FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Sisters Aishvarya and Vaishali Prahalad partnered with the Alzheimers Association at Emory University after creating
a book that helps people write an autobiography. Photo by Horace Holloman
Local girls fight Alzheimers
disease one book at a time
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
What started as two
DeKalb County girls wanting
to know more about their
grandfather quickly blossomed
into something no one in the
family expected.
Sisters Aishvarya,7, and
Vaishali, 11, Prahalad are
described by their mother as
precocious little girls. The two
love to read and spend time in
the library. Their favorite books
happen to be autobiographies.
After a trip to the library
the duo wondered why they
couldnt read a book about
someone they know.
We were wondering why
our grandparents didnt have
a book of their own so we
could read about them. So
we said how about we create
something where anyone can
write their own biography,
Vaishali said.
Thats how the idea for
CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER
FRIDAY, FEB. 10, 2017 VOL. 19, NO. 45 FREE
Grandstories was created.
The sisters, with the help of
their parents, developed a
self-help autobiography book
that allows anyone to create
their own autobiography
through answering probing
questions.
The book is broken
down into different chapters
including all about you, a
trip down memory lane, more
of your favorite things and
words of wisdom.
Individuals can fill out
the pages in their own hand
writing or have someone write
for them while theyre being
interviewed.
At first, the girls werent
sure how the idea would be
received by the community.
The girls started out selling the
books in their neighborhood
and within minutes sold out
and soon had to take pre-
orders.
We were expecting maybe
people saying, oh youre kids
CHAMPIONNEWS
so well buy one from you
but we realized people really
liked the product. We realized
there was something in it
that people actually wanted,
Vaishali said.
A year after creating their
own book, Grandstories has
been shipped to 18 different
countries. The only continent
Grandstories hasnt touched
is Antarctica, according to the
girls mother.
Neeraja Prahalad, the
mother of Aishvarya and
Vaishali, said shes very proud
of her daughters for publishing
their own book, but its what
the girls are doing with the
money thats really making a
difference.
The girls give 10 percent
of the proceeds to charity and
Aishvarya and Vaishali are
partners with the Alzheimers
Association at Emory
University.
See Book on page 5
CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER
146-year-old
childrens home
to sell Decatur
campus
Photo by Kathy Mitchell
by Kathy Mitchell
I
n what the organization
characterized as an
overwhelming vote of approval,
the Board of Trustees of The
United Methodist Childrens Home
(UMCH) decided to sell the property
that makes up its Decatur campus.
The property, located on South
Columbia Drive near Columbia
Theological Seminary, is approximately
77 acres and provides onsite services
for approximately 80 people. Thats the
equivalent of 59 football fields. We dont
need 59 football fields of space to care
for 80 people, said John P. Cerniglia,
UMCH vice president of development.
UMCHs DeKalb property originally
was 226 acres, but over the years 149
acres were sold as the organizations
needs and the focus of its ministry
changed.
Money from the sale will be
invested, so resources to serve an
additional 63 people each year are
expected to come in perpetuity,
according to Cerniglia, who said the
organization will not purchase other
property, but will rent facilities as
needed.
The proposal to sell the Decatur
property came as a result of thoughtful
research and consideration of how and
where the organization might expand
its ability to deliver on the organizations
mission and to keep up with, or
anticipate, the times in which the
See Sell on page 5
CHAMPIONNEWS
LOCAL
Chaos at the border
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
President Donald Trumps
executive order involving
immigrationsigned Jan.
27has garnered a reaction
from one DeKalb County
congressman, his well-
known colleague as well as a
congressional candidate.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson,
who represents a sizeable
portion of DeKalb County,
was joined by Atlanta-based
U.S. Rep. John Lewis and
6th Congressional District
candidate Jon Ossoff at
Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson
Airport on the afternoon of Jan.
29 in response to Trumps order.
The order puts an
indefinite ban on Syrian
refugees until further notice,
restricts immigration from
six predominantly Muslim
countriesIraq, Iran, Somalia,
Sudan, Libya and Yemen for
120 days, bars entry from these
countries for 90 days, and
allows Customs and Border
Patrol (CBP) the discretion to
question U.S. citizens traveling
home from each.
The order also suspends
the entry of refugees into the
country for 120 days.
The order resulted in
protests around the world,
primarily at U.S. airports, as
well as legal action from state
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 2
Congressmen Hank Johnson, John Lewis and
congress candidate Jon Ossoff investigate
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Jan. 28
following a controversial executive order from
President Donald Trump on Jan. 27. Photo
submitted.
Refugees supported by U.S.
reps Johnson, Lewis and
candidate at airport
officials to enforce temporary mistake about itAmericans airport also serves as the and frightened Georgia
stays. Following protests on Jan. who respect the Constitution countrys border for immigrants families, impaired commerce
28, Georgia was named among must rise up and oppose this and citizens. He referred to and wasted taxpayer dollars.
them. injustice, and the suffering that activity at airports as chaos and This is a distraction from the
Johnson, Lewis and Ossoff it wreaks upon innocent men, a result of executive missteps. real work of border security;
arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson women and children whose The chaos at the border this our border agents are in an
on Jan. 28 after a day on the only offense is that they are weekend is an extreme example untenable position, under
campaign trail for Ossoff, Muslims. of mismanagement, Ossoff political pressure and without
who hopes to win Tom Prices According to Ossoff, the said. It has inconvenienced clear orders.
congressional district that
encompasses parts of north
DeKalb County. Prices seat
will be vacant following his MORRISS and SHIM, Attorneys at Law
nomination for U.S. Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
Referred to as the busiest
Is pleased to announce the firms new name
airport in the world, Hartsfield-
Jackson accommodates MORRISS SHIM JAMES
approximately 100 million
passengers per year and is
estimated to service 260,000
daily, according to the Atlanta
Department of Aviation and
Airports Council International.
M S J TELEPHONE:
404.525.8000
MORRISS SHIM JAMES
Johnson said the purpose ATTORNEYS TOLL FREE:
of the trip was to facilitate the AT LAW 1.866.946.8800
release of Georgia residents
held unconstitutionally in
custody.
I applaud this weekends and that
emergency decision by a
federal judge to ban the
enforcement of President
ROBERT D. JAMES JR.
Trumps unconstitutional
Has joined the firm as a partner.
executive order, which sought
to ban Muslims from certain Robert James is the former elected District Attorney and Solicitor-General of DeKalb County.
nations from entering the
United States, Johnson said. Robert will be practicing in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense.
This Muslim ban is contrary
to our values, and ironically,
THE ASTORIA-SUITE 212, 2233 PEACHTREE RD., NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309
is dangerous to U.S. national
WWW.MSJLAWGROUP.COM
security interests. Make no
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE ESTATES
Garden club to host monthly program
Sara Henderson, director of gardens at Oakland
Cemetery, will lead the Back to Our Roots: Restor-
ing Oaklands Gardens presentation Feb. 17 dur-
ing the Avondale Estates Garden Clubs monthly
program. Hendersons presentation will cover the
history, research and plants that are still important
for todays gardens. The presentation will take place
10:30 a.m. at the Avondale Community Club, 59
Lakeshore Drive. For more information, visit www.
avondaleestates.org.
BROOKHAVEN
City to host parents night out
Brookhaven will host Parents Night Out on Feb. 17,
from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Lynwood Community Center.
The event is a way for parents to drop off their chil-
dren on a Friday and have time to themselves. The
event will include dinner, games, activities and op-
tions to keep children entertained. Pre-registration
is required and pick-up is promptly at 9 p.m. Cost is
$15 per child; ages: 5-12. For more information call
(404) 637-0512.
City to host parks and recreation information
fair
The Brookhaven Parks and Recreation department
will host an information fair Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 12
p.m. at Briarwood Community Center. The event is
designed to have the public visit and speak with the
departments instructors to get more familiar with
what the department has to offer, ask questions and
check out demonstrations. The community center is
located at 2235 Briarwood Way. For more informa-
tion, visit www.brookhavenga.gov.
CLARKSTON
New Americans to be celebrated
The city of Clarkston, in partnership with the
Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA)
and the Georgia state capitol, announced it will
take part in a New Americans Celebration at the
capitol on March 7.
Stand in solidarity with refugees and im-
migrants in Georgia and join us for our New
Americans Celebration on March 7, Clarkston
officials said in a statement.
The New Americans Celebration is an annual
day of education and outreach for refugees, im-
migrants and all Georgians who support them,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 3
according to event officials. Each year, CRSA
welcomes more than 200 volunteers to the capi-
tol to engage legislators and show support for
new Americans.
CHAMBLEE
Centers ninth annual Black History Month
Onion Man stage to host Closer
Onion Man Productions the play Closer from
Feb. 9 through 26 at its 5522 New Peachtree Road
venue.
Closer, written by Patrick Marber, won the
Drama Critics Circle for best foreign play in New
York and was nominated for a Tony award for best
play.
The production follows the drama, comedy
and heartbreak of four Londonerstwo men, two
womenwho become romantically and sexually
entangled over the course of four years.
It has since been adapted into a film starring
Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and
Clive Owen.
Onion Man Productions is a nonprofit theater
company based in Chamblee. Productions run
Thursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3
p.m. For more information, contact James Beck at
(404) 519-7591 or jpbeck99@yahoo.com.
COUNTYWIDE
Volunteer orientation to be held at CASA
DeKalb Countys Court Appointed Special Advo-
cates (CASA) will host orientation for volunteers on
March 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn
more about CASA as well as a volunteers role and
responsibilities. The organization, whose motto is I
am for the child, hopes to make positive differences
in the lives of children affected by abuse or neglect.
The CASA volunteer orientation will take place
at the Gregory A. Adams Juvenile Justice Center
located at 4309 Memorial Drive in Decatur.
For more information or to register online, con-
tact Justine Ferreira at justine.ferreira@dekalbcasa.
