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Evidence of earlier mining in the area still remains. Crystal clear Mountain Lake.

Celebrating The Champions awards at the Georgia Press Associations awards din-er are, from left, Chief Operating Officer John Hewitt; News Editor Andrew Cauthen;ports Editor Carla Parker; Managing Editor Kathy Mitchell, and columnist Bill Crane.

www.championnewspaper.com

WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013 VOL. 16, NO. 12 FREE

FREEPRESS A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMM UNICATIONS

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.

See Arabia on Page 15A

See Awards on Page 15A

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www.twitter.com/championnewsLike Us On Follow Us On

Champion takes top press association award for fifth consecutive year

Arabia Mountain:400 million years of history and nature awaitIts a place where we

can further our bondwith nature but also

strengthen the bond of

family and friendships. Park Ranger Robby Astrove

by John [email protected]

An often-used slogan forthe Davidson-Arabia

Mountain Nature Preservearea is See 400 million yearsfrom here. All it takes is a littlemagination and an open mind.

As we began our ascent tohe top of Arabia Mountain in

Lithonia, it wasnt difficult tomagine dinosaurs roaming the

area or hunters and gatherersooking on the fertile land topot their next meal. And eonsater, Native Americans holding

ceremonies and later still,he thriving granite industryhat once was prevalent inhe area. According to the

Arabia Alliances website,archaeological studies show thathumans have inhabited the areafor an estimated 12,000 years.

Technically older thanhe more popular Stone

Mountain, Arabia is classifiedas a monadock, literally a largeock outcropping or a lone

mountain that has risen above theurrounding area.

Park RangerRobby Astroveefers to Arabia Mountain as

DeKalbs hidden jewel. An

For the fifth consecutive yearTheChampion in its division won first place inGeneral Excellence, the highest award inGeorgia Press Associations Better News-paper Contest.

The Champion also garnered eightfirst-place awards in this years press as-sociation competition. They are: NewsEditorAndrew Cauthen for Hard NewsWriting and for Serious Column, ChiefOperating OfficerJohn Hewitt for Fea-

ture Writing, Sports EditorCarlaParkerfor Sports Writing, Graphic DesignerTravis Hudgons for Best Photo Galleryon a Newspaper Website and Photo Essayand Managing EditorKathy Mitchell forBusiness Coverage. The Champion alsowon first place for Lifestyle Coverage;Gale Horton Gay is the lifestyle editor.

Approaching the summit of Arabia Mountain pools of diamorpha offer stark contrasts to the granite surface. Photos by John Hewitt

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013 Page 2ALOCAL NEWS

by Andrew [email protected]

ScottParrish saw a needand he is trying to address itwith Square Care Ministriesnc., a nonprot organization

he founded in 2012.His familywife Trisha,

7-year-old son Waltonand 15-year-old daughterEmmaassembles boxes ofdetergent, feminine products,deodorant, shampoo, shavingkits, soap and a brush. Thesekits are designed to ll a gapn products not readily avail-

able through food banks andgovernment aid programso impoverished and low-ncome families.

Millions of people needhese products, said Parrish,

a member of DunwoodyBaptist Church. They needfoodthese people that aredown and out in povertybut they need these productsoo.

Parrish and co-founderGregFletcher, the groupschief nancial ofcer,grewup together at First Bap-ist Church in Fort Walton

Beach, Fla.We were in the nursery

ogether at church, Parrishaid.

The pair remained friends

throughout the years andreconnected in Atlanta aftercollege. Square Care startedas an idea over coffee andafter lots of prayer.

Packaged in its signa-ture brown boxes with anopen box logo, SquareCare provides different kitsfor males, females, familiesand cleaning. The boxes aredistributed through partnerfood banks and ministries,churches, shelters or any-where they are needed.

There are people thatdo some of this but I envi-

sion a 100,000-square footwarehouse with nothing butboxes put together, Parrishsaid. Currently, Square Carehas two donated store unitsthat are being used to storeand assemble its boxes.

Approximately 1,200boxes have been distributedthrough the Atlanta Recov-ery Center.

I cannot thank SquareCare Ministries enough for

partnering with us to servethe homeless in Atlanta.Scott is an outstanding ser-vant and has truly foundhis niche in providing thesecare packages, said DerekBoyd, director of the AtlantaRecovery Center, on SquareCares website.

So many people come to[Boyds] door and he canthelp them, but he said, Ilove being able to hand themsomething, Parrish said.So he hands these [kits] outto people who come off thestreets.

Rob Johnson, vice presi-dent for community servicesat Atlanta Community FoodBank, said, Square CareMinistries is more efficientlyfilling a charitable need inour community: non-foodhousehold necessities. Hy-giene and cleaning products

are in short supply to front-line agencies serving peoplein need. Square Care very

nicely helps to round outthe temporary or emergencyhousehold/food supply thattypical food pantries havent

been able to supply, John-son said in a statement onthe Square Care website.

Currently the organiza-tion is working on gettingmore corporate, in-kinddonations and monetarydonations from individuals,Parrish said.

Our seed money has runout, Parrish said. Youvegot to have money to buythis stuff.

Parrish said his focus isto distribute the kits locally,but will distribute elsewhere

when someone contactsyou and says, Hey wed likethose kits. We need some ofthem.

Parrish said, My passionand my vision is to get intodisaster relief, too. It waskilling me trying to gureout how to get to Oklahomawhen that tornado hit.

Square Care recently sent300 kits to Philadelphia to anorganization involved withhomeless teens.

Can you believe I amsending them up there? Godis just opening doors, Par-

rish said. Id love to be ableto do this fulltime.

Dunwoody ministry boxes care for the needyScott Parrish, co-founder of Square Care, said his passion is providing for the needy. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

CITY OF DORAVILLEPUBLIC NOTICE

Fiscal Year 2014 BudgetNotice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be available forpublic inspection beginning May 21, 2013, in the City Clerks office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA.

A public hearing shall be held on the 17th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 ParkAvenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time publiccomment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014) budget shall besounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.

A regular meeting shall be held on the 17th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 ParkAvenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time theFiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014) budget shall be approved and the budgetordinance adopted in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Doraville are invited toattend.

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Page 3A The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013

New law clinic serves those who have served the nation

Printedon 100%post-

consumer

recycledpaper

by Nigel Roberts

More than a decade ofmilitary conict in the waron terrorism has resulted inhuge numbers of psychologi-ally and physically wound-

ed veterans.The U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs has complet-ed more than 4.1 million dis-ability claims since 2009 andpaid more than $58 billion inompensation to veterans andheir survivors in 2012 alone,eported Allison Hickey, the

departments under secretaryfor benets.

Many of these war veter-ans have returned home toGeorgia and must navigate aVA system thats backlogged,by its own admission. Andhey often face the challenge

of proving a duty-relatedpsychological injury.

A new Emory UniversityLaw School clinic, estab-ished in February, helps

veterans tackle the challengesof petitioning the VA andappealing decisions throughhe legal system. It provideshese services pro bono.

Charles Shanor, Emoryaw professor and clinic co-

director, said about 25 lawtudents and the same num-

ber of lawyers volunteer theirime at the clinic, which is

more accurately described asa virtual ofce. Much of thework is done between classesand after work, though teammembers meet once a weekat a space in the law school.

The team currently has6 ongoing cases. Two types

of cases are most prevalent:njury (both physical and

psychological) compensationand discharge upgrades.

Injury compensation casesoften involve proving that theveteran has a compensableduty-related injury, such asPost Traumatic Stress Dis-

order, or deserves a higherdisability rating than the mili-tary awarded at discharge.

Upgrade cases involvepetitioning a military branchto upgrade the type of dis-charge it gave to the veteran.In many cases, the servicedischarged the veteran withsomething other than anhonorable dischargeoften

because of behavior relatedto trauma he or she experi-enced on active duty, Shanor

explained.The clinic is also workingon a range of other types ofcases: two cases before theU.S. Court of Appeals forVeterans Claims, a pensioncase for the widow and fourchildren of a veteran and acase involving access to re-cords, among its caseload.

These cases, Shanor said,are often complicated andcan take one to three years to

resolve. The VA is a largebureaucracy and has a hugebacklog of cases, he stated.We have to wait for it torespond and make decisions

before we could act.A special project on

the clinics agenda is tospearhead the creation of aveterans court that wouldexclusively handle veteranscases. Shanor said it would

be similar to the drug courtsin the state and throughout

the nation. It would save thestate money by handling mis-demeanor criminal cases, asneeded, through drug rehabil-itation, mental health coun-seling and oversight. Thesecourts have a proven recordof reducing recidivism.

Other states have ad-vanced systems, Shanorsaid. Its our hope that Geor-gia could catch up.

So far, the team has beenworking on foundational mat-

ters: best practices and rulesfor the court. The plan is tohave a bill ready by Januarywhen lawmakers meet forthe legislative session, andhave backers and supportersin place.

Law students are an inte-gral part of the clinic. Twostudents, J. Martin Buntand Rachel Erdman, advo-cated for the establishmentof the program. Shanor andCo-directorH.Lane Den-nard are building a networkof attorneys for the clinic.Few of them, Shanor said,have experience working onVA cases, so they go throughan extensive certication

program.The clinic is growing

despite the obstacles. Oneof the major challenges is

funding. For the past fewmonths, the clinic has oper-ated on a minimal budget butneeds more funds to expandits services. Shanor said theclinic has applied for grantsthat would allow it to hire afulltime administrator andstaff attorney.

