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

and Stone Mountain.

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WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 , 2013 VOL. 16, NO. 28 FREE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Decatur residents take


by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com or 40-year-old Joseph Palmeri, biking the 10 miles back and forth from his home in Decatur to his job in Atlanta is a way to get exercise. Palmeri, who has lived in the Medlock community for approximately five years, is a quality specialist for The Coca Cola Co. in Atlanta. A cyclist for more than 20 years, Palmeri is in his second year biking to work. My wife started doing it about three years ago and she said a lot of good things about it, so I just took an old mountain bike of mine and set it up to bike [to work], said Palmeri, whose wife, Katie Lowry, bikes 10 miles to work at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Other benefits include a decreased stress level since he doesnt have to drive in the traffic, he said. And youre not spending money on gas, Palmeri said. Youre not putting the miles on your vehicle. Two to three times a week, Palmeri bikes to work between 5 to 6 a.m. So its dark of course. He returns home between 4 to 5 p.m. He takes the PATH most of the way, with four or five blocks on the streets, he said. In the mornings its not so bad because there are not a lot of cars out yet, but in the afternoon, that first mile until I get to the PATH, its just pretty scary because Im surrounded by buses and lots of people trying to get to the interstate, Palmeri said. Those considering biking to work should do their homework to make sure the route is safe, he said. And consider things like showers at work, Palmeri said. Where I work we have an exercise facility that has showers, so I can take a shower after I get in. So if you dont have that, youve got to consider whether you want to be a little dirty all day. If youre going to be riding in the dark, youre going to want to do some research on good lights and reflection, he said. Its an experiment so I would suggest that if youve never done it before

Bike to Work challenge

See Bike on Page 13A

From left, Paul Lantinga of Decatur Bikes and Tracie Sanchez of Decatur Active Living are part of a team participating in the metro Atlanta Bike to Work challenge. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

local news
The research for the Clarkston and Stone Mountain clusters is related to the economic challenges faced in the redevelopment and revitalization of the Memorial Drive corridor. Rich and his faculty associates spent about 18 months compiling the data and statistics summarized in the presentation. Our data came from a variety of sources, he said. These included the most recent decennial census (2010) as well as previous censuses dating back to 1970. We also included data from the Census Bureaus American Community Survey and special tabulations of census and ACS data prepared for HUD. Additional sources included state and local agencies. Economic redevelopment is a key element for the DSNI program. Rich specializes in public policy, federalism and urban politics and policy, according to his web page. His

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Emory professor gives Stone Mountain residents update on sustainable neighborhoods initiative
by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Michael Rich, director of Emory Universitys Center for Community Partnerships, presented a summary of the needs assessment work at a Sept. 12 PRISM meeting that he and his staff completed for the DeKalb County Department of Human and Community Development. The assessment will be included in the countys five-year consolidated plan that is being prepared for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Last year, DeKalb County and its project partner, Emory University Office of University-Community Partnerships, announced the implementation of a pilot community development program called the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative (DSNI). In this program, seven communitiesClarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Lithonia, McNair, Stone Mountain and Towers (each identified by the high school serving the respective community or neighborhood) were given the opportunity to submit proposals for sustained, collaborative, comprehensive development. Two of these proposals will be selected by DeKalb for implementation of the community development initiative, to include potential financial and other support over the next five years. McNair and Cross Keys districts were the first two clusters to start the initiative. Rich said the needs assessment will set the strategic framework for the countys investment of federal HUD funds over the next five years. [My] presentation focused on an overview of our findings for the county as a whole, he said. I added a few slides that focused on the neighborhoods served by the PRISM group, which was largely a combination of demographics for the Clarkston and Stone Mountain high school clusters. research interests and projects include welfare reform, particularly issues related to collaboration across public, private and nonprofit sectors at the local level, and issues related to the accessibility of low income households to job opportunities. His work also examines community building and revitalization of public housing communities, empowerment zones, public housing authorities, gentrification and social change.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

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Sneiderman back in court fighting for money


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Several weeks after being convicted of lying under oath and sentenced to serve five years in prison a Dunwoody widow is back in court fighting for ownership of her late husbands estate totaling more than $2 million. A Fulton County judge ruled Sept. 20 that Sneiderman will have to wait at least 90 days until she can claim the assets of Rusty Sneiderman, which were frozen more than a year ago after Andrea was charged for conspiring with her boss Hemy Neuman to murder her husband. Neuman later confessed to killing Rusty, who was shot multiple times outside of a Dunwoody day care center in November 2010. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sneidermans in-laws have been fighting to block her from receiving the funds, stating that if Andrea receives the money it will most likely be spent paying off her legal fees from her lengthy trial. Several days before Sneidermans trial began, DeKalb County prosecutors dropped the Esther Panitch, who represents Rusty Sneidermans brother and parents, said her clients want to see the money put in a trust for the two children. However, Andreas attorneys argue that there is no reason the money should be kept from her. A day after Andrea Sneiderman was sentenced Aug. 21 to spend five years in prison for lying under oath her attorneys filed an appeal for a new trial. Attorney Brian Steel said he has also filed a motion for a bond hearing on behalf of Sneiderman, pending the appeal. During her trial, prosecutors alleged that Sneiderman and Neuman were having an affair at the time her husband was shot. Sneiderman denied that such a relationship existed and said she should have told her husband about Neumans unwanted advances and quit her job. Despite my state of mind following the murder, I did nothing to obstruct justice in any way, Sneiderman said during sentencing. Sneiderman is serving her sentence at the Arrendale State Prison in Habersham County and a bond hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23.

Andrea Sneiderman appeared in court recently to try to obtain the assets from her late husbands estate. File photo

most serious charges of murder and aggravated assault but the money remained frozen. Judge Doris Downs warned in court that if both sides couldnt reach an agreement, all the money could be spent litigating the matter. As hotly contested as this whole issue is, you all have got to bring clear, cool heads to the table, Downs said. In addition to granting the 90-

day injunction Downs appointed a conservator to act on behalf of Sneidermans two children, who are both younger than 18. She said if the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the conservator will be allowed to determine who keeps the funds. According to court officials, the conservator assigned to work with both parties is Fulton County Senior Judge Melvin K. Westmoreland.

New trial looms for karate teacher charged with rape


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com A Lithonia karate teacher accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old student will appear in court Oct. 21 for a new trial after a mistrial last year. Adrian Spellen, at one time an Olympic hopeful, is accused of assaulting the student multiple times while she attended summer camp at Powerkick Martial Arts studio between May and June 2011. Spellen is charged with two counts of rape and one count of child molestation. During the previous trial, which lasted several weeks, Spellen testified that he never did anything inappropriate while working with the student and the whole incident was fabricated. At the time, defense attorney Steve Maple accused prosecutors of charging Spellen with next to no actual evidence. He should have never been charged, Maple said. Prosecutors admitted that there was no forensic evidence but said that was because the incident occurred several weeks before a One dream I remember in particular her talking to me about she dreamed that Mr. Spellen was going to take all her tae kwon do

Youre making it seem as if I just went out and said, Hey lets buy child molestation insurance.
Adrian Spellen rape test was done. Much of the previous trial hinged on testimony from the victim and her mother, who told jurors that after the alleged incident her daughter repeatedly woke up in the middle of the night crying because of nightmares she had. belts away because she told, the victims mother testified. According to prosecutors, after the alleged incident occurred, Spellen purchased insurance that covered his studio against any alleged child abuse. So you chose to spend $500

to protect you in case somebody abused a child at your facility, Racine asked Spellen during the trial. Yes, Spellen replied. Youre making it seem as if I just went out and said, Hey lets buy child molestation insurance. Thats not what I did, Spellen said. According to Spellens company website, he has been competing and training in tae kwon do for nearly 20 years. He is a certified instructor, has a black belt, and has coached 38 state and regional champions and five national champions. He is also a five-time national champion and won a silver medal at the 2010 South American Games in Medellin, Colombia. In 2011, Spellen was released on $100,000 bond and ordered not to have any contact with minors except for family members but Judge Clarence Seeliger revoked his bond in March when prosecutors accused him of violating those conditions. Spellen faces life in prison if found guilty of the charges.

