FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Celebrating community through art
Clarkston
unites for
church mural
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
M
ore than 100
people came
together in
Clarkston on
May 20 to celebrate art,
community and bring life
to a blank space with
their individual artistic
contributions.
As part of local artist
Shannon Willows patented
team building experience,
participants joined her and
Clarkston city officials at
Christ Community AME
Churchlocated at 4154 E.
Ponce de Leon Ave.for four
hours to complete a Human
Family Forest mural.
Ive had this vision
for a few years and
have spent the last year
partnering with various
organizationsincluding
the city of Clarkstonto
get the funding to bring this
vision to the people, Willow
said. The idea is to bring
people together, collaborate,
foster fun and friendship
and make people aware
of the environment and
putting Mother Nature in the
foreground.
According to Willow,
the muralmade up of five
treesdepicts five healthy
pillars of a community. These
include spirituality, wellness,
sustainability, early learning
and diversity. Each tree is
decorated with corresponding
terminology.
Willow, who has
completed five other
murals in Clarkston,
said the trees were
sponsored by appropriate
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017 VOL. 20, NO. 8 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Clarkston businesses and
agencies. For example,
the sustainability tree is
sponsored by Habitat for
Humanity, local chiropractor
business Injury to Wellness
sponsored the wellness tree
and Clarkston Development
Foundation sponsored the
early learning and diversity
tree.
The spirituality tree
represents the wall on which
the mural is painted: Christ
Community AME Church.
Willow said she hopes
people understand the art is
there to celebrate and uplift
the community.
Well have this for many,
many years where people
can come out and say, Hey, The city of Clarkston partnered with local artist Shannon Willow to complete a community-
this is me, I did that! and painted mural at Christ Community AME Church. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
take ownership, Willow said.
Thats what public art is
all aboutbeing a catalyst
for change. Art has a way
of uplifting areas that need
developing. Its at the table to
make those changes happen.
I hope people understand the
value of art and the change it
can bring to communities.
Clarkston city
councilwoman Beverly
Burks said its important to
bring the community together
through an inclusive project.
This is [the publics]
mural, Burks said. It
embodies who we are, it
has the words of who we
are as the city of Clarkston.
Engaging, relationships,
collaboration,all those
things are very important. We
are able to put who we are in
words and we have a few that
are from other countries.
Willow said she hopes
residents feel a connection
with each other and nature
every time they pass the
completed mural.
You are the water, you
are the air, Willow said.
We are all connected. That
oneness, that togetherness is
what this mural is all about.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL
Tucker mayor speaks on strong community
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The past year for Tucker has
been one of fundamentals and
foundation-building, according
to Mayor Frank Auman.
Auman gave the first state-
of-the-city address for Tucker
May 12 at the new city hall
annex. Auman mentioned
accomplishments during the
year, including moving into the
city hall on Adrian Street and
the city hall annex on 1st street.
The city also established a bank
account, formed committees
and boards and more.
Auman said he, along with
the city council and staff, are
now looking toward the future
and want to create a city where
people can live, work, play and
pray.
I want anyone who is
attracted to the lifestyle, the
sense of community that we
have here [to] be able to find
a place where they can make
home, he said. Whether
thats in an apartment, a
townhome or condominium,
Tucker Mayor Frank Auman talks about the state of the city and the citys plan
going forward.
a two-bedroom bungalow or
a six-bedroom estate with its
own swimming pool or tennis
courtwhatever it is. I want
them to be able to stay in
Tucker as their needs change
whether its a growing family or
theyre downsizing to an empty
nest.
Auman said the city loves
and appreciates the role that
small and big businesses play in
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 2
the community and city officials
remind them of that every day.
When their employees
want to live in the communities
where they work, [the
businesses] give them the
ability to do that, he said.
We can make sure that their
expansions go smoothly, that
the permitting is reasonable
and that their taxes are fair
and simple. We can ensure
that the city has the fastest and
most reliable internet service
anywhere so that we can attract
high-tech businesses, healthcare
businesses and other modern
businesses of the future.
Auman said having great
internet service in the city
could also attract those who
work from home. It also attracts
the large and growing group
who telecommute.
When they can [work
from home] they can eat lunch
locally, they can get to their
kids ballgame or swim meet,
join the PTA or other hundreds
of volunteer opportunities
around town and they still get
to connect with their neighbors
instead of sitting in traffic, he
said. Thats where were going
to go when we talk about work
in Tucker and why thats so
important.
The city is also in the
process of taking over
management of parks and
recreation centers in the city
from DeKalb County. Auman
said city officials want to offer
a park system that includes
a variety of opportunities for
recreation in locations that are
convenient and safe.
If we can do those things
well have a great park system,
he said.
Auman said the city also
values, appreciates and nurtures
the contributions of all the
communities of faith in Tucker.
As long as youre preaching
and teaching to love your
neighbor, care for the least
among us and you want to
contribute to the success of
society in which you live
you are welcomed, you are
respected and youre held in
high regard here, he said.
As we go forward, we
certainly argue over zoning,
were going to argue over where
sidewalks should go, were
going to argue over which parks
project should go ahead of the
others, but if we focus on these
ideals and pillars of a strong
communityworking together
to build, nourish and sustain
themwell have a city where
our citizens can live their whole
life, Auman said.
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
City to host blood drive
Brookhaven, along with the American Red
Cross, will host a blood drive May 26 from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at city hall. To schedule
an appointment to donate blood, visit
redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor
code: brookhaven; or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
City Hall is located at 4362 Peachtree Road.
Police to conduct self-defense class
for women
The Brookhaven Police Department
will host a womens self-defense class May
25, 8 a.m. to noon at its headquarters. The
police department is located at 2665 Buford
Highway. For more information, visit www.
brookhavenga.gov.
CHAMBLEE
Onion Man Productions to host
Summer Harvest 2017
Onion Man Productions, a nonprofit theater
located at 5522 New Peachtree Road, will
host a collection of short plays poking fun at
corporate America June 8 through June 25.
Known as Summer Harvest 2017-
The Corporate Collection, participating
productions include A Firing Affair by David
Allan Dodson, Lifes a B*tch by Michael
Diprima, Slick Puppies by Corey-Jan
Albert, One Last Try by Gregory Fitzgerald,
Retirement Party by Ron Frankel, The Boss is
Out by Judd Silverman, Beautiful Balloons by
Bruce Shearer, and Europa by James Beck.
Plays at Onion Man are Thursdays
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 3
through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
on Sundays. Tickets are available at www.
onionmanproductions.com.
COUNTYWIDE
Summer food service available
throughout DeKalb
Multiple locations in DeKalb Coutny will
host Georgia Nutritional Services Summer
Food Service Programs in partnership with the
United States Department of Agriculture.
The food service program seeks to ensure
that no child in Georgia goes hungry by
hosting free breakfasts and lunches.
Participating DeKalb locations include 21st
Century STEM (1807 Memorial Drive, June 5 -
30), Camp of Champions (3261 Panola Road,
June 1 - July 28), DeKalb Junior Deputy (3716
Durham Park Road, June 12 - 23) and Positive
Growth Education Center (945 N. Indian
Creek Drive, June 1 through July 28).
Breakfast at each location begins around
8 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m. Lunch for each
location begins at approximately 11:30 a.m.
and lasts until 1:30 p.m.
DECATUR
DeKalb Symphony Orchestra
presents free concert
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will
present its annual free community concert at
8 p.m. on June 20 at First Baptist Church of
Decatur.
The concert will feature soprano Maria
Clark performing soprano arias from operas
by Mozarts The Marriage of Figaro, Puccinis
Tosca, and Verdis Aida. The program will also
include orchestral operatic favorites.
Clark has performed with opera companies
such as Atlanta Opera, North Carolina Opera,
Knoxville Opera, and LOpera Comique
and has performed symphonic works with
DeKalb Symphony, Ludwig Symphony,
Georgia Philharmonic, and Fosbo - Fundacin
Orquesta Sinfnica de Bogot.
First Baptist Church of Decatur is located
at 308 Clairemont Ave. in Decatur. For
additional information, contact the DSO at
(678) 891-3565 or visit www.dekalbsymphony.
org.
DUNWOODY
City to host fitness day
Dunwoody will host a Family Fitness Day on
June 10 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Located at the Park at Pernoshal Court,
4575 North Shallowford Road, the event will
feature a 1k fun run, a 5k race, workout classes
and clinics, kids section, nature hike, bocce
ball tournament, giveaways and more.
The event will also feature vendors such
as Ultimate Fighter Championship Gym
Perimeter, CycleBar Dunwoody, Emory, the
Dunwoody Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta,
King of Pops, Happy Belly and Nectar.
While the event will begin at Park at
Pernoshal Court, the bocce ball tournament
will take place at Georgetown Park4400
Dunwoody Parkas well as the Dunwoody
Nature Center, located at 5343 Roberts Drive.
Attendance is free.
STONE
MOUNTAIN
City to host music event
Beverly Guitar Watkins will perform
June 2 at Stone Mountains Tunes By The
Tracks event in the Municipal Parking Lot, next
to the gazebo. Attendees may bring lawn
chairs. The two-hour concert begins at 7 p.m.
Tunes By The Tracks will be held every Friday
until June 30. For more information, visit www.
stonemountaincity.org.
LOCAL
DeKalb County School District is considering a policy allowing fundraising for all schools and departments. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Unlimited schoolhouse fundraisers on deck in DeKalb?
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) schools may
have new opportunities for
funds next year, as the DeKalb
County board of education is
considering a new policy on
fundraisers.
The new policyin progress
until the boards July meeting
would allow all DCSD
departments, schools, parent-
teacher organizations (PTOs),
booster clubs and support
groups to host fundraisers as
long as they are approved by
regional superintendents, do
not interfere with classroom
instruction and remain
voluntary.
The board of education
seeks to provide the best
educational opportunities
possible for students, the
proposed policy states.
Experiences contributing
to the achievement of this
objective are regarded favorably
as a part of a total education
program. The [board]
recognizes that tax funds alone
are not likely to cover the entire
cost of co-curricular and extra-
curricular activities and other
enrichments that enhance
and round out the prescribed
educational program.
Fundraising activities often
help cover these additional
costs.
Should the board approve
such a policy, it would be a
departure from the districts
current policy, which rules
that DCSD schools and centers
cannot sponsor fundraising
activities.
Currently, middle and high
school student organizations
such as an independently
funded band, team or clubare
allowed to host fundraisers.
PTOs, booster clubs and
School board considers new policy, regulations
DeKalb County board of education members Stan Jester and Marshall Orson
requested the policy be reviewed and delayed for 60 days to ensure it is all-
encompassing. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
other support groups are also
allowed.
Under the proposed
policy, all schools (including
elementary), teachers, staff,
administrative bodies and
departments would be allowed
to host fundraisers.
The proposed policy states
elementary schools must host
school-based fundraisers on
school property. These include
fairs, carnivals, field/spirit days,
music showcases, school plays,
arts and crafts sales, cake walks,
food fundraisers, raffles, and
community partnerships with
local businesses.
School principals and
bookkeepers would be trained
on fundraising regulations.
They also would be required
to submit a fundraising plan
and report results to regional
superintendents, according to
the policy.
Middle and high school
fundraisers may be run by
students but would require
a faculty member sponsor.
Fundraisers can include
charging admission to a
school event, selling school
publications, collecting
organization dues, selling
concessions or recycled
materials, and conducting off-
premises events such as car
washes.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 4
tobacco sales, dances during of audits and compliance
instructional time and door-to- director Joel Thibodeaux,
door sales. the policy is being revised to
Another new aspect of the provide regulation and assure
policy is to allow fundraising consistency and uniformity
via crowdfunding websites such throughout the district.
as GoFundMe, DonorsChoose Board member Marshall
and more. Crowdfunding Orson said the district is
would only be requested by far behind other districts
principals, assistant principals, on crowdfunding and he
teachers, coaches or division appreciates its inclusion in
heads. Students would be the policy. He said he will
required to use one district staff be engaging with support
members as a proxy. organizations to ensure
Separate sections of the the approved policy is all-
proposed policy also regulate encompassing.
department and district We have to be very clear
Prohibited elementary,
fundraisers, PTO and support with what were trying to
middle and high school
groups, vendor agreements and achieve and be comfortable
activities include casino
fundraisers with third parties. with doing so, Orson said.
nights, bingo, lotteries,
According to DCSD office
beauty pageants, alcohol or
DeKalb County Continuum of Care for Homeless Programs
FY 2017 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition
DeKalb Local Application Process is Now Open
On Friday, June 2, 2017 the DeKalb County Continuum of Care (CoC) will
begin distributing the local application guidelines and pre-applications for new
and renewal funding to agencies and other entities interested in applying for
the 2017 HUD Homeless Assistance Grant. Applications will be posted on the
DeKalb County website at https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/community-
development/community-development
While the 2017 CoC NOFA has not yet been released by HUD, agencies and
interested entities are encouraged to read the information and CoC resources
found on the HUD Exchange at http://www.hudexchange.info/programs/coc
and attend the Application Information Meeting. Hard copies of the
Pre-Application Guidelines and Applications for new and renewal funding will
be available.
General requests for information may be made to
(404) 371-2637 or by email atadpope@dekalbcountyga.gov
**** APPLICATION INFORMATION MEETING ****
Friday, June 2, 2017
1:00 2:30 P.M.
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
REGISTER TO ATTEND AT
mcolbert@dekalbcountyga.gov
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 5

