FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Fords
M.O.R.E. program for moms
And her personal
Mothers Day greeting
to all mothers
D
by John Hewitt
eKalb County District
Director of Public Health
Dr. Sandra Elizabeth
Ford is a woman who
precisely plans every
aspect of her life. She
also has a passion for young moms and
wants to provide support to those moms
and their infants. She has drawn from
personal experience of the uncertainties
of childbirth and single motherhood in
creating a program to help others.
As a young full-time pediatrician,
Ford was expecting her first child and
was about to be a single mother. She
described herself, as well as other
doctors, as control freaks. In addition to
practicing medicine, Ford was attending
night classes while pursuing her MBA
and was pregnant. But she had her life
under control. She had planned every
detail of her delivery and the days and
nights following.
Fords plan was to deliver her child
in the hospital where she was working.
She had picked her specific rooma
corner room with more privacy. Ford said
she had planned who would be with her
during her delivery, who would be with
her during her recovery and who would
be with her when she brought her new
bundle of joy home. She had the perfect
plan, so she thought. When recalling
this, Ford chuckled and said When you
plan, God laughs.
However, all of those plans for the
birth of her first child did not play out
the way she thought they would. Fords
water broke unexpectedly while she
was at home, in bed and alone. Her first
inclination was to change the linens on
her bed so she would return home to a
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 VOL. 20, NO. 6 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
clean home. That is an example of how
perfect Ford expected and wanted things
to be.
The person Ford had planned to
be with her during her delivery wasnt
available on short notice so she called
on her grandmother to be with her.
After her initial examination at the
hospital, Ford was told that her child was
in distress, that she had a compromised
delivery and needed an immediate
C-section. She asked the attendants to
find her grandmother, who was in the
dining area. Ford said her grandmother
scrubbed up and off they went to the
operating room. The scenario was far
from what Ford had so meticulously
planned.
Ultimately, everything turned out
well for Ford and her son Nicholas. Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford and son Nicholas
Reflecting on the situation Ford said
she asked herself what she really
needed at that time. The answer to her
own question was that she needed her
mother.
Fast forward to 2005, when Ford
became district director of the DeKalb
County Board of Health. She was
reviewing infant mortality rates and
discovered what she referred to as a
staggering difference between the rates
reported by the cities of Dunwoody and
Lithonia. The mortality rate for moms in
the Lithonia area was 13.5 percent
compared to a national average of 5-6
percent, which was also the rate in the
Dunwoody area.
Around that same time, DeKalb
Commissioner Larry Johnson shared
with Ford that he had funding available
to address infant mortality rates and
that he wanted a program designed
with a goal of reducing infant mortalities
countywide. Ford accepted the challenge
and told Johnson she could handle the
request. This was the beginning of the Kassie Bennett, a M.O.R.E. staff member, with Minton
M.O.R.E (Mothers Offering Resources
and Education) Moms program.
M.O.R.E. matches young mothers with the moms would help during and after
trained resource moms who help before, their pregnancies with issues such as
during and after pregnancy health care for the new moms and their
Six women were initially recruited as infants, healthy eating, breastfeeding,
moms to serve as mentors and provide parenting skills and even how to properly
support to young mothers. The message use a child safety seat.
conveyed to expectant mothers was that See Moms on page 5
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 2

FINS TO THE LEFT, FINS TO THE RIGHT

Doraville
gets tropical
with A1A,
leading
Jimmy
Buffett
tribute band

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

Doraville kicked off an

inaugural event, Concert in
Flowers, in style on April 28 by
hosting what has been called
the worlds leading Jimmy
Buffett tribute band, A1A.

Flowers Parklocated at
5910 New Peachtree Road in
Doravilleechoed the sounds
of steel drums, trumpets,
saxophones, bongo drums,
keyboards, maracas and
guitar as the seven-piece band
played Buffett favorites such
as Cheeseburger in Paradise,
Margaritaville, Son of a
Son of a Sailor, Fins, Come
Monday, Its Five OClock
Somewhere,, sending attendees
straight to the dance floor.
Jimmy Buffett tribute band A1Anamed after the coastal Florida highwayplayed Buffett favorites such as Fins, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Margaritaville,
A1A also treated guests to Son of a Son of a Sailor, Come Monday, Its Five OClock Somewhere, as well as classic reggae and original music. Photos by R. Scott Belzer
classic reggae and original
music in the trop-rock genre.
Three food trucks kept guests
stomachs full.

Since forming in 1991, A1A

has repeatedly headlined
Meeting of the Minds, an
annual festival celebrating
Jimmy Buffetts music and fans,
also known as Parrot Heads.
The band describes itself as
the original and official Jimmy
Buffett tribute show.

Doraville will host numerous

concerts at the newly renovated
Flowers Park, which was
approved for a Community
Development Block Grant in
2015. Improvements include
pool renovations, playground
additions, landscaping,
pedestrian infrastructure and
more. Construction began in
2016 and finished in 2017.
Doraville city officials hosted an inaugural Concert in Flowers event to celebrate the reopening and renovation of Flowers Park, located at 5910 New Peachtree Road.
Photos by R. Scott Belzer
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE ESTATES
Comedy show to benefit CARE
Avondale Estates Towne Cinema will host the
sketch and improve comedy show Folks to Give on
May 25 from 8 to 11 p.m.
The eventa partnership between Atlanta Ex-
plained, Flying Giants and Decaturish.comwill
benefit CARE, a non-profit organization focused on
fighting global poverty.
Flying Giants is a comedy team responsible for
The Internet is Trying to Kill You, sketch comedy show
as well as bimonthly comedy shows throughout the
metro Atlanta area.
Atlanta Explained is a comedy show based on
news media and how people consume it. The troupe
regularly performs at the Village Theatre. The team is
responsible for The Atlanta Banana, Atlantas satirical
DeKalb watershed management to host work-
shop
STONE MOUNTAIN
The DeKalb County Department of Watershed
Management (DWM) will host its second Industrial
Pretreatment Program (IPP) Stakeholder Workshop
May 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at 4572 Memorial Drive in
Decatur.
At the workshop, companies permitted by the
countys IPP program will receive updates on organi-
zational and programmatic changes implemented to
improve compliance with county rules and ordinances,
the Federal Clean Water Act and the Georgia Water
Quality Control Act. Attendees will have an opportu- City to host Color Vibe 5K
nity to discuss the program implementation and ask
questions or suggest modifications. Stone Mountain will host the annual Color Vibe 5K
DeKalb County is currently under a federally May 20 at VFW Field beginning at 9 a.m. VFW Field
mandated consent decree related to the operation and is located at 888 Gordon Street. For more information,
maintenance of the sewer system. The goal of IPP is to visit www.thecolorvibe.com/atlanta.
prevent further deterioration of pipes and other parts

online newspaper.
According to event organizers, the talent and event
space are being donated.
Folks to Give tickets are $20 for general admission
and $35 for VIP passes. VIP passes grant front row
seats.
Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early.
For more information, visit http://www.brownpaper-
tickets.com/event/2931737.
BROOKHAVEN
City to host meeting on overlay project
The first Brookhaven Peachtree Overlay Update public
meeting will be held May 18 at 6:30 p.m., at St. Mar-
tins Episcopal Church. The church is located at 3110
Ashford Dunwoody Road. For more information, visit
www.brookhavenga.gov.
DECATUR
of the system. The IPP also prevents the introduc-
tion of pollutants to county treatment plants that may
pass through into rivers, lakes and streams, adversely
impacting the environment.
While these requirements have been in place for
years, DWM has enhanced enforcement to ensure that
the county and industries in the county permitted by
the IPP are up to current regulatory standards. Ad-
ditionally, DWM is actively identifying industries that
are required by law to be permitted by the program.
DeKalb Countys IPP is under the oversight of the
Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The IPP Workshop is limited to 60 participants and
is open to both regulated industries and the public. To
reserve space in the workshop, send an email request
to IPP@DeKalbCountyGA.gov. Questions about
the event should be addressed to Bernard Bethea,
pretreatment supervisor, at brbethea@dekalbcountyga.
gov or 404-687-7147. General inquiries or questions
about the IPP may be sent to IPP@DeKalbCountyGA.
gov
CLARKSTON
TUCKER
Middle school to host chess fair
Stone Mountain Middle Schoollocated at 4301
Starr Parkwayis scheduled to host the fifth annual
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Chess Fair on
May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.
DCSD officials invite all district parents and
students to participate in the fair, which will host
games at the novice, intermediate and expert levels.
After 15 minutes, point rules will be enforced to
ensure a game for all attending players.
Parents must register students at the welcome table
and go to the designated parent area. All students must
be accompanied by an adult.
City to have state of the city address
Tucker will have its first state of the city address
May 12 at city hall annex, 1-3 p.m. City hall annex is
located at 4228 1st Avenue. For more information, visit
www.tuckerga.gov.

