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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM • FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009 • VOL. 11, NO. 50 • FREE

• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS •

DeKalb 2009 budget focuses on safety and shortfalls

St. Patrick’s Day 2009 It’s a great day for the Irish and all who like to party with them By Deborah Held There are a few really great things that make St. Patrick’s Day so darned easy to enjoy: it’s fun, it’s festive, and it always falls of the same day every year—March 17. Though originally focused on the celebration of St. Patrick himself, who is credited with bringing Catholicism to Ireland and who died on this day in the 15th century, today’s St. Patty’s celebrations focus more on shenanigans, especially of the drinking and eating of Irish-themed beers and vittles variety. This year, March 17 falls on a Tuesday, but don’t let that stop you from getting your party on. Here is a rundown of options for your St. Patrick’s Day enjoyment in and around DeKalb County. Saturday, March 14 Noon-6 p.m. Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade This one’s good for the whole family. Atlantans launched their first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1858, and citizens have been lining up for more ever since. Attendance this year is expected to be greater than ever, and promoters are promising close to 200 floats, as well as bagpipe and drum corps, bands, Irish dancers and clowns (who may not be Irish, but just want something to celebrate). The1.1-mile starts at the intersection of Ralph McGill Boulevard and Peachtree Streets and ends at Martin Luther King at Underground. It can be easily reached by MARTA, making a stop at the Civic Center station. For more information, visit www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com Tuesday, March 17 ART Station, Stone Mountain “Raising of the Green” 6-9:30 p.m. What’s St. Paddy’s Day without the green beer, really? Promoters of the 13th annual “Raising of the Green” fundraiser to benefit the community’s cul-

tural services are promising buckets of the stuff, live music, as well as tastings from some of the area’s finest restaurants. Silent and live auction items include fine art, theater tickets, restaurant meals and even a visit from Santa Claus (and who can put a price on that?). ART Station is located at 5384ManorDrive, in the restored trolley barn within the historic village of Stone Mountain. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information call 770-469-1105, or visit www.artstation.org. Gastronomy Hungry-man portion meat-and-potatoes fare is a staple of the Irish tradition, and according to one source, the more pork involved, the better. While Buckhead may be known for its nightlife and its pub or two, DeKalb County is not to be outdone in terms of Irish pub representation. Here, a listing, in no particular order: James Joyce Irish Pub 22N.AvondaleRoad,AvondaleEstates (404)296-5097 www.jamesjoyceirishpub.net Drink specials and revelers on March 17. Also, “the Joyce” has a full menu with ‘round the world fare, and of course, shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. Melton’s App and Tapp 2500N.DecaturRoad,Decatur.(404)634-9112 Patrons can enjoy a night full of corned beef and cabbage and beer specials (including Guinness, of course). Melton’s has an impressive array of rotating beers and wines from around the world. Brick Store Pub: 125 E. Court Square, Decatur (404) 687-0990 www.brickstorepub.com Wow, talk about beer from everywhere. A visit

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by Brian Egeston [email protected] After averaging a 4.2 percent operating budget increase since 2005, DeKalb County Commissioners voted to accept the 2009 budget with a 5.4 percent decrease from the 2008 budget. The budget includes funding for 35 additional police officers, four sheriff’s deputies and five code enforcement officers. The housing market, consumer sales and the Dunwoody succession contributed to the budget decrease, according to a report published by the county. Ten out of 12 departments have cuts to their annual budget. General administration took the biggest hit with a near 20 percent decrease in funding. “During these harsh economic times, we have to employ long-term thinking to help keep DeKalb solvent and making an effort to fund a position focused on retail recruitment in our Economic Development Department will certainly give us a leg up in helping stimulate DeKalb’s economy,” said Commissioner Larry Johnson in a press release. Information Systems will incorporate 311, the Citizen Help Center, which is the county’s phone number for government information and non-emergency services. Arts Culture and Entertainment will be folded into Parks & Recreations & Facilities, according to the report. One hundred Parks and Recreation positions were restored. The emphasis on public safety reinforces CEO Burrell Ellis’ stance on making the county safe. Ellis, during his state-of-thecounty address, said the current state of DeKalb County’s public safety was unacceptable. He went on to talk about the importance of a public safety director. The adopted budget did not include funding for such a position. The public safety director position was deferred for further review, according to a release issued by the county. Some of the specific cutbacks include no merit increases, and no new county vehicles. Capital construction was decreased by 49 percent. The proposed budget allots 90

See St. Patrick’s on Page 15A

See Budget on Page 15A

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Health.............................. 19

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News

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 2A

Hundreds turn out to discard electronics by Gale Horton Gay [email protected] A burden was lifted from Etta Sykes’ shoulders on Saturday. She drove away from a shopping center parking lot relieved of electronics and accessories that had previously left her fraught with guilt. Sykes was one of more than 460 people who took advantage of the electronics recycling event held in the parking lot of Wal-Mart at 3580 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Sponsored by Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB), the event brought in what amounted to a truckload of worn, outdated, broken and unwanted electronics. After being taken from each vehicle, separated and stacked, the towers of monitors, CPUs, televisions and microwave ovens were wrapped in plastic and later loaded onto a large truck. There were also boxes practically overflowing with used telephones, keyboards, cables and other discards stationed in the lot and being tended to by some of the 10 or so volunteers. “I think this is wonderful.” about having one printer and 12 cartridges taken from her vehicle. “I felt so guilty dumping in the landfill,” said Sykes. She noted that one of her concerns is chemicals from her print cartridges getting into

waterways. David McCleskey, one of the partners of Atlanta Recycling Solutions, which was responsible for hauling the stuff away, said none of the items would end up in landfills. He said computers would be broken down and all metals recycled and plastics turned into polymer beads to be used in other enterprises. He explained his company has a way of rendering hard drives useless so that no one can access any information from them. Cabling is also resold. Other companies often buy used printers whole or for parts, he said. Amber Weaver, director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful, said she was pleased with the turnout, especially considering that the program’s locations were reduced from two to one but had greater participation. “This is the most cars we’ve had in the past four years,” said Weaver, explaining that the popularity of the site and the support of WalMart’s management are a winning combination. She anticipates the store’s parking lot will be the location for future events. Weaver said the growing awareness and concern about the environment coupled with technological advances such as television digital See Electronics on Page 7A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

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Gupta withdraws from surgeon general search by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar WASHINGTON (AP) CNN says medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta won’t be the next surgeon general. The news network reported Gupta’s withdrawal March 5. The Obama administration confirmed that Gupta, a member of the staff and faculty of the Department of NeuA weekly series on employment, searching for jobs and how people are surviving rosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine, had Tips for success in searching for and Gupta taken himself out of landing a job the running because he wants to focus on his medical career and spend more • Establish goals – If you don’t know where you are gotime with his family. ing, how will you know when you get there? Do a reality The 39-year-old Gupta was seen as check. You may have to re-establish your goals. Keep President Barack Obama’s first pick your eyes on your goal and view any setbacks as tempofor the job. He would have brought star Chamblee man says odds not in his favor rary. Keep moving forward. power to the office of surgeon general, • Sources of job leads – Only a small percentage of availwhich has lacked visibility since the by Jonathan Cribbs able jobs are advertised in local newspapers. Consider other sources: Internet, chambers of commerce, school days of C. Everett Koop in the Reagan counselors and placement offices, state employment seradministration. When John Everhart was laid off from his vices-career centers, private employment agencies, radio The surgeon general is the nation’s technician’s job at LMI Electrical Contractors in and TV ads, obituary announcements, churches, friends Tucker in October, he gave doctor, and while the job doesn’t involve and family, neighborhood organizations, job fairs and himself several deadlines much policymaking responsibility, it’s above all networking. each associated with a bully pulpit for promoting improve• Skills identification – It’s not enough to be a nice perspecific goals. ments in public health. son. Employers want to know what you can do? Be able

DeKalb’s Ready to Work

Self-imposed deadline to find work fast approaching

Angela Davis to keynote Women’s History Month Renowned civil rights and women’s rights leader Angela Davis will speak about women, privilege and prisons at Ebenezer Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. for the keynote address of Emory University’s Women’s History Month. The free community event, presented by the Emory University Center for Women and Department of Women’s Studies, is the culmination of a landmark series developed by the newly formed Atlanta Consortium of Colleges and Universities (ACCU). The ACCU series, “Motherhood at the Intersection of Race and Class: Resilience in the Face of Adversity,” seeks to generate awareness, discussion and action surrounding the special challenges that less privileged mothers, families and incarcerated women face. Davis’ long-standing commitment to prisoners rights dates to her involvement in the campaign to free the Soledad Brothers, which led to her own arrest and imprisonment in 1970. On the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted List,” Davis spent 18 months in jail before her acquittal in 1972. The event catapulted Davis to international fame and since that time, she has been one of America’s most well known critics of what she refers to as the prison indusSee History on Page 7A

The first was to find a job better than the one he lost. That date flew by in December. Now, he’s looking for a job as good as his last. That deadline is fast approaching. Everhart “After that I’m going to have to take what I can get,” the 36-year-old Chamblee resident said. He had been employed at LMI for six months when company management axed the department in which he worked after it could not secure enough contracts in the depressed economy, he said. “I was shocked. This is the second time I’ve had to use unemployment in my life,” Everhart said. He said he gets momentarily discouraged when he looks at job ads online. Recently, about 3,000 jobs were advertised on a local newspaper’s Web site, he said. When he considers the millions of people who live in Atlanta and the extraordinary number of them out of work, the math doesn’t seem to work in his favor. “It’s not a good ratio,” he said. Everhart was waiting in line to meet with a recruiter from more than 19 companies that attended a job fair in downtown Decatur during the last week of February. A line to get in the Holiday Inn’s ballroom snaked outside the front doors, down the hotel’s main hallway and outside onto a side patio. A Champion reporter was interviewing him, and a local television news van was parked behind the hotel. “The mere fact that it’s news when there’s a career fair is not a good sign,” he said. “But, you know, I try to be positive. … I’ve got four weeks before I have to take something.”

to define your skills and achievements concisely. Present them as if they were “a product on the open job market.” You must be able to give specific examples of your skills and effectively sell the value to an employer.

–Georgia Department of Labor

Job Fair and Career Conference DeKalb Workforce Development is hosting a 2009 Career and Resource Empowerment Conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 26 at DeKalb Tech Conference Center, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. It is designed to assist job seekers in navigating the uncertain and confusing labor market under a strategy of education, employment and economic development. Employers and businesses will be facilitating workshops to share their insights and work ethics, offer resume and interviewing tips from the employer’s perspective, and inform job seekers about forecasted jobs. Community service agencies and trainers will provide resources for housing/financial assistance and job seekers will be able to apply for social service benefits and educational opportunities. A career fair will also take place. Email [email protected] to register or for more information call (404) 6-3400.

Job search The Georgia Department of Labor offers employment services and maintains a database of jobs available in DeKalb County and statewide on its Web site, which is continuously updated as jobs are being filled and new positions added. Visit www.dol.state.ga.us/js/find_a_job. htm for the latest jobs available.

Log onto www.championnewspaper.com

Editorial

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, Page 4A

Guest Editorial

What is the quid pro quo? by Steen Miles What is the real reason some members of the DeKalb County Commission are dragging their feet on the public safety director’s position called for in the CEO’s budget? How do you pass a budget and hold hostage a line item until you can get more “justification?” Let it go! Politics is the people’s Miles business, someone once said. That said, may I humbly remind Commissioners Stokes, Johnson, Lee and Sutton who they work for—the people of DeKalb County. The people of DeKalb County have said in a resounding voice on several occasions they want a public safety director to provide badly needed oversight over police, fire, EMTs, animal control, code enforcement and Lord have mercy, the medical examiner’s office. While we are caught up in the

headline-grabbing machinations of the urination derby between the CEO and the police chief, DeKalb County is losing tens of thousands of dollars a year because of a very liberal and generous contract with the medical examiner that allows him to work for several other jurisdictions using DeKalb County facilities for a paltry $6,000 a year—not my opinion but a matter of record and a recommendation from the Public Safety Transition Team to change the process that allows this resource drain to continue. That’s a subject for another day. After careful study, the Public Safety Transition Team recommended the position of public safety director. It would be money well spent and provides the critical coordination and oversight of emergency services for the county especially in the area of emergency management in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Currently we are woefully lacking in that area and thankfully we have not

recently had a catastrophic incident. Our 911 system is inadequate, and we are in dire need of radio upgrades and synchronization. The CEO runs county government. The commission is the legislative branch. Now Stokes, Johnson, Lee and Sutton ought to be about the business of creating ordinances to give some teeth to our code enforcement office to be able to more quickly find and fine those responsible for the eyesores in our neighborhoods—i.e. burned out and abandoned houses, big commercial trucks, tall weeds, impromptu junk yards, etc. et al. Pay more attention to zoning issues and the zoning board of appeals; work harder and smarter to attract more businesses to the county by showing a spirit of cooperation and unity with the CEO’s office, area colleges and universities; find out the impact of proposed state laws on DeKalb to name a few. Citizens elected you. Citizens elected the CEO but for distinctly different reasons. They elected you

to legislate, not administrate. It is a great thing to have the commission running its own meetings, but let’s not get it twisted. Commissioner Johnson is doing a superb job. At a recent commission meeting Johnson very responsibly listened to the people and extended the time allowed for public comment on the budget and position of public safety. Unfortunately, it seems you and your cohorts heard what you wanted to hear. You obviously didn’t hear the numerous comments from a wide spectrum of homeowners, business people and other citizens who said they supported and wanted the position of public safety director. Someone needs to check the legality of passing the budget, but holding a line item in abeyance until there is more justification. It prompts the question: What is the quid pro quo? Inquiring minds want to know why you won’t let it go. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator.