Kierra Brookins, a vet tech at Village Vets, fell in

love with a kitten she was caring for in the office and
adopted it.

Will Draper and his wife Francoise Tyler run three veterinary offices in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
Dr. Stacy Stacy exams and dogs ear and extracts a bug.

Animal care and family life focus of

by Gale Horton Gay
Love and Vets
Will Draper and Franoise
Tyler are not your typical
veterinarians. They care for a
changing mix of four-legged
and two-legged creatures at
three locations in metro Atlanta,
but theyre also a married
couple, parents to four children,
caretakers of four dogs and two
cats and owners of a sports bar
and barbecue eatery. And their
busy professional and personal
lives are also on view for millions
to see in the reality television
show Love and Vets on the Nat
Geo Wild channel.
The program began airing
earlier this spring and has added
to the busyness of their lives as
well as increased visibility of their
Village Vets offices in Decatur,
Stone Mountain and Buckhead.
Dr. Will and Dr. Fran, as
theyre known to their clients
and viewers, examine and treat
animals including dogs, cats,
horses, iguanas and even a pot-
bellied pig. The show highlights
the couple consulting as
colleagues but also interacting
playfully as husband and wife.
Work life and home life are
woven into the showthe
morning routine of getting three
teens out the door with bag
lunches made by mom even
made the cut.
In one episode, Dr. Fran
walks away from the camera
visibly upset after telling a military
veteran that his dog may have
cancer. On another visit, she
beams giving him the news that a
lump that was removed from his
dog is non-cancerous. In another
episode, Dr. Will removers a baby
pacifier from a dogs stomach and
the two assist a rescue group in
capturing stray cats so they can
be spayed and neutered.
The program also shows
how some of The Village Vets
staff perform procedures in the
three offices. In one show, a vet
tech Kierra Brookins decides
to adopt a stray kitten that was
nursed back to health after it
was severely injured. Sometimes
parts of episodes are particularly
graphic, often bloody, such as
when surgery was performed
on a cats paw or a protrusion
was removed from a dogs rear.
In one show, Kim Perdue,
office manager of Village Vets in
Decatur, brings her Jack Russell
terrier in and veterinarian Stacy
Stacy removes pieces of a bug
from the dogs ear.
Tyler said she wasnt keen
on the idea of participating in
a reality show but changed her
mind after coaxing from her
husband. She said growing up
her parents were strict, and
chores and homework were
priority one.
I am really not a big TV
person, she said.
I figured it would be good
for the practice, good for our
family and great for the country,
said Draper. We are pretty
awesome.
Tyler describes herself as
preferring to be behind the
scenes and her husband as
having a very large personality.
For Love and Vets, a film
crew documented the familys
life from August to September
2016 and five episodes were
produced. Their children (ages
19, 17, 15 and 13) were not
thrilled about the show initially
but since its airing and getting
feedback from friends and on
social media, theyve warmed to
being a part of it, according to
their parents. Draper and Tyler
are waiting to hear if the show
will be picked up for the next
season.
The two met while studying at
Tuskegee University and initially
were just friends but in time that
turned to romance.
This wasnt the first time the
couple was approached about
being part of a reality show. A
year ago a British film company
made inquiries about featuring
them in a reality program as well,
however, nothing came of it.
Both said they seek to show
in realistic fashion how animals
are examined and treated and
arent interested in hyping or
misrepresenting veterinary care.
I dont want it to be
malarkey, said Draper about his
desire for authenticity. What you
see, and what we are proud of,
is what you get.
Asked what they hope the
show will convey, Tyler said
educating the public about the
importance of properly caring for
animals and demonstrate good
family life. She said she hopes
to inspire women to reach for
their goals. You can work and
have a good family and raise
kids.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 6

