We Are DeKalb Magazine April 2014

‘X WAS HERE’ARTWORK BYXAVIERARNOLD SM’S 70TH

EASTERSUNRISE SERVICE

14 TRICKSFOR BETTER HEALTHTHIS SPRING

12 COVER STORY: 14 TRICKS FOR BETTER HEALTH THIS SPRINGBy Dana HindersCelebrate healthy living this spring with tips that will help you reach and surpass your goals.

22 4 APPS DEVELOPED TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHYBy Carnella AjasinA spotlight on 4 convenient apps that will keep you focused.

26 X WAS HERE: A CELEBRATION OF LIFEBy Xavier Arnold and Nichole VillafaineArt and words from artist, SCAD student and soldier slain in Kirkwood on December 26, 2013.

34 DEKALB HISTORY CENTER PRESERVES THE WAY WE WEREBy Bob KelleyDHC offers a variety of historical and informative resources available just around the corner in downtown Decatur.

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTSTHIS ISSUE08 Summon to Life

INSPIRATION11 Heidi B. Fuller: A Life of Service40 70th Annual Stone Mountain Easter Sunrise Service

ENTERTAINMENT20 Photo Splash: In Motion

FOOD42 9th Annual Culinary Extravaganza

ready , set , cook ! {THE ANNUAL CUL INARY EXTRAVAGANZA}On Saturday, March 29, 2014, DeKalb County Council of PTAs partnered with the DeKalb County School District and the prestigious, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta - located in Tucker, GA – to host its 9th Annual Culinary Extravaganza & Competition. Read more on page 42.

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Health/Spring 2014 • wearedekalb.com • We Are DeKalb Magazine 5

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DeKalb Chamber of Commerce dekalbchamber.org

DeKalb Medical dekalbmedical.org

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SUMMON TO LIFEBy Carolyn A. Watson

I magine wisdom, knowledge

and understanding as seeds

of divine judgment growing

and guiding us into living a

superlative life. In them we

learn a distinct difference

between ‘knowing our purpose’ and

‘walking in purpose.’ As such, when the

joy of spring rolls around, we look forward

to leaving old things behind and sprint full

speed ahead toward unknown and unused

possibilities—humbly reminded of the gifted opportunity

to start anew. This much anticipated time of renewal sparks

momentum within one’s self to live better… do better… be better.

From cover to cover, we are thrilled to bring you this inspiring

and informative issue as we peel back the layers of healthy living

with emphasis on how to nurture and sustain the whole you.

Of course, most of us already know the importance of eating a

balanced diet, exercising to keep our bodies fit, and seeing our

doctor regularly as preventative measures of combating poor

health. So why is it that our mind-set often sways away from that

which offers the greatest benefits when it comes to cultivating,

appreciating and celebrating ourselves? We start out strong, and

as hours, days, months, tick by we tend to lose stamina; control

of that insistent courage which dares us

to keep trying. Thus, end the year as we

began—hoping to start strong again.

Now is the time to replace old

habits with new practices and overcome

redundant obstacles which leave us

feeling empty, unproductive and

unfulfilled. Each morning, I meditate in

the spirit of thanksgiving. This helps me

put things into perspective and be cognizant

to rejuvenate, regenerate and rejoice.

Rejuvenate It is vital that we evaluate ourselves periodically to assess

our physical condition, mental state, emotional health, faith and/

or spiritual soundness. Like a cluttered home from years gone

by, we must be honest with ourselves and incite the need for

renovation. Be willing to look deep inside and acknowledge the

invaluable price of restoration. This transformation creates space

for a healthy lifestyle—enabling us to store positive thoughts and

remove negative ones. We soon develop an attitude of giving to

the universe, rather than taking from it.

Regenerate Everyone needs a breath of fresh air. This feeling stimulates

passion to rediscover our gifts, talents and abilities which

reinforce our dreams. It motivates us to maintain focus and

zeal. Like dying of thirst, regeneration revives us, and provides

necessary nutrients to water our hopes—encouraging us to stay

the course and keep the faith. When passion is a priority, love of

life becomes inspiration as we look each day to our purpose and

greater good.

