AJC Photojournalist Phil Skinner--Photos of the Year, 2013

Things to Do

JANUARY 19, 2013-ATLANTA: (left to right)T.J. Hooser made a point as Michael Rugh, carrying his AR15 rifle, held the bullhorn & Luchie Wooten listened as over one hundred protestors attended the "Guns Across American" pro gun rally on the Georgia State Capitol steps on Saturday Jan. 19th, 2013. The crowd waved flags and banners peacefully as several speakers addressed what they consider to be an assault on their second amendment rights to own guns. One speaker, Hugh Scott Shashy, called for President Obama to be impeached. Some protestors openly carried pistols & rifles with legal permits to do so, as Capitol police kept an eye on the crowd. Organizers announced another second amendment rally to take place at the capitol on Feb 8th at 10am. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM Editor's note: CQ

FEBRUARY 26, 2013-DUNWOODY: Scott Dockter prays at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 2013. All his life, he'd been a praying man but this was different. One simple request to pray for Chip Madren had set Dockter on a new course, spawned a movement called Chip's Nation and efforts to raise awareness about the need for more research about childhood cancer. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

MARCH 14, 2013-ATLANTA: Bria Cantrell (left) helps eleven-year-old Courtney Hicks as she participates in a free ballet program created by the Georgia Ballet in Marietta for children with special needs on Thursday March 14th, 2013. The DanceAbility Program is in its second year has helped Hicks get back into dancing. She is a brain cancer survivor who was diagnosed just before her dance recital. The removal of the tumor left her body unable to walk, talk, or even feed herself at first. Her courage and undaunted spirit have enabled her to re-learn all those basic skills and even to return the art form that she loved before she became ill. When her insurance coverage ran out and could no longer provide physical therapy for her last year, her parents were looking for something to help her continue to make progress in overcoming her physical limitations. DanceAbility has helped Courtney make incredible progress. Last year she used to wheel her wheelchair to the studio and then practice. Jumping was practically impossible and balancing was very difficult. After her summer off, she returned jumping up and down (literally), ready to come to ballet again. She continues to learn to jump, gallop, and can even balance on her toes for short periods of time now. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

PHOTOGRAPHER'S FAVORITE IMAGE! FEBRUARY 26, 2013-ATLANTA:Portrait of ASO bassist Michael Kurth. Kurth's composition "The Hedgehog Tree and Other Bequests" will be given its world premeire by the Atlanta Chamber Players on May 7 at New American Shakespeare Tavern. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

APRIL 6, 2012-ATLANTA: Jones Kendall, age 6, poses with UGA IX before UGA's G-Day football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens on Saturday April 6th, 2013. The Black team beat the Red 23 to 17. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

APRIL 9, 2012-AUGUSTA: The crowd watches Dustin Johnson (left) & Rickie Fowler walk to the 6th green during the second day of practice rounds for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday April 8th, 2013. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

APRIL 9, 2012-AUGUSTA: Tiger Woods catches a ball thrown by his caddie on the practice tees during the second day of practice rounds for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday April 8th, 2013. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

APRIL 16, 2013-MORGANTON: Kidogo sits in his indoor pen at The Dewar Wildlife Refuge in Morganton (GA)on Tuesday April 16th, 2013. The project, formerly known as Gorilla Haven, began as an independent somewhat eccentric quest to provide a place for old gorillas to live with dignity. Steuart Dewar & his first wife, Jane, spent a fortune (made by Steuart) to build a gorilla-style Jurassic Park in the North Georgia mountains. After they divorced and the money ran out, Steuart's hopes are scaled back and yoked with similar goals of the folks at Zoo Atlanta. There is also a new openness toward bringing tour groups through on a regular basis. Currently former Zoo Atlanta residents Jasiri & Willie B Jr. (aka Kidigo) are the only primates at the $6 million gorilla paradise near Blue Ridge, funded by one clever gentleman and his cell phone apps. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

MAY 9, 2013-AUSTELL: A group of pink pig characters ride the new 24 story tall SkyScreamer extreme swing ride at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell during a preview event on Thursday May 9th, 2013. The new ride is the tallest attraction in the park's 45-year history, exactly four stories taller than the Goliath mega coaster. Up to thirty-two guests can spin in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 miles per hour atop the new ride. The park is currently open on weekends only but will resume a full weekly schedule starting after May 24th according to the company website calendar. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

MAY 18, 2013-KENNESAW: Parkview's # 22 Kyana Campbell(left, center) hugs # 5 Kritina Meyer (both facing camera) after she kicked the clinching penalty kick against Harrison to win the GHSA AAAAAA Girls state championship soccer match at the Kennesaw State University stadium on Saturday May 18th, 2013. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

MAY 18, 2013-KENNESAW:Harrison's #10 Monica Herrera, # 17 Lizzy Sieracki & #6 Julia Bortolazzo cry after losing to Parkview in their GHSA AAAAAA Girls state championship soccer match at the Kennesaw State University stadium on Saturday May 18th, 2013. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

MARCH 21, 2013-GAINESVILLE: Gene Beckstein uses an overhead projector as he leads the family worship service at the Good News at Noon homeless ministry in Gainesville (GA) on Thursday March 21st, 2013. Participants who can recite Mr. B's sermon can get a box of free food. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