Shanor views the clinic asa work in progress that is offto a great start. In my wild-est dreams, I didnt think wewould be as far along as weare. he admitted.

CITY OF CLARKSTON

CURRENT PROPOSED 2013 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVCity Tax 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Real & Personal 93,427,911 91,445,833 87,540,369 72,710,992 64,816,123 58,592,799

Motor Vehicles 5,820,820 6,178,880 5,223,890 5,088,980 5,462,080 6,244,650

Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0

Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0

Heavy Duty Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gross Digest 99,248,731 97,624,713 92,764,259 77,799,972 70,278,203 64,837,449

Less M & O Exemptions 1,403,454 1,424,977 1,629,182 1,595,543 1,618,667 1,683,228

Net M & O Digest 97,845,277 96,199,736 91,135,077 76,204,429 68,659,536 63,154,221

Gross M & O Millage 11.00 11.000 11.313 11.313 14.000 17.950

Less Rollbacks 0.000 0.000 0.000 2.687 3.950 0.000

Net M & O Millage 11.00 11.000 11.313 14.000 17.950 17.950

Total County Taxes Levied $1,076,298 $1,058,197 $1,031,011 $1,066,862 $1,232,439 $1,133,618

Net Taxes $ Increase -$15,582 -$18,101 -$27,186 $35,851 $165,577 -$98,820

Net Taxes % Increase -1.43% -1.68% -2.57% 3.48% 15.52% -8.02%

Notice of Public Hearing for Clarkston Millage Rate

Notice is hereby given that prior to setting the tax millage rate for 2013, theClarkston Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing at City Hall, 3921

Church Street, Clarkston Georgia, on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 6:30pm on

the proposed millage rate. The City Council is proposing to adopt a millagerate for 2013 that does not exceed the rollback rate. All concerned citizens

are invited to attend.

Emory Law Volunteer Clinic for Veterans founders Rachel Erdman, law professor Charles Shanor,

adjunct law professor H. Lane Dennard and law student Martin Bunt. Photo provided by Emory Univer-sity

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It has been said often thatbeing in the highly competitiveworld of television news is likebeing in a shark fight in a rowboatand you had better makeure your knife is sharp.

Such is not always the case asdemonstrated by a group of cur-ent and retired Atlanta sisters ofhe airwaves this past Sunday. Fox

5 anchorLisa Rayam coordinateda stellar event at Canoe restau-

ant on the Chattahoochee Rivern Buckhead for retiring Fox 5

anchorAmanda Davis, who has

gone through a rough patch lately.Her sisters of the airwaves

understand her better than any-one other than God almighty and

have rallied alongside her. MayI call the roll? The retired Queenof Atlanta television, MonicaPearson, reigning Queen BrendaWood, anchors Lisa Rayam,Karen Greer and Deidre Dukes,reporter/anchors AungeliqueProctor and Deidre Dukes, re-porters DonnaLowry, TacomaPerry and Chanya Chavis toname a few. Yours truly was askedto bring a message of inspiration.State Representative Pam Dicker-son attended in a show of supportto her longtime good friend.

The gathering was a sym-phony of beauty and brains mixed

with genuine respect and love.Despite the cloudy skies andsprinkling rain, one needed sun-

glasses to shield ones eyes fromsuch brilliant star power. Othersin attendance included former Fox5 news producerSidmel Estes

and former Fox 5 community af-fairs directorLinda Torrence,Evelyn Mims from 11 Alive wason hand along with Fox 5 assign-ment editorInez Harper.

The backside of Canoe res-taurant is an idyllic place on thebank of the Chattahoochee River.It is beautifully landscaped cov-ered with colorful flora and lushgreen shrubbery. In that pristinesetting of Gods handiwork weformed a circle and joined handsfor the benediction during whichin an impromptu stroke of remem-brance I was able to recite thisIrish blessing.

May the road rise up to meet youMay the wind always be at your

backMay the sun shine brightly on

your faceAnd the rain fall softly on your

fieldsAnd until we meet again, MayGod keep you in his loving care.

With hugs all around, we sis-ters departed that place, whichwas oh so like Holy Ground asHis disciples left to go and tell thestories while pledging anew thatthe circle of sisters is unbroken.

Steen Miles, The Newslady,is a retired journalist and formerGeorgia state senator. Contact

Steen Miles at [email protected].

Circle of sisters

The Newslady

Page 4A The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013OPINION

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Let Us Know What You Think!

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESSencourages opinionsfrom its readers. Please write to us and express yourviews. Letters should be brief, typewritten and containthe writers name, address and telephone number forverification. All letters will be considered for publication.

Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347,Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to [email protected]

FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior

to publication date.

EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributingeditors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or publishers.The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement atany time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn

Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell

News Editor: Andrew Cauthen

Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt

Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons

The Champion Free Press is published each

Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc.,

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

Phone (404) 373-7779.

www.championnewspaper.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110

FREEPRESS

STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any

issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse forallcommunityresidents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make thenews only to report news and opinions to effect a more educatedcitizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We arehappy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make everyeffort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known tobe false and/or assumptions penned as fact.

One Mans Opinion

I was a pilot flying anairplane, and it just so happenedthat where I was flying made what Iwas doing spying.American AirForce Pilot Francis Gary Powers,who was shot down overthe SovietUnion in 1960 while flying a C.I.A.U-2 surveillance plane.

We all like a good spyyarn. James Bond is perhaps one of

the best known and most belovedfictional characters of all time. Andyet, with the exception of theoccasional exhibitionist, no one Iknow likes to be spied on.

For all of the recent glitches,potential cover-ups and brew ofscandals encircling the Obamaadministration, I think none ismore threatening than the recentlyrevealed practice of massive datagathering, phone call and emailmonitoring of literally millions ofAmerican citizens. Im an advocatefor a strong national defense andkeeping America safe, and Imnot so naive to believe that doingthat does not require occasionallytrampling on rights to privacy andthe edges of the rule of law as it

relates to gathering evidence forfurther investigation or prosecution.

Ive understood for years notto write emails on an employerssystem that I wasnt ready to shareat the dinner table with my children,or perhaps more likely, with myboss. Im aware that any websitevisit, no matter how brief, leavesan electronic footprint, and that anyphone conversation or text messageis at least in part traceable. I hadno idea that as a matter of courseall that data was being shared andreviewed.

Some are debating charges oftreason against 29-year old EdwardSnowden, a former CIA securityanalyst and more recently acontract employee ofBooz Allen,reportedly avoiding potential

extradition by traveling to HongKong. Snowden, whether viewedas a hero or villain, has ended hislife as he once knew it.

Any analyst at any timecan target anyone. Any selector,anywhereI, sitting at my desk,certainly had the authorities towiretap anyone, from you or youraccountant, to a federal judge,to even the president, fromSnowdenspublic statement andinterviews with The Guardian, aUnited Kingdom-based publication.

Assuming that Mr. Snowdenwould not forgo his life as he knew

it, and also lie about why, these arereasonably significant charges. Ifyou dont think they concerned theWhite House, I point no further

than the president holding a pressbriefing within days of the newsbreaking to state,

No one is listening to yourphone calls, said President BarackObama.

Without being argumentative,the F.B.I., CIA, Justice Departmentand local law enforcement areadmittedly and with appropriatewarrants and court orders,wiretapping and monitoring phoneconversations daily of thousandsof Americans under suspicion ofcriminal conduct, facing indictmentor previously convicted. Thepresident was aiming his assuranceat the millions of Americans whohave been charged with no crimeor wrongdoing, who suddenly findthemselves, or at least potentially

feel swept into the same dragnet.There is no point in only

monitoring which phone lineconnects to which, or who emailswhom, without further datamining the content of the call orthe email. If only phone numbersare captured, what is to preventAl Quaida from simply callingthe White House, as interior staffnumbers are available from manypublished sources, to implant theappearance of impropriety? Orif even a wrong number bringssomeone briefly under suspicion,what happens when the NSA, CIA

or FBI wrongly track an innocentparty, only to accidentally stumbleon unrelated suspicious or criminalactivity?

I could spend the rest of thiscolumn writing a chain of whatifs on the scenarios that couldarise from having open accessto all landline and mobile phonecommunication and the mapping/tracking of internet travel from allmajor internet providers.

The promise of this presidentwas an America where ourgovernment works for us, notfor itself, and improvements intransparency and decision-makingwere promised repeatedly. As manycriticized Bush-era policies haveonly been expanded on this watch,where do voters and Americans goto express their concerns? PresidentHarry Truman added a sign tohis desk top that read, The BuckStops Here. Mr. President, what

do you say to the increasing numberof Americans seeking a refund, orperhaps a re-vote? Or perhaps youcan just have the NSA conduct asnap poll by monitoring phonetraffic overnight for the next coupleof weeks. Lets listen in.

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

News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, aswell as a columnist forThe Champion,Champion Free Press andGeorgiaTrend. Crane is a DeKalb native and

business owner, living in Scottdale.You can reach him or comment on acolumn at [email protected].

I spy

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013 Page 6ACOMMUNITY

Champion of the Week

If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a

future Champion of the Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at

[email protected] or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.

Maria Rossoto

Junior League of DeKalbannounces 2013-14executive board

The Junior League ofDeKalb County Inc. (JLD)has announced its 2013-14

executive board, led by Presi-dent SusannahScott. Scottsone-year term began June 1.