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The defense budget is testing Obama already by Jack Shanahan When President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress in February, one of the more extraordinary lines of his speech came buried in the middle. In a passage about cutting government waste, Obama pledged to “reform our defense budget so that we’re not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don’t use.” The idea that we should continue funding multibillion-dollar weapons programs to fight an enemy gone for 20 years seems simple. But the task will prove more difficult than it sounds. Mr. Obama’s first test will come with a decision over the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, a supersonic stealth jet designed back in the 1980s to fight the Soviets. The F-22 has survived the end of the Cold War but hasn’t seen a day of combat in Iraq and would be of little use rooting out Al Qaida along the Afghan-Pakistan border. Meanwhile, the cost of the plane has swelled to more than $350 million per unit, and we have spent more than $60 billion to buy just 180 planes—less

than the 750 or so we were promised at about twice the estimated price. In short, the F-22 is a model case for a Cold War weapon we don’t use. The administration faced a deadline of March 1 (after the time of this writing) to decide whether to buy another 200 planes from Lockheed Martin and Boeing or to pull the plug. Right on cue, reports emerged before Obama’s speech of Lockheed Martin and Boeing advertising a Web site called “www.preserveraptorjobs. com,” calling on the public to write their congressional representatives demanding the government renew its contract—rebranded as a jobs engine. The notion that we should use the Pentagon as a massive, government funded jobs program instead of our first line of national security is ludicrous. Yet, this is the political world of military spending. In January, Fox News released a story quoting a senior defense official saying that the new administration was planning on cutting more than $50 billion in defense. This report came on the same day Obama was scheduled to

meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A Republican spokesman for the House Armed Services Committee blasted out an e-mail with the Fox report, and the Associated Press circulated a story nationwide. In truth, however, the numbers proposed in the president’s budget actually showed the administration increasing defense spending, just not to the full “wish list” requested by Pentagon bureaucrats looking to boost their bottom line. The political setup was obvious: opponents of the administration and people who have thrived off bloated Pentagon programs—through big defense contracts and congressional pork—were looking to box the new president into a corner by making him look weak on defense. The problem is that America desperately needs substantial cuts in defense and a top-to-bottom overhaul of the Pentagon. But any serious attempt at reform is bound to face the same fierce and dishonest resistance. The amount the administration is thinking of spending next year on the

Pentagon is in the neighborhood of $537 billion (with nine zeroes), more than the $513 billion from this year. Neither of these figures includes the spending on two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nor do they account for the tens of billions dedicated to homeland security and nuclear weapons, all of which fall in the category of national security. And underneath this mountain of taxpayer money is a Pentagon that has grown to its largest size since WWII and cannot even complete a government audit. Only in the up-is-down, down-isup world of military spending can a leader increase funding for a gargantuan government agency and be accused of cutting it. But these are the realities Obama will face as he promises to cut weapons we don’t need. With the F-22, we’ll discover soon enough whether words will meet action. ViceAdmiralJackShanahan(ret.) istheformercommanderoftheU.S. SecondFleet.Distributedbywww. minutemanmedia.org

Finding troops for a fool’s errand by William A. Collins The gravel crunched unexpectedly in our driveway so I went out to see what was up. Lo, a U.S. government car bearing a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young man in camouflage gear. A recruiter. He was looking for a prospect with my wife’s name. Upon learning that she had lately turned 73, he appeared a bit crestfallen, but only for an instant. Then he graciously gathered himself and agreed to leave a recruiting packet for us to convey to someone younger, maybe unemployed. The Navy, perhaps working from the same classified list, sent a similar piece by mail. The packet was chock full of well-scrubbed determined young faces, building a future while protecting their nation. The text was awash with promises of strength, challenge, variety, potential, bonuses, tuition aid, counseling and stipends. No mention of wounds, funerals, homelessness, suicides, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No photos of the maimed or the deceased returning from the front, either. Recruiters, being savvy, know well all these omissions, which are internally corrosive to some of their own sensitive souls. They commit suicide at an accelerated rate, much like combat veterans. Indeed, with the current reduction in fighting, suicide deaths in the military are now about equal to combat deaths. Conversely, some non-suicidal troops just say, “Screw it,” and desert. The Pentagon admits that about 5,000 are simply missing from duty, many no longer willing to impose further degradation upon the residents of a devastated and occupied land. By definition deserters are scarcely in a position to tell their stories back home, but it wouldn’t matter much anyway. The patriotic corporate press does not traffic in such imperial embarrassments. Nor does the press dwell on the millions in Pentagon spending to “Support our Troops.” Donald Rumsfeld created that bogus civilian organization to gin up excitement for the war. It gave out ribbons, magnets, comic books, DVDs, dog tags and wristbands. The patriotic press loved it. Unfortunately, lacking adequate oversight, the unit became as financially corrupt as it was morally corrupt, even dragging the StarsandStripes newspaper into its misspending schemes. Only recently, in fact, has the press even caught on to the reality that personal hazard for returning soldiers does not end with discharge. The evils that they have seen and endured, and maybe participated in, stick to them like burrs. Mental illness abounds, leading to breakup of families, joblessness, homelessness and

attempted suicides, which are now estimated at about 1,000 per month. The federal response to this hardship is much like that of a former car owner who finally unloads the thing on eBay. He doesn’t want to hear about it again. But like bad pennies, needy vets keep popping up. They want treatment for PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome, and rape, as well as for lingering physical wounds. They also want those benefits that were promised by so many bushytailed recruiters. Retired General Eric Shinsecki is in charge of all that now at the Veterans Affairs Department. He’s the one President George W. Bush demeaned for telling the truth about troop level needs in Iraq. We’ll see if he gets canned again for telling the truth about the needs of vets. Since President Barack Obama, like his predeces-

sor, seeks to prosecute the war in Afghanistan, he may not be thrilled at the bad news about veterans any more than was President Bush. Even today, the Pentagon is reluctant to alert the VA as to who is coming home to be discharged, and Gov. Jodi Rell has killed a state program tracking their needs in Connecticut. The recruiters don’t mention any of that. From a practical standpoint, the president might save himself a lot of grief by appointing a commission to figure out if we really need to be in Afghanistan at all. It already has a reputation as the graveyard of empires. Maybe we should not put our own at such needless risk. ColumnistWilliamA.Collinsisaformerstate representativeandaformermayorofNorwalk,Conn. DistributedbyMinutemanMedia.org.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Religion still Mike Newberry has a way to go –Champion of the Week

The Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life recently released a study that found–Wait! Wait! Don’t go away. It gets better–that roughly two-thirds of Americans believe that religions other than their own can lead to eternal life. (Heaven, if you want to be tech-

ers, the more restrictive their rules. No people who do not resemble members are allowed as members. No women on the golf course, except on Wednesdays before noon. For White Christians, it’s as though heaven were merely the Augusta National Golf Course carried on by other means. The worst of that sort of prejudice has been by Donald Kaul Columnist leached out of mainstream religion but zealots still cling to their bigoted customs, citing their sacred nical about it.) book of scripture as inspiraThis is religious tolerance of tion. And more often than not, the highest order. It means that it is women who bear the brunt Americans, most of them, have of their prejudice–from being grasped the ecumenical spirit denied the priesthood to being and accepted the idea that even cordoned off in segregated areas, though there is but one God, he/ away from strangers’ eyes, to unshe answers to many names. speakable abuse. Among those who got a Get They’re all bad but fundaOut of Purgatory Free card from mentalist Muslim nations seems a majority of the respondents to offer the worst examples: were Jews, Muslims, Hindus and terrible tales of women being even people of no religious faith. publicly beaten for showing an Of course, two-thirds is inch of ankle on the street; benot 100 percent. According to ing stoned to death for suspected Charles Blow of The New York adultery; being ostracized, someTimes, there were those who be- times murdered, for the crime of lieved that no one but their spiri- being a rape victim. Progressive tual brethren are fit for service in Muslims disavow these acts, of the Hallelujah choir–fundamencourse. They say they are the talist Christians mainly, people work of ignorant people who do who believe that the Bible not understand the true nature of should be taken at its word, word Islam. for word. They think that when I accept that, but…when a Jesus says to Thomas (John Danish newspaper published a 14:6) “I am the way, the truth, few relatively innocuous carand the life; no man cometh unto toons depicting the prophet the Father, but by me”–he means Muhammad a few years ago, the what he says. No heathen in Muslim world erupted in anger. heaven, and precious few others. There were protests and riots all They’re welcome to their be- over Europe, as well as hysteriliefs, of course, and I’d say I recal demonstrations in the Middle spect them except that I don’t. I East. confess to being a card-carrying But when some young Musskeptic but it never made sense lim couple that offends some to me that God, if any, would go religious tenet are buried to their to all the trouble of creating a necks in the earth and stoned heavenly home for his children to death, you don’t hear a peep on earth, and then let only a frac- from the Muslim world. Not a tion of them in on the eligibility demonstration; not a protest. I requirements. don’t know if there’s a heaven My own feeling is that the but if there is, I’m hoping it does Bible is a wonderfully instrucnot contain loonies who stone tive book written by men of faith people to death and call it relibut not by God him- or herself. gion. They did the best they could but If it does, I’m willing to go they made mistakes, relegatalong with Mark Twain on the ing women and Black people to subject: “Heaven for climate; the back of the bus being two Hell for company.” of them. They were expressing Don Kaul is a two-time Punot God’s will but the earthly litzer Prize-losing Washington prejudices of the time. Almost all correspondent who, by his own religions make the same mistake, account, is right more than he’s particularly at the extreme end of wrong. Email: dkaul2@earthorthodoxy. link.net. The more devout the believ-

At DeKalb Medical, locksmith Mike Newberry’s job description includes “maintaining the key systems, doors and locks for hospital facilities.” But on a crisp October day last year, Newberry threw the job description out the window and did everything he could to help a patient in need. “We have one common goal and that’s to help people. If I have to step out of my job description to help somebody, it’s definitely worth it,” said Newberry. A DeKalb Medical social worker called Newberry, telling him there was a deaf patient in the Emergency Department who had problems communicating with the staff. The patient had been a victim of domestic violence, needed medication and needed help locating temporary shelter. However, the social worker could not communicate in sign language

and needed an interpreter. “Mike Newberry showed up in my office swiftly and began helping me to communicate with the patient. He was compassionate and caring, and devoted much of his day to a duty that is totally unrelated to his job duties because somebody needed his help,” said Emergency Department Social Worker Katie Logan, LCSW. According to Logan, Newberry not only took time out that day to help, but he also came back the next day to see if the patient was discharged safely. Newberry was heartened to hear that the patient had been released in good condition and steps had been taken to ensure the patient’s future safety. “Mike Newberry is the sort of employee who makes DeKalb Medical great,” said Logan, who nominated Newberry for DeKalb Medical’s Service Excellence Award.

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.

