the DeKalb
23, NO 43 • FREE
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
DeKalb native working to
build brand in film industry
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
For years, DeKalb County
native Jamie Dion built a name
for himself locally in the film
industry.
Now, he is ready to be known
globally. The actor, writer,
producer and director has gone
from assisting in choreographing
the stage play The Wiz as a
student at Martin Luther King Jr.
High School, to writing, directing
and producing his first short film.
Dion, a Howard University
alum, recently created his first
short film, West and Left, a
political drama. Dion said his
goal with the film is to break the
stigma around certain roles and
people “no matter what their
stance is in life.”
Dion said he has been in
the film industry since he was
15 years old. Although metro
Atlanta has been dubbed the
“Hollywood of the South”
due to the hundreds of films,
television and reality shows that
have been filmed in the state,
Dion said many actors who are
natives of Georgia are sometimes
overlooked for big roles in movies
or television shows. He said he
Visit www.thechampionnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • VOL.
wants to bring casting issues to
light through his content.
“The main message I am
trying to [get across] is how
different it is to succeed or to
grow or book the higher grossing
roles, such as the series regular
or the guest star [as an] Atlanta
talent.,” he said. “What I want to
showcase is the work that goes
into growing from Atlanta talent
and how the industry typically
sees Atlanta talent.”
Part of that, Dion said, is the
lack of film education in Atlanta.
“The education and the
expertise of the education isn’t
here as it is in New York and
Los Angeles where you have the
American Academy of Dramatic
Arts, and all of those actor
studios,” Dion said. “That’s a
large hurdle that [Atlanta actors]
have to get over. So, I’m trying
to create my own content and
to showcase some of the work
of Atlanta’s really strong actors,
including myself.”
Dion said the content he
creates centers around the
relationship between two male
characters, such as brothers,
cousins, father and son, or a
mentor and mentee.
“My goal is to showcase
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Actor, writer, producer and director Jamie
Dion is a graduate of Martine Luther King
Jr., High School. Photo by Bubba Carr
dynamic relationships between
male characters that go beyond
the one-dimensional angry son
who doesn’t get along with his
dad,” he said. “Because there
are so many other different
relationships that can be
explored, and that’s what I’ve
been drawn to as far as my
writing.”
The first script Dion wrote
was the relationship between two
cousins, which was created right
after his cousin died two years
ago, a week after Dion’s birthday.
“We were the same age,”
Dion said. “I wanted to dedicate
something to his memory and
our relationship and that’s where
that started.”
Dion said he is living his
dream as an actor but hopes to
have his work known worldwide.
“For my work as an artist
and as an actor, I simply want
people to be moved by my work,
whatever their reaction may be.
Obviously, I want them to love
it, but I simply want to move
people,” he said. “I’ve seen what
I’ve done for audiences on stage
and for audiences who’ve seen my
work on film and on television. I
want to do that on a global level.
That’s my next goal.”
Jamie Dion as Mahatma Gandhi on TBS’s Playing with History. Photo by Gina
Barboza
LOCAL
DECATUR
Decatur Police Department hosted a fair and impartial policing training for
community members at the Decatur Police Department headquarters on Nov. 9.
Community benefits
from policing program Families still displaced after
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Community members
representing Decatur’s police
force, civil rights advocacy
groups, advisory boards
and others were asked to
participate in fair and impartial
policing community members’
training.
The training, held in
November at Decatur Police
headquarters, addressed hidden
biases community members
and police officers may
have related to race, gender,
sexual orientation and other
differences.
Lorie Fridell, CEO of Fair
and Impartial Policing, said
the training incorporates the
science of implicit bias.
“Fair and Impartial Policing
applies decades of research
on human bias to the critical
decisions that you and law
enforcement officers make
every day,” Fridell said. “It’s
about how your mind works.
We discuss how implicit biases
can impact well-intentioned
individuals outside their
conscious awareness.”
Fridell said there can be
negative consequences when
individuals allow their biases
to impact their decision
making and behavior.
“We teach you skills that
you can implement to reduce
and manage your biases,”
Fridell said.
Decatur Police officials
said they hosted the four-
hour training exercise
for community members
and police to benefit the
community. It was the first
time such training has been
offered said Decatur Police
Spokesperson Jennifer Ross.
“People are very unaware
of the biases that they
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 2
BROOKHAVEN
The aftermath at the Reserve at Brookhaven after floors caved
in Nov. 14. Photos courtesy of the city of Brookhaven
Structural damage to a floor at the Reserve at Brookhaven.
apartment floor caves in
have,” Ross said. “Even in a
community such as [Decatur]
that is very liberal and open
in its views; we have to learn
there’s a big difference in
being racist and bigoted and
displaying implicit bias.”
BY TAYLOR ROBINS the city of Brookhaven. Repairs have not begun
The class featured lessons
The structure was declared at the building because of
such as an introduction to taylor@dekalbchamp.com unsafe for occupancy by a pending investigation,
fair and impartial policing
After a floor caved in at the building inspectors. However, according to apartment
perspective, the science of
Reserve at Brookhaven Nov. approximately 12 families management. The Red Cross
human bias and skills for
14, 80 people and 23 families were able to return to units is assisting in placing families
addressing implicit biases.
have not been able to return to that were unaffected by the in temporary accommodations
Ross said she was happy
their homes, according to Fox structural damage, according until repairs are made.
that community members and
5 Atlanta. to the Reserve at Brookhaven. Some residents have
Decatur police officers were
Building inspectors were The owner of the complex, decided to relocate because of
able to have open dialogue
sent to the apartment complex Primestone Fifeco Realty the damage, according to the
discussing sensitive topics.
in response to a call from Fund LLC, was notified that Reserve at Brookhaven.
“You have some
the fire marshal about severe no one is allowed to enter According to city officials,
communities where you would
structural damage on the affected areas until a structural the city does not have a
not have had the engagement
first floor of the three-story engineer has inspected the record of any issues inside the
that we had if community
building. Inspectors found facility and approved reentry. structure prior to the recent
members knew there were
the first floor of the lower Utilities were disconnected incident. Tax records from
officers in the room, but we
apartment had fallen into the until permits are issued for the DeKalb County indicate the
felt like Decatur was not that
crawlspace due to failure of needed repairs for the affected building was built in 1971.
type of community,” Ross
structural support, according to units, according to the city of
said. “I think having police
Brookhaven.
officers attend the class makes
it more enriching for our
police officers and for the
community.” PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Ross said the department CITY OF LITHONIA, GEORGIA
works hard to combat potential FISCAL YEAR 2019 (FY19) BUDGET REVIEW AND ADOPTION
bias in the department and (JANUARY 1, 2019 – DECEMBER 31, 2019)
community. In October,
Decatur Police officials PUBLIC HEARING ON FY19 BUDGET: A Public Hearing on the FY19 Budget is
unveiled their What is scheduled for Monday, December 10, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers located at 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058.
suspicious? When do I call At this meeting, the Mayor and Council will receive both written and oral comments
the police? pamphlet. The about the Annual Operating and Capital Budget for the City of Lithonia, Georgia.
pamphlet gives a step-by-
step guide to help readers MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW: The FY19
determine what is suspicious Mayor’s Recommended Budget will be available for public inspection on the city’s
website at www.cityoflithoniaga.org and during normal office hours starting on
behavior, how to give detailed December 3, 2018 at the following locations:
descriptions of a potential Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia GA 30058
suspect and why it’s important Lithonia-Davidson Library, 6821 Church Street, Lithonia GA 30058
to follow certain protocol
when contacting police or 911 BUDGET REVIEW: The Mayor and Council of the City of Lithonia are scheduled to
review the FY19 Mayor’s Recommended Budget on the following dates:
emergency services. Monday, December 10, 2018 (5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 6920 Main Street)
Ross said participants in Monday, December 17, 2018 (6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 6920 Main Street)
the class were given a survey
and Decatur Police officials BUDGET ADOPTION: The Mayor and Council of the City of Lithonia are scheduled
to adopt the FY19 Budget at their regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 17,
will decide whether to offer 2018. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers located at 6920
further bias training classes in Main Street.
the future.
LOCAL
AVONDALE ESTATES
Vintage toys, video games and comic books were on sale during a Nov. 17 market held at My Parents Basement in Avondale
Estates.
Avondale Estates shop embraces
vintage, nostalgic items
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Avondale Estates restaurant
and comic book shop My
Parents’ Basement is known
for its nostalgic vibe. The full-
service restaurant and bar also
features arcade games and
pinball machines.
In November, the
restaurant hosted several
events showcasing vintage toys,
comics, video games and other
collectable items. On Nov. 17,
a vintage toy, video game and
comic book market was held
and on Nov. 25 the restaurant
hosted a Bizarre Bazaar.
Ray Hollifield, bar manager
at My Parents’ Basement, said
he’s a “huge comic book fan.”
The Nov. 17 event was hosted
days after the death of famed
comic book writer Stan Lee
and featured classic Marvel
comic books in his honor.
“It’s usually an all-day thing
and we have a lot of people
come out and dress up as their
favorite character,” Hollifield
said.
“[Stan Lee] created most
of the comics we love today,”
Hollifield said. “It was a sad,
sad day for everybody.”
Lin Bakhsh, also known as
Vintage, is a toy collector and
seller, said he wanted to bring
something unique to the area
by gathering other toy vendors
and bringing them to Avondale
Estates. Bakhsh said he wanted
to offer the area a free-to-
attend event so shoppers would
have more money to buy
nostalgic items.
“I got all my vendors
together and wanted to do
Vintage wrestling toys displayed at the vintage toy market on Nov. 17.
A collection of photos of comic book writer Stan Lee at My Parents’ Basement
restaurant in Avondale.
something for us,” Bakhsh
said. “I feel like events such as
Comic Con and Dragon Con,
that’s what they are–a con.
People spend a lot of money
to walk around and not really
enjoy themselves.”
At the Bizarre Bazaar,
shoppers could purchase art
collectables, craft souvenirs
and other vintage items.
“You can come out here
and spend five bucks and find
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 3
something really awesome,”
Bakhsh said. “This is awesome.
This is what I expected and
more. Everything worked
out and everybody is happy.
I think everyone had a good
time.”
Management of My Parents
Basement said they plan to
host more vintage-themed
events throughout the year.
DECATUR
More than 20,000 gallons of sewage spilled from a manhole located at 161 Hood
Circle in Decatur.
Homeowner angered after
multiple sewer spills
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