Rejoice Facebook is known for the notable words “Like Us”… but

I question whether we would so readily befriend or even like

ourselves. When counting the cost of past experiences, our

current circumstance, and all we may go through—there is still

much more to be grateful for. Yes, to have been summoned to

life is a uniquely splendid thing! Unfortunately, we easily take for

granted daily triumphs and unmerited favor. What a beautiful

world this could be if we found contentment in celebrating who

we are; rejoicing in all we have vs. all we believe is missing.

As you endeavor this spring to stay healthy and fit (mind,

body and spirit), I challenge you to make a notable impact on

society and leave an imprint in the world. Believe life is worth

living; and when a greater force summons you to great things,

understand the only one who can answer the call is you.

Contributor Spotlight:DeKalb resident, Carolyn A. Watson is an author, poetess and inspirational speaker. facetoflife.20m.com


Photo by Kim Swain.

th is issue {SUMMON TO L I FE}

Grac iou sly f low i ng from the heart of Heidi B. Fuller, are sent i ment s w h ich capture the essence of her passion and

mission to serve. As a native of Atlanta, Georgia, Heidi is no stranger to southern hospitality. In fact, everyone she meets is, to her, an opportunity from God to bless; in hopes that they too will bless the life of another. Heidi was one of the first African American women to land a position in sales with WGST Radio in 1997. Working in this field allowed her to further hone in on her craft of marketing and customer service. “I want to see people happy”, Heidi expressed. “It makes me happy to know that I can help someone realize their dream.” The fruits of her love-driven labor indeed paid off. When the station was in search to fill an on-air announcer position—Heidi landed the gig. And for the next 10 years everything she touched prospered as many extraordinary doors continued to open. In 2004, Heidi’s first gospel radio show, In His Presence, was born. Each Sunday on WGFS AM 1430, this one hour program filled the airwaves with soul-stirring music and special guests who shared their time, talents and testimonies. She later launched her first television show, The Fuller View. As a television talk show host Heidi is definitely soaring to greater heights. Her vibrant voice, radiant smile, humor and charismatic personality have made her recent stage, We Are DeKalb TV, inspiring, educational and entertaining. After joining forces with award-winning We Are DeKalb Magazine, readers and viewers alike, got an exclusive glimpse into people, places and perspectives that make DeKalb County one of the most exciting and valued treasures of the South.

“I realize that it is a gift from God to have this platform,” shares an emotional Heidi . “People are dy ing to tel l their story and it’s my calling to assist them in reaching their goal.” This spring Heidi will relaunch The Fuller View on WATC TV 57 at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. The Fuller View is a half hour gospel entertainment talk show that features fun places to visit, what to wear, health and fitness and so much more. The show began airing April 4, 2014 and will air every Friday thereafter for 13 weeks. The first show features R&B Artist Xavier Lewis, spring fashions by Jessica Simpson and signature footware designer, Vince Camuto with Becky Martz, Retail Merchandising Director, models Renee Knorr and The Beautiful Ones. Heidi believes whole-heartedly in her assignment such that she finances most of her shows. With unwavering faith, however, she is standing on the promises of God as she seeks a network to fully fund this endeavor. Heidi resides in Conyers, Georgia, with her wonderful husband, Lewis

Carr, and supportive blended family. She always carries a song in her heart and her genuine ‘acts of kindness’ are evidence of humble beginnings. “I remember my grandmother, Vesta Crayton Fuller, taking us to the housing projects every summer to feed children who didn’t have anything to eat,” explained a tearful Heidi. “Everyone loved my grandmother and yes, I want to pay tribute to her,” she continued. For it is this loving legacy that embodies the person of Heidi B. Fuller who truly loves all and gives all to a life of service.

We Are DeKalb Magazine would like to thank Heidi for her partnership and support of the publication since its inception. We would also like to congratulate her on her new show and continued success!

“WE ARE ALL WOVEN TOGETHER LIKE A BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRY—AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW YOUR SMILE, TOUCH OR ENCOUraGING

WORD WILL IMPACT THE LIFE OF SOMEONE WHO NEEDS IT MOST.”

A LIFE OF SERVICEBy Carolyn A. Watson

FEATURE

7 WAYS TOTUNE UPYOUR DIET

By Dana Hinders

14 TRICKS FOR BETTER HEALTH THIS SPRING

health

Science has proven that what you eat today

affects your risk of developing future health

problems like hypertension and diabetes.