JULY 20, 2013-ATLANTA: Martin Luther King III spoke to the thousands who gathered to take part in a prayer vigil and rally in honor of Trayvlon Martin in front of the Richard Russell Federal Building on Saturday July 20th, 2013. Organizers said it was designed to bring healing in the wake of the George Zimmerman trial in the killing of Trayvon Martin and to call attention to what they see as problematic laws like Stand your Ground. The rally is one of 100 being planned for this Saturday in U.S. cities. Rev. Al Sharpton has called for these and local organizer Rev. Markel Hutchins said the rally will include people from all races and religions in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM Editor's note: CQ

JULY 20, 2013-ATLANTA: Jay McQueen raised his hands in praise as thousands gathered to take part in a prayer vigil and rally in honor of Trayvlon Martin in front of the Richard Russell Federal Building on Saturday July 20th, 2013. Organizers said it was designed to bring healing in the wake of the George Zimmerman trial in the killing of Trayvon Martin and to call attention to what they see as problematic laws like Stand your Ground. The rally is one of 100 being planned for this Saturday in U.S. cities. Rev. Al Sharpton has called for these and local organizer Rev. Markel Hutchins said the rally will include people from all races and religions in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note: CQ

JULY 20, 2013-ATLANTA:A tear ran down five-year-old Jacob Charley's face while holding a "Black Life Matters" sign as thousands gathered to take part in a prayer vigil and rally in honor of Trayvlon Martin in front of the Richard Russell Federal Building on Saturday July 20th, 2013. Organizers said it was designed to bring healing in the wake of the George Zimmerman trial in the killing of Trayvon Martin and to call attention to what they see as problematic laws like Stand your Ground. The rally is one of 100 being planned for this Saturday in U.S. cities. Rev. Al Sharpton has called for these and local organizer Rev. Markel Hutchins said the rally will include people from all races and religions in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

JULY 20, 2013-ATLANTA: A woman who would only identify herself as Gabriel wears a hat she made out of Skittles as thousands gathered to take part in a prayer vigil and rally in honor of Trayvlon Martin in front of the Richard Russell Federal Building on Saturday July 20th, 2013. Organizers said it was designed to bring healing in the wake of the George Zimmerman trial in the killing of Trayvon Martin and to call attention to what they see as problematic laws like Stand your Ground. The rally is one of 100 being planned for this Saturday in U.S. cities. Rev. Al Sharpton has called for these and local organizer Rev. Markel Hutchins said the rally will include people from all races and religions in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

JULY 26, 2013-POWDER SPRINGS: Portrait of former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes with a herd of bulls at his cattle farm in Powder Springs with his wife Marie on Friday July 26th, 2013. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

SEPTEMBER 18, 2013-ATLANTA:Panda Bear cub "B" (left) lays next to cub "A" while waiting for a weigh in at Zoo Atlanta on Wednesday September 18th, 2013. The zoo has had a baby boom this summer, with an infant orangutan and rhino, two baby gorillas and panda twins making their respective bows. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013-CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS: Crowds walk across a bridge built on top of one of the lakes at the TomorrowWorld electronic music festival in Chattahoochee Hills, South of Atlanta, on Friday September 27th, 2013. The event has been the world's most popular electronic music festival in Europe for years. It is in the United States for the first time on the nearly 500 acre Bouchaert Farm. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note:CQ

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013-CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS: A crowd dances to DJ Carnage at the TomorrowWorld electronic music festival in Chattahoochee Hills, South of Atlanta, on Friday September 27th, 2013. The event has been the world's most popular electronic music festival in Europe for years. It is in the United States for the first time on the nearly 500 acre Bouchaert Farm. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note:CQ

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013-CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS: Three women were their costumes at the TomorrowWorld electronic music festival in Chattahoochee Hills, South of Atlanta, on Friday September 27th, 2013. The event has been the world's most popular electronic music festival in Europe for years. It is in the United States for the first time on the nearly 500 acre Bouchaert Farm. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM editor's note:CQ

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013-ATLANTA: New Atlanta Opera new general and artistic director Tomer Zvulun (left) rehearses scenes with Luis Ledesma for the season-opening production of "Tosca, " which he is directing on Tuesday September 17th, 2013. Zvulun has earned a reputation as a strong collaborator. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013-NORCROSS: "The Collector" gives a tour of the Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross on Wednesday September 25th, 2013. For a humorous holiday "Private Quarters" spoof. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013-NORCROSS: "The Collector" shows off the spinning room of light during a tour of the Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross on Wednesday September 25th, 2013. For a humorous holiday "Private Quarters" spoof. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM

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JANUARY 19, 2013-ATLANTA: (left to right)T.J. Hooser made a point as Michael Rugh, carrying his AR15 rifle, held the bullhorn & Luchie Wooten listened as over one hundred protestors attended the "Guns Across American" pro gun rally on the Georgia State Capitol steps on Saturday Jan. 19th, 2013. The crowd waved flags and banners peacefully as several speakers addressed what they consider to be an assault on their second amendment rights to own guns. One speaker, Hugh Scott Shashy, called for President Obama to be impeached. Some protestors openly carried pistols & rifles with legal permits to do so, as Capitol police kept an eye on the crowd. Organizers announced another second amendment rally to take place at the capitol on Feb 8th at 10am. PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM Editor's note: CQ

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