At 3 a.m. on Nov. 15,
Decatur homeowner Mette
Sorensen said she woke to find
sewage water in her basement.
For the second time in as many
days, their sewer manhole was
overflowing.
Sorensen, who moved to
Hood Circle in Decatur 2017
in July, said she’s worried
about possible germs and
contamination caused by
recurring sewer spills near her
home.
On Nov. 12, more than
10,000 gallons of sewage water
spilled from a manhole into a
storm drain and ultimately into
Sugar Creek. County officials
said the spill was caused by
heavy storms. On Nov. 15, an
additional 10,000 gallons spilled
from the manhole and spilled
into Sugar Creek.
“When we look at the
forecast we think ‘oh no, is
this going to happen again,’”
Sorensen said. “They predicted
an inch and a half [Nov. 14]
and the ground was already
saturated. We already had
standing water in our yard. We
knew if it started to rain heavily
again, most likely we would
have another spill.”
Sorensen said the previous
owners of the home told her the
property had issues with sewer
spills and that county officials
made modifications to the
residence to help prevent future
spills.
With heavy rains expected
in December, according to
Accuweather.com, Sorensen
said she’s concerned for the
wellness of her family.
“It’s frustrating to know
you have thousands of gallons
of sewage spilling into your
backyard,’” Sorensen said.
“You don’t know what kind
of diseases are out there. [My
son] is out there all the time.
He plays basketball and soccer
outside in our yard and my
daughter loves to do cartwheels
in the basement, which is now
covered with lord knows what.
It’s a major concern.”
According to statistics
released by the county, major
sewer spills reported have
decreased from January to
September compared to the
same time frame last year.
In January to September of
2017, DeKalb reported 38
major sewer spills. In January
to September of 2018, major
reported sewer spills decreased
to 22. A major sewer spill is a
spill of 10,000 gallons or more.
“The decline in major
sewer spills shows that DeKalb
County is moving in the
right direction,” said DeKalb
CEO Michael Thurmond
in a statement. “DeKalb is
committed to protecting the
environment and quality of
life and supporting economic
development.”
The amount from major
sewer spills from January to
September was 3.8 million
gallons in 2018, compared with
13.7 million gallons last year.
County officials said they
are also working on county-
wide fats, oils and grease (FOG)
public education campaigns.
According to county officials 60
percent of all sewer spills can be
attributed to FOG.
OPINION
Taking time to count our blessings
It’s been a rough year
Dominated by natural disasters—
wildfires, hurricanes, floods—mass
shootings, police-involved shootings,
missing persons, political bickering and
turmoil, environmental issues, protests
and so much more, 2019 has been a
year that’s left many of us weary and
sympathetic for those most affected.
Thanksgiving has been celebrated
and I, for one, am especially
appreciative that we’re in the season of
counting our blessings, giving thanks
and offering prayers and well wishes for
others. It couldn’t come soon enough.
Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
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Public Notices/Public meetings
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Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 4
It’s easy to focus on the negative as
there’s plenty of it around us, however,
we are rich in so many ways. Should
we take the time to carefully consider
Gale Horton Gay the bounty we have in our lives. Much
gale@dekalbchamp.com of what we take for granted such as
the state of our health, ability to earn a
living, where and how we live, family,
While the holiday of Thanksgiving friendships, freedoms we enjoy in our
is just one day, many of us are generally country, etc. are a starting point. Taking
imbued with the spirit of thankfulness time to appreciate and enjoy such
and appreciation throughout the rest simple things as feeling sunshine and
of the year as we celebrate Hanukkah, viewing a sunset, smelling the after-
Christmas and/or Kwanzaa and ring in effects of a rain shower and hearing
the new year. And we should be. nature sounds or the laughter of
children are some of those small things
that are part of our lives but we often
overlook.
Life is not perfect for anyone. We
face challenges major and minor in
many areas of our lives. However, there
remains much for which we can and
should give thanks.
I suggest that each of us take a little
time this season for some personal
reflection on the bounty of our lives
and give thanks.
OPINION
“Democracy is two wolves and a
lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting
the vote!” Benjamin Franklin, (1706-
1790), American Founding Father,
author, inventor and philosopher.
Ben Franklin was not a fan of pure
Democracy. U.S. citizens of that day
had no vote or direct voice in the
Declaration of Independence, nor
later the U.S. Constitution, which is
the basis on which our constitutional
republic is formed. Few amendments
to the Constitution were ratified by
the states, versus adopted by Congress.
In close election contests, hard
feelings often emerge and sometimes
linger. It is however quite important
at these times to remember that one
of our greatest strengths as a nation is
the time-proven, peaceful transition
of power. That of course also means
coming to terms with and accepting
outcomes not of our preference or
choosing, once the voters have spoken.
It is also important to note that
we are far from alone in this world
experiencing these divides. Across
the pond in Britain, a prime minister
is battling her own party to deliver a
Brexit deal that other EU countries
will swallow, all while her own party
plans a divorce from their prime
minister.  anti-Christ. We the voters just selected
In Germany, Angela Merkel’s ruling
majority shrinks with each election, in
part fueled by another splinter party
and fears that Muslim immigrants are
fomenting unrest and economic injury
to the Rhineland.
And here, a president who shines
brightest (in his mind) during the
swings of battle, finds building the
divide among his primary comfort
zones. But he is still our president.
It has been four presidential
elections since someone I voted for
has occupied 1600 Pennsylvania
Avenue, but I also choose to still wish
every president success and that they
find the will and their best ways to
serve and improve the lives of the
American people. Some of course do
that job better than others.
But these times too shall pass. And
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 5
Democracy is messy
have examples to set, for our children, “Democracy is the worst form of
‘One Man’s as well as our neighbors, coworkers government, except all those other
Opinion’ and peers. We can disagree without
being disagreeable. 
forms that have been tried from time to
time.” Winston Churchill, from a speech
Bill Crane We voters may have tossed or lost by the former British Prime Minister,
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
the elected moderates in both parties, November 11, 1947.
but just like the well-armed lamb in
Franklin’s quote, we can still have Bill Crane also serves as a political
just as the presidential election of 2000 the will to fight for common sense, analyst and commentator for Channel
ended with 532 votes in Florida, with compromise and solutions which land 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
hanging chads and a U.S. Supreme in the middle. 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
Court intervention, our republic and Yes, democracy is messy, and columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
people are strong enough to weather making the right choices to lead Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
differences of preference, candidate us in a republic are also never is a DeKalb native and business owner,
and opinion. And now is time for guaranteed. But our experiment in self living in Scottdale. You can reach him or
healing. governance has now survived nearing comment on a column at bill.csicrane@
There will be voices who will 250 years, and though I won’t be here gmail.com.
continue to foment the division. Given when we hit 500, I do expect we will
the First Amendment, those voices get there.
cannot be silenced, but they can and
should be countered and responded
to.
Our nation can suffer fools,
divides and strong differences of
opinion, as long as the American
people do not begin to heedlessly
attack one another. We are not above
or beyond mob rule, rioting or even
the occasional need for curfews and
marshall law, but on the whole, we
are a more mindful, tolerant and
respecting people than that.
This president has flaws, but he did
not create this divide, nor is he the
and voted in a split Congress. As
typically happens during a mid-term
election, the “in” party lost more than
they won, but it was not the Blue
Tsunami that many forecasted. The
GOP retained the U.S. Senate, a strong
majority of governors' offices and state
legislatures and will likely further their
re-shaping of the federal judiciary.
Democrats in the U.S. House
will first fight an early battle among
themselves, over their own leadership
team, then over the progressive
bent of their agenda and then over
just how hard to attempt to make
life miserable for this president. It
will not be pretty, and neither is
democracy. Making laws while also
building support and public opinion,
while finding consensus are each
messy, but necessary. As adults, we
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LOCAL
The Madison Theatre, located in East Atlanta, was placed on the top 10 places in peril list by the Georgia Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Preservationists try to save Madison Theatre
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Opened in 1927, the
Madison Theatre is a shell of
what it used to be, according to
officials with the Georgia Trust
for Historic Preservation.
In November, the Georgia
Trust for Historic Preservation
selected the Madison Theatre,
located in East Atlanta, as one
of 10 “places in peril.”
Each year, 10 sites are
selected by the historic
preservation group and added
to the places in peril list.
“We have this program every
year and we announce 10 of the
most significant endangered
places in the state,” said Georgia
Trust for Historic Preservation
CEO Mark McDonald.
“This year we received 27
nominations.”
McDonald said selecting
only 10 sites allows the historic
preservation group to focus
www.TheChampionNewspaper.com
their energy on places in the
state that are most in need.
According to Georgia Trust
for Historic Preservation
officials, smaller portions of
the theater have been used for
commercial purposes since the
1980s and the larger portions of
the theater have been used for
storage space.
“You can quite easily drive
by this building and not know
what’s there,” McDonald said.
“We want to bring awareness to
the community and get people
interested in this project.”
Dennis Lovello, historic
properties coordinator with
Georgia Trust for Historic
Preservation, called the
property an “unpolished jewel.”
At the time the theater
opened, it was considered
one of the most expensive
neighborhood theaters in the
south.
“This theater can hopefully
be a cornerstone of East
Atlanta,” Lovello said. “Instead
#ItsInTheChampion
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 6
Close up of the facade of the Madison Theatre building.
of running from it, we can turn
it into a community asset. As
of right now, the condition of
the building is pretty shameful.
When you drive by it, you don’t
even know there’s something
there.”
Lovello said the historic
preservation group is currently Close up view of the architectural details of the Madison Theatre build-
working with the property ing.
owner to seek solutions and
hopefully turn the property into
an entertainment venue.
“There’s nothing better than
a comeback story,” Lovello said.
“Everyone loves a comeback
story and we don’t want people
to forget about [the Madison
Theatre]. If we can put this
property on the map, it can be
another jewel in the east Atlanta
crown. This is what good
preservation does, it gets the
community excited about the
property’s potential.”
McDonald said individuals
wanting to get involved with
historic preservation can visit Workers clean the interior of the Madison Theatre.
www.georgiatrust.org.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 7