Money deal taints the Times The New York Times, America’s most prestigious newspaper, has recently rolled over into a deep ditch of debt. Its chances of getting out were estimated to be slim and none – so the

by Jim Hightower Columnist

paper’s corporate executives chose slim. That would be Carlos Slim, the Mexican business mogul who used his political connections, monopoly power, and low-paid workforce to amass a $60 billion personal fortune, said to make him the second-richest man in the world. In 1990, Mexico’s corrupt national government went on a privatization frenzy, selling public assets to a select few political cronies. Slim grabbed Telmex, the telephone monopoly that today controls 90 percent of the country’s market. Using this as his core building block, he now owns banks, an airline, railroads, restaurants, and, well, his reach is so pervasive that

analysts say you can’t spend a day in Mexico City without paying at least one peso to him. Last year, his reach crossed the U.S. border, buying multimillion-dollar stakes in Saks Fifth Avenue, Citigroup, and The New York Times. This January, Slim dramatically upped his ownership of the Times, making a $250 million loan to help executives there cope with their billion-dollar debt. What a deal! At least for Slim. In return for the cash, he got more shares, making him the second largest owner of the paper. Better yet, he’s getting 14 percent interest on the loan, which means the Times will be paying him about $35 million a year to borrow his money. But the Times is paying an evengreater price in its journalistic credibility. By aligning its reputation with a monopolist baron of Mexico’s crony capitalism, the Times is now saddled with the kind of apparent conflict of interest that it routinely (and rightly) deplores in others. For more information on Jim Hightower’s work – and to subscribe to his award-winning monthly newsletter, The Hightower Lowdown, visit www.jimhightower.com

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Electronics

Continued From Page 3A

conversion has fueled recycling efforts. It’s estimated that there are at least 4.4 million PCs and 8 million televisions in 3 million households in Georgia, according to KDB’s Web site. “This e-waste will eventually become 334,800 tons of ewaste that will end up in our landfills,” the site states. She pointed out that DeKalb residents don’t have to wait for a recycling event to get rid of their unwanted electronics. Discards–with the exception of televisions–can be taken to the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road in Ellenwood, Mondays through Saturdays. However, the next KDB electronics recycling event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Smoke Rise Elementary School, 1991 Silver Hill Road in Stone Mountain. The city of Atlanta will hold an electronics recycling day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the gold lot at Turner Field in Atlanta. There will be a $10 fee for the recycling of TVs at either event.

History

Continued From Page 3A

trial complex. Davis has conducted extensive research on issues related to race, gender and imprisonment and is professor emerita of the History of Consciousness Ph.D. program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She was the University of California chair in African-American and feminist studies from 1994-1997. Davis also remains a community organizer through her work with the Women of Color Resource Center, a San Francisco Bay Area organization that emphasizes popular education of and about women who live in poverty, and Justice Now, which provides legal assistance to women in prison and advocates for the abolition of imprisonment. Formed in 2008, the ACCU is composed of faculty, staff and administrators from several Atlanta area institutions. Members are interested in providing ways for Atlanta colleges to engage in public scholarship – to bring scholarship into the city – and foster multi-school dialogue about important community issues. For more information, contact dona.yarbrough@ emory.edu or visit http://womenscenter.emory.edu.



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DeKalb Medical re-focuses services to address community needs, preferences After four years of operation, DeKalb Medical’s Hillandale facility is making major changes “to better align resources with community needs and to provide for long term growth,” according to hospital officials. “We noticed that women having babies were passing us by and going to Decatur anyway,” explained DeKalb Medical President and CEO Eric Norwood. As a result, the medical system is relo-

cating obstetrical services to its North Decatur campus while enhancing emergency services and increasing services related to stroke, heart disease and cancer on the Hillandale campus. DeKalb Medical officials predict that the changes will make their facilities more efficient, and should save about $2 million a year. “That’s one of the great things about being a system,” Norwood said.

“There’s an opportunity to shift resources around when it makes sense.” DeKalb Medical officials say that the number of patients overall at the Hillandale campus has exceeded expectations; however, maternity services are in less demand than was anticipated when the hospital was planned. As of April 17, the Hillandale facility will no longer admit maternity patients. Arrangements

are being made for parents expecting to deliver at Hillandale to go instead to DeKalb Medical at North See Medical on Page 14A

Sterling Silver Wedding Flatware French Provincial design

12 place settings.No monogram.

$1,120.00

Call 404-634-3204 between 1-10pm

Page A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Bolton files appeal for his job

Decatur invites online comments by Jonathan Cribbs

urban farming, smart growth and “complete streets,” which asks whether major Decatur residents can intersections should be continue commenting on big rebuilt to support pedestrian issues on the city’s Web site and bicycle traffic. The after city officials decided annexation issue inspired last month to pay for the 171 written responses, the online commenting service. most of any issue by far. The city was participating “I say maybe,” Rob in a free, three-month trial Pope wrote. “The school with Peak Democracy, a system is out of space now, California Internet company more residential properties that tested a program called with students will not help. Open City Hall on its site, If the annexation can be www.decaturga.com. The kept to commercial only site allows residents to or commercial mainly, I comment and be surveyed think it would help the tax on prominent city issues. situation in Decatur.” After city officials An anonymous person decided the site was useful wrote “no.” as another avenue for “Our city has been this feedback from residents, size for many years,” the the city agreed to pay for a person wrote. “It has worked membership, City Manager so well, and we have an Peggy Merriss said. The unbelievable community program includes a one-time and school system. Besides setup fee of $2,500 and a money, I can not understand $1,680 yearly fee, she said. why we would change this. “It’s part of the big I don’t think we should. picture,” Merriss said. “It’s Instead I think we need definitely not meant to be a to look very hard at our referendum of any kind.” expenses and live with the Over the course of the funds that we have.” free trial, the city allowed The four issues created residents to comment on 333 comments total as of four issues: annexation, March 4. [email protected]

City officials can use responses to determine what sort of questions residents might have while preparing information on different issues, Merriss said. Residents can also comment semianonymously: The site requires users to submit their name and address to the city government, but their name does not have to appear with their comment. The city chose to pay Peak Democracy after it determined it could not find a Web designer to create a similar comment service for less money, Merriss said.

Attorney Bill McKenney filed an appeal for his client Terrell Bolton less than two weeks after DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis fired Bolton as DeKalb Bolton County chief of police. The appeal was filed with the DeKalb County merit system. Bolton is currently still on medical Ellis leave, according to McKenney. Bolton is in Dallas being treated for diabetes and high blood pressure. The appeal hearing must take place within 45 days of the filing, said McKenney, who added he’s not opposed to having a public hearing. In the appeal McKenney has requested that the hearing officer be someone who was not appointed by Ellis and “has no allegiance to the

CEO.” The hearing could come as soon as the end of March, according to McKenney. McKenney would not go into detail about how he would counter Ellis’ charges of insubordination, misuse of county property and conduct unbecoming a police chief but reiterated that he and his client are ready to fight the charges. Bolton was hired by former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones in 2006 after Jones added Bolton to a list of finalists compiled by a selection committee. Soon after Bolton was announced as the new chief, interim Police Chief Nick Marinelli resigned from the department. The police chief position is merit protected prohibiting Bolton from being fired except for cause. Ellis gave Bolton a pre-termination letter outlining charges that were being brought against him with a 10-day window to answer the charges. McKenney sent a response to the charges on Feb 23. Ellis fired Bolton the same day.

GRANT NOTICE Adult Education providers are invited to apply for federal funding to deliver adult education services in jurisdictions in Georgia. Interested agencies may obtain the Request for Application (RFA) from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Adult Education (OAE) website at: www.tcsg.edu or call (404) 679-1625 for additional information.

Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance has been introduced to amend the Charter of the City of Chamblee, Georgia (Ga.. Laws 1935, p. 976, et seq. approved March 28, 1935) so as to amend Article 5, Officers, Section 2 of the Charter and related laws of the City so as to delete paragraph (f) thereof which established the position of director of permits and inspections. A copy of the proposed Ordinance to amend the Charter is on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Chamblee, Georgia and the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for the purpose of examination and inspection by the public. Kathy Brannon City Clerk

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Page 9A

Zombies invade Decatur by Jonathan Cribbs

[email protected]

The rumors began early last week. A star was in town–shooting a movie in downtown Decatur. Hi-Tech Gas & Auto at the corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue and North Candler Street had suddenly reappeared as “Gas ‘N Gulp” with a new green color scheme. A heavy-duty crew milled about outside, barking into walkie-talkies. Local blogs speculated. Some people were told actor Woody Harrelson was in town. They were partially right. A star was in town, though not Harrelson, a city official said. The crew was shooting Zombieland, a comedic zombie horror movie to be released next year by Columbia Pictures. Pint-size movie star Abigail Breslin, Harrelson’s co-star, shot scenes in Decatur, said Cheryl Burnette, city of Decatur’s special events coordinator. So did Emma Stone and Mike White. Stone co-starred in the 2007 comedy mega-hit Superbad, and White co-starred in

2003’s The School of Rock, which he also wrote. The movie centers on a “band of survivors who team to fight the living dead in the post-Apocalyptic Southwest after a zombie plague ravages America,” according to a January report in Variety, a Hollywood trade newspaper. Kwang Je Han, HiTech’s owner, surrendered his gas station for five days to the movie’s company, Zombieland Productions. The company paid him $750 each day for three days while it set up and broke down equipment and another $3,500 per day for the two days the movie filmed on his property, according to the contract he signed with the company. Han said he was worried the shutdown might inconvenience customers, but he felt gratified after the movie’s producers told him his gas station looked great in the movie and they appreciated his sacrifice. “[The producer] needed my shop, and I gave a favor to them,” he said. He also walked away from the experience with photos of himself with some of the

Hi-Tech Gas & Auto in downtown Decatur temporarily became Gas N’ Gulp for the movie shoot. Photo by Jonathan Cribbs

able to get through to their company was awesome to movie’s actors, including homes, but it was closed to work with. They knew what Stone and White. traffic,” she said. “The film Zombieland is the first See Gas Station on Page 14A movie to shoot in Decatur this year, Burnette said. The city processes about two or three film permits a month, she said. Several of Atlanta filmmaker Tyler Perry’s movies have shot in Decatur along with other big productions, including Road Trip 2 XXX
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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DeKalb County Community Development Department 2008 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

The DeKalb County Community Development Department is preparing to submit its Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report covers the status of activities and programs carried out through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds during the most recently completed program year that ended December 31, 2008. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is available for citizens’ review and comments from March 12, 2009 through March 26, 2009 at the following address:

DeKalb County Community Development Department 1807 Candler Road Decatur, Georgia 30032

Telephone: 404-286-3308

Hearing Impaired (TDD) (404) 286-3336

The office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The document may also be reviewed at the libraries listed below. Please contact the libraries for hours of operation. Chamblee Branch Decatur Branch 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur (770-936-1380) (404-370-3070) Redan-Trotti Branch 1569 Wellborn Road, Redan (770-482-3821)

Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Branch 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur (404-286-6980)

(Written comments should be submitted to the 1807 Candler Road address.) All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities.

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Page 10A

Around DeKalb

Atlanta

Part one of piano series features Russian pianist

Part one of a three-part classical piano series at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will be Friday, March 20, and features Russian-born Dr. Evgeny Rivkin, a professor of piano from the University of Georgia. The performance begins at :30 p.m. Part 2 on April 26 will feature Nancy Elton at 3 p.m. and Part 3 on May 24 features Robert Henry at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 students, seniors and members. Tickets for the entire three-part series are $30. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is located at 90 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. For more information, call (404) 2-533 or visit www.callanwolde.org

Chamblee

Chamblee offers spring and summer camps Chamblee Parks and Recreation is offering a Spring Break Camp with a beach theme for those who may not be able to go away for break. Fees are $60 per week for residents of Chamblee or $90 for non-residents. There are no additional fees for early drop off or late pick up. Also offered by Chamblee Parks and Recreation is two weeks of M&M Soccer Camp for $0 per week for all campers. Camp schedules are: Spring Break Camp: Water, Water Everywhere! – April 6 – 10; Summer Camp Chamblee: May 26 – June 26, July 6 – Aug. ; M&M Soccer Camp (half days): June 1 – 5, July 2 – 31. Registration for all camps is now under way for city residents and will begin March 16 for non-residents. Applica-

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

tions will be taken until all positions are filled. Camp is limited to 60 campers per week. Call Jennifer at (0) 96-5016 or visit www.chambleega.com for details. All camps are held in Keswick Park on Keswick Drive in Chamblee.