pleAse recycle this pAper

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OPINION
One Mans Opinion

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

Walking in a half mile hug


nificantly increasing, but the visibility and awareness of the Down syndrome population isin part because as late as the early 1970s, families would often institutionalize for life a family member born with this genetic disorder. Many of us who have a child or family member with Down syndrome, lament that the good doctor was not named Up, as the spirit, determination and life attitude of our daughters, sons, siblings and friends in the Down syndrome community are so routinely upbeat, positive and life-affirming. If you have been blessed to know or spend a good amount of time with a child or adult with Down syndrome, you may already know what Im talking about. To help others know and better understand, there are hundreds of Buddy Walks held annually across the country which now raise nearly $3 million per year, with the vast majority of dollars raised supporting local support services, awareness efforts and therapy/education programs in each community, with a small percentage going to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) toward advocacy efforts and research. The NDSS established the Buddy Walks in 1995, during October, which is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Although Down syndrome is common, it remains easily misunderstood by many, and although Down syndrome children are often well-received and hundreds of families are on waiting lists for the adoption of unwanted Down syndrome babies, adolescents and adults with Down syndrome often remain treated as outcasts.Though their ability to live independently can vary considerably, and you may have on occasion heard the term high functioning, there are adults with Down syndrome who graduate from college, hold jobs, support themselves and on occasion their families, and lead inspiring lives. Katie Beckett, whose life ended all too early last year at age 34, supported by her mothers advocacy, graduated from college while home-bound and after inspiring then President Ronald Reagan to significantly alter and improve federal health care assistance and support services for those with Down syndrome and other debilitating disabilities. The Atlanta Buddy Walk will be Sunday, Oct. 13, at 3 p.m., walking a half-mile loop around Centennial Olympic Park.A crowd of 3,0004,000 typically gathers for this stroll on a beautiful fall afternoon.This happy gathering is a combination of those living life with Down syndrome, their friends, families and support networks, and increasingly including many, members of other communities such ascerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, autism and other genetic and spectrum disorders who also enjoy this warm and inviting day as a way to get out and celebrate the possible. If you can imagine what a hug a half mile long might feel like, then you might want to join us for this years Buddy Walk. For information about joining us for the day, as well our little group, Olivia & Co., go to www.dsaatl.org, click on the donate button and then search for Tiffany Krista. We are slightly halfway past our team fundraising goal, and having participated in every walk since she was not quite a year old, Olivia is also typically a top 10 fundraiser among the several hundred teams. So if you are looking for an inspirational fall day, which helps and supports others, as well as leaves you with a big smile on your face, and a warm feeling in your heart, we look forward to seeing you on Oct. 13 at the Atlanta Buddy Walk. Well save a hug for you too.

Turns out, Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder, occurring once in every 800 births, and no one really knows why it happensIt just does.John C. McGinley, American actor best known for the role of Dr. Perry Cox on the TV show Scrubs and father of son Max, who has Down syndrome. Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or a part of a third copy of chromosome 21.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one out of every 691 babies born in the United States each year is born with the disorder, and the developmental disabilities and challenges that follow. The syndrome is named after Dr. John Langdon Down, a British physician who first identified the disorder in 1866.In less enlightened times, men, women and children living with the genetic disorder were labeled as morons, retards or Mongoloids.The incidence of Down syndrome births is not sig-

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

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

OPINION

Page 5A

Bursts of light and fresh air


Peace and tolerance are starting to break out.
Donald Kaul
Guest Columnist
I know that life is supposed to be full of surprises but the last few weeks have been ridiculous. For example, you had the unnerving spectacle of Vladimir Putin, the former KGB thug who runs Russia, rescuing Barack Obama, the former community organizer who runs his mouth, from the trap Obama had laid for himself. President Obama was, to borrow a phrase, between a rock and a hard place. Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, was behaving badlykilling people, possibly with poison gas, that sort of thingand refused to stop. So Obama, who had warned and warned Assad of dire consequences, decided to lead a charge against the dictator. But when he jumped out of the trenches, raised his sword and said follow me, nobody followed him. Not Democrats nor Republicans, not England, Europe or the United Nations, not the American people. He was out there alone in No Mans Land, except for a funny looking French guy with glasses. So he said, Maybe I should get Congresss approval on this. That would be a good idea. But not that good an idea. If Congress rejected him on the issue he would either be forced to attack Syria on his own authority (and his authority isnt what it used to be) or be seen letting a murderous pipsqueak back him down. Enter Putin to save Obama from disaster by saying, Gentlemen, gentlemen, cant we all get along? Russia offered to help negotiate the crisis and both Obama and Assad jumped at the life preserver offered them and negotiations began. Thus, we didnt get dragged into another no-win war, Putin walked away smelling like a rose, and Obama lived to vacillate another day. Whats not to like? We had hardly recovered from the shock of being introduced to Vlad the Statesman when Iranian President Hassan Rouhani began making peaceful noises to us, suggesting that maybe something could be worked out on the issue of their nuclear program. Nothing definite was proposed, mind you, but it has been hinted that perhaps Iran would give up its nuclear activities in exchange for an easing of the sanctions that have crippled its economy. I dont know what if anything will come of it, but its a lot more encouraging than their Great Satin riff. And if it eases tensions between the two countries and makes a nuclear event less likely, it would be a marvelous achievement. Do you think its possible that Obamas maddening rope-a-dope style of diplomacy is actually working? Now that would be a surprise. But perhaps the greatest surprise of all came from the pope, of all people. In an interview with an Italian Jesuit journal he said that the church shouldnt be so obsessed with abortion, contraception and homosexuality. The church, he said, had locked itself in small things, in small-minded rules and shouldnt be so prone to condemn. He further said he envisioned a greater role for women in the church and that he wasnt in a position to judge homosexuals who are of goodwill and in search of God. Wow. I never, in my lifetime, thought Id hear a Pope talk like that you know, like a human being. Admittedly, he didnt say women should be priests or have the right to choose or that being gay was grand. But simply letting a little light and fresh air into a room that has been sealed tight for centuries was an amazing phenomenon. Surprise isnt a strong enough word. Not everything was surprising, though. The Republicans in Congress are back at it, toiling away to save America from an expansion of health care and plotting to shut down the government if they cant stave off this specter. Also, a disturbed military contractor took out his anguish at coworkers and other people crossing his path at the Washington Navy Yard, leaving 12 dead before authorities killed him too. The head of the National Rie Association said it proved the Navy Yard needed more guns. Some things never change. OtherWords columnist Donald Kaul lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. OtherWords.org

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

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

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

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

COMMuniTY

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Champion of the Week


Vee Nelson
DeKalb County Police officers were at the scene Sept. 25 of a double shooting at Aspen Woods Apartment on Flat Shoals Road.

Police investigating shooting at Flat Shoals Road apartment complex


by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Police are searching for two suspects involved in the shooting of two people, including a teenager, at a south DeKalb apartment complex Sept. 25. Police have named brothers Corey Reese and John Reese as suspects. Corey, 32, is 5-foot-8 and weighs 186 pounds. John, 34, is 5-foot-6 and weighs 135 pounds. The brothers both have outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, according to police. DeKalb Police Capt. Stephen Fore said police responded to a call at 9:20 a.m. about a person shot at the Aspen C. Reese Woods Apartment Homes in the 3300 block of Flat Shoals Road, just south of The Gallery at South DeKalb mall. They arrived at the scene and saw two victims, a 21-year-old who was shot in the stomach, and a 17-year-old who was shot in the hand, Fore said. Fore said the victims injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. During the investigation, Fore said police determined that the shooting stemmed from an incident that hapJ. Reese pened two hours before the shooting. An altercation between teenagers, possibly related to bullying, he said. Fore said a hand gun was used in the shooting. The suspect fled the area in a vehicle and police are searching for him. We believe we do know who that [suspect] is, he said. Were working now to verify that identity and locate that individual. Nearby Flat Shoals Elementary School was placed on lock down while police searched for the gunman.

