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school approved a separation agreement with her. Shortly after Thurmond was hired, six members of the school board were suspended and replaced by Gov. Nathan Deal after the school district was placed on accreditation probation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the agency that accredits the school district through its parent company, AdvancED. Thurmond said he decided to stay in the position longer to continue to stabilize the district. My ultimate goal, of course, is to turn it over to a permanent superintendent, a more traditional superintendent, he said. Weve made a significant amount of progress but theres work to be done and I think its just in the best interest of the
Thurmond
blessed to be surrounded by great individuals, outstanding educators who are very focused. Weve got great stakeholders. Clearly from all objective accounts were moving in the right direction and Im just excited to be able to continue in that regard. Thurmond, a former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor, replaced Cheryl Atkinson after the
Joanna Richardson occasionally dances in the Atlanta area, where she grew up.
Federal employees and members of the Atlanta Rainbow Push Coalition protested in front of Atlantas Center for Disease Control and Prevention Oct. 8. Officials at the CDC said that the shutdown is preventing the center from performing important public health research. Photo by Daniel Beauregard
the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said that she blamed House Republicans for the shutdown. Mathis and several others Were out here to make a point that its time for our representatives to find a solution and put our government back to work, Mathis said. Were putting peoples lives, aspira-
She remembers breathlessly calling her mother to tell her the news, I was so proud and honored to have been chosen, she said, calling her mother, Cory Richardson, her biggest cheerleader. Even the auditions in which she wasnt chosen were valuable learning experiences, Richardson said. She has now been part of one of the worlds most famous dance troupes since 2005. A central feature of Radio City Music Halls Christmas Spectacular since the 1930s, the Rockettes are known for their precision as well as their ability to perform their signature eye-high rapid kicks. Im not naturally that flexible, Richardson confessed. It has taken a lot of practice to get therenight after night of stretching and moving while I was watching television. While for many of their numbers the Rockettes create the illusion of one dancer duplicated 20 times, its not true that they are all precisely the same height, Richardson said. There is a height rangeand you must fall in that range to auditionbut we are lined up with the tallest girls in the middle so it looks as though we are all the same height, she said. Being chosen is only the start of the journey, Richard-
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Oakhurst Elementary Schools second annual health fair featured dancing, exercising, planting and vegetable tasting Oct. 4. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
elebrate autumn at Gibbs Gardens Japanese Maples Festival from October 1 through November 15. More than 2,000 Japanese maples in 100 varieties paint a gold, yellow, orange and flame red panorama on every vista. Hundreds of bright red Burning Bush and thousands of vibrant yellow Sweetshrub blend with the remarkable reds of Sourwood, Sassafras and Dogwood trees to color the hills with sweeping splashes of color. Our blossom-filled eight-acre Wildflower Meadow carpets the fields in shades of yellow, gold, purple and red. Jim Gibbs invites you to experience the serene beauty of Japanese culture set against the singular splendor of the largest Japanese Gardens in the nation on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 & 27 and November 2 & 3. Learn about the Japanese arts of ikebana, origami, kimono dressing, the Japanese green tea ceremony, bonsai, Japanese calligraphy . . . and so much more.
GI B B S GA R D E N S
SEASONS OF COLOR
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OPINION
One Mans Opinion
As soon as we get a clean piece of legislation that reopens the governmentand there is a majority for that right now in the House of Representativesuntil we get that done, until we make sure that Congress allows Treasury to pay for things that Congress already authorized, we are not going to engage in a series of negotiations.President Barack Obama on CNBC. It is almost as if all of Washingtons political elite and leadership are now living on Bizarro World, where only absolutes and backwards logic rule.Playing the blame game and finger-pointing at the other side seem to have long ago trumped conducting the peoples business. Come Oct. 17, the nation is again expected to reach its multitrillion-dollar debt ceiling, and yet this president and both chambers of Congress have been simply content to repeatedly kick this can down the road, without making any real, structural and lasting spending, budget or revenue reforms for more than three years now.Continu-
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.
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The shutdown as well as the looming debt ceiling crisis is entirely a Republican Party production.