However, eating right doesn’t have to be

difficult. These simple tips will help tune up

your diet and make sure your body is getting the nutrition

it needs.

1. Cut Carbs Responsibly Low carb diets receive a lot of media attention,

but they fail to point out that not all carbs are created

equally. It’s true that white bread and white rice are low

in nutrients, but whole grain bread and brown rice are

excellent sources of fiber and folic acid. The most recent

Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults

consume three to five servings of whole grains per day.

2. Eat a Rainbow If you don’t like the idea of counting calories or

keeping a detailed food diary, try setting a goal to eat as

many different colors of fruits and vegetables as possible

at each meal. Every color of food offers different health

benefits. For example, yellow fruits and vegetables are

great for your digestive system and green fruits and

vegetables help strengthen your immune system. The

more colors you eat, the more nutritious your meal will

be. Aim for five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables

per day.

3. Build a Better Salad Contrary to popular belief, not all salads are created

equally. Build a better salad by giving up iceberg lettuce

in favor of baby spinach or romaine lettuce for a dose of

folic acid and lutein. Feel free to pile on the veggies, but

add cheese and nuts sparingly since these extras can be

high in fat and calories. Add low fat protein in the form of

skinless chicken, cubed tofu, egg whites, or water-packed

chunk light tuna. Resist the urge to douse your salad in

dressing; you should use no more than two tablespoons

for an entree salad or one tablespoon for a side salad.

IF YOU OW N A CAR, YOU PROBABLY CHANGE THE OIL, CHECK THE SPARK PLUGS, AND GET ROUTINE

MAINTENANCE DONE TO PR EVENT FUTUR E PROBLEMS. BUT, DO YOU PAY THIS MUCH ATTENTION TO YOUR DIET?

feature {14 TR ICKS FOR BETTER HEALTH TH IS SPR ING}

4. Shape Up Your Snacks Part of the reason that we grab cookies and chips for

our snacks is because they’re convenient. To encourage

yourself to make smarter snack choices, you need to

make healthy options readily available. Spend some time

chopping up fresh fruit and veggies at the beginning of the

week to make individual snack packs that you can grab and

go as needed. Hard boiled eggs and low fat string cheese

are good sources of protein to have on hand. Portion

controlled packages of almonds are rich in vitamin E,

monounsaturated fat, and calcium.

5. Shape Up Your Favorite Recipes Go through your family’s favorite recipes and look for

ways to make them more nutritious. For example, you can

add shredded carrots to your spaghetti sauce to get a boost

of beta carotene or mix wheat germ with bread crumbs to

add protein and fiber to your favorite casseroles. Use a mix

of equal parts ground beef and textured vegetable protein

to cut to the fat in chili, tacos, or sloppy joes.

6. Grow Your Own Vegetables Growing your own vegetables is an easy way to make

your diet more nutritious. Organic produce can be pricey

at the grocery store, but it’s easy to start growing your own

at home. Tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and fresh herbs are

good choices for beginners. If necessary, they can even

be planted in large pots on your back porch. The DeKalb

County Extension Office is an excellent source of helpful

gardening tips.

7. Plan Your Splurges If you can’t resist your favorite treats, plan a small

splurge every few days. For many people, this type

of “structured cheating” helps reduce the feelings of

deprivation that lead to consistent overindulging. The key

is to keep portion sizes reasonable. Instead of eating half

a carton of ice cream, have a child sized cone. Instead of

a king size candy bar, enjoy a small square of high quality

dark chocolate.

14 We Are DeKalb Magazine • www.wearedekalb.com • Health/Spring 2014

7 WAYS TOWORK OUT IN YOURSPARE TIME

By Dana Hinders

14 TRICKS FOR BETTER HEALTH THIS SPRING

FEATURE

R ead on to discover seven great ways to

make time for fitness in your busy day.

1. Make It a Social Occasion One of the best ways to make

exercise a habit is to find a workout buddy who can keep

you motivated. Instead of going out to dinner and a movie

with your friends, try meeting up for a bike ride or a

game of tennis. If that doesn’t sound appealing, consider

a modern dance class at the Decatur School of Ballet or

the “Easy Like Sunday Morning” class at FORM {yoga}.