Vee Nelson said she loves working with people and thats why volunteering is such a big part of her life. Nelson is currently the secretary for the board of the Decatur Rotary Club and also serves on the boards of the DeKalb Library Foundation and the DeKalb History Center. Additionally, she is cochairing history day for Leadership DeKalb. My strengths are really in planning and organizing activities and helping manage volunteers, so thats where I try to apply my experience, Nelson said. Born in Augusta, Nelson moved to DeKalb County in 1988. She said her passion for volunteering for nonprofits stems from her desire to help them run more efficiently and reach more people in the community. Whenever I get onto a board I see where the organizational gaps might be, Nelson said. I do a lot of strategic planning and help them figure out how they can develop their board. Nelson, who owns her own business consulting firm, said she is able to volunteer her skills to the organizations she really believes in. She said in some cases nonprofits can have trouble with organizational skills because theyre too busy rais-

ing money and need help streamlining their internal processes. Executive Director of the DeKalb History Center Melissa Forgey said although Nelson just recently began on the centers board, the two have known each other for years through Leadership DeKalb. Shes a great addition to our board, Forgey said. Its always wonderful to work with someone who sees a commitment through to the end and when Vee volunteers to do something, you know it will get done. I am looking forward to several more years of working with [her] on our board. Throughout her life, Nelson said she has made it a point to always be engaged with things outside of work and volunteering plays a big part in that. Prior to getting involved with nonprofit organizations, she spent approximately 14 years volunteering for various arts organizations, including Georgia Shakespeare (formerly known as the Georgia Shakespeare Festival). I just like to get in and help organizations do better, Nelson said. Its fun and usually a different bunch of people every time and I learn a lot.

If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at kathy@dekalbchamp.com or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

AROUNDDEKALB
ATLANTA CLARKSTON
from Colombia, is preaching at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Decatur on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. Zarate-Durier is director of the Office of Mission and Service of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia, which focuses on church development and promotion of human rights. He works with social justice organizations, especially those devoted to victims of violence, and with the Presbyterian Accompaniment Program for Peace. Based on his experience in community organizing, ZarateDurier said, he believes profoundly in peace based on justice to resolve political, social and economic conicts. The service is open to the public. Columbia Presbyterian Church is located at 711 Columbia Drive, Decatur. For more information, visit www.cpcdecatur.org. Plant sale to be held at childrens home A plant sale will be held Oct. 11 and 12 at the United Methodist Childrens Home, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur. It is part of the homes Fall Flea Market. The plant sale component is provided by the DeKalb Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, who work at the Childrens Home on an ongoing basis. All proceeds go toward further landscape development at the home.

COMMuniTY

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Church to open bookstore The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church will hold the grand opening of its New Kingdom Connection Bookstore Sunday, Oct. 6, after the 11:45 a.m. worship service. The event will include food, exclusive offers, a book signing and other activities. The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is located at 1879 Glenwood Ave., SE, Atlanta.

their animals to receive their very own blessings Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. The event will take place on the front lawn of the church at 711 Columbia Drive in Decatur. No matter if great or small, furry, feathery or scalyall Gods creatures are welcome, states the announcement from the church. For more information, visit cpcdecatur.org or email columbiapresbyterian@ gmail.com. Pottery lecture to be at library Dr. John Burrison will present Around the World in Eighty Clays: Folk Pottery Series, Lecture II Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7:15 p.m. in the Decatur Library Auditorium. The Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 3703070.

Organization to host gala for domestic violence survivors October is National Domestic Violence Month and the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program will host its third annual fundraiser gala Silent No More Oct. 19, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Charmaine Ward, director of Community Affairs Georgia Pacific; singer and Praise 102.5 radio personality Darlene McCoy will serve as mistress of ceremony and Domonique Scott from TLCs Sisterhood will be co-mistress of ceremony. The gala will also feature Sheryl Boyd and Band and more. The gala will be held at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute and Conference Center, located at 3235 Evans Mill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.BCOP.org.

City to host candidate forum Clarkston residents can meet the candidates running for city seats Oct. 6 from 3-6 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave. Elections for Clarkston mayor and City Council will be held Nov. 5. For more information, visit www. clarkstonga.gov.

LITHONIA

PINE LAKE

Congressman Hank Johnson is hosting a community event Eat Well Indie-Catur to feature to help struggling homeowners healthful foods avoid foreclosure. Johnson is holding the free event in conEating healthy will become junction with the Georgia Deeasier in Decatur this October. partment of Community Affairs Active Living and the Decatur HomeSafe Georgia program, Visitors Center are teaming up certified housing counselors with local restaurants for the Eat Methodist men to hold 52nd the D&E Group and CredAbility Well Indie-Catur campaign credit counselors. annual barbecue Area residents can visit a The event will be Saturday, participating restaurant (Cakes & Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Salem The 52nd annual Oak Grove Ale, Caf Lily, The Corner Pub, Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale United Methodist Mens BarLeons, Steinbecks, Twains, Drive, Lithonia. becue will be held Saturday, Colbeh, Parkers on Ponce, Here in metro Atlanta, weve Oct. 19, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. There Universal Joint and Sapori di turned the corner as foreclowill also be a United MethodNapoli) during October, choose sure numbers continue to fall, ist Womens bake sale, arts their featured healthy entre Johnson said. Its because of and crafts, live bluegrass and (whole grains, fruits and veggies) Christian praise music, and a our gradual economic recovery and get an Eat Well Indie-Catur and events like this that we can used book sale as part of the card signed. share the good news that were fundraiser. Plates are available Cards will be available at par- for take-out and eat-in. The at a seven-year low when it ticipating locations and at the comes to foreclosures, but we cost is $10 for adults and $5 for Decatur Visitors Center. Those want to ensure that all those children. Proceeds benefit 29 who participate three times durwho need help get the help they different church and community ing October will earn a recipe causes. The church is located at need. collection featuring the healthy The event will also provide 1722 Oak Grove Road in Decaentrees you enjoyed plus more. tur between LaVista and Briarcliff opportunities for homeowners For more information, email to meet with counselors to see roads. Call (404) 636-7558 or Cheryl Burnette cheryl.burif they are eligible for a loan visit www.ogumc.org for more nette@decatuga.com or call modification. To pre-qualify and information. (678) 553-6541. to register for the event, participants can call CredAbility at Church to offer blessing of Colombian preacher to speak (404) 653-8833. pets on front lawn at local church Rev. Tom Hagood of CoGerman Zarate-Durier, a lumbia Presbyterian Church 2013 International Peacemaker is inviting pet owners to bring

DECATUR

Congressman to host foreclosure avoidance event

LakeFest to bring art, music, food and fun Pine Lake will hold its annual LakeFest Oct. 5 and 6. Now in its 14th year, the festival is a celebration of handmade arts and crafts, music, local talent and community spirit. This intimate and highly interactive event includes over 40 artist vendors, a health and wellness vendor row, live music, a sand sculpture contest, chalk art contest, pet show, and FLOATZILLAa oating parade of wildly decorated watercraft, according to festival organizers. Prize money will be awarded sand sculpture, chalk art and Floatzilla contests. A variety of conversation coves will be among the vendor tents. These outdoor living rooms will offer comfortable seating, and a place to relax, enjoy a snack, chat with artists and other festival goers, or just soak up the beauty of the lake and surrounding wetlands. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5, with an additional free concert by Tommy Dean (League of Decency) and friends, 6 - 8 p.m. alcohol available for sale; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 6, dance. Events are free. Pine Lake Beach & Park is located at 4575 Lakeshore Drive, Pine Lake. For more information, call (404) 683-0597, or visit www.pinelakefest.com.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