Court has ruled it constitutional. What more do you want, the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval? Republicans say that polls show that a slim majority of Americans dont support the law. What they dont say is that a full quarter of those people favor a further extension of the law, not repeal. The opposition to it is largely the result of the constant drumfire of lies, exaggerations, and propaganda that Republicans have sent out over the past two years. The law isnt perfect no one claims it is but the message from the voters is clear: Dont kill it, make it better. Another general misconception is that the national debt is our biggest problem and the budget must be cut to shave it. No and no. Cutting government spending in hard times only makes times harder. Were already hurting the economy by cutting government employment too much. You cant cut your way out of a recession. Thats what Europe is trying to do, with dismal results. The time to cut spending is when things are going good. Jobs or the lack of them is the biggest problem right now. Yet another misconception is that
the fallout from a failure to raise the debt limit would not be that big a deal. It would be. Shutting down the government is a bad idea but somehow well stagger through it out to the other side. If we default on our debts, however, it would be a catastrophe that would bring our economy to its knees and have ramifications that stretch far into the future. You dont mess with something like that. You dont try to make it into a bargaining chip. You spent the money and now its time pay for what you bought. If that demands a higher level of debt, so be it. President Barack Obama is right to refuse to even consider giving in to the threats of the House Republicans. If he were to bargain on the debt ceiling, he would leave himself and the nation open to continued blackmail. What I really dont understand is why normal, sensible Republicans conservative but reasonable are allowing their party to be taken over by a gang of lame-brained thugs.
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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 reflect 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 Officer 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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Lakeside to host basketball clinic The Lakeside High School Tip-Off Club is hosting a No School Basketball Clinic Oct. 14, 9-2 p.m. in the Lakeside High School Gym. Boys and girls in grades two through eight of all skill levels are invited to join the Lakeside coaches and players for a day of fun, instruction and scrimmages. The cost is $45 for pre-registration and $50 on the day of the clinic. The event will include a pizza lunch. For more information or to register, contact Susie Adams at cscladams@aol.com or call (404) 754-3676. Fernbank to celebrate National Fossil Day Fernbank Science Center is hosting its annual National Fossil Day on Saturday, Oct. 19. From 12:30 to 4 p.m., the center will be full of displays of fossils and fun activities for all ages, including the ever-popular shark tooth dig. Fernbank geologist Bill Witherspoon will make a presentation, and there will be samples of Georgia fossils for sale. National Fossil Day is a nationwide celebration organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational value. Sites all across the country host their own events. Fernbank Science Centers Fossil Day has become one of the centers most popular events. Fernbank Science Center is located at 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta. For more information, call (678) 874-7102 or visit www.fsc.fernbank.edu.
Library to host book sale The Friends of the Clarkston Library will host a book sale Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Books for all ages will be on sale. The Clarkston Library is located at 951 North Indian Creek Drive. For more information, call (404) 508-7175.
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Fish fry to aid the homeless Lady Ts Homeless Ministry is holding a fish fry fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 12, 1-5 p.m.at Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Road, Decatur. There will be a live band with a DJ, a 50/50 raffle, face painting and other family entertainment. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 years old and younger. Donations of cases of water and packages of mens white socks will be appreciated. Session to teach writers how to earn income The presentation Funding Streams for Writers Saturday, Oct.12, at the Decatur Recreation Center, will offer writers ideas for earning income from several directions and how to better organize your writing journey so that it begins to earn an income, including through grants, contests, magazines, eBooks and more. Learn to incorporate several resources into your writing plan. Presented by C. Hope Clark, editor of FundsforWriters.com, selected for Writers Digests 101 Best Websites for Writers for the past 13 years. Clarks work has appeared in
Writers Digest, The Writer, The Guide to Literary Agents, Writers Markets, and the upcoming Guide to Indie Publishing by Writers Digest Books. Clark is also author of The Carolina Slade Mystery Series, published by Bell Bridge Books, which include the award-winning Lowcountry Bribe and Tidewater Murder. The session, which will be noon - 2 p.m., is a partnership between the Georgia Writers Association and DeKalb County Public Library. The Decatur Recreation Center is located at 207 Sycamore Street, Decatur.