Letter to the Editor

Celebrating Mental Health Month
Risky Business theme highlights importance
of knowing when behaviors and habits can
be unhealthy
When you or someone you love is
dealing with a mental health concern,
sometimes its a lot to handle. Its important
to remember that mental health is essential
to everyones overall health and well-being,
and mental illnesses are common and
treatable. Yet, people experience symptoms
of mental illnesses differentlyand some
engage in potentially dangerous or risky
behaviors to avoid or cover up symptoms of
a potential mental health problem.
That is why this years theme for May is
Mental Health MonthRisky Businessis a
call to educate ourselves and others about
habits and behaviors that increase the risk of
developing or exacerbating mental illnesses,
or could be signs of mental health problems
themselves. Activities like compulsive sex,
recreational drug use, obsessive internet
use, excessive spending or disordered
exercise patterns can all be behaviors that
can disrupt someones mental health and
potentially lead them down a path toward
crisis.
May as Mental Health Month was started
68 years ago by Mental Health America,
to raise awareness about mental health
conditions and the importance of good
mental health for everyone. Last year,
Mental Health Month materials were seen
and used by 22.3 million people.
This May is Mental Health Month,
we are encouraging people to educate
themselves about behaviors and activities
that could be harmful to recovery and to
speak up without shame using the hashtag
#riskybusiness so that others can learn if
their behaviors are something to examine.
Posting with our hashtag is a way to speak
up, to educate without judgment, and to
share your point of view or story with people
who may be sufferingand help others
figure out if they too are showing signs of a
mental illness.
It is important to understand early
symptoms of mental illness and know when
certain behaviors are potentially signs of
something more, said Renee Dryfoos,
DeKalb Community Service Board Chief
Clinical Officer. We need to speak up early
and educate people about risky behavior
and its connection to mental illnessand do
so in a compassionate, judgement-free way.
Prevention, early identification and
intervention, and integrated services work,
concluded Dryfoos. When we engage in
prevention and early identification, we can
help reduce the burden of mental illness
by identifying symptoms and warning signs
earlyand provide effective treatment early
on.
Founded in 1994, DeKalb CSB is a
public, nonprofit organization that provides
a wide range of evidence-based behavioral
health, substance abuse and developmental
disability services. Through more than 20
locations across DeKalb County, DeKalb
CSB serves more than 10,000 children,
adolescents and adults annually to help
them recover and resume productive lives.
DeKalb CSB employs nearly 500 staff,
and is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
(CARF). Learn more about DeKalb
Community Service Board at www.dekcsb.
org.
For more information on May is Mental
Health Month, visit Mental Health Americas
website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
may.
Jennifer Highsmith Payton
Community RelationsManager
DeKalb Community Service Board