org or call (404) 378-0038.
DECATUR
Ninth annual Black History Month
celebration scheduled
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond will
deliver the opening remarks at DeKalb History
Celebration at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.
The event will feature a symposium on the
history and preservation of DeKalbs historic
African-American communities, Flat Rock and
Shermantown.
The event will be held Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. Catered buffet will be included and individual
tickets range from $30 to $40.
Georgia Relay and GCDHH to host free
lunch for veterans
Georgia Relay and the Georgia Center of the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) host a free
lunch and learn for veterans living with hearing loss.
The event will be held Feb. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., at the GCDHH center on 4151 Memorial
Drive Decatur.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet
representatives and learn more about local
organizations and services dedicated to helping
veterans manage the impact of hearing loss.
Veterans and their families can also learn about
the latest assistive telecommunications solutions,
and how veterans may qualify for assistive
equipment through the Georgia Telecommunications
Equipment Distribution Program.
To attend the lunch, contact (678)-620-6776 or
brendan.underwood@hamiltonrelay.com by Feb. 14.
Church to celebrate 143rd anniversary
Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur will
celebrate the churchs 143rd anniversary. The church
will have a musical extravaganza Feb. 18 at 5 p.m.
and a celebration worship service Feb. 19 at 10:30
a.m.
The events will be free to the public. The church
is located at 2941 Columbia Drive. For more
information, contact sdialn64@gmail.com or contact
the church office at (404)-288-1910.
LOCAL
Tucker officials address residents concerns
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Hundreds of Tucker
residents packed the Tucker
Middle School cafeteria Jan.
24 to ask the Tucker mayor
and city council questions on a
wide variety of topics at a town
hall meeting.
Some of the topics included
development, traffic, code
enforcement and the citys
strategy to take over the parks.
The meeting came a day after
the council voted to accept a
developers withdrawal request
of three application items
needed to build a mixed-use
development for the vacant
Sears Distribution Center
property.
Developer Stephen
Macauleys decision to
withdraw came after city
council members made
motions to either defer their
vote or deny the applications
due to several concerns. One
of those concerns was the
city not having a downtown
development authority in place
yet to evaluate the project.
Mayor Frank Auman and
city council members opened
the meeting by addressing
the timeline of developing
a downtown development
authority.
We have to declare what
our downtown area is. It
doesnt have to be just the citys
Man in custody after
child-involved wreck
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A Decatur man is in
custody after a car chase with
police led to a child being
ejected from a vehicle in
Atlanta.
Kadeem DAnto Fletcher,
25, was arrested by the DeKalb
Sheriff s Office. Warrants were
issued for Fletcher on Jan.
30, on charges of speeding,
reckless driving, fleeing or
attempting to elude a police
officer, hit and run, license
never issued and serious injury
by vehicle, according to a
release from the sheriff s office.
On Jan. 30, Fletcher led
police on a chase after he
failed to stop for speeding at
I-20 East at Gresham Avenue
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 4
center, but we have to define
the areas [that] were calling
our downtown development
area. Then we have to appoint
members to the board of this
authorityitll be exactly seven
[members].
The council also
addressed questions about
the citys comprehensive
plan. Macauley requested the
citys comprehensive plan be
amended. The city is currently
using DeKalb Countys
comprehensive plan while in
the process of developing its
own plan with tesidents input.
This is a state required
plan that we must follow,
Councilwoman Michelle
Penkava said about the
process. It dictates our zoning.
Some people think its a very
casual process but its not and
were required to follow it.
We get to do [the
comprehensive plan] for
ourselves for the first time,
Auman said.
There were also questions
about roads, specifically
safety concerns about the
Lawrenceville Highway and
Fellowship Road intersection Tucker residents packed the Tucker Middle School cafeteria for a citywide town hall meeting.
where residents said there have
been several illegal cutovers. top priority. Were making sure We have a big problem things that were doing. Were
Councilwoman Anne that it moves close to the top of at Hugh Howell Road where trying to get a lot of the traffic
Lerner said that intersection the [traffic] list. that light is actually turning lights synced.
has been in the DeKalb traffic To help with other traffic green but no cars were The council also said the
study for a while. issues, Councilman Bill there, Rosenfeld said. It was city will do studies on the parks
Its hard, but were going Rosenfeld said the council is stopping traffic. So we got the to help with the transition of
to work on solutions together, seeking to add traffic lights to county to come out and see control of the parks and how to
Lerner said. So know that its a help the traffic flow. this. So, those are some of the improve them.
in Atlanta. According to
reports, Fletcher pretended he
was going to slow down for
officers and then sped up and
led authorities on a car chase.
Fletcher eventually crashed
his car at a Texaco gas station,
resulting in a 7-year-old being
ejected from the car. Fletcher 40% OF FOOD IN
fled the scene on foot.
The DeKalb County AMERICA IS WASTED
Sheriff s Office Fugitive Unit
received the warrants on the
day they were issued and
began looking for Fletcher.
He surrendered to the DeKalb
County Sheriff s Office Feb. 2.
Fletcher is currently in custody
at the DeKalb County Jail.
The 7-year-old was taken
to the Childrens Healthcare of
Atlanta. As of press time the
childs condition not reported.
LOCAL
DeKalb County sisters Aishvarya and Vaishali Prahalad published a book that
helps individuals write their own autobiography. According to their mother, 10
percent of the proceeds goes toward charity.
BOOK Continued From Page 1
Imagine someone reading
one of these books 20 or 30
years later. Its just amazing,
Neeraja said. The Alzheimers
Association at Emory does a
lot of great charity work and
we want to do what we can to
spread awareness. People have
been blown away by this and
[doctors at Emory] have given
these books to their Alzheimer
patients.
Knowing that they are
making a difference in the
community puts a smile on
Aishvaryas face, she said.
It makes me happy, she
said. I like the way I put the
borders around each section.
The children also gave a
check to Childrens Healthcare
of Atlanta to be used to
purchase a therapy dog. The
dog already has a name.
Its going to be named
Tidings, said Aishvarya,
smiling.
The girls have lofty goals
for the future. Aishvarya and
Vaishali said they want to have
an online version in addition
to getting Grandstories in the
hands of 100,000 people by the
time the two are of college age.
It seems the girls are well on
their way to that goal. Neeraja
said individuals will often buy
the book in bulk for other family
members.
Its just amazing to see
some of the stories. We had one
person that remembered when
gas prices were only 27 cents [a
gallon]. Its funny to read some
of the things they have done,
Neeraja said. My mother-in-law
filled the book out and she said
she accidentally went to the
wrong wedding. We thought it
was a cute idea, but parents are
always biased. When people
were willing to give money for
a cute idea, we realized it was
more serious than cute.
The girls also hope to one
day meet Oprah Winfrey.
Aishvarya said shes already
started doing her research and
knows who Winfreys best friend
is as well as her favorite color.
We hope that 100,000
people document their stories
using our books. This is not
meant as a profit organization.
Its not like were going to retire
off of this, that would be nice
though, said Neeraja Prahalad,
laughing. This is more of a
purpose-driven thing. We want
people to write more and the
older people can feel a sense
of achievement. Theres a
sense of appreciation for the
older generation. According to
Emorys research, the more you
understand your heritage the
better you are as a citizen of the
world.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 5
SELL Continued From Page 1
organization now operates and
ministers, an announcement of
the move states.
Selling the Decatur property
will allow UMCH to respond
to the growing needs of the
children and families it serves,
according to the announcement.
Currently UMCH serves
approximately 240 people,
including children in foster
homes. Cerniglia said the sale of
the property would immediately
enable UMCH to serve an
additional 60 to 63 people with
that number increasing each
year.
UMCH estimates there are
13,000 Georgia children who
have been separated from their
families, and are in state custody
because of neglect, abuse or
abandonment. The organization
reports that the number has
doubled during the past five
years.
The organization states
that currently because of
limited resources it must refuse
approximately 30 state requests
each year on behalf of children
needing a foster home. And
each week families at risk of
homelessness are turned away
for the same reason, according
to the UMCH announcement
We appreciate the UMCH
Boards thoughtful consideration
of multiple options regarding the
future of The United Methodist
Childrens Home campus in
Decatur, Hal Jones, UMCH
president and CEO, said in a
news release. I am energized
by our boards decision,
which embraces the changing
landscape in providing services
to children and families while
empowering UMCH to deliver
on, and continuously improve its
important mission.
Cerniglia said no specific
buyer has been identified and
no plan exists for property. He
added that there is not a specific
timeline for the sale. Board
approval just came through in
mid-January, so were in the
early stages of this process, he
said, adding that assuring high-
quality, uninterrupted care for
UMCH clients, including those
living on the Decatur campus is
a priority for the organization.
Among those who have
expressed an interest in the
property is the city of Decatur.
There are athletic fields and
other facilities that we would
be able to use. If this works
out we would have to look at
how we could incorporate the
property into the city plan, said
Decatur City Manager Peggy
Merriss, who said no offer
has been made. Were just in
conversation at this point.
The United Methodist
Childrens Home was
established in 1871 as a facility
to care for children orphaned
during the Civil War. Today it
cares not only for children whose
parents are dead or unable
to care for them, but provides
services for young adults
transitioning from foster care to
independent living and families
who are homeless or at risk of
homeless.
I could not be more proud
of UMCHs history, the impact
of our current work and ministry,
and the enormously positive
effect this decision will have
on so many more people in
our future, Jones stated. Too
many organizations tend to balk
when the values they espouse
are tested, and our board didnt
hesitate when faced with the
opportunity to operationalize
our values of agility, embracing
change and continuous
improvement, and loving
people.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 6