2. Exercise While You Watch TV We all know that too much time in front of the TV

is bad for us, but you don’t have to give up your favorite

programs in order to live a healthier lifestyle. Instead

of munching on popcorn while you watch The Walking

Dead, try doing crunches, squats, and push ups. March

in place during the commercials. You can also buy a

small set of hand weights or a resistance band to keep

near your TV as a reminder to tone up while you tune in.

3. Turn Your Commute into a Workout If you live reasonably close to your place of

employment, consider biking, walking, or jogging to

work. In addition to burning calories, you’ll be saving

money on gas and helping the environment.

If your workplace is too far from home for this to be a

practical suggestion, consider parking a few blocks away

and walking or jogging the rest of the way. It will take

some time to break yourself of the habit of automatically

seeking out the closest parking space, but the results will

be well worth the effort.

4. Shop Till You Drop When you’re at a strip mall or large shopping area,

try walking to each store instead of driving to each

destination. It may take a little extra time to carry all your

bags back and forth, but this is a relatively painless way to

sneak a workout into your busy day.

THE CDC R ECOMMENDS THAT ADULTS GET FIVE HOURS OF MODER ATE INTENSITY AEROBIC ACTIVITY PER WEEK. IF THIS

SEEMS LIKE AN IMPOSSIBLE GOAL GIVEN YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE, YOU CAN TAKE COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT EXPERTS SAY THAT THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE IN SHORT 10 OR 15 MINUTE INCR EMENTS OR INCLUDE FOR MS OF MOVEMENT THAT AR EN’T WHAT YOU’D

CONSIDER TR ADITIONAL EXERCISE.


AMERICANROBIN

You can also try doing a few laps inside your favorite

store before you pay for your purchases. Every lap you

do moves you closer to the doctor recommended goal of

taking 10,000 steps per day. You might even discover a few

bargains in the process!

5. Multitask at Work Office workers often say that their jobs are one of the

biggest barriers to getting fit. If you work at a desk, take

multitasking to the next level by sneaking in easy ways to

increase your physical activity. Replace your office chair

with a stability ball to work your abdominal core. Slip a

pedal exerciser under your desk to help tone your leg

muscles or wear light ankle weights as you do a series of

leg lifts. Buy a chair yoga DVD and memorize a few poses

that you can do at your desk to improve your flexibility. If

you’re going to a meeting, always take the stairs instead of

waiting for the elevator.

6. Play with Your Kids If you’re a parent, make an effort to engage in active

play with your kids. Throwing a frisbee, jumping rope, or

playing hide and seek helps you burn calories while having

fun. If you’re stuck indoors, turn on some music and create

a silly dance routine. For a 150 pound woman, 20 minutes

of dancing burns 100 calories. 7. Clean Up Instead of waiting for the cleaning fairy to arrive, try

thinking of your household chores as a way to sneak in

some much needed exercise. Light housework like dusting

and laundry helps a 150 pound woman burn 170 calories

per hour. If you’re tackling bigger chores like washing

the car or cleaning the gutters, you’ll burn roughly 200

calories per hour. Increase your calorie burn by wearing

hand and/or ankle weights.

feature {14 TR ICKS FOR BETTER HEALTH TH IS SPR ING}



PHOTO SPLASH:

IN MOTION Reigndrop Lopes, First Lady of Hip-Rock performs at the Left Eye Music Fest . The festival is held annually at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center located in DeKalb County. Hosted by actor Brad James, from Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, the event gives families the opportunity to enjoy activities and games in the Fun Zone and products and food from the vendors.

Contributor Spotlight:Photo contributed by Muhammed Cannon of Dreams That Breathe out of Lithonia, GA. dreamsthatbreathe.com


4 APPSDEVELOPED TOHELP YOU STAYHEALTHY

By Carnellia Ajasin

WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING MANY OF US

HAVE RENEWED OUR COMMITMENT TO TAKING

BEttER CARE OF OUR BODIES.