Connections Café opens in Chamblee Senior Connections has recently opened Connections Café in Chamblee. Patrons of Connections Café can chose from healthy meal options such as soup and salads, fresh fruit, and sandwiches at a reasonable cost. The café features a cafeteria setting as well as a lounge and computer area. It is located directly across from the Chamblee MARTA station at 523 Peachtree Road. Lunch hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on Connections Café or any services provided by Senior Connections, please call (0) 455-602, or visit www.srconn.org. Senior Connections to hold ‘senior prom’ Senior Connections has announced a night of dancing and comedy with nationally known comedian Jerry Farber as host for the evening. The event will be held March 2 at  p.m. at Senior Connections, 523 Peachtree Road, Chamblee. In addition to Farber’s comedy routine, the Senior Prom will feature dancing, a silent and live auction and dinner. Tickets are $5 and are 100 percent tax deductible. For additional information or to reserve tickets call (0) 455-602 or send an e-mail to jupshaw@ srconn.org.

Clarkston

Choral Guild to hold fundraiser

DeKalb Choral Guild will hold its annual fundraising event March 21 at the newly renovated Clarkston Community Center located at 301 College Ave., Clarkston at :30 p.m. Tickets to the event, featuring food, entertainment, a live and a silent auction are $50. Items for bid include a spinet piano and use of a villa in Italy. For more information, visit www. dekalbchoralguild.com or call (6) 31-1362.

D ecatur

Classes, programs offered for seniors Life Enrichment Services, a program of Senior Connections, is hosting its spring open house on Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The open house is an opportunity to meet instructors, hear about classes, sample snacks and compete for door prizes. New classes include: Why the Middle Ages Matter, Getting Started in Genealogy, Dynamic Meditation for Stress Management, French Culture, and History and Reducing Utility Costs. All classes are at the Mack Love Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. Adults 50 and older are eligible to take trips with Travel-Aires of Life Enrichment Services. For more information, call (404) 321-6960 or visit www. lifeenrichmentservices.org. Entrepreneurship seminar offered The DeKalb County Extension is sponsoring

a free seminar, Is Entrepreneurship For You?, to be held on March 24. The location is at the Training Room of the DeKalb Extension located at 430 Memorial Drive, Decatur. The program starts at 6 p.m. and ends at :30 p.m. Call (404) 29-400 to pre-register.

D unwoody

Benefit to feature Italianthemed evening

Proceeds from “Carnavale – A Night in Venice,” Saturday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. to midnight, will benefit The Center for Children & Young Adults, which shelters children from abuse and neglect. The event, which is to include cocktails, an Italian dinner, special performances, auctions and dancing, will be held at Retreat of Dunwoody, 1001 Summit Boulevard, Dunwoody. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is honorary chair of The Circle for Children. Individual seats are $15 and several levels of sponsorship are available. For additional information, contact [email protected] or visit www.thecircleforchildren. org. Alzheimer’s workshop announced Caregivers, friends and family of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will have the opportunity to learn about the illness in an environment described as “easy and non-threatening” in a free workshop open to the public offered by the Spruill Center for the Arts and the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. The workshop is set for Friday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009



Page 11A

Local organization alarmed by HIV infection rates in penal system by Matt Amato It’s now accepted that HIV disproportionately affects the African-American community in Georgia and throughout the United States. It’s an everyday battle for Michael Banner, director of prevention services for the DeKalb County-based advocacy group STAND, which provided more than 3,500 HIV tests in the metro Atlanta area in 2008. A number of positives have given advocacy groups hope of reversing the trend, despite the virus being seen at “epidemic levels” since satiating minority communities. Access to condoms – once a cultural hurdle – has improved along with education and treatment. HIV test results for example, now can be completed in an hour, saving the once agonizing twoweek wait. But Banner, who contracted HIV in 1996 while a homeless drug addict, has distinguished another severely underserved segment

of the population in recent months. HIV prevention is so poor in Georgia’s prisons that rates of infection have soared and gone undetected, he said. “I know from my professional observations that some of the guys that go into the corrections system in this state have gone in HIV negative – and I know that because they’ve come in for services here prior to going into jail,” he said. According to Banner, the penal system only tests for HIV as part of a mandatory medical check required upon entering a state prison. There are no further tests and no access to condoms despite the higher prevalence of same-gender sex. However, sex education is taught in prisons. “It’s almost hypocritical when you talk to them about the value of safe sex and the value of condoms, and on a daily basis somebody’s being infected while incarcerated because they don’t have access to the life-saving tools

Michael Banner says prisons fail to provide prisoners the tools for safe sex. Photo by Matt Amato

that the state is suggesting they use,” said Banner. If an out-of-sight-outof-mind approach is being adopted by the state, creating more adequate prevention could be a long way off. Banner, for example, has only just begun to realize

the problem while advocacy groups frequently cite the lengthy struggle endured to overcome cultural stigmas in the first place. And without inmates being frequently tested for HIV while in prison, the true extent of the disease is currently impos-

sible to gauge. “They only want to know what’s coming in, but not out, because they’d have to share some of the responsibility for the rates of infection,” said Banner. See HIV on Page 14A

DeKalb residents ask officials to share more information by Terrance Kelly

beforehand to build nuclear reactors and against pending legislation The position of the DeKalb Delrequiring prisoners to pay for health egation on pending legislation, and services.  comments from Congressman Hank “I voted against [the electric utiliJohnson, generated much discussion ties bill],” Shipp said, “because I’ve at the March Community Cabinet never heard of a company that reaps and Breakfast, held at New Piney millions in profits billing its customGrove Missionary Baptist Church ers beforehand to build.  Also, look Saturday.  out for HB485 which will require Attendees were ready with ques- proof of U.S. citizenship to vote.”  tions and concerns, and applause As for state prisoners having to flowed from the crowded room pay for their medical services, Stewhen John Evans, CEO, of Operaphenson said, “The bill should never tion LEAD, spoke directly to the have been introduced.  The right to DeKalb officials present. health care is never abdicated.  I be“What we don’t hear is you taklieve everyone should have access ing a position,” Evans said.  “We to health care.” feel you owe it to us to tell us which Representative Howard Mosby bills are good and which are bad.  (District 90) warned attendees that We want to hear from the DeKalb the combination of the State Road Delegation.”  and Tollway Authority and GRTA to “When we take positions and the create the State Transportation Aupublic doesn’t know, we’re not dothority would give too much power ing our jobs,” answered Rep. Pam to a few members of its 11-memStephenson (District 92).  “We did ber board. “The board would not take positions on a series of bills and have General Assembly oversight,” we will do better to inform the pubMosby explained.  “A three-member lic of our positions, because that is committee, consisting of the goverour duty.”     nor, lieutenant governor and House Stephenson and Rep. Robbin Speaker, will be able to determine Shipp (District 58) noted their how the money is spent.  That’s a objections to legislation favoring lot of discretion in the hands of a electric utilities billing customers few people.” 

Congressman Johnson came with the news that change is on the way for Georgia and DeKalb. “President Obama is bringing fundamental change to this country,” Johnson said. “If the American people remain committed to the change they voted for on Nov. 4, then things will workout.” He spoke of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that allows parents who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid to have their children insured if they pay a portion of the coverage. “The coverage has been expanded to include dental care,” Johnson added, noting a case of a child dying just a short distance from the Capitol, because he was uninsured and his tooth had become infected. “It’s in the public interest that everyone is healthy, but it’s fundamentally important that our children are healthy.” Of the $787 billion stimulus package, Johnson said, “The funding is designed to create or fund three to four million jobs. We have a huge problem with unemployment and to refuse that part of the package is almost criminal.” Johnson noted that “$143 million is being sent to Georgia for transit project. About $2 billion is to

cover the state’s budget gap.” He continued, “There are tax cuts directed to 95 percent of those left behind during the last eight years. [Previous tax cuts] made it suitable for businesses to take advantage of tax codes and move their operations overseas where there are no labor laws and children are used as laborers. “Americans will see a dip in the amount of tax taken from their pay checks beginning in April,” Johnson, said. “Individuals will save an average of $400 and couples will save $800.” Johnson also said, “Some 7,900 jobs are coming to the 4th Congressional District. These will be jobs created or saved. In education, the Decatur School System will receive $409,000; $52 million is going to DeKalb County Schools Title I Program. Rockdale and Gwinnett school systems will each receive $4 million.” He warned, however, “It is going to take some time. I’ve heard economists say it’ll be the summer of 2010, [before we can really see any changes]. So, be responsible with the use of the money, because everyone who receives money will be held accountable.”

Page 12A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Page 13A

Outdoor village market is Stone Mountain’s new lure

by Gale Horton Gay [email protected] The sun was shining on Stone Mountain Village’s first market of 2009 as shoppers, browsers, vendors and performers converged on downtown Stone Mountain on one of the warmest days of the year. The Village Market, located on Main Street, attracted some 30 vendors and a steady stream of onlookers to the village of Stone Mountain Saturday. Several merchants in storefronts across from the market had their doors open, some with displays at the door or on the sidewalk. Michele LeValle, manager of the market, said the event is scheduled to run each Saturday through May. The intent is to stimulate the local economy, she said. While Saturday’s market brought in vendors specializing in jewelry, fragrant oils, vintage and contemporary artwork, decorative birdhouses and edibles such as jellies and jams, shaved ice concoctions and more, organizers hope to also have fresh produce and more handmade items. “We try to pull people from the community, artists to perform live,” said LeValle. Stone Mountain Mayor Gary Peet said the city tested out the event last fall and had a favorable enough impression to roll it out this year. Stone Mountain Council member Sharon Frierson called the market “absolutely fabulous.” Said council member Chakira Johnson, “We are hoping this will help bring people to downtown Stone Mountain, help our merchants, everybody.”

Stay entertained and informed on what’s going on in your county, tune to the Emmy Award Winning

“Inside DeKalb” For a programming guide visit www.co.dekalb.ga.us/dctv DCTV 23 - Your guide to what’s going on in our county

The Champion Weather Seven Day Forecast THURSDAY Few Showers High: 57 Low: 42

FRIDAY Few Showers High: 53 Low: 41

SATURDAY Few Showers High: 57 Low: 44

SUNDAY Scat'd T-storms High: 61 Low: 47

MONDAY Mostly Cloudy High: 64 Low: 51

In-Depth Local Forecast

*Last Week’s Almanac Hi Lo Normals Precip Date Tuesday 45 22 61/40 0.00" Wednesday 53 27 62/41 0.00" Thursday 62 29 62/41 0.00" Friday 72 45 62/41 0.00" Saturday 75 50 62/42 0.00" Sunday 75 45 63/42 0.00" Monday 80 57 63/42 0.00" Rainfall . . . . . . .0.00" Average temp . .52.6 Normal rainfall . .1.26" Average normal 51.7 Departure . . . . .-1.26" Departure . . . . .+0.9

Local UV Index

0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

UV Index 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High 11+: Extreme Exposure

Dunwoody 55/41 Lilburn Smyrna Doraville 56/42 56/42 56/42 Snellville Decatur 57/42 Atlanta 57/42 57/42 Lithonia College Park 58/42 58/42 Morrow 58/42 Union City 58/42 Hampton 59/43

*Data as reported from De Kalb-Peachtree Airport

Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week Last 3/18

WEDNESDAY Partly Cloudy High: 63 Low: 49

Weather History

Today's Regional Map

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers, high temperature of 57º, humidity of 52% and an overnight low of 42º. The record high temperature for today is 83º set in 1967. Friday, skies will remain mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers.

TUESDAY Mostly Cloudy High: 66 Low: 51

March 12, 2009

New 3/26

Day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Sunrise 7:51 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:48 a.m. 7:47 a.m. 7:46 a.m. 7:44 a.m. 7:43 a.m.

Sunset 7:43 p.m. 7:44 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:47 p.m. 7:48 p.m.

Moonrise 9:42 p.m. 10:46 p.m. 11:48 p.m. No Rise 12:49 a.m. 1:47 a.m. 2:40 a.m.

Moonset 8:24 a.m. 8:54 a.m. 9:27 a.m. 10:04 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:31 a.m. 12:22 p.m.

March 12, 1967 - A tremendous four-day storm raged across California. Winds of 90 mph closed mountain passes, heavy rains flooded the lowlands, and in 60 hours Squaw Valley, Calif. was buried under 96 inches of muffling snow. March 13, 1989 - Residents of the southern United States viewed a once in a lifetime display of the “Northern Lights”. Unseasonably warm weather continued in the southwestern United States. The record high of 88 degrees at Tucson, Ariz. was their seventh in a row.

Tonight's Planets First 4/2

Full 4/9

National Weather Summary This Week The Northeast will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated snow today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 53º in Baltimore, Md. The Southeast will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies today, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature of 83º in Orlando, Fla. The Northwest will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 63º in Brookings, Ore. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 79º in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus

Rise 7:19 a.m. 8:20 a.m. 6:52 a.m. 6:11 a.m. 7:13 p.m. 7:57 a.m.