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Church to celebrate 114th anniversary Turner Monumental AME Church will observe its 114th Church anniversary during the morning service on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. The speaker is the Rev. Jai S. Haithco Sr., the newly appointed pastor of this Kirkwood community church. The theme for this celebration is 1899 2013: A Journey on the Old Ship of Zion. Turner Monumental AME is located at 66 Howard Street, NE, Atlanta. The public is also invited to attend the Captains Ball immediately following the morning service. This special event will feature upbeat musical selections, festivities and a variety of food/beverages. Attire for this anniversary celebration is church wear, dressy or after 5 chic. For more information, contact the church office at (404) 3785970.
in Tucker. The series, now in its 15th season, was conceived to offer the community quality performances, in a wonderful facility and to provide artists a place to perform. No tickets are sold and no admission is charged.The audience is offered an opportunity to give an offering. Lawrenceville Road Methodist Church is located at 3142 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker. Taste of Tucker to offer food, music Taste of Tucker returns for the fourth year Saturday, Oct. 19, on Main Street, 1-6 p.m. While bands perform on a raised stage, attendees can purchase tickets that allow them to sample food from a bazaar of local restaurants. Proceeds will support the charitable work of NETworks Cooperative Ministry, a coalition of 20 area churches that provides emergency assistance for rent, utility bills and food for those in need. Mouth-watering fare will be available in a wide variety of tastes. Restaurants featured include Matthews Cafeteria, Greater Good Bar-B-Q, Marlows Tavern, Longhorn Steaks and Local 7. There will be ethnic cuisine from Grecian Gyro, Kochi Sushi & Hibachi, and Las Colinas. Desserts will be offered from Sweet Dees. The music headliners are Five Star Iris, an alternative rock band that has performed in 17 countries, and rockabilly favorite BO5 (Buck O Five). The designated charity, NETworks, in 2012 assisted 1,126 clients, provided nearly $32,000 in housing and utility assistance and distributed more than 28,000 pounds of food. For more information, visit www.tasteoftucker. com.
dunwoody
Tour de Dunwoody biking event set for Oct. 19 Dunwoodys third annual Tour de Dunwoody bike event is set for Saturday, Oct. 19. With the help of the Dunwoody Police Department, participants can enjoy a 3-mile family fun ride around Dunwoody. Cyclists will leave from Dunwoody Elementary School, travel south on Tilly Mill to Peeler then back to the school through the Village Mill neighborhood. The younger participants can join a Trike Ride and a Cub Ridetwo shorter routes through the Dunwoody Elementary School parking lot. Sponsors for the event include Kaplan Orthodontics; Dunwoody Nature Center; Strength in Moms; Huntington Learning Center; Primrose School of Dunwoody; Mad Italian; Chandler, Britt, Jay, Beck & Zwald; RMZ Properties; Account & Compliance Consulting; FundAmerica; Sweets n Dreams; Mathnasium; Dunwoody Homeowners Association; Farm Burger and more. Register by going to the Dunwoody Elementary School PTO website at
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Rock group to perform at church fundraiser United Methodist Men at Lawrenceville Road on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. will feature Tom Hill and the Midnight Suns as part of its Music for Missions series. Tom Hill and the Midnight Suns, according to the sponsors, is a very popular rock and roll band whose quality and easy listening music will remind the audience of the golden age of rock and roll. Music for Missions is a program sponsored by Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church
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DeKalb County Fire Rescue personnel responded to a fire set in the lobby of Peachcrest Elementary School Oct. 6. The school has been repeatedly vandalized since it closed in 2011. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
local news Decatur Police asking neighborhoods to join community alerts website
The Champion Free Press, Friday, October 11, 2013 by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com will not hinder ongoing investigations, she said. Residents were recently alertThe Decatur Police Departed about three overnight burment is using a website to send glaries in Winonna Park and the information about criminal acSouth Candler Street areas Sept. tivity to Decatur communities. 29. The first burglary happened The Nation of Neighbors at 1:32 a.m. at a home in the 500 (NON) is a website that sends block of Kirk Road. Ross said crime alerts, updates and inforthe homeowners reported hearmation to residents. The police ing their burglar alarm activate department said there are curand then hearing a commotion rently six Decatur communities downstairs. that have joined NON and the Officers located a cut in the department is hoping more will. screen door leading to a rear The communities a participating porch, which had previously in NON are Sycamore Ridge, been latched. A screen had been Decatur Heights, Oakhurst, removed from an unsecured Lenox Place, Winnona Park and rear window leading from the Parkwood Park. porch into the living room, acSgt. Jennifer Ross said the cording to police. A television department started posting on was ripped from its mounting NON in July and the feedback bracket and taken from the livhas been positive. ing room. There are new members No items were taken in the joining every day, Ross said. second burglary, which hapThere are many other Decatur pened at 2:18 a.m., according communities and neighborhoods to