FEATURE

T echnology is increasingly playing a vital role in the disruptive effects in the health industry. Increased government involvement in health care and delivery, health data analytics and mobile technology are

all contributing factors to this progressive evolution. Enhancements in sensor technology have been a catalyst to wearable health-monitoring. Tracking devices and health information are maturing, as is the technology that makes them function. The day when doctors are prescribing mobile health apps and devices for patient rehabilitation and recovery are steadily becoming common. Over the past year promising new mobile apps at the intersection of technology and health has been developed with the potential to help you live a healthier life. From food to cancer management, here are four apps for your review:

INRFOOD INRFOOD is aimed at helping you make more informed food choices. The app allows you to scan items at the grocery store and links to a database of over 250,000 products. The app then assigns ingredients by color depending on their nutritional value – red means avoid, yellow means moderately consume and green means safe. Embedded social technology allows you to review, track, share, and discuss everything you eat, your ingredients and your food choices with others.

inrfood.com

WHETHER IT’S TraINING FOR THAT FIRST MAraTHON, INCORPOraTING DAILY MEDITATION, OR JUST MAKING

HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES — TECHNOLOGY WILL BE OUR CONSTANT COMPANION DURING THIS ENDEAVOR.

AVVA Cancer treatment can be a difficult period for patients, family, and their caregivers. The Avva app was designed under the guidance of physicians and medical students at the Stanford Cancer Institute to assist patients with keeping track of appointments, scheduled procedures, test results and medicines. You can also share the information with your doctors and the Avva online community.

havvahealth.com

feature {4 APPS DEVELOPED TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY}

ZISBOOMBAH Parents can empower their children with a fun app dedicated to promoting healthy eating in kids ages 5-13. Zisboombah, collaborates with children, parents, and nutrition experts to create useful, food educational tools that teach the value of food choices.

zisboombah.com

GRATITUDE JOURNAL Yes, there is now a mobile gratitude journal. It has been said that a grateful heart equals an expansion of positivity and abundance in one’s life. Daily, this app invites you to write down five things for which you are grateful, upload pictures, add ratings and even track the weather. How’s that for improving your health?

happytapper.com/gratitude-journal


FEATURE

A Celebration of LifeArt and words from DeKalb resident, artist, SCAD

student, U.S. Coast Guard and Army Reserve Geospatial Engineer, son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend,

Xavier Arnold who was slain during an armed robbery attempt against him and two friends in Kirkwood on

December 26, 2013.

x WASHERE

By Xavier Arnoldand Nichole Villafaine

art

ar t { ‘X ’ WAS HERE : A CELEBRAT ION OF L I FE}

“I push forward and make progress because I want to. No one is in control of my future. My path is one, chosen out of many possible outcomes, I made the choice on every forked road. Your doubts carry no weight. You wonder how someone can survive and almost come out on top of so many devastating situations, It pains you to know how one can struggle equally or even worse and still laugh it off. Its because I can laugh it off. First day of the new job tomorrow. Feels good to be home. — feelingdetermined.”

Xavier ArnoldPosted on December 8, 2013


A special thanks to Nichole Villifaine for sharing her son’s art with our readers.



“This realm is just a series of test. With more answer choices than your typical A, B, C, & D. You choose the best answer your comfortable with and move on to the next question. And once you’re finished you receive a harder test with more intelligent answers. Pass that and you grow. Never live in regrets. Just move forward to the next test and everything will get better as long as you want it to. — feeling human.

Xavier ArnoldPosted December 2, 2013”



Health Awareness

Understanding GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is defined as a condition caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Also known as acid reflux, GERD is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which acts as a valve between the sensitive lining of the esophagus and the acidic contents of the stomach. This reflux of acidic stomach contents can cause a variety of bothersome symptoms and over time can even lead to cancer.

Some symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, swallowing difficulty, nausea, hoarseness, coughing, sore throat, and dental disease.

GERD affects millions of people – up to 40% of the population of the United States. Some try to modify their lifestyles while others take antacids or other over-the-counter medications. Others are prescribed powerful medications designed to be taken for life, and yet many still suffer.

At the DeKalb Medical Heartburn Solutions Center, we understand that suffering with the symptoms associated with GERD is frustrating and uncomfortable. Our expert staff has the capability to evaluate your condition and deliver heartburn treatment choices that will finally provide the relief you deserve. We have the latest state-of-the-art technologies to test the function of the esophagus, measure acid levels and evaluate for pre-cancerous conditions. We can then deliver treatment tailored specifically for you, whether it is medications or the latest in minimally invasive surgery.