Positives outweigh the negatives here in DeKalb

Those of us tasked with writing
editorial and opinion pieces
certainly have no shortage of
topics from which to choose. In
DeKalb County, we barely can
get over one scandal before
we find ourselves faced with
yet another negative situation.
Sometimes even those of us
trained and experienced in
expressing our views find it
difficult to provide insight or a
point of view that hasnt already
been expressed about these
tumultuous affairs.
I wont even try to give voice to
the obvious most recent negative
news.
Instead I am purposely
choosing to focus on the positive.
Every day in our
neighborhoods, positive and
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
inspirational things are taking
place. Individuals are choosing
to do the right thing. They are
operating in selfless ways.
Honesty is paramount. Our
neighbors are reaching and
exceeding goals they have set
for themselves. Kindnesses are
being extended in more ways
than many of can imagine.
Right here in DeKalb County
despite what we so often read,
see and hear in the newspaper,
social media, TV and radio
people are living in peace and
harmony. Communities are
focusing on improving their
appearances and the safety and
welfare of their residents.
Personally, I think the month of
May showcases some of our best
positives as this is when students
are recognized for their year (and
years) of hard work with special
awards as well as diplomas and
degrees as they graduate from
high school and college. They
are bursting with hope, promise
and skys-the-limit visions of the
future. They are moving on to
jobs, enlistment in the military
and higher education.
We see these young
graduates, their parents and
relatives as well as friends
beaming with pride as they
gather for celebratory dinners at
local restaurants. Neighborhoods
roll out their banners to
proclaiming their delight in
the accomplishments of their
graduates as well. These young
people are the next generation
who will bring new ideas, new
leadership, new ways to live in
harmony and decency to our
communities.
While theres no stopping
negative occurrences from
happening or the media reporting
on it (as we should), lets not
lose sight of realitythat positive
things are happening around us
all the time in both big and small
ways.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION
Whining is very unbecoming
No politician in history, and
I say this with great surety, has
been treated worse or more
unfairly, President Donald J.
Trump, assessing his treatment
by the current media landscape,
during his graduation address to
the Coast Guard Academy.
Cmon Mr. President... really?
Does the name Abraham
Lincoln ring a bell? Lincoln was
regularly grotesquely caricatured
and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln
routinely mocked for her height,
weight and lack of fashion
sense.Southern newspapers,
in particular, fanned the flames
of hatred of Lincoln up to and
following his assassination.Or
more recently, George W. Bush
was almost constantly portrayed
as an affable buffoon, despite
an undergraduate degree from
Yale and a Harvard M.B.A..
Comedian Will Ferrells portrayal
of Bush is more indelibly inked
in the memories of millions of
Americans than the real McCoy.
And though you are a
successful businessman,
billionaire and celebrity, you
have now really entered the big
leagues.You are the president of
the United States of America.The
job is challenging, the scrutiny is
never ending, and the push-back
from a divided Washington is
going to be relentless.We know
that you are just more than 120
days into this gig, but we would
suggest getting used to this, or sit
back and get ready for a long and
painful four-year slog.
Your Twitter accounts reach
around and direct connect with
roughly 40 million Americans
is impressive.That said, you
are not just the president of
your followers on Twitter. You
are not just the president of the
more than 60 million Americans
who voted for you.You are the
president and elected/selected
leader for more than 330
million Americans.And as you
FREEPRESS
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Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 7
are so fond of; your own worst be bad days, mistakes and
One Mans enemy is you. even the occasional scandal
Opinion We know that you understand
and appreciate branding.And
overblown by our Fourth and
Fifth estates (that is part of their
that message consistency job by the way).But we really
Bill Crane and aesthetics have been appreciate leaders who can own
bill.csicrane@gmail.com very much a part of your prior their failings, apologize when
successes.That is part of what necessary, and then move on.
astounds those of us watching Unlike your recent whining,
have ,spent nearing two years your almost daily clusters which is really unbecoming,
talking about putting America unfold of late.Where is the America deserves your best.
first and making America great message discipline? Where is You already promised to deliver
againhow about a little bit the consistency?Who is driving that.Now, please, lets get to it.
of introspection, starting with the bus?If this is all you, then
your own behavior, your own perhaps another driver safety
communications habits and your course is in orderand soon. Bill Crane also serves as a
own self-absorption. We hope that your Middle political analyst and commentator
Your own presidential Eastern trip is successful.That for Channel 2s Action News,
hero, Andrew Jackson, took region of the globe remains a WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and
three runs at the White House powder keg, while there appear now 95.5 FM, as well as a
before being successful.The to be new hopes for co-existence columnist for The Champion,
Washington press of that day between Israel and some of our DeKalb Free Press and Georgia
welcomed him as a barbarian Arab state allies in the offing Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native
hick from Tennessee, ready to but cementing that into reality and business owner, living in
open the White House to the will require a steady hand, Scottdale. You can reach him
White trash of Appalachia.Later, reassurance of prior alliances or comment on a column at bill.
he was savaged for the massive and treaties, and a more than csicrane@gmail.com.
relocation, slaughter and loss of healthy dose of listening and
thousands of Native American common sense.
lives, which resulted from one of We do not expect perfection
his major accomplishments, the in our presidents. Americans
Indian Removal Act of 1830. understand that there will
Press coverage of your
early presidential campaign
was nothing short of wall-to-
wall Trump.Live coverage of
nearly every rally and speech
made your already strong name
identification an almost universal
household word in a matter of
months. But just as the American
media can build up an image or
a heromuch faster and easier
say than someone can construct
a 30-50 foot wallthose same
outlets can begin the work to tear
that image down.
But your worst enemy is
not former FBI Director James
Comey nor The Washington
Post, New York Times, CNN or
even Nancy Pelosi.You have
demonstrated, more than once,
an ability to dispatch each of
these entities, often on their own
home turf.No, take a look in that
mirror we understand that you
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
Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 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
Portable classrooms at
Dunwoody schools have
raised debate over the
temporary buildings
legality with city officials
and county government.
Photo submitted.
Unpermitted portables debated in Dunwoody
Agreement on permits and occupancy
certificates between DeKalb County School
District and Dunwoody debated, approved
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody officials
approved a memorandum
of understanding (MOU)
with DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) on May
8 in response to concerns
involving uncertified portable
classrooms.
The MOU outlines which
governing body is responsible
for such duties as site plan
reviews, land disturbance
permits, construction
inspections, safety inspections,
erosion control inspections
and certificates of occupancy
(COs).
According to the MOU,
the city will require a DeKalb
County Fire Department fire
code permit as well as a city-
issued land disturbance permit
before issuing COs to DCSD
buildings, including portable
classrooms.
DCSD will retain autonomy
on engineering, construction
and maintenance. The district
is currently required to obtain
state certification when
completing capital projects,
according to acting city
attorney Bill Riley, but under
the MOU, Dunwoody will have
the final say in CO issuance.
Following written and
vocal concern from DeKalb
County commissioner Nancy
Jester, who on April 12 wrote
the city has ultimate authority
in issuing COs and enforcing
code on unwanted portable
classrooms at Dunwoody High
School, members of the public
began questioning Dunwoody
City Councils backbone when
dealing with the county school
district.
Jester concluded the school
district is not obtaining COs,
violating both state law and
city ordinances. Who is able
to enforce such a violation,
remains up for debate.
Jester suggested the city
has a dont ask, dont tell
policy when enforcing code on
certain entities. She referenced
a Facebook conversation with
Dunwoody councilman Terry
Nall, who said DCSD is exempt
from city-specific rules.
The week of May 1,
Dunwoody city officials began
18 inspections at the request of
DCSD.
On May 8, Nall said the
MOU highlights gaps that exist
in governing systems involving
enforcement power. He also
confirmed with Riley that the
MOU does not create any new
obligations to either Dunwoody
or DCSD.
Nall also confirmed that
any suggestion Dunwoody
city officials have shirked
responsibilities with regards to
the school district is false. He
said the public should request
a statute granting powers
to municipalities from state
government should they want
the city to enforce code on
another governing body.
We should revisit this
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 8
when we set our legislative would establish a standard since 2009.
agenda for the next session, operating procedure but Robert Miller asked
Nall said. remain unenforceable. whether DCSD is exempt from
Councilwoman Lynn According to resident and Dunwoodys city code. He also
Deutsch suggested DCSD is local blogger Bob Lundsten, asked why the school district is
being unacceptably negligent in since 2009, Dunwoody has being treated differently than
not obtaining COs. not issued one certificate any other business or land
I think there was an of occupancy to DeKalb owner when considering the
intention on behalf of [DCSD] County School District regularity with which other
to avoid doing what they were buildings, whether permanent buildings are inspected and
supposed to do, Deutsch said. or temporary. He said that issued certificates of occupancy.
The argument has gotten responsibility, as well as These seem to be the core
framed in such a way that the maintaining standards, falls on responsibilities of the city,
point has been lost. city officials in Georgia and no Miller said. What is the risk
Dunwoody Mayor Denis one else. the city has in requesting
Shortal pointed out that DCSD Its our city; we should compliance with the city code?
has its own fire marshal and be inspecting, we should be This MOU is a win-lose deal.
said the situation was akin issuing permits and COs, not The MOU passed 5-2 with
to letting a fox into the hen anyone else, Lundsten said. councilmen John Heneghan
house. Shortal said the MOU Youve abdicated that [duty] and Jim Riticher opposing.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE 2017-2018 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE
CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA
There will be public hearings on the proposed 2017-2018 budget for the City of Decatur at 7:30 p.m. on
June 5, 2017 and, at 7:30 p.m. on June 19, 2017 in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 509
N. McDonough Street, Decatur. The proposed budget is summarized below and is available in its entirety
for public inspection at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library on Sycamore Street. After May 17th,
the budget will be available on the Citys website at www.decaturga.com/budget. All citizens are invited to
attend the public hearings, to provide written and oral comments, and ask questions concerning the entire
budget.
FY 2017-2018
PROPOSED GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
REVENUES
Taxes 20,079,310
Licenses, Permits & Inspections 1,035,400
Penalties, Fines & Forfeitures 1,020,000
Charges for Current Services 1,856,660
Intergovernmental Revenues 428,800
Miscellaneous Revenue 107,500
Sale of Fixed Assets 10,000
Operating Transfers (521,110)
Appropriation From (To) Fund Balance 1,180,030
TOTAL REVENUES $25,196,590
EXPENDITURES
Governmental Control Department 187,350
General Government Department 1,931,690
Community & Economic Development Department 2,275,640
Administrative Services Department 4,107,210
Police Department 5,801,080
Fire & Rescue Department 3,538,840
Public Works Department 3,304,470
Design, Environment & Construction Division 1,815,790
Active Living Division 2,234,520
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $25,196,590
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 9

County superintendent warns

against 13 Reasons Why
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

In addition to television
critics worldwide, the hit Netflix
series 13 Reasons Why has
caught the attention of national
and international media outlets
since its debut on March 31.
As of early May, it has also
caught the attention of DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
Superintendent Stephen Green.
Based on a 2007 young adult
novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons
Why follows Clay, a teenager at
a typical American high school,
as he unravels 13 specific
reasons as to why his crush,
Anna, has committed suicide.
Each tape Anna made names
a different person responsible,
including Clay.
Since its release, 13 Reasons
Why has received positive
reviews from critics but
chastising responses from
school districts and health
professionals. While critics have
praised the shows portrayal of a
modern high school student
complete with ups, downs,
tragedies and victoriessome
school districts and health
professionals claim the shows
realism glamorizes suicide, has
the potential to recall trauma
in viewers and runs the risk of
DeKalb County School District has advised parents against the hit Netflix televi-
sion series 13 Reasons Why. Photos submitted.
of warning to DCSD parents
regarding 13 Reasons Why and
its contents.
We are writing out of
concern after learning that
teens and pre-teens both here
and across the nation have been
watching a Netflix television
series, 13 Reasons Why, that
portrays a young woman who is
experiencing turmoil and who
dies by suicide at the end of the
series, the letter states. The
series is not appropriate viewing
for school-age children, and
many students are watching it
without adult supervision.
The letter states that
suicide is an important topic
and a problem that requires
everyones attention.
The district believes
times like these are teachable
moments, the letter states. As
educators, both at school and
in the home, now is the time to
issue and to provide the
support for any child that is
facing this challenge.
DCSD recommends, much
like some national media and
health professionals worldwide,
to have frequent conversations
with students to provide
opportunities for dialogue.
We also suggest that
parents and caregivers monitor
television programming of
students, the letter states.
Our school counselors, school
psychologists, school social
workers and other school
staff stand ready to assist with
connections to professionals
who may help.
The letter concludes with
numbers for the Georgia
Crisis & Access Line (1-800-
715-4225), National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline (1-800-
273-8255) and the DeKalb
Community Service Board
OPEN HOUSE
SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF

creating a suicide contagion.