I am excited about theupcoming year with JuniorLeague of DeKalb Countync. as we continue to focus

on improving nutrition andcombating obesity withinDeKalb County, Scott said.We have a very stronggroup of women leading usn our efforts this year, andam thrilled to be working

with them and our commu-nity partners to build on the

programs we provide to ourcommunity.Scott joined JLD in 2009

and has served as technol-ogy assistant chairwoman,arrangements and trainingchairwoman, secretary andpresident-elect.

Scott has also served onhe board of the League of

Women Voters of DeKalbCounty in the capacities ofdirector, president-elect andpresident. During her tenureas director, she focused onproducing voter guides forDeKalb County residents.

n addition to her work withLD, Scott is a contracts spe-

cialist with Iron Mountainntellectual Property Manage-

ment Inc., a division of IronMountain Inc.

The other members ofLDs executive board are:

Angela Turk, president-elect;Natalie Wilkes-Shaw, vicepresident of community; Su-zanne Osborne, vice presi-dent of membership; MindyKaplan, vice president offinance; Andrea Franklin,

secretary; and Amy Morelli,nominating chair.

The leadership team also

includes: Shara Sanders,treasurer; Rebecca Dugger,public policy chairwoman;Beth Wright, arrangementschairwoman; Krista PaseurWilhite, fund developmentchairwoman; Renee Baze-more, community impactchairwoman; Sidnee Young,volunteer service coordinator;Jocelyn Mills, communica-tions committee chairwoman;Michele NeSmith, Mem-bership Development chair-woman; Jessica Orlando andKelli Gress, fundraising co-

chairwomen; Karen Wilson,membership advisory chair-woman; and Lindsay Culp,Mary Gay House EndowmentFund board chairwoman.

JLD is an organization ofwomen committed to promot-ing voluntarism, developingthe potential of women andimproving the communitythrough the effective actionand leadership of trained vol-unteers, according to a state-ment from the group.

JLD members direct theirvolunteer efforts to the cur-rent community impact focus

area, improving nutrition andcombating obesity in DeKalbCounty, through hands-onvolunteer activities, as well ascollaborative efforts with oth-er community organizations.Additionally, JLD provides asupportive environment fortraining tomorrows femalecommunity leaders while en-abling our members to forgelasting friendships.

For more informationabout JLD, visit www.jldekalb.org.

Since she was a littlegirl, Maria Rossoto hasbeen interested in living ahealthy lifestyle.

Growing up in SanAntonia, Texas, Rossotosaid even when shewas 10 years old shewould borrow booksabout nutrition from hermother. In 2011, shebegan volunteering forthe nonprot Partners inAction for Healthy Living

(PAHL), an offshoot ofthe Healthy BelvedereInitiative, while studyingfor a masters degree in

health policy.Ive always been

someone who hasenjoyed turning people onto healthy ways of life,Rossoto said. When Ifound out there was anorganization that doesexactly that I thought,There couldnt be abetter match for me.

After a year ofvolunteering, Rossotowas asked to take overPAHL. The nonprottransitioned fromproviding small grantsto directly conductingprograms, includingcommunity gardening,spring and fall festivals,hosting communityforums and offering freeclasses to south DeKalbCounty that promotedliving a healthy lifestyle.

Instead of justworking in oneneighborhood we decidedto bring the programto the whole of south

DeKalb because thereare less resources hereand there are more casesof diabetes and obesity,

Rossoto said.Currently, the

nonprot is housed atPeace Lutheran Churchoff Columbia Road.Behind the church is thePAHL garden, whichcontains 50 plots, a tiregarden and a watermelontrack. In addition to theprogram PAHL offers theentire community, it alsohosts a six-week hands-onsummer gardening campfor youth in the area.

Some kids haventhad much fruit that hasntcome in a wrapper andwhen they see fresh fruitgrowing in a garden,they get really excitedwe see their thinkingexpand, Rossoto said.

Rossoto said PAHLalso offers free yogaclasses and has built awalking trail adjacent tothe garden.

Since joining PAHL,Rossoto said she has seenher community become

empowered.Slowly weve seen

people kind of wake up,Rossoto said.

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013 Page 7ACOMMUNITY

AROUNDDEKALBuBROOKHAVEN

Brookhaven announces millagerate hearings

Brookhaven residents will havehree opportunities to provide input

on the citys proposed millage rate.The city has scheduled publichearings for: June 17 at 7 p.m. June 20 at 10:30 a.m. June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The hearings will be held athe Brookhaven Municipal Court,

2 Corporate Blvd., Suite 125 inBrookhaven. The city councils scheduled to vote on the nal

millage rate on July 8 at 1:30 p.m.at the Brookhaven Municipal Court.

The city is currently operatingunder a 3.35 millage rate for scalyear 2013 until the council andhe mayor set the formal rate.

Brookhavens city charter prohibitshe council from raising the millage

rate above 3.35 mills.We value the publics input and

want to hear from both residentialand commercial property owners,MayorJ. Max Davis said.

State law considers the millagerate a tax increase because as a newcity, Brookhaven previously had a

zero millage rate.In March, the council approveda $16.465 million annual budget.The budget includes operatingexpenses for the city, includingadministration, police, communitydevelopment, parks and recreation,public works, legal and other cityservices.

The budget is contingent onDeKalb County setting the HOSTsales tax credit, the tax digest andproperty assessments, as well ashe city receiving franchise fees.

The citys revenue for its rstyears budget will be less than infuture years because the city is not

drawing from a full year of revenue.For more information on

he citys budget, visit http://brookhavenga.gov/nance.html.

uCLARKSTON

Clarkston park to host juniortennis session

Milam Park in Clarkston willhost junior tennis sessions this sum-mer. The rst session will be heldJune 17-27, Monday through Thurs-day. The session times are from 9o 10 a.m. and from 10 to 11 a.m.

The cost for the session is $10 perstudent. Milam Park is located at3867 Norman Road. For more infor-mation, call Tim Palmer at (678)

576-3341.

uDECATURThe Big Pop Up! returns to EastDecatur Station

After a successful premiere in2012, The Big Pop Up!Decaturreturns to East Decatur Station onThursday, June 20, 6-9 p.m. Co-spon-sored by The Decatur Arts Allianceand East Decatur Station, this is anall-ages, free event with ample park-ing. Site location is one block fromthe Avondale MARTA Station.

A selection of arts, crafts and jew-elry by local artists and artisans will

be available for purchase. Acousticmusic will be featured in the court-yard and live jazz will be featuredat New Street Studio. Foodies mayenjoy the tastes of Ducks CosmicKitchen, The Corner Pub and TheMobile Marlay Food Truck, and beerlovers will have an opportunity tosample products from Decaturs twonewest craft breweriesThree Tavernsand Blue Tarp.

The Big Pop Up! was conceivedby Decatur art dealerShawn Vinsonin 2012 and co-organized by the staffof East Decatur Station, a mixed-usecomplex of dining, retail and studios

between Agnes Scott College andAvondale Estates. For a completeand up-to-date listing of details and

participants, visit facebook.com/Pop-UpDecatur.

Library to show movie Cape Fear

As part of its Golden ClassicFilms series, the Decatur Libraryon Tuesday,June 18, at 2 p.m., isscreening the 1962 movie Cape Fear,starring Robert Mitchum, GregoryPeck, and Polly Bergen. The movieruns 105 minutes.Theseries isespecially designed for those 55 andolder.

The Decatur Library is located at215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. Formore information (404) 370-3070.

Best-selling author to speak at localchurch

Temple Grandin, known forsuccessfully coping with autism,will speak at FirstBaptist Church inDecatur, Wednesday, June19, 7-9

p.m. With a Ph.D. in animal science,six bestselling books to her creditand a selection by Time magazineas one of the 100 most inuential

people of the year, she is an accom-plished gure who is in demand forlectures around the country. Her workhas been noted in major newspapers

and magazines, and the HBO movieabout her life received seven EmmyAwards, according to an announce-ment of the event.

First Baptist Church Decatur is lo-

cated at 308 Clairemont Ave., Deca-tur. For more information, call (404)

373-1653.

History Center announces summerstory series

DeKalb History Centers (DHC)youth summer storytelling series isunder way Wednesdays through July31 (no session July 3). Sessions arefor ages 6-12 and are $4 per childfor DHC members and $6 per childfor non-members. They are held10-11 a.m. at the Biffle Cabin, 720W. Trinity Place, Decatur.

Coming up June 19 is Tales of theGullah with LaDoris Davis. Travelfrom Africas Rice Coast to the Sea

Islands of South Carolina and hearthe rhythm of the drums, the sassof the calabash and experience thespirit of the stories of Brer Snake,Brer Fox, Brer Rabbit and more,an announcement from the historycenter states. Davis an internationalstoryteller who has been telling talesfor more than 20 years. She includes

props, singing and a lot of audienceparticipation for interactive learning.

The DHC website, www.dekalbhistory.org, has a completelisting of its summer storytellers.For registration or more information,email [email protected] orcall (404) 373-1088, extension 22.

uDORAVILLE

City planning tax increase

The city of Doraville has tentative-ly adopted a millage rate of 9.00.

Residents are invited to a publichearing on this tax increase to be heldat the City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue,Doraville, on June 17 at 6:30 p.m.

