring him. I went up, picked up his book, handed his book to him. I said, Robert the bully is never going to mess with you again, Jordan said. I wasnt going to fight the bully, but I wasnt afraid to go tell the teacher. Jordan encouraged students to report bullying to teachers. Dont be afraid, he said. In addition to bullying, Jordan talked about pursuing dreams through education. When I was 6 years old I started dreaming big, he said. I knew what I wanted to do. I loved sports. Every sportbasketball, football, baseball, dodgeball, soccer. I loved to play sports. I knew when I went to school I had to pay attention, Jordan said. I had to not get in trouble. I had to make good grades, because if I didnt make good grades, my parents wouldnt let me play sports. I had to do the right thing in school. Sports can be taken away from you, but education can never be taken away from you. That should be your No. 1 goal, he said. Now I enjoy writing books, Jordan said. I graduated from the University of Richmond. Im using that education outside of sports. I write books now because I want to share with you guys a little bit about me and hope that it motivates you.
Former Braves player Brian Jordan talked to students at Meadowview Elementary School about bullying and passed out free copies of his book, Time Out For Bullies. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Brian Jordan and Meadowview Elementary Principal Norman Thomas hold copies of Jordans book.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

EDUCATiON

PAGE 19A

Education Briefs
Achieving this major milestone brings us into the 21st century of technology and provides unprecedented access to information for our students, Thurmond said. No longer must students take turns in a computer lab or rely solely on hard-wired technology. With this achievement, technology-based learning becomes part of the everyday classroom experience, broadening communication and learning across classrooms and schools for all of our students, teachers and administrators. The wireless access will enhance productivity among teachers and administrators, providing flexible access to grade books, student data and digital content and learning management systems, according to a news release. Administrators will be able to use mobile devices to perform classroom observations, monitor student discipline and attendance and make opportunities for student assessment easier and more efficient. The school district also has 15,000 new desktop computers and more than 2,600 active boards. District-wide wireless access allows us to maximize our investment in computers and smart boards, said Dr. Melvin Johnson, chairman of the DeKalb County Board of Education. We will be a more efficient school system as a result of this achievement, and our students will have access to more information and even greater opportunities to learn.

A fence surrounds the soon-to-be-demolished Peachcrest Elementary School. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Demolition of Peachcrest Elementary begins next month

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com A temporary fence surrounds the vacant Peachcrest Elementary School as crews finalize plans to demolish the building next month. Closed since 2010, Peachcrests demolition will make way for a new school building later in 2014. What youll see next is some guys in little white suitsour asbestos crew, said Barry Roberts, founder of Atlanta Demolition, which has the DeKalb County School District contract to demolish the building. We will be taking all of the asbestos out of the school before it is demolished. Once the asbestos is removed, which is expected to take three weeks, a pest control crew will determine whether there are any infestations in the building that need to be treated. When we demolish the building we dont want any vermin that may be in thereto come into your homes, Roberts told residents in the Peachcrest community Dec. 18. Anything thats there, it will be dead before we demolish the building. Next, big, yellow excavators will tear down the building, Roberts said. That phase will take four to six weeks, Roberts said. During the demolition, we estimate that we will have 20-25 loads of debris leaving the site per day, Roberts said. The route has not yet been determined, he said. The county will have the last say in which route we have to take out of here, but it will be the route that they determine will be the least invasive to the community. Once the debris has been removed, workers will grade the site, adding grass seed and straw. Atlanta Demolition will maintain its fence until the construction company takes over the site. The crews work hours will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. during the demolition project. Our intent is to get our job done with as little impact on the community as possible, Roberts said. The project should be started, done and gone by April. Brian Albanese, a project manager with the school district, with the design of the new Peachcrest building is underway. There will be community meetings early next year about the school design. A contract for the schools construction, expected to be completed in 2015, has not been awarded. The demolition of Fernbank Elementary is already underway.

Fernbank robotics team scores high marks at championship The Fernbank Science Center LINKS Robotics team placed second in judging for the Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Award, during the annual Souths BEST robotics competition at Auburn University earlier this month. LINKS competed against 56 teams from six states to win the award which is the highest achievement any team in the competition can accomplish. To be eligible for the BEST Award, the Fernbank team competed in five categories: project engineering notebook; marketing presentation; team exhibit and interviews; spirit and sportsmanship; and robot performance. The Fernbank team was also honored in five categories: most robust robot (first place); most photogenic robot (first place); most elegant robot (first place); team exhibit and interview award (first place); SolidWorks CAD Design award (second place). Additionally, Fernbank LINKSs faculty advisor/mentor, Dr. Debi Huffman, received the Teacher of the Year Award. All county schools are now wireless DeKalb County school Superintendent Mike Thurmond announced Dec. 16 the achievement of a milestone for the district and one of four major goals: the attainment of 100 percent wireless access for all of DeKalb County School Districts schools and classrooms. The installment of wireless technology began in early 2013 and was completed within budget for a total cost of $4.5 million.