police. Police responded to a that could benefit if someone burglar alarm in the 100 block will take the initiative to esof Hilldale Drive. The hometablish the boundaries for their owner told the alarm company community, neighborhood or someone had attempted to open street, invite their neighbors to the front window, but the person join and manage membership were unsure if they had gained approval if you choose to restrict entry, according to police. Ofmembership to confirmed neigh- ficers checked the residence and bors. found a window on the front of This site gives residents the the house opened approximately option to control how often they 3 inches. receive the alerts. Membership At 10:15 a.m., police recan also be restricted to those sponded to the 200 block of confirmed to live in the commu- Buchanan Terrace in reference nity or neighborhood. to a burglary. The homeowner The site works as a webreported he went to sleep the based community watch and previous night at approximately network to enable neighbors to 11 p.m. and woke to find a storshare local crime, suspicious ac- age closet door, which was pretivity and other community con- viously secured with a padlock, cerns in real time, Ross said. opened. An example would be a resiIt appeared the latch was dent having a suspicious person pried off, Ross said. Miscelcome to their door and sending laneous tools were missing from an alert to their neighbors or the the storage closet. An officer lopolice department sending an cated the missing tools inside of alert regarding recent burglaries a vehicle parked in the carport. in the area via the NON site. There was also a bicycle Ross said the department missing from the front porch of does not post information about the residence. An auto burglary every case filed or investigated was reported at the residence on NON. across the street. An unsecured The site is utilized to provehicle was entered and a walvide more detailed information let was taken. A bicycle that did about critical cases, current not belong to either victim was crime trends and issues and located in the second victims crime prevention information front yard, according to police. when the release of information
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Decatur Commissioner Scott Drake, Mayor Pro Tem Kecia Cunningham, Commissioner Patti Garrett and Eric Bosman, president of the Georgia chapter of the American Planning Association, stands in the gazebo after the city was presented the award from Bosman.
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Oglethorpe University student Awet Woldegebriel has set out to show a different side of homelessness with his new film series One Hundred Cups, One Hundred Stories. Photos provided
Task Force for the Homeless, 40-60 percent of the countrys homeless have jobs and the fastest growing demographic of homeless persons is children under the age of nine. Atlanta is the poorest city in the United States for childrenmore children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city, according to the task force. By introducing people [who are more stable] to the homeless in their community, we are hoping to generate dialogue and a sense of urgency to help others. Woldegebriel said he has been humbled by many of the stories hes heard, especially from a 21-year-old woman named Lacy. You would never know how much pain she has gone through in her life to bring her where she is and she has so much hope, Woldegebriel said. These are the kind of stories that I want to document, I think thats whats needed to create real change and real passion and create results.
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Pet Blessings
All creatures great and small were welcomed at the pet blessing held at Columbia Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Oct. 5. Rev. Tom Hagood led the intimate ceremony for pets (all dogs and a picture of two cats) and their owners. Hagood led the attendees in prayer and a brief song before he knelt and spoke a personal, loving blessing over each animal. Photos by Travis Hudgons
Learn more about advancing your education by attending a GPC open house from October 19-24. See website for campus dates and times. Get a FREE GPC application fee waiver*a $20 savings!
* Advance sign up and student attendance are required to receive fee waiver. Application fee waivers must be used by December 31, 2013. Limit one fee waiver per household.
openhouse.gpc.edu
Friday, October 18 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
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Pine Lake held its annual lakeside festival Oct. 5-6 bringing together artists, vendors, live music, a sand sculpture contest, chalk art contest, pet show, and FLOATZILLA a floating parade of wildly decorated watercraft. Photos by Travis Hudgons
Lakefest 2013
Solicitor General
Sherry Boston
dekalb county solicitor-general
www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org 404.371.2201
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Oct. 4. Heather Whitman, a teacher at Oakhurst Elementary School in Decatur, dressed in costume to educate students about bike safety. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
Redan High School band members stand on the sideline. Photo by Carla Parker
Oct. 7. The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce presents representatives of county school district with a check for $18,000 for school board leadership training. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
Oct. 5. Eight week old English bulldog Brooklyn attends her first Pine Lake Fest dressed as a pumpkin. Photo by Travis Hudgons
Oct. 8. Sign of unknown meaning at the intersection of East Ponce de Leon and Laredo Drive. Photo by John Hewitt
DCTV Your Emmy Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23.