local news

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Man accused of shooting Charter school for autistic child at Kroger indicted students wins district approval
by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com A proposed public charter school catering to the needs of autistic students received unanimous approval from the DeKalb County Board of Education Sept. 25. Were excited, said Tapestry cofounder Devon Christopher, following the vote. Were excited that DeKalb is working with us and is looking forward to working with us. Were looking forward to a great partnership moving forward. According to its website, The mission of Tapestry Public Charter School is to offer an inclusive, individualized learning environment that is academically engaging, both for neurotypical students and those on the autism spectrum, and to create a positive school culture that empowers all students to take possession of their innate talents and become creative builders of their own future. We hope it is sort of an innovation for educating children with autism in an inclusive environment and innovation throughout the DeKalb, Christopher said. Hopefully we will be able to create a model that can be replicated not just in DeKalb County but throughout the state of Georgia. Christopher said the next step is for the petition to get its final approval from the Department of Education. Organizers are planning to open the school in 2014. School board member Marshall Orson said he strongly supported the petition. The work of the petitioners is exemplary and it is an excellent petition well thought outtargeting a group of students[whose] needs are not always well servednot for lack of intent, but because we arent always equipped to do so, Orson said. I think it demonstrates a commitment to innovation, a new thinking in terms of how we deliver exceptional educational opportunities to every student in our school system, he said. Orson said Tapestrys board members and potential partners demonstrably are experts in their fields who are committed to the well-being of children in our community. School board member Thaddeus Mayfield said he is confident in the plan laid out by the petitioners. There are a number of board members with children who are in the autism range, Mayfield said. Not only are the empathetic elements in placebut the clinical support in terms of being able to evaluate the type of support that these children need. Interim school Superintendent Mike Thurmond said, This is one of the finest focused petitions that weve received. We welcome the partnership that will result in greater access, not just for autistic children, but for all children. by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com A man accused of shooting and injuring a 2-year-old child in front of a DeKalb County Kroger has been indicted on multiple charges. Chazrel Burton, 21, is being charged with three counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Burton is also being charged with cruelty to children, criminal damage to property and robbery for the June 26 incident that occurred in the parking lot of a Stone Mountain Kroger. According to DeKalb County police, Decatur resident Jermaine Harrison confronted Burton for allegedly robbing someone in front of the Chase Bank at the shopping center and thats when his son Evan was shot. After witnessing the robbery at the bank, police said Harrison saw Burton inside Kroger while he was shopping and tried to hold

him until police arrived. A confrontation then ensued and Burton started firing randomly at Harrisons car. Evan was shot in the abdomen and later rushed to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. Burton turned himself in July 3 after a cellphone video of the shooting was released. Harrison said if he had another chance, he would do the same thing and intervene. Of course I would hope that my family wouldnt have received any injuries but I wouldnt change anything, Harrison said. DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander was on the scene the day of the shooting and said the incident sent a shock up his spine. When this incident occurred, it was obviously very touching for all of us here throughout the community, Alexander said. According to the indictment, Burtons robbery charge is for stealing a necklace.

Trial set for CDC employees accused of child molestation


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Two former employees for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will appear in court Oct. 28 for a pretrial hearing related to charges that they molested a 6-year-old boy. Kimberly Quinlan Lindsey, 44, and Thomas Joseph Westerman, 42, were arrested in 2011 and each charged with two counts of child molestation. According to DeKalb County Police spokeswoman Pam Kunz, detectives were notified by a medical professional of the alleged molestation of the boy. During their investigation, evidence was recovered that led to the arrest of Lindsey and Westerman. According to the indictment, Westerman and Lindsey asked the child to spank the buttocks of the partially nude Lindsey while Westerman watched. Additionally, it states that Westerman forced the child to use a sex toy on Lindsey. Several months ago, attorney Robert Rubin filed a motion on behalf of Lindsey asking DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Linda Hunter to allow the results of a lie detector test to be entered into evidence. If convicted, Dr. Lindsey faces spending the rest of her life in prison. The evidence against Dr. Lindsey consists of statements by the 6-year-old alleged victim in the case, although even those statements contain exculpatory material, the motion states. According to the motion, Lindsey has repeatedly denied the allegations against her. She voluntarily subjected herself to a polygraph examination conducted by a highly qualified polygrapher, and passed the examination. Recently, Georgia law has changed to allow polygraph results to be entered into evidence for certain exceptions. Jill Polster, a criminal defense attorney for the Cohen Law Firm, said this is the first time in recent years polygraphs have been allowed as evidence, but ultimately, its always up to the judges discretion. Most likely, it will only be allowed by stipulation and agreement with the state and the defendant, and only if the defendant takes a polygraph test from an expert the state recommends, Polster said. Attorneys for Lindsey said polygrapher Marc Foster satisfies the standards that Georgia courts apply when addressing whether an individual is qualified to provide expert testimony. In Georgia, courts routinely admit fingerprinting analysis, handwriting analysis, and eyewitness identification testimony, the motion states. Both handwriting analysis and eyewitness identification testimony are less reliable than polygraph evidence. Rubin also recently filed a motion to suppress evidence citing that Lindseys rights were violated when Westermans home was searched by police. The motion alleges that the search was not supported by probable cause and that Lindseys 4th, 5th and 6th Amendment rights were violated and investigators could provide no evidence to justify the search for the items they were looking for. As a result of the search warrant issued, the motion states, the investigator seized numerous adult sex toys, iPads, a Dell laptop, an HP laptop and a hard drive. The computer items were later analyzed without a subsequent warrant, without any description of what the analyst was looking for and despite no apparent or stated nexus between the items analyzed and the alleged acts. Lindsey was the deputy director for the Laboratory Science Policy and Practice Program Office at the CDC. Prior to that, she was the senior health scientist in the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, which oversaw the allocation process for $1.5 billion in terrorism preparedness. In her 12 years at the CDC, Lindsey has received numerous awards for outstanding performance on projects and programs, according to her profile on Emory Universitys Biological and Biomedical Sciences website. Lindsey earned her doctorate in immunology and molecular pathogenesis from the university in 1998. A LinkedIn page for Westerman lists him as having been a watch officer at the CDC from 2009-10. The trial is expected to begin in early November in Judge Hunters courtroom.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com

Decatur uses sheep to clean out weeds from cemetery

local news

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If you live by the Decatur Cemetery and recently heard a baa noise, do not worry. The noise was coming from the 75 sheep that were tending to the steep hillside inside the cemetery property. The city of Decatur hired Trees Atlanta to manage the weeds throughout the cemetery property, but it was not easy removing the Japanese hops and kudzu from the hillside. Decatur Public Information Officer Casie Yoder said using chemicals to kill the invasive plants would have killed everything including the native species that have been reintroduced to the hill, which helps keeps the hillside from eroding. Trees Atlanta suggested using sheep, she said. Theyve had success using sheep at parks, schools and other places around metro Atlanta. So the city decided to try it. Trees Atlanta brought in 75 sheep and one goat Sept. 24 to eat the Japanese hops and kudzu. The animals were

fenced in by an electric wire fence while a shepherd dog kept watch for intruders, such as stray dogs, coyotes or bad guys. The sheep worked day and night and finished the job Sept. 27. Brian Williams from Trees Atlanta said Japanese hops grow annually and should not grow back because they were able to get to it late in the season. The weather has cooled off so ideally it will die and there are not a lot of seeds for it to start again next year, he said. But we do have an issue where if winter is really mild the hops dont behave as annually and it will grow back from the same roots next year. If Atlanta has another warm winter and the hillside becomes dense again next year, Williams said Trees Atlanta will bring the sheep back. If its really spotty it doesnt make financial sense to send the sheep out there, he said. You can get it with a little spray here and there or The city of Decatur used sheep to clear out Japanese hops and kudzu from the hillside in the Decatur wherever its actually growing Cemetery. Photos by Carla Parker back.