STONECREST

New Birth announces new senior pastor
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church in Stonecrest
has named Baltimore, Md.,
pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant as its
new senior pastor.
The church made the
announcement Nov. 19 on
social media. Bryant will
replace Bishop Stephen A.
Davis, who resigned in June.
Davis, who also pastors a
church in Birmingham, Ala.,
was appointed pastor of New
Birth after the death of Bishop
Eddie L. Long, who died from
an aggressive form of cancer in
2017.
Bryant, a Morehouse
College graduate, is the
pastor of Empowerment
Empowerment Temple in 2000
and membership grew from
47 members to more than
10,000. He has a bachelor’s
degree in political science
and international studies
from Morehouse, a master of
divinity degree from Duke
University and a doctorate
of ministry degree from
The Graduate Theological
Foundation.
Bryant, 47, is known in
the faith-based community
for his philanthropic work
Baltimore, Md., pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant
will deliver his first sermon as New
and outspokenness on
social injustice. According
Birth’s new senior pastor on Dec. 9.
Photo from Jamal Bryant’s Facebook
to reports, Bryant admitted
to an extramarital affair in
2009 when he was married to
page
then-wife, Gizelle Bryant, a
reality star on Bravo TV’s Real
Temple AME Church in
Housewives of Potomac. They
Baltimore. According to his
have three daughters together.
website, Bryant founded
Bryant also fathered a child
with another woman in 2015.
On New Birth’s Facebook
post announcing the new
pastor, some questioned why
the church would bring in
a controversial pastor after Boettcher will be Dunwoody’s
coming out of a controversial communication director. (Photo courtesy
period under Long. of the City of Dunwoody)
Long was named in a
11Alive reporter
lawsuit in 2010 by four former
male members who accused
Long of sexual abuse. The
young men alleged Long used
his influence, trips and gifts to
becomes
coerce them into relationships.
The case was dismissed and communications
settled out of court, however,
the church’s membership
declined.
director
According to reports,
Bryant will deliver his first BY TAYLOR ROBINS
sermon as New Birth’s new
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
senior pastor on Dec. 9.
Dunwoody recently named
Jennifer Leslie Boettcher as