On Oct. 2, the day after open enrollment began for the Affordable Care Act health care plans, The Champion Newspaper asked people in the city of Decatur about the new insurance system, also known as Obamacare.
local news
Sheryce Jones
Are you in favor of the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare? Theyre the same thing, so Im in favor of it all. Why are you in favor of it? Because a lot of people need health care. Ive always said the poor cant afford to be sick and Ive known a lot of sick people. They just dealt with it
and died or whatever rather than have those bills. Is it something you yourself would apply for? Of course. Have you tried yet? Yeah, I tried. I couldnt get on the website on the first day. I tried at like 12 a.m.
people without insurance it provides a lot of options and for people who have had cancer or preexisting conditions I think its great. I just dont know that we have the money to support it without there being endless amount of funding. I cant say that there will no longer be the million dollar policy through a lifetime. Im not sure how that will continue on, how we can even provide that for everyone if there are no limits. I also think its going to increase drug pricing and prescriptions because I think that anytime theres no limit people will try to raise pricing just because they can.
Cordale Thurman
Are you in favor of Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act? Im in favor of it because, you know, weve got to make sure our little loved ones are taken care ofchild[ren], older folks, elders, you know what I mean? Is it something that you would recommend to other people without insurance? Yeah. I recommend that youalways got to be protected. You know what I mean? This right here is 2013. Health is real serious out here. Anything else you want to say about Obamacare? Go get it.
Patrick McNally
Which do you prefer? Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act? I dont know yet. I havent studied either or. Im happy with what Ive got now. Im 82 years old. I get my Social Security check. Ive got Medicare, Medicaid, so forth and so on. Thats good. I like that, but, however, I dont know whats going to happen to that with the new systems that theyre going to put in. Its not a happy time in my life in this country.
Anita Harris
What is Obamacare vs. the Affordable Care Act? I believe theyre one in the same. I believe Obamacare has become a pseudonym or a name that has been coined for the Affordable Care Act for people on a certain side that want to attach a negative connotation to the word Obamacare. I believe the Affordable Care Act is Obamacare. I could be mistaken. Are you in favor of Obamacare? I am in favor of being open because if were not open as a democratic society then we will not make progress. You can speculate all day about what if, the hypothesis and that kind of thing but until you actually move forward you really wont know what the actual results will be.
Lacell Joseph
What do you think about Obamacare? At the moment with no kids and a nonprofit worker, I think its helpful for those that have a lower income to be able to get some coverage that they might not otherwise qualify for. Will you need to get it? I wont. At my job we already have group insurance. Years priors, if it were available I think I would have benefitted from it.
Taylor Austin
What do you think of Obamacare? I know there are millions without insurance so in theory its great. Will it be implemented in Georgia? Thats still unknown. How do you think it would benefit the country? Thats a really tough question. I still dont know if it will or not. I think for the 41 million
Do you think Obamacare is something that will be good for the uninsured and good for the country as a whole? Theres so many millions of peopletheres not going to be a cookie-cutter answer to that. There are going to be some people that come out smelling really like roses and some people who have glitches. But overall at least its a step in the right direction to try to assist people and take the burden off of the government for the astounding amount of money that were paying for the uninsured.
LOCAL NEWS
Rockettes
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Furlough
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tions, careers and safety at risk. At the top of the CDCs website, a bright red banner lists the following statement: Due to the lapse in government funding, only websites supporting excepted functions will be updated unless otherwise funded. As a result, the information on this website may not be up to date, the transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. Barbara Reynolds, director of the public affairs division at the CDC, said 9,000 out of the organizations staff of 13,000 have been furloughed. Since lawmakers have yet to come to any agreement as to how to fund certain programs, those being furloughed are unsure if they will receive pay for their time spent away from work. The blind spots are just going to get bigger as this goes on, Reynolds said. What we do know now is that every day this continues its one more day important public health work isnt being done. Reynolds said approximately 6,000 of the centers 8,500 Atlanta staff members have been furloughed. Although there is a small number of
CDC staffers still going to work each day, Reynolds said, the centers capacity for finding disease-related problems, stopping imminent public health threats and preventing those threats have been greatly reduced. Weve had major staffing reductions in our flu program and our foodborne illness labs, Reynolds said. Where we would normally have eight people looking into a foodborne outbreak we have one. In an internal letter sent to employees CDC Director Tom Frieden, said he remains frustrated and concerned about the centers ability to protect the health and safety of the public. We will continue to monitor the situation, and continue to respond to imminent health issues as we are able, Frieden said. CDC staff and their families affected by this closure are on my mind every day, and I wish I could tell each one individually how valuable they are. Practical challenges, derailed work projects, and not being able to do our jobs affect every one of us. Brandon Camarda, a graduate student at Georgia State University (GSU) who lives in East Atlanta, said he was surprised to learn when he showed up for class Oct. 2 that they had all been dropped. Camarda can afford to attend GSU through the use of his fathers post
9/11 GI Bill, which was transferred to him. He said he called the school and was told that due to the shutdown, his classes were dropped and university officials couldnt say when they will be reinstated. I guess all payments have been held, Camarda said. The school doesnt know if they will be reinstated or not so its kind of in limbo as to what will happen with it for now. According to Camarda, school officials told him there are approximately 800 students who are being similarly affected and no one seems to know what will happen in the next few weeks. Camarda said right now he is just waiting it out. I figure, I can only do so much in the situation so if they come back they come back; if they dont then Im not sure what will happen, Camarda said. Other areas throughout Georgia and state being affected by the shutdown include state and national parks, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent and Social Change. Additionally, many of the states prekindergarten programs that rely on federal funding are being affected although according to Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning spokesman Reg Griffin there are none in DeKalb County.