Whats operating right under our noses

An alleged major criminal
enterprise has been based
in Dunwoody for years in a
neighborhood of apartment
dwellers and across the street
from the Dunwoody Police
Department. However recently
that enterprise, described by
police as a prostitution ring
operating in Dunwoody and
Atlanta, was broken up after 50
people were arrested.
What led to the dismantling
of the alleged high-end sex
trafficking business was a
concerned resident sharing his
or her knowledge/suspicions
with police. This person either
knew of or had suspicions that
not everything taking place in
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
one apartment unit was normal
activity and obviously wanted to
see the situation investigated.
The authorities no doubt did
what law enforcement is charged
to doinvestigate, surveil,
gather evidence and, when the
time was right, make arrests.
Crime is no respecter of
geographic boundaries, is what
one Dunwoody law enforcement
official said about the Dunwoody
arrests.
No matter where one lives
in DeKalb County, some form of
crime is operating in ones midst.
Drugs, stolen goods, fraud,
robbery and sex trafficking are
just a few of the illicit activities
taking place near our schools,
homes, churches, parks and
businesses. While the average
individual is ill-equipped to get
to the bottom of questionable
activities that one suspects may
be illegal, our tax dollars support
law enforcement personnel
whose responsibility it is to
investigate.
The individual who brought
this matter to police attention
could have easily ignored it,
but instead action was taken
and as a result the suspects
are now going through the legal
system. Many situations in our
communities have gotten out of
hand because no one has cared
enough or had the courage to
step up and notify authorities.
This should serve as a
reminder to us all of the role an
individual can play in effecting
change in our neighborhoods.
There are many ways to be a
part of having a positive impact
in the places where we live. One
way is to simply say something
to the right persons and/or
organizations when we suspect
that something just isnt right.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION
Founded in 1938, the voice
of business in DeKalb County,
from the website of the DeKalb
Chamber of Commerce.
Our DeKalb County was
formed in 1822, out of parts of
Henry, Gwinnett and Fayette
counties, and named for
Revolutionary War hero, Baron
Johann de Kalb, a Bavarian-
born officer in the French Army
who fought gallantly in the
Continental Army. Even in 1822,
we represented diversity.
The DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce will be 80 years old
next year, and for many of those
years, it was the dominant voice
of our business community.Its
coming annual meeting will be
held somewhat surprisingly in
downtown Atlanta at the Georgia
Aquarium. What is stranger
about this choice is that this is
the third year there in a row.
A quick glance at our
chambers website finds
a newsletter touting news
of DeKalbs business
community.Its called The
DeKalb Business Report.The
masthead is a beauty shot of
Piedmont Park, and the Midtown
Atlanta skylineagain very
attractivebut also not in DeKalb
County.
There are any number of
venues in our county that could
host the chamber gala.Our
largest employer, Emory
University, and its adjoining
Emory Healthcare operations,
operate an incredibly beautiful
conference center nestled in the
woods of nearby Druid Hills.This
is the same Emory and Druid
Hills contemplating departure
from DeKalb County into the
incorporated arms of the city of
Atlanta.
Stone Mountain Park has
two hotels, including Evergreen
Conference Center, which could
easily host the chambers annual
meeting luncheon, and there are
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain
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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, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 7
Discover DeKalb?
Individually taken, these would have immediate economic
One Mans might all seem small decisions,
but collectively this becomes
impacts, perhaps followed by a
greater sense that participation
Opinion a pattern that even among in DeKalbs Chamber is of
our countys business and benefit and worthwhile for
Bill Crane political leadership, we view DeKalb County. But clearly,
bill.csicrane@gmail.com our own home county as the voice of DeKalbs business
somehow second class.These should more often than not do its
choices support employment, most visible business inside the
other hotels elsewhere, including government budgets and county, which it seeks to speak
the Crowne Plaza in Dunwoody, infrastructure re-investment for and represent.
a former Hilton property near elsewhere, when our own county If our business, civic and
Northlake in Tucker and two remains in need on all of those government leaders, for any
Marriotts at Century Center in same fronts.Our hotels also number of reasons, consistently
Brookhaven and in Dunwoody, employ several thousand people choose and do business outside
as well as the Porter Sanford collectively, and those jobs of DeKalb County, when similar
Arts and Community Center in remain constant only so long as or equally unique venues and
South DeKalball easily up to business flow remains steady. choices exist inside DeKalb, how
this task. Our new DeKalb CEO and can we expect anyone else to
Somewhat similarly, several county commission should not do exactly the same thing?
years back our DeKalb County demand a contract amendment
government put its employee from Kaiser.Our 7,500
healthcare plan out to bid.The employees and their premium Bill Crane also serves
winner was an HMO, Kaiser dollars are nothing to sneeze as a political analyst and
Permanente.Kaiser expanded at. Add DeKalb Medical Center commentator for Channel 2s
its operations in DeKalb, for (which employs another 5,000 Action News, WSB-AM News/
the convenience of DeKalbs across three campuses) and Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,
employee base, and operates a Emory University Healthcare as well as a columnist for The
large medical office in downtown to the in-network options for Champion, Champion Free
Decatur.Again strangely, for delivery of health care services Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
reasons stated to be about cost, via the Kaiser HMO, or if they is a DeKalb native and business
the in-network hospitals for the refuse, re-bid the contract. owner, living in Scottdale. You
HMO and DeKalb governments Community pride can and can reach him or comment on a
roughly 7,500 employees are often does have real impacts. column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
Piedmont Hospital and Northside In this case demonstrated pride com.
Hospital.Again, both fine
medical operations, but again
neither is in DeKalb County.
Everything from joint
replacement to stroke care and
childbirth is routed to hospitals
in Fulton County. And though
Northside does lead our region
in baby delivery, not every
mother chooses to plan her
Caesarean and some still opt
for natural childbirth.Imagine
yourself an expectant mother on
DeKalbs south side, employed
by the county.In the event of
a rapid or troubled labor, or a
difficult or high-risk pregnancy,
this additional travel distance
could have critical impacts on
either newborn or mother before
reaching the hospital.
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
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DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 8