County getting closer to hiring internal auditor


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County is a few steps closer to appointing an internal auditor to evaluate the countys finances and operations, a step that has been more than three years in the making. Approving the appointment of an auditor has been tabled until November but commissioners discussed it at a Sept. 24 meeting. I think with a little bit more discussion and presentation well be able to move forward, Commissioner Jeff Rader said. Hiring an auditor is one of the recommendations that a DeKalb County special purpose grand jury made after a yearlong investigation into the countys department of watershed management. The grand jury called for an internal auditor with no personal or professional ties to any area being audited. The grand jurys investigation was closely linked to a criminal indictment that resulted in CEO Burrell Ellis being suspended and Gov. Nathan Deal appointing Commissioner Lee May as interim CEO. Commissioner Kathie Gannon said approving the item will allow commissioners and county staff to be held more accountable, be more transparent to residents and root out mismanagement. Its one of those logical, positive kinds of things that we absolutely have to do, Gannon said. Its been three yearsIve been an advocate of it and it will help us improve the balance of power in DeKalb County. In 2010 commissioners passed an ordinance changing the countys organizational structure to establish an internal auditor office. According to the ordinance, the internal auditor will act independently of the commissioners and CEO and will have the power to audit various county departments, officers and agencies on a continuing basis. Such audits may go into areas such as preventing waste, fraud, and abuse; promoting legal, fiscal, and ethical accountability; and reviewing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and operations of county government and independent county agencies. It is expected that the internal auditor shall follow the standards of a national or international group, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors, the ordinance states. Rader, who introduced the ordinance in 2010, said the position has been funded each year but has remained vacant. He said that if the position had been filled three years ago, the county might not be facing some of the problems that it has now. Additionally, Rader said, it could have helped identify some of the staff performance issues commissioners have raised in the past but were unable to substantiate. We couldnt substantiate them because there was no one to do that work, Rader said. Rader said having an internal auditor is becoming a standard practice. The city of Atlanta has one, as well as the Cobb and Gwinnett boards of education. Commissioner Elaine Boyer suggested that the county look into hiring an outside firm to undertake the arduous task of auditing the countys finances and entire operations. Hiring an outside firm who might have bigger and better resources instead of hiring one person to do an arduous task is one possibility, Boyer said. In the countys description of the job, key responsibilities include coordinating investigations of complaints of waste, fraud, abuse and misconduct; establishing procedures to manage investigations; requesting any information from departments, officers or agencies of the county on behalf of the Commission; upon official request of the commission, requests the chief judge of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit to impanel a special grand jury; forwarding any information gained through an audit suggesting possible criminal activity to the district attorney for further investigation and possible criminal prosecution; and recommending new policies and remedial action to increase the legal, fiscal, and ethical responsibility of county departments and agencies.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

lOCAl news

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Oct. 12 10 am-7 pm
Harmony Park Oakview Road at East Lake Drive

Artists Market
Run/Walk at 8 am Heart of South DeKalb
The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall was the site of Heart of South DeKalb, a free outdoor festival Sept. 28 that celebrated the uniqueness of south DeKalb. Sponsored by Commissioner Larry Johnson, the family-friendly event included a parade, bands, vendors, food, a kids zone, car/motorcycle showcase, stage entertainment and performances and more. Other highlights included acknowledgment of area schools and their achievements, as well as the recognition of south DeKalb history. There is so much to be proud of in south DeKalb, and theres no time better than the present to pause and show the world just how great our region is, Johnson said about the event. See more pictures, on The Champion Newspaper Facebook page.

More than 60 booths!

Music Kids All Day Zone

Stop by for lunch, dinner or a treat at one of Oakhursts many fine restaurants.

oakhurstartsandmusicfestival.com

Photos by Travis Hudgons

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

local news

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

Rural DeKalb. An early 20th century barn located near Brown's Mill Road in Lithonia. Photo by John Hewitt

Firefighters from the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 8 and Station 1, along with Jim Lee, principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, honor seventh grade student Lily Massey for her heroism saving her family during a house fire earlier this year.

Sept. 27. Suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis is interviewed by DCTV before volunteering at Peachcrest Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Atlanta skater Gavin Bakos, 14, displays his skateboard tricks at the annual Skater Aid event in Decatur. Photo by Travis Hudgons

Searching for Our Sons and Daughters:


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

This week in photos brought to you by DCTV


Finding DeKalb Countys Missing
Now showing on DCTV!

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

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

lOCAl news
by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Residents gathered Sept. 26 at Southwest DeKalb High School to discuss cityhood and annexation for the area of south DeKalb County, one of the last areas in the county to jump on the cityhood bandwagon. There have been discussions all across the county but they have not been having one specifically in this region, Commissioner Larry Johnson said. Johnson said he hosted the event with Rep. Pam Stephenson and Sen. Ronald Ramsey to have a greater dialogue about the effects of cityhood and annexation on DeKalb Countys residents. Both Stephenson and Ramsey filed placeholder bills last legislative session for various areas they represent. Stephenson has filed a bill to allow for the creation

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Principals overzealous about background check policy


by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com After a Sept. 19 report by The Champion about a school principal requiring all parent volunteers to undergo background checks at cost of $41, DeKalb County School District officials are reviewing the policy with principals. The Champion reported that during a Sept. 10 PTA meeting, Rowland Elementary Principal Roberta Walker told a packed cafeteria that all parents who want to volunteer in classrooms must undergo a background check by the districts safety office. The Champion later learned that the principal of Rockbridge Elementary School had made a similar announcement. The principals may have been overzealous, school district spokesman Quinn Hudson said Sept. 30. Hudson said Horace Dunson, an executive director over school safety for the district, is in the process of contacting various principal and reviewing the school districts policy with them. Dunson will talk about not requiring background checks for volunteersfor activities and events when the volunteers are supervised and should not cause a security problem, Hudson said. The districts policy states that all volunteers, who are not employees of the district and who are approved to serve students directly as an assistant coach in athletics or other in-school or extracurricular activities, including those identified for the mentoring program, shall be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check on file. This requirement shall not apply to volunteers approved by a school principal to serve as chaperones at special school events, field days, field trips, parent and guardian service requirements at theme and conversion charter schools or other volunteer services approved by a principal under the supervision of a school administrator or a teacher. Dunson said the intent of the policy, which has been in place for several years, is not to require the checks for chaperones and people who volunteer in classrooms under the supervision of an instructor.

South DeKalb discusses cityhood


of the city of DeKalb and an additional bill involving changing Chamblees corporate limits. Ramsey has also filed a placeholder bill for the city of DeKalb and a bill to create the city of Stonecrest. I want to just generate a discussion to see where the [residents] are and then get the state representatives to do a follow-up, Johnson said. This is a discussion that all residents of DeKalb should be a part of; there are a lot of factors involved and until and unless we can get the information into the hands of the people, informed decisions cannot be properly made. The cityhood movement has gained traction since Brookhaven incorporated last year. Current areas exploring incorporation include Lakeside, North Druid Hills, Briarcliff, Tucker and Stonecrest.

Charges dismissed against wrongly accused man


by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com For four years, Nathan Dwight was accused of crime he did not commit. On Sept. 24, Dwight, along with his family and NAACP leaders stood on the steps of the DeKalb County courthouse to announce that the charges against him had been dropped. Im just happy to have this dark cloud off my head and finally be able to press forward, the 25-year-old said. Even with DNA evidence and a polygraph test pointing to his innocence, calls from civil rights leaders to dismiss the charges and an alarming videotape which shows a DeKalb detective using a racial slur during his interrogation, it still took DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James to drop all charges related to a 2009 carjackinga crime Dwight insists he did not commit. We had to go back and clear my name, Dwight said. We had to basically do what they were supposed to do. It wasnt our job to find me innocent. That was the job of the District Attorneys office, Dwight said. According to NAACP officials, in 2009, Dwight was accused of carjacking a woman in DeKalb County and then using that stolen car in a violent armed robbery of a convenience store in Rockdale County. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the robbery in Rockdale. Dwight spent more than two years behind bars before DNA evidence found in the stolen car convinced a judge to overturn his conviction. During a police interrogation, the then 21-year-old maintained his innocence, according to Dwights attorney Mawuli Mel Davis. However, the police were convinced they had their man and tried to get a confession out of him. In the interrogation videotape, DeKalb County Detective Michael Hellerman is shown threatening Dwight with the prospect of being convicted by a jury full of white people, who will only see him as a straightup n****, according to NAACP officials. In my heart I believe everyone had tunnel vision about it and I was the guy, Dwight said. They figured I was the guy that they were going to keep and that they were going to have. After these four years its plain to see after a polygraph test and DNA results that Im not the guy. Davis said this case was a classic case of racial profiling. Identifying a young African-American man and then the racial hatred coming out through the words, he said. The part that were focused on is that he said the words. Whats more alarming is that he had the words in his heart to say it and that directed the investigation. An internal investigation found Hellerman guilty of conduct unbecoming a police officer. Hellerman tendered his resignation shortly after the report was completed. Although Hellerman and other officers resigned from their position, Georgia State Conference NAACP President Edward O. DuBose said they will continue to pursue the case in the justice department. While [the officers] have resigned and their lives go on, they have put Dwights life at a standstill, he said. So we need to find out how officers could use their power and positions to destructively interrupt the life of a young man who may now have to rebuild those pieces.