son explained. Leading up to the Rockettes world famous Christmas show each year, the group practices six hours a day, six days a week for weeks. Its very physically demanding and requires not only flexibility, but strength and eye and muscle control, she said. During the Christmas season, the Rockettes perform up to four shows a day and that means staying in top condition, Richardson said. Its important to get proper rest, eat a good breakfast and arrive at the theater in plenty of time to dress and do your hair and makeup so that when you go out on stage you can be relaxed and confident, she added. While the group is best known for the Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes also perform for other special events such as the annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Paradeand even were part of President George H. W. Bushs presidential inauguration. The dancers, Richardson said, are just part of the staff required to put on the show. A crew of approximately 100 people supports them. In spite of the years of experience and meticulous attention to detail, occasionally something goes wrong. Its not unheard of for a piece of a costume to fall off or for someone to make a slight misstep or for something to go wrong with the music, said Richardson, who recalled a performance in which the power went off for a few seconds, causing the lights and music to go off. You just keep dancing. Those in the Atlanta area who would like to see this years Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular dont have to travel to New York. The show will come to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Nov. 7-23. The Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, dramatic lighting effects, and a 50-foot LED screen that will enhance the show with breathtaking new imagery, according to a news release. For more information, visit www.cobbenergycentre. com.
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Cheers arose from DeKalb County sanitation workers Oct. 8 as commissioners removed the final hurdle to allow them to begin forming a union. The board of commissioners voted unanimously to amend Chapter 20 of the DeKalb County Code to allow sanitation workers to organize in much the same way as DeKalb County police and firefighter have. The agenda item was presented by Commissioner Stan Watson several months ago. Ben Speight, organizing director for the Teamsters Local 728, said that sanitation workers in DeKalb County have been asking to be recognized as a union for 40 years or more. This will begin to address the concerns and issues that the drivers and collections workers have raised since we began organizing them about a year ago,
Speight said. Recently, Forbes listed refuse and recyclable material collectors as the sixth deadliest job in the United States, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Speight said sanitation workers face a lot of dangers on the job, which consists of more than just picking up trash. Interim CEO Lee May said he understood the concerns of the sanitation workers and agreed they should have an opportunity to voice their concerns. However, May wouldnt say whether he was for or against, a union. The number one duty that I have is to make sure that all of our employees have a voicethat they have an open door not just to the administration but also to me, May said. After the large group of sanitation workers exited the meeting, they lined up outside and began a group The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 8 to amend an ordinance to allow for chant. sanitation workers to organize a union. Photos by Daniel Beauregard
It's Homecoming 2013 at Albany State University! Support ASU scholarships and have fun while doing it. Wear casual black attire to the Dinner and Party on Thursday-Oct. 17, 8pm at the Hilton Garden Inn-Albany. Live music will be provided by the Soul Cartel Band from Atlanta. Tickets may be purchased for $35 from the ASU Office of Alumni Affairs or at www.asuramsnationalalumni.com. For additional information contact Maria Boynton-Event Chair boynton.maria@gmail.com or (404) 862-2345
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Among those welcoming the community to the new Stonecrest area Walmart are DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, left, state Sen. Ronald Ramsey, center, and store Manager John Moreno, right.
Students from Arabia Mountain High School join in the celebration leading to the ribbon cutting for the new Walmart.