On May 5, Green sent letters
speak to our young men and
women about this important
(770-457-5867).
JUNE 3RD, 2017
SOUTH DEKALB CAMPUS

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ARTS & P U B L I C NEW MEDIA
SCIENCES S A F E T Y
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 10

Laborers demand fair treatment in DeKalb schools

Claim 3 percent raises over 11-year period not enough
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

According to DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
employees Robert Hampton
and Michael Burdette,
its time for the district to
acknowledge the sacrifices
made by maintenance staff,
kitchen personnel, school
resource officers, bus drivers
and mechanics with fair
compensation.
On May 15, Hampton and
Burdette joined a dozen other
employees in addressing the
DCSD board of education,
claiming they havent received
more than 3 percent in total
raises in 11 years.
Every position has a certain
amount of steps assigned to it as
a minimum pay raise, Burdette
said. Three percent in 11 years
is totally unfair. Weve been
here four months in a row
the only thing weve received
is a response [Superintendent
Stephen Green] gave to the
news about getting back with us
at the end of the quarter during
the new budget cycle. We want
to see some results now. DeKalb County School District maintenance, kitchen, mechanical and janitorial staff spoke again at the districts May 15 meeting, requesting fair wages and
treatment from the administration. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Hampton, Burdette and
others also addressed the the idea of step raises will be after reclassification, layoffs and brothers. We are passionate coworkers will continue to fight
board on March 20, claiming considered by district officials in pay freezes. about what we do and we hold for pay until they receive equal
the districts $8.8 million in the near future. Its who we are, Harrison each other to a higher standard.
outsourced maintenance to The district asserts a budget said. [My coworkers] are my Hampton said he and his See Laborers on Page 12A
Knoxville, Tenn.-based SSC that previously benefited from
Services and Yellowstone employee furloughs as well as
Landscaping in Lilburn is pay freezes between 2010 and
unfair, citing the districts $1 2014, Hampton said. Sacrifices
FREE CUSTOMER FREE REUNION
billion in deferred maintenance were made. When looking up SERVICE TRAINING PLANNING WORKSHOP
and 85 full-time maintenance sacrifice in the dictionary,
workers. [one finds] the act of giving Thursday, June 1st Saturday, June 17th
On May 15, the workers of something that you want to 9:00 a.m. to Noon Workshop - 10 a.m. to Noon
focus was step system raises. keep, especially in order to give Discover DeKalb Conference Room
Showcase - Noon to 2 p.m.
According to Burdette, under a or do something that ought 1957 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 510 Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Northlake
step system, raises are typically to help someone. Thats the Tucker, GA 30084 4083 Lavista Road, Tucker GA 30084
awarded each year for 16 years. sacrifice that all these people
Burdette acknowledged the made.
financial crisis in 2008 and Hampton said DCSD has
its effect on organizations dropped the ball on adequate
throughout the country, but said salaries for employees other
he expected things to return to than teachers. He said the
normal. districts choice to freeze the
We sacrificed for that, but salaries of employees classified
what about our compensation as Tech 1, Tech 2 and Tech 3 is
for that sacrifice? Burdette unfair and unjust.
asked. We want an I dont care if youre Dr.
understanding that we are Green, or whatever, we have to
part of this family and that our be treated the same, Hampton Register Now!
professionalism helps create an said. Please meet with us. You
Discover DeKalb Workshops and Classes
environment, school system cant be afraid of doing whats
are free, but pre-registration is required by
and school house that are right. Youre doing a great job,
calling 770-492-5000. Visit us at
conducive for learning. Theres but it can be done better.
discoverdekalb.com
no guarantee that its going to be Jamie Harrison, an
there. electrician with DCSD for the
Hampton read a statement past 15 years, said employees #DISCOVERDEKALB
by an unnamed DCSD remain committed to DCSD
employee to the board, hoping students and taxpayers, even
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) opened a fully

renovated office at the Five Points Station on May 17. Photo submitted.

A woman protesting at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur holds a sign saying bring birth back. Photo by Horace Hol-
loman
The Clarkston Community Center welcomed deputy director general Yan
Hong and chief of public service Wang Huan, both of the migrant and popu-
lation department of National Health and Family Planning Commission in
China on May 18. Photo submitted.

Global Growers Network celebrated its annual Toast to the Culture in Agri-
Dunwoody was the site of Tap Into Georgia beer festival on May 20, offering more than 100 beers, ciders, mead and culture event at its Stone Mountain-based Bamboo Creek Farm on May 21,
wine in addition to live music, food and fun for the entire family. Photo submitted. offering spring flavors, craft beer, kombucha, live music, farm tours and other
activities. 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
Atlanta Sports City announced its official sports medicine partner as Emory Healthcare and its official retail partner as Urban Retail. Photo by Carla Parker
Atlanta Sports South partners with Emory
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Emory Healthcare is coming
to Stonecrest.
Atlanta Sports City
representatives announced May
17 that Emory Healthcare and
the Emory Sports Medicine
Center have partnered with
the multi-million-dollar sports
facility.
In February, Discover
DeKalb Convention and
Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Sports
Connection and Atlanta
Partners for Development
announced the collaborative
partnership to build Atlanta
Sports City at Stonecrest a
$200 million sports facility.
The facility will be a 190-acre
entertainment and recreational
sports facility with the ability
to host corporate activities and
services.
Emory will anchor the
facilitys sports medicine
programs and will provide
medical services for athletes.
Dr. Scott Boden, director of
the Emory Orthopaedics &
Spine Center, said the goal is
to develop a partnership that
could serve all athletes in the
area and their families that visit
the sports facility.
This partnership will
establish an unmatched level
of onsite integration of multi-
sport athletic competition and
training with sports medicine
and sports rehabilitation,
Boden said.
The Emory Sports
Medicine Center will anchor
the 10,000-square-foot sports
medicine pavilion inside
Atlanta Sports Citys main
field house. The center will
provide diagnostic equipment,
including MRI scans.
The sports medicine
pavilion also will feature a
medical office health park
anchored by Emory Healthcare.
This will be the second multi-
specialty Emory Clinic facility
and will serve as an east metro
regional office.
Atlanta Sports City
also selected Urban Retail,
a national leader in retail
property management and
Leasing, to be its retail
partner. Craig Delasin, CEO
Urban Retail Properties, said
Atlanta Sports City will create
more foot traffic for the Mall
at Stonecrest and surrounding
retail stores.
Having a generator that can
create this type of foot traffic
for the mall is a game-changer,
Delasin said. We wanted to get
on board with that.
Other developments
negotiated as a part of Atlanta
Sports Citys partnership with
the Mall at Stonecrest will
include the construction of a
new entrance to the mall and a
sports-themed pedestrian path
linking the mall with the sports
complex. The new entrance
will add an additional 250,000
square feet of restaurants,
attractions, retail and green
space as an open-air feature to
the mall.
Project developer Vaughn
Irons said the development
team is pleased to add Emory
Healthcare,
Emory Sports Medicine and
Urban Retail as partners.
We are thrilled that we
were able to come to agreement
in a timeframe that keeps us on
schedule and smoothly moving
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 12
toward building the premier resources and opportunities for
sports and entertainment the youth in the region to have
destination in the United a top-notch experience at what
States, Irons said. will be the regions number
James Tsismanakis, one multi-use sports tourism
executive director of destination, Tsismanakis said.
Discover DeKalb Convention The opportunity to house
and Visitors Bureau, the sports medicine services, a
convergence of Emory unique retail experience and
Healthcare, Urban Retailers the ultimate reason to visit
and the Atlanta Sports City Atlanta Sports City, sports, all
team is impressive. in one place is monumental
This partnership has to DeKalb County, the state of
continued to bring together the Georgia and the region.
best of the best in partners, said
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2017
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Conference Center at Georgia Piedmont Technical College
495 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021
Activities include:
Kidz Zone | Fitness and Cooking Demos | Health Screenings | Seminars on Fatherhood,
Chronic Disease Management, and Mental Wellness
FUN AND PRIZES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
For questions, contact 404-294-3746 or leonardo.stroud@dph.ga.gov
Jamie Harrison said DeKalb County
school laborers hold each other to
the highest standard and demand
the same standard from DCSD
administrators. Photo by R. Scott
Belzer
LABORERS
Continued From Page 10A
treatment. In the interim, DCSD
officials stated they would
consider suggestions from any
worker in developing a budget
and that a strong fund balance
trend would ensure additional
compensation.
DCSD appreciates the
contributions of its auxiliary
workers in support of student
achievement and we want
to ensure they are treated
equally, officials said. We
are currently developing our
budget for the 2017-2018
school year, and anticipate
continuing our trend of a strong
fund balance. If that financial
outlook continues, we will seek
to apply some surplus funds to
additional compensation for
those workerswhatever we
do will be done to ensure fiscal
responsibility and stability.
A Refuge of Hope Possibilites
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 13