Pet

of the

LOIS GRIFFIN
Adult Female

Week
sharing a home with a loving, caring person. If you like playful cats; Lois Griffin is the one for you! This sweet girl needs a home of her own. Please come see her and give her a chance to charm her way into your heart.

Lois Griffin (A20848400) is a oneyear-old female brown tabby. She is happy and active. She would be happier, however,

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

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

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A Chamber of Commerce volunteer freshened up a school name during a service day. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Chambers Day of Service benefits Peachcrest Boys and Girls Club


by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com More than 70 members of the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce donned blue T-shirts and donated a day to the Peachcrest Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Sept. 27. Chamber of Commerce volunteers painted, cleaned and built shelves at the facility located at 3500 Sherrydale Lane, Decatur. We seek opportunities where the chamber can make a difference, particularly in the areas of education, community outreach and economic development, said Arnie Silverman, chairman of the chambers board of directors. We are very excited to partner today with the Salvation Army/ Boys and Girls Club and have the greatest respect for the work that they do. Silverman said the event was the first of many DeKalb Chamber service days. We do need to do this again and again, Silverman said. It is a hope that we can continue to come back into this community for many years to come. Keon Marcell, program director at the Boys and Girls Club, said the work by the volunteers was the first time many of the rooms had been spruced up in 15 years. Without people like you, we could not get this done, Marcell said to the volunteers. I guarantee you our kids will appreciate it, our parents will appreciate it and the community will appreciate it because this is a part of their community. I know our staff will definitely appreciate it. Established in 1985, the Peachcrest Boys and Girls Club provides educational support, mentoring, career readiness and social skills development. Marcell said the Boys and Girls Club is greatly needed in the community. It gives the kids something to do after school, Marcell said. The kids come here and they get homework help, they get help with self-esteem, they get help with guidance, they get mentoring [and] they get life lessons. The schools educate people on your knowledge, Marcell said. But we here at the Boys and Girls Club educate you on life. Marcell said the annual membership for the facility is $25. Most of its funding comes from grants and donations. We basically sacrifice, he said. Were not getting a lot of revenue in. At $25 a year, obviously theres a lot of things that we have to get done. Quite frankly we just dont have the budget to do it. Lt. Carlos Cantu, a corps officer for the Peachcrest Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, said the organization is greatly indebted to the DeKalb Chamber. Were are very appreciative because once in a while, every building, despite how old it is, needs some sprucing up, some cleaning up, some rebuilding, and some redecorating, Cantu said. Thats what were making happen today with the Day of Service sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. When [the children] walk in todaywe average 160 to 175 kids a dayand see that the rooms have been painted, the rooms have definitely been cleaned upthey are going to be ecstatic, Cantu said. I am so excited. This is something we definitely need.

Joseph Palmeri of Decatur has a 20-mile roundtrip commute to his job at Coca Cola Co. in Atlanta. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

Bike Continued From Page 1A


to try one day a week or two days a week to see how it works, because you may change a lot of things along the way, Palmeri said. Ive changed bikes several times. Ive changed gear a lot. Ive learned to lighten up the load quite a bit, because Atlanta is not flat at all. Palmeri said cyclists with longer commutes will probably want to get a better performing bike. If youre riding an hour or so on a bike and youve got a cheap bike thats not going to hold up and you get stranded out there or it just doesnt feel good, youre going to regret it, said Palmeri whose trek is approximately 45 minutes. Last year, more than 1,000 metro Atlanta commuters participated in the firstever Bike to Work Challenge. More than 17,000 bike trips were logged, eliminating some 130,000 miles of car travel from the road and 64 tons of pollution from the air. This month, bicycle commuters, new and seasoned, can cycle their way to work and compete for prizes in the second annual Bike to Work Challenge. Organized by the Georgia Department of Transportation, The Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Atlanta Regional Commission and local transportation management associations, the second annual Bike to Work Challenge gives commuters the opportunity to compete as individuals or teams. By registering at www.atlbiketowork.org, participants can log their bicycle commute trips, track their progress and compete for prizes. A growing number of Atlantans are interested in biking to work, whether its a single ride or by connecting with transit, said Tedra Cheatham, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. Bicycling to work can free you from traffic and provide many health benefits. Last year, both new and veteran bicycle commuters came out in full force and proved that Atlanta has a strong biking culture. We hope to see even greater participation this year. Individuals and teams of two to five people will earn points throughout the month of October by riding their bikes to work, attending instructional bike classes and submitting photos from their biking trips during an online Facebook contest. Participants can track their progress against leaderboards throughout the month. Top individual and team winners will be announced on Nov. 4. Prizes include Patagonia rain jackets and more. As an extra incentive for new cyclists, participants who try a bike commute for the first time will get bonus points. Plus, all teams are required to have at least one new cyclist. Tracie Sanchez, the adult programs leader for Decatur Active Living, has a five-mile roundtrip daily bike commute. Sanchez is part of Decatur Active Living Wheels, a Bike to Work team that includes Zach Ray of the City of Decatur planning department; Laura Gary of Renfroe Middle School; Arlana Nicholas of Decatur Active Living; and Paul Lantinga of Decatur Bikes. Sanchez has been biking to work for 25 years. It started college in Athens, said Sanchez, who took cycling as a physical education class in college. A college campus is a little bubble. I learned it was really easy to get around. Her bike and the transit bus system solved me getting everywhere I needed to be, she said. She sold her car and didnt buy another one for a decade. If you can put your life, your home and your work in a two- or three-mile radius, then you can do most of that by either public transit or by bike or a combination. Sanchez said her reasons for biking have changed over time. In college it was about a budget economical, sell that car, a bikes cheaper, she said. Then you leave college and youre not playing sports with the school any more. Then it was about being healthy and getting exercise and just continuing a sport. I dont know when this happened or when it changed for me, but I began to hate what driving does to people, Sanchez said. A really nice neighbor that you know transforms when they get behind the wheel of a car in a city like Atlanta. There are people I dont want to be on the road with. I hate driving.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

local news

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DeKalb County commissioners discuss how to manage the countys budget for FY 2014 at a recent retreat at the Porter Sanford Arts and Community Center in Decatur. Photo by Daniel Beauregard

Commissioners retreat to discuss budget priorities


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County commissioners voiced their concerns over public safety, youth development, taxes and a host of other topics during a budget retreat held Sept. 19 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. The meeting, which lasted several hours, was a chance for county officials to discuss their priorities for the fiscal year 2014 budget and ways to improve the countys daily operations. Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton said one of her top priorities is working with interim DeKalb CEO Lee Mays administration to start a youth development department. Sutton said she has been working for the past four years to develop such a department that will function similar to the way the countys senior services are run. We do things for our youth but its all fragmented and theres no comprehensive planthere is no set budgeting and often the first thing that we cut is youth services, Sutton said. Sutton said developing such a department will help improve economic development in the county, reduce crime and contribute to the quality of life in DeKalb County. It helps our youth actually stay in DeKalb County and contribute to the health and development of the to focus on implementing a broad plan that allows the sanitation department and code enforcement to work

It helps our youth actually stay in DeKalb County and contribute to the health and development of the county.