Set 6:24 p.m. 9:34 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 4:43 p.m. 7:57 a.m. 7:41 p.m.

Weather Trivia Which of these cities gets the least rainfall: New York City, Miami or Seattle?

?

Answer: Seattle, averaging 13 inches per year less than New York City and Miami.

© 2009. Accessweather.com, Inc.

StarWatch By Gary Becker - The Heavens Belong to Everyone I would like to make a suggestion to all of the governmental leaders and people who favor domination over liberty and tyranny to freedom. Visit www.spaceweather.com. I was first introduced to this website by my friend, Mark Balanda, many years ago, and then last year he encouraged me to begin submitting photographs to the site. Spaceweather.com, the brainchild of Dr. Tony Phillips, a popular science writer for NASA, originally focused on information about the changing sun-Earth environment, and how it affected Earth’s magnetic surroundings. Over the years the website, which has a daily makeover, has expanded to include information and photos about atmospheric optics, the moon, planets, conjunctions, eclipses, comets, meteor showers, and all things astronomical. The information is precise and well written, but it is the daily parade of new and vivid astrophotos that most impresses me. They come from all over the world and can be seen by clicking on “spaceweather sightings” listed in the right column of the page. The viewer is transported to a worldwide map with pushpins that mark the locations of the 25 most recent submissions. A movable TV-like screen allows the photo to be seen by shifting the cursor over the pin. Click within the screen, and the picture is enlarged. Surprisingly, some of the best images come from the Middle East, Iran and Turkey to be more specific. Images taken from lofty mountaintops overlooking valleys and lakes, as well as urban centers, speak to me of the universality of the heavens and the fact that we all have a mutual duty to preserve peacefully and protect our fragile Earth. That is one of the subliminal messages that I think spaceweather.com broadcasts daily to its growing audience of avid supporters. The heavens belong to everyone—why not the Earth? www.astronomy.org.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

A quick visit with local actress Bethany Anne Lind Bethany Anne Lind makes her debut Alliance performance as Olivia in 26Miles, whichopens March 20 on the Alliance’s Hertz Stage. As the play was in rehearsal, TheChampion spent a few minutes with her talking about her career.

I live in the Edgewood area near Candler Park. Did you grow up in this area? No, I actually grew up in North Carolina. We moved here about three and a half years ago. Tell me about your childhood. It was pretty unremarkable actually. I’m the oldest of five children. My dad is a businessman; he owns his own company. My mom home schooled all of us—so that was her job. She home schooled me all the way through high school, but some of my siblings went to real high school.

I learned that I like to be on stage, and I like to make people laugh so I decided to study theater in college. I have a degree in theater arts from Campbell University. It’s a small program so I got a lot of on-stage time. It’s great to study theater in a way that you don’t just hear the theories; you get to try them out. Which talents do you most like to show off on stage? I sing and I was a gymnast so I dance a little, but I defiantly see myself as an actor first. Which performers do you admire? I love Meryl Streep, but most of the people I admire are here in Atlanta, working local theater. I don’t want to be a star or be famous necessarily. I really look up to people who have carved out good solid careers in local theater. Are you interested in moving on to the major theater markets—New York, Los Angeles? I really like working here in Atlanta in regional theater. I could be totally happy to continue working here. Right now, I would go to New York or LA only if I were offered something

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to the pub (or its Web site) won’t disappoint. Guinness and Highland Gaelic Ale both on tap (plus other world wide favorites) as well as an unbeatable selection of bottled beers, ales, stouts, pales, etc. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on St. Paddy’s Day night.

For the more quiet Decatur-bound reveler Parker’s on Ponce steakhouse is promising the addition of corned beef and cabbage to its regular menu, with plenty of stout beer on hand. 116 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur (404) 924-2230 www.parkersonponce.com

When did you first become interested in performing?

What made you decide to continue?

St. Patrick’s

The Grange Public House: 426 West Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur (404) 270-9950 www.thegrangepublichouse.com “A bit of Dublin in Decatur,” is this pub’s tag line, and with an international beer selection including Allagash White, St. Bernadus, Ommegang, and the old familiar Harp and Guinness – as well as Smithwick’s–it’s easy to see why. Grange Public House is offering not one but two celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, including their Irish Breakfast (serving “lots of pork,” according to co-owner Dan Comer) on March 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Pub will stay open all day otherwise, however.) Of course, March 17 will be an evening celebration to remember, here and throughout Decatur in particular.

What area of DeKalb County do you live in?

We went to a large church when I was growing up. They put on big shows, and I was in them a lot. The youth group had a drama team, and we put together our own programs. I don’t know how good they were, but I learned that I really enjoy performing. In high school, I became involved in community theater, but I didn’t have as many opportunities there. Many community theaters have people they work with a lot, and I wasn’t one of the “inside people.” I did get to be part of the educational troupe with Greensboro Community Theater.

PAgE 15A

there. I have no desire to move there, but who knows, that could change. What has been your most challenging role to date? When I think of challenging roles, it’s hard not to think about the one I’m doing now. Another was Metamorphosis, in which 10 actors playing a lot of different roles. I played five or six—one was kind of a dark role. The challenge was to switch from another character to a dark character all in a few minutes. What type of production do you like best? I think I like comedy more, not necessarily pure comedy. There’s so much comedy in life, a good play will have comedic moments—seriousness with comedy infused. This is your first performance at the Alliance, how do you like it? Actually, this is my first full production here. I teach at the Alliance’s drama camp so I have a relationship with the theater. It’s great so far; we’ve just started rehearsals, but it’s encouraging to work in a theater with such high standard for everything—on stage and off. What’s it like working on a world premiere? It’s pretty exciting. The playwright [Quiara Alegría Hudes] is at some of the rehearsals, so it’s interesting to hear firsthand what she had in mind. It’s also very freeing to work on something brand new; nobody comes with any prior expectations. I’m enjoying working with the other cast members. I was telling my husband that I’m enjoying the work so much I don’t want to leave at the end of a rehearsal. This is going to be a really special production.

Budget

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percent of sales tax to property tax relief, which translates into $10 million less for such projects as road resurfacing and sidewalks. In a report published by the CEO’s office, Ellis outlined plans to upgrade public safety facilities, equipment and capabilities. The plans include a $1.5 million conversion to state-of-the art digital communication platforms. Ellis’ report also mentioned a study of the affect pay raises would have on officer retention. Merit pay increases have been suspended as well as sick leave initiatives in an attempt to close the gap between the 2008 and 2009 budgets. The 2009 budget was adopted with certain assumptions about the county’s revenue such as the state fully funding the (Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant) HTRG credit for 2008 and 2009. The budget also assumes the state will remit $16 million for the HTRG credits given in 2008 tax bills. Though the funds were appropriated by the state in 2008, Gov. Sonny Perdue froze the funds because of state budget cutbacks. House Bill 143 passed in the House and Senate. Perdue signed the bill on Feb. 17. The bill obligates the state to reimburse counties for the state-mandated 2008 HTRG credit. The HTRG is approximately 3 percent of the county’s 2009 revenues. The budget includes $16.9 million from 2009 HTRG funds. If the state does not come through with the HTRG credit for 2009, homeowners’ tax bills may increase by about $185 in school taxes and $120 in county taxes. “The county is not going to increase taxes at all,” said DeKalb County Finance Director Mike Bell. “The state law will direct us to take the state credit off of the tax bills.” Based on the wording and structure of HB 143, which Perdue signed, Bell said it is unlikely that the state will fund the HTRG for 2009. For more information visit: www.co.dekalb. ga.us

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Medical

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Decatur, “Death from stroke, heart disease and cancer is disproportionately higher in the communities of south DeKalb than in north DeKalb, a fact that the DeKalb Medical Board of Directors with help from the Hillandale Advisory Group has identified and moved to the top of the agenda for the DeKalb Medical at Hillandale campus,” states DeKalb Medical in a news release. The number of patients coming to the emergency room at Hillandale is roughly double what planners had an-

ticipated. Moreover, the number of children being brought there is higher than anticipated. While most emergency patients are adults, the emergency department is caring for a growing number of pediatric patients after hours and on weekends. DeKalb Medical is addressing the situation by implementing a “see a doctor in 30 minutes or less” pledge and establishing a children’s emergency room, scheduled to open in the fall at the Hillandale location.

Gas Station

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HIV

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So far data is anecdotal at best. However, because organizations like STAND specialize in services that include HIV prevention and reintegration of prisoners into society, some comparative assumptions can be made. And Banner has heard enough compelling evidence to shift strategic focus on the penal system. “When men come

Gas station owner Kwang Je Han, right, and his wife flank actors Emma Stone and Mike White.

out of jail infected with HIV, it takes a toll not only on the men themselves but the families,” he said. “Upon exit, the first thing a man wants to do is to connect and be intimate with somebody, and not knowing their status has major implications.” For more information on STAND’s services or to arrange for a free HIV test or condoms, call (404) 284-9878.

they needed.” Word spread quickly among residents as passers by hung around the set during the day, updating the public on social networking sites and blogs. “The filming process is fascinating to watch–for about 30 minutes–but looks incredibly complex and laborious,” a blogger wrote, quoting another blogger, on the popular inDecatur blog. “What I watched being filmed for about 30 minutes will only occupy about 30 seconds of the film, or even be cut altogether.” Dave Kell updated on Twitter, a social networking site, “the Zombieland crew in Decatur, GA is on lunch break

now, according to @Carl. They’ll be there until abt 6:30P,” he wrote. Anne Johnson wasn’t pleased with the traffic congestion. “Turned down Sycamore, (I think) and started seeing ‘Zombie Land’ everywhere on director’s chairs. Big cameras I had seen on Ponce began to make more sense,” she wrote on her blog, Dogwood Girl. “… I saw no celebs or zombies. Which just sucks. If you are headed to downtown Decatur, and battling for a parking space, and paying for parking, then you damn well want to see a zombie or a celeb, or the pinnacle, a zombie celebrity.”

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A sales representative will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-877-583-7030, TTY: 711. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan until March 31, but during this time you can’t join or drop your Part D coverage. AARP does not make health plan recommendations for individuals. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs before choosing a health plan. The AARP® MedicareComplete® plans are SecureHorizons® Medicare Advantage plans insured or covered by an affiliate of UnitedHealthcare, an MA organization with a Medicare contract. AARP is not an insurer. UnitedHealthcare pays a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP trademark and other services. Amounts paid are used for the general purposes of AARP and its members. The AARP® MedicareComplete® plans are available to all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including both members and nonmembers of AARP. AARP and its affiliate are not insurance agencies or carriers and do not employ or endorse insurance agents, brokers, representatives or advisors. Limitations, copayments and coinsurance may apply. Benefits may vary by county and plan. M0011_081205_185138

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Education STAR students honored in DeKalb by Brian Egeston [email protected] The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce March 6 honored some of the best students in the county at the annual Student Achievement Award Recognition (STAR) luncheon. The occasion, held at the W Hotel–Perimeter, saluted top academic seniors in each participating high school with the highest score on one sitting of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) taken through November 2008. Selecting students is a simple process, however selecting a STAR teacher is a bit more adventurous. STAR teachers are chosen by the STAR students, who can select any instructor for any reason be it emotional or entertaining. Sydeny Swain was the STAR student from Towers High School and chose Jermain Morell as her STAR teacher. “He’s more than my teacher,” said Swain. “He’s my mentor. It’s not just about me. He drives all the way from Macon every day to teach Towers High School band.” Jan Michael Archer who plans to attend Stanford and study archaeology was Stone Mountain’s STAR student. His choice for STAR teacher was Timoty McCulloguh. “True story. I flipped a coin,” Archer said. “It didn’t come out the way I wanted it so I flipped it again.” Daneil Guidot, St. Pius X’s pick, chose Eugene Brisbane for a STAR teacher. Brisbane has instructed Guidot in math for three years and has found a way to make math interesting Gidot said. The St. Pius standout plans to study pre-medicine at UGA. M.L. King’s STAR student was Wing Lueng Ng, who will attend the University of North Carolina to major in business and help out with his family’s corporation. He chose Tosha Oliver as the STAR teacher because, he said, her challenges pushed students to achieve their maximum potential. Claire Ittner was running late for the program. The Marist senior had to finish a French exam then make a mad dash over to the hotel. She arrived just in time to take her seat and later find out that she

was the recipient of the Alonzo L. McDonald Sr. Scholarship for having scored a perfect 2400 on her SAT. “My dad told me [about the score],” said Minter. “He was more excited than I was. I didn’t know how big of a deal it was until right now. Actually it’s just a big relief for me. Now I don’t have to take it again.” Ittner chose Dr. Louisa Moffit as the star teacher. Moffit who’s been a STAR teacher four times, has taught history at Marist for 23 years. “Claire is a star in so many ways beyond academics. She’s a kind, compassionate and wonderful young woman,” Moffit said. Brandon Stallings from Lithonia High has been accepted to attend Yale on scholarship, but he’s holding off on the commitment. After all, he hasn’t heard from Harvard. Regardless of the institution, he will major in economics and political science. Stallings chose Cliff Tyree for a STAR teacher. “This guy is a phenomenal historian,” said Stallings. “He’s comparable to Henry Louis Gates. He’s been inspirational to my development not only as a student, but also as a man.” Jacob Reid represented Lakeside as a STAR student and said he wants to attend Rice University. “I hope to study…anything that strikes my fancy,” said Reid. Only a teacher with a good sense of humor could get Reid’s nod. He chose Garry Saltmarsh. “He sees the good in every student, choosing to separate the behavior of the person from their abilities. His quirky sense of humor makes it one of the few classes I look forward to,” said Reid. In 10th grade, Reid said, the teacher gave an assignment in which students were to write a speech about any subject. Reid used the opportunity to satirically lambaste Saltmarsh, which he took in stride according to Reid. STAR student Anna Gable from Decatur High School chose Julia Martin, her second grade teacher, as the STAR recipient because she urged that English was much more than spelling words and math was much more than arithmetic. When Uyen Thuy Ha from See Student on Page 17A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 16A