An additional public hearing onthis tax increase is set for 6:30 p.m.June 20 at the Doraville City Hall.

This tentative millage rate willresult in a tax increase of .957 mills,according to a media release by thecity.

Without this tentative tax in-crease, the millage rate will be nomore than 8.043 mills. The proposedtax increase for homes with a fairmarket value of $75,000 is approxi-mately $29 and the tax increase fora non-homestead property with afair market value of $500,000 is ap-

proximately $191, according to therelease.

State of Georgia statutes do notspecically address the setting of theinitial millage rate for a newly an-nexed area by a municipality, but thecity is advertising a Notice of Prop-

erty Tax Increase, with the associatedpublic hearing notication, to ensurefull disclosure of its intent to levy

property taxes in the area annexedDec. 31, 2012.

The millage rate of 9.00 proposedfor the annexed area is the same as

that proposed for the rest of the cityand is below the rollback millage rateand therefore would not constitute atax increase for the rest of the city,according to the release.

uDUNWOODY

Dave Brubeck tribute to come toJewish Center

A special tribute to jazz legendDave Brubeck, whose work bridgedthe jazz and classical worlds, reach-ing a worldwide audience for morethan half a century, will be performed

at the Marcus Jewish CommunityCenter of Atlantas (MJCCA) Mor-ris & Rae Frank Theatre, June 19, at7:30 p.m. Four Atlanta musiciansAlan Dynin (piano), Marshall (Mac)Isseks (saxophones), Scott Glazer(bass), and Adrian Ash (drums)team up to honor the late, great jazzambassador in what MJCCA prom-ises will be an evening of top-notchjazz.

Tickets are$15 or $10 for MJCCAmembers. Senior and student dis-counts are available. MJCCAs Mor-ris & Rae Frank Theatre is locatedat 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.For more information, call (678) 812-4002 or visit www.atlantajcc.org/boxofce.

uLITHONIA

Career guidance expo announced

An expo for job seekers is plannedfor June 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at BigMiller Grove Baptist Church, 3800Big Miller Grove Way in Lithonia.

The event is sponsored by BigMiller Grove Missionary BaptistChurch, the Legacy Harvest Founda-tion, Beverly Cunningham OutreachProgram, AARP Foundation and theGeorgia Department of Labor.

Featured workshops include re-sume writing, social media for jobseekers, interviewing skills and entre-

preneurship.For additional information about

the career guidance expo, contactKenneth Dinkins of the Georgia De-

partment of Labor, DeKalb Career at(404) 298-3990 or [email protected] orCynthia Robinson at(404) 298-4821 or [email protected].

To register for the event,visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6718317669/BCOP. To volun-teer visit www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0B4EA4AF22A57-volun-

teer1/8628720.

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Mother and daughter give voice to the voicelessby Daniel [email protected]

Marla Lawson said that a lot ofher friends continue to work afterretirement by maintaining websites,teaching forensic art classes and stay-ing involved in the departments theyonce worked for, but she wont.

I just want to be a bum, saidLawson, who retired May 31 after 16

years as the Georgia Bureau of Inves-tigations (GBI) forensic artist.Throughout her career, Lawson

has drawn hundreds, if not thousands,of sketches. In her ofce, sketches ofsuspects and pictures of the recon-structed skulls of victims cover thewalls.

Im not going to do a thingif Ihavent got it done yet, Im just notgoing to get it done. Theres more tolife than working. Ive been workingsince I was 15 and I dont want towork no more, Lawson said.

Lawson began her career sketch-ing tourists in Underground Atlantaand worked as a sketch artist for theAtlanta Police Department for 15years. Before joining the GBI, shehad a brief stint as a sandwich artisanat Subwayshe speaks fondly ofthose days.

One day, while she was workingat the shop, Lawson said, a man camein with a gun stuffed into his pantsand tried to rob the store. Customersrushed the man and nobody was hurt,

but the suspect escaped.I went home that night and drew

his face and when the deputies cameto get the sketches they offered me a

job, Lawson said. She was hired bythe GBI soon after.

Several years ago, Lawson beganwondering who would take her place.I would just hate to leave the vic-

tims that need help just hanging withnowhere to turn, Lawson said.

As she neared retirement, Lawsonbegan to worry that she wouldntbe able to nd someone to take herplace. She said she had lots of peoplelooking for a job, but none of themwere up to her standards. Thats whenher daughterKelly Lawson cameinto the picture.

Honest to goodness it was a lastminute spur of the moment thing.I was desperate because I knew Iwas at the worn-out state63 yearsoldI found it difcult to drive fromAtlanta to Savannah and be able towalk, much less draw a face, Marlasaid.

Kelly, who studied art in college,

said one day her mother walked upto her and asked, Can you draw aface? Marla said if her daughterhadnt shown some talent she wouldhave dropped it right then, but shesaid Kellys drawing was goodenough for her to learn.

Shes so much better now andshes only been doing it for sixmonths, Marla said. Im shockedits Kelly taking my place actually.

Kelly, who was working in an of-ce job, said her new job at the GBIis an exciting life change and a bigcareer step up. Although she has only

been working as a forensic artist forsix months, she said her job is teach-ing her much more than how to draw.

Its teaching me so many won-derful things about how to love peo-

ple, Kelly said. I know that soundslike a strange thing but Im a very shy

person and I dont go out of my wayto be sociableI didnt before this

job. You nd yourself really connect-ing with people on a different levelafter working in this job for a while.

Both Marla and Kelly said thatbeing a forensic artist means theyrepart artist and part grief counselor.They are one of the rst people vic-tims tells their stories to, stories thatforce them to relive a sometimes hor-

ric experience.Marla said, even if nobody gets

arrested and a sketch doesnt leadanywhere, just telling their stories tosomeone can help victims cope.

Its the hardest part, Marla said.And, everybody is so different

and has a different way of communi-cating, Kelly said.

Looking back on her career, Marlasaid some of the high points include

her 1996 sketch that helped policecatch Eric Rudolph, who was laterarrested for the Centennial OlympicPark bombing that killed two and in-

jured 111 people.Marla has also made a signicant

dent in reconstructing the hundredsof unidentied remains at the GBI,one of her passions she said. Now,she is teaching Kelly everything shehas learned and has stopped worry-ing about who will take her place. IfKelly has any questions, Marla said,She knows where I live.

She doesnt have a sketch everyday so she could swing by my houseand bring a bone with her, becausewe didnt have a lot of time to workon that, she could bring one over andwork on that at my breakfast table,Marla said.

Marla and Kelly Lawson keep forensic art in the family

n May, Marla Lawson retired from the GBI after 16 years of working as Georgias premier forensic artist. Now, her daughter Kelly is following in her footsteps.

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tial $2,963 request for thedocuments to $291.

The lawsuit furthercharges that the USGclaimed it is entitled towithhold key documents

because of an ongoing in-vestigation, but SchickslawyerDaniel Levitasasserts that no such exemp-tion is applicable in thiscase and the records shouldhave been promptly pro-vided.

Unfortunately, of-cials at both the Board ofRegents and [GPC] haveused all manner of tacticsto discourage my client and

delay his receipt of theserequested records, saidLevitas, GPC is asking for$927 for the documentsSchick requested, a feewhich both he and Levitassaid is too much, and todate has not produced anyof them.

I continue to pursuethese records because I donot want to be just another

journalist who reports on

a major story without anymeaningful follow up. The

special audit review pro-duced by the Board of Re-gents never fully explainedwhat happened and howthe college could amassan initial $16 million, laterturned into $25 million,decit, Schick said.

Ofcials from both theUSG and GPC were con-tacted for this story butit was their policy not tocomment on pending litiga-tion.

Student sues University System of Georgia,alleging Open Records violations

Schick

Cross Keys teacher considering U.S. Senate bid

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NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARINGTheCityofDoravilleisofferingasecondUrbanRedevelopmentPlanforCounciladoption.TheplanaddressescommercialareasinCouncilDistrictOne. Apublichearingtosolicitpublicinputwillbeheldat6:30pmonMonday,June17,2013atDoravilleCityHalllocatedat3725ParkAvenue,Doraville,Ga.30340. ThedraftplanisavailableforpublicreviewintheCityClerksOfficeatDoravilleCityHall.

by Carla [email protected]

Dr. Aubury Webb, astudent support specialist atCross Keys High School, isconsidering a U.S. Senatebid in 2014.

Webb, who lives inRockdale County, said June

5 that he is meeting withmembers of the DemocraticParty to garner support.

Im putting my piecestogether and Im denitely

looking at it, he said.Webb, 64, is a 1975

graduate of MorehouseCollege. He spent 40 yearsserving in the militaryand 22 years with AT&T.He returned to school in2006 to pursue a doctoratedegree. During that timehe was a substitute teacher

in the DeKalb CountySchool District and becamea fulltime teacher at CrossKeys in 2011.

Webb said his

consideration of the senatebid stems from his passionto help people of all racesand political parties.

Weve got to stopthis Im a Democrat,Republican, Libertarian orwhatever, he said. Onceyoure elected into ofceyou become a servant leader

for the people of the UnitedStates.Thats one of the points

I want to drive home to thepeople, he added.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

by Daniel [email protected]

Former Georgia Perim-eter College (GPC) studentournalist David Schick

led a lawsuit June 10against the Board of Re-gents of the University Sys-em of Georgia (USG) for

failing to produce publicecords.