County opens more early voting locations

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County will
offer three more early
voting locations for the 6th
Congressional District runoff
on June 20 following a DeKalb
County Board of Registration
& Elections meeting on May
11.
The board voted 5-0 in
favor of opening additional
early voting locations in
Chamblee, Tucker and
Brookhaven, bringing the total
to five.
Residents of the 6th
Congressional District
composed of parts of
Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton
countieswill be able to vote
at the Briarwood Recreation
Center (2235 Briarwood
Way NE, Brookhaven), the
DeKalb Elections Office (4380
Memorial Drive, Decatur),
Dunwoody Library (5339
Chamblee Dunwoody Road,
Dunwoody), North DeKalb
Senior Center (5238 Peachtree
Road, Chamblee) and Tucker
Recreation Center (4898
LaVista Road, Tucker) as early
as May 30.
DeKalb County state
representative Scott Holcomb
emailed DeKalb County voting
office director Maxine Daniels
following a lengthy commute
to cast an early vote in the
special election on April 18.
I am making this request
based on my own experience
and after hearing from
constituents and leaders in the
community, Holcomb states
in his letter. For those who
live in the State House District
that I represent, neither the
Dunwoody nor the Memorial
Drive locations is convenient.
And with the heightened traffic
challenges that metro-Atlanta
is facing, the drive is even
worse.
At the time, Holcomb
requested one extra early
voting location.
I would urge the opening
of an additional early voting
location within the 6th
Congressional District on the
eastern side of the district
(since Dunwoody covers the
western side of the district),
Holcombs letter concludes. I
believe this is a common-sense
request that will make it easier
for DeKalbs citizens to vote. DeKalb Countys Board of Registration & Elections added three additional early voting locationsBriarwood Recreation
Center, North DeKalb Senior Center and Tucker Recreation Centerfollowing requests from residents and public officials.
Photos submitted.

NOTICE

CITY OF LITHONIA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT NO. RFP #17-02 Ginger (ID# 31064174)
The City of Lithonia is seeking qualified individuals and firms with professional has never met a person she didnt
experience in installing sidewalks. love! This cheerful gal would
A pre-bid meeting will be held at the Lithonia City Hall, Council Chamber, 6920 Main love to join you for brunch on the
Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. patio, on trips to the park, and any
Proposers are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting to have any questions place where there are people for
answered about the RFP. her to say hi to! She gets along
great with other dogs too here
To be considered, the proposer shall submit three (3) copies of the proposal in a
sealed envelope to City of Lithonia at 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 by at the shelter. Meet Ginger at
Thursday, June 29, 2017 by 12:00 pm. Proposals delivered after this date and LifeLines DeKalb Animal Services!
time will not be considered. Copies of the RFP are available from City Hall or can be If you would like to expand
downloaded at www.cityoflithoniaga.org. your family by 4 furry little feet;
For additional information, please contact: come meet this sweetie at the
City of Lithonia DeKalb Animal Shelter and have a about Ginger please call (404)
ATTN: City Administrator loving friend forever. During May 294-2165 or email adoption@
6920 Main Street you can Adopt a May Flower dekalbanimalservices.com.
Lithonia, Georgia 30058 while adoptions are 1/2 price All potential adopters will be
cheryl.foster@lithoniacity.org for all dogs over 25 lbs and all screened to ensure Ginger goes
Telephone: 770-482-8136
cats and includes spay/neuter, to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri;
Fax: 678-526-0252
The City of Lithonia reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to request vaccinations and microchip! If 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
clarification of information from any proposer. The City will not reimburse responding you would like more information
firms for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to this request.

To subscribe to The Champion Newspaper.

Call 404.373.7779 ext. 0
LOCAL
Deja vu for DeKalb
Medical protesters
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A group gathered outside
of DeKalb Medical Center
(DMC) in Decatur to protest
policy changes, which seemed
eerily familiar to some of the
demonstrators.
Last August, mothers
voiced their concerns after
DMC temporarily suspended
water birthing. This year,
protesters find themselves in a
similar fight after the privileges
of Brad Bootstaylor, a delivery
doctor who many patients
believed respected patient
autonomy, were suspended.
Bootstaylor announced via
Facebook that he would be
leaving the hospital effective
June 1.
Zawn Villines, one of the
organizers of the event, said
the protest was about more
than Bootstaylors suspended
privileges.
Were here protesting both
policy and practice changes
at DeKalb Medical Center,
Villines said. Weve heard
stories that are very troubling.
Weve heard about a lot of
coercion of women; weve
heard that women were denied
epidurals as punishment for
noncompliance, weve heard
about women being pressured
into C-sections...We feel like
the hospital has completely
ignored us and they wont
answer our questions.
The protest, which took
place on May 19, included
more than 30 women, men
and children. Villines said the
suspension of Bootstaylor has
left many women planning to
give birth at DeKalb Medical
with unanswered questions.
[DeKalb Medical Center]
portrays us to the media as a
bunch of crazy women, but
they wont talk to us. They
have told us nothing about the
suspension of [Bootstaylor]
and his suspension has left a lot
of womens births in question,
Villines said. This provider
backs up women who have
home births, which I realize
is controversial, but when you
dont have a provider to back
up home births then what
happens is women dont go
to the hospital and they get
into trouble and women and
children can die.
DMC released a statement
to The Champion regarding its
policy and the protest saying,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 14
DeKalb Medicals obstetrical
service is a progressive, high-
quality, family-centered
program that strives to provide
great birth experiences.We
embrace the use of midwives,
doulas, water immersion for
labor and water births for low-
risk pregnancies and will soon
be among the first hospitals
in Atlanta to offer nitrous
oxide as an option for pain
management. Patient safety is
a top priority, so we routinely
review our policies around
birth options and our policies
are aligned with the accepted
standards of care.
Some mothers said they had
enjoyable delivery experiences Dozens of women gathered in front of DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur to protest policy changes by the hospital.
at DeKalb Medical and hope
the hospital will continue to
give women medical options.
Kari Culverson, a DeKalb
County resident who delivered
her daughter Orly at DMC,
said her experience with the
hospital was great. Culverson
said the hospital set up a pool
so she could attempt water
birth.
Although the water
birth wasnt successful for
Culverson, she said she hopes
mothers will still have the
option in the future.
Everything was fine and
the nurses were great, and then
two weeks after [Orly] was
born we heard DMC might
ban water births, Culverson
Protesters at DeKalb Medical said the hospital is treating women unfairly.
said. After having such an
amazing experience of being
allowed to birth as we please, Notice of Public Hearing
I felt like this is something we
wanted to fight for. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public
In a Facebook post, a hearing on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street,
message from Bootstaylor said Chamblee, GA 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments regarding the following
DeKalb Medical has made it matters:
PZ-2017-099: Applicant: John Boggs, Jr.; Owner: C and J Trust. The applicant
difficult for women to exercise requests approval of a variance from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances,
birth choices. Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 240-13(a)(10)(b) to reduce the
Despite great progress outdoor play area required per child; Sec. 240-13(a)(10)(d) to allow a non-circular
in developing a service drive; Sec. 230-5 to allow a ramp to encroach the 15 front yard setback; and Sec.
there, we remain steadfast in 250-22 to allow a dumpster to encroach the 5 setback. The property is located at 3467
Pierce Drive (Tax Parcel 18-299-11-009).
supporting mothers choices
and DeKalb Medical has made PZ-2017-101: Applicant: Josh Haywood; Owner: Maltese Family Holdings, LLC.
it challenging for us to do this, The applicant requests approval of a Major Modification to a previously approved
Bootstaylor wrote. Development of Community Impact. In addition, variances are requested from the City
Brittany Knapik, who of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Sec.
230-2 (a) to allow encroachment of balconies into the required yard setbacks; Sec.
had both her sons at DMC, 250-2 to reduce the minimum parking requirement; Sec. 240-13 (a)(5)(a) to reduce
said the support staff at the the size requirement for storage units; and Sec. 240-13 (a)(5)(e) to reduce the size of
hospital is great, but hopes the balconies on multifamily residential units. The property is located at 5251 Peachtree
administrators at DMC hear Boulevard (Tax Parcel 18-299-14-005).
and understand the protesters PZ-2017-082: Applicant: Jim Warren; Owner: 1961 Fifth Street, LLC. The
concerns. applicant requests approval of an amendment to a previously approved Planned Unit
They dont have any Development. This amendment includes a Preliminary Plat, Master Signage Plan, and
business telling us what to do revised building elevations. The property is located at 4041 and 4047 Clairmont Road,
with our bodies, Knapik said. 1961 Fifth Street, 1938 and 1962 Sixth Street (Tax Parcels 18-279-05-001, 002, 003,
010, 011).
Were being told what to do by
administrators. A lawyer or an 2017TA-003: The City of Chamblee, Georgia proposes to amend the Official City
administrator has no business Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Title 2, Land Use
in telling me whats happening and Zoning, Chapters 210 to 240.
to me.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 15

Zack Phillips

Terry Segovis
News of DeKalb County School District terminating and demoting nine elementary school principals resulted in public outcry on May 15.