Jacob Reid, right, Gary Saltmarsh

Brandon Stalling, right, Cliff Tyree

Claire Ittner, right, Dr. Louisa Moffitt

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Students

Continued From Page 1A

Cross Keys High School accepted her STAR award, she had special words for her teacher Monique Whorton. “Ms. Whorton helped me not just in the classroom, she helped me with my personal problems with my family,” Ha said, fighting back tears. Benjamin Minter from Chamblee selected Dr. Jessica Hunt, his multi-variable calculus teacher, who was recognized for her 12th STAR teacher award. “Quite often, we hear about that small fraction, that 10 percent of students who aren’t doing well,” said DeKalb Chamber CEO Leonardo McClarty. “It’s the stories that we heard today that don’t get reported. Students are actually finding a confidant in teachers. Today was refreshing to hear. There’s a lot of positive going on in DeKalb County.” 2009 DeKalb County STAR students are: Samuel Mindel Dennisa Thomas Benjamin Miner Hoa Luu Uyen Ha Anna Gable Matthew Hughes Emily Chapman Yijun Gu Jacob Reid Brandon Stallings Claire Ittner Wing Ng Kera Wright Sabyne Peller Monique Payton Ashley Evelyn Daniel Guidot Samantha Hairston Jan Archer Syndney Swain Caroline Williams Janat Jingo Robyn Kalwerisky

Ben Franklin Academy Cedar Grove High School Chamblee Charter High Clarkston High Cross Keys High School Decatur High School DeKalb School of the Arts Druid Hills High School Dunwoody High School Lakeside High School Lithonia High School Marist School Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Miller Grove High School Redan High School Ronald McNair High School Southwest DeKalb High School St. Pius X Catholic High School Stephenson High School Stone Mountain High School Towers High School Tucker High School W. D. Mohammed High School Yeshiva Atlanta High School



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Oglethorpe University to host education mini-conference  Liberal education. Republican self government. At first glance, the two ideas may seem at odds. But are they? On March 30, a group of experts from throughout the southeast will gather at Oglethorpe University to discuss the traditional understanding of liberal education—“the education befitting a free human being, one who is capable of selfgovernment,” according to Oglethorpe University Politics Professor Dr. Joseph Knippenberg—in the light of the United States’ contemporary concerns and circumstances. The mini-conference will begin with a faculty roundtable at 4 p.m. in the Talmage Room of Oglethorpe’s Emerson Student Center. Among the participating faculty are Mark Bauerlein of Emory Uni-

versity, Herb Hartmann of Southern Catholic College, Judd Owen of Emory University and Brad Smith of Oglethorpe University. Following the faculty roundtable, the keynote address will be delivered at 7:30 p.m. by Patrick Deneen of Georgetown University. Bauerlein, professor of English at Emory University, is the author of numerous books, most recently The Dumbest Generation, and blogs at Brainstorm, on www.chronicle.com. Deneen is associate professor of government, holder of Markos and Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis Chair of Hellenic Studies, and director of the Tocqueville Forum on the Roots of American Democracy at Georgetown University.  His most recent book is Democratic Faith. Hartmann is professor of philosophy at South-

ern Catholic College.  He previously taught at Thomas Aquinas College and St. Thomas University. Owen is associate professor of political science and fellow in the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University.  He is the author of Religion and the Demise of Liberal Rationalism. Smith is professor of history and chair of the Division of History, Politics, and International Studies at Oglethorpe University.  His most recent book is Reformation and the German Territorial State. This event is free and open to the public. Conference sponsors include Oglethorpe University’s Core Curriculum Committee, the Office of the Provost, the Division of History, Politics and International Studies, and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

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Business

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 18A

DeKalb company redefines the Web site as marketing tool by Matt Amato Try an experiment. Take a Time-Life coffee table book. Thumb through it and pick out an image. Don’t read the cut-line; focus on the picture. Is it black and white? Are there people? If so, what are their emotional expressions? Alarmed, saddened, joyous? Think you could fill the where-when-how blanks without reading the text? Chances are you’ll subconsciously try and, at the very least, will read on to satiate interest in a subject that would have escaped your attention without a graphic teaser. It’s simple psychology; it explains why television trumps newspapers and radio. And one DeKalb-based company, started just three years ago, has finally figured out the best way to make it work for websites. “People are drawn to graphic images much more than simple text,” explained Jonathan Clues, CEO and founder of realview TV and a former racing driver of some note. “We want our information neat, efficient and easy to absorb.” Several Fortune 500 companies and educational institutions, Agnes Scott College being one of them, agree. In a sense it’s similar to turning a Web site into a navigable, user-friendly video experience. A viewer is met with an engaging welcoming message that encourages learning about products or services through chapters, like in a book. But each chapter is a mini-movie – an actor or voiceover reciting from a script while the viewer is led through the film imagery.

“In the case of, say, a college, you now know what the campus and facilities look like while learning about the academics and faculty, and retain that information much clearer and concisely than had you just read about it,” said Clues. “And when it comes down to deciding where to go, that will effect your decision.” It’s a formula that can work for anything. Where to get healthcare: the relieved look of a grateful father whose kept the family house because of reduced premiums. Why a charity is more in need of your donations: the fearful face of a recovering drug addict contemplating a treatment center closing. The most fuel-efficient car: a sensible-looking woman smiles at the pump next to a guy frowning at gas prices. Such prompts can, Clues believes, make a critical difference for clients. In a floundering economy, they may also prove crucial in gaining a competitive edge.

“Really, and I don’t say this lightly, we’ve had a great year and business continues to grow,” he said. “Any perceived advantage will naturally attract clients.” Still not convinced by Clues’ theory? Check out CNN, BBC and FOX News websites. Increasingly, they’ve added more and more video accompaniment, which has steadily replaced regular print news stories. Even newspaper websites have begun doing the same. Therefore, it’s only natural that companies should follow suit. On the flip side, the greater this realization, the harder realview TV will find it to dominate the niche. “It’s something I’m obviously aware of,” Clues said. “Our aim is to continue refining our service, making it as affordable and professional as possible. What we do now will put us ahead of future competitors.” The production of video is a lengthy process, much like making an infomercial. After discussing a client’s needs, a script is written for recitation. A film crew also captures other video footage, which is edited and mixed in with acting or voice footage before it’s ready to be shown. A full-time media design staff has modern, state-of-the-art equipment in the office’s studio, located on Airport Road. “It’s extremely important to get the right balance,” said Clues. “We’re trying to sell an image, and that requires several components – sound, words and pictures – to harmoniously complete a picture.”     

Wordsmiths closes doors by Brian Egeston [email protected] Monday morning, subscribers to the Wordsmiths Bookstore newsletter opened the e-mail with grim news. The message from owner Zachery Steele was titled, ‘One Last Time.’ “I’ve pondered how to start this, but this is the best I can come up with,” Steele said in the e-mail. “There is no gentle way to state that finality is upon you.” Wordsmiths opened its doors as Decatur’s newest brick and mortar independent bookstore in June 2007 in the old Decatur post office but later moved into the SunTrust bank building on Decatur Square in March of last year. The business was birthed as a bookseller at special book events prior to opening its East Trinity location. The spot quickly became a popular stop on book tours for authors with

an emphasis on obscure, seldom celebrated, writers such as David Hajdu, Jack Pendarvis and Christopher Moore. In the e-mailed newsletter, Steele was apologetic to customers and supporters for not being able to meet obligations. In August of last year, the store began a “Save Our Bookstore” campaign, which was aided by nationally published music magazine PASTE through artist performances. The bookstore began soliciting assistance of any amount to help pay down the debt created by starting in the wrong location, Steele said in a message to supporters. The action was met with local and national response. NPR’s All Things Considered featured the bookstore’s plight and support came in from 18 states, the U.K. and Canada. New members signed up for the store’s loyalty program, which offered discounts for

paid memberships. The company made a number of strategic marketing moves. They amassed an extensive distribution list, welcomed community events and held special book launches. When author Stephenie Meyer released her book Breaking Dawn, the staff decorated the store in a vampire motif and encouraged readers to dress up like vampires. Nearly 200 people turned out for the midnight book release. But the business was in the way of the economic tsunami that was washing out other businesses. In January, longtime faithful Wordsmith

hustle man Russ Marshalek announced that his position would be eliminated in March. Steele’s letter came abruptly three months later. Last Monday, the store sat empty, with a generic ‘closed’ sign resting just below a copy of Steele’s message from the newsletter. Sale signs hung in the window. Some individual walked by never even looking in the direction of the embattled business. In the salutation of his message, Steele said simply, “Time to turn the page.” To read Steele’s message visit: www.wordsmithsbooks.com.

Health

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 19A

CDC issues ‘widespread alert’ concerning flu infections by Jonathan Cribbs Jonathan@dekalbchamp. com The flu is back, and it’s badder than ever, medical officials said this week. The federal Centers for Disease Control issued a widespread alert for influenza infections across Georgia last month after the number of reported incidents increased in various regions throughout the state, according to CDC protocol. Seasonal flu is among the most deadly diseases nationwide. It’s responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths yearly, according to the CDC. Children and the elderly are more likely to get the virus. “We have started to see the flu a lot more consistently,” said Dr. Melinda Willingham of Decatur Pediatric Group. “It is very highly contagious.” A “widespread alert” is the most serious flu alert the CDC issues. The CDC didn’t require physicians to report flu incidents until 2003 after doctors nationwide noticed more pediatric patients requiring hospitalization

after contracting the virus, Willingham said. Researchers only have about six years of data to study, and they aren’t sure why the flu has become more virulent, she said. Nationwide, 87 pediatric patients – from newborns to 18-year-olds – were killed by the flu last year, Willingham said. Two have died in 2009, she said. Before 2003, the CDC recommended only newborns through 6-yearolds should be vaccinated each year. After that year, however, when doctors began seeing older children dying from the disease, the center recommended all children up to 18 years old should be vaccinated. “A lot of these children had no identifiable high risks,” Wellingham said. To prevent the disease, doctors advise the following: • Get vaccinated. There isn’t a local shortage – yet – so get them now, Wellingham said. • Practice good hygiene. • Take antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. The flu can appear fast and furious, often within just a few hours,

Wellingham said. “Young children, they tend to have more nausea and vomiting. It’s a type of illness that comes suddenly compared to a cold that

seems to linger over several days,” she said. It’s also quite contagious, so she urged adults who feel as though they might have contracted the flu to stay

home from work. “A lot of times this time of year [employees are] just spreading the virus throughout the community,” she said.