Charges will not be filed against DeKalb commissioners
Reconsideration of salary increase suggested
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
It’s been approximately nine months
since DeKalb County commissioners
voted 6-1 to increase their annual salaries
by approximately $24,000 annually.
The decision left several residents
unhappy and some have filed complaints
against the board of commissioners
claiming they violated the Open Meetings
Act by not putting the proposed salary
increase on the board’s agenda. The
agenda item was introduced as a walk-on
discussion during the Feb. 27 meeting.
DeKalb County resident Ed Williams
said he sent a letter to the DeKalb County
Solicitor General’s office in July requesting
an investigation of the process that lead to
a salary increase for commissioners.
In a statement issued to The Champion,
DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna
Coleman-Stribling said after a review
process there was “insufficient evidence
to reconsider their salary increase and to
obtain additional training as it relates to
the Open Meetings Act.”
According to Payscale.com, the average
national salary of county commissioners
is $56,269. According to DeKalb County
officials, commissioners Kathie Gannon
and Larry Johnson are the highest-paid
commissioners making more than $45,000
a year as of March. Commissioners
Nancy Jester—who voted against the
pay increase, Steve Bradshaw, Mereda
Davis-Johnson and Gregory Adams are
the lowest-paid commissioners making
approximately $40,500 a year. DeKalb
County CEO Michael Thurmond makes
more than $162,000 a year.
Commissioners can receive a
maximum of three longevity increases at
2.5 percent each for every full four-year
term served.
On June 20, Attorney General of
Georgia Christopher Carr sent a letter
to county attorney Viviane Ernstes.
According to Carr, Ernstes said putting
the proposed salary increase on the Feb.
27 agenda would have “created confusion
amongst stakeholders and the public
concerning which entity had the authority
to increase salary.”
Carr said the likelihood of the
agenda item creating public confusion
seems “highly improbable and frankly
irrelevant.”
“The board’s failure to include their
salary increase on the meeting agenda in
advance of the meeting not only frustrated
the purposes of the Open Meetings Act.
It violated the act’s requirement that all
matters expected to come before [the]
agency should be included in the agenda,”
Carr wrote.
the city’s new communications
director, according to a press
release.
“I’m so excited about this
next chapter,” Boettcher said.
“Dunwoody is such a special
place. I love living here and
look forward to sharing and
shaping the story of this great
city.”
The former 11Alive
reporter was selected based
on her media experience and
community connections,
according to the city. While
with 11Alive, Boettcher earned
six Emmy from the National
Academy of Television Arts
and Sciences.
“We are very pleased to
have Jennifer as the city of
Dunwoody communications
director,” states City Manager
Eric Linton. “Jennifer’s
success as a news anchor
makes her uniquely qualified to
lead the city’s media relations
and community engagement.
She is well known around the
community and strengthening

REDUCE • REUSE
this connection is that she is a
to support a finding of criminal intent by Dunwoody resident.”
the board of commissioners to violate the Boettcher’s duties will
Open Meetings Act.” include leading the city’s
Coleman-Stribling said the proposed media relations, community
salary increase was published in the

RECYCLE • REDUCE
engagement and customer
county’s legal organ, The Champion, for service efforts.
three consecutive weeks prior to the Boettcher and her husband
meeting, as required by law. Matt have been residents of
“While not criminal, omitting the Dunwoody for 12 years, where

REUSE • RECYCLE
item from the actual agenda prior to they raise their sons Blake and
the meeting did give the appearance of Bo.
impropriety on behalf of the board of
commissioners,” Coleman-Stribling said.
“To restore faith in government and in
keeping with the transparent spirit of
the Open Meetings Act, we strongly
encourage the board of commissioners
LOCAL
AVONDALE ESTATE
Towne Cinema in Avondale Estates.
Avondale Estates Cinema
to close its doors for good
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
An entertainment business
in Avondale Estates announced
it will be permanently closed
after unsustainable profit.
Avondale Towne Cinema
announced on its Facebook
page Nov. 24 that the business
will close its doors after four
years of operation.  
“We have enjoyed spending
the past four years getting to
know all of you and being a
part of your special moments,”
Avondale Towne Cinema
management said in a statement
on social media. “Unfortunately,
we will be closing our doors
on [Dec. 15]. After years of
trying to make the business
profitable, we can no longer
continue to operate. Our
landlords were great in helping
make this successful, but they
could not back us anymore and
are working on someone else
coming into the space.”
Avondale Towne Cinema
management hinted at a
potential reopening at a
different location.
“Thanks to all of our
friends and neighbors for
some incredible moments and
a heck of a ride,” an Avondale
Towne Cinema spokesperson
said. “We are working to bring
everyone another great space
in Avondale. Stay tuned for
details.”
“Avondale Towne Cinema
is a lasting part of the rich
history of Avondale Estates. Its
marquee is an icon in the city
and its offerings legendary in
the music and entertainment
industry. The building has
reinvented itself many times
over the years since its
construction in 1925 and has
become a landmark for all,”
said Avondale Estates Mayor
Jonathan Elmore. “The current
operator has contributed
significantly to the Towne
Cinema and we look forward to
the next chapter of this historic
space.”
The cinema was scheduled
to host a Chi-Town Transit
Authority music event Nov. 23,
but announced on social media
the day of the event that the
event was cancelled. Cinema
management said they issued
refunds and contacted the band
scheduled to play.
Several patrons of
the cinema expressed
disappointment regarding the
closing.
“Tony, I will miss your
venue and seeing you there.
You are a wonderful friend
and always will be. Wishing
you luck in whatever new
dreams you have and thank
you from my little part of the
Atlanta music community,” said
Spencer Kirkpatrick.
380-418678 11/29jb
LEGAL NOTICE
MANUEL J. MALOOF CENTER
1300 COMMERCE DRIVE
MALOOF AUDITORIUM
DECATUR, GA 30030-3221
Notice of Public Hearings
Notice is hereby given by
DeKalb County Board of
Commissioners that the hearings
on the following application will
be held by the DeKalb County
Planning Commissioners in the
Auditorium of the Maloof Center,
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur,
Georgia, on the following date:
WEDNESDAY, ++DECEMBER 12, 2018
@ 6:30p.m.++
N.2 Romer Subdivision
959 Romer Pl
#P-Plat 22169
15-225-01-173
Application request of Robert and
Susan Shoemaker to sub-divide
approximately 0.6652 acres into
three (3) single family residential
lots. The property is zoned RSM
(Small Lot Residential Mix) and
has approximately 171.26 feet of
frontage on Romer Pl and 70 feet
of frontage on Brasac Drive.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 8
Suzanne Kosmerl said,
“This makes me so sad. Thank
you for all the great music
you’ve brought to Avondale
[Estates].”
Avondale Towne Cinema
is scheduled to host a Jingle
Mingle Mile on Dec. 1 from
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a Mudcat
album release party from 8 p.m.
to 11:30 p.m.
The Champion Newspaper
attempted to contact building
owner Fisher Paty of Oakhurst
Realty Partners via email and
phone but did not receive a
response by press time.
The Champion Newspaper
also attempted to contact
Avondale Towne Cinema owner
Tony Longval but did not
receive a response by press time.
PROUD BOBBY
DECATUR
Noodle, pictured above, along with Tres Jolie, Fresh to Order and Java Monkey were
closed after a fire started at Java Monkey on Nov. 11.
Suspect wanted after Java Monkey fire
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
More than two weeks after a officials said witnesses reported
popular coffee shop in Decatur flames and smoke coming
suffered severe smoke and from the rear of the business.
fire damage, Decatur Police
announced they believe an Decatur Fire and Rescue
arsonist was the cause of the officials said fire and smoke
fire. also damaged nearby
On Nov. 26, Decatur police businesses Tres Jolie, Noodle
said Rickey Hodges Thomas and Fresh to Order.
is wanted for arson in the first Individuals with knowledge
degree. Thomas, 28, is a Black of the whereabouts of Thomas
male, approximately 5-foot-10 are asked to contact arson
inches tall and 162 pounds, investigator K. Rice of the
according to police. Decatur Fire Department at
Reports of the fire at Java kevin.rice@decaturga.com or
Monkey began on Nov. 11 (678) 553-6587. Individuals
at approximately 11:30 p.m. can also contact Crime
Decatur Fire and Rescue Stoppers Greater Atlanta at
officials responded to a fire (404) 577-Tips (8477) and
at the business. Fire rescue remain anonymous.
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal presents a proclamation at the Nov. 5 city council meeting for World Diabetes Day. (Dunwoody
Twitter)