Community Service Board announces May

meetings
The May 25 board meeting of the DeKalb Commu-
nity Service Board is open to the public for those who
are interested in services for mental health, addiction
and developmental disabilities. The meeting will be
held at 4 p.m. at 445 Winn Way, Room 421, in Decatur.
The Community Engagement Committee meeting will
be held in the same room at 3 p.m. and is also open to
the public.
The Audit, Finance and Compliance meeting will
be held in the same room on Tues, May 23 at noon
and is also open to the public.
Those with disabilities in need of assistance or
accommodations to participate in the meeting should
contact community relations at (404) 508-7875.
Public invited to paint mural
COUNTYWIDE
Local artist Shannon Willow is inviting the public
to help her paint a mural at Refuge Coffee Company
on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Construction hiring event announced
Titled Human Family Forest, the muralis to be
located at 4170 E Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E.Willow WorkSource DeKalb is teaming with Archer
hopes public participation will build bridges between Western for a hiring event May 18 from 9 a.m. until
cultures, bring people together and ultimately express 1 p.m. at 4572 Memorial Drive in Decatur.Positions
shared values. include concrete finishers, equipment operators,
Willow has completed the primer as well as the carpenter foremen, carpenters and pipe fitter/layers
overall background. Details will be provided by the All qualified tradesmen are to register online at:
community at large. http://conta.cc/2p8d0Yh.
Willow has completed three similar, murals in For more information about WorkSource DeKalb
Clarkston with public participation and others in the visit www.worksourcedekalb.org
metro Atlanta. She has been endorsed by Clarkston
Mayor Ted Terry as well as East Atlanta business
owners.
For more information, visit www.
shannonwillowart.com.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 4

Bouldercrest
Park
improvements
come to
fruition
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Longtime DeKalb County resident Patricia
Culp said she was disappointed about the
condition of a playground where local children
play. She, along with members of the Cedar
Grove Neighborhood Association (CGNA),
decided to do something about it.
Culp, president of CGNA, said the
association worked with county officials to
fund a new playground for the area.
The process took nearly two and a half
years but on April 29, Culp and CGNA
members witnessed their hard work come to
fruition as the county unveiled Bouldercrest
Park during a ribbon cutting ceremony with
DeKalb County Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs.
The park, located at 4184 Bouldercrest
Park Road, features a new playground and a
recently installed library box.
The original playground was in really
bad shape. We decided we wanted to get an
initiative started to get a new playground,
Culp said. We just wanted a better
playground for our kids. I have lived here for
25 years and Im happy to live in this part of
DeKalb County.
She said community support helped the
process along with the support of the county.
She said shes pleased to see the county is
committed to keeping the parks green space
intact.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond
at the dedication ceremony said CGNAs effort
is something to be admired.
This is wonderful. This is a great day,
not just for the Cedar Grove Neighborhood
Association, but a great day for DeKalb. This
is evidence that when citizens take control of
their destiny, we can improve the quality of
life throughout the county, Thurmond said.
Culp said the improvements for the park
are not finished. She said she would like to add
signage to the park as well as an informational
booth about the parks history.
More than 35 children, adults and CGNA
officials were on site for the dedication
ceremony. Many of whom wasted no time
enjoying some of the new equipment.
Were trying to encourage people to step
up and be a part of their community. We had
to come together and make this a park that
people want to be proud of, Culp said.

DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association held the official opening
and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bouldercrest Parks new playground April 29. Photos provided
LOCAL
Staff members Kassie Bennett and Dorothy Winfrey distribute M.O.R.E. information at a community
event.
MOMS Continued From Page 1
For the next several years, the
M.O.R.E. program flourished under
Fords guidance with its limited
budget and staff.
At the eight-year celebration
of M.O.R.E., Ford had a chance
encounter with pregnant 13-year-old
who was attending the event. The
young woman asked Ford, Does it
hurt to have a baby? Ford said she
replied with Yes! Have you had any
classes or anything? No maam,
the soon-to-be mom replied, Im
in a girls home. Ford asked who
would be with her when she had her
baby. The girl replied she would be
alone. That ripped me to shreds,
Ford said.
Fords chance encounter with
this young lady was the catalyst
to include more services to young
mothers and Ford set up training
programs for the moms to act as
doulas who can assist the expectant
mothers during their delivery.
Most of the women who receive
assistance through the M.O.R.E.
program are single teens, Ford said,
and dont have any concept of what
childbirth is like.
As the M.O.R.E. program
continued to expand its
services, it morphed into a more
comprehensive program that
provides self-esteem training,
language skills, job training and
support services so the young
mothers can continue their
educational pursuits. Ford said
one former participant now has
her Ph.D. and often attends
meetings presented by M.O.R.E.
to encourage the mothers to take
advantage of the program and to
continue to pursue their dreams and
careers.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 5
my wonderful M.O.R.E.
M.O.R.E. Moms participant Lisa Tullis and
daughter Ebony
Ford hopes the next expansion
of the M.O.R.E. program will be
to have a residential facility where
young mothers can come for
additional life-skills training. She
said having a facility would be a
really, really big component.
The program has helped more
than 5,000 mothers and babies
since opening its doors and now
serves more than 1,000 moms with
an annual budget of $250,000. She
plans to ask DeKalb CEO Michael
Thurmond for a portion of DeKalbs
SPLOST funds to increase the
services provided and hopefully
find a physical facility. This is my
baby; M.O.R.E. Moms is my baby,
everybody knows it, Ford said.
She credits the success of the
program to the women who serve
as surrogate moms. The women on
our team are so phenomenal, she
said.
A Mothers
Day Message
Wishing a Happy
Mothers Day to all those who
take on the toughest yet most
rewarding responsibility on
earth, and to the villages that
support usmost especially
Moms! I am so proud of
both the women that join the
program, and of our team
that assists them in every
imaginable way.Though
I love what I do at DeKalb
Board of Health, being a
mother is the job I love the
most, and I am grateful to
have a program that does
so much to support both
mothers and children.
Wishing you peace and pampering
(and rest),
Nicks Mom
aka Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA
district health director/CEO
DeKalb County Board of Health
OPINION
What happened to President Trumps great Healthcare plan?
He said he was going to take
care of everyone. It sounded
like a strange proclamation for
a Republican to make, but okay,
I was open to hearing his plan.
Now, Im learning that his plan,
which Congress passed last
Thursday, is not great and does
not cover everyone. In fact, it
eliminates many of those who
need it most.
I have been observing
the president since he was
candidate Trump. I was not
shocked, only disappointed and
saddened, when the Electoral
College gave the presidency
to him. My disappointment had
nothing to do with a Republican
winning the White House. In
fact, I dont see that Mr. Trump
is a Republican. He seemed
then and now to be whatever
was and is expedient. I believe
I would feel differently about the
presidency if, say, John Kasich
had won. His agenda would be
contrary to what I as a Democrat
would want, but I believe he
would seek to bring out the best
in the American people and
uphold the dignity of the office.
As an American, I want
whoever is president to succeed
in ways that affect the economy
and public safety. I am against
war no matter what party is
involved or how many times
I hear people say that war is
Tragedies should prompt talks with teens about driving
When I started my journalism
career decades ago, I often
found myself with an assignment
I absolutely hatedknocking on
the doors of grieving parents
homes to ask questions about
their teens who had just died.
The circumstances differed
each time but usually involved a
vehicular accident and it seemed
far too often these incidents
occurred in the springjust
before graduation and the end of
the school year.
I was reminded of this when
six teens from metro Atlanta
were killed in two separate car
accidents. Four boys (ages
14,15 and 16) from South Fulton
County died on April 24 in an
accident involving a tractor-
trailer. On the same day, two
Letter to the
necessary. I believe humans
have evolved to where we can
communicate effectively, and
therefore, eliminate the need
for war. Why should a leaders
ego (as it often the case) be
the determinant for a nation
engaging in war?
I had hoped, without any
basis for such, that once Mr.
Trump became president he
would somehow become a
stable leader interested in
Americas good. That didnt
happen. He remained who
he has always been. He is
consistently incontinent in his
words and behaviors. He doesnt
seem affected in any real sense
by what others think or say
about him. He only gets his
feelings hurt.
Ive been watching him
as I have watched no other
president, not even President
Obama who I admired for his
intelligence, dignity, and his
desire to serve the people. I
appreciated that he included all
Americans as he governed. I
have watched President Trump
grandstand with his signing
of each executive order. He
signs those orders as if he is
accomplishing great things for
the country and for his legacy. I
dont know how anyone thinks
returning to the past is a good
thing. We need to practice
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
brothers (14 and 18) were killed
in Cobb County in a collision
with a school bus.
One doesnt have to know the
families to get a sense of just
how devastating these incidents
are for family, friends and their
communities. Six lives that had
so much potential and, no doubt,
brought love, joy and pride to
those who knew them best,
have been cut short. The pain is
difficult to imagine.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 6
Editor
Sankofa, keep the good of the
past and use it to serve us as we
move forward. Life should be
about improving as we advance.
Why get rid of regulations
that exist to keep the air and
water clean, and those that allow
students some help paying off
college loans? Do mentally ill
people really need legal access
to guns? Why build a wall to
keep people who are fleeing
dangerous situations out of
our country, a country that has
been a beacon of freedom and
hope for those seeking refuge?
I wonder if President Trump
realizes what he is signing. I
think he is simply doing busy
work and enjoying photo-
ops. Seems each president
should build on the good of his
predecessor and also work their
own agendas.
If Mr. Trump is a jobs
president, he should hire
workers to fill numerous
vacant government positions.
That action could help the
government function better. He
could put an infrastructure bill on
the table that would hire people
in the cities and in the rural
areas and cut the unemployment
rate. President Obama couldnt
get that done. Trump could have
it as his victory.
I could have given the
president some real work
Sadly, this will not be the
last of these tragedies to occur.
Motor vehicle accidents are the
leading cause of death for teens,
according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2015, 2,333 teens in the
United States ages 1619 were
killed and 221,313 were treated
in emergency departments for
injuries suffered in motor vehicle
crashes in 2014, the CDC states
on its website.
Parents, guardians, relatives
and anyone with a sincere
interest in the welfare of our
young people would be wise
to take time for a serious talk
with the teens about what can
happen when they grab the keys
and head out. Whether they
are drivers or passengers its
that would have included the
Democrats, energized and
encouraged the people, and
moved the country forward in a
good wayfix what is not working
well with the Affordable Care
Act. Why reinvent the wheel?
Either fix it and make it more
affordable, or replace it with a
single-payer system. He likes
universal healthcare. Think what
a hero Mr. Trump would now be
to the majority of Americans if
he had done that. (Okay, I know
the Republicans dont believe
in the government taking care
of people.) How can America
continue to claim that it is the
greatest country in the world if
it cannot effectively take care
of its sick citizens? He could
have signed an executive order
making healthcare a human
right. Why not?
I am still waiting for President
Trump to give a speech unifying
the country rather than only
addressing his base and those
who voted for him. I expected
it after he won the election.
Someone in his administration
is capable of writing such a
speech. Oh, I forgot, Mr. Trump
would step all over it with his
adlibs.
Barbara Armstrong,
Stone Mountain
important to instruct and advise.
No doubt these are messages
that have been shared before
but deserve repeating.
Cautions about speed,
distractions, rules of the road,
wearing seatbelts and knowing
when to decline the offer of a
ride are just a few of the topics
that should be covered. They are
likely to say Yes, yes, I know,
I know but keep talking and
emphasis the huge responsibility
that comes with getting behind
the wheel.
Once our children are beyond
our grasp and outside earshot,
they are on their own. Lets do
all we can to drive home the
most important messages while
we have the opportunity to do
so.
OPINION
Tough time erasing history in the Big Easy
We will no longer allow the
Confederacy to literally be put
on a pedestal in the heart of our
city,New Orleans Mayor Mitch
Landrieu.
On April 24, more than
coincidentally the once-
venerated Confederate Memorial
Day, New Orleans public works
crews began the controversial
task of removing and storing four
statues and monuments meant
to honor former heroes of the
Confederacy.Due to significant
public outcry and threats against
the monument removals, the
public works crew toiled as
armed police guards stood by.
Six members of the New
Orleans City Council, including
Mayor Landrieu, made the
decision last year to remove
statues of General Robert E.
Lee, Confederate President
Jefferson Davis and others
from prominent squares and
public parks. There was some
outcry in reaction, and limited
public debate, but no public
referendum in setting this rather
significant historic precedent
occured.
Like Georgias Savannah,
or Charleston in South Carolina,
New Orleans is a city steeped in
its culture, history and traditions.
In addition to giving us the gifts
of jazz, New Orleans legendary
cuisine and riverboats still rolling
along the Mississippi River,
the French Quarter remains
the tourism and hospitality
focal point of the city. Southern
hospitality here is a given, as
is the slightly slower pace, as
well as the famous and hard-to-
describe New Orleans drawl.
And history seeps from
most every corner with offerings
ranging from the beignets of
Cafe DuMonde to the prominent
placement of a large statue and
monument honoring General
and later President Andrew
Jackson in Jackson Square.
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions
from its readers. Please write to us and express your
views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain
the writers name, address and telephone number for
verification. All letters will be considered for publication. 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.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 7
Hitler.Though a much more will not be an easy path for the
One Mans recent wound, the Germans
smartly left many of their horrific
Big Easy either, and I certainly
hope it does not become a trend.
Opinion concentration camps and gas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
chambers intact, as stark and hoped to hear freedom bells
Bill Crane grim reminders of some of ringing from the top of Stone
bill.csicrane@gmail.com Germanys darkest days. The Mountain, but neither King, nor
tiny attic that housed Anne his primary living lieutenants,
Frank and her family, remains have ever suggested erasing the
heavily trafficked by tourists and carving for which that mountain
But wait, Jackson was also once inside almost impossible is best known. History matters
a life-long slaveholder, and as to fully describe the paranoia, warts and all.
a general, in addition to great claustrophobia and non-quality And todays majorities, which
victories during the War of 1812 of life that multiple generations could again someday become a
(including the Battle of New of a close-knit Jewish family minority, should not be in charge
Orleans), Jackson would begin experienced for years in of which and what history we
to implement the policies of virtual captivity from their own choose to retain, and which gets
Native American relocation and government. relegated to the dust bin.
removal. Jackson was a populist, History, when documented
credited with creating the and fact-based, simply is what
modern Democratic Party and it was.It can be painful and at
after three attempts successfully times emotionally charged to
was elected Americas ninth look back. Though the horror Bill Crane also serves as a
president. of slavery still exists in parts of political analyst and commentator
Jacksons administration the world, most predominantly for Channel 2s Action News,
made Indian relocation a priority, on the continent of Africa, and WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and
signing more than 70 treaties sexual slavery runs rampant now 95.5 FM, as well as a
with Indian nations, while in cities across the globe, you columnist for The Champion,