Emory named top green school among U. S. universities Emory University has been named the nations top higher education institution by the U. S. Green Building Councils (USGBC) Center for Green Schools in its annual Best of Green Schools 2013 report. The designation recognizes educational institutions and individuals across the country that demonstrate innovative approaches to school sustainability, environmental initiatives and a commitment to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), according to a news release. The USGBC noted Emorys commitment to maintaining sustainability as one of its top prioritiesto help restore the global ecosystem, foster healthy living and reduce the universitys impact on the local environment. Emory was also noted for having among the highest number of square feet of LEEDcertified space of any campus in America, according to the USGBC.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

SpORTS

PAGE 21A

Oglethorpe golf coach inducted into GCAA Hall of Fame

Oglethorpe mens golf coach Jim Owen was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Hall of Fame Dec. 9, joining six other honorees in the organizations 2013 Hall of Fame class. Owen and the other honorees were inducted at the GCAA Hall of Fame Reception and Awards Banquet at Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas. The banquet was part of the weeklong 2013 GCAA and Womens Golf Coaches Association conventions. It was, indeed, Cooperstown in Vegas, Owen said. In my speech, I was honored to relate that it was the we, not me over my 30 years at Oglethorpe that made this night a reality. On the stage accepting this induction, I was able to thank everyone at Oglethorpe who had a part in building our program to the point where I was able to receive this great honor. Owen became one of five Division III coaches to be inducted into the GCAA Hall of Fame. He joins Dr. Tim Brown of Skidmore College, the late Jack Jensen of Guilford College, Steve Conley of Methodist University and Bob Alpers of St. Johns University (Minn.). Owen is in his 21st season as coach of the Oglethorpe mens golf team and 32nd overall after also serving as an assistant and then head coach of the Oglethorpe basketball program. In 2009 and 2012, Oglethorpe claimed the NCAA Division III national championships. Since 2000, Oglethorpe mens golf team has been ranked inside the Top 10 in the nation for 14 consecutive years. Twenty players from Oglethorpe have earned Ping All-America honors and 10 golfers have received conference player of the year honors. They have also finished in the Top 10 at the NCAA Championships 11 years during that span. Owen has coached 52 all-conference performers including six in 2013, when the entire six-man travel squad was named All-SAA. Last season, Oglethorpe won their 11th conference championship in the past 16 years, including four in a row from 2001-04. Owen was named conference coach of the year in 13 of the last 16 seasons. He was honored with the Dave Williams Award presented by Eaton Golf Pride as NCAA Division III national coach of the year in 2012. Owen currently serves on the GCAA All-America Scholar Committee and previously served on numerOwens ous other GCAA committee.

basketball scores
Dec. 20 Boys Albany 66, Cedar Grove 65 Carrollton 76, Clarkston 40 Columbia 67, Miller Grove 65 Dunwoody 79, Carver 61 Lithia Springs 65, Marist 58 St. John Bosco 63, Greenforest 55 St. Pius X 71, Pickens County 45 Stone Mountain 67, McNair 53 Girls Chamblee 63, McNair 37 Columbia 59, Miller Grove 48 Henry County 58, Greenforest 49 Langston Hughes 75, Lithonia 4 Lakeside 60, Druid Hills 39 St. Pius X 52, Pickens County 30 Tucker 58, Blount 48 Windward 67, Southwest DeKalb 45 Dec. 21 Boys Chamblee 72, Druid Hills 66 Lithia Springs 73, Clarkston 69 Milton 71, Decatur 33 Milton 71, Greenforest 33 Redan 70, McNair 65 St. Pius 58, Sprayberry 55 Stone Mountain 55, Arabia Mountain 38 Girls Arabia Mountain 43, Lakeside-DeKalb 33 Druid Hills 45, Cedar Grove 23 Langston Hughes 56, Chamblee 40 Redan 87, Luella 44 Shiloh 74, M.L. King 36 Southwest DeKalb 68, Etiwanda 63 Tucker 52, Norcross 48

Members of the Tucker Tigers football team (from left, Justin Hughes, Detric Dukes, Kirk Tucker, Devin Towns and DMarco Flournoy) along with their head coach, accept their award as they were named Football Team of the Year by the DeKalb County Football Coaches Association.

2013 DEKALB ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL AWARdS

Tucker head coach Bryan Lamar was named 2013 Coach of the Year by the DeKalb County Football Coaches Association Dec. 16 during the 2013 DeKalb All-County Football Awards Night. Photos courtesy of Annette D. Ford

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

SpORTS

PAGE 22A

Player Profile

Photo by Travis Hudgons

Arabia Mountains Jonathan Jones was named an Offense-Defense All American and will participate in the eighth annual Offense-Defense Bowl Week in Orlando, Fla.

The two-sport athlete excels in football and track and field.