The suit, led in FultonCounty Superior Court, iseeking an injunction di-ecting the USG to comply

with the Georgia Open Re-cords Act. It also requestsall fees associated with

he requested records bewaived.

Schick requested recordsn 2012 concerning a $25

million budget shortfallhat occurred at Georgia

Perimeter College that year.Mr. Schicks request

for records have at everyurn, been met with ob-truction, delay, and atimes outright misrepresen-ations, the suit alleges.

The budget shortfall,disclosed May 7, 2012,esulted in the layoff of

282 GPC employees andthe dismissal of PresidentAnthony Tricolli. Shortly

thereafter Schick, then edi-tor-in-chief of the GPC stu-dent newspaper, The Col-legian, led Open RecordsAct requests with GPC andthe Board of Regents con-cerning the budget shortfalland the layoffs.

According to the law-suit, the USG has not

produced all the recordsSchick requested and hasengaged in numerous de-laying tactics.

The public deserves toknow how so much moneycould have gone miss-

ing from the budget andhow it could go undetected

for such a long period intime, Schick said. Thebuck stops with the Boardof Regents and the recordsI requested could go a longway toward revealing whatofcials knew and whenthey knew it. These areopen records and the publichas a right to know.

In July 2012, Schickled two separate requests,one with GPC ofcials andone with the Board of Re-gents, requesting emails,memos and other corre-spondence regarding the

budget shortfall. Neitherthe college nor the Boardof Regents has promptly re-sponded to Schicks requestas required by law, the suitalleges. Ofcials also askedfor $2,963 to retrieve thedocuments, a sum the suitclaims is exorbitant.

The Student PressLaw Center, a nonprot

press-rights group basedin Virginia, helped Schickobtain a pro-bono lawyerwho eventually talked theUSG into lowering its ini-

Pet of the WeekName: Cupcake Female Adult Spayed

Jamie [email protected]

Christine [email protected]

Cupcake is a LabradorRetriever/Beagle mix. She isabout 5 years old. She is me-dium sized; weighing about 30pounds.

Cupcake is very sweet andwill pose for the camera if youhold treats in your hand; as youcan tell by her great pose in thispicture. She is very happy tobe with people and will try to

give you kisses. She loves to gofor walks and to be scratchedbehind her ear. She enjoys be-ing outside and going for a walkbut you dont have to take her

jogging to burn off her excessenergy.

Cupcake is looking for ahome with a nice, loving personshe can call her own. If youwould like to make a home forCupcake; please come by theshelter to visit her; she lovescompany.

DeKalb County Animal Shelter404.294.2165

If interested in adopting Cupcake, send an emailto both addresses below for a prompt reply

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Former state court judgedies of throat cancer

New report fnds racial bias inmarijuana arrests in DeKalb County

INCORPORATED 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Real & Personal 24,593,428 23,763,315 23,212,367 19,484,475 15,898,594 12,792,852Motor Vehicles 1,155,430 1,246,900 1,182,020 1,119,240 1,141,400 1,177,580

Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%

Heavy Duty Equipment

Gross Digest 25,748,858 25,010,215 24,394,387 20,603,715 17,039,994 13,970,412

Less M& O Exemptions 1,087,370 1,063,817 1,069,933 1,059,679 1,003,602 968,437

Net M & O Digest $24,661,488 $23,946,398 $23,324,454 $19,544,036 $16,036,392 $13,001,975a e ores an sss ance

Grant Value 0

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 24,661,488 23,946,398 23,324,454 19,544,036 16,036,392 13,001,975

Gross M&O Millage 14.300 14.300 17.100 20.604 24.190 29.824

Less Rollbacks

Net M&O Millage 14.300 14.300 17.100 19.600 24.190 29.824

Net Taxes Levied $352,659 $342,433 $398,849 $383,063 $387,210 $387,770

Net Taxes $ Increase/Decrease $12,732 -$10,226 $56,416 $15,786 $3,489 $560

Net Taxes % Increase/Decrease 1.03% -2.90% 14.00% -3.90% -0.79% 0.00%

CURRENT 2013 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

NOTICE

at the Pine Lake Clubhouse located at 300 Clubhouse Drive, Pine Lake, GA 30072 on June 25, 2013 beginning at 7:30 PM

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 the City hereby publishes the following presentation of the current year's tax digest

The Mayor and Council of the City of Pine Lake hereby announces that the millage rate will set at a meeting to be held

and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

by Andrew [email protected]

A former DeKalb CountyState Court judged died inhis home June 2 of compli-cations from throat cancer.

Edward Etienne Car-riere Jr., of Decatur, servedas a DeKalb County statecourt judge from 1998,when he was appointed tohe bench by then-Gov. Zell

Miller, until his retirementn 2010. He was 71.

Judge Carriere was awell-respected jurist whoseage counsel will be sorely

missed in the legal commu-nity. He will be remembered

by public ofcials and resi-dents across DeKalb for hisunwavering 45 years of ser-vice as a judge. We extendour heartfelt condolenceso his family, said DeKalb

County CEO Burrell El-is, who ordered all ags

on county property to beowered to honor the formerudge.

Born Dec. 7, 1941, inBrooklyn, N.Y., Carrieregrew up in Dallas, Texas.He graduated from LoyolaUniversity College of Lawn 1967, and served in the

U.S. Army from 1967-1969.Carriere began his legal

career with the U. S. Depart-ment of Health and UrbanDevelopment, then workedas an assistant district at-orney in DeKalb County

before entering into privateaw practice in Decatur.

While in private practice,Carriere served as an associ-ate county recorders courtudge for nine years and as a

Decatur municipal judge for24 years.

Carriere was a member

of the state bars of Louisi-ana and Georgia. He servedon the Board of Governorsfor 20 years and was amember of the Council ofState Court Judges, servingas president in 2003 and2004.

Among his many pas-ions were his volunteer

work with the State Bar ofGeorgia High School MockTrial competition, where heerved as an evaluator andudge at regional, state and

national competitions, and

eaching seminars with thenstitute of Continuing Judi-cial Education.

I am so saddened tohear of the passing of Judge

Carriere, wrote JayEis-ner, of Loganville, on anonline guestbook. He wassuch a wonderful man. Hecould lift spirits in any roomhe entered and [was] trulythe rst person in my mindseye when I hear the wordgentleman. As a policeofcer in his courtroom,I might not have alwaysagreed with a decision hemade, but I never doubtedfor a moment it was basedon compassion, caring, andan unswerving commitmentto fairness.

Connie Reamey-Elder,of Decatur, wrote, Car-riere was the rst judge I

worked for and the best....hewas like having your fatherhold your hand in the courtroom kind, caring and pa-tience. We all loved him andwill miss him dearly.

He is survived by hiswife of 32 years, JaneRohrabaugh Carriere,daughterElizabeth Carri-ere; son Edward III (Beau)and daughter-in-law KellySteele Carriere.

The funeral was June 6 atDecatur First United Meth-odist Church.

by Carla [email protected]

Blacks are almost sixtimes more likely to be ar-rested for marijuana posses-sion than Whites in DeKalbCounty, according to theAmerican Civil LibertiesUnion report.

In a report titled TheWar on Marijuana in Blackand White, released on June3, ACLU said Blacks inDeKalb are 5.8 times morelikely to be arrested thanWhites, which is fourth be-hind Gordon County (14.1times), Fulton County (7.5times) and Oconee County(7.3 times).

Among counties with thelargest populations, DeKalbis ranked third behind Fultonand Gwinnett (2.4 times).The report also nds that,on average, a Black personis 3.73 times more likely to

be arrested for marijuanapossession than a Whiteperson, even though Blacksand Whites use marijuana atsimilar rates.

ACLUs report is the rstto examine marijuana posses-sion arrest rates by race forall 50 states, and the District

of Columbia, and their re-spective counties from 2001to 2010. The report reliedon the Federal Bureau of In-vestigations Uniform Crime

Reporting Program and theUnited States Census annualcounty population estimatesto document arrest rates byrace per 100,000 for mari-

juana possession.Nationwide, there were

more than 8 million mari-juana arrests in the UnitedStates between 2001 and2010, 88 percent of whichwere for possession, accord-ing to the report. Marijuanaarrests have increased be-tween 2001 and 2010 andnow account for 52 percentof all drug arrests in theUnited States, and marijuana

possession arrests accountfor 46 percent of all drug ar-rests.

According to the report,DeKalb is ranked sixthamong all counties in Ameri-ca with the largest percent in-creases in marijuana posses-sion arrests. In 2001, DeKalbhad an arrest rate of 41.2.That rate increased to 230.0in 2010, which is a 459.5

percent increase. The 459.5percentage increase is secondamong the largest countiesin America with the largest

percent increase in marijuanapossession arrest rates.

Georgia was in the top

ve of states that made thehighest numbers of arrestsof Blacks for marijuana pos-session in 2010 with 20,765arrests. Georgia is behind

New York (40,326), Illi-nois (29,083) and Florida(26,711) on that list. In thatsame year, 65.1 percent ofdrug arrests in Georgia werefor marijuana possession,more than the 34.9 percent ofother drug offenses.

Georgia also had a 33.1percent difference in theBlack percentage of popu-lation and marijuana pos-session arrests, which wasfth in the country. In 2010,Georgia had a Black popu-lation of 30.9 percent and63.9 percent of Blacks werearrested for marijuana pos-session.