Learning, behavior improve in alcohol-affected children following intervention Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FAS(D)), including those with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), benefit from a comprehensive intervention that includes individualized instruction with children and provision of tools for parents, caretakers and teachers that support learning and improvements in behavior, according to a study published in the February 2009 Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The Math Interactive Learning Experience (MILE) curriculum is a comprehensive intervention program that was tested on children between the ages of 3 and 10 years with neurondevelopmental problems resulting from prenatal alcohol and drug exposure. Symptoms of FAS(D)

range from cognitive impairment and poor academic functioning to behavioral disorders that are difficult to treat. MILE provided the structure and support necessary for children, and provided caregivers and teachers with tools to reduce over-arousal and difficult behavior. In a previous study, participants were assessed before the intervention and immediately following completion. However, the effects of interventions are often not persistent, particularly when there is neurological damage. In this follow-up study, participants were re-contacted and reassessed at six months post completion to determine if positive results on math functioning and child behavior would

persist after treatment discontinuation. “It has been difficult to find educational categories and methodologies that fit these children’s needs,” said Claire D. Coles, Ph.D., study author and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, and director of the Marcus Autism Center Fetal Alcohol and Drug Exposure Center. “This study demonstrates that using the appropriate teaching methods with children and having committed and consistent involvement of both the school system and the caretakers creates an environment that supports learning for children who have impairments that make schoolwork difficult,” Coles said.

Join the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

100 Crescent Centre Parkway, Suite 680, Tucker, GA 30084 - 404-378-8000 - Website - www.dekalbchamber.org.

Calendar Special Events

March 12. PRISM Meeting. The upcoming Pride Rings in Stone Mountain (PRISM) meeting will concern two topics: Keep DeKalb Beautiful and MARTA. Presenters Amber Greer Weaver, director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful, and Laurene Hall, coordinator of Keep DeKalb Beautiful, will discuss water conservation, including rain barrels and rain gauges, The Great American Clean-up, bus stop adoption and recycling. Dean L. Neblett, community outreach planner, Office of Communications and External Affairs from MARTA will provide an informational overview on MARTA. The meeting will take place at St. Timothy United Methodist Church/Fellowship Hall, 5365 Memorial Drive (one block east of Rays Rd.), Stone Mountain at  p.m. The public is welcome. For additional information, contact PRISM Program Chair, State Representative Michele Henson at (404) 296-1442 or [email protected]. March 13. Soil and Water meeting. The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Building, 3rd Floor Conference Room, in Decatur. Through April 5. Lenten Services at Clarkston UMC. The services will be held in the sanctuary of the Clarkston United Methodist Church and will begin at 6 p.m. The services will consist of singing, pastoral and altar prayers, and a six-week study of the Prayers of Jesus. The church is located at 3919 Church Street, Clarkston. For additional information, call the church office at (404) 29656 or visit www.angelfire. com/ga/clarkstonumc. Tuesday evening lectures. “Looking at the Current Middle East Geopolitical Scene through the Lens of Scripture”

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 20A

is presented in biblically illuminating lectures by a world-traveled Jewish believer. Learn how end times and messianic prophesies from the Hebrew scriptures are fulfilled. Informal and free lectures are on Tuesday evenings at :30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First Alliance Church, 2512 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta. For information, call Gary at (0) 354-1501. Free family fun night. The Gallery at South DeKalb will host family fun night to encourage traditional family values. The event is one hour of songs, storytelling, arts and crafts, music, karaoke, face painting, dancing, character appearances and other activities, every third Thursday from 6 -  p.m. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their children to this free, fun-filled event. The mall is located at Interstate 20 and Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, call (404) 241-2431 or visit www. GalleryatSouthDekalb.com. Fitness Classes with JoAnna Ward. The Gallery at South DeKalb is having fitness classes every Tuesday in the Mini Mall Common Area from  –  p.m. Get fit and be healthy. Join fitness trainer JoAnna Ward from TV’s show, Survivor Amazon. Register at the customer service center within the mall or visit www.galleryatsouthdekalb.com and sign-up for classes online.

Regular

Meetings March 17. The DeKalb Community Service Board bi-monthly meeting. The DeKalb Community Service Board, a public, nonprofit, behavioral health-care agency, will conduct its bi-monthly meetings in the Bohan Auditorium of the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way in Decatur. The public is invited to attend.

Those with disabilities in need of assistance or accommodations to participate in the meeting should notify the Office of Community Relations. For more information about the mental health, developmental disabilities or addictive diseases services offered through the DeKalb CSB, contact the Office of Community Relations at (404) 50-5. April 4. Wedding Planning Workshops –A wedding should be memorable and enjoyable. DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will walk attendees through each step of the wedding process. A wedding specialist will assist local brides in planning for the big day. The best way to start planning is attending a free DCVB Bridal Workshop. Hyatt Place Stonecrest will host the workshop on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. until noon. Registration is required. For more information, call (0) 492-5050, ext. 1039. May 6. Keep Them Coming Back – Customer Service Class - Bob Beeland teaches attendees the values of true customer service. Beeland emphasizes that customer service is mediocre at its best in today’s society. This customer service class originates from the desire for guests in DeKalb to have such a welcoming visit that they will want to return. One of the best ways to ensure this is by providing quality customer service. Beeland teaches participants how easily this can be achieved. All workshops are held at DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau, 195 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 510, Tucker, :45 - noon. Registration is required. For more information, call (0) 492-5020 or visit www. dcvb.org for online registration. Tuesdays PowerCore meetings. PowerCore is a closecontact networking association. There are three defining characteristics of close-contact networks: Regular meetings with an attendance requirement, one person per profession and a sole purpose of passing referrals. The Decatur PowerCore Team meets every Tuesday, - :30 a.m. at Scott Boulevard Baptist Church located at 2532 North Decatur Road, Decatur. The Emory PowerCore Team

meets every Wednesday from  - :30 a.m. at The Bagel Palace in the Toco Hills Shopping Center at the intersection of North Druid Hills and LaVista roads. The cost is $3.5. The Tucker PowerCore Team meets every Tuesday,  - :30 a.m. at Lakeside Café, 199 Northlake Parkway, Suite 104. The Northlake Gwinnett PowerCore Team meets every Wednesday from  - :30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 4156 Lavista Road, Tucker. The meetings are free. PowerCore is a business referral network. For more information or to see if a specific classification is available, and to get an invitation to visit, e-mail [email protected] or call (404) 52-12. Northlake Toastmasters Club. Practice public speaking and leadership in a supportive environment. Become a better communicator and leader so that in 2009 you can be the change you want to see. For more information, call (404) 44-3533 or stop in any Wednesday 6 p.m. at Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate Northlake Shopping Center, 403 Lavista Rd., Tucker. Northlaketoastmasters. org. Survivors Network for those abused by priests and other clergy (SNAP) support group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from  until :30 p.m. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by clergy, this group is for you. For more information, contact Denise Weaver, Atlanta SNAP leader, at (6) 665-631 or Mona Brewer, coleader, (404) 05-55 [email protected]. Visit www. survivorsnetwork.org. Decatur Communicators Toastmasters meeting. Do you want to improve your public speaking skills or leadership abilities? Decatur Communicators Toastmasters meets every first, third and fifth Saturday 10 – 11 a.m. at Avondale Pattillo UMC at 3260 Covington Hwy, Decatur. For more information, contact Richard Nagode at (404) 294-02 or by e-mail [email protected].

Items for the calendar may be e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to (404) 370-3903. Include a contact name and phone number. Note that items in this free listing should concern community and non-profit events. Events are placed on a space-available basis and priority is given to DeKalb County events. Items for the community calendar should reach The Champion no later than one week before the date they are to be published.

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009



Page 21A

The Champion

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Sports

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009, PAGE 22A

DeKalb teams advance to final four

Hartry’s performance this time was critical. “Mr. Referee. Mr. Referee,” he shouted, squeezing his towel. “Can we change the score please, sir?” The catch was crucial. Points had inadvertently been given to Marist. The coach’s plea changed the count from 31-27 to 32-28. Early in the third quarter, Kerrick Metoyer came out of the game and took a seat at the end of the bench, holding his hand and grimacing with pain. A teammate next to him had some harsh words for Metoyer, who hadn’t scored a point all game. “Get you’re hand wrapped and get your [explitive] back on the floor! Ain’t no time to be hurt!” Metoyer, it seems, is accustomed to working through adversities. Hartry said the small point guard is a Katrina survivor who has been through the floods of a hurricane. With less than five minutes on the clock, play was stopped for a jump ball and the possession arrow belonged to Marist. Tucker called a time out and when play resumed, the Tigers

Tucker head basketball coach James Hartry gives his players an earful. Photos by Brian Egeston

by Brian Egeston [email protected]

The ham, the hand and the heartache

Carrollton - Tucker head basketball coach James Hartry is a lesson in theatrics. He runs the bench costumed in a spiffy suit, a towel used as a prop clutched in his hand and a scouring look bested only by DeNiro. He calls the referees Mr. and Sir, though he’d rather be calling them something else. Regardless of his coaching style, with the curtain closing on the 2009 basketball season, Hartry is one of the few characters from DeKalb still on stage. Tucker was one of nine DeKalb County teams from all divisions to enter the elite eight at the University of West Gerogia last week and is now one of only five DeKalb County teams heading into the final four. After facing Marist for the third time this season, the Tigers were undercats having lost both previous meetings—once in the regular season and once during the region tournament. “We saw the last two [previous games] tapes,” said Hartry. “We know they’re good, we know they’re tough. We continued to push, we continued to press. There’s something about that pressure going down the stretch.” The War Eagles outscored Tucker in the first half holding Manny Atkins to eight points while J.J. Mann from Marist was quietly amassing double-digit scoring shooting 100 percent from the line to put 13 points on the board in the first half. Marist entered the locker room with a 28-23 lead, securely in the driver’s seat. Mann continued his solid play and the War Eagle defense continued to suffocate Atkins. Three minutes into the second half, Hartry called a timeout and took center stage. “How is it, we’ve been on the floor for three minutes and Manny ain’t got the ball one time!” The squad,

Kerrick Metoyer gets attention to an injury he suffered during the second half. He would later sink the gamewinning free throws

Dee Goens goes up against Brandy Dawson.

catching their breath, sucking on water bottles had no answer. “That’s my gun,” Hartry would say later. “If he’s on the floor, I need him to have the ball.” Marist obviously knew this and continued to make the game difficult for Atkins. With less than two minutes left in the third quarter,

were given the ball. The crowd erupted as the referees ruled that a Marist player had stepped out of bounds. With 4:23 remaining, Marist was clinging to a 43-41 lead. Brandy Dawson took a dish outside the perimeter, spun around a defender into the paint and finished with a finger roll. Less the two minutes would pass before he duplicated the move, this time tying the game. “I wanted it too bad,” Dawson said. “I won state as a ninth grader, and I want it again.” Tucker’s margins of defeat to Marist had never been more than three points in their previous meetings. Now with a chance to advance to the final four, the score was tied with less than 20 seconds to play. Tucker held the ball, passed it around the perimeter and finally it got into Metoyer’s hands, one of them bandaged and still throbbing with pain. The clock ticked down to 13 seconds. Hartry, still in character, yelled for the guard to penetrate. He did and was fouled with eight seconds on the clock. He went to the line, made his only two points of the game, securing a spot for his team in the final four. “I’ve been the point guard for 28 games,” said Metoyer. “Once I heard [my teammate yell at me] I knew I had to put injuries aside. Anything that hurt I had to put it aside.” See Sports on Page 23A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009



Page 23A

DeKalb County Teams State Championship Tournament Results/Schedule

Miller Grove head basketball coach Eddie Johnson strategizes with his players.

Sports

Continued From Page 23A

Bad luck of the draw

The trip to Carrollton proved to be a tough one for Marist. After the boys’ loss, the girls’ team, after winning the region championship, had to face undefeated Fayette County. The Tigers made 61 percent of their shots and contained Marist to 31 percent from the field, holding the War Eagles scoreless for more than five minutes in the second half until Kristen Meier drained a three pointer and rallied to within seven points of the lead before time expired. “I thought it was a tough draw,” said Marist Head Coach Kim Hixon. “We’ve got a good film to see. I hope that they’ll remember that feeling in the locker room, and it’ll keep them motivated.”

Miller Grove students cheer on their favorites.

Miller Grove’s Momentum

Before Miller Grove took on Fayette County, Mfon Udofia charged his fellow starters saying that defense would win the game, and they needed to dominate early. Seconds later, a Stephen Hill alley-oop dunk set the tone for a victory the Wolverines would earn by maintaining the lead from wire to wire. Hill, usually a quiet contributor, made a personal highlight reel of Fayette County with numerous fast break dunks and uncharacteristically scoring off the dribble en route to scoring 27 points and shooting 100 percent from the line. “It was more of revenge type thing,” said Hill. “They came out and busted us last year in the final four so we had to come out with a lot of intensity. Every game, until the state championship…is a state championship game.” Udofia scored a game-high 35 points and was 80 percent from the line. “We’re battled tested,” said Udofia. “We feel like we’ve been through every situation.” In Miller Grove’s previous two contests, the team went 26 for 49 for a dismal 53 percent from the free throw line. In the semi-final round game the Wolverines went 82 percent 19 for 23. Miller Grove head coach Eddie Johnson said he changed the team’s mindset. The team’s goal is to try to win every quarter instead of winning the game. “I’m a mathematics teacher. That’s got to add up to a victory in the end.”