County completes homeless count

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In the late hours of the
night Jan. 26, DeKalb County
volunteers helped the county
conduct its annual homeless
count.
More than 80 volunteers
helped count the number of
homeless in the county. The
purpose of the count is to
provide the community with data
to use in planning, funding and
implementing services that meet
the needs of homeless people and
increase awareness on homeless
issues, county officials said.
The U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban
Development requires each
community to conduct a biennial
point-in-time homeless count,
said Allen Mitchell, director
of community development, in
a statement. For the past five
years, DeKalb has conducted an
annual count in order to identify
the scope of homelessness,
document the impact of actions
to address homelessness and
identify any additional resources
that are required.
Volunteers were deployed
in three areas of the county
north, east and west. A year
ago, the county counted 473
people on the homeless count
day. Of homeless people counted
last year, 214 people were in
transitional housing and 158
were unsheltered. According to
county officials, this years official
homeless count number will not
be tallied for a few weeks.
On the homeless count
night a year ago, there was a
decrease in chronically homeless
persons. Twenty-four chronically
homeless people were counted in
2016 compared to 83 chronically
homeless individuals the year
prior.
To collect the data, volunteers
working in groups of four
driver, navigator, recorder and
surveyorused a smartphone
app to allow real-time mapping
from DeKalb Countys
Geographic Information System
(GIS) department. The count was
typically performed by carrying
paper maps for navigating and
locating encampment sites.
The GeoForm app allowed
volunteers to mark their
locations, collect data and attach
images while workers receiving
data could get the information
instantly.
The app has been so
effective that the countys GIS
department was recognized
with an Achievement Award
from the National Association
of Counties, said county Public
Information Officer Sarah Page.
We log the different people
and it goes straight to the people
on the community development
team, Page said. When we do
[the homeless count], we want to
see what type of services we can
offer them. Clothes, food and other personal items left behind by two homeless sisters in DeKalb County last year. Recently, the
county conducted its annual homeless count to help identify how many homeless individuals there were on a given
night.

County sells land to Brookhaven

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In a regular meeting with the
DeKalb County commissioners, the
county agreed to sell surplus land to the
city of Brookhaven.
The land, located at 2951 Skyland
Drive, features a 33-acre airport tract
valued at $5.7 million.
DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff
Rader said the deal is essentially a win-
win for all parties involved.
It is a reflection of our
collaboration with Brookhaven to give
them something that they needed and
give us the opportunity to release the
latent value of the property to fund
other improvements, said Rader,
whose district contains the property.
The DeKalb Peachtree Airport
Land will likely add to citys greenspace
decommissioned a runway that was
being used for less than half of a
percentage of the airports flights.
Airport and Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) officials
decided that the cost to maintain the
runway was too much for that volume,
according to a release from the county.
The airport decided they didnt
need it anymore, Rader said during
the Jan. 24 board of commissioners
meeting. FAA regulations require they
appraise that property and then get the
fair market value for it. We have done
that and the transaction value is $5.7
million.
FAA regulations also require the
proceeds to be returned to the airports
enterprise fund.
That piece of land was deeded to
the county by the federal government
back in the 1950s or 60s when the
airport was transferred to DeKalb
County, Rader said. We serve the
airports need to be able to extract the
fair market value from the property and
we serve a broader public interest in
ensuring that the property is dedicated
to public use.its appropriate for us to
move this thing forward.
City of Brookhaven officials said
they are interested in keeping the land
for a greenspace and purchased the
land at the appraised $5.7 million value.
The City of Brookhaven is fulfilling
its promise to keep Brookhaven green
and vibrant, said Brookhaven Mayor
John Ernst in a statement. At 33
acres, this purchase represents one
of the largest continuous green space
acquisitions inside the Perimeter.
Our thanks to Jeff Radar, and all the
commissioners, CEO Mike Thurmond
and staff at DeKalb County for the
ability to preserve this gem in our city
for current residents and for future
generations.
According to a DeKalb County
release, Brookhaven officials have
agreed to deed restrictions that would
maintain the property in perpetual
use as greenspace. Residents of
unincorporated DeKalb County will
have the same level and cost of access to
the property as Brookhaven residents.
This is an example of how we have
cooperated with one of our cities to
increase greenspace in the county and
provided them that opportunity at a
very reasonable cost, Rader said. We
have also been able to provide another
$5.7 million for improvements to our
airport facility. So its a win-win for
both sides.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 9

Mighter than the sword

Board of education policies change to accommodate free speech
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) board of
education members Michael
Erwin, Vickie Turner, Joyce
Morley and Stan Jester took
their oaths of office on Jan. 3,
Jan. 9 and Dec. 23, respectively.
Under the potentially
defunct Section IV of the
Board Members Handbook,
members of the board are
provided guidelines in
regards to social media,
a body in public meetings;
and the board chairs status
as official spokesperson. All
of these should be considered
in weighing any use of social
media in communications with
the public. The use of social
media by board members can,
in certain circumstances, be
perceived as undermining any
or each of these principles by
which the board has agreed to
be guided.
The Georgia legislature
recently ruled such policies
as contrary to the First
Amendment of the United
Kim Gke, Kirk Lunde, Bill
Armstrong, Lynn King and
Rebekah Cohen Morris come
together and debate district
activities. Jester also regularly
joins discussions.
Morris, a teacher at Cross
Keys High School, also runs
a blog, as dues Jesters wife,
Nancy, who serves as a DeKalb
County commissioner. The DeKalb County School District board of education is
scheduled to vote on new board policies on Feb. 13, potentially
Jester, who is often the sole
opponent to votes at meetings, eliminating of policies restricting free speech. Photo submitted.
said it is self-evident that his
blog in no way undermines
the actions of DCSD or his speech of another person in lack confidence in their own
fellow board members. He any circumstance? Do they position?

communications with the
public and patrons and general
conduct.
We will not make any
effort to assume the role of
evaluators of administrators
working with staff or other
employees within DCSD; this
States Constitution, which
protects freedom of speech.
DCSD is currently in the
process of modifying its code
of ethics and will vote on the
issue on Feb. 13 at its monthly
meeting.
Board member Jesters
no
said current policies are
unconstitutional and the state
legislature is right to change
them.
The [state legislature]
passed a law that reiterates that
boards of education shall not
adopt or follow any code of

is the sole responsibility of the
superintendent, reads one
rule.
We will do our best to
compromise on issues before
us; engage in consensus
building until we reach a
decision as a collective unit,
blogfactchecker.stanjester.
comis updated on a regular
basis. The majority of his posts
are district related and he does
not hesitate in writing his
opinion.
The purpose of my blog
is to provide the public with
fake
ethics which prevents Board
members from discussing
freely the policies and actions
of the Board outside of a Board
meeting, said Jester. It is
interesting that the speech
of board members was being
so threatened that the state

reads another. We will
support the decisions, words,
and actions agreed upon by the
full board, both privately and
publicly.
Social media use is not
unregulated under the current
policy.
information, news, perspective,
and a forum to discuss and
give me feedback about
the DeKalb County School
District, Jester said. I have
received praise and criticism
about my blog. People that
tend to agree with me, or want
news
legislature found it necessary
to pass a law reminding
everybody that members of a
board of education retain their
1st Amendment rights.
Jester said he will continue
to write his blog as a resource
for his constituents and symbol