Public rallies after DeKalb principals fired

Stakeholders claim unfair, data-driven treatment
by R. Scott Belzer On May 15, members of the to reach grade level norms,
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com community, school leadership according to one parent. Sylvia Reddick
and PTA voiced their concern I call into question the
about the matter to the board of use of CCRPI scores as a
Nine DeKalb County School
education. determinate for this decision
District (DCSD) elementary
DeKalb residents discussed at a school as unique as ISC,
school principals were
how each principalTerry Howell said. The ISC exists
terminated this month, leaving
Segovis (ISC), Ethan Suber to meet the unique social and
stakeholders, students and staff
(Panola Way), Ledra Jemison emotional needs of its diverse
uncertain about the districts
(Stoneview), Zack Phillips body of refugee students. This
approach to measuring success
(Flat Rock), Karen Williams is a program seen only in about
and failure.
(Shadow Rock), Sylvia a dozen places throughout the Dominique Terrell
Parents from Dresden,
Reddick Pilson (Snapfinger), country How do standardized
Rock Chapel, Panola Way, Oak
Rodney Mallory (Oak View) tests measure performance
View, the International Student
Dominique Terrell (Dresden) and achievement in non- Rodney Mallory
Center (ISC), Stoneview,
and Michael Williamson (Rock standardized populations?
Flat Rock, Shadow Rock and
Chapel)brought more to their Howell challenged DCSD to
Snapfinger elementary schools
respective schools than data produce peer-reviewed research
received a letter from DCSD
points and statistics. stating CCRPI scores are a valid
Superintendent Stephen Green
Some of the most vocal measure of success for ISCs
the week of May 8 detailing
stakeholders argued on student body.
how each school will replace its
behalf of ISC principal Segovis was named principal
respective principal.
Segovis. Former employee of the year in 2013 and the
In an effort to raise student
Justin Howell, who currently International Student Center
achievement, DCSD has begun
serves as deputy director received a five-star school
the process of identifying
for the International Rescue climate rating from the Georgia
and hiring a new principal
Committee Atlanta, explained Department of Education. Ledra Jemison Michael Williamson
for [Schools name] for the
how ISC should be held to a Others opted to share
upcoming 2017-2018 school
different standard, as its overall positive aspects they have
year, the letter states. The
purpose is integration. observed at their respective
change in leadership follows a
ISCs student body is 100 schools.
thorough review of the school
percent refugee, immigrants First-year Flat Rock percent of my students met
academic performance over
and English language learners. kindergarten teacher standards on MAP testing.
the last three school years. The
Students are often 13 to 20 years Temperance Neal credited Similar stories came
district strongly believes in
of age with less than six years of Phillips in offering weekend from parents, teachers and
the abilities of its students and
education and are automatically training and academic coaching community members of Panola
employees, and that a fresh
placed in the seventh or eighth to make sure students make it Way as well as Stoneview.
approach will support the
grade. ISC students typically to the next level. Stakeholders claimed the
college and career readiness of
receive less than two years to As a first-year teacher in a principals were in touch with
[Schools name] students.
be ready for the eighth grade new school system, you never the community, engage with
The letter concludes with
Milestones test, while research know what to expect, Neal said. it on a regular basis and know
the promise that DCSD officials
has proven it typically takes Im happy to say my school the challenges of low-income Ethan Suber
will engage the community,
a second-language English has held us to the highest level transience.
leadership staff and PTA officers
student seven to 10 years of achievement. Around 88
in this very important process.
BUSINESS
Printer says business built on faith, hard work
by Kathy Mitchell
Rick Sauers Stone
Mountain office at The Sauers
Group Inc., where he is
president and CEO, was once
filled with prestigious awards
and other honors from his
career in the printing business.
Many honor his service to
local, regional and national
professional organizations.
One day he decided to remove
most of them and display
what I want to look at every
day and what I want visitors to
see when they come here.
There are still business
recognitions such as the
Benjamin Franklin (Benny)
Awards, which he describes
as the Oscars of the printing
business. The Sauers Group
Inc., is the only company in
the southeast to have won
back-to-back Bennys.
Still, most of Sauers office
dcor reflects what he calls
his spiritual awakening. One
piece of artwork, for example,
depicts Jesus washing the feet
of a man in business attire.
There are also Bibles, a set of
Last Supper figurines, framed
spiritual quotations and
bookslots of books. Among
them is the book Sauers said
helped to launch his spiritual
path, Intercepted by Christ by
Dan Dehaan, which details
the spiritual journey of Falcons
player Steve Bartkowski.
I cant separate my
business life, my personal
life and my spiritual life,
Sauers said. They all blend
and overlap. I try to treat
everyoneemployees, clients,
family, friends, visitorsin
a way that reflects Christ.
I know that I didnt build
this companyit was Jesus
working through me.
Even when Ive had to
dismiss employeesincluding
those I had to dismiss for
causeI always did it in a
way that did not demean or
humiliate the person. When
I laid people off during a
downsizing, I always gave
them a generous severance
package even though I wasnt
required to give them a nickel.
Sauers said he did not
attend church regularly when
he was growing up. My
mother was a perfect example
of kindness and respect for
other people, but she rarely
took us to church and never
talked about spiritual matters.
He said he was surprised
to learn through his older
sister that his grandparents
and great-grandparents were
I cant separate my business life, my personal life and my spiritual life, says Rick Sauers as he reflects on 50 years in
the printing business.
preachers and missionaries.
I was astonished. I wish I
had had a chance to discuss
this with my mother, but she
passed away before I found out
who her people were.
Among the traits Sauers
said he gained from his
mothers example is a strong
work ethic. Even though she
did not receive the title or
pay she deserved because she
was a woman, many people
recognized what a great asset
she was to the company, he
said, noting that the national
retailer his mother worked
for gave her the title assistant
regional human resources
managereven though
there was no regional human
resources managerto avoid
giving her a managers salary.
As companies often did
back then, they got rid of
her when she reached her
50s. After years of excellent
performance ratings, they
suddenly gave her a poor
rating. It was blatant age
discrimination. She was
devastated. Even though she
was soon offered a much better
job than the one she lost,
Sauers having witnessed his
mothers pain vowed, I will
never treat anyone unfairly; I
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 16
hours and going to college in
the evenings. It was getting to
be too much for me. I went
to him and explained that I
needed help. The grocery
executive wasnt sympathetic.
He berated Sauers for wasting
his time in college, saying that
he had become successful with
only a sixth-grade education.
Soon after, Sauers launched
his career in the printing
industry, a career that in April
reached the 50-year mark.
His brother-in-law asked
him to join a family business,
Decatur News Publishing
Co., a publisher of metro
weekly newspapers. He was
made head of the division
that printed non-newspaper
material. Sauers took what he
described as the stepchild
division, working as a one-
man show doing everything
from typesetting to sales, and
made it into a highly profitable
entity.
When the owners decided
to sell the business in 1992,
Sauers bought his division,
which he had grown to a
major player in the southeast
printing industry with more
than $18 million in sales.
Sauers said his true
business success has not
been in terms of dollars or
prestige. What matters are the
lives that have been touched
will never discriminate against I decided I was on my
through this business, the
anyone for any reason. way to becoming president
people who have learned a
He discovered his talent of the company, he recalled,
better way to interact with
for business at an early age. noting that the office of the
other people by seeing the way
As a high school student, he current president of the
we treat clients and each other.
took a job in a Decatur grocery regional grocery chain was in
Its as old and simple as the
store and was made assistant the store he managed. He saw
Golden Ruleyou just treat
manager when he was still a me every day and really liked
other people the way you want
teenager. After graduation, he the way I was running the
to be treated.
was promoted to manager. store, but I was working long
CITY OF DORAVILLE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fiscal Year 2018 Budget
Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be
available for public inspection beginning Friday, June 2, 2017, in the City Clerks
office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue,
Doraville, GA.
A Public Hearing shall be held on the 12th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 3725
Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at
which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through
June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.
A Public Hearing shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at Doraville Civic
Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City
of Doraville at which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1,
2017 through June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are
invited to attend.
A Regular Meeting shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at Doraville
Civic Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the
City of Doraville at which time the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30,
2018) budget shall be approved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with
O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.
CLASSIFIED
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SPORTS
Nine DeKalb athletes selected to
All-Metro Track and Field team
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Nine DeKalb County track and field athletes are
among 49 runners, jumpers and throwers selected
by the Atlanta Track Club to receive All-Metro High
School Track and Field Team honors.
The Atlanta Track Club announced the honorees
on May 16. The nine students are Miller Grove
sophomore Emoni Coleman (800-meter run),
Lakeside sophomore Brian Herron (400-meter
dash), Decatur senior Sam Ellis (800-meter run)
and Southwest DeKalbs 4x100-meter relay team
Marist to play for baseball state title
Marist will host Blessed Trinity in the Class AAAA baseball championship series. Photo by Travis Hudgons
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 18
Marcelus Boykin, Devin Brewington, Terry
Conwell, Terryon Conwell, Justin Tomlin and
Hasim Smith.
One of the athletes will be voted Most Outstanding
Track Athlete. Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Clubs
executive director, said the athletes are the future of
the organization and the future of track and field in
the United States.
We look forward to celebrating their
accomplishments next month and following their
performances in the sport as they continue their high
school career or go on to college athletics, Kenah
said. With so much talent, it will be for coaches and
the public to decide which of these students will be
given top honors and win a special scholarship.
The All-Metro athletes were selected based on
criteria including performance at the state meet,
season bests and head-to-head competition.
The 2017 All-Metro High School Track and Field
Team will be honored at a banquet at The Stave Room
in Midtown Atlanta on June 7. The student athletes
who have been named Most Outstanding Track
Athlete and Most Outstanding Field Athlete will be
announced at the banquet as well as the recipients of
the Coachs Dedication Awards.
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Marist War Eagles baseball
team is back in the running for a state
championship.
Marist advanced to the Class AAAA
title game after sweeping LaGrange 2-0 at
LaGrange High School in the semifinals
May 17. The War Eagles won the first
game of the best-of-three series 5-0, and
completed the double-header sweep with a
9-0 victory.
Marist (24-16) will host region
7-AAAA rival Blessed Trinity (35-4) in the
championship series with a double-header
on May 25 and Game 3 on May 26, if
necessary. Blessed Trinity won the region
with an undefeated record of
12-0, while Marist finished second with a
9-3 region record.
Marist was 0-3 against Blessed Trinity
in the regular season and hopes to get
its first win against the rival team in the
championship series.
The War Eagles will try to win its 13th
state title in program history and its first
since 2011. Marist lost to Redan in 2013
its last championship series appearance
in the Class AAAA title game.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 19