The report also includesa breakdown of the best

estimate of the scal costof marijuana possession en-forcement by state in termsof police expenditures, judi-cial and legal expenditures,and correction expenditures.In Georgia, the police expen-ditures in 2010 were $58.3million, judicial and legalexpenditures were $44.4million, and correction were$19.2 million. In total, mon-ey spent on enforcing mari-

juana possession laws were$121.9 million.

Nationwide, there was

one marijuana arrest every37 seconds, and states spentcombined more than $3.6

billion enforcing marijuanapossession laws.

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REDUCE

REUSE

RECYCLE

HEALTH & WELLNESS SUMMITEmpowering the Community for Change

Sponsored by DeKalb County Board of Health

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DeKalb County Board of Education

Robert R. Freeman Center, Administration and Instructional Complex (AIC)

1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Lunch will be served!

Register TODAY!Go to www.dekalbhealth.net/healthsummit

AFTER THE SUMMIT...JOIN US!

Live Healthy DeKalb Community Coalition

Meeting

1st Wednesday of Every MonthDeKalb County Board of Health

445 Winn Way, Decatur, GA 30031

9:00a.m.-

11:00a.m.

For more information, call (404) 508-7847 or email

[email protected]

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Part I: Science meets art

by Bob Kelley

Many people have fondmemories of a wise parentor grandparent who was al-ways there to offer rst aidfor childhood scrapes or ail-ments, often with the promiseo make it all better.

For the past 67 years, sci-entists and researchers at theCenters for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), basedn Atlanta, have played aimilar role on a much grand-

er scale as health guardiansand disease detectives to thenation and the world. Their

painstaking work has helpedure some of humanitys mostcurrilous diseases, not to

mention putting safeguardsnto place to protect current

and future generations.Many of the CDCs big-

gest victories are chronicledat the David J. Sencer CDCMuseum where visitors canee rsthand how efforts by

CDC scientists have rid theworld of smallpox and ex-plored preventative measuresagainst villainous healthssues such as malaria, Le-

gionnaires disease, polio,AIDS, secondhand smokeand tainted water supplies, toname a few. The CDC is theultimate vanguard for publichealth efforts to prevent andontrol infectious and chronic

diseases, injuries, workplacehazards, disabilities and envi-onmental health threats.

As part of an organiza-ion dedicated to using sci-

ence, cutting-edge innovationand collaboration to protectand improve lives around theworld, said Judy M. Gantt,museum director, we are de-

ighted to feature permanentand temporary exhibits thateducate visitors about thevalue of public health, whileexploring our history and ac-

complishments.While reference to the

CDC is often used in movies

and television shows to lendcredibility to a ctional plot,many people are actually un-

aware of the federal agencysreal global scientic scope. Amajor component of the U.S.

Department of Health andHuman Services, the CDC isconsidered the nations pre-

CDC museum chronicles agencys role in solving global medical mysteries

See CDC on Page 24A

Searching for Our Sons and Daughters:

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

Finding DeKalb Countys MissingStories of our missing residents offer profound

insights and hope for a positive reunion.

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

The Northeast will see scattered showers and thunderstorms today, mostly clear to partly

cloudy skies with a few showers Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature of 87 in

East St. Louis, Ill. The Southeast will experience mostly clear to partly cloudy skies and a few

thunderstorms today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 99 in Hoffman, N.C. In the Northwest,

there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms today, mostly clear to partly cloudy Friday and Saturday, with

the highest temperature of 94 in Torrington, Wyo. The Southwest will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies

today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 109 in Bullhead City, Ariz.

Weather History

June 13, 1984 - Severe

thunderstorms struck Denver,

deluging the city with ve inches

of rain and leaving up to six feet

of water in some places. Softball

size hail smashed windshields

and ripped through metal cars.

Snowplows had to be called out.

June 14, 1903 - The Heppner

Disaster occurred in Oregon.

A cloudburst in the hills sent a

ood down Willow Creek and a

20-foot wall of water swept away

a third of the town in minutes,

killing 236 and causing 100

million dollars in damage.

Weather Trivia

Who frst explained

rainbows? ?Answer:Theodoric,amonk,

explainedtherefectionand

refractionprocessin1304.

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly sunny skies with a 40%

chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 90,

humidity of 43%. West wind 10 to 20 mph. The

record high for today is 98 set in 1958. Expect

mostly cloudy skies tonight with a 40% chance of

showers and thunderstorms, overnight low of 69.

THURSDAY

Scat'd T-stormsHigh: 90 Low: 69

FRIDAYIsolated T-storms

High: 87 Low: 65

SATURDAYSunny

High: 88 Low: 68

SUNDAYMostly Sunny

High: 88 Low: 70

MONDAYIsolated T-storms

High: 89 Low: 75

TUESDAY

SunnyHigh: 91 Low: 75

WEDNESDAYSunny

High: 90 Low: 72

Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week

Day

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Sunrise

6:25 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

6:26 a.m.

Sunset

8:49 p.m.

8:49 p.m.

8:49 p.m.

8:50 p.m.

8:50 p.m.

8:50 p.m.

8:50 p.m.

Moonrise

10:51 a.m.

11:47 a.m.

12:43 p.m.

1:41 p.m.

2:41 p.m.

3:43 p.m.

4:49 p.m.

Moonset

Next Day

12:07 a.m.

12:40 a.m.

1:13 a.m.

1:46 a.m.

2:22 a.m.

3:01 a.m.

First

6/16

Full

6/23

Last

6/29

New

7/8

Last Week's Local Almanac

Date Hi Lo Normals Precip

Tuesday 88 66 84/65 0.00"

Wednesday 85 69 85/65 3.54"

Thursday 78 68 85/65 0.02"

Friday 85 67 85/66 0.16"

Saturday 83 65 85/66 0.00"

Sunday 82 68 85/66 0.42"

Monday 78 65 86/66 0.18"

Rainfall.. . . . . . . 4.32" Average temp. . 74.8

Normal rainfall. . 0.78" Average normal 75.3

Departure . . . . . +3.54" Departure . . . . . -0.5

Local UV Index

3 50 - 2 4 6 8 107 9 11+

UV Index

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate,

6-7: High, 8-10: Very High,

11+: Extreme Exposure

The Champion Weather June 13, 2013Seven Day Forecast Todays Regional Map

Tonights Planets

Rise Set

Mercury 8:13 a.m. 10:33 p.m.Venus 7:52 a.m. 10:18 p.m.

Mars 5:34 a.m. 7:45 p.m.

Jupiter 6:47 a.m. 9:05 p.m.

Saturn 4:50 p.m. 3:59 a.m.

Uranus 2:42 a.m. 3:07 p.m.

National Weather Summary This Week

StarWatch By Gary Becker - Planetary Dance Continues

The astronomical story of this week still focuses on the WNW as Mercury and Venus play in the bright twilight of late spring evenings. Mercury remains in the lead

all week, but if you watch it from night to night, it will begin to slow in its motion as it shortly begins its trek towards the sun. It is farthest from the sun on June 24

when it is at its greatest angular distance east of the sun, but its altitude and brightness will have decreased substantially by that time. Even during the week of June 9,

binoculars are strongly recommended to see Mercury clearly. Go outdoors about 45 minutes after sundown and look towards the WNW in the same area of the sky as

sunset. The most important consideration will be an unhindered western horizon. Venus should be easily seen with just the eye, even during hazy conditions. During

the rst few days of the week, view Venus using binoculars. Then scan less than one full eld of view to the left and above Venus to spot much fainter Mercury. Monday and Tuesday,

June 10/11, bring a thin waxing crescent moon with plenty of earthshine to add luster to the dimming twilight hour. The moon will be to the left of Mercury and Venus. As the week

unfolds, Venus and Mercury will be closing on each other. Mercury will appear to be circling counterclockwise around Venus by the end of the week. The week of June 16 positions

Venus and Mercury less than three degrees apart, and this close twirl continues through the summer solstice, June 21, as Mercury dips below Venus and heads towards the horizon. On

June 19, both planets are nearly horizonal to the horizon. Mercury will be to the left of Venus and less than two degrees apart, an easy view through binoculars, especially because of

Venus brightness. By the onset of the week of June 23, Mercury exits the scene leaving only Venus as the sole guardian of the west after sundown. www.astronomy.org

Dunwoody88/68

Lilburn

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Snellville

90/69Decatur

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Morrow

91/69

Hampton

92/70

Union City

91/69

College Park

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Atlanta

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Doraville

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Smyrna

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Lithonia

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Exhibits detail the histories of such diseases as AIDS, which wasrst identied during the latter half of the 20th century. (Photos byBob Kelley)

The museum includes exhibits ofequipment used to diagnosis andtreat diseases over the years.

Welcoming visitors to the CDC Museum is The Messengers, asculpture by Lameck Bonjisi of Zimbabwe. The work symbolizesthe museums mission to educate all who visit about the inter-twined common bond of public health, culture and community.

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From left, Central (DeKalb) Perimeter CID Chair JohnHeagy; Lt. James W. Berg; Sgt. Donald B. Barden; MPOTracy Redding and Perimeter CIDs President and CEOYvonne Williams.

Perimeter CIDs present TrafficHero awards

When the Central (DeKalb) Perimeter Com-munity Improvement District (CID) was formed

3 years ago, the rst item on its agenda was topartner with off-duty police ofcers to preventgridlock at key intersections along some of thedistricts busiest corridors.