The presentation of colors opens the formal program launching the new superstore. Photos by Kathy Mitchell
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
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State Sen. Emanuel Jones reads to children at Alpha Academy in Decatur. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
It makes a difference when you can interact with [children] at their level, Jones said.
education
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Suttiwan Cox, principal of PATH Academy, was recently recognized by the Georgia Charter Schools Association. People said, You will never be successful. I said, I will prove them wrong, she said. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
sports
For Prices, Deadlines and Information
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Classifieds
aauction
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abusiness
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amiscellaneous
WELDING CAREERS. Hands on training for career a education opportunities in aviation, MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES automotive, manufacturing NEEDED! Train to become a and more. Financial aid for adriver Medical Office Assistant. No qualified students Housexperience needed! Online ing available. Job placement Experienced OTR Flatbed assistance. Call AIM (877) training at SC gets you job Drivers earn 50 up to 55 205-1779. ready! HS Diploma/GED & cpm loaded. $1000 sign on PC/Internet Needed! 1-888- HIGH-SPEED Internet is now to qualified drivers. Home available where you ive for 407-7162. most weekends. Call: 843only $39.99 per mo. New 266-3731/www.bulldoghiSuperfast Satellite Internet CUSTOMER SERVICE & OFway.com EOE FICE TRAINING! SC Train can get you certified & ready COVENANT NEEDS DRIVto work! NO EXPERIENCE ERS! Truck Drivers are in DeKalb County School Board is selling the Hooper Alexander property as-is NEEDED! Job placement Demand! Great benefits, through a competitive sealed bid process. The property is located at 3414 Memorial after online training comstability, and earning poten- pleted. HS Diploma.GED & Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032 and contains a 68,900 square feet school facility on tial! The avg. truck driver PC/Internet needed! 1-888- approximately 8.1 acres. earns $700+/wk*! No CDL? 748-4126. Sealed Bids, from Bidders, will be received by the DeKalb County Board of Education 16 Day training avail! CALL (the Owner) at the Sam A. Moss Service Center, 1780 Montreal Road, Tucker, TODAY! N. GA 866-494Georgia 30084, until 12:00 Noon local time on Monday, November 25, 2013 for all aFor rent 7434 OR S. GA 866-557labor, materials and services necessary for both projects. Residential 9244. *DOL/BLS 2012. Bidding Documents may be obtained by Bidders at:
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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.
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, nationalorigin, handicap or familial status.
sports
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Redan High School baseball team won the Class AAAA state title in May, the programs first state title. Head Coach Marvin Pruitt (far left) and assistant coach Chris Hardnett were named Class AAAA Co-Coaches of the Year
school overall is just a great school to be at. It has a high graduation rate and I feel really good with my decision. Davenport was one of the top players in the county last season, leading Tucker in points (14.8 per game), rebounding (7.3 per game) and blocks (2.3 per game). She said Miami will be getting a versatile player. I can play well on defense as well as finishing at the rim, she said. Davenport said she is looking forward to continuing her basketball career at Miami and growing as a person and becoming a better ball player, she said.
the title. Baker was the winRedan head Coach ning pitcher in that 4-3 Marvin Pruitt, assistant title clinching win for coach Chris Hardnett the Raiders and acceptand former pitcher Braned a scholarship to the don Baker all recently University of Missouri picked up honors for the where he is currently 2013 state championship enrolled. season from the Georgia The Redan Raiders Dugout Club. made their mark on Pruitt, the all-time high school baseball leader in wins for a not only as a school, DeKalb County baseball but for the DeKalb coach at 488-325-5 overCounty School District all, and Hardnett were and the Atlanta Metro named Class AAAA Coarea with their Class Coaches of the Year for AAAA state championleading the Raiders to ship series sweep of the their first state championMarist War Eagles. ship in 2013. The 11-0 and 4-3 Pruitt, who became ill wins to sweep the bestearly in the season, turned of-three title series the reins over to Hardnett gave a storied baseball who along with Harry program its first ever Former pitcher Brandon Baker was named the Class AAAA Player of the Year. Sapp kept the Raiders baseball state title, the rolling into the playoffs. 