attempting to convince their will be hard pressed to find its DeKalb Free Press and Georgia
leadership to convert their tribes current champion or defender. Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native
to agrarian farmers, and lay Removing these statues will and business owner, living in
down their weapons for moves not erase or undo any wrongs. Scottdale. You can reach him
to the west.Jackson began the It is not an apology on behalf of or comment on a column at bill.
Trail of Tears, a largely on-foot those former slave owners.This csicrane@gmail.com.
migration from North Georgia
and the Carolinas to Oklahoma
by 16,543 Cherokees, with a
reported 6,000 fatalities along
the way.
I am not a Southern
apologist, and I fully
acknowledge the primacy of the
issue of slavery as being the
primary catalyst for the American
Civil War. And yet we ended
that division with a Southern
surrender followed by a period of
brutal reconstruction more than
150 years ago, so I keep waiting
for that scab and wound to heal.
I increasingly have resigned
myself to the realization that will
not likely occur in my lifetime.
The history of Germany
will forever bear the stain and
scar of the leadership of Adolf
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley on all sides of an issue. We have no
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
SAFE TO PLAY IN CLARKSTON? Operation
Clean Sweep
Ordinance to protect
playground users
discussed by city officials
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
City officials in Clarkston
are considering an ordinance
requiring playgrounds and play
areas to be 50 feet away from
major roadways, including
East Ponce de Leon Avenue,
N. Indian Creek Drive, Church
Street, Norman Road, Montreal
Road and Brockett Road.
The ordinance was
discussed by council on May
2 during its monthly meeting.
Councilwoman Beverly
Burks, the chief sponsor of
the ordinance, said she plans
to discuss the ordinance in
committee before voting in
June.
At a previous council
meeting, we had someone
bring up a concern about some
of the daycare facilities on
Church Street, how it was in
close proximity to the curb and
how that could be a danger to
children, Burks said.
Burks said the overall goal
of the ordinance rather
than changing the overall
zoning code or enforcing spot
varianceswas to provide an all
safe atmosphere for Clarkston
children.
If a car runs up on the curb,
they wont hit the fence and
injure children outside playing,
Burks said.
Should businesses not be
able to comply with the 50-foot
setback, city attorney Stephen
Quinn said the alternative of
installing a guardrail approved
by the Georgia Department of
Transportation is included in
the ordinance.
Quinn advised the council
A childcare facility on Church Street in Clarkston may violate a potential 50-foot
to give 30 days or a similar
setback ordinance on the table with city officials. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
timeframe to allow childcare
facilities to comply.
Burks said the committee
meeting will allow the public
to voice concerns they may
have before the ordinance goes
into effect. She said she drove
around herself to investigate
claims before doing her part as a
public official.
I want to make sure,
from a city perspective, that
we do something to have a
safe community, Burks said.
Were looking at our main
thoroughfares, any[place] where
large amounts of children may
be, to make sure were not
endangering children.
All route information, a video with Hearing information & comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 8
beautifies
Redan Road
Operation Clean Sweep
removed almost six tons of
debris in DeKalb County on
April 29 along Redan Road.
To date, Operation Clean
Sweep crews have removed
more than 190 tons of debris
from county roads. The
initiative is targeting arterial
roadways before turning a
focus to collector, residential
and then streets. Crews clear
grass, trash and debris from
roadway drains and curbs,
mow rights-of-way and remove
litter.
On May 6, crews continued
Operation Clean Sweep on
Wesley Chapel Road between
Covington Highway and Flat
Shoals Parkway.
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Notice of Public Hearings
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets,
Modification to Partnership Program Discount Structure, and
Proposed Bus Service Modifications for August 5, 2017 for the following routes:
Route 12: Howell Mill Road/Cumberland; Route 30: LaVista Road; Route 75: Tucker; Route 81: Ve-
netian Drive/Adams Park; Route 82: Camp Creek/Welcome All; Route 84: East Point/Camp Creek;
Route 93: East Point/Delowe Drive; Route 119: Kensington/Hairston Road; Route 120: E. Ponce
de Leon Avenue/Tucker; Route 121: Stone Mountain/Memorial Drive; Route 162: Headland Drive/
Alison Court; Route 191: Justice Center/SR 85 Riverdale Road/Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Intl Termi-
nal; Route 192: Justice Center/Tara Blvd./Old Dixie; Route 193: Justice Center/SR 54/East Point;
Route 194: Justice Center/Mt. Zion/SR 42-Moreland Avenue/East Point; Route 195: Forest Park/
Roosevelt Highway; Route 196: Church/Upper Riverdale/Mt. Zion; Route 221: Stone Mountain/
Central Drive limited; Route 800: Lovejoy/Justice Center.
Mobility: Adjust complementary ADA service to reflect the modified route alignments to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Tuesday, May 16 Wednesday, May 17 Thursday, May 18
Maloof Auditorium Clayton County Fulton County
1300 Commerce Dr., Commission Chambers Assembly Hall
Decatur, GA 30030 112 Smith Street, 141 Pryor St., SW Atlanta, GA 30303
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m. Jonesboro, GA 30236 Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m. Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Walk one block west HEARING: 7 p.m. Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 32, 49, 55,
of Decatur Rail Station Riding MARTA: Route 193. 74, and 186.
Copies of the proposed Budgets and Bus Service Modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTAs Headquarters Office of External
Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm.
For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons
requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665.
In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide comments you may: (1)
leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTAs Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete
an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than May 26, 2017 to (404) 848-4179.
All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be consid-
ered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their
interests require.
Keith T. Parker, AICP, General Manager/CEO
LOCAL
Kyle Brooks said he was told by a DeKalb County Code Enforcement officer that the displays in his yard are not art.
Art or violation?
Local artist told displays violate code
College student vows to change future, wins award
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Local artist Kyle black cat
tips Brooks has made a name
for himself selling his artwork
in the Atlanta area. Brooks,
a DeKalb County resident
for more than a decade, said
he purchased his home and
land near Lithonia because he
wanted a place to display his
material.
However, some people
are questioning whether his
artwork is in violation of the
countys code. Brooks said he
was told by DeKalb County
Code Enforcement that his
displays were illegal. Without
warning, Brooks was given a
court date for May 23 to answer
to his alleged violations, he
said.
No letters, no calls...
nothing, Brooks said. I got
a visit last week from a code
enforcement officer and he
went on to tell me I was in
violation of the countys code
and what I was doing was
illegal. I can go to court and
I can talk to the judge and
maybe they could just give me
a fine, but I thought no, this
happened to me for a reason
and I want to tell all my art
supporters and friends.
Brooks created a post on
his Facebook page Black Cat
Tipsthe art of Kyle Brooks,
and shared his accounts of
what happened. He wrote,
We moved here because we
wanted to make the area even
better and be a light in the
community. Happy, fun art
should not be illegal.
As of May 8, Brooks
Facebook post was shared
more than 1,000 times.
Nonetheless, Brooks front yard
does not currently showcase
any large displays of smiling
faces. Brooks said he removed
his artwork because he didnt
want any trouble.
Brooks, who lives off
Klondike Road in Lithonia,
said hes overwhelmed by
the community support hes
receiving. He said several
people called code enforcement
officials on his behalf.
Initially, Brooks said his
interaction with the code
enforcement officer didnt
bother him until he was told
that his displays were not art.
The [code enforcement
officer] pointed at the different
things in my yard...he said
anything with words on it cant
be art...in my head I thought I
dont think thats legitimate...
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 9
who is he to tell me whats art?
Brooks said.
County officials said the
issue isnt with the content
of Brooks art, but the size of
his displays. According to the
county, Brooks was cited for
non-permitted signs. Kyle Brooks, who lives off Klondike Road in Lithonia, said he removed his lawn
DeKalb County Code, displays because he didnt want any trouble.
Chapter 21, prohibits the
posting, displaying or erecting
of signs without a valid sign
permit. Signs in residential
areas shall be no greater than
24 square feet in size and no
[higher than] 4 feet above
the ground. In this case, the
residents signs are greater than
the measurements allowed
under the code. His court
date is not punitive; rather, a
decision will be made by the
judge whether the pieces on his
property fit the definition of
a sign or not, county officials
said in a statement.
Brooks said he wants
his house to be known as
a stopping point for the
community and create a
conversation.
Most of my art is just dogs,
bears, smiley faces and funny
stuff. It makes me happy, and
in turn it makes other people
happy, Brooks said.
According to county officials, DeKalb County resident Kyle Brooks is in violation
of county code because of the size of his lawn displays.
LOCAL
Former Liverpool player and team legend Phil Neal visited local soccer players at the Clarkston Community Center on April 29 thanks to the efforts of one supporters million to the city. As part of
club and one metro Atlanta nonprofit. Photos submitted.
Liverpool legend visits Clarkston
European ex-professional soccer player plays with local youth
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Phil Neal isnt a name
known by many in America,
not even by many in DeKalb
County.
It is, however, a name
known by millions around the
globe thanks to his 11-year
career at Liverpool Football
Club, one of the most popular
soccer teams in the world.
During his career,
Neal won the European
championship four times, the
Union of European Football
Associations champion
ship once, the English
championship eight times
and many more titles familiar
to the most diehard soccer
fansmaking him the most
decorated Liverpool Football
Club player in the teams 124-
year history.
Neal has also represented
Englands national team on 50
occasions and racked up five
goals.
On April 29, thanks to
the efforts of Atlanta-based
nonprofit Soccer in the Streets
and LFC Atlantathe metro
Atlanta Liverpool supporters
clubNeal spent the majority
of his day passing, shooting,
tackling and blocking with
local Clarkston soccer players.
Ben Butler, a board
member with Soccer in the
Streets, and Stuart Brennan
with LFC Atlanta, said the
organization flew Neal to
Atlanta for a question-and-
answer event with fellow
Liverpool legend Steve Nicol.
According to Butler, Soccer
in the Streets benefits minority,
immigrant and refugee teens
at low-performing schools,
low-income housing, high-
crime and high-unemployment
areas by introducing them
to culturally competent role
models through the game of
soccer.
What starts out as a
friendly kick-around turns
into teaching life-skills,
personal responsibility and
job readiness, according to
organization officials. Soccer
in the Streets teams with other
nonprofits, local schools,
community centers and parks.
These kids are refugees
theres not much of a support
system, Blank said. What
[the program does] is play
soccer, but also installs
interpersonal skills, teamwork
and elementary skillsets a lot of
these kids probably wont get.
After Soccer in the Streets
was described to Neal, he
requested to meet local youth
personally.
Blank said he expected
Neal to watch players and give
helpful advice, but before he
knew it, Neal was out on the
field, breaking a sweat. About
20 kids of 15 nationalities
joined Neal for a friendly
game.
He played for about an
hour, Blank said. He just
loves the game.
For more information on
Soccer in the Streets, visit www.
soccerstreets.org.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 10
Brookhaven closes
on purchase of
greenspace at PDK
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Brookhaven finalized
the purchase of 33 acres of
greenspace near DeKalb-
Peachtree Airport (PDK) April
28, the city announced May 1.
The closing came three
months after Brookhaven
City Council signed off on an
intergovernmental agreement
to purchase and preserve
the space. The councils
action followed a unanimous
vote by the DeKalb County
Commission authorizing
the sale of the tract for $5.7
the agreement, Brookhaven
will preserve the land for
greenspace and cannot sell it
for development.
This is an exciting
milestone for Brookhaven
and its residents who worked
so tirelessly to preserve
Brookhavens green and vibrant
environment, Brookhaven
Mayor John Ernst said. We
still have work to do to ensure
that the property is safe for
all residents to enjoy, but Im
looking forward to exploring
this greenspace with my sons
when it opens.
The property, located
west of Clairmont Road at
the intersection with Tobey
Road, contains mature trees,
See Brookhaven on Page 12A
Please join us for the
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
DeKalb County Extension
4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Georgia
FUN, FOOD and PRIZES!!!
ALL PRODUCE 50% OFF
Live Remote Radio with DJ Nabs from and Veda Howard from
For more info, call 404-298-4080
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