Public postings by a
board member that express
an opinion about pending
items of school business can
be viewed later as evidence of
bias, the protocol states. In
addition to these concerns,
board members must consider
the boards identity as and
commitment to functioning
as a corporate body; its
commitment to deliberate as
information and place to go
to stay informed, routinely
thank me for all the effort and
time I put in to providing this
platformthey appreciate my
transparency. From time to
time, I get criticism, usually
from people who disagree with
me.
The comments section
of Jesters blog is a place
education advocates such as
here
of free speech.
Blogs and social
media provide a free, fast
and responsive way to
communicate, Jester said.
I believe that trying to
shut down free speech in
any circumstance seeks
to undermine the U.S.
Constitution. I think the
question to ask is: Why would
anyone try to prevent the free

CITY OF DORAVILLE, GA
PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, The City of Doraville, Georgia shall

Local. Real.
hold a Nonpartisan Municipal General Election on Tuesday,
November 7, 2017 from 7:00am-7:00pm, for the purpose of
electing a Council Member for District One , a Council Member
for District Two, and a Council Member for District 3.
For Subscriptions
Qualifying fees were set by the City of Doraville Mayor and
Council in accordance to O.C.G.A. 21-2-131(a)(1), during a
regularly scheduled Council Meeting held on January 17, 2017.
Call (404) 373-7779 ext: 0
The Qualifying fees for each seat is $252.00, which is (3)
three percent of the total gross salary of the office paid in the
preceding calendar year.
Each candidate must meet the qualifications of the Charter
and Code of the City Doraville, as well as applicable State
laws.

Sherry D. Henderson
City Clerk/ Election Superintendent TheChampionNewspaper.com
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 10

MARTA cancels Brookhaven/Oglethorpe project

by Carla Parker retail space; 120,000 to 400,000 rooms.
carla@dekalbchamp.com square feet of office space; Ernst thanked residents for
10,000 to 40,000 square feet of their participation in MARTAs
MARTA has decided to pull civic space and a community outreach efforts on the project,
the contract and discontinue green transit plaza. and urged them to continue
work on the Transit Oriented After several meetings providing feedback.
Development (TOD) project with residents who voiced This MARTA TOD is
for the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe concerns of traffic, building not just another development
station. density, a parking deck, lack projectit is Brookhavens
In a statement, MARTA of a gathering space and more, future; it is MARTAs future,
announced that the transit MARTA submitted a revised Ernst said. We look forward to
systems board of directors voted plan that featured 507 housing partnering on a development
Feb. 2 to cancel the agreement units, 200,000 square feet of which reflects our residents
following Brookhaven Mayor office space, more than 55,000 desire for a truly innovative
John Ernsts order for the citys square feet of restaurant and project that fits the growing
staff to suspend all work on retail space and a hotel with 125 dynamics of our city.
a tax incentive request made MARTA cancelled the award and discontinued work on the Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) project for the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station.
by Brookhaven City Center
Partners as part of the proposed
TOD project.
Mayor Ernsts statement
clearly articulates the need for
further delays in implementing
the Brookhaven TOD project
without a clear path forward,
What if
MARTA said. The city has
been working on this project
for years and has had multiple
Rosa didnt sit down
opportunities to ensure Ida didnt stand up
that the Brookhaven TOD
project provides a city center Ruby never went to school
perspective. Furthermore, the
need for public financing to they never said enough
support the project has been
communicated to the city since
the inception of the public the Simones werent focused on the gold
solicitation process, which
afforded the city adequate time Misty never danced
to coordinate with the various
stakeholders and establish Serena didnt grand slam
city required policies and they never took their chance
procedures.
MARTA appreciates the
time and effort invested by
the community in planning Black inventors didnt pursue their dreams
for Brookhaven TOD Project,
MARTA said. We are we would have had to pay the price
disappointed that we will not
be able to advance this project
Granville wasnt the Black Edison
to implementation. MARTA Lewis let the bulb suffice
staff will now shift focus to
implementing TOD projects at
stations where greater readiness
exists. What if all that came before you
Ernst also released a
statement following the
each had never fought the fight
MARTA board of directors
vote.
While the city recognizes
the tremendous effort that What if you dont use your
MARTA has put into this
project, we feel that more power to shine and
work is needed to make the
development a true city center, #bethelight
Ernst said. Were sorry that we
had to stop negotiations on the
financing of this project. The
developers asks kept growing
and the guarantees on delivery
kept shrinking. But we look
forward to a public/private Follow us on social media to share this poem of
partnership that has more reflection, in celebration of Black History Month,
and engage with us all year long.
private dollars than public.
MARTA originally proposed
a mixed-use development for
the station with residential
space of 680-700 apartments;
40,000 to 60,000 square feet of
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

Commissioner Steve Bradshaw visits DeKalb County Fire Station 23. The seventh grade Marist girls basketball team won the Wesleyan League
Championship Feb. 4 after defeating St. Pius 35-31 in the championship game.

Topple Construction worked along Peachtree Road on Feb. 4 to widen thoroughfares

in northern DeKalb County. Photo submitted.

DeKalb County commissioners Greg Adams, Larry Johnson and Steve Bradshaw stand side by side at the Atlanta
Falcons pep rally in the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur, hosted by CEO Michael Thurmond.

Officer William Robbins of the Chamblee Police Department was named the 2016
Officer of the Year by the Rotary Club of North Atlanta on Jan. 27. Photo submitted. Dunwoody was named a Plan First Community by the Department of Community Affairs on Jan. 26. 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, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 12

Decatur man
wins national
service award
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Theres an old saying that
no good deed goes unpunished. That didnt apply to Decatur
native Forrest Tuff, whose good deeds were met with praise and
admiration from the highest elected office in America.
Tuff recently received the Presidents Volunteer Service
Award/MLK (Martin Luther King) Drum Major for Service
Award for volunteering more than 500 service hours in a year. Forrest Tuff at an event with the American Heart Association
Tuff, who grew up in the Gresham Park area, said its
important to give back to the community any way you can.
Gresham Park was my stomping ground. I was really into
sports and the older guys in the area would teach us how to play.
Thats how I got my interest in the community, Tuff said. Im
an advocate for the community and I work a lot on economic
opportunity. I have donated more than 500 community service
hours with different organizations.
Tuff works with several different groups, but his main
focus is with the national service group SCOREa nonprofit
organization that gives free business advice and workshops to
individuals looking for business help.
Tuff has multiple years under his belt as a business owner.
With no formal training in videography, he created his own
production company.
We mentor aspiring business owners and young
entrepreneurs. A lot of people may not be familiar with the
organization, but it gives free business advice. Most of the
mentors are either retired business professionals or young
professionals like myself, Tuff said.
Tuff also gives his time to the American Heart Association
as an ambassador. He said his work with the AHA is personal
because in 2011 his brother died of a massive heart attack at the Forrest Tuff, a Decatur native, received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award/MLK (Martin Luther King) Drum Major for
age of 30. Service Award for volunteering more than 500 service hours in a year.
Thats something that stuck with me. My brother died at a
young age. That became a passion for me and I just stayed with
them doing different community events, Tuff said.
With all the activities Tuff is involved in, he said its sometimes
hard to balance it all considering hes the father of three girls. But
through community service, Tuff said he and his family are able
to bond.
Tuff is also a member of youthSparks, a group that raises
awareness to stop human sex trafficking in Georgia.
It works for me because I have three daughters. As far as
balancing the time, you have to balance how much time youre
going to spend. My daughters are heavily involved in community
service and thats the way we get to spend time together, Tuff
said.
Tuff said he doesnt plan on slowing down in the future.
He plans to increase his service hours by partnering with his
childhood friend Bobby Frazier.
Frazier and Tuff plan to create the 1911 Foundation to
help young adults in the DeKalb County area. Tuff said its his
relationship with Frazier that keeps him grounded in community
activism.
If you care about people, then you can make a stance to help
other people besides yourself. I was honored to be a part of that,
Tuff said.