For more information visit our website: www.atlantaheartburnsolutionscenter.com or call 404-501-RFLX (7359).

DeKalb Medical – North Decatur campus2701 North Decatur RoadDecatur, GA 30033

A D V E R T O R I A L

FEATURE

Benjamin Swanton House. Photo by Bob Kelley.

DEKALB HISTORY CENTER

PRESERVESTHE WAY WE WERE

By Bob Kelley

FROM ANTEBELLUM HOMES TO RARE

BOOKS AND VINTAGE PHOTOS, THE

VENERABLE CENTER SAFEGUARDS THE

COUNTY’S HISTORIC PAST FOR FUTURE

GENERATIONS .

history

history {DHC PRESERVES THE WAY WE WERE}


Former U.S. President Harry Truman

once said, “The only thing new in the

world is the history you don’t know.”

For nearly seven decades, the DeKalb

History Center (DHC) has consistently

provided “the history we don’t know”

about DeKalb County, its cities and its residents, as the

premier guardians of the county’s collective memory.

Today, with the combined help of emerging technology,

dedicated volunteers and public support, it is carrying

that legacy into the 21st Century.

Initially established as the DeKalb Historical Society

in 1947, the DHC is a membership-based, non-profit

entity appropriately housed in the old DeKalb County

courthouse, an historic structure on the city square in

downtown Decatur that was built in the early 1900s.

Moving to the courthouse in 1968, the DHC spent $1.6

million renovating the building in the mid-1990s, adding

a museum and archives on the main floor and converting

the old courtroom on the second floor into a special events

venue. The DHC also maintains three nearby antebellum

structures located on West Trinity Place in Decatur:

the Benjamin Swanton House, the Biffle Cabin and the

Barber Cabin.

Collecting, preserving and sharing A treasure trove of information related to DeKalb’s

storied past, the DHC’s collections are composed of a

wide variety of materials including subject files, maps,

manuscripts, vintage photographs and rare books. There

are also biographical files on longtime DeKalb families, a

county cemetery index, and special reference materials and

periodicals. Noteworthy fragments of history preserved

there include the Free Persons of Color records, Sanborn

fire insurance maps and a nearly complete set of Atlanta city

directories which include cities in DeKalb County.

“We are the only organization dedicated to collecting,

preserving and sharing the rich history of DeKalb

County,” says Melissa Forgey, DHC Executive Director.

“We do this in a number of ways, ranging from our archival

collections to ongoing offerings such as our museum

whose rotating exhibits run the gamut from DeKalb’s

rich dairying history to our latest exhibit on mid-century

modern homes in DeKalb County. Our popular Lunch

& Learn series offers lectures from local authorities on

topics such as histories on Decatur, Doraville, Tucker and

Avondale Estates to the founding of Emory University and

the beauty of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage area.

Left to right: 1. DHC staff member reviews historical memorabilia (photo by DHC). 2. Swanton House (photo by Bob Kelley).


“Area youngsters benefit immensely from a number of

our programs and activities that are directed at teachers

and students. We are especially proud of our living history

event held each year. This is a special field trip for local

students held every October. The students are carried

back in time to hear true stories from actors portraying

well-known personalities such as Benjamin Swanton,

Harriett Tubman, James Oglethorpe and Sequoyah.” (See

page 39.)

Historic complex chronicles a forgotten past Three of the jewels in the DHC crown are the

antebellum homes that comprise the center’s historic

complex in nearby Adair Park.

Benjamin Swanton House One of the oldest existing buildings in Decatur, this

home was built as a log cabin around 1825 by Ammi

Williams. Benjamin Swanton purchased the house in

1852 and remodeled it, transforming it into a central-

hall cottage. Swanton had come to Georgia, lured by the

Dahlonega gold rush of 1828, and was quite successful at

selling mining machinery. He moved to Decatur in 1852

where he engaged in a variety of business ventures. Urban

renewal threatened the home throughout the 1960s and

in 1968 it was moved and restored in order to ensure its

preservation. It was listed on the National Register of

Historic Places in 1968.