county, Sutton said. Piggybacking off Sutton, Commissioner Kathie Gannon said for the youth in the community to thrive, families need to thrive and suggested examining the gaps in the countys current support services for families. Additionally, Gannon said the county needs to partner more often with nonprofits and other aid organizations to better serve DeKalb Countys senior population. I dont think we do a good job of programming for seniors. We program by pots of money, Gannon said. Both Gannon and Sutton suggested improving the countys Parks and recreation department. Commissioner Jeff Rader said the county needed

dreds of new police officers and firefighters over the next three years. However, Rader said these hirings are not an increase in force but rather the number of new hires needed to meet the demands of attrition and bring the county back up to its authorized level of public safety personnel. Rader also applauded the police department for reducing its number of precincts from -Sharon Barnes Sutton five to four based on changes in the countys patrol territory. He suggested together to beautify the implementing a way to evalcounty and focus on enviuate current police officers ronmental cleanliness. Rader also spoke about making sure the commissioners allocate resources in the budget to staff an internal auditor office, which was approved in 2010 but has remained unstaffed since. There seems to be a forming consensus that the office of the internal auditor ought to be staffed and Id like to see what that looks like from a financial perspective so that if we come to the conclusion that were going to do this that we actually have the resources necessary in order to make this an effective thing, Rader said. Recently, May announced he will hire hun-

skillsets to better determine where the countys public safety resources need to go. Over the past two years, the county has seen several areas incorporate, most recently Brookhaven. Rader said moving forward the county needs to pay special attention to its tax rates. Every time we end up raising our millage rate like we did a couple of years ago, we create financial headroom for a municipal push. And its questionable that if we had not been forced to raise taxes back in 2009, then Brookhaven may not have had the breathing room to make their numbers work with no tax increase, Rader said.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

education

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A Cup of Arts
More than 100 fine arts students at Stephenson High School danced as well as sang and played various instruments to a nearly full auditorium Sept. 26 during the schools fall concert. A Cup of Arts, under the direction of Dr. Vada Coleman, choral music teacher at Stephenson High School since 2007, featured a little glimpse of all of the fine arts, she said. The event showcased the 4th Block Concert Voices of Stephenson, the schools Chorale Singers, Stephenson Dance Repertory Company and other musicians. One song, Everything, was written by Stephenson alumnus JeJuan Glasper. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

Business

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Customer Lois Young buys a flavored ice from Karen Thomas to cool off on a warm early fall day.

Owners Jeff and Karen Thomas point out one of the trucks most popular features, the self-serve FlavorwaveTM.

Couple finds colorful flavored ice truck a cool way to make a living
by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com Although they met as students at Georgia Tech and have worked in such fields as computer science, Jeff and Karen Thomas earlier this year decided to don rainbow shirts and earn their living selling flavored shaved ice from a truck with vibrant tropical images and a tiki hut roof. The couple, who married in 1983, explored a number of possible franchise businesses before settling on a Kona Ice truck. Jeff did a lot of research, Karen said. We even looked at three other shaved ice franchises, but they were more expensive and nowhere near the quality. Among the features that make Kona Ice stand out, are the lights, calypso music and variety of flavors, she said, noting that the truck brings amusement park excitement everywhere it stops. At most shaved ice stands you find the standard flavors such as grape and cherry. We have wild watermelon, root beer float, tropikona and lots more. We even have flavors the adults like such as pia colada, Karen said. The truck, which the Thomases own, is set up perfectly for easy serving and clean up, they say. It has its own water heater and spray hoses with a food-safe antibacterial cleaning agent, Jeff pointed out. What sealed the deal for them, the Thomases say, was the opportunity to give back to the communities just fun, the Thomases say. Jeff, who goes into the tax preparation business when its too cold for shaved ice to appeal to people, added that he enjoys seeing the expressions on peoples facesyoung and old when they see the brightly decorated truck. On the side of the truck is a feature the company calls the Flavorwave from which customers can serve themselves from among 10 flavored syrups in any combination they choose. Karen said the trend of mixing flavors started with selfserve soda fountains at convenience stores. Kids call a combination of all the available flavors a suicide. Some of them like to do that here, too, she said. Approximately 20 additional flavors are available from the counter. Operating primarily from west StoneMountain, the truck travels to birthday parties, fairs, festivals, sporting events, corporate parties, schools and other events in Stone Mountain, Decatur, Avondale Estates and nearby areas. Karen noted that children love the small premiums that come with some of the treatsslap bracelets, leis, and temporary tattoos. At parties they really get into the music, Karen said. We had a birthday party in Tucker recently where the kids started a conga line around the truck. The usual music is calypso, but the Thomases say they have a special CD for church events, but even it has steel drums and a tropical feel.

The lively colorful truck brings amusement park excitement wherever it goes, according to the Thomases. Photos by Kathy Mitchell

they serve. Many of their events are fundraisers at which a percentage of the profits goes to the sponsoring nonprofit. School PTAs love us, Karen said. They often have trouble getting volunteers at their fundraising events and two or three people end up doing all the work. We do the pre-event publicity, the set-up, the serving and collecting and the cleanup afterwardand the nonprofit gets a check in the mail the next day. They said that nationwide, Kona Ice has donatedmore than $13 million to community-based organizationssince the company

was founded in 2007. Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice,said the Thomases are exactly the type of franchisees the company likes to attract. They share ourpassion for giving back, Lamb said. We want to engrain Kona Iceintothe fabric of the towns where we live, work and have families. Returning aportion of what we earn back to the groups helpsensure that they continue tomake a positive impact on the lives of our friends, neighbors and familymembers. And, operating a Kona Ice truck is

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

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

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

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DeKalb County School Board is selling the Hooper Alexander property as-is through a competitive sealed bid process. The property is located at 3414 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032 and contains a 68,900 square feet school facility on approximately 8.1 acres. Sealed Bids, from Bidders, will be received by the DeKalb County Board of Education (the Owner) at the Sam A. Moss Service Center, 1780 Montreal Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084, until 12:00 Noon local time on Monday, November 25, 2013 for all labor, materials and services necessary for both projects. Bidding Documents may be obtained by Bidders at: http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/solicitations/ All questions about this Advertisement for Bids must be directed in writing to Stephen Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer not later than Friday, November 8th, 2013 at 12:00 Noon. Contact Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Sam Moss Center, 1780 Montreal Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084.; email: dcsd-ops-bid-questions@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us; Fax 678.676.1350. Except as expressly provided in, or permitted by, the Bidding Documents, from the date of issuance of the Advertisement for Bids until final Owner action of approval of contract award, the Bidder shall not initiate any communication or discussion concerning the Project or the Bidders Bid or any part thereof with any employee, agent, or representative of the Owner. Any violation of this restriction may result in the rejection of the Bidders Bid. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, and to waive technicalities and informalities. Site visits are scheduled for Tuesday October 29th, 2013 at 9:00 am and Tuesday November 5th, 2013 at 9:00 am.

School Property Sales

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

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

sports

Page 18A

Brent, Ryan and Chris Burgess all played major roles in Chamblees 44-0 win over South Atlanta Sept. 20. The brothers are also active in baseball and basketball. Photo by Carla Parker

The Burgess brothers: Chamblees triple threat


When we were younger we thought getting into fights would hurt us. But were older now and its just making us better. It made us stronger as we got older, Brent added. Dad also pushed us to [be competitive], making us work hard. He didnt want us to be lazy, Chris said. Although they compete against each other, they also make sure to motivate each other. If we see [Ryan] doing something that we know he can do better well tell him to stop playing around and get serious, Brent said. If I see them slacking, Im for sure going to get on them, Chris added. The brothers are still active in baseball and basketball. Brent and Chris play for the East Cobb Astros 16U travel baseball team while Ryan is the starting point guard for the Chamblee basketball team. Although baseball is their first love, the twins have not decided whether to play baseball or football in the future. Well probably enter into the 2015 baseball draft, Chris said. Were trying to figure it out. They are getting recruited by college baseball teams and have talked to scouts from the Braves, Dodgers, Rockies and Yankees. Ryan has not received any football scholarship offers yet but he has talked to a few schools, including Georgia Tech, East Carolina, Mississippi State, Troy State and Wake Forest. With their futures up in the air, the boys remain focused on two things: academics and winning on the football field. We want to win that [state championship] ring, Chris said.