Since that time, the DeKalb and Fulton Pe-imeter CIDs have spent $6.6 million to hire the

off-duty ofcers from DeKalb and Fulton countiesand the cities of Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.n addition to rush hours, the ofcers also are used

during holidays to accommodate the increase incar and pedestrian trafc in the Perimeter area.

In recognition of their service, Perimeter CIDPresident and CEO YvonneWilliams recentlypresented the rst Trafc Hero awards forexemplary service to keep Perimeter moving to0-year veterans of Perimeter CIDs trafc detail

program: Sgt. Donald B. Barden, Lt. JamesW.

Berg and MPO Tracy Redding. Each ofcereceived the PCIDs eagle award and a gift certi-

cate.We are proud of our partnership with these

dedicated law enforcement ofcers and arepleased with their continued commitment to thewell-being of Perimeters commuters, Williamsaid.

Thanks to the work of these ofcers, com-muters can get around the Perimeter area moreeasily at peak driving times, Williams said. Eachweekday, approximately 20 ofcers are placedhroughout the Perimeter district to help prevent

congestion at key locations such as Ashford Dun-woody Road and Hammond Drive, PeachtreeDunwoody Road and Hammond Drive and Aber-

nathy Road at Glenlake Parkway.The ofcers make a noticeable difference inpreventing the blockage of intersections duringPerimeters busiest hours, Williams said. Inaddition to allowing trafc to ow early againstignals when possible, meaning less time spent

waiting for a light, the ofcers are also availableo assist in the event of an accident. As they are

already in the area, they are able to immediatelyespond and address any problems as they occur.

State representative releasescityhood survey results

State Rep. MaryMargaretOliver (D-Deca-ur) May 31 released the results of a survey given

o DeKalb County residents at a recent town hallmeeting. DeKalb residents who attended the May6 town hall meeting were asked to give feedbackegarding the creation of new cities in DeKalb

County.

It is essential we ask our residents what theywant to do about new cities in DeKalb, Oliversaid. The more people who participate and en-gage in the discussion, the better the result might

be.

More than 250 people attended the meetingand 107 attendees returned surveys. Accordingto the survey results, one-third of participants areinterested in being part of a new city, one-thirddo not have any interest in being a part of a newcity, and another one-third of those surveyed wereundecided. When asked what proposed city theywould like to be a part of, the city of Briarcliffwas the most popular choice, with 57 percent ofrespondents stating that they would like to be a

part of that city.When asked why they want to be a part of a

new city, the top response was local control ofzoning. More taxes was the top response when

participants were asked why they may not want tobe a part of a new city.

The May 6 town hall meeting was hosted by

members of the DeKalb legislative delegationwho had sponsored bills pertaining to new cities.Sponsored by Oliver, the meeting also had par-ticipation from among DeKalb County commis-sioners, leaders of neighborhood associations, andrepresentatives of community groups involved incityhood efforts.

During the Georgia General Assemblys 2014legislative session, several cityhood or annexations

bills may be considered that could lead to new ar-eas being annexed into Chamblee and Decatur, aswell as create new DeKalb cities of Druid Hills,LaVista Hills, Lakeside, Stonecrest, City of DeKalband Tucker.

Dunwoodys millage wont rise asproperty values increase

The city of Dunwoody will consider setting themillage rate for real estate at a maximum of 2.74mills following the recent revaluation of real prop-erty tax assessments, preserving the same millagerate since incorporation in 2009.

The city received notice of its rst ever increasein the real and personal tax digest for 2013 as aresult of the revaluation of real property tax assess-ments, according to a Dunwoody media release.

Notwithstanding this small yearly increase inthe overall tax digest for real property, the digesthas dropped by more than 10 percent since thecitys incorporation in 2009, according to the re-lease. This decline in citywide tax digest values

amounts to more than $400 million over the pastve years.

Dunwoody property owners may see an in-crease or a decrease in their real estate taxes in2013, depending on whether individual propertygained or lost value this year, according to the re-lease. The city of Dunwoody does not have directcontrol or inuence over the valuations of the taxassessors ofce.

The city of Dunwoody will hold three publichearings to receive comment from taxpayers on as-

pects of the recent revaluation of real property taxassessments. The public is invited to attend infor-mation meetings June 25 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at theDunwoody City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East.

The city council will vote on a nal tax rate for

scal year 2013 7 p.m. June 25.

Sheriff, delegates travel toIstanbul for conference

DeKalb County SheriffThomasBrown is

part of a group of elected ofcials, individualsand other sheriffs on an 11-day conference inIstanbul, Turkey. Sponsors of the conference andaccompanying excursion have a goal of fosteringcooperative economic, educational and culturalrelationships between Turkish and U. S. ofcials.

The trip, which runs through June 17, includesvisits to various sites such as the Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace and the Turkish Grand NationalAssembly to increase the understanding ofgovernment affairs, economic development andthe religious and cultural diversity of the Turkish

people.In a media release before the trip, Brown said

that he is honored to be a delegate and will bevery interested in the Turkish judicial systemand their political perspective, considering theirunique positioning in the Middle East. Brown alsoexpressed an interest in their renewed relationshipwith Israel.

Past participants have included State Sen.MicheleHenson, Congressman HankJohnson,GBI DirectorVernonKeenan and executivesfrom the Georgia Department of EconomicDevelopment. This years invitees were nominated

by past participants.This will be Browns third trip to the Middle

East having previously traveled to Israel twice tostudy the countrys law enforcement and militaryefforts.

The cost of the trip is being shared by Brownand the Istanbul Center.

Body found on campus of localcollege

by Daniel [email protected]

The body discovered on the Georgia Perim-eter College (GPC) Clarkston Campus June 10has been identied as Alpha Oumar Diallo, 23,of Stone Mountain.

An autopsy performed on Diallo June 11 re-vealed he died as a result of strangulation andblunt force injuries to the head. He was last seenJune 9 at 4 p.m. at his home in Stone Mountain.

Ofcials at the Georgia Bureau of Investiga-tion (GBI) said a passerby found Diallos body atapproximately 7 a.m. June 10 while walking onNorth Indian Creek Road at the Georgia Perim-eter College (GPC) campus in Clarkston.

According to GBI spokeswoman SherryLang, the passerby noticed a male body lyingin a grassy area approximately 30 feet from thesidewalk. Lang said the person who found thebody called 911 and GPC campus police werenotied.

EMTs responded to the scene where they de-termined the person to be deceased, Lang said.

Ofcials said Diallo was not enrolled at GPC.He is a citizen of French Guinea in West Africaand has been a resident in the United States since2008.

Anyone in the area of 662 North Indian Creek

Drive, Clarkston, June 9 who may have seenDiallo or has information regarding this inves-tigation is asked to call the GBI Tipline 1 (800)547-8477.

NEWS Briefs

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Arabia Continued From Page 1A

Awards Continued From Page 1A


informal poll of my coworkers proved Astrovesassertion to be correct. Many people are unawarethat Arabia Mountain is located within theboundaries of DeKalb County or that it is part ofa federally designated National Heritage Area.

The Davidson-Arabia Mountain NaturePreserve encompasses approximately 2,500acres just south of Interstate 20 and west ofthe Stonecrest Mall area. It is actually ownedby DeKalb County and operated by the county

parks and recreation department. The naturepreserve is part of the larger Arabia MountainNational Heritage Area that is administeredby the National Park Service and includesthe Monastery of the Holy Spirit in RockdaleCounty, Panola Mountain State Park, Flat RockArchives and Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort(AWARE).

The nature preserve is home to fiveendangered plant species, including the brightred diamorpha that flourish in the many poolsof water found on the crest of Arabia Mountain.Adding to the natural beauty of the granite andthe few trees that grow on the mountain, thediamorphas vibrant red provides a strikingcontrast to the seemingly endless gray of the

rock.Also within the preserve are 20-plus miles ofAmericans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliantpaved hike and bike trails that link to PanolaMountain, Stonecrest Mall, downtown Lithoniaand portions of the South River. Bicycles areonly allowed on paved trails; hiking is permittedon all marked trails and on the rock outcropsurface except where vegetation and/or water arefound.

Free ranger-led trail hikes are offered twiceweekly at the preserve. Each hike is differentand tailored to the dynamics of the group,according to Astrove. While leading the hike thatshowcases the features of the preserve, Astrovesaid he enjoys allowing visitors to discover thewonders of the preserve on their own while he

shares tidbits of information about the natural,historic and cultural features of the property.

They are amazed to experience the grandeurof this special place that includes 360-degreemountaintop views, wildlife, historic homes and

quarry ruins, and off-the-beaten-path rewardslike secret waterfalls and vast prairies tuckedaway in the forest only for the adventurous tosee. People leave inspired. Its a mind, body andspirit experience out here, Astrove said.

Quarterly environmental education programsalso are offered free to interested groups. Contentcan be tailored specifically to the needs of groupparticipants.

My recent visit was only the second in

eight years and though I have been aware of theexistence of the preserve, I never realized thevastness and varieties of species until our three-hour hike.

Starting at the Nature Center, Astrove andI were in what seemed to be wilderness withinfive minutes. Up a winding trail and througha relatively flat area, the horizon changeddramatically. A beautiful arched mountain ridgewith sparse evergreens dotting the landscape isbefore us and there are pools of red diamorphawith sunlight bouncing off puddles on the rock.