TheChampionNewspaper.com
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 13

A walkthrough of the Northlake business area was held Feb. 4.

Tucker developing comprehensive plan

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tucker is in the process of
developing its comprehensive
plan and the group gathering
information for the plan will
soon present its preliminary
findings.
According to the city, the
comprehensive plan will define
the vision for the future of
Tucker, establish community
goals and prioritize steps for
achieving those goals. Topics
being looked at for the plan
include land use, economic
development, housing and
natural resources as well as
parks and recreation.
The city set a nine-month
planning process, which
includes engagement of the
community that will result in
a blueprint for achieving the
desired future for Tucker.
The city has been gathering
input from residents through
an initiative called Tucker
Tomorrow. The Tucker
Tomorrow website allows
residents to fill out a survey,
which will give city leadership
an idea of what residents
care about regarding the
citys future. Residents can
leave suggestions and ideas
for specific places in Tucker
through the interactive map on
the website.
There also have been
public meetings and walking
tours of three business centers
in the city, which allows
residents to provide their input
regarding future growth and
development of the areas.
A consulting firm, the
Collaborative, has led the
charge of the planning process.
Angela Parker, senior vice
president of the Collaborative,
said her team is still pulling
together their findings from
the public meetings, surveys
and more.
We have a public meeting
on Feb. 16 and at that meeting
we will present our initial
findings and major issues that
weve identified that we believe
Tucker should capitalize on,
Parker said.
Parker said her team is
still going through new data
being received. A walkthrough
of downtown Tucker and the
Northlake business area was
held Feb. 4. Parker said the
public participation has been
good during the planning
process.
Weve had good attendance
at our public meetings, she
said.
Parker and her staff
will present more findings
on March 16, including
identifying major issues and
18 at First Baptist Church on
opportunities. They will also
collect more comments and
suggestions from residents.
[Well] then go back to the
drawing board to make sure
that were taking into account
the communitys comments,
she said.
Parker said one area of
focus that many residents have
addressed is pedestrian trails.
The one thing that weve
heard over and over again
is that the [residents] would
like to see more pedestrian
trailslight connectivity
between downtown and
neighborhoods, between
parks and neighborhoods and
schools, she said.
The proposed
comprehensive plan is
scheduled to be presented to
city leaders and residents May
Main Street.
NOTICE OF
NONDISCRIMINATORY
POLICY AS TO
STUDENTS
Daniel Preparatory
Academy, Inc. admits
students of any race, color,
national origin, and ethnic
origin to all the rights,
privileges, programs,
and activities generally
accorded or made available
to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color,
national origin, and ethnic
origin in administration of
its educational ploicies,
schlorships and loan
programs, and athletic and
other school-administered
programs

Nona (ID# 34306203) is a pocket-sized lady who likes to

keep things low-key... with an exception for morning zoomies! This
three-year-old, 38-pound pup loves to carry around toys and will
drop them politely in your lap as if shes saying Okay, your turn to
hold it. Her silly ears and too-cute-for-words face make her hard to
resist! Dont try to resist; come meet Nona at LifeLines DeKalb Animal
Services and fall in love!
If you would like to expand your family by 4 furry little feet; come
meet Nona at the DeKalb Animal Shelter. Give Love - Adopt a Furry
Valentine and have a loving friend forever. During February you may
adopt any dog over 25 lbs and all cats for an adoption fee of $14! Adoption
includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip! If you would like more
information about Nona please call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@
dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential adopters will be screened to
ensure Nona goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun;
11am-6pm
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 14

DeKalb County
offering wastewater
retainage program
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County residents and business owners may have a
viable option when it comes to saving money on their sewer
service.
The county recently announced its Wastewater Retainage
Credit Program. The program allows for an adjustment in The Brookhaven City Council approved the proposed Dresden Village mixed-use development,
the wastewater-related charges for industrial, commercial which will be built along Dresden Drive between Caldwell Road and Parkside Drive.
and residential users who routinely discharge significantly

Brookhaven approves
less wastewater into the sewer system compared to the water
consumed. Currently, sewer consumption charges are applied at
the same rate as water consumption charges.
This innovative program ensures our commercial customers

Dresden Village development

can keep their costs down in a competitive global economy,
while also providing equity for residential customers who are
using water, but not allowing it to flow into the drainage system,
said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond in a statement.
For customers who use more than 40,000 gallons per Proposed on-site parking try to find a way to shove 169
bimonthly billing cycle, the standard rate for water service is by Carla Parker increased from 397 to 485 apartments at a site that can
$4.63 per 1,000 gallons and sewer service is $11.34 per 1,000 carla@dekalbchamp.com spaces. One parcel at 2536 only handle about 110?
gallons, or $15.99 per 1,000 gallons combined. The applicable Caldwell Road was added to Councilman John Park,
irrigation rate is $8.08, or nearly a 50 percent savings, according The Brookhaven City
the rezoning proposal, and who represents the district
to a release from the county. Council voted unanimously
included the redevelopment of where the project will be
The program was discussed by county officials at a committee Jan. 24 to approve the
a standalone restaurant. constructed, said he doesnt
of the whole meeting. In the meeting, county COO Zach proposed Dresden Village
The council approved like the project because of the
Williams said the program could attract future business to development.
the project with seven density but said the developer
DeKalb. The future mixed-use
townhomes, 169 apartments, has rights to the property.
Were convinced that this is the type of thing that makes development will sit on 3.73
20,700 square feet of retail For me, ultimately what it
our county more business friendly and were actually being true acres along Dresden Drive
to the sewer system, Williams said. We have had a historic between Caldwell Road and
practice of granting certain sewer credits prior to the board Parkside Drive. The council
adopting a practice. approved the project with 31
To qualify, customers can choose between one of two
methods. One method is to install a meter on any water
lines feeding any consumptive use. The other option is to
conditions.
Before the councils vote,
supporters of the project and
We may not agree
but its a basic
use a wastewater meter to measure all combined wastewater Timothy J.R. Connolly II,
discharged to the DeKalbs sanitary sewer system. chief executive officer of the
DeKalb County residents who use water to fill a private developer, pleaded their case to
swimming pool can also qualify if they are located more than the council.

fairness issue, its a

1,000 feet from a fire hydrant and have a smart meter connected We believe we have
to the countys metering system. the right plan, the right
In the case of a pool, one adjustment can be made per year architecture, the right density,
based upon the documented volume of water required to fill the the right retail, the right
pool.
Customers would only be charged the amount of waste
that they use to the countys water system, said DeKalb County
restaurants, we have the
right sponsors for this site,
and now is the time to move
basic rights issue.
Department of Watershed Director Scott Towler. forward and finish off this
missing section of the Dresden John Park
According to county officials, 22 companies are planning to
enroll in the program. corridor, Connolly said.
The approval came three
and restaurant space, a six- comes down to is balancing the
weeks after the Brookhaven
story parking deck with 473 property rights of the owner
Planning Commission
spaces and a fifth story to the with the health and welfare
approved the citys community
apartment buildings. of the neighborhood, and so
development departments
Several residents spoke we have to look at all of those
report for the proposal, which
against the project. Karen various components, Park
recommended approving the
Dernavich said changes said. There is no one gotcha
project with 29 conditions.
made by the developer were thing that will definitely say we
The city council approved two
done within hours before have to approve this or we have
additional conditions.
the hearings and none of the to deny this. There are a lot of
In October 2016, Connolly
changes address density or different factors and I spent
submitted an updated
building height. the past year listening to both
amendment for the proposal,
They have not brought sidesand taking a step back
which reduced the number of
their A game, she said. How and trying to assess the basic
multifamily residential units
many last-minute changes fairness of the process and how
from 194 to 169, added 10
are we going to put up with are we going to go about.
townhomes and increased the
that do nothing to address the We may not agree but its a
amount of commercial space
density and height issue here? basic fairness issue, its a basic
from 20,000 to 20,700 square
How many bites of the apple rights issue, he added.
feet, according to the report.
are we going to give them to
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 15