Decatur Police Ofc. Kersey poses for a photo with Santa during the annual Santa on
the Square event in downtown Decatur Nov. 24.
Police pose for a picture during the “Light Up Dunwoody” holiday event and tree lighting Nov. 18. (Dunwoody Police Twitter)

Biomedical engineers from the Children’s Heart Research and Outcomes Center, a joint project from Georgia Tech and Emory Pack 577 from Oak Grove United Methodist Church visited Tucker Precinct and met
University, discuss heart health with first-second-and third-graders from Oak Grove Elementary Nov. 16. (DeKalb County School with SWAT members and a Crime Scene Investigator. Photo from DeKalb County Police
District Twitter) Department - Tucker Precinct’s Facebook page

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s 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.

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

EDUCATION
ATLANTA
Lakeside High School will hold its annual holiday concert Dec. 13 and 14. Photos by Lynn Kessler
Lakeside High School’s music students ring in holiday season
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Lakeside High School is set to
spread holiday cheer with two free
concerts Dec. 13 and 14 from 7-9 p.m.
“This is the 15th year Lakeside High
School has presented holiday music
concerts,” said Dr. David Fairchild,
director of bands. “Our students really
High schools announce graduation dates
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Public high schools in
DeKalb County gear up for
graduation as ceremony dates
are released.
Decatur High School will
take place at Georgia State
University on May 31 at 7 p.m.
All DeKalb County School
District graduations will take
place at the Georgia World
Congress Center, 285 Andrew
Young International Blvd. NW
in Atlanta, beginning May
28 through June 2. Margaret
Harris Comprehensive
School’s graduation will take
place on May 17 on its own
campus.
The complete DCSD
graduation schedule for the
2018-2019 school year is as
follows:
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 10
enjoy the opportunity to perform performances are free to the public; the school’s gym.
with their friends in the other music school will also accept donations. The Gala, on Dec. 14, will be formal
disciplines, and the performances are “It’s one of the few occasions each with students dressed in tuxedos and
eagerly anticipated by the community.” year that all of the music students long dresses.
Along with Fairchild, the band perform together and both shows “The evenings are purposely
also is under the direction of Assisant are really terrific,” said Julie Herron designed to present different styles of
Director Daniel MacNamara; The Carson, member of the Lakeside Band music, and many people attend both
orchestra is under the direction of Tara Association. events,” Fairchild said.
Buonamici. The chorus is under the Fairchild describes The Pops Lakeside High School is located at
direction of Thomas FitzStephens. Concert, to be held Dec. 13, as “perfect 3801 Briarcliff Road.
The three ensembles will perform for families” that dress in festive holiday
separately and together. The attire. The concert will be held in the
• Clarkston High School - 7 a.m. School - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019: p.m. • Arabia Mountain High
• Towers High School - 10 a.m. School - 1 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2019:
• Columbia High School - 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2019: • Chamblee Charter High • Stone Mountain High School
• Cedar Grove High School - 4 • Lakeside High School -10 School  - 4 p.m. - 10 a.m.
p.m. a.m. • Tucker High School - 7 p.m. • Southwest DeKalb High
• DeKalb School of the Art - 7 • DeKalb Early College School -1 p.m.
p.m. Academy -1 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019: • Tapestry Charter School - 4
• Stephenson High School  • Druid Hills High School p.m.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019:   - 4 p.m. -10 a.m.
• Lithonia High School -10 • Cross Keys High School • Martin Luther King, Jr. High Friday, May 17, 2019:
a.m. - 7 p.m. School - 1 p.m. • Margaret Harris
• Dunwoody High School -1  •Miller Grove High School Comprehensive School – 10
p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019: - 4 p.m. a.m. at the school.
• Redan High School - 4 p.m. • McNair High School - 10 • Elizabeth Andrews High
City of Avondale Estates
2018 ‐ 2024 SPLOST
FY 2018 Report on Projects Funded Through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
( as required by O.C.G.A 48‐8‐122)
ORIGINAL  CURRENT  TOTAL  PROJECT 
YEAR  ESTIMATED  ESTIMATED  PRIOR  CURRENT  AMOUNT  PROJECT  ESTIMATED/ACTUAL  BEHIND  PROJECT 
PROJECT APPROVED COST COST YEARS YEAR EXPENDED COMPLETE COMPLETION SCHEDULE UNDERFUNDED
Road Resurfacing/Paving 2018 $2,106,616 $2,106,616 0 0 0 N 12/31/2024 N N
Transportation Improvements 2018 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 0 0 0 N 12/31/2024 N N
Public Safety 2018 $349,435 $349,435 0 0 0 N 12/31/2024 N N
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 11

DUNWOOODY
Education Briefs
BY TAYLOR ROBINS • taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Thornton concedes to Woods

After receiving approximately 1.8 million votes in the

Nov. 6 election, Otha Thornton conceded the race
for Georgia State School Superintendent to incumbent
Richard Woods Nov. 17.
“I want to wish Superintendent Woods the best as he
continues to lead,” Thornton said in a Facebook post. “My
prayers and support will be with him and the Department
of Education as they serve our children and families.”