The Georgia chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness awarded

A yard sign in Clarkston displays a refugee-friendly message. Photo by Travis Hudgons Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura, center, the Law Enforcement Leader-
ship Award at its annual conference.

Mercedes-Benz USA CEO and President Dietmar Exler (center) joined students from Emory University Goizueta Busi-
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston visits with leaders ness School May 4 as the keynote speaker for the Goizueta IMPACT Showcase Day. Photo provided
representing the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club on May 3, announcing a
partnership between the county and the club. Photo submitted.

Students at Peachtree Charter Middle School represented Georgia at

the National Science Bowl April 29 and 30 in Washington, D.C. Photo Dunwoody began hosting its Food Truck Thursdays event on April 27. The event features food trucks and family-oriented
submitted. activities each Thursday 5 to 8 p.m. at Brook Run Park. Photo submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb Countys Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 12

NEVER STOP LEARNING

Stone Mountain native switches gears mid-career,
national design mag highlights success

by R. Scott Belzer In high school, I was branding design projects, so I

sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
For Stone Mountain native
Jenny Lanier, its never too late
to understand the ins, the outs
and creative side of business.
With hard work and a healthy
curiosity, it is possible to
become a professional in a
totally different area, she says.
Not only does Lanier have
a bachelors degree in creative
advertising from Southern
Methodist University and
several years of experience as
an arts director, she is also on
course to receive her master of
fine arts degree from Savannah
College of Arts and Designs
(SCAD) Atlanta Campus in
June.
After that, she will pack her
bags and head to Austin, Texas
to work as a user experience
(UX) designer for IBM Design
Studios.
Her accomplishments have
earned her a place in Graphic
Design USAs Students to
Watch in 2017 list.
According to Lanier, her
career success can be attributed
to randomness.
drawn to anything that allowed
me to be visually expressive,
Lanier said. But I was also
involved in a lot of different
activities, ranging from student
council to the golf team.
Ive always been interested
in random things that are
seemingly unrelated to each
other.
Lanier said this randomness
led to working in advertising
and transitioning to graphic
design. She said the transition
was necessary to become an
expert on client needs, which
greatly differ. She said her
thirst for knowledge and need
to be better at her job soon led
her down the path to become a
designer.
My first job exposed
me to incredible learning
opportunitiesI was able
to mature a lot in terms of
responsibilities as well as my
more technical skills, Lanier
said. While I was working,
app and web design became
a more important skill that
I didnt feel like I knew
enough about. I also really
enjoyed package design and
became more interested in the
graphic design side of visual
communication.
Lanier said an opportunity
to attend SCAD Atlanta
arrived soon afterward and
that it seemed like a natural
transition. She said the college
played a big role in obtaining
her new job, mainly because
of the out-of-classroom
opportunities it offers each
semester.
Courses cultivate creative
expression while emphasizing
vital production skills and
techniques, Lanier said.
Their focus on the design
process and research are hugely
important to my development
as a designer.
Lanier encourages students
not to limit themselves to one
career or interest. She said that
UX or UX design did not exist
when she was a teenager but
a healthy curiosity, work ethic
and open-minded attitude
landed her where she is today.
Take a do-it-yourself class
at Home Depot; make a goal
to visit somewhere new every
month, even if its just a park
Stone Mountain native Jenny Lanier, who was named as one of Graphic Design
USAs Students to Watch in 2017, says to never stop learning to be successful.
Photo submitted.
down the street; Learn how ego, no matter how good you
to animate a short cartoon by are at what you do, Lanier
watching a Skillshare tutorial; said. Its important to be a
listen to a podcast about nice person who brings value
peanut farming, Lanier said. in terms of teamwork, attitude,
Dont be complacent with desire to do better, and being
what you know and always teachable. Attitude and work
yearn for more knowledge. ethic are incredibly important
Lanier said it also doesnt to any employeroften, those
hurt to remain humble, kind attributes are more powerful
and pleasant to be around. than your talent.
No one wants to work with
a jerk or someone with a big
Faith & Fun Summer Camp
Field trips, arts & crafts
New Jerusalem
Church
5721 Miller Grove Road, Lithonia
Call Dr. Edmondson
at 770.981.7408 to reserve space!
$45 per week

See all funeral homes.

All prices and reviews.
Council Member John Park, Mayor John Ernst and Parks and Recreation
Director Brian Borden visit the greenspace property on the day it legally
All in one place.
transferred to the city.

BROOKHAVEN Continued From Page 10A Funeralocity welcomes Atlanta.

a stream, wildlife and native
plants, according to the city.
The site will remain closed
to the public throughout
the summer so staff and
community partners can
address environmental and
safety issues as well as conduct
a cleanup.
To maximize the
accessibility of this 33-acre site,
we will need to fix the issues
caused by the storage of old
fuel tanks and construction
material for many years, City
Manager Christian Sigman
said. This fall, our work Introducing Funeralocity, the new website where you can see and compare
should be complete and we will ratings, reviews and prices of funeral and cremation services of all funeral
be able to open the area for all homes in the Atlanta area.
to enjoy.
Whether youre planning for the future, or have an upcoming or immediate
We delivered on our
need, Funeralocity helps you make a more informed decision for your family
promise to the dedicated
by putting all the information you need at your fingertips.
citizens in this community
who have been lobbying Visit funeralocity.com today and see for yourself.
for years to have this land
preserved, Brookhaven City
Councilman John Park said.
The hardest part is finished.
Now, Brookhaven is solely
responsible for the future of
this priceless urban forest.
LOCAL
Councilman Ahmed Hassan had doubts about passing a
non-detainer policy following a closed-door meeting with
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on
May 2, but the measure unanimously passed. Photo by R.
Scott Belzer
PROMISES KEPT
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston city council
passed an official policy limiting
the citys cooperation with
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) detainment
on May 2 following two
separate meetings.
The policy will allow
Clarkston Police Department
not to comply with detainment
requests unless there is an
official judicial warrant from
federal authorities, an act
termed as symbolic in nature
by city officials.
Detainment requests are
just thatrequestsand are
typically sent to municipal
law enforcement agencies
to streamline immigration
enforcement. They are not,
however, required to be
honored under any existing
state or federal law, according to
Clarkston city attorney Stephen
Quinn.
In addition to showing
residents city-stamped support,
Quinn said the policy will also
protect the city from potential
Developer submits revised proposal for Sears property
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A developer has not given
up on building a mixed-use
development on the vacant
Sears Distribution Center
property in Tucker.
Stephen Macauley of
Macauley Investments, LLC
submitted revised plans for his
projectThe Riseon April
24. The revised plans feature
192,000 square feet of retail
space, 88,000 square feet of
office space, 705 housing units,
Clarkston City Council passed a symbolic non-detainer policy on May 2 following outcry Glory Kilanko urged Clarkston City Council to keep its
from the public and a meeting with immigration officials. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
immigration-related lawsuits.
ICE detainers are not
warrants, Quinn said. If youre
seizing someone without a
warrant, you are violating their
constitutional rights and they
can sue you.
Currently, Fayette, Fulton
and DeKalb counties have non-
detainer policies, according to
Project South attorney Azadeh
Shahshahani, who verified
Quinns claim on litigation.
While Clarkston does not
and will not receive detainer
requests from ICE due to
the citys lack of jail cells, as
confirmed by Clarkston Police
Chief Christina Hudson, city
council passed the policy to
show support for residents who
have been effected by ICE raids.
Clarkston has a history of
standing up for its principles,
said Mayor Ted Terry. [The
policy] is more symbolic than
practical, but there are larger
forces at work here, not just in
Clarkston but across Georgia
and the nation. Symbolic or not,
Clarkston should be a leader.
We want to keep our principles
intact. This is our moment to be
courageous.
a daycare and an elementary
school on the old Sears site at
Mountain Industrial Boulevard
and Hugh Howell Road.
The Tucker Community
Council will hear Macauleys
proposal May 10.
In January, Macauley
withdrew his previous plans
for the site after city council
members made motions to
either defer their vote or deny
the applications due to concerns
expressed by council members
about the timing of the
project, the uncertainty of tax
abatements, the need for a more
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 13
Council members met
Clarkston passes non-detainer policy, limiting
with ICE representatives on
cooperation with immigration officials
the morning of May 2 after
the representatives refused to
attend a town hall meeting with
residents on April 27. Hundreds
attended the town hall to air
grievances and share their
stories of detainment following
claims from Omar Chekey that
Somali-American immigrants
are being targeted by ICE
officials in Clarkston.
According to councilman
Dean Moore, on May 2, ICE
officials told city officials they
would be placed on a naughty
list should they proceed with a
non-detainer policy.
ICE officials said the city
may risk a loss of federal
funding, causing Moore as
well as councilmen Ahmed
Hassan and Awet Eyasu to
hesitate passing the ordinance.
They instead suggested passing
the ordinance in June or July
after further research and legal
advice.
My feelings are that
we could use a lot more
information about a lot of
issues, Moore said. Since
we dont have ICE calling us
detailed site plan and review of
the design standards.
Macauley filed applications
with the city to rezone the
property, amend the citys
comprehensive plan and grant
a special land use permit for
senior housing. City staff
recommended the council deny
all three applications.
The project consisted of 684
living units: 308 multi-family
units, 68 townhouses, 33 single-
family homes and 275 senior
living units. The plan includes
a grocery store, retail space,
office space, child care, a health
word and pass a non-detainer policy on May 2. Photo
by R. Scott Belzer
up, Im not sure this is the
best strategy for our city
Its a non-issue. It lays another
layer of confusion onto the
issue. To pass legislation on a
non-issue is not a good way to
govern. We should [support our
community] in a different way
than poking Donald Trump
in the eye and risking federal
funding.
According to city manager
Keith Barker, Clarkston is
currently receiving funding
from the Federal Highway
Administration for a $4 million
streetscapes project to revitalize
its downtown core.
Councilman Mario
Williams said he does
not believe federal threats
are credible and believed
cutting off federal funding
unconstitutional. Councilman
Jamie Carroll agreed.
I personally think
[Trumps executive orders] are
unconstitutional and the whole
thing is crazy, Moore said. But
is an aspirational policy worth
passing to jeopardize future
funding and put Clarkston
behind the 8-ball? Clarkston
will have to pay to go out and
and wellness facility, a 300-seat
performing arts center and a
600-person school.
Several residents from
the Smoke Rise community
spoke in favor of the plan and
asked the council to approve
Macauleys applications. The
Smoke Rise Community
Association endorsed the
project after meeting with
Macauley and his staff.
A few residents spoke
against the application
stating that it goes against the
citys zoning ordinance and
comprehensive plan.
[defend] this.
I dont see it as a credible
threat, Carroll concluded.
Shashahani said federal
authorities threatened to
withhold only funding
from localities that refuse to
communicate with ICE. Thus
far, she said, no cities have
passed such an ordinance.
Glory Kilanko, director
with Women Watch Afrika, said
Clarkston councilman should
keep the promises made
during the April 27 meeting,
where councilmen Hassan,
Eyasu and Moore guaranteed a
policy would be passed.
I cant imagine [the]
Clarkston constituencys belief
[in you] if you dont pass the
ordinance, Kilanko said. You
gave your word. A word is like
an eggyou cannot drop it and
pick it back up again. Youre
listening to people not in your
constituency. Im glad this is an
election year.
Council unanimously
passed the ordinance on May 2
and received a standing ovation
from meeting attendees.
Macauleys meeting with
Tucker Community council
is the first step in the city
review process. Community
council members will be able to
question the developer, as will
members of the community
who show up to the meeting.
After the community council
offers its feedback, the plan
would then head to the citys
planning commission, then to
the city council.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 14