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com

baseballs, Ryan said. The boys started out playing baseball and then basketball when they got a little older. They Its not often that a trio of brothers each scores played for the basketball team at White Oak Hills a touchdown to help lead their team to a victory. Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, which was But that is what Ryan, Brent and Chris coached by their mother. Burgess did Sept. 20 in Chamblees 44-0 win The first time she coached us we went to the over South Atlanta. The brothers contributed on final four, Chris said. offense, defense and special teams. The brothers started playing football in fourth Ryan, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior wide and fifth grade. However, when they got to high receiver and safety, scored on defense with a 70- school it was mom who would not let them play yard interception return for a touchdown. That football. was one of his two interceptions of the game. We pretty much had to beg our mom to get Brent, a 6-foot, 180-pound junior wide out there because she wouldnt let us, Chris receiver and linebacker, scored on offense with said. She was scared that we would get hurt. a 20-yard touchdown reception. He also had an Since they could not play football, Brent said interception on defense. he and Chris spent a lot of time in the weight Brents twin brother Chris, a 6-foot, 200 room so they could get their bodies right for pound tight end and linebacker, was not to be football. outdone by his brothers as he returned a punt Our bodies werent fully developed for it, 30 yards for a touchdown. It was Chris second he said. Our parents didnt think we were ready touchdown of the season. The first came on a for football so we just worked out for those two pass reception against Druid Hills. years to get our bodies right for this year. We The brothers said it felt great to contribute to came out pretty good. the teams win. Transitioning to football was not hard for the We all just want to help the team win, Ryan brothers. They said playing baseball made them said. We dont care about individual [success]. good at playing the receiver position. We just try to win. Basketball helped us with quickness, Ryan Its really a team effort, Brent added. said. So footballs came natural to us. We have The Burgess brothers are the sons of our ups and downs, too, but it came natural. Chamblee boys basketball head coach Caesar None of the brothers would not say whether Burgess and his wife, Brenda. With their dad one was better than the other two on the being a coach one might think it was Caesar who football field, but they did admit that they are taught them play sports at an early age, but it was competitive. not. It was their mother. Its three boys in the household, Ryan said. At 2 and 3 years old, mom was throwing us Everyone wants to be the first in everything.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

sports

Page 19A

Lions use second half rally to get past Rams 20-6


by Mark Brock The Martin Luther King Jr. Lions played tough on defense and got enough offense in the second half to rally past the Arabia Mountain Rams for a 20-6 Region 6-AAAAA high school football victory Sept. 27 at Panthersville Stadium. The Rams stopped the Lions on the first series of the game and blocked a punt to set up the first score of the game. Running back Melvin Idelette scored from 1-yard out on the first play following the blocked punt and the Rams took the 6-0 lead. The Lions (4-1, 3-1) stopped the Rams (2-3, 1-3) three times on downs in the first half deep in Lions territory to keep the game close. The Rams scored once as quarterback Trevous Reynolds connected with wide receiver Jonathan Slayton for a 4-yard touchdown pass only to have it called back due to an illegal substitution penalty, one of 30 penalties in the game. The Lions would hold on the fourth-and-9 play to keep the game at 6-0 heading into the half. Defense was the game for the Lions in the second half as well, as they limited the Rams to 35 total offensive yards while getting big plays to take the lead. M. L. King held the Rams deep in their own territory to force a punt, which Lions return man Wesley Green returned 46 yards to the Rams 1-yard line. Running back Jamel Smith went for the score on the next play to tie the game at 6 with 6:30 left in the third quarter. The Lions ran 71 yards on their next possession for the go-ahead score. Quarterback Roland Rivers found Presley Bray for the score to give the Lions a 12-6 lead with 9:20 to play. Rivers sealed the game with a 15-yard touchdown run with 3:24 to play as the Lions finished with the 20-6 win. Clarkston 14, Hapeville 14 The Clarkston Angoras got a pair of touchdowns from running back Rooshambi Paquette, but the defense could not keep Hapeville from tying the game in the second half to force a 14-14 score at Hallford Stadium Sept. 21. Paquette completed a hook and lateral as the first half ended to give the Angoras (1-4-1) 7-0 lead going into halftime. He took the pitch from receiver Laquon Odom after a pass from quarterback Jordan Douglass as the play covered 42 yards for the score. Paquette made it 14-0 with a 40-yard run early in the third quarter. Stephenson 35, SW DeKalb 7 The No. 2 ranked Stephenson Jaguars got three touchdowns from running back Dallas Rivers on the way to a 35-7 win over the Southwest DeKalb Panthers at Hallford Stadium Sept. 27. Rivers rushed for more than 100 yards and scored on runs of 2 and 12 yards in the first quarter to go with a 7-yard touchdown run by quarterback Giovanni Weekly as the Jaguars built a 21-0 lead. Rivers added a 1-yard touchdown run and Weekly hit tight end Ari Werts for a touchdown pass to close out the first half with a 35-0 advantage. Southwest DeKalb (1-4, 1-3) prevented the shutout with a 4-yard pass from quarterback Malcolm Anderson to wide receiver Jacoby Riley in the fourth quarter. The win helped Stephenson tie the all-time series with Southwest at 5-5. Cedar Grove 27, Decatur 3 The Cedar Grove Wildcats opened Region 6-AAA play by knocking off previously undefeated Decatur 27-3 at Decatur Sept. 27. Running back Deion Sellers had his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game of the season (22 carries, 194 yards). Sellers sent the Saints (41, 1-0) into halftime with a 13-3 lead as he went 48 yards on the final play of the half. Cedar Grove was leading 7-3 at the time due to a 47-yard touchdown pass from quarterback James Hartfield to wide receiver Brandon Norwood.

Dunwoody quarterback Michael Adjekuko waits for the ball to be snapped to him in the Sept. 27 matchup against Miller Grove.

Dunwoody gets first win of the season


by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Alexanders 37-yard run, which followed a Trevor Scales interception. Dunwoodys 2013 The Wolverines had an Homecoming night ended opportunity to score before on a successful note as the halftime but Alexander Dunwoody Wildcats picked sacked Miller Grove quarup their first season and terback Johnathan Mitchregion win with a 20-6 vicellat the 7-yard line on a tory over the Miller Grove fourth-and-goal play. Wolverines at North DeKalb Miller Grove pulled the Stadium Sept. 27. score within six points in It was Dunwoodys first the third quarter on a quarwin over Miller Grove in terback sneak by Mitchell four tries. The Wildcats had and a 2-point conversion. come off two consecutive Miller Grove had another blowout losses against Steopportunity get a scoring phenson (62-6) and Tucker drive going in the third (55-9) before entering the quarter after the Wolverines Sept. 27 game. Head coach defense recovered an AlexJim Showfety said he was ander fumble. proud of how hard his playHowever, Alexander ers played. made up for the fumble by Our kids have been intercepting Mitchell on working really hard and the following play. Mitchweve had some rough spots ells third interception in the last few weeks but they the fourth quarter, which really hung in there and was grabbed by Matthew continued to play hard, he Nathan,was followed by said. a 2-yard touchdown run by Running back and deAlexander to bring the final fensive back Aaron Alexscore to 20-8. ander played a big role in Showfety was also the win with two rushing pleased with how his detouchdowns, a sack and an fense played. interception. Showfety said The defense did a great Alexander is a play maker. job, he said. I cant say He rises to the occaenough about the job [the sion more than any player defensive staff] have done. Ive ever coached in a long Dunwoody (1-4) will time, he said. He is just have another tough task on a ball player and he did a its hands when it faces regreat job and I think a lot of gion opponent M. L. King credit also goes to our offen- (4-1) Oct. 11 at Adams Stasive line. dium. Miller Grove (2-3) The Wildcats built a 14-0 will try to regroup Oct. 11 lead before halftime behind when it faces Lakeside (1-4) Daniel Hintons 1-yard at Panthersville Stadium. rushing touchdown and

Week 6 Results

Thursday, Sept. 26
Lovejoy (4-1) 59, Druid Hills (2-2) 0 Banneker (1-2-1) 24, Redan (0-4) 13

Friday, Sept. 27
Clarkston (1-4-1) 14, Hapeville Charter (0-4-1) 14 Cross Keys (1-4) 47, North Cobb Christian (0-4) 29 M.L. King Jr. (4-1) 20, Arabia Mountain (2-3) 6 Cedar Grove (4-1) 27, Decatur (4-1) 3 Dunwoody (1-4) 20, Miller Grove (2-3) 8 St. Pius (4-1) 45, Towers (4-1) 7 Tucker (5-0) 56, Lakeside (1-4) 7 Stephenson (5-0) 35, SW DeKalb (1-4) 7 Open: Chamblee (3-1), Columbia (2-2), Lithonia (1-3), Marist (2-2), McNair (1-3), Redan (1-3), Stone Mountain (2-2)

photo highlights:

The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 4, 2013

sports

Page 20A

Cedar Grove 27, Decatur 3


Photos by Travis Hudgons

Cedar Groves defense makes sure it stops Decaturs running game.

Cedar Grove running back Deion Sellers had his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game of the season. He ended the game with 22 carries for 194 yards.

Decaturs Nick Bentley (25) prevents the would-be tackle from Antwuan Jackson.

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