Biffle Cabin This is one of two log cabins maintained by the DHC

at the historic complex. It was built between 1825 and

1840 by Revolutionary War veteran John Biffle who, when

he died in 1850 at the age of 106, was the county’s oldest

resident. The cabin was discovered in the mid-1970s by

workers clearing land for the construction of a subdivision

on Biffle Road in Stone Mountain. It features a unique

construction technique most commonly used in eastern

Pennsylvania and a large stone fireplace. The home was

moved to the complex in 1977.

Thomas-Barber Cabin Built in the 1830s by George and Martha Thomas, early

DeKalb County settlers, this 20x30 foot cabin was home

to the couple and their six children. Originally located

on what is known today as Browns Mill-Salem Road, the

cabin features a bullet hole through its front wall. Legend

has it that Thomas fired his rifle at the front wall making a

Left to right: 1. Historic image of DeKalb County Courthouse circa 1918 (photo by DHC). 2. Modern image of DeKalb County Courthouse after renovations (photo by Bob Kelley).


peep hole that enabled the family to see who was coming

down the road from Decatur. The residence later served

as a stage coach stop for wagons making the two-day trip

between McDonough to Decatur. Donated by the Barber

family to the DHC, the cabin was deconstructed log by log

and moved to its present location in the historic complex

where it was restored with the assistance of several

Appalachian craftsmen who put an authentic shake roof

on the cabin.

Looking to the future With its non-profit status, the DHC looks to

membership fees, donations, sponsorships, benefactors

and annual fundraisers to enhance the center’s coffers

and help pay for the variety of services it provides to the

community. A mere $30 ($25 for students, teachers and

seniors) purchases an annual tax-deductible membership

that includes a complimentary subscription to the official

DHC newsletter, Times of DeKalb; 10% discounts on all

DHC publications and museum shop items; and free or

reduced entrance to DHC’s special events, programs

and exhibits.

A variety of other membership levels from $50-$2,500

can bring additional perks that, depending on the level of

giving, can include tote bags to ticket discounts to major

DHC events; copies of Historic DeKalb County, An

Illustrated History by Vivian Price, and rental discounts

for the courthouse special events venue.

The DHC staff is constantly striving to develop new

programs and activities for the residents of DeKalb

County. “Of course we have our bi-monthly lecture series

but we would like to add public tours, living history

programs and Family Days to bring more visitors to

the historic courthouse and the history complex,” said

Jenny Goldemund, DHC Programs and Preservation

Coordinator. “One of our top priorities right now is

recruiting docents and volunteers to help with these

new efforts. The center needs community input and

involvement in order to thrive.”

Someone once noted that “an historian is often just

a journalist looking backward.” At the DHC, staff and

volunteers are looking both forward and backwards to

ensure DeKalb County’s rich heritage is preserved for

many generations to come. For more information, go to

www.dekalbhistory.org.

DHC staff members (photo by DHC).

history {DHC PRESERVES THE WAY WE WERE}

Ever wonder what obstacles James Oglethorpe encountered in his quest to discover Georgia? Or how Sequoyah came up with the Cherokee alphabet? Just what dangerous adventures did Harriett Tubman encounter in running the Underground Railroad to help slaves escape the Civil War-era South? The answers to these questions and many more are often found at year-round programs and activities made available by the DHC to inspire a love of history in DeKalb County students. And the great programs are getting better all the time.This fall, the DHC is offering a new curriculum-based living history program, called History Adventure, at its historic complex at West Trinity Place. The two-day event, October 24-25, costs just $9 per student with Title 1 discounts available. “We wanted something exciting and engaging for students that also covers curriculum standards,” said Jenny Goldemund, Programs and Preservation Coordinator for the center. “An event like this helps create the context through which students come to truly understand our past.” History Adventure is tailored to the needs of various grade levels. On October 24, Georgia history curriculum standards for grades 2-8 will be

covered. Fourth graders and high school students are invited the second day to experience early American history. “This event will have students asking questions and will give them some vivid images and ideas about history,” Goldemund added. “This kind of experience can absolutely transform students’ attitudes about learning history. “Also we are currently in the process of writing a play about DeKalb County during the Civil War that will debut in 2014 in time for the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Atlanta,” said Goldemund. “Both public and school performances will take place at the historic courthouse and we will make in-school performances available for schools that cannot bring students to us.” These planned educational efforts come on the heels of the DHC’s popular summer series of Log Cabin Storytelling where children were treated to topics such as Appalachian folktales and traditional Southern folklore and music by characters like Fiddlin’ Dan, The Mountain Man. Many of the activities offered students are funded in large part by donations, sponsorships and memberships in the DeKalb History Center.