Local resident inducted into The Honor Society of Phi

Kappa Phi

Samantha Park of Stone Mountain was recently initiated

Dunwoody High School was one of four schools placed on lockdown Nov. 16 after reported shooting threats were made. (Dunwoody
into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s
High School website)
oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all

Threats to DCSD schools

academic disciplines, according to Phi Kappa Phi.
Park was initiated at University of North Georgia.
Park is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty,
professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi

cause lockdowns
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody police and
DeKalb County School District
police responded to threats
made to schools in Dunwoody
the week of Nov. 12-16.
DCSD reported that
Vanderlyn Elementary,
Austin Elementary, Kingsley
Elementary and Dunwoody
High School were placed
on lockdown Nov. 16 due to
threats made on social media.
In a Nov. 16 Facebook
live video, Dunwoody Police
Sergeant Robert Parsons said
Dunwoody police received
numerous social media reports
about threats to “shoot it up”─
referring to DeKalb County
schools. DCSD and DCSD
police were then notified,
according to Parsons.
Police determined that the
threats were not unique to
Dunwoody schools, and that
similar threats had also been
made to schools in California,
Florida and Canada, according
to Parsons.
“Someone [was] actively
putting these fake threats out
there trying to get a response
and trying to cause panic and
cause harm to the community
and that’s exactly what’s
happened,” Parsons said in
the live video. “We are doing
everything we can just to make
sure that not only is the school
safe, but we [also] want to do
what we can to reduce fear and
reduce panic. That’s the last
thing we want.”
The Dunwoody Police
Twitter page describes the
events as “swatting incidents,”
that are made to illicit police
response.
Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only
and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only
the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are
eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10
percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees
“This is not something to may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and
alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
take lightly,” Parsons said Nov.
16. “It’s not a joke.”
According to Parsons, the
investigation is ongoing. Coralwood Center to work with opera singer
Students from Dunwoody
DeKalb County School District’s The Coralwood
Elementary School gave police
Center will work with Alliance Theatre and opera singer
officers cards and cookies Nov.
Timothy Miller to create a short performance at the
19, as a way to say thank you,
upcoming Georgia Preschool Conference in March 2019.
according to the Dunwoody
Pre-kindergarten students will join others in the metro
Police Twitter page.
Atlanta area in writing lyrics for Miller to perform.
“None of the threats has
been credible, as the threats
are originating from an I.P.
Evansdale Elementary receives award for French
address outside of the United
education
States,” DCSD officials said.
“The district’s dedicated
Evansdale Elementary has received the Label
officers, in partnership with
FrancEducation Seal of Excellence in French Bilingual
Dunwoody police, continue
Education by the Agency of French Education Abroad.
to investigate and take the
The award is granted to foreign schools proposing French
necessary safety precautions
bilingual sections of extremely high quality. Just 158
at each school. Each school
schools in 35 countries around the world received the
has communicated information
award, according to DeKalb County School District.
with their respective school
communities.”
DCSD superintendent honored by local nonprofit

DeKalb County School District Superintendent Dr. R.

Stephen Green was recently named the recipient of the
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN 2018 Pinnacle Award for education by the Live Healthy
PUBLIC NOTICE & Thrive Youth Foundation. Green will be honored at an
upcoming gala recognizing his commitment to education,
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Stone Mountain has achievement and bettering the lives of metro Atlanta
been rescheduled for the month of December 2018 and will now be held on youth.
Monday, December 3, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 875 main Street, Stone “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by one of
Mountain, Georgia. DeKalb County School District’s important community
partners, the Live Healthy & Thrive Youth Foundation,”
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Stone Mountain are scheduled to Green said. “However, I cannot take full credit. My
adopt the 2019 Fiscal Budget at a Regular Council Meeting to be held on commitment to education is inspired by the stories of
Monday, December 3, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone perseverance from students, the palpable dedication from
Mountain, Georgia. our district teachers, and the support of my colleagues.
Together, we are taking education in DeKalb County to
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Stone Mountain has the next level. This award is evidence that our efforts are
been rescheduled for the month of January 2019 and will now be held on not going unnoticed.”
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, Georgia.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 12

AROUNDDEKALB
STONE MOUNTAIN
Organization to host breakfast with Santa
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
(FODAC) will host “Breakfast with Santa” Dec.
8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Evergreen Marriott
Conference Resort in Stone Mountain Park.
The event will include a gourmet breakfast
buffet, free park admission with an all-
attractions pass for each person ($34.95
value), carol sing-along, a toy for each child
and an opportunity to meet and take pictures
with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $30 for
adults and $20 for children ages 6 -11; children
5 and under are free when accompanied by
an adult. All proceeds will benefit FODAC. The
resort is located at 4021 Lakeview Drive. For
registration and info, visit www.fodac.org/
breakfast.
Community to host Christmas home tour
Residents can tour four homes in Smoke
Rise and Stone Mountain Village decorated
for Christmas at the 2018 Holiday for Homes
Christmas Home Tour Dec. 8. Homes are
open from 10 am to 4 p.m. The $25 ticket
includes lunch at the Stone Mountain
First United Methodist Church. Vendors at
the church will offer gift and home decor
items for sale. Tickets are available at the
Garden Enthusiast in Tucker or at the ART
Station in Stone Mountain or at www.
stonemountainwomansclub.org. All proceeds DeKalb Sanitation will host the final
from the annual home tour go back into the
community.
PINE LAKE
City lights up the lake
The first night of Holiday Lights will be
celebrated in Pine Lake’s Beach House, 4580
Lakeshore Drive, with a holiday sing-a-long
featuring the Pine Lake Community Choir
Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
The city will also do a cookie exchange.
Pine Lake asks that each family bring two
dozen homemade cookies to share and to
take home a sampler plate of Pine Lake’s finest
cookies.
COUNTY WIDE
Recycling bins final exchange event
announced
community recycle roll cart exchange event
on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
North DeKalb Mall.