Micro-entrepreneurs gather to celebrate success, claim awards

by Kathy Mitchell
Owners of small area
businesses gathered May 4
during National Small Business
Weekat Agnes Scott College
to celebrate the completion of
a program designed to help
them develop and sustain their
ventures.
Start: Me, a program
developed through a
partnership among local
colleges, businesses and
foundations, held its annual
showcase to recognize
participating businesses in
the Clarkston and East Lake
communities and award peer-
selected loans.
The program for Start: Me
2017 Showcase, describes the
organization as an intensive
14-week accelerator program
that leverages the Village
Capital Model to provide
the most promising micro-
entrepreneurs in metro Atlanta
communities business training,
mentorship support and
early stage financing needed
to develop their businesses.
The three major components
of Start: Me are knowledge,
networks and capital.
The evening featured a
marketplace at which business
owners were able to spotlight
their companies with food-
Business owners in the East Lake Cohort celebrate completion of the 14-week Start: Me training and mentorship program.
delayed many coming to the
program. In addition to the
food-related businesses there
were those offering cut and
sew manufacturing, therapy
for autistic children, vintage/
custom eyewear, public
relations, handmade leather
handbags and other goods and
services.
Micro-businesses, those
with no more than four
employees, may apply to Start:
Me, which accepts between 15
and 18 entrepreneurs in each
community for each years
program. Sponsors include
Emory Universitys Goizueta
Business School, the East
Lake Foundation Friends of
Refugees, PNC Bank, Drew
Charter School and others.
The program started in 2013
with a focus on refugees in the
Clarkston community. In 2015,
an East Lake Cohort was added.
Since its inception, Start: Me
has supported more than 110
Clarkson area that would
benefit from this program,
but we did. It just gets better
every year, commented
Brian Bollinger of Friends of
Refugees, who works with the
Clarkson Cohort.
I was reluctant to apply
to this program because I
had been involved in other
accelerator programs that really
didnt help me that much, but
this one was different, one
member of the graduating
class remarked. The major
difference, according to several
participants was the mentorship
component through which
more than 50 volunteers from
established businesses and
institutions, including such
large high-profile local entities
as Home Depot, Delta Airlines,
Coca-Cola and Georgia Tech,
worked with the nascent
businesses.
The evenings keynote
speaker, H. Jerome Russell
& Company and Russell New
Urban Development LLC,
called small businesses the
lifeblood of their communities.
He said that his father, H. J.
Russell Sr., founder of H. J.
Russell & Company, started as
a small business owner. He
learned to be a plasterer when
he was quite young. By age
16, he was a master plasterer,
Russell said. From a small
plastering business, the senior
Russell built a construction
company along with ventures
in banking, food and beverage
and other areas, eventually
establishing one of Atlantas
largest and most prestigious
companies.
Russell said much of his
fathers success is attributable to
successful networking. Urging
business owners to nurture
interactions with others, he
said, you never know where a
relationship will lead you.
The entrepreneurs
competing for peer-selected
loans from a $60,000 loan
pool, according to material
published by Start: Me. A
highlight of the evening was the
announcementin dramatic
Oscar styleof those selected
to receive the low-interest loan.
Those awarded loans in
the Clarkston Cohort are
TwinSpirit Rosby, Art Houze
Alive, a performing arts,
education and special events
center for businesses and
professionals in the arts and
entertainment sector; Tiffany
Powell of Tiffany Powell
Photography, which offers
boutique portrait photography
services; and Reggie & Roger
Ramos, Grow with the Flow
LLC, a certified naturally grown
market garden serving local
communities.
Those awarded loans in the
East Lake Cohort are Jasmine
Walker, King and Lola, an
online clothing boutique
offering clothing for newborns
and toddlers; Yetunde Jude,
Yelani (Archer Place Global
LLC), which offers plant-
based hair care products for
kinky to curly hair; and Ajah
Myers, Myers Assessment and
Therapeutic Services, which
provides tutoring and therapy
services to children and adults
with developmental disabilities.

related businesses catering
the dinner, which included
traditional foods from Syria,
Estonia and West Africa.
I know this gives the
food businesses a little higher
profile at this event, remarked
FRITO
businesses in the two areas. Jr., president of H. J. Russell supported one another while
Participants in the 2017
Clarkston and East Lake
cohorts are 93 percent minority
owned, 72 percent female
led, 28 percent foreign born.
Approximately 41 percent
have employees other than the

Brian Goebel, Start: Me
program director, who joked
that it would have been nice
to have had a tree-trimming
program since trees that fell
during an afternoon storm
LAY
owners and 31 percent have
started previous ventures.
After the first couple of
years, I thought there was no
way we could find another
16 small businesses in the

DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Lung Cancer Other Cancers

1ST PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2018

Monday, May 15, 2017 Special trusts have been set up by vendors and suppliers
of Frito Lay to pay asbestos victims:
TIME LOCATION If you ever worked at Frito Lay you may have been exposed to asbestos -
5:30 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room
and not even know it. You could be entitled to multiple cash settlements without going
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex to court, filing a lawsuit, or even leaving your house.
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
If you ever worked at Frito Lay, and have been diagnosed with
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Lung Cancer (even if you are a smoker) - or Esophageal, Laryngeal, Pharyn-
geal, Stomach, Colon, Rectal Cancer or Mesothelioma, or know

1-800-478-9578
The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget someone who died from one of these cancers, call
hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding the 2017-
2018 school systems budget. The proposed FY20172018 General
Fund Tentative Budget contains full funding for the salary
increases granted by the Board during mid-year FY2017 (1.5% and
.5%).
Free www.getnorris.com/asb
FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE
Claims Analysis Nationwide Service
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
EDUCATION
According to DeKalb County School District board member Stan Jester, classroom sizes throughout the district have shrank. Champion file photo
DeKalb County class sizes shrink
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
According to a two-year
independent study by DeKalb
County School District
(DCSD) board member Stan
Jester, class sizes throughout
the district are waning.
Jester released two blog
posts on May 1 and 2 that
serve as updates to an original
post made in September 2015.
The original post contained
an analysis outlining the
average class size of each
DCSD elementary school and
compared those averages to
the legal maximum as well as
the maximum allowed by a
strategic waiver.
DCSD was awarded
Strategic-Waiver status in
2015. Under such a status,
DCSD is allowed flexibility
under certain state laws that
include class size. Under
DCSDs specific waiver, the
district allows 24 students per
kindergarten class, 27 students
per first, second and third
grade class, and 34 students
per fourth and fifth grade class.
I have been a tireless
advocate for pushing money
into the classroom and class
sizes on average across the
county have been drifting
down, Jester states.
According to Jesters
2015 post, Rock Chapel,
Rainbow, Narvie Harris,
Pleasantdale, Wynbrooke,
Flat Rock, Dunwoody, Pine
Ridge, Woodward and Oakcliff
elementary schools were at the
waiver limit or over it.
According to Jesters
update on May 1, averages
have dwindled so none
violate DCSDs waiver. The
school with the largest class
size averageIndian Creek
Elementaryis scheduled
for a rebuild and one of the
first projects on DCSDs tax-
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 15
funded capital project list.
Jesters May 2 blog post
discusses middle school class
sizes. No waiver exists for
DCSD middle schools and,
currently, no middle schools
violate state law allowing 34
students per class in sixth,
seventh and eighth grade.
The schools coming the
closest to violating state law
include Mary McLeod Bethune
(30 student class average for
sixth grade) and Chamblee
(31 student class average for
eighth grade) middle schools.
are generally below the state
max, Jester concludes. A
number of things go into
class size. Different types of
students can affect class size.
The ability of a principal to
maximize funding makes a
huge difference If your class
size isnt what you want it to
be, ask your school council,
board member and principal
why.
The public responded to
Jesters blog with opinions on
the subject.
Class size matters! The
difference between having a
class of 18 fifth graders (Briar
Vista) and 30 fifth graders
(Indian Creek) is huge, one
commentor said.
For more information, visit
factchecker.stanjester.com.
Middle school class
sizes have gone down and
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that
a Public Hearing will be held to consider proposed
regulations regarding short-term rentals, such as Air BnBs.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public Hearing
on this matter on Tuesday, May 15, 2017 at City Hall
located at 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA at 6:30
P.M. Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may do
so and be heard relative thereto. A copy of the proposed
regulations will be available at City Hall.
 may 2017

News and events of the

DeKalb Chamber of CommerCe
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

DeKalb Chamber to celebrate local businesses

at 2017 APEX Business Awards
Nearly 150 guests will attend the 2017
DeKalb Chamber APEX Business Awards on
Thursday, May 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College,
Conference Center, 495 North Indian Creek
Drive in Clarkston. Catherine Downey, Founder,
CEO & Creative Director of CATMEDIA will
serve as the keynote speaker, sharing how she
founded and evolved it to a highly-respected
company.
The APEX Business Awards recognizes
local businesses for their exemplary standards
in business development, employee programs,
business innovation and contribution to DeKalb
County and the metro Atlanta region. During
the event, there will be a presentation of the
following awards: Business of the Year ($1-5M,
$5-10M and $10-20M revenue categories),
Business Advocacy, Emerging Business,
Community Workforce and Youth Initiative.
Catherine began her career in media as
Director of Marketing & Broadcast Promotions
for a Memphis-based television station. Through
this and other executive level positions, she
honed her skills in media buying, budget
development, staff and project management,
and creative processes such as writing,
directing, and producing. Perhaps one of the
most important things she learned was the
value of building and maintaining solid customer
relationships.
Fifteen years later, after continued growth
and success in the television and advertising
arenas, Catherine struck out on her own and
founded CATVIDEO in 1997.
In 2011, with an astute awareness of the
ever-changing world of technology and a
steadily growing portfolio of federal clients,
Catherine transformed CATVIDEO into
CATMEDIA. In 2016, Catherine added two
new divisions to her company: CATMEDIA The
Agency, a commercial advertising agency that
mirrors verticals of the companys federal client
base and CATMEDIA Entertainment.
An innovator at her core, Catherine is
named on two Patent-pending applications
for communication and training technologies.
She is deeply in touch with the creative world,
propelling CATMEDIA in its capability to offer
innovative training and creative solutions.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are
$60 for Chamber members and $75 for guests.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information and to register, please
visit www.bit.ly/2017ApexAwards.
Catherine Downey, Founder,
CEO & Creative Director of
CATMEDIA will serve as the
keynote speaker.