DeKalb Schools superintendent

speaks on diversity
Political climate results in penned statement
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District superintendent
Stephen Green released a
statement on diversity Jan.
30 addressing the districts
position in the current political
climate.
Green said he wanted
to make sure all our
principals and teachers clearly
understand the districts
position, specifically regarding
love them and we respect what
their presence here says about
the goodness and generosity of
Americaour diversity is our
strength.
DCSD came under
statewide scrutiny in
November when two teachers
were removed from Cross Keys
High School for alleged anti-
immigration remarks.
Cross Keys High Schools
student body is, according
to DCSD data, 80 percent
Hispanic or Latino, 11 percent
Black, 6 percent Asian, 1
School.
We have expectations for
our teachers, Green said at the
time. Even though they have
personal feelings, they have
to realize that they have an
audience whos watching them
and counting on them.
According to Green, the
Jan. 30 statement sought to
grant students assurance
that DCSD officials remain
committed to being culturally
responsive, diverse and
supportive of DeKalb Countys
immigrant population.
the course of assimilation
rather than hinder it.
Imagine how hard it is
to come to a new country
and start life over without
familiar ties to family, culture
or language, Green said.
DeKalb schools give an
anchor to our new citizens.
Our role as school leaders is to
DeKalb County School District
Superintendent Stephen Green
released a statement Jan. 30
addressing diversity in county schools.
Photo submitted.
help learning in our schools to
become lovelove for a new
place, a new way of life and,
ultimately, for one another.

immigrants and refugees.
We are hearing a lot
of conversation right now,
some of it extreme, about
how residents originally from
outside our country should be
treated, Green said. We have
102,000 students here. They
come from more than 180
countries, and they speak 140
languages. We value them; we
percent White, and 1 percent
other races.
In January, a Cary Reynolds
Elementary school nurse was
investigated for alleged anti-
immigration remarks on social
media.
Cary Reynolds has an
equally diverse student body
and feeds into Cross Keys High
IT DOESNT
Our schools will be
safe places for learning and
teaching, Green said. We
will not tolerate any form of
bullying or discrimination on TAKE A GENIUS
TO KNOW THAT WHEN YOU PLAY,
or off district property that
interferes with learning or the
rights of others.
GEORGIAS KIDS WIN.
Green referred to DCSD
campuses as places that help

Its elementary, actually. See, every time you play the Lottery,
youre helping our kids get one step closer to their dreams.
For over 20 years the Georgia Lottery has contributed over
$17.8 billion to education. On top of that, more than 1.7
million HOPE scholars have gone to college and more than
1.4 million four-year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded
Pre-K Program. Add those numbers up and, well, lets just say
thats a hair-raising number of happy kids.
BUSINESS
Newest restaurant in Mexican chain comes to Tucker
by Kathy Mitchell
Founded and headquartered
in Denver, Colo., Chipotle
Mexican Grill now has many
fans in Georgia, especially
in metropolitan Atlanta,
according to company
marketing strategist Mark
Pilkington.
Chipotle, which opened
its first restaurant in 1993, on
Feb. 2 opened its latest Atlanta
area restaurant in Tucker. It
joins other DeKalb stores in
Northlake, downtown Decatur,
North Druid Hills and the
Emory University area.
We opened our first
Atlanta area restaurant in
2003 and weve been growing
rapidly in Atlanta ever since.
The Tucker location is a
perfect spot for us; were so
excited to be there, Pilkington
said of the restaurant in The
Valentines Day spending dips; still significant
In what the National Retail
Federation (NRF) describes
as a market correction, the
industry research organization
reported that U.S. consumers
this year plan to spend less on
average for Valentines Day
than was spent in the two just
prior years.
Still, spending for the mid-
February commemorative day
is expected to be significant,
reaching a national total of
$18.2 billion. Valentines Day
continues to be a popular
gift-giving occasion even if
consumers are being more
frugal this year, NRF President
and CEO Matthew Shay said.
Those celebrating
Valentines Day this year are
expected to spend an average of
$136.57 for gifts, cards, dining
out, decorations and the like,
down from last years record-
high $146.84. Jewelry, flowers,
Centre on Hugh Howell.
Weve eyed the location
for a long time. Tucker is a
flourishing city and we feel
its vibrant population will
be attracted to the food at
Chipotle.
He said the busy area east
of I-285 has lots of daytime
traffic and he anticipates that
many who work in the area
will try the new restaurant.
The Tucker Chipotle is 2,120
square feet and can seat
approximately 55 patrons
inside and 20 outside.
Pilkington said Chipotle
stands out from other
restaurants in its category
because of fresh, high-quality
food and classic cooking
techniques.
Our founder, Steve Ellis,
started with the idea that food
served fast doesnt have to be
what people typically think of
restaurant meals, candy and
clothing continue to be popular
Valentines Day purchases. experience gifts are trying to
According to NRF, gifts
of experience such as tickets
to a concert or sporting event,
a gym membership or an
outdoor adventure are popular
this year. While 40 percent of
consumers want an experience
gift, only 24 percent plan to
give one, the NRF report
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 16
as fast food, Pilkington said,
adding that Ellis is a classically
trained chef who appreciates
the difference serving food
prepared by a skilled, highly
trained staff makes.
Among the places Ellis
lived and worked is San
Francisco, where he noted
the popularity of Mexican
food and decided to feature it
when he opened a restaurant.
He named his restaurant for
the chipotle, a smoked, dried
pepper thats common in
Mexican and Mexican-inspired
cuisine, and incorporated the
pepper into its logo.
Chipotle has a Food With
Integrity program that outlines
its commitment to what it calls
meticulously sourced meats
and produce. The corporate
website states: Every choice
we makeabout who we
work with, what we serve, and
notes.
Retailers that offer
get a share of the $18.2 billion
that will be spent nationally
by offering special promotions
such as those at Julians in the
Brookhaven area, which offers
spa services and cosmetics
either as gifts as opportunities
to prepare for a special night
out.
what we stand foraffects the
bigger picture: the health of
the planet. Nutrient-rich soil
reduces the need for pesticides
and synthetic fertilizers,
buying locally reduces vehicle
emissions from transportation,
and humane animal husbandry
means diminished reliance on
antibiotics.
Pilkington said the Chipotle
website offers detailed
information on the food so
that those who follow vegan
or vegetarian diets as well
as those who are restricting
calories or who have allergies
can know what is in each dish
before they order.
Fine dining elements
were brought to a quick-serve
environment, giving diners
an experience that defied
categorization when we first
opened, Pilkington said. Chipotle Mexican Grills in
The Chipotle menu offers
such Mexican standards as
burritos and taco as well as
salads and bowlswhich it
describes as burritos without
the tortilla. Unlike most
area quick-serve restaurants,
Chipotle offers beer and
margaritas along with its
selection of non-alcoholic
beverages.
Pilkington said
Chipotles success also is
attributable to its policy of
hiring great people and
offering them exceptional
benefits. He said providing
rewarding opportunities for
employees leads naturally to
a more satisfying customer
experience. The new restaurant
initially employed 25 people
and may add to its crew in the
coming weeks.
The company, which
started as a lone eatery 24
years ago, is now a chain of
more than 1,700 restaurants
many of which offer catering
services. In addition to those
in the United States, there are
the United Kingdom, Canada,
Germany and France. All of
Chipotles restaurants are
owned by the corporation;
there are no franchises.
CLASSIFIED
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SPORTS
Tucker High School. Photo by Judy Spain
Cedar Grove signees Netori Johnson, Grant Walker and Justin Shaffer. Photo by Laura Walker
PO
2017 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY SIGNEES
NAME SCHOOL COLLEGE
WR Michael Miller Arabia Mountain Catawba
DB Christopher Williams Arabia Mountain Point DL Trae Johnson McNair Hutchinson CC
DE Falcoe Johnson Arabia Mountain Wingate
LB Terray Bryant Arabia Mountain Youngstown State
LB Marvin Spencer Cedar Grove Alderson Broaddus
DB Korey Hernandez Cedar Grove Arkansas
DB Khayree Wilson Cedar Grove Cincinnati Christian
DB Tyrique Williams Cedar Grove Columbus State
OL Netori Johnson Cedar Grove Georgia
OL Justin Shaffer Cedar Grove Georgia
RB Grant Walker Cedar Grove Georgia Southern
DB Tre Shaw Cedar Grove North Carolina
DB Sollee Fofana Cedar Grove North Georgia Prep Academy
QB Jelani Woods Cedar Grove Oklahoma State
OT Maurice Campbell Cedar Grove Southern University
DE DeAngelo Malone Cedar Grove Western Kentucky
DE Gavin Holton Chamblee Kennesaw State LB Gethro Georges Stephenson Morehouse
OL Michael Alexander Columbia Apprentice School
OL Nicholas Bowman Columbia Apprentice School
LB Marquavious Linner Columbia Bethune-Cookman
DB Dante Hobbs Columbia Iowa Western
LB Quentin Palmer Columbia Savannah State
OL David Velazquez Cross Keys Georgia Prep Sports
WR Terrill Hall Decatur Georgia Military JC
DB Isaiah Dawson Druid Hills Berry College
SS Michael Malinovsky Lakeside Presbyterian
DB Tariq Stewart Lithonia Catawba
LB Addison Ford Lithonia Fort Valley State
RB Kamarie Mullins Lithonia Fort Valley State
DE Deion Hadley Lithonia Fort Valley State
DB Keyshawn Garrett Lithonia Georgia Military
DB Malachi Jenkins Lithonia Morgan State
RB Courtney Lott Lithonia Nichols College
DB Keyoundric Buchanan Lithonia Nichols College
WR Talon Mack Lithonia Nichols College
LB Jaylin Bolden Lithonia Nichols College
QB Robert Hatchett Lithonia Tennessee Tech
OL Octavian Williams Lithonia Tennessee Tech
DL Jaden Cunningham M.L. King Jr. Hutchinson CC OL Parker Wiggins Tucker Guilford College
QB Brandon Dickerson M.L. King Jr. Shorter
DE Ben Page Marist Furman
FB Michael Addcks Marist Vanderbilt
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 18
OL Charlie Clark Marist Georgia Tech
P Bill Rubright Marist Georgia
OL Reginald Curtis Miller Grove Albany State
DB Dijon Williams Miller Grove Georgetown
DB Grant Holloman St. Pius X Holy Cross
DL London Lewis St. Pius X Furman
OL Blake Harrison St. Pius X The Citadel
DB Shaun Jolly Stephenson Appalachian State
DB Carlito Gonzalez Stephenson Auburn
LB Aaron Greene Stephenson Avila University
DB Hassan Littles Stephenson Ball State
WR Khalil Newton Stephenson Ball State
DB Myles Hannah Stephenson Ball State
DL Ivan Staples Stephenson Campbell University
LB Michael Makins Stephenson Coastal Carolina
TE Deiontray Fagin Stephenson Miles College
QB DVonn Gibbons Stephenson Savannah State
DB Isaiah Jennings Stone Mountain LaGrange
DE Thomas Incoom Stone Mountain Valdosta State
DE Darian Bernard Stone Mountain West Georgia
DB Mitchell Edwards SW DeKalb Alabama A&M
OL Demonte Lampkin SW DeKalb Edward Waters
OL Jerry Marshall SW DeKalb Columbus State
DB Malik Smith Towers Arkansas Baptist
WR Irah Thompson Towers Arkansas Baptist
LB DaShon Robinson Towers Arkansas Baptist
DL Devonte Wyatt Towers Georgia
DL Adrian Burse Towers Shorter
LB Quintavious Terrell Towers Shorter
OL Joequavious Robinson Towers Virginia Lynchburg
OL Jamiah Burke Towers Virginia Lynchburg
WR Keith Best Tucker Liberty
S Eugene Brown Tucker West Virginia
DE Aaron Sterling Tucker South Carolina
RB Chris Broadwater Tucker UT-Chattanooga
TE Cameron Richardson Tucker Grambling State
OL Cedric Heard Tucker Jacksonville University
WR Deon Watkins Tucker Delta State
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 19