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 13

Boutique owner brings elegance

to southeast metro area
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
When Decatur resident
Jacinda Holley took her
teenage daughters shopping
for prom dresses a few
years ago she was met with
a great deal of frustration,
she recalled. “There were no
formal shops in the southern
part of the metro Atlanta area.
There was a bridal gown shop
in the Stonecrest area, but
the selections there weren’t
necessarily suitable for the
prom. Now it has closed.”
Holley has taken steps
to assure that other women
and girls shopping for formal
wear don’t have to drive
long distances to do so.
In September, she opened
Dernier Cri Gowns on Parker
Road in Conyers. Dernier cri is
a French term meaning trendy
or fashionable.
Despite a possible
perception that people today
are more casual than in
previous generations, there
is a strong market demand
for formal ware, according to
Holley. “I looked over a list of
upcoming events in the Atlanta
area between now and the end
of the year and quickly spotted
at least 15 for which formal
attire would be appropriate.”
She noted among the occasions
calling for semi-formal and
formal attire proms, sweet
16 parties, debutante balls,
ROTC balls, the Mayor’s Ball,
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
parties, masquerade balls and
weddings.
“Everything I did before
prepared me for this. In
my previous jobs, I learned
financial management and
customer service,” said Holley,
who has worked as a legal
advertising manager and
real estate agent. “I enjoy
beautiful things. And I feel I
have a knack for helping other
women find what looks good
on them. The one advantage of
having to look so many places
as I was shopping for formal
dresses for my daughters
was I really got to know the
market—what’s available and
what’s popular with young
women and older ones.”
Holley said she stocks
clothing across a wide range
of styles, sizes, price points
and age appropriateness. “I
remember a young woman
who came in with a friend,
but said she wasn’t going to
the formal event her friend
was preparing for because she
couldn’t afford a dress. She
was astonished when I found a
dress she loved that was within
her budget,” the store owner
recalled.
“I set out to create a
boutique with a contemporary
feel where customers would
enjoy the formal attire
shopping experience. I strive
to make superior customer
service a hallmark of the
business. Some places I went
with my daughters, no one
bothered to greet us or seemed
to care about serving us. I
make sure everyone who
comes through my doors
feels special. There is no body
shaming in my shop. Every
woman and girl should feel
beautiful when she’s dressed
up.”
There is a runway in the
shop where customers can
try walking in a dress they’re
considering, she said. “We
sometimes give the young
ladies tips on how to walk in
a formal dress and even teach
some of them how to walk in
high-heel shoes. It’s astounding
to see the transformation
in young ladies—even ones
who thought of themselves as
tomboys before—when they
put on an evening gown,”
Holley continued.
Holley said she currently
has more than 300 dresses
in stock with an additional
200 on order. In addition to
the demand created by the
upcoming holiday season, she
noted, many young women
start early looking for prom
dresses. “They may not be
ready to buy, but they come At Gresham Park Christian Church in Decatur, Jacinda Holley shows young women
in to see what’s available. The attending an etiquette and personal development workshop a “crystal ice” formal
MLK holiday in January is a gown from her boutique
big day for shopping for prom
dresses,” she said.
Because her business is development workshop for happiness,” said Holley, adding
new, Holley explained, she young women at a church in that she plans to add more
spends a good deal of time Decatur. bridal gowns soon. “Right now,
introducing it at events “It’s really thrilling to we have many gowns suitable
throughout the community, see women of all ages get for bridesmaids and mothers
noting that she recently so excited about the gowns. of brides, but in the near future
brought her gowns to a No matter how many I work we’ll have many selections for
fashion show in Decatur and with, I still get a great deal of brides as well.”
to an etiquette and personal enjoyment from seeing their

Tucker parks manager wins state award

Tucker’s Parks and Recreation
Department has pulled in yet another
accolade, this time earning the most
prestigious honor in the department’s
short history.
Operations Manager Jason Collins
was honored earlier this month as
the Maintenance and Operations
Outstanding Professional of the Year
by the Georgia Recreation and Parks
Association (GRPA). The award,
presented each year at GRPA’s annual
meeting in Jekyll Island, recognizes
the work of one person as the best in
the state of Georgia.
“Tucker Parks and Rec has a
team of truly talented professionals
who have worked tirelessly to get
this department off the ground in
a very quick period of time,” said
Parks and Recreation Director Rip
Robertson. “When we hired Jason
after his successful stint in the city of
Brookhaven, we knew we were getting
someone who could really make a
difference in this community. I’m just
glad to see his efforts recognized on
such a big stage.”
Collins is the city’s parks
operations manager, meaning
he oversees park maintenance,
coordinates with volunteer Friends
of the Parks groups. Since his hiring
in March, Collins has been a part of
expanding and improving Tucker’s
parks and many of the amenities they
offer. Last month, he was one of three
staff members to be honored at the
GRPA District 6 Awards.
“I was very happy to accept this
award because it shows many of the
great things we have accomplished
with the Tucker parks in such a
short amount of time,” Collins said.
“We hope to continue these great
improvements and more for the parks
and community of Tucker going
forward.”
Tucker assumed operation of
its recreation center from DeKalb
County in January. It took over Tucker Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Jason
operation of its parks just a few Collins, right, received the Maintenance and Operations
months later in April. Outstanding Professional of the Year. Photo from www.
tuckerga.gov
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
The 7u Georgia Thoroughbreds out of Fairington Park will compete in the Youth National Championship tournament Dec. 12-16 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Youth football team raising
money for championship trip
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A Stonecrest youth football
team will play for a national title
in Florida and they need help
getting there.
The 7u Georgia
Thoroughbreds, based out
of Fairington Park, will
compete in the Youth National
Championship tournament
Dec. 12-16 in Fort Lauderdale,
Fla. The team was invited to
compete in the tournament
after going undefeated
and winning their league
championship.
The team started a
GoFundMe account with a
goal of $7,500 to help pay for
the trip to Florida. The money
will cover hotel, airfare, meals
and ground transportation for
players who cannot afford the
trip. The team hopes to raise the
money by Dec. 8.
The team, which is ranked
No. 1 in the 7u national youth
rankings, experienced an
early challenge before going
undefeated this season. Before
the season started, the Georgia
Thoroughbreds’ program
lost the majority of its teams
after the league that they
were previously in, Georgia
Xtreme Youth Football League,
dissolved.
Rayvon Bent, one of the 7u
coaches, said the league change
was due in part to several
players leaving Fairington Park
to play at another park in a
different league. The former
owner of the Thoroughbreds
was also part owner of Georgia
Xtreme.
“So, when that happened
[the Thoroughbreds program]
just all dissolved,” Bent said.
“Some people took their 8 years
olds to this place; this coach
took his 9 year olds this place
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 14
and it just kept going and we
were the only ones that stayed.”
The 7u team and two 6u
teams are the only remaining
teams in the Georgia
Thoroughbreds program, a
program that has been around
for nearly 20 years.
“What’s happening is we’re
trying to save this particular
program instead of moving
because we’re trying to revive
it,” Bent said. “We literally lost
all age [groups]. We went from
5u through 14u to just 6u and
7u.”
The program is currently
playing in the Youth Football
Association league. Other teams
in the league include Tucker
and Central DeKalb youth
football programs. Bent said
some coaches and fans didn’t
think the Thoroughbreds could
compete in the league, but the
players proved them wrong.
“We went undefeated again
just like we did last year,” he
said.
The same team won the 6u
championship in their previous
league last year.
“[We were] coming into
a new league, who already
don’t like [us] and then they’re
telling us [our] boys won’t be
able to do what they did last
year because our league was
weak,” Bent said. “We gave up
12 points all season. So, it was
definitely good to see them
go undefeated and win the
championship.”
Bent said he hopes the
community gets behind the
program and supports the team
because they want to keep the
program alive for the children
in the community.
“We are bunch of dads and
moms who came together for
a common goal. We’re going
to be together for the next
seven years, so we turned this
into a family and that’s why we
didn’t leave when everything
dissolved,” Bent said. “These
boys know each other from the
ground up. We’re trying to keep
that together and have a family-
based atmosphere.”
Bent said financial support
of the program can help bring
back the cheerleading program
and improve the park so that
the Thoroughbreds can host
games.
“We don’t have lights for
the kids,” he said. “We have to
buy our own lights. We’re in
the rebuilding stage and I think
this is the best time to get more
people involved, more of the
community involved and let’s
do this together.”
To donate, visit www.
gofundme.com and search GA-
Thoro Youth Football Travel
Fund, or send money through
Cash App to $gathoroughbreds.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 15