Metro Atlanta leaders to address DeKalb Chamber members

DeKalb Chamber has
invited Pete Correll, Grady
Memorial Hospital former
Chairman, and Roosevelt
Council, Hartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta International Airport
General Manager, to speak to
its members and the business
community during the General Pete Correll Roosevelt Council
Membership Meeting in June Grady Memorial Hospital Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
and July, respectively. International Airport
The General Membership Thursday, June 15
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13
Meetings are open to the
bit.ly/gmm_pcorrell 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
public. Tickets are $45 for
bit.ly/gmm_rcouncil
Chamber members and $55 for
guests.

Upcoming Events
May 16 July 13
Business-after-Hours - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. General membership meeting Featuring Roosevelt
Harken Health, 158 West Ponce de Leon avenue, Council, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International
Decatur airport - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

May 25 August 28
2017 apex Business awards - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 13th Annual Golf Classic - 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Conference 4th Annual WELD Womens Golf Clinic 1:00 p.m.
Center, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston to 3:30 p.m.

June 1 September
young Professionals of DeKalb after Hours General membership meeting Featuring Chris Carr,
5:30 to 7:00 p.m. attorney General, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fogo de Chau, 4671 ashford Dunwoody Rd NE,
Dunwoody October 18-26
Discover and Explore Tuscany
June 15
General membership meeting For more information and to register for any of these
Featuring Pete Correll events, please visit www.dekalbchamber.
Grady memorial Hospital - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CLASSIFIED
The
CHAMPION
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
AUCTIONS.
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in
over 100 newspapers for only
$350. Your 25-word classified
ad will reach more than1
million readers. Call Bruce
Washington at the Georgia
Newspaper Service, 770-454-
6776.
EDUCATION /CAREER
TRAINING
New Year. New Career-
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and
others-Get hands on training
for FAA certification. Financial
aid if qualified. Call Aviation
Institute of Maintenance
(866)564-9634. www.FixJets.
com
HEALTH SERVICES
IF YOU USED THE BLOOD
THINNER XARELTO and
suffered internal bleeding,
hemorrhaging, required
hospitalization or a loved
one died while taking Xarelto
between 2011 and the
present time, you may be
entitled to compensation. Call
Attorney Charles H. Johnson
1-800-535-5727.
HELP WANTED
Executive Chef. Decatur.
Associates in Culinary
Arts plus one year in-
job experience or in the
alternative occupation of Sous
Chef. Employer will accept
foreign equivalent. Employer
will accept any suitable
combination of education
and relevant work experience.
Resumes: HR, Sandys Pizza,
1341 Clairmont Rd. Decatur,
GA 30084
Weekend Self Storage
Manager Needed (Chamblee)
Self storage weekend
manager needed for 500+
unit, climate controlled facility.
This is a part-time hourly
position, compensation based
on experience. Candidates
must be pro-active, energetic,
reliable, have a positive
attitude, and experience
in balancing registers/cc
accounts, computers, sales
and customer service. Light
to medium maintenance
required: general building
up keep including cleaning
CLASSIFIEDS
Ads due by Friday at noon for next
publication date. For more information
visit www.championclassifieds.com
and light interior repairs. 3
days a week: one weekday
9 am-6 pm plus Saturday
and Sundays from 10 am-4
pm. Occasional additional
coverage as necessary
Please email resume, salary
history/requirements to be
considered. gssmnasap@
gmail.com
Drivers: Local-Home Nightly!
Union City Flatbed. Great Pay,
Benefits & Load Incentives!
CDL-A, 1 yr Exp. Req. Estenson
Logistics. Apply: www.goelc.
com 1-855-523-2477
Drivers: Local-Home Nightly!
Union City flatbed! Great Pay,
Benefits! CDL-A, 1 yr Exp. Req.
Estenson Logistics. Apply:
www.goelc.com 1-855-523-
2477
MISCELLANEOUS
DIGITAL HEARING AIDS- Now
offering a 45-Day Risk Free
Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life!
Call to start your free trial! 844-
245-5602.
SAVE THOUSANDS ON
SURPRISE COSTLY HOME
REPAIRS!!! With Nations Home
Warranty we pay 100%of
covered Home repairs! CALL
FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY!!!
855-410-3296.
Favorite Brand! Call (844) 335-
Comcast Hi-Speed Internet
$29.99/mo (for 12 mos.)
No term agreement. Fast
Downloads! PLUS Ask About
TV (140 Channels). Internet
Bundle for $79.99 (for 12 mos).
Call 1-877-920-4815.
GREAT Offer from T Mobile.
Unlimited Data! Two Lines
for ONLY $100/month (w/
autopay). No Cost HD Video
Feature. No Cost Upgrade for
Hi-Speed Mobile Hotspot.
CALL 844-500-8709
Are you in BIG trouble with
the IRS? Stop wage & bank
levies, liens & audits, unfiled
tax returns, payroll issues &
resolve tax debt FAST. Call
877-355-6139.
High-Speed Internet is
Available Where You Live
Today! Plans as low as
$39.99 per month. Ask
about discounts for DirecTV
Customers! 1-800-266-4409
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 17
PBSinternet@gmail.com
Have a car? Want to earn
money on your schedule?
Drive with Uber. www.
uber.com Use invite code
JENNIFERL1266UE.
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS
USERS!! A cheaper alternative
to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill
Special $99.00. FREE Shipping!
100% Guaranteed. CALL NOW
888-411-3860.
FAST Internet! HughesNet
Satellite Internet. High-Speed.
Available Anywhere! Speeds
to 25 mbps. Starting at $49.99/
mo. Call for a Limited Time
Price! 855-779-2033.
Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years
Old? If so, You and Your Family
May Be Entitled To Significant
Cash Award. Call 844-461-4870
to learn more. No Risk. No
Money Out of Pocket.
SAVE YOUR HOME! Are
you behind paying your
MORTGAGE? Denied Loan
Modification? Is the bank
threatening foreclosure? CALL
Home Owners Relief Line now
for Help 888-614-2507.
WALK-IN-TUBS-Save $1500 if
you own your own home & its
value is $100k + Free heated
seat ($600 value)- Americas
2747.
New AT&T INTERNET OFFER,
$20 and $30/mo plans
available when you bundle.
99% Reliable 100% Affordable.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON.
New Customers Only. CALL
NOW 1-800-291-8502.
DISH SPECIAL! Stop paying
for channels you dont watch!
Starting at $39.99/mo. FREE
Next-Day Installation + FREE
$50 giftcard with signup
courtesy of SatelliteDeals Call
855-400-4334
Spectrum Triple Play. TV,
Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea.
60 MB per second speed. No
Contract or commitment. We
buy your existing contract up
to $500! 1-800-616-7798.
Struggling with DRUGS
or ALCOHOL? Addicted to
PILLS? Talk to someone who
cares. Call The Addiction
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.
Hope & Help Line for a free Brochure. CALL 800-371-8914.
assessment. 888-497-5176.
DISH TV-BEST DEAL EVER! Only
Exede Satellite Internet. $39.99/mo. Plus $14.99/mo.
Affordable, high speed Internet (where avail.) FREE
broadband satellite internet Streaming. FREE Install (up to
anywhere in the U.S. Order 6 rooms). FREE HD-DVR. Call
now and save $100. Plans 1-800-749-1654.
start at $39.99/month. Call
1-800-615-3819. VACATION RENTALS
SELL your structured ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION
settlement or annuity PROPERTY, to more
payments for CASH NOW. You than 1 million Georgia
dont have to wait for future newspaper readers. Your
payments any longer! Call 25 word classified ad will
1-800-481-0635. appear in over 100 Georgia
newspapers for only $350.
LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK Call Bruce Washington
PAIN? Medicare recipients that at Georgia Newspaper
suffer with pain may qualify for Service, 770-454-6776 or
a low or no cost knee or back online at www.gapress.org/
brace. Call 855-972-2656. georgianewspaperservice.
html
Life Alert . 24/7. One press
of a button sends help FAST!
Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if
you cant reach a phone! FREE
JOB OPENING
The City of Stone Mountain is accepting applications
for the position of City Clerk. This is a full time position.
Benefits include medical insurance, paid holidays,
vacation leave, sick leave, short term disability insurance
and retirement. Compensation will be based on
qualifications. Associate Degree in Public Administration,
Business Administration or related field required; Bachelor
Degree preferred. Minimum of three years of progressively
responsible public administration work experience or
Georgia City Clerk Certification required.
To apply: Interested candidates may email a rsum to
manager@stonemountaincity.org no later than May 31,
2017. Job description and additional requirements can
be found on the citys website at www.stonemountaincity.
org. The City of Stone Mountain is an equal opportunity
employer.
AUCTION
2 Days | 4 Auctions | May 22nd & May 24th
560 Properties in 165
Offerings
in AL, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN
Local Properties of Interest - 5/24, 11AM Bid Live at the Auctions & Online!
DECATUR, GA Local Properties of Interest
May 22, 7pm
Prop. 7214: Restaurant & Vacant Lot
SCHEDULE
Sale Site: Hilton Garden Inn,
AUCTION
Local Properties of Interest - 5/24, 3PM
13503 Ranch Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218
DECATUR, GA
Prop. 7336: 3/1.5 Single Family Home May 24, 11am, 3pm & 7pm
Local Properties of Interest - 5/24, 7PM Sale Site: Embassy Suites,
620 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
ELLENWOOD, GA
Prop. 7416: 6 Riverfront Lots & Off-River Lots
LITHONIA, GA Many Properties
Prop. 7406: Residential Lot - ABSOLUTE Sell ABSOLUTE!
Prop. 7418: 7 Residential Lots No Minimums /
Prop. 7419: 22 Residential Lots No Reserves!
Prop. 7428: 62 Townhome Lots
GAL: 2034, FL: AB-1488, AL:1481,
Prop. 7430: 16.3 Ac. of Acreage
NCFL: 6397, SC: 002815R,
Prop. 7441: 2 Residential Lots - ABSOLUTE 10% Buyers Premium
404.662.4140 www.multi-seller.com
Champion Newspapers, 2x4, May 11 & 18
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 18