DHC ACTIVITIES AIMED AT STUDENTSHELP BRING HISTORY TO LIFE

Storyteller reenacts moments in history. Photo by DHC.


STONE MOUNTAIN

EASTER

SUNRISE SERVICEBy Susan Fowler

In 1944, Lucille Lanford of Stone Mountain United Methodist Church led the church’s youth on an Easter Sunday morning hike to the top of the mountain to worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A tradition was born and now features simultaneous services on both

the mountain top and the lawn at the base of the mountain. Each year, thousands make the pilgrimage to the top by hiking or riding the scenic sky lift. Others find their way to the lawn. Huddled in blankets and jackets, they eagerly await that first peek of the sun and join in the Christian

tradition of sharing music, scripture, the Gospel message and the fellowship of worshippers and sunrise observers. Both mountain top and lawn services are signed for the hearing impaired. The Stone Mountain Sunrise Association (SMSA), a group of ecumenical Christ ian church volunteers committed to continuing this tradition, facilitates this beautiful tradition and invites you to join us this Easter Sunday Morning. Services begin at 7:00 AM.

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2014 MARKS THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

ANNUAL EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE!


This was one of the Council’s signature Health and Wellness Initiatives geared toward promoting healthy lifestyles, enhancement of students’ culinary skills, culinary as a possible career choice as well as promoting how

culinary style meals can actually be easy and healthy through proper preparation and cooking techniques.

2014 Teams: The following schools participated in the competition —Clarkston High School, Columbia High School, Lakeside High School, McNair High School, Miller Grove High School, Redan High School, Towers High School, Tucker High School and Warren Technical High School. They were professionally judged on Safety, Appearance, Taste, Sanitation, Team Work, Creativity, Verbal Delivery of Menu and Nutritional Information to name a few.

Le Cordon Bleu and the Event Planning Team The prestigious Le Cordon Bleu is a traditional Culinary School that teaches its students classic techniques and the culture of global cuisines, and has trained many accomplished chefs. It always provides an elegant and exciting atmosphere for students, instructors and invited guests. The Annual Event Planning Team includes Mrs. Deirdre Pierce, DeKalb County Council of PTAs Health/Wellness Co-Chair; Master Chef Mr. John

Kanadu of Le Cordon Bleu and Mr. Timothy Schmitt of DeK a lb ’s Ca reer, Technolog y and A g r icu lt ura l Education Department. Notable attendees included School Board members, the Superintendent, Cabinet members and parents and friends of the participating students. The event was not opened to the public but aired on Comcast PDS-channel 24. Our Partners As with all great events, collaborative partners played a significant role in the event by making wonderful opportunities available to the culinary teams. Junior League DeKalb awarded the top two winning teams the opportunity to showcase their incredible talent by offering culinary samples to attendees at their Tour of Homes event in April. Additionally, Mr. Kevin Ashford, spokesperson for the incredibly popular “Real Men Cook” event held in Atlanta on Father’s Day, not only awarded the 1st Place winning team a featured cooking demonstration spot on stage, but is allowing all competing teams to attend and prepare samples at the event as well enabling them gain further exposure in the world of culinary arts. Kudos to the winners for their extraordinary culinary performances. Learn more about the winners, our Council, future events and health tips at www.dekalbcouncilptas.org and www.dccptawellness.weebly.com.

ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014, DEKaLB COUNTY COUNCIL OF PTAS PARTNERED WITH THE DEKaLB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE PRESTIGIOUS LE CORDON BLEU COLLEGE OF CULINARY ARTS

ATLANTA—LOCATED IN TUCKER, GA—AGAIN TO HOST ITS 9TH ANNUAL CULINARY EXTraVAGANZA & COMPETITION.

food

CULINARY ExTRAVAGANZABy Deirdre Pierce

We Are DeKalb Magazine April 2014

Documents

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