From left, Jerry Marshall, Machop Chol (Soccer), Demonte Lampkin and Mitchell Edwards. Photos by Travis Hudgons Sounthwest DeKalbs Mitchell Edwards

From left, Falcoe Johnson, Michael Miller, Arabia Mountain head football coach Stanley

COLLEGE BOUND
Pritchett, Christopher Williams and Terray Bryant.
Terray Bryant, left, poses for pictures after signing day at Arabia Mountain.

83 players sign on National Signing Day

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
As in years prior, National
Signing Day 2017 was a
success in DeKalb County.
Eighty-three players from
DeKalb public and private
schools and Decatur High
School signed letters of intent
Feb. 1 during the national
holiday. As usual, DeKalb
has several four- and three-
star recruits who signed with
Division I schools, including
Cedar Grove offensive linemen
Netori Johnson and Justin
Shaffer, both of whom signed
with Georgia; Tuckers Aaron
Sterling (South Carolina)
and Eugene Brown (West
Virginia); Stephensons
Carlito Gonzalez (Auburn)
and Towers Devonte Wyatt
(Georgia).
DeKalbs signing day
mostly featured players who
signed with Division I Football
Championship Subdivision
(FCS) schools, Division II
schools or Division III schools.
Arabia Mountain had four
players to sign with a school
from one of these divisions,
including linebacker Terray
Bryant, who signed with
FCS school Youngstown State
University in Youngstown,
Ohio.
Bryant said he signed with
Youngstown because of the
family atmosphere surrounding
the football program.
They take care [of
the athletes], [the football
program] have a lot of support
from the school and they have
good academics, Bryant said.
I plan on winning a national
championship there.
Bryant led the Arabia
Mountain Rams in tackles last
season with 193 total tackles
and 140 solo tackles. He also
led the team in forced fumbles
(eight) and fumble recoveries
(eight).
Bryant was a part of Coach
Stanley Pritchetts first
freshman class. Pritchett said
the 2017 signing class was the
foundation of his program.
This was my first ninth-
grade class. Im so proud of
them, Pritchett said. We
started off good; [then] we had
a couple of rocky seasons in
the middle and we ended with
a region championship, going
to the second round [of the
playoffs], which was the first
time in school history. We just
want to celebrate them as they
go on to the next level.
Southwest DeKalb had
three signees, including
defensive back Mitchell
Edwards, who signed with
Alabama A&M. Edwards
finished fourth on the Panthers
defense in tackles with 64
(29 solo) and tied second in
interceptions with three.
Edwards said he chose
to sign with Alabama A&M
because he wants to go to
a school designated as an
Historically Black College and
University.
I feel like Alabama A&M
was a good fit for me, he said.
The coaches were nice and I
just think thats the place for
me.
For Edwards and his
teammates Jerry Marshall
(Columbus State) and
Demonte Lampkin (Edwards
Waters College), signing their
letters of intent capped off a
season that started with the
loss their head coach Michael
Tanks. Edwards said dealing
with the up and down of
emotions this past season was
overwhelming.
I didnt expect coach
Tanks to pass away like
that, but it definitely gave us
motivation to go out there
and win, Edwards said.
We didnt go all the way to
state but we did well enough
because in four years we never
went to the playoffs. So we
went to the playoffs just for
him.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Page 20

CEDAR GROVE BASKETBALL

The Cedar Grove Saints boys and girls basketball teams final regular season games against Redan ended in victo-
ries. The boys game went into overtime, with a final score of 57-54. With that victory over the Raiders, the Saints end
the regular season with a 14-3 overall record. Although, no overtime was needed for the Lady Saints 42-39 victory
the game did go down to the wire. The victory pushed the Lady Saints to the top spot in the 5-AAA region placing
Redan second. Photos by Travis Hudgons

Its a

to be on your
list today.