Arabia Mountain boys and girls track and field teams are hoping to win their first state titles. Photos by Carla Parker

ARABIA MOUNTAIN HOPES TO MAKE SOME NOISE AT STATE TRACK MEET

he helped lead the girls to a state May 11-13. The boys won the region jump.
by Carla Parker championship in 2013. When he 5-AAAAA title, its first region title in Rocker, who has been battling a
carla@dekalbchamp.com first took over, Webb said Arabia program history. They also finished hamstring injury most of the season,
Mountain had the talent to compete second at the DeKalb County track and said she can defend her state title.
Last year, the Arabia Mountain
at the highest level despite the lack of field meet behind Lakeside. Its not going to be easy, she said.
Rams track and field program had one
resources, but the athletes had to build Arabia Mountain girls team have Its going to be a challenge still, but as
individual champion at the state meet
a championship mindset. been battling with Miller Grove this long as I believe in myself I feel like I
Destinee Rocker in the 100-meter
When I got here I noticed that a lot season. They finished second behind can still do it.
hurdles, the second individual gold
of the kids did year-round track, Webb the Lady Wolverines in both the county Williams is also confident that she
medalist in school history.
said. So, they were exposed to track, and regional meets. Bohler said her could win her first state title in the high
This year, the Rams hope to make
but just getting that mental toughness girls have to do all of the little things jump.
more history at the state track meet
that they need to get over that last right if they want to beat Miller Grove Ive been working really hard,
with more individual gold medalists
hurdle when the competition gets thick for the state title. practicing at home, practicing wherever
and a team championship. Coaches
is the main thing Ive been impressed Thats what Miller Grove is doing I can because we dont have a [jump] pit
Nathaniel Webb and Sherrie Bohler
withseeing the kids develop. The because they know theyre going to here at Arabia, she said.
said both the girls and boys teams are
first year here was a little challenging, see Arabia, she said. I keep on telling The boys will have a tougher road
capable of winning individual state
I got a little pushback for being stern, them that [Miller Grove] already knows ahead at the state meet due to lack of
titles or team titles.
but they saw the results. Its all about about us, so, we have to go out there depth. The Rams leading sprinter Priest
What we have to do is come out
the hard work they have put in and the and run our best. Dont think about Foust went down with a hamstring
and do what weve been doing all year
dedication that they have. them because thats what they want us injury and hurdler Berhane Johnson,
competing, going out and giving the
Bohler is in her first year with to do. They want to get in our heads, who won the 110-hurdles at the region
best that we have, said Bohler, head
the program and she immediately and once theyre in [our] heads theyve meet, false-started at sectionals and did
coach of the girls team. These girls
addressed the division between the got you. I have to let the girls know that not qualify for the state.
have really worked hard and they want
boys and girls teams. [Miller Grove] is scared of them and The Rams will need strong
it.
I worked really closely with Coach we have to get out there and do the best performances from the relay team that
Its going to take a lot, said Webb,
Webb and I think that helped us come that we can do. won the 4x100 at regionals, senior Tyler
head coach of the boys team. Anything
together more as a unit and the kids The Lady Rams will lean on Rocker, Joneswho won the long jump and
can happen. Were going to go there and
enjoy it, she said. Its not just the boys who won the region title in the 100- triple jump at county and regionals, and
do the best that we can, finish as high as
team and the girls team, we are [one] and 300-meter hurdles, as well as senior senior Michael Willinghamregion
we can and represent DeKalb.
team. sprinter and region champion Mikayla and county champion in the discus
Webb, who is in his second year
The unity and hard work led to Jordan (100- and 200-meter) and throw and region champion in the shot
with the program, came to Arabia
both teams having some early success sophomore Patra Williamswho won put.
Mountain from Dunwoody where
this season before the state track meet the region and county titles in the high
SPORTS
CHAMBLEE MAKES HISTORY
Chamblee wins first tennis championship; Marist wins fourth consecutive title
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Chamblee High School
girls tennis team completed
its undefeated season with a
state championship, its first in
program history.
Chamblee beat Starrs Mill
3-1 to win the Class AAAAA
state title May 6 at the Clayton
County International Park.
It feels amazing, Coach
Larisa Tulchinsky said. Our
team was undefeated. We
played 26 matches and they
never lost. Its our 27th win.
Junior Olena Bilukha
improved to 52-0 in her career
after winning the No. 1 singles
match. The No. 1 doubles team
of sophomore Madeline Meer
and freshman Madison Trinh
won its match and sophomore
Grace Pietkiewicz clinched
the championship win for the
Lady Bulldogs with her victory
in the No. 2 singles match.
Chamblee became the
first DeKalb County School
District tennis program to win
Junior Olena Bilukha improved to 52-0
in her career after winning the No. 1
singles match.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 19
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee won its first state title.
a state title since the Lakeside
boys tennis team won it all in
2001.
The Marist War Eagles are
now four-time consecutive
champions after beating North
Oconee 3-0 to win the Class
AAAA state championship.
This was the 16th state title
in program history. Coach
Thomas Marshall credited
his senior class for the success
of the program the last four
seasons.
The eight seniors have
been with me for four years; Marist won its fourth consecutive state title. Photos by Carla Parker
three of them got injured
this year and they missed Kelly won the No. 2 singles and senior Hunter Williams The St. Pius X Lady Golden
a month and a half. So, we match with a score of 6-2, 6-1, clinched the championship for Lions lost 3-0 to North Oconee
faced some adversity but they and the No. 2 doubles team the War Eagles with with a 6-4, in the girls Class AAAA
stayed focused, Marshall of junior Kiernan Corbett 6-3 victory. championship.
said. Were very blessed and
we know that. We beat a very
good team. Each year we faced
June 5 -
P olice Athletic League
that challenge and these guys dekalb county p.a.l.
have been able to rise to meet
that challenge. Im excited for July 28
them. Lithonia Middle
Senior Jefferson Dockter
won 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 1
summer academy School
singles match. Senior Grant Ages 7-14
ACTIVITIES
Art, career exploration, community
service, fitness fieldtrips, guest
speakers, sports workshops,
swimming, tutorial and more!
Call now to
reserve space
770-724-7479
$55
per week
The No. 1 doubles team of sophomore
Madeline Meer and freshman Madison
Trinh won its match. www.dekalbcountypalplus.org
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 12, 2017 Page 20

END OF AN ERA
Golden Glide closes its doors
I remember. Youre in a skating Just hearing about it
by Horace Holloman rink locked in all night, said reminded me of all the
horace@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County resident memories of when I used to go
Joshua Bowens, 30. there when I was younger, said
Bowens, who currently Jeff Killins. I could barely
Social media was abuzz
resides in Tucker, said he skate, but Id still go out there.
the first week of May as many
grew up with fond memories Killins said he found out
DeKalb County residents
of Golden Glide. He said the via social media that Golden
discovered a popular skating
experience is similar to the Glide would be closing. He
rink would be shutting down.
movie ATLa metro-Atlanta said the rink was one of the last
Golden Glide, a skating
based film starring rapper Tip positive landmarks in that area Popular DeKalb County skating rink Golden Glide officially closed its
rink in Decatur, announced doors April 30, according to a company administrator.
Harris that follows the life of of DeKalb County.
it would be closing due to
four friends participating in I went to school in
financial difficulties.
skate battles. DeKalb County from when I
The rink, located on
You had crews out there was 4 until I was 13. A large
2750 Wesley Chapel Road, is
that could actually skate. They part of my childhood was in
advertised as a family-friendly
had games and benches and DeKalb County and going
business. An administrator
girls out there. You try to do to skating rinks and going to
with Golden Glide confirmed
your thing. At that time, I liked Golden Glide, Killins said.
that the business officially shut
the inline skates because I used Youve got liquor stores and
down April 30. The Champion
to be a blader, Bowens said. 12 wing places within a block
made phone calls to the owner,
Golden Glide had a from each other. To see our
but the calls were not returned
farewell skate party April only skating rink go away,
as of press time.
30 attended by an estimated its just sad. But at the same
Many people said they hate
1,300 people. On the businesss time, times are changing. We
to see the once-popular skating
website is a message that states, need another way to get kids
rink rolling out for the last
Effective immediately, Golden involved.
time.
Glide is closed for business.
Nonstop bass. Thats what

Helping you
is what we
love to do.

Dont see the fish you want? Wed love to help you get it. Our Reel Variety program
gives us quick access to up to 80 varieties of fish you can special orderalways
fresh, never frozen. And if you want your selection steamed, we can do that, too!
See how we serve you at publix.com/service.