About The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (April 2, 2015)
Page 2A LOCAL The Champion, Thursday, April 2 - 8, 2015 NEWS BRIEFS Man robbed at gunpoint in Avondale Estates Two suspects robbed a male pedestrian at gun point March 25, around 10:40 p.m. on East College Avenue at Sams Crossing. The victim told Avondale Estates Police that two suspects held him at gunpoint and took his wal let as he made his way to the MARTA Station. According to police, the suspects were wearing black clothing and black ski masks; the gun was not seen and could not be described. The victim was not injured during the incident and the suspects immediately fled on foot. Investigator Tom Gillis said the department is following leads and reviewing security video from nearby businesses. Anyone with information regarding this crime should call Gillis at (404) 391-4526. DeKalb Community Service Board to address schizophrenia DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) was selected to participate in the National Council for Behavioral Health’s 2015 Early Onset Schizophre nia Community of Practice (COP), which will take place from March through October 2015. “We are excited to be recognized by the Na tional Council for our excellence in the care of early episode psychosis treatment,” said Joseph Bona, chief medical officer of DeKalb CSB. “We applaud the national council’s approach to supporting local excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of youth and young adults at risk for early onset schizophre nia.” DeKalb CSB was selected as one of 10 partici pating organizations out of nearly 60 applicants. COP participants will develop a strategic plan which will include community resources that can be utilized as a point of screening and/or referral for screening, clinical best practices for this target population, potential funding sources and recom mended practices needed to best serve this popula tion and their families. Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling mental disorder characterized by deficits in thought processes, perceptions, and emotional respon siveness. It affects nearly 1 percent of Americans. Emerging evidence strongly suggests that early recognition and treatment of schizophrenia can positively alter the natural course of the illness and potentially provide full recovery. “We are especially excited to bring this specialty care to the citizens of DeKalb County,” Bona said. The Early Onset Schizophrenia Community of Practice will provide valuable insights to support and broaden DeKalb CSB’s Prevention and Early Intervention Program. This is a surveillance and monitoring program that strives to reduce the dura tion of untreated psychosis in youth by identifying youth at ultra-high risk of developing schizophrenia before they experience their first psychotic break. Decatur releases statement on public protests The city of Decatur wants protestors to be re spectful of city laws and private spaces. In recent weeks, there have been several protests in and around the Decatur Square on both public and private property. In a March 27 statement, the city touted its “at tractive, accessible and safe environment for public life.” “This combined with the city’s role as the coun ty seat of DeKalb County means people gather here all the time, whether for a festival, to enjoy the nice weather or to demonstrate about an issue they feel passionately about,” according to the statement. “We are viewed as the civic heart of the county and this creates the challenge of democracy in Decatur.” Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett stated, “Our police officers have responded appropriately and profes sionally by instructing participants that they can not protest on private property without permission from the owner. “They can protest on public sidewalks as long as they do not obstruct others from using the side walks and if they want to have a parade they would need to secure a permit,” Baskett stated. In the statement, Baskett asked that individuals “interested in making a statement to DeKalb Coun ty. . .choose a venue more closely associated with the county that would allow their voices to be heard by those they are trying to reach.” In the news release, Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker said, “The Decatur Police Department re spects and acknowledges the individual right of ev ery person in this country to assemble peaceably in public. Every Decatur officer is trained to respond to protests and protestors respectfully and profes sionally. This department will continue to uphold the highest standards when balancing protestors’ constitutional rights with the rights of others who may be impacted.” County's human development department to host father, daughter workshop DeKalb County’s interim CEO Lee May, in partnership with Men Stopping Violence, Hearts of Hope Domestic Violence Ministry and the Men’s Ministry of Peace Baptist Church, is presenting “Because We Have Daughters,” an interactive work shop that bridges common emotional gaps between fathers and their daughters. Facilitated by DeKalb’s Human Development Department, the workshop will be hosted at the Porter Sanford III Perform ing Arts Community Center, on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “This initiative keenly focuses on tactical ways to strengthen families and to demonstrate work able coparenting strategies. I hope as many fathers as possible will participate and see for themselves,” May said. Men Stopping Violence created the Because We Have Daughters initiative in 2005 to train faith- based organizations to sponsor and feature these workshops as an extension of their community out reach. The initiative provides a unique opportunity for fathers to break through communication barri ers and learn more about their daughters. The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Com munity Center is located at 3181 Rainbow Dr., De catur. The workshop is free and open to the general public. Because seating is limited registration is re quired. RSVP at elwilliams@dekalbcountyga.gov, or (404) 370-7669. r Clarification An article in the March 19, 2015, issue of The Champion Newspaper and March 20,2015, issue of Champion Free Press incorrectly stated that Pine Lake had eliminated its executive sessions. No action has been taken. We apologize for the error. J t# Discover your passion. Attend a GPG Open House. * Advance sign up and student attendance are required to receive fee waiver. Fee waivers must be used by July 1,2015. Limit one fee waiver per household. w w March 26 - May 2 • GPC application fee waiver - a $20 savings!* Meet GPC faculty, staff and students • Take a campus tour and enjoy refreshments RSVP online at openhouse.gpc.edu A BETTER WAY FORWARD IK Georgia Perimeter College®