FOOTBALL

Cedar Grove, Marist

advance to semifinals
Cedar Grove quarterback Kendall Boney stretches the ball over the goal line while BY CARLA PARKER
being tackled. Photo by Mark Brock
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Cedar Grove Saints
and Marist War Eagles are one
step closer to playing for a state
football title.
No. 2-ranked Cedar
Grove advanced to the Class
AAA state playoffs after a
55-0 win over No. 7-ranked
Benedictine in Savannah Nov.
23. The Saints were led by
senior quarterback Kendall
Boney, who had three passing
touchdowns and one rushing
touchdown.
Cedar Grove’s offense
accumulated 438 total yards
(280 rushing, 158 passing).
Marist kicker Brendan Farrell kicked a 25-yard field goal to give Marist the lead and
the win against Mary Persons. Photo by J. David DiCristina
The defense had 12 tackles
for a loss and four sacks. The
shutout was the Saints’ seventh
shutout win this season.
Cedar Grove (12-1) will
host No. 9-ranked Pierce
County (13-0) Nov. 30 at
Godfrey Stadium in the
semifinals. Kickoff is set for
7:30 p.m.
A fourth quarter field goal
helped No. 7-ranked Marist
advance to the Class AAAA
semifinals. The War Eagles
defeated No. 2-ranked Mary
Persons 10-7 on the road Nov.
23. After a scoreless first half,
Mary Persons took a 7-0 lead
in the third quarter on an 11-
yard touchdown run by Quen
Wilson.
Marist tied the score in the
fourth quarter after a 10-play,
45-yard drive that ended in a
one-yard touchdown run by
quarterback Connor Cigelske.
The War Eagles got the lead
and the win with 2:16 left in
the game on a 25-yard field
goal by Brendan Farrell.
Cigelske led the team with
121 all-purpose yards (83
rushing, 38 passing). Marist’s
defense held Mary Parsons to
182 yards of offense.
Marist (11-2) will travel to
face No. 5-ranked Cartersville
(13-0) Nov. 30 in the
semifinals. Kickoff is set for
7:30 p.m.

NEXT WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES

Nov. 19 Stephenson 60, Greater Atlanta Christian 56

LEVEL
Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from
DeKalb County who are succeeding in athletics at the college level.
Jakobi Meyers, North
Carolina State (football):
The junior wide receiver
from Arabia Mountain had
seven catches for 111 yards
in the 34-28 win over North
Carolina Nov. 24.
Jonathan Ledbetter,
Georgia (football): The
senior defensive end from
Tucker led the defense with
nine total tackles in the 45-
21 win over Georgia Tech
Nov. 24.
Dominique Oden, Purdue
(basketball): The junior
guard from Marist scored
18 points and had six assists
and five rebounds in the
70-59 win over Ole Miss
Nov. 23.
Franklin County 52, Chamblee 25
Boys Lanier 62, Columbia 41
Dunwoody 61, Osborne 52 Upson-Lee 61, Lithonia 49
Lakeside 62, Northview 48
Lithonia 70, Milton 63 Nov. 21
St. Pius X 82, Huntsville (Ala.) 50
Stephenson 74, Parkview 69 Boys
Alpharetta 63, Redan 58 Columbia 61, Eight Mile Rock (Bahamas) 56
Douglass 70, Decatur 59
Woodland 60, Tucker 59 Nov. 23
Woodstock 52, Arabia Mountain 41
Boys
Girls Chamblee 49, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 47
Arabia Mountain 48, Marietta 39 Columbia 64, Sunland Baptist Academy (Bahamas) 51
Columbia 53, Alpharetta 50 Druid Hills 66, Drew Charter 60
Lakeside 70, Wheeler 37 Southwest DeKalb 79, Norcross 69
Southwest DeKalb 73, Rockdale County 44 Greenforest 62, Langston Hughes 60
North Cobb 58, Marist 39 Westlake 74, Lithonia 69
Sequoyah 64, Chamblee 27
Wesleyan 60, Stephenson 49 Girls
Woodland 54, Tucker 26 Southwest DeKalb 69, Woodland 57
Holy Spirit Prep 52, Druid Hills 28
Nov. 20 Maplewood (Tenn.) 63, Stone Mountain 34
Boys Nov. 24
Dunwoody 69, Starr’s Mill 61
Lithonia 57, Cedar Shoals 40 Boys
Paideia 61, King’s Ridge Christian 59 Chamblee 69, Spalding 60
Tucker 88, Decatur 52 Columbia 48, St. George’s (Bahamas) 18
Druid Hills 79, Valdosta 66
Buford 93, Stephenson 45
Etowah 59, Arabia Mountain 46 Lithonia 76, Tri-Cities 72
Mt. Bethel 65, Miller Grove 61 Pebblebrook 57, Greenforest 51

VISIT US ONLINE
Mountain Brook 57, St. Pius X 41
Girls
Girls Columbia 72, Kendrick 56

THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
Arabia Mountain 57, Woodstock 54 Lithonia 46, Towers 40
Miller Grove 42, Stockbridge 33 Cass 69, Clarkston 35
Paideia 56, King’s Ridge Christian 44 Holmes County Central (Miss.) 66, Stone Mountain 38
Southwest DeKalb 63, Harrison 32
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 • Page 16

STONECREST

Mayor shares his cancer journey

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Stonecrest Mayor Jason
Lary has been receiving
treatment for prostate cancer
for the past two months and
has documented his journey to
share with Stonecrest residents.
City officials shared a
video of Lary in the beginning
stages of his treatment. Lary
announced Sept. 17 during
a city council meeting that
he would be on temporary
medical leave to focus on his
health. He was diagnosed with
prostate cancer earlier this
summer.
Lary told The Champion in
October that before the cancer
diagnoses he was dealing with
kidney stones.
“I couldn’t shake these
kidney stones,” he said. “Then
they started doing a series
of tests and that’s how [the
cancer] came up.”
Lary said he has completed
his pretreatment requirements
and will be in radiation therapy
for the next two months. The
17-minute video opens with
Stonecrest Communications
Director Adrion Bell giving
a brief summery of Lary’s
announcement at the council
meeting.
The video then shows Lary
waiting for his appointment at
Virtual Imaging for a heart and
lung scan. Lary explains why
he is having this documented.
“I’m anxious and nervous
at the same time, but I would
rather do it this way to make
sure that we can share this with
other men and make sure that
they take care of themselves
and I take care of me for my Dr. John H. Giesler, right, radiation oncologist, shares with Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, top right, and his wife Debra the type of
family and for Stonecrest,” Lary radiation treatment Lary will receive to treat his prostate cancer. Screen shot from Lary’s cancer journey video
said.
Lary is filmed during the prostate cancer hadn’t moved scan before starting treatment. doctors will test to see if he
heart and lung scan. to a different area.” Lary’s last radiation will need surgery. Along with
“It was a unique experience. The video also shows treatment is scheduled in the receiving treatment for cancer,
I’m hoping that my results will Lary preparing for radiation first week of December, Bell Lary said he also will focus on
be positive,” Lary said. “I just treatments. He had to get a said in the video. After he getting back in shape.
want to make sure that my computed tomography (CT) completes radiation, Lary said,

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