Arabia Mountain wide receiver named Offense-Defense All-American

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Arabia Mountain Rams wide receiver Jonathan Jones is heading to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the eighth annual Offense-Defense Bowl Week Dec. 30-Jan. 5. The 17-year-old senior was named an Offense-Defense AllAmerican based on his performance during the 2013 football season. Jones finished second among wide receivers in DeKalb County with 49 total receptions for 798 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Jones said it was an honor to be named an Offense-Defense AllAmerican. It showed me that all my hard work and focus on improving my skills were recognized, he said. The Offense-Defense AllAmerican Showcase is part of a weeklong series of events, including the televised Offense-Defense AllAmerican Bowl. The event also features the All-Star football game, which features 88 of the top high school seniors in the country and has featured current NFL pros such as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and others. Jones, a two-sport athlete in football and track-and-field, was a key player in Arabia Mountains historical season. The Rams finished with its first winning record (7-3) in school history. Jones has been player of the week at Arabia Mountain multiple times over the last three years. He holds Arabia Mountain records for the most kickoff and punt returns, the longest kickoff and punt returns and most yards as a wide receiver. He is the only male track member at Arabia Mountain to place in individual events at the State Track meet finals. He is the current regional champion in the 200-meter dash and was a state finalist in 2012 placing fifth in the 400-meter. Jones also finished fifth at state in the 200-meter dash last year and is No. 2 in the county in the 200-meter dash. Jones, who has not committed yet, said the college offers have been coming in slow but he hopes his AllAmerican status will attract more interest. I hope [this selection] will increase my exposure to college coaches and recruiters and possibly lead to me receiving offers to play football on a college level, he said. Jones best statistical season came under new head coach Stanley Pritchett. His receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns went up this season Jones said playing under Pritchett taught him how to adjust to change and to stay focused on the game. Also, having a winning season helped to unite the team to the point that we began to gel and play as a team, he said. Jones success this season also led to an invitation to play in the 2013 D. L. Scott Coalition Bowl Senior All-Star game, which took place Dec. 21 at the Georgia Dome. The Senior All-Star Game highlights Georgia high school football players who have committed and shown exceptional effort and dedication to the game during their senior year. Offense-Defense Sports has been running full-contact football instructional camps for the past 45 years and currently operates in approximately 40 camp locations nationwide every spring and summer. Jones said he is excited about the opportunity to participate in the Offense-Defense Bowl Week. I am looking forward to meeting new people, having fun, expanding my craft and catching the attention of some top football programs, he said.

West tops East in DeKalb All-Star football game

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com The West DeKalb County AllStar team ended a four-game losing streak after the West defeated the East 28-23 in the seventh annual DeKalb County Coaches Association All-Star football game Dec. 21. Before the game, the East team held a 5-1 advantage in the series, having won the past four meetings. The Wests lone victory came in 2008 with a 14-7 victory. The All-Star game featured some of the top juniors and seniors from all 19 DeKalb County high schools along with St. Pius and Decatur. The East team was coached by Towers head coach James Holloway and Cedar Groves Jermaine Smith coached the West squad. Smith said this game was an opportunity for the players to have some more fun playing football. They did have fun, Smith said. They did a great job today. Coaching these types of guys is a joy for me. I had fun also. After the West took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, the East tied the game at seven in the second quarter on a quarterback sneak by McNair quarterback Mickey Ridley. The East took a 10-7 lead on a 23-yard field goal by Stephenson kicker Wisdom Nzidee. The West regained the lead early in the third quarter on a touchdown run by Redan running back Kevin Parker to give the West a 14-10 lead. Late in the third quarter, a blocked punt by Decaturs Nick Bentley was scooped up by M. L. Kings Kelvin Murray and returned for a touchdown, which extended the Wests lead to 21-10. The West extended the lead to 28-10 early in the fourth quarter after a 6-yard touchdown run by M. L. Kings Jamel Smith. The East cut the score to 28-17 after a touchdown pass from Stone Mountain quarterback Corderal Cook to his fellow Pirate teammate Arlonzo Simpson. The East made the game a little exciting midway through the fourth quarter. An attempted field goal by St. Pius kicker Thomas Oleary fell short and was caught by Towers Daemyon Hassell and returned 103 yards for a touchdown. Hassell credited the blocking by his teammates for the 103-yard return. We were just trying to keep ourselves in the game and I did what I can do, he said. A failed two-point conversion after the touchdown brought the final score to 28-23. Hassell and Bentley were name most valuable players of the game. For more picture, visit our Champion Facebook page at www. facebook.com/championnewspaper.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

SpORTS

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Towers Daemyon Hassell avoids a tackle as he runs for more yardage.

St. Pius Fred Dorsey defends a pass intended for Towers Daemyon Hassell.

Photos by Travis Hudgons A Miller Grove defensive player tries to bring down a Dunwoody receiver. From left, Chuck Atkinson, Ramond Mosley and Allen Johnson, Chamblee; Head Coach Jermaine Smith and Lawrence Smith, Cedar Grove; and Thomas Maxwell, Chamblee, coaches of the West team, pose with the winning trophy after the West defeated the East team 28-23.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DEc. 27, 2013

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10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Hoppin John!

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