TRACK & FIELD Emory sends nine

to NCAA Division III
championships
Nine members of the Emory University
Track and Field teams have been selected
to compete in the NCAA Division III
Outdoor Track & Field Championships
May 2527 at the SPIRE Institute in
Geneva, Ohio.
Senior Mia Eisenhandler, junior
Gabrielle Stravach and sophomores Dani
Bland and Ariana Newhouse will compete
in individual events for the women with
both the 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays.
The 4x100-meter relay team consists of
Bland, Newhouse, junior Julia Leventhal
and sophomore Dilys Osei and the 4x400-
meter relay features Osei, Newhouse,
junior Erica Goldman and freshman
Kaitlyn Leonard.
Bland enters with top-five seed times
in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes,
owning the second fastest seed time in the
100 (11.70) and is fifth in the 200 (24.26).
She placed second in both events at the
University Athletic Association (UAA)
championships in April.
Stravach adds a top-five seed time
for the Eagles as she is positioned fifth
with a time of 4:30.65 in the 1500-meter
run. Stravach earned All-UAA honors in
the event, finishing second at the UAA
championships.
Eisenhandler, a third-place finisher in
the 3000-meter steeplechase at the UAA
championships, owns the 19th-best seed
time in the event out of 22 participants,
coming in at 10:54.07. Newhouse will
Junior Shane Sullivan is the lone representative for the Emory mens team, competing in the 5000-meter run. compete in the 400-meter dash at the
NCAA championships for the second
straight season, earning the final qualifying
spot with a time of 56.63. She placed 21st
overall at the 2016 NCAA championships.
Osei, Newhouse and Goldman return
to the NCAA championships as part of
the 4x400-meter relay after finishing
fourth overall at last years outdoor
championships. This season, the trio along
with Leonard enter with the seventh-
fastest seed time out of 16 teams with a
mark of 3:49.27. The group earned All-
UAA recognition with a second-place
finish.
Osei, Newhouse, Bland and Leventhal
are set to compete in the 4x100m
relay for the first time at the Outdoor
Championships as the group posted a
season-best time of 47.14, the ninth fastest
seed time of 16 qualifying relay teams. The
group added a UAA title with a time of
47.27 last month.
Junior Shane Sullivan is the lone
representative for the mens team,
competing in the 5000-meter run for the
Eagles. Sullivan ranks as the 14th fastest
out of the field of 20 runners with his
seed time of 14:24.23. He finished second
overall at the UAA championships.
Action in Geneva, Ohio begins May 25
with the prelims of the 200-meter dash,
1500-meter run, 3000-meter steeplechase,
the 4x100-meter relay and the 4x400-
Emory junior Gabrielle Stravach will compete in the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. meter relay.
LOCAL
Thurmond: SPLOST would be game-changer for DeKalb
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Months after one word derailed
an opportunity for DeKalb County
to benefit from a $550 million
special purpose local option sales tax
(SPLOST), DeKalb County officials will
try again.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed two
pieces of legislation pertaining to
DeKalb Countys SPLOST. Senate Bill
143 amends the tolled language that
sidetracked a SPLOST referendum in
DeKalb County last year while Senate
Bill 156 makes certain provisions on
what the one-cent sales tax money can
be used for.
In a press conference with media
May 17 at the Maloof Building, DeKalb
County CEO Michael Thurmond said
a SPLOST for the county could be a
game-changer. Thurmond said roughly
85 percent of the proceeds from
SPLOST would be used on repaving
and repairing DeKalb County roads.
We are focused and were working
in a very positive direction to improve
the quality of life for DeKalb citizens,
Thurmond said. This [SPLOST] can
be used to repave our roads and streets
which are in serious need of repair.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, May 26, 2017 Page 20
be reduced by 10 percent.
Last year before a SPLOST option
was put on a November referendum,
DeKalb officials noticed the word
tolled in the language of House Bill
596. If the bill had been approved, a tax
break for DeKalb homeowners shall
be tolled or otherwise would lose their
tax break.
DeKalb County Commissioner
Kathie Gannon said last year was a
learning experience.
Were ready to go. Last year was a
good practice for us to get started and I
think it helped us clarify our priorities,
Gannon said. We clearly need to get
the roads fixed. Its the roads. We see
that and we live that every day.
Commissioners and the CEOs office
will create a project list in the upcoming
months. Gannon said its important
moving forward to educate the public
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond joins Georgia Governor Nathan Deal as he signs legislation to on what they will be voting for.
approve a one-penny sales tax for DeKalb County.
Its important that were all on the
Thurmond said he is pleased with same page because my hope is this will
outlay projects, with the requirement
how DeKalb legislators came together be our first time with SPLOST and
that the repair of capital outlay project
to get SB 156 passed. everyone sees the benefits, Gannon
expenditures not exceed 15 percent
According to the provisions of the said. The other counties have been
of the total SPLOST proceeds. The
legislation, SPLOST money must be doing SPLOST for 15-plus years and
countys budget office estimates
spent on transportation-related projects you see the progress that theyve made,
SPLOST could bring in an estimated
such as roads, bridges public transit, not just in roads but various other
$382 million for unincorporated
airports, buses and seaports. facilities and thats a huge deficit in
DeKalb, but because of a tax exemption
Money can be used on capital DeKalb County.
on food and drugs, the amount would
Helping you
is what we
love to do.
In the Publix Deli, that means letting you check the first
cut when you order sliced meats at the counter. If its not
sliced to your preferred thickness, well do it again. And
we always respect your time while building your favorite
sub. See how we serve you at publix.com/service.