Girls Class AAAAA Redan 59 Bradwell Institute 39

Boys Class AAA Dunwoody 49 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 50

Class AAAA Southwest DeKalb 55 Northwest Whitfield 49

Class AAAA Tucker 49 Marist 47

Fayette County 47 Marist 60

Miller Grove 96 Fayette County 87

Columbia 41 Elbert County 57

Greenforest Christian 76 Athens Christian 86

Final Four Schedule

Wednesday, March 11 Gwinnett Arena Girls - Class AAAA Southwest DeKalb (27-4) vs. Bainbridge (24-5), 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11 Gwinnett Arena Boys - Class AAAA Tucker (22-8) vs. Bainbridge (27-3) 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 12 Gwinnett Arena Girls - Class AAAAA Redan (25-0) vs. Parkview (30-1)

Miller Grove (28-3) vs. Richmond Academy (28-3), 8:30 p.m.

420-2226093/12,3/19,3/26,4/2 NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA By virtue of the Power of Sale contained in that Security Deed from Dave Chambers (“Borrower”) to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as Nominee for Market Street Mortgage Corporation, dated July13, 2006, filed April 12, 2007 and recorded in Deed Book 19848, Page 697, Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia Records; as assigned by that certain Assignment of Deed of Trust by and between Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as Nominee for Market Street Mortgage Corporation, as Assignor, and MSMC Venture, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “Lender”), as Assignee, dated November 25, 2008, filed December 1, 2008 and recorded in Deed Book 21158, Page 302, aforesaid records (collectively, the “Security Deed”), said Security Deed being given to secure a Note made by Borrower in favor of Market Street Mortgage Corporation dated July 13, 2006 in the original principal amount of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100ths DOLLARS ($185,000.00); as assigned by that certain Assignment of Deed of Trust by and between Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as Nominee for Market Street Mortgage Corporation, as Assignor, and Lender, as Assignee, dated November 25, 2008 (collectively, the “Note”), with interest from the date thereof at the rate as provided therein on the unpaid balance until paid; there will be sold by the undersigned at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the courthouse door at DeKalb County, Georgia, within the legal hours of sale on the first Tuesday in April, 2009, the following described property: EXHIBIT “A” Description of Property (i) All of Borrower’s interest in that certain real property commonly known as 3107 DICKSON STREET, NE, ATLANTA, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA 30319, and being more particularly described as follows: TO FIND THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, COMMENCE at the intersection of the Easterly right of way line of Dickson Street with the centerline of Windsor Parkway (a variable right of way); run thence South along the Easterly right of way line of Dickson Street a distance of 191 feet to a point; running thence South 82 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds East a distance of 17.99 feet to a ½ inch rebar placed and the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM SAID TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING run thence South 82 degrees 44 minutes 12 seconds East a distance of 70.00 feet to a point; running thence South 09 degrees 48 minutes 03 seconds West a distance of 50.00 feet to a ½ inch rebar found; running thence North 82 degrees 44 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 70.00 feet to a point; running thence North 09 degrees 48 minutes 03 seconds East a distance of 50.00 feet to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. All as shown by a plat of survey prepared by Warren S. Griffin, Georgia Registered Land Surveyor No. 2757, dated July 11, 2006. which is also described as: BEGINNING at a point located on the Easterly side of Dickson Street, said point being 191 feet south as measured along Dickson Street from the centerline of Windsor Parkway (a variable right of way); running thence South 82 degrees 44 minutes 11 seconds East a distance of 17.99 feet to a ½ inch rebar placed; running thence South 82 degrees 44 minutes 12 seconds East a distance of 70.00 feet to a point; running thence South 09 degrees 48 minutes 03 seconds West a distance of 50.00 feet to a ½ inch rebar found; running thence North 82 degrees 44 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 88.36 feet to a point located on the Easterly right of way line of Dickson Street; running thence along the Easterly right of way line of Dickson Street North 10 degrees 13 minutes 12 seconds East a distance of 50.02 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. All as shown by a plat of survey prepared by Warren S. Griffin, Georgia Registered Land Surveyor No. 2757, dated July 11, 2006. Said property being known as 3107 Dickson Street according to the present system of numbering houses in Atlanta, Georgia, and being tax parcel no. 18275-05-34 according to the DeKalb County, Georgia Tax Commissioner. (ii) All buildings, structures and improvements of every nature whatsoever now or hereafter situated on the Land, and all gas and electric fixtures, radiators, heaters, engines and machinery, boilers, ranges, elevators and motors, plumbing and heating fixtures, carpeting and other floor coverings, fire extinguishers, and any other safety equipment required by governmental regulation or law, washers, dryers, water heaters, mirrors, mantels, air conditioning apparatus, refrigerating plants, refrigerators, cooking apparatus and appurtenances, window screens, awnings and storm sashes, which are or shall be owned by Borrower and attached to said buildings, structures or improvements and all other furnishings, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, appliances, vehicles, building supplies and materials, books and records, chattels, inventory, accounts, farm products, consumer goods, general intangibles and personal property of every kind and nature whatsoever now or hereafter owned by Borrower and located in, on or about, or used or intended to be used with or in connection with the use, operation or enjoyment of the Property, including all extensions, additions, improvements, betterments, after-acquired property, renewals, replacement and substitutions, or proceeds from a permitted sale of any of the foregoing and all the right, title and interest of Borrower in any such furnishings, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, appliances, vehicles and personal property subject to or conveyed by any prior security agreement, conditional sales contract, chattel mortgage or similar lien or claim, together with the benefit of any deposits or payments now or hereafter made by Borrower or on behalf of Borrower, all tradenames, trademarks, servicemarks, logos and goodwill related thereto which in any way now or hereafter belong, relate or appertain to the Property or any part thereof or are now or hereafter acquired by Borrower; and all inventory, accounts, chattel paper, documents, equipment, fixtures, farm products, consumer goods and general intangibles constituting proceeds acquired with cash proceeds of any of the property described hereinabove, all of which are hereby declared and shall be deemed to be fixtures and accessions to the Land and a part of the Property as between the parties hereto and all persons claiming by, through or under them, and which shall be deemed to be a portion of the security for the indebtedness herein described and to be secured by this Deed. The location of the above described collateral is also the location of the Land. (iii) All easements, rights-of-way, strips and gores of land, vaults, streets, ways, alleys, passages, sewer rights, waters, water courses, water rights and powers, minerals, flowers, shrubs, crops, trees, timber and other emblements now or hereafter located on the Land or under or above the same or any part or parcel therof and all estates, rights, titles, interest, privileges, liberties, tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances, reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, whatsoever, in any way belonging, relating or appertaining to the Property or any part thereof, or which hereafter shall in any way belong, relate or be appurtenant thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower. (iv) All income, rents, issues, profits and revenues of the Property from time to time accruing (including without limitation all payments under leases or tenancies, proceeds of insurance, condemnation payments, tenant security deposits whether held by Borrower or in a trust account, and escrow funds), and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, possession, claim and demand whatsoever at law, as well as in equity, of Borrower or, in and to the same; reserving only the right to Borrower to collect the same (other than insurance proceeds and condemnation payments) so long as Borrower is not in default hereunder. The debt secured by said Security Deed has been and is hereby declared due because of, among other possible events of default, failure to comply with the terms of the Note. The debt remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, including attorneys’ fees (notice of intent to collect attorneys’ fees having been given). Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record superior to the Security Deed set out above, including, without limitation, that certain security deed given by Borrower to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as Nominee for Market Street Mortgage Corporation, dated July13, 2006, filed April 12, 2007 and recorded in Deed Book 19848, Page 677, Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia Records; as assigned by that certain Assignment of Deed of Trust by and between Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as Nominee for Market Street Mortgage Corporation, as Assignor, and Lender, as Assignee, dated November 25, 2008, filed December 1, 2008 and recorded in Deed Book 21158, Page 303, aforesaid records. To the best knowledge and belief of Lender, the described property is in the possession of Borrower, and said property is more commonly known as 3107 DICKSON STREET, NE, ATLANTA, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA 30319. The sale will be conducted subject to (1) confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) final confirmation and audit as to the status of the loan with the holder of the Security Deed. MSMC Venture, LLC As Attorney-in-Fact for Dave Chambers Mitchell S. Rosen, Esq. Kitchens Kelley Gaynes, P.C. 3495 Piedmont Road NE Eleven Piedmont Center, Suite 900 Atlanta, Georgia 30305 404-467-2287 THIS LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009

Lady Raiders, Columbia make state case The No. 2 ranked Redan Lady Raiders and No. 2 ranked Columbia Eagles joined three other DeKalb County teams in their respective basketball final fours with victories on March 7. The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats and Columbia Lady Eagles both missed out on final four appearances with losses to ranked teams. In mens action, The Columbia Eagles (29-2) got 21 points from junior Jershon Cobb and 18 more from junior Darnelius Session in a 5741 victory over No. 10 ranked Elbert County at the Northwest Georgia Trade Center in Dalton to advance to the Class AAA final four in Macon on March 6. Columbia’s Pierre Tyson got the Eagles soaring early with his onestep dunk to open the game. Cobb added four points in the first period,

and Session added a put back, a dunk and lay-up on a feed from Cobb for six points to give the Eagles a 17-14 advantage heading to the second quarter. Cobb hit for four more points in the early stages of the second quarter to help the Eagles to a 2818 lead at the half. Jarod Houston’s steal led to an old-fashion three-point play to extend the Eagles lead to 39-27 after three quarters. Cobb took over in the fourth quarter scoring 12 of his 21 points as the lead ballooned to 18 (5325) with 3:40 to play. The Eagles win sets up the much-anticipated battle with No. 1 ranked South Atlanta (27-3) and All-American Derrick Favors at 8:30 p.m. at the Centreplex in Macon on March 13. The No. 2 ranked Redan Lady Raiders (25-0) rolled to a 59-39 victory

over Bradwell Institute at Fort Valley on March 7. Anneesah Daniels hit for 17 points to lead Redan into the final four for the second consecutive season and fourth in the past five years. Redan set up a meeting with No. 1 ranked Parkview (30-1), a 57-47 winner over No. 5 Campbell. The top two ranked teams in Class AAAAA tip off at 4 p.m. March 12 at the Gwinnett Arena. The Columbia Lady Eagles (23-8) fought as hard as they could to earn the program’s first ever final four, but fell 67-65 in double overtime to No. 1 ranked Carrollton (29-2) at Dalton. Jemimah Ashby hit a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 50-50 and send it into the first of the two overtimes. Columbia had lost its 6-4 center, Akila McDonald, earlier in

the fourth quarter, as she picked up her fifth foul with 2:30 to play in the game. Ashby took things into her hands in overtime hitting for four points to tie the game at 54-54 with 2:05 to play. Zuri Frost sent the game into overtime knotted at 56 with a steal at mid-court and a lay-up. The second overtime looked to be all Columbia when Ashby gave the Lady Eagles a 63-57 lead with 2:04 to play, but two consecutive turnovers turned into two fouls, one the fifth on Ashby and Carrollton came roaring back to take a 6563 lead on a put back by Karisma Boykin. Destinee Smith drove the lane with 49 seconds to go to knot the score at 65 and the Lady Eagles played tough defense knocking the ball away a couple of times over the next 33 seconds without gaining

possession before Boykin struck again for the winning basket. The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats cut into a 13point third quarter deficit to close within 50-49 with 36.7 seconds to play before No. 4 LakeviewFort Oglethorpe got two free throws from Elizabeth Smedema with 5.3 seconds left to secure a 52-49 win at Dalton. Madeline Teissler scored six third quarter points, and Elizabeth Jester hit a pair of threepointers as Dunwoody cut a 31-18 Lakeview lead to 38-32 heading into the fourth quarter. Kristin Nash scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, and Dunwoody held Lakeview without a basket the entire period, twice pulling within one. Nash’s desperation threepointer was no good at the buzzer. Dunwoody finishes 22-8 on the season.  

A-67677 (A_SM) 03/12/09

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