As we approached the summit, my eyeswere flitting from one amazing view to another.Astrove suggested that I stand and turn in acomplete circle and describe what I saw. What

I saw was a totally unspoiled vista, save oneunrecognizable road in the distance. Everythingelse was nature in all her beauty.

We then began our descent toward MountainLake and saw the reflection of sunlight on thecrystal clear water. Fed by rain and water that isnaturally filtered as it makes its way down fromthe highest peaks of the mountain, the lake isamazingly clean and clear.

From the lake, there are trails leading inseveral directions. We choose to see the intact,granite remains of what appears to be thefoundation of a bridge and the remains of aformer rock-cutting plant that was powered byhigh pressure steam.

After three hours, we had only seen thehighpoints. I look forward to a return visit soon

and encourage all who have an interest in history,nature and preservation to spread the word aboutthis magical place.

It is evident while hiking and talking withAstrove that he is emotionally attached to his job

and that it is truly a labor of love that he happensto be paid to do. Astrove, a couple of full-timestaffers and a small, yet dedicated, group ofvolunteers basically do all of the maintenance onthe preserve. A typical day may include severalhours of clearing trails with a sling blade, theoccasional rescue of a hiker who may havebecome disoriented or conducting one of thecustomized educational programs offered.

And as is generally the case with any labor oflove, Astrove would like to have input from thecommunity and would like to share his specialplace with more people.

For additional information on the preserveand the national heritage area, or to requestan interpretive program for an organization orgroup, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/natural_resources or www.arabiaalliance.org.

Second Place in Sports Writing, went to former News EditorRobert Naddra, who died a few days after last years conven-ion. The presenter paused at the announcement of his award to

pay tribute to Naddras career as a journalist.Other awards won by The Champion at this years Georgia

Press Association convention, held June 6-8 at the Jekyll IslandClub, are:

Religion Coverage, Third Place

Business Coverage, Kathy Mitchell, Second Place

Education Coverage, Daniel Beauregard, Second Place

Photo Essay, Daniel Beauregard, Third Place

Spot News Photo, Andrew Cauthen, Third Place

Sports Photo, Travis Hudgons, Second Place

Sports Photo, Travis Hudgons, Third Place

Editorial Page, Second Place

Editorial Writing, Kathy Mitchell, Second Place

Serious Column, Kathy Mitchell, Second Place

nvestigative Reporting, Andrew Cauthen, Second Place

Page One, Kemesha Hunt, Third Place

Layout & Design, Kemesha Hunt, Third Place

Local News Coverage, Third Place

Remains of a former steam-powered rock cuttingoperation. Photo by John Hewitt

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by Kathy [email protected]

Gerald Brady PateJerry to manyof his current friends and Jed to somewho knew him earlier in his lifecamento the world the year the constitutional

amendment authorizing the federalncome tax was ratied, the rst packaged

cigarettes were sold and Woodrow Wilsonwas sworn in as president of the UnitedStates.

Born in Newnan, Ga., on Memorial Day1913, Pate touched history several timesover his 100 years. He was only 5 when thenuenza pandemic of 1918, which wiped

out 3 to 5 percent of the worlds population,took the lives of both his parents, landinghim, a brother and two sisters in a Decaturorphanage.

In time, his maternal grandparents wereable to provide a home for Pate until heoined the Army. As a soldier in World War

II, he again brushed with history, I waspart of the group that landed in Europe onD-Day, he recalled. I was lucky I didntget shot.

Pate served in Europe and in Africaduring the great war, and said he thoughtt was better being overseas during the

war than staying in the United States.However, during the portion of his Armycareer that he spent in New York he met hiswife Wilma, affectionately referred to asWillie by the family.

She was bubbly and outgoing,recalled great nephew Jerry Hassler, whosaid his uncle by contrast was alwaysrather reserved. Hassler drove downfrom Nashville, Tenn., for the May 30

birthday celebration at Pates currenthome, Medlock Gardens retirement homen Decatur. He said Pate and his wife met

when she was a nurse in an Army hospital.He was one of several soldiers who wereallowed to earn a little extra cash doing odd

jobs around the hospital.He used to joke that she only started

seeing him because she thought he was adoctor, said Tim Johnson, who befriendedPate after he moved back to Georgia fromFlorida following his wifes death. He, too,was a guest at the birthday party.

The couple had no children, but nieces,nephews and other relatives from both sidesof the family came for Pates centennialbirthday party. This is the biggest birthdayparty I ever had, Pate declared lookingabout at the gathering of friends and family.

After 25 years in the Army, Pate tooka civil service job, doing ofce work forthe Army as a civilian. I used to hit atypewriter, he said, and I hit it hard.

Johnson said he comes by every Tuesdayand takes Pate for haircuts and lunch. Hestill enjoys a glass of wine, so I see that hegets it, Johnson said.

At the birthday celebration one greetingamong the many was on display. President

Barack Obama sent greetings from TheWhite House. Along with an autographedphoto, Obama sent a letter that reads inpart: I send my warmest wishes as youcelebrate the special occasion of your 100thbirthday.

The men and women of yourgeneration are part of an unbroken lineof heroes who have preserved our way oflife at home and abroad with unwaveringpatriotism and courage. Our nation isforever thankful for the service andsacrice of all who have worn the uniformof the United States. I hope you take pridein the contributions you have made over thepast extraordinary century, the letter states.

Asked if he had any regrets about

anything his life, Pate, who wore shorts tothe party, pointed to a small tattoo on hisleg that he said he got in Hawaii while hewas in the Army. I wish Id never gottenthis thing, he said.

100-year-old Decatur residentlooks back on his life

On his 100th birthday, Jerry Pate is congratulated by his great-great niece Michelle Spencer.

Surrounded by family and friends, Pate says, This is the biggestbirthday party I ever had.

Among the old photos on display at the party is one of Pate, atright, with his siblings and the grandfather who took them in afterthe deaths of their parents.

Other old photos show Pate and his wife Willie as newlyweds andPates father, Charles Pate.

A letter from President Barack Obama along with an autographedphoto of the president were on display at the party.

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DeKalb schools approves$1 billion tentative budgetby Andrew [email protected]

The DeKalb CountyBoard of Education approvedon June 10 a tentative pro-posed scal year 2014 budgetof $1.01 billion and dis-cussed giving more money toemployees later in the year.

Overall, the budgets havebeen reduced by $89 millionfrom last year to what werelooking at for 2014, saidMichaelBell, the districtschief nancial ofcer.

The consolidated budget

total for 2013 was $1.099billion.

The budget, which isbalanced, anticipates $759million in revenue, with abeginning fund balance of$9.2 million. According tothe budget, scal year 2014would end with the district$12.7 million in the black,$5.8 million of which is re-served for after school pro-grams.

Before voting to approvethe tentative proposed bud-get, some school board mem-

bers questioned some of theexpenses and said more mon-ey should go to employees.

Board memberJohnColeman questioned a $1.5million line item for technol-ogy enhancements to the dis-tricts nancial systems.

Bell admitted that thoughthe system is in need of en-hancements, this money

probably could be deferred.Another expense ques-

tioned was $1 million for the

meritorious attendance pro-gram that would give a mon-etary incentive to employeeswith good attendance.

The last time the schooldistrict implemented the pro-gram was in 2008, accordingto Dr. TekshiaWard-Smith,DCSDs chief human re-sources ofcer.

Over the course of threeyears, the school districthas spent approximately

$800,000-$900,000 on busdrivers alone for [substi-tutes], Ward-Smith said.Keep in mind, the cost ofa sub is just $80. However,when you look at the actualcost to the district in terms ofresources, individuals whoare having to cover doubleand triple routes, the truecost of employee absence isnot just the $80 a day that we

pay for a sub, but the actualamount of disruption to in-struction.

The districts budget wasalso impacted by permanent

bus drivers who were com-pensated when they helped tocover routes for absent driv-ers. Another $700,000 has

been spent for food servicesubstitutes since 2011.

Approximately $3 millionwas spent in three years forsubstitutes in just four cat-egories of employees, Ward-Smith said.

Were anticipating thatthe program will pay for it-self by employees coming to

work, she said. The full $1million in the budget may notbe used, she added.

Board member Dr. JoyceMorley said she does notwant the meritorious at-tendance enhancements re-moved from the budget.

We have to begin tolook at the morale. What arewe doing in order to main-tain, retain and to actuallymotivate people to come towork?

Board memberKarenCarter suggested that theschool board consider de-

creasing and eventually elim-inating furlough days.The board should com-

mit to coming back at mid-year and revisiting this, shesaid.

Interim school Superin-tendent Mike Thurmondsaid other opportunitiesand additional revenuemay present themselves asthe district continues to workthrough its nances.

is for Daddy

Happy Fathers Dayfrom The Champion Newspaper

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 14, 2013 Page 18AEDUCATION

Gabriel Gillott hated highchool so much that he dropped outwice. Christina Ross was expelled

for a year after pulling a prank.Neither thought they would evereceive a high school diploma, and

college was out of the question.Gillott and Ross along with four

others graduated in May from Gate-

way to College Academy at GeorgiaPerimeter College (GPC). The sixtudents not only earned high school

diplomas, but also graduated withan average of 20 college credits andhe condence to continue.

Gateway is a national programhat partners local colle

freepress: 6-14-2013

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