10th for DeKalb County Redan went 10-1 during the Schools, and the first ever playoffs and finished the season with a two for a team made up completely of Blacks game sweep of 12-time champion Marist in from metro Atlanta to win a Georgia High the finals. Pruitt attended all the state playSchool Association baseball state title. off games in support of his players as they Redans 10-1 record in the playoffs imworked toward that elusive state title. proved its overall in the state playoffs record The Georgia Dugout Club named Baker, a to 48-41 and atop the DeKalb standings. The left-handed pitcher, the Class AAAA Player Raiders also set a new school record for wins of the Year for his performance during the with the 30-7 mark this season breaking the season on the mound. Baker went 8-1 with old mark of 26-7 set in 1982 and repeated in a 1.41 earned run average during the regular 1988. season and was 4-1 in the postseason run to
sports
by Mark Brock Champion and Redan middle school football teams set up championship games in their respective regions with key victories Oct. 5. Tyrese Gilliam had three rushing touchdowns to lead Champion to a 28-26 win over Henderson (2-3, 1-2). Champion (4-1, 3-0) moved into a first place tie with Tucker (5-0, 3-0) for the Region 1 lead and secured the programs first playoff berth while setting up a showdown with the Tigers for the region title Oct. 12. Redan (3-2, 3-0) also secured the programs first playoff appearance with a comefrom-behind 14-8 victory over defending champion Lithonia (2-3, 1-2) Oct. 5. Quarterback Darren Parker hit all his pass attempts in the final drive to lead his team to the victory. The Raider defense held Lithonia to just eight points. Redan is tied with Columbia in Region 3 standings at 3-0 and the two teams meet Oct. 12 to decide the first and second seed for the playoffs. Miller Grove (4-1, 2-1) shut out Stone Mountain (3-2, 2-1) by a score of 34-0 to edge in front for one of the two playoff spots from Region 4. Franklin Smith led the Wol-
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Big wins solidify playoff hopes for DeKalb middle school teams
verines with a touchdown on both sides of the football, including a 10-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jaylen Stuckey and a 70-yard fumble recovery for a score. Charlie Cooper, Joel France and Brandon Booker all had rushing touchdowns in the Miller Grove win. Ace Benton-Lyde led the defense with two interceptions. The Wolverines and Pirates are a game behind Region 4 leader Chapel Hill (5-0, 3-0). Nuru Tinch rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Stephenson Jaguars (4-1, 3-0) to a 34-0 win over Salem (2-4, 1-3) to stay ahead in the Region 2 standings. Wide receiver Amenra Bey had two receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown, quarterback David Smith passed for 94 yards and a touchdown, and Donny Harris and Zytekeat Tillman had rushing touchdowns. The Jaguar defense was led by Jordan Sessom with four tackles, Dylan Wonnum with two forced fumbles, Jamal McDonald with two fumble recoveries and Jacquavious Lane added an interception. Renfroe (4-1, 2-1) set up a key Region 2 game with Stephenson by knocking off Chamblee by a score of 38-0.
Jon Gruden (center with cap) presented a $1,000 check to Towers High School football program as part of his meeting with area high school coaches.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF CALLED MEETING The Mayor and Council of the City of Pine Lake will hold a Public Hearing on the 2014 Budget on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 in the Council Chambers/Courtroom, 459 Pine Drive, Pine Lake, GA 30072, beginning at 7:30 PM. The proposed budget will be available for public inspection on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 during normal business hours.
sports
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Chamblee quarterback Kendrew Wynn looks for a receiver down field while Redan defenders pressure him.
Chamblee running back Xzavier Shugars (left and center) score three touchdowns against Redan Oct. 4.
Chamblee running backs coach Curtis Mattair talks to some of the players on the sideline. Chamblee strong safety Courtland Rogers goes after Redan quarterback Dontavius Withers.
Oct. 4 results St. Francis (4-2) 55, Cross Keys (1-5) 3 Cedar Grove (5-1) 45, Towers (4-2) 6 Chamblee (4-1) 45, Redan (0-5) 0 Marist (3-2) 35, Columbia (2-3) 0 Lithonia (2-3) 22, Stone Mountain (2-3) 18 St. Pius (5-1) 38, McNair (1-4) 7 Luella (3-3) 37, Druid Hills (2-3) 0 Woodward Academy (4-2) 37, Decatur (4-2) 7
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Savings.
What can make Mommy and me time even sweeter? How about the money you save shopping at Publix for your favorite treats and other items your family loves? With a little planning, you can enjoy great Buy One Get One Free deals and weekly specials throughout the store. Bring in your coupons, and save even more. With all the ways Publix helps you stretch your grocery dollars, you can